Freedom’s Holiday
With all that’s going on — and there’s a lot going on — we’re pleased and heartened by the strong showing of Juneteenth events this year. It looks like more celebrations are taking place not just on the official day but also in the days leading up to and following it. Juneteenth has come a long way from a somewhat obscure day of remembrance to the national holiday it is today. .

Survivors, families mark 10 years since church massacre
People of faith gathered again at Mother Emanuel AME on Tuesday just like they did 10 years ago, searching for God’s truth and his love in the church fellowship hall.

Jones edges Taylor in Democratic attorney general primary
Norfolk native will face Miyares in November
In a nail-biter Democratic primary Tuesday, Jay Jones narrowly defeated Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor in the race for attorney general, setting up a November showdown with Republican incumbent Jason Miyares.

Edge of Daybreak shines again with new music, film
In 1979, a group of inmates at Powhatan Correctional Center recorded an album with the help of a mobile studio from Richmond’s Alpha Audio. Over five hours, the band Edge of Daybreak laid down eight soul and disco tracks within the prison walls.

Extra rest could be the Pacers’ best ally in the NBA Finals
Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right now.

Teacher, superintendent Billy Cannaday dies at 75
Condolences have poured in from across Virginia’s education community following the death of Billy K. Cannaday Jr. last week at age 75. His decadeslong career included a variety of local and state roles, including serving as superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools from 2000 to 2006.

Personality: Sera Erickson
Spotlight on the collective board member at Rags & Bones Local bicycle co-op
Rag & Bones, Richmond’s volunteer-run bicycle co-op has become a vital hub for the city’s bicycle community. Dedicated to making biking affordable and accessible, the non-profit offers low cost refurbished bicycles and parts and a welcoming space where anyone can learn to keep their wheels rolling.

Thousands join nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ protest
Downtown Richmond rang with chants and cheers Saturday as thousands gathered for the city’s No Kings Day of Defiance, part of a nation-wide protest against the Trump administration.

Hashmi claims Lt. Gov. nod as Stoney concedes race
A Richmond-area politician appeared to win the lieutenant governor spot on Virginia’s statewide Democratic ticket in Tuesday’s elections. But it wasn’t former Mayor Levar Stoney.

Former CIAA Coach of the Year joins VUU as women's hoops leader
Virginia Union University recently appointed Alico Dunk as the 10th head coach in the history of its women's basketball program.

‘Un/Bound’ highlights more than two centuries of free Black life in Virginia
A new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture explores the lives and legacies of free Black Virginians from 1619 to the end of slavery in 1865.

Commentary: High school runner loses championship after officials disqualify her celebration, by E. Faye Williams
Clara Adams, a sophomore high school sprinter in California, had a rule change after winning a preliminary heat in the girls’ 400 meters in a CIF State Track and Field Championship meet. There’s no doubt she won, but her victory was stripped because a rule was made up to disqualify her after she won.

Richmond football unveils 2025 home schedule as new Patriot League era begins
The University of Richmond football team will usher in a new era this fall as it makes its debut in the Patriot League, highlighted by a five-game home schedule at Robins Stadium.
Bag tax profits off problems
Once again, the Richmond powers have chosen to monetize a problem instead of solve it. And, of course, it’s us, the consumers, whose pockets are rifled.

Antioch Baptist Church preserves the past
I recently attended the open house of the Historic Chatsworth School in the Varina area of Henrico County. The open house was highlighted in the [Free Press May 22-25 edition].

Henrico Schools takes summer outreach on the road
Henrico County Public Schools officials recently launched their annual summer outreach program this week, deploying a mobile resource center to connect families with educational resources and community services during the break from classes.
Summer food programs fight childhood hunger
Feed More and the Virginia Department of Social Services are expanding efforts to fight food insecurity among children and teens during the summer break.

New advocates to aid Henrico foster children, court cases
Henrico Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recently welcomed 12 new volunteers, joining nearly 100 others who assist children affected by abuse or neglect.

Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary election continues through Saturday, June 14.