
Missy Elliott gets Portsmouth street named in her honor
Portsmouth native and hip-hop star Missy Elliott returned to her alma mater, Manor High School, Monday afternoon for the dedication ceremony of “Missy Elliott Boulevard.”

Journalist, educator launches VCU social justice lecture series
When Linda Villarosa’s ground- breaking book, “Body & Soul” was published in 1994, it was the first and only self-help book specifically written to address Black women’s health concerns.

Expansion program designed to attract nurses in senior living industry
A new partnership is opening the doors for students interested in nursing careers in community colleges across Virginia.

How will race impact pardons for marijuana possession?
President Biden has signed an executive order pardoning thousands of Americans who have been federally convicted for a “simple” marijuana possession charge prior to Oct. 6.

Suspension lifted for VSU’s cheerleading squad
The Woo Woos, Virginia State University’s cheerleading squad, was temporarily suspended from Trojans football games as the result of a complaint that veterans were hazing new members, the Free Press has learned. However, the suspension already has been lifted as the Woo Woos are now shown as participating when the Trojans are scheduled to travel to Elizabeth City State University for a game at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22.

Gilpin Court community to undergo major change
The city’s housing authority has begun a search for a master developer to transform Gilpin Court.

Masks now optional for RPS students
Students attending Richmond Public Schools are no longer required to wear masks after the School Board voted to eliminate the mandate at Monday night’s meeting.

What’s in a name?
Efforts to rename the Lee Bridge rise again, bounded by slave-holding ties
Instead of a slavery-defending general, a key bridge over the James River could soon bear the name of a plantation where enslaved people labored.

Study shows Richmond and Petersburg can each support a casino
Richmond and Petersburg could both support casinos.

‘Votercade’ stops in RVA
The #10MillionMoreBlackVoters and the Arc of Voter Justice Bus Tour made its way through Richmond with an initial stop on the campus of Virginia Union University on Oct. 17.

Fans, and others, can’t help ignore Jackson State’s winning ways
Jackson State is having perhaps its greatest football season on the field and at the ticket booth, but how good is Coach Deion Sanders’ third edition of the Tigers?

Operation Bold Blue Line
Youngkin plans to reduce homicides, shootings with more police, higher pay
What’s the solution to the spate of shootings and violence that appears to be on the upswing in Richmond and across the state?

Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Binga Jr., 60, dies
Richmonder’s talent for building relationships helped broaden health insurer’s reach
Anthony J. “Tony” Binga Jr., a friendly, outgoing man who played a key role in naming and expanding Virginia Premier, a Richmond-based managed health insurance operation, has died.

‘Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner’ is coming to Richmond Ballet
As a 14-year-old in Toronto, Canada, Jennifer Archibald was determined to get the autograph of Alvin Ailey Artistic Director Judith Jamison after seeing her with the world-famous troupe.

Personality: Kimberly M. Jennings
Spotlight on board president of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
For the last five years, Kimberly M. Jennings has been a key part in providing life-saving resources and support for tens of thousands of Virginians who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Test of state law on police discrimination to proceed
The Town of Windsor is set to become a test case for a state law that bars localities from engaging in a “pattern of discriminatory policing” affecting Black people and allows the Attorney General’s Office to take action to end such practices.

HBCU players’ dwindling NFL numbers
Thanks, especially, to South Carolina State, HBCU athletes still have a presence in the NFL.

VCU’s new players include Varina’s Alphonzo Billups
VCU basketball fans can get a sneak peek at this season’s team Oct. 15 when the Black-Gold game tips off 7 p.m. at the Siegel Center.