All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
Problems, solutions discussed at criminal justice summit
The state of criminal justice in Virginia is poor, according to a panel of local, state and national officials, educators and experts who discussed the topic during a summit last Saturday at the Richmond Justice Center.
Va. student network criticizes colleges reopening for in-person learning
Virginia students have leveled several criticisms against state colleges that chose to reopen their campuses for the fall semester in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Richardson gets new hearing in controversial case
A man who was cleared in the murder of a police officer, but has served decades in prison, has another chance to seek his release.
Mayoral candidates' platforms include equity, mental health and safe neighborhoods (Updated)
The list of candidates who hope to become Richmond’s next mayor continues to grow.
Hanover County School Board stalls on new names for Confederate schools
The former Stonewall Jackson Middle School and Lee-Davis High School will remain unnamed for a few more weeks after arguments and criticisms led the Hanover County School Board to delay the renaming until at least October.
The Hilton honors renowned Richmond minister
A nearly 120-year-old sculpture of one of Richmond’s storied Black religious leaders is available for public viewing in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Richmond.
Richmond selected for national health survey
If you’ve found yourself watching your child’s toothpaste use because you’ve heard too much can damage tooth enamel, you’re familiar with the work of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The initiative recently began its research into the health condition of Richmond.
Concerns about RPS mold, safety issues continue to spread
Complaints about mold in several Richmond Public Schools have persisted since the beginning of the current school year.
Churches change their sermon delivery, tithing methods for mandate guidelines
Churches across Richmond have undergone a substantial transformation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as state and national officials have forced them to adopt a new paradigm.
Virus testing expands in state prisons with push from advocates
The Virginia Department of Corrections has ramped up testing of inmates and prison staff and stepped up parole consideration as state legislators and advocacy groups pressure authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19 inside state prisons.
RRHA extends eviction freeze to Jan. 31
The Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority’s freeze on public housing evictions has been extended through Jan. 31.
America 2.0
Thousands turn out for the unveiling of artist Kehinde Wiley’s ‘Rumors of War,’ which many cited as a turning point from a Confederate past toward a more inclusive city
Kehinde Wiley’s monumental statue, “Rumors of War,” was unveiled Tuesday at its new home at the entrance of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, just steps from the headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and a brisk walk from the controversial Confederate statues on Monument Avenue it was created in response to by the artist.
Ready to reopen
Va. businesses, churches and some restaurants are poised to open on Friday under state guidelines despite VLBC's opposition
Editor's Note: In a major change that took place after publication of the May 14-16 edition of the Free Press, businesses in the city of Richmond will not reopen on Friday, May 15. At the request of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Gov. Ralph S. Northam issued a new executive order extending business closures in Richmond until at least Thursday, May 28. The order, released about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 14, also included Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, which also requested to delay openings. In the Richmond area, businesses in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, however, can reopen Friday under Phase One of the governor’s guidelines. Government leaders in those three counties submitted a letter to Gov. Northam rejecting any delay in opening.
Struck by COVID-19, Gov. and Mrs. Northam are seeing state’s response system up close
As Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his wife, First Lady Pamela Northam, remain in isolation until early next week after testing positive on Sept. 24 for COVID-19, officials in seven different health districts in the state are working to connect with scores of people the couple may have had contact with in the days before their diagnoses.
Richmond Free Press freelance writer, editor Charles H. Taylor III, dies at age 70
From his earliest days to his twilight years, Charles H. Taylor III was a person of excellence and compassion for those who knew, worked with and loved him.
Monkey pox vaccines, now available in Richmond area
In response to the spread of the monkeypox virus, the Richmond and Henrico health districts are vaccinating people who may be at higher risk of exposure but haven’t had contact with known positive cases.
VCU receives $996,000 federal grant for gun violence prevention
A new program seeking to address Richmond’s recent rise in gun violence is in the works at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a new, nearly $1 million investment backing their work.
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Richmond area
The counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover are among the Virginia localities where COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have risen, as the spread and impact of the virus has increased throughout the Central Virginia area and statewide in recent weeks.
VSU, other colleges dealing with changes because of COVID-19
Virginia State University officials announced this week that campus housing will not be reopened and all courses will remain online this fall to avoid the spread of COVID-19 — a prime example of the upheaval students, parents and schools are facing now that classes have begun.
Early in-person voting starts Friday, Sept. 18
For the first time, Virginia voters won’t need to provide an excuse to vote ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, thanks to changes in state law.
