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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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Thousands of protesters hit the streets
A white Minneapolis police officer’s killing of 46-year-old George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nearly 9 minutes was the final straw.
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Dementia and religion: Inside a church’s Alzheimer’s support group
They sat in a circle in a room usually used by high schoolers and talked about the people they loved who no longer recognized them or who had died forgetting the names of family caregivers in their last days.
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Who are we?
Richmond’s population grew by 11 percent, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. But the number of city residents who identify solely as Black slides, while the white population rises slightly.
The 2020 U.S. Census did not surprise anyone when it confirmed what everyone can see with their own eyes— Richmond’s population is on the grow.
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Two back-to-school shoe giveaways scheduled
There will be two options for families who cannot afford new shoes for their students, thanks to area churches.
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What are you most thankful for?
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, when we are reminded of our blessings.
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6 Virginia teams bounced out of NCAA tourney
The state of Virginia’s six representatives to the NCAA Division I Tournament didn’t need a lot of laundry changes.
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3 ousted in Richmond Police shakeup
Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith overhauled his command staff this week in his first big personnel shakeup since taking office seven months ago.
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Nonprofits urged to file complaint against defunct umbrella foundation
Richmond City Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch is encouraging organizations whose funds disappeared after the collapse of the Enrichmond Foundation to file a complaint with the Richmond Police Department.
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TJ goes against Armstrong in season opener
Thomas Jefferson High School football is a success story of which all Richmonders can be proud.
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A big deal
Join us in congratulating Mayor Levar M. Stoney and the City Hall team for the Diamond District deal.
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Kirby Carmichael honored with Richmond street sign bearing his name
For several decades Kirby David Carmichael spun the plat- ters at Richmond radio stations, first at WANT-AM and then at WRVQ-FM, ran Sunday night skate parties that were safe havens for area youths, held holiday turkey and toy drives and promoted events, festivals and other beneficial activities.
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Leadership needed
We are disappointed at the tumult engulfing the Virginia State Conference NAACP, which was brought on by the resignation last week of the civil rights organization’s 29-year-old executive director, Da’Quan Love.
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Richmond R&B singer hospitalized
The family of local R&B singer and producer Marlon Cox is asking for financial assistance to cover the 49-year-old’s medical expenses. Mr. Cox, who released his debut CD “Ain’t Dat Da Truth,” in 2006, was admitted to the hospital on April 4 after a “medical emergency,” according to the gofundme.com page created by his brother, Rafael Cox.
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Police union up for a vote
Hundreds of officers in the Richmond Police Department are voting on whether to make the Richmond Coalition of Police their union bargaining agent, the Free Press has learned.
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Fourth Baptist receives historic preservation grant
Fourth Baptist Church in Richmond’s East End has been awarded a $150,000 grant to support preservation of the education wing as the church prepares to mark the 164th anniversary of its founding.
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Colette W. McEachin wins decisive victory over primary challenger for commonwealth’s attorney
The race for Richmond’s next commonwealth’s attorney ended late Tuesday evening, as incumbent Colette W. McEachin emerged victorious against a Democratic primary challenge from attorney Thomas P. Barbour Jr.
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Odicci Alexander leads JMU to early wins before bowing in Women’s College World Series
When the curtain finally fell, Odicci Alexander left behind a show that won’t soon be forgotten.
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Richmond, are you ready for some football? City high schools kick off Friday
Four Richmond high schools will open their football seasons Friday, Aug. 27, and all four will have new head coaches.