
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, June 1, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia rose 5.4% from the previous week. One death associated with COVID-19 was reported statewide that week. COVID-19 wastewater levels in Central Virginia remain below detection.

VMI Grad Walton named director
Virginia Military Institute has hired alumnus Jamaal Walton as director of intercollegiate athletics.

Land trust makes homeownership affordable
Maggie Walker Community Land Trust set to make its 100th home sale soon
Maggie Walker Community Land Trust set to make its 100th home sale soon

Danger: Trump moves from man to symbol
Last week’s historic verdict is worth rehearsing. On May 30, Donald J. Trump became the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Twelve ordinary citizens unanimously found him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an attempt to conceal hush money he paid to a porn star with whom he allegedly had an affair— all driven by a desire to protect his 2016 presidential campaign.

Boston hopes to add jewel to crown
At least unofficially, professional basketball’s high throne sits at 100 Legends Way in Boston, draped in green.

More charges reduced in death of Irvo Otieno
Murder charges against three people for their role in the death of Irvo Otieno have been downgraded to involuntary manslaughter.

Jackie Robinson rebuilt in bronze after theft of statue
As he coats a mold of Jackie Robinson with wax, metalsmith Alex Haines reflected on the extra importance of a project that will soon give the city of Wichita, Kan., a replacement bronze statue of the baseball icon after thieves brazenly destroyed the original.

Juneteenth events highlight freedom, heritage
In recognition of the fourth official Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, the following events are being held throughout the month to recognize and celebrate the holiday in a variety of ways.

Community gathering focuses on future of former hospital
Hazel R. Stamps, Viola Johnson, Hazel N. Robinson, Ida Ruth Robinson. These nurses and others were remembered during the third community gathering at the former Richmond Community Hospital on Sunday morning.

NAACP hosts ‘Day Out’ against gun violence
The Richmond Branch NAACP will bring its efforts to end gun violence to the places most affected in the city this Friday, during National Gun Violence Awareness Day, as they and over 15 city and community partners participate in a “Local Day Out.”

As hurricane season begins, officials urge preparation
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel slammed the East Coast and thrashed Virginia and North Carolina most severely, prompting widespread power outages, 4-to 6-foot storm surges, flooding, and billions in damage. The storm caused at least 50 direct and indirect deaths. Lasting memories of that disaster now loom large, as the federal government forecasts this year’s hurricane season, June 1 to Nov. 30, will be a tumultuous one.

Personality: Avanti Kollaram Yamamoto
Spotlight on Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year
As the daughter of Indian immigrants, Avanti Kollaram Yamamoto didn’t always dream of becoming a teacher.

Fish for free this weekend, no license required
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources invites anglers to take part in the upcoming Free Fishing Days, scheduled for June 7 through 9. During this three-day event, no fishing license will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing across the state.

Rating agencies reaffirm Chesterfield’s top bond status
The nation’s three leading bond rating agencies have reaffirmed Chesterfield County’s AAA credit rating, a distinction achieved by only about 1% of U.S. localities.

Warner and Kaine announce $1M to train health care workers
U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine recently announced a $1 million grant to enhance training for primary care and supportive care workforces, focusing on providing age-friendly and dementia-friendly care to older Americans.

Jubilation in June returns with music, fireworks
The city of Richmond will host the 3rd Annual Jubilation in June Weekend, a series of free public events featuring live music performances and community resources.

Marian Robinson, the heart of the Obama family, remembered fondly
Marian Robinson, mother to former First Lady Michelle Obama, died on Friday, May 31, at 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinson’s presence extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Honoring the past
We have an important update regarding how we write our stories at the Richmond Free Press. We’ve decided to stop using courtesy titles like “Dr.,” “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Ms.”

Mother of Congresswoman dies
Lois Jean Dedeaux McClellan, the mother of U.S. Congresswoman, Jennifer McClellan, died on Friday, May 24, 2024. She was 91.

Virginia War Memorial opens new exhibit on D-Day Landings
A new Virginia War Memorial exhibit, “D+80: Virginians in the Normandy Invasion,” opens on June 6 the 80th anniversary of D-Day when American and Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in France in 1944 during World War II.