City, Henrico health districts start COVID-19 testing in targeted areas
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free, walk-in COVID-19 testing targeted to people in low-income communities of color who do not have health insurance or whose insurance does not cover COVID-19.
Richmond Convention Center not needed for auxiliary pandemic hospital
The plan to convert the Greater Richmond Convention Center into an emergency hospital for COVID-19 patients has been sidelined for now, according to Dr. Danny Avula, director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health districts.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
These two views document that mask wearing and social distancing do not appear to be common practices among some Richmond Police officers.
Waiver of penalties and interest on late real estate and vehicle taxes in works
Richmonders are being promised some relief as they face a Friday, June 5, deadline for paying city taxes on real estate and vehicles.
Richmond School Board grapples with $24.5M budget shortfall
The Richmond School Board is holding a special meeting 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, to continue discussing how to handle a $24.5 million shortfall in the proposed 2020-21 budget from the loss of city revenue stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
City to step up housing aid with $4.3M in federal funding
Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Tuesday that Richmond will use an infusion of federal cash and city funds to pour $5.8 million into emergency housing for homeless people, the creation of more housing and services to those at risk of eviction when courts resume action on cases, possibly on Monday, May 18.
Overall crime down in Richmond during pandemic
One silver lining during this pandemic is a reduction in crime, according to Richmond Police Chief Will Smith.
Class of 2020 has hope in President Obama
Could Barack Obama deliver a national graduation address to students? Stay tuned.
General Assembly delays minimum wage hike until May 1
Forget a Jan. 1 raise for the Virginia minimum wage.
Plasma from recovered patients may hold cure for others
If you have recovered from COVID-19, the antibodies you developed could help save someone who is struggling to survive.
Beating COVID-19
Delegate Delores McQuinn is on a mission to help others avoid getting the coronavirus after she and her family were stricken
When Delores Jordan Mc- Quinn was a promising youngster volunteering for voter registration efforts in the Bungalow City neighborhood of Eastern Henrico County, she would always do her best to get the word out — register and vote. She did so well that, one year, she was chosen Miss NAACP of Henrico County.
State officials stay the course on the coronavirus
Keep on keeping on. That’s the continuing message from officials as Virginia dramatically increased its coronavirus testing capability, data collection and access to health information.
Personality: Chandler M. Hubbard
Spotlight on local playwright and finalist for national best new play award
“Disbelief. Shock. Gratitude. Confusion? Mostly gratitude.” That’s how local actor and playwright Chandler Marshall Hubbard describes his reac- tion after learning his play, “Animal Control,” was selected as a finalist for the American Theatre Critics Association’s Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award.
Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Tim Brown dies
Former NFL great Tim Brown, who drew acclaim as an athlete, actor and singer, died Saturday, April 4, 2020, of complications from dementia. Mr. Brown was 82 and living in Palm Springs, Calif.
Get ready for Team Fiction
Baseball All-Stars put together from film and television
We still have peanuts and Cracker Jacks to munch on this spring, but there is no live baseball to enjoy with the snacks.
NBA one-on-one tournament would be interesting about now
Going crazy with no sports? Wouldn’t a live NBA one-on-one tournament be entertaining about now?
Varina High sophomore makes All-State Team
All-State boys basketball teams generally are reserved for experienced seniors, with perhaps a junior here and there. Alphonzo Billups is an exception to that largely because of his exceptional talent.
Kudos to the Free Press on RRHA coverage
Thank you for the Free Press’ continuing objective coverage of the public housing community in the city and for giving Richmond City Council an opportunity to make the needed changes at the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the residents and the employees.
No cure yet
Re “U.Va. enrolls first patient in COVID-19 medication study,” Free Press April 9-11 edition:
Beware of payday, car loans now, by Charlene Crowell
For the foreseeable future, “normal” life will be indefinitely suspended due to the global pandemic known as the coronavirus.
