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Philanthropy steps up during the COVID-19 crisis
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has created a statewide and global health and economic crisis that is testing the fabric of people and communities and area charities as needs expand.
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President Obama inspires Class of 2020, adroitly criticizes current leaders for mishandling pandemic crisis
Hours after former President Obama delivered two measured and inspiring na- tional commencement speeches to the Class of 2020 college and high school graduates last Saturday, social media lit up with comments of “Great speech, Mr. Obama. We miss you!” and “That’s what a president should be like. November 2020 can’t get here soon enough.”
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Can an old black man get the Manafort treatment? by Julianne Malveaux
There were 4,623 incarcer- ated people over 65 in federal prisons during the first week of May. Until May 12, Paul Manafort, President Trump’s one-time campaign manager, was one of them. The 71-year-old petitioned the court for release to home confinement because of his age, heart condition and “fear of coronavirus.”
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The fight for the 2020 vote, by Stacy M. Brown
Since the onset of COVID-19, voter registration in the United States has decreased by a whopping 90 percent.
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Equal protection under the law, by Rep. A. Donald McEachin
In February, Ahmaud Arbery was hunted and shot down by neighborhood vigilantes while jogging in Brunswick, Ga. His killers were not taken into custody until a national outcry over leaked footage of the assault three months later.
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What happens when we return to ‘normal’? by Glenn Ellis
Where should we be focusing our attention as a community at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Funeral arrangements announced for Bishop Glenn
A celebration of the life of Bishop Gerald O. Glenn, late founder and pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Chesterfield County, will be held next week, it has been announced.
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'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.
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What would Ida B. Wells do?
Crusading journalist Ida B. Wells, who fearlessly and tirelessly worked against racism and violence targeting African-Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s, was posthumously honored last week with a Pulitzer Prize.
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Black people and COVID-19, by Sa’ad El-Amin
As the United States is trying to reopen after a nearly total shutdown caused by COVID-19, one of the major questions is whether it is too early to re- open and, by doing so, whether there will be a second round of infections and deaths.
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COVID-19 info or campaigning?
Did 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones misinform City Council in seeking permission to use city funds to send a direct mail card to his constituents?
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Isaiah “Prince Trombone” Robinson serenades passing motorists as fellow musician, Robert Johnson III, accompanies him on an electric drum outside The National in the 700 …
Published on May 7, 2020
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Next steps
Gov. Northam moves to reopen Virginia on May 15
Movie theaters, barber shops and hair salons, restaurants and a host of other businesses deemed non-essential could begin to reopen Friday, May 15.
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Daily Planet, CAHN and CrossOver clinics provide COVID-19 testing
As the coronavirus arrived in Richmond, the nonprofit Daily Planet Health Services in Downtown was among the quickest to set up a testing operation for its mostly low-income and homeless patients.
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Kay Coles James heads National Coronavirus Recovery Commission
Richmonders across the political spectrum are joining forces in trying to persuade people to keep their distance to help mitigate the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus that has taken the lives of more than 700 Virginians.
