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U.S. Postal Service employee Louis Hatcher directs traffic at the Main Post Office on Brook Road as last-minute filers arrive Monday to drop off their federal income tax documents before the deadline. The goal: To have their letters and envelopes postmarked April 18 to avoid penalties for late filing. The deadline is usually April 15, but it was extended this year because of Washington’s annual D.C. Emancipation Day holiday commemorating President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of a law on April 16, 1862, abolishing slavery in the nation’s capital. Although the holiday is recognized only in the District of Columbia, the IRS recognizes the day as a legal holiday and extends tax filing until the next business day when it falls on a Friday or during a weekend.

U.S. Postal Service employee Louis Hatcher directs traffic at the Main Post Office on Brook Road as last-minute filers arrive Monday to drop off their …

Published on April 22, 2016

A swollen James River flows by the railroad bridge near Brown’s Island. Fueled by recent heavy rains upstream, the river rose above flood stage running through Richmond. Data show the river crested at 15.4 feet Monday at the Westham gauge, or about 3 feet above flood stage. A kayaker who got stuck Monday in the rapids nearly drowned before he was rescued by city emergency personnel. On Tuesday, when this photo was taken, the river was still running above 11 feet at the City Locks near Shockoe Bottom, also 3 feet above flood stage. The river fell below flood stage Wednesday. The U.S. Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey are forecasting that the river will drop to a less treacherous 7 feet by Friday.

A swollen James River flows by the railroad bridge near Brown’s Island. Fueled by recent heavy rains upstream, the river rose above flood stage running …

Published on February 17, 2018

Tamra Collins and her 6-year-old son, Isaiah, happily sled down a hill at Shrader Road and Eunice Drive last Sunday in Henrico County. When 3 inches of snow hit the metro area last weekend, people took to the outdoors to enjoy the wintry landscape. People were sledding, had snowball fights and built snowmen. While this was Metro Richmond’s first big snowfall of the winter season, the area escaped the 1 to 3 feet of snow the same storm dropped on the Northeast. Much of the snow has melted already, with more wet weather on the way. Rain is expected Friday, Feb. 5, with the possibility of rain and/or snow showers on Sunday, Feb. 7. Nightly temperatures are forecast to remain at or below freezing through next week.

Tamra Collins and her 6-year-old son, Isaiah, happily sled down a hill at Shrader Road and Eunice Drive last Sunday in Henrico County. When 3 …

Published on February 4, 2021

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch Portraits” featuring top Richmond high school graduates, other individuals and families during the pandemic. With schools across the state closed in mid-March and classes continuing online, Amia said the pandemic taught her to “value the little things in life and appreciate all of my blessings and the people in my life.”

Thomas Jefferson High School valedictorian Amia Graham, who graduated with a 4.9677 GPA, poses outside her home for a Free Press series of “Front Porch …

Published on January 7, 2021

Virginia Union University running back, Andre Mack, 23, works out with his 5-year-old nephew, Ka’Reem Moore, on Tuesday in the 700 block of 30th Street in Church Hill. The youngster wants to play football like his uncle, a junior at VUU. The coaching and workout sessions also keep Mr. Mack in shape until the Panthers practice again in August, according to Mr. Mack. Until then, Mr. Mack is finishing his college courses online and having Zoom meetings with his teammates.

Virginia Union University running back, Andre Mack, 23, works out with his 5-year-old nephew, Ka’Reem Moore, on Tuesday in the 700 block of 30th Street …

Published on April 30, 2020

Abby Klein creates a work of art Friday atop a storm drain on Tredegar Street near Brown’s Island as curious passers-by watch her progress. She is one of five artists selected by the Richmond Department of Public Utilities from 55 for the first phase of the Storm Drain Art Project. Ms. Klein’s work is titled, “You drop it, I drink it.” The other four artists who are painting drains along Tredegar Street are Alfonso Perez Acosta, Nicole Gomez, Melissa Greedy and Richard Lucente. The city is paying a commission of $300 to each artist and later plans to award a $200 prize to the artist whose work the public votes as their favorite. The project was set up as a fun, creative approach to educate the public to keep the drains free of litter and not use the drains to get rid of oil and other toxins that could pollute the city’s waterways and, ultimately, the James River into which storm water flows.

