Andre Harrell, who founded Uptown Records and launched many careers, dies at 5
Andre Harrell, the Uptown Records founder who shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the late 1980s and 1990s with acts such as Mary J. Blige and Heavy D and also launched the career of mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, died Thursday, May 7, 2020. He was 59.
Grammy-winning singer Betty Wright succumbs at 66
Betty Wright, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter whose influential 1970s hits included “Clean Up Woman” and “Where Is the Love,” is dead at age 66.
'Architect of rock 'n' roll,' Little Richard, dies at 87
Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” who built his groundbreaking sound with a boiling blend of boogie woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the age of 87.
Dolson B. Anderson Jr., a leader and deacon at Westwood Baptist Church, dies at 72
For more than two decades, Dolson Barnett “Butchie” An- derson Jr. was the volunteer leader of the media ministry for Westwood Baptist Church in Richmond’s West End.
Woody Strode and other African-American athletes went from sports to the silver screen
Woody Strode was among the first four African-Americans to play in the NFL, but that isn’t necessarily his top claim to fame.
VUU alum played for late Coach Don Shula with the Baltimore Colts
A native Richmonder played at least a small role in the historic coaching legacy of the late Don Shula.
Top NBA draft choice spent a week on college team
James Wiseman offers new meaning to the basketball term “one and done.”
VUU signs transfers to boost basketball team
Coming from near and far, help is on the way for the Virginia Union University basketball team.
Personality: Rahmah T. Johnson
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year
A holistic approach to counseling is the key to success for Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year Rahmah T. Johnson.
Public housing residents sheltered, temporarily, from eviction
Will there be a flood of eviction cases next month?
Stacey Daniels-Fayson named interim CEO of RRHA
Stacey Daniels-Fayson has been named interim chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Free Press receives Facebook Journalism Project grant
The Richmond Free Press has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Facebook Journalism Project to boost local journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City Council waives tax penalties
Richmond residents and businesses will have until Friday, Aug. 14, to pay their 2020 city tax bills on real estate and on vehicles and other personal property without incurring an additional penalty or interest charge.
GRTC provides more protective gear to drivers
It took nearly two months, but GRTC is ramping up virus protection for drivers who have kept the public transit system rolling during the pandemic.
City employee dies of the coronavirus
A veteran social worker is the first City of Richmond employee to succumb to the coronavirus. Twelve others among the city’s 4,000 employees have tested positive for the virus.
City may be facing deficit in current 2019-20 budget
Three months ago, with the city’s economy booming, Richmond’s government projected an $8.5 million surplus when the current fiscal year ends June 30. But today, the city appears to be facing a $6.2 million deficit, according to the latest data for the 2019-20 fiscal year, after the coronavirus sent the local economy — and that of the state, the
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.
High marks for counselor
RPS Teacher of the Year honor goes to Thomas Jefferson High’s Rahmah Johnson
Like a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes commercial, a band of dignitaries from Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond carrying bouquets of flowers and balloons followed by cameras and reporters marched down Ladies Mile Road last Friday morning to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime surprise.
Officials pump up COVID-19 testing, begin mask and hand sanitizer distribution to city's at-risk residents
Efforts to combat COVID-19 continue in Richmond’s high-risk communities and underserved neighborhoods.
Personality: Barry S. Watkins
Spotlight on board chairman of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
The coronavirus has seen many aspects of public life suspended to ensure public health. But that doesn’t include getting outdoors for fresh air and exercise. The 51.7-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail on state Route 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg, known as the Virginia Capital Trail, has become even more popular during the pandemic as people are anxious to get out of the house to exercise and ease the stress of staying indoors.
