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).
Is popular PAL program ‘in limbo’?
Will the Richmond Police Athletic League offer spring and summer programs for the city’s youths?
Free testing, vaccines for COVID-19
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
‘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.
Henrico County deputies charged in man’s death at mental hospital
Seven Virginia sheriff’s office employees have been charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of a 28-year-old man at a state mental hospital last week, a local prosecutor said Tuesday.
Bettye Jean Branch Bragg, former Head Start aide, dies at age 80
Bettye Jean Branch Bragg touched the lives of hundreds of Richmond children during her 34 years as a teacher’s aide in Head Start, a program to prepare 3 and 4-year-olds for kindergarten and higher grades.
Ruth E. Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars
Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.
‘The Black Love Blue Print’ is film showcase feature
A documentary focused on the nature and complexity of black love will be the latest film showcased by the Elegba Folklore Society during its monthly film series, 3rd Saturday Documentaries.
The Links present ‘Art in the Atrium’
The Richmond Chapter of The Links will host its 11th Biennial Auction “Art in the Atrium” on Saturday, March 18, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Honorary co-chairs are Dr. Pamela K. Royall and Mr. Moses Foster Jr.
Richmond jazz legend has new release
William F. ‘Bill’ McGee has performed with The O’Jays, Fred Wesley, Patti LaBelle and more
Richmond-based jazz legend and civil rights leader William F. “Bill” McGee is releasing his latest CD, “Tree of Life,” Friday, March 17, through music streaming services and the website he owns and operates, 804jazz.com.
Cicilia Koisenke visits Richmond to nurture her Maasai home
Nearly 14 years ago, Richmonder Suzanne Hall traveled to Southern Sudan as part of a St. James’s Episcopal Church medical mission to administer meningitis vaccinations to children in that region.
James Patterson shines in ECC win
You don’t have to play basketball at a large high school to become a college star. James Patterson is proof of that.
Howard wins MEAC title 65-64 over NSU
For the first time in three seasons, Norfolk State’s Spartans won’t be kicking up their heels at the NCAA Big Dance. But for the first time since 1992, Howard’s Bison will.
VUU succumbs to third-ranked IUP 60-45
The curtain fell on Virginia Union University’s outstanding basketball season late Sunday night in Indiana, Pa.

