Lamont Bagby viewed as favorite in Tuesday’s special Senate election
Henrico Democratic Delegate Lamont Bagby is poised to become the newest state senator from the Richmond area.
‘Just trying to breathe’
Video shows Irvo Otieno pinned to floor before his death
A large group of sheriff’s deputies and employees of a Virginia mental hospital pinned patient Irvo Otieno to the floor earlier this month until he was motionless and limp, then began unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, newly obtained surveillance video shows.
Helen Harris, a leading voice for Henrico County’s Black residents, remembered
‘Her leadership and tireless advocacy made the county a more inclusive and equitable place’
Thanks to Helen Virginia Epps Harris, Henrico County annually celebrates the holiday in honor of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and also has dramatically increased its hiring of Black employees. Her impact on public policy is just part of the influence she wielded during a life that her family said was devoted to service to others and fueled by a desire to see Black people advance and thrive. Mrs. Harris’ multiple contributions to community betterment are being remembered following her death on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at age 83.
Personality: Margaret Rose ‘Meg’ Medina
Spotlight on National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Amid ongoing campaigns against certain kinds of literature in the United States, Margaret Rose “Meg” Medina has been given a new platform and new responsibility to champion the value of the written word.
VCU loses to Saint Mary’s 63-51 in NCAA West opener
Ace Baldwin’s injury makes losing more painful
VCU’s exceptional basketball season ended with a resounding, “What if?”
Bubba’s Block Party returns
NASCAR driver William D. “Bubba” Wallace will again host a block party for the Richmond community as part of the return of racing to the track in Henrico County, it has been announced.
Ambulance charges may dramatically increase
$600 trips to medical centers could more than double
City Hall is pressuring the Richmond Ambulance Authority to nearly triple its charge for transporting patients to hospitals or other treatment centers based on a consulting firm’s recommendation, the Free Press has learned.
Free testing, vaccines for COVID-19
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Change must come
I woke up hearing the weeping of people in lieu of all the senseless crime that has taken place. I humbly ask that you would put this in the Richmond Free Press, inspired by God.
Is popular PAL program ‘in limbo’?
Will the Richmond Police Athletic League offer spring and summer programs for the city’s youths?
VDOE says it will work with federal special education office on compliance issues
The Virginia Department of Education is prepared to cooperate with a federal office that found the state agency failing to comply with elements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Youngkin appoints Lisa Coons as superintendent of public instruction
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tennessee Chief Academic Officer Lisa Coons as Virginia’s 27th superintendent of public instruction. Dr. Coons’ appointment as the commonwealth’s chief school officer is effective Monday, April 17.
Senseless
United Communities Against Crime, a local nonprofit organization run by Charles Willis, held a prayer vigil Thursday, March 16, 2023, for Tyrek Brandon, 21, who was murdered at the corner of Hull and 16th streets on Richmond’s South Side on March 6, 2023.
RPS proposes metal detectors and other devices to offset gun violence
In the wake of the shooting and deaths of multiple Richmond Public Schools students and ongoing concerns about school safety, RPS leaders are considering an estimated $1.3 million plan to expand the use of metal detectors in the city’s school system.
To Gov. Youngkin:
History will not be kind to anyone who adopts a pro-ignorance stand when it comes to the true history of this country, warts and all.
Researchers uncover their tangled roots
Lemon Project symposium to help connect the past
Virginia lawyer and retired public official Viola Baskerville has been intrigued by her family’s roots for more than 35 years.
Enrichmond groups may receive City Hall funding
City Hall has tucked $250,000 into that proposed 2023-24 budget that could help dozens of nonprofits groups that lost money when the Enrichmond Foundation collapsed last year.
Jason Rivera Torres has ‘Swagger’ on and off the court
When it comes to Jason Rivera Torres, he’s all about a full court press.
Black people can’t breathe
Two years ago a National Public Radio investigation showed that, since 2015, at least 135 unarmed Black men and women nationwide were fatally shot by police officers. At least 75 percent of the police officers were white.
SVB bank failure isn’t about being ‘woke’, by Julianne Malveaux
The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the 16th largest bank in the United States, failed because its leaders used poor judgment in making ill-advised investments.