Abby Klein creates a work of art Friday atop a storm drain on Tredegar Street near Brown’s Island as curious passers-by watch her progress. She …

Published on July 22, 2016

Henry L. Marsh III, a former state senator and Richmond’s first African- American mayor, is greeted on Aug. 27 by School Board member Cheryl L. Burke as he gets his first look at the new $40 million elementary school named for him in Church Hill, located at 813 N. 28th St. The school, which replaces the former George Mason Elementary that Mr. Marsh attended as a child, is one of three new city school buildings that were ready for use but remained closed as Richmond Public Schools students continued with online classes in the fall.

Henry L. Marsh III, a former state senator and Richmond’s first African- American mayor, is greeted on Aug. 27 by School Board member Cheryl L. …

Published on January 7, 2021

Raynell Reid shows off a tribute plaque to her late uncle, Richmond Fire Capt. Harvey S. Hicks II, during a ceremony last Sunday at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church. The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the hiring of the first 10 black firefighters in Richmond and Virginia. Capt. Hicks died June 4, 1963, attempting the daring rescue of a city resident who was trapped in a 23-foot-deep pit. The church joined with Engine Company No. 9 and Associates, a nonprofit group that works to call attention to the city’s pioneering black firefighters and police officers, on the Black History Month program. Richmond hired the first black police officers in 1946 and the first black firefighters in 1950. At the time of his death, Capt. Hicks also was studying for the ministry and was to preach his trial sermon a few days later. As part of Sunday’s commemoration, Dr. Price L. Davis, pastor of the church at 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, preached the sermon that the firefighter had written.

Raynell Reid shows off a tribute plaque to her late uncle, Richmond Fire Capt. Harvey S. Hicks II, during a ceremony last Sunday at Mosby …

Published on February 14, 2020

Cityscape // Crime tape and police and firefighters in action are all too common in Richmond and other cities. Above, officers and police cars pack the intersection of 3rd and Main streets in Downtown around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday following the police shooting of a man wielding a large knife and an ax. Police Chief Alfred Durham said officers shot the man when he did not respond to commands to drop the weapons, and a Taser proved ineffective in stopping him. When the man attacked the officers, two fired, hitting him. The man, later identified as Alexander J. Schoessel, 23, of Chesterfield, was pronounced dead at 10:31 a.m. Tuesday at a Richmond hospital. Officer John Rotondi also was hit by friendly fire during the incident. He was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Right, firefighters hose down a smoldering pile of driftwood Tuesday afternoon underneath a pedestrian bridge across the James River that connects Brown’s Island and Belle Isle in Downtown.

Cityscape // Crime tape and police and firefighters in action are all too common in Richmond and other cities. Above, officers and police cars pack …

Published on July 28, 2017

GRTC buses, like the one shown, kept their headlights on Tuesday in honor of late civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, who helped launch the modern Civil Rights Movement. She lit the spark 65 years ago on Dec. 1, 1955, when she was arrested in Montgomery, Ala., for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person and move to the rear of the bus that was reserved for Black people. Her action led to a yearlong public transit system boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a U.S Supreme Court decision extending a ban on segregated public transit seating to previously exempt local bus systems. Because of the pandemic, GRTC dropped its tradition of reserving the front bus seat in honor of Ms. Parks, who died in 2005. A special message honoring Ms. Parks was included on the rotating messages on the digital header signs on each bus, GRTC officials stated.

GRTC buses, like the one shown, kept their headlights on Tuesday in honor of late civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, who helped launch the modern …

Published on December 3, 2020

Socks for others: Home-schooled students who take online classes through Virginia Virtual Academy decorate a large Christmas stocking last Friday at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch in Downtown. Honoring the spirit of the season, the youngsters stuffed the decorated stocking with new socks of all sizes. The giant stocking then was donated to St. Joseph’s Villa to help people in need. Denise Haverty-Jackson of Petersburg, standing, checks the decorating progress of her son, Emmanuel Hollis-Jackson, and the other students, Dahlia Mohr of Bowling Green and James Searles of Fredericksburg. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Socks for others: Home-schooled students who take online classes through Virginia Virtual Academy decorate a large Christmas stocking last Friday at the Richmond Public Library …

Published on December 21, 2018

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family, she says, has experienced health scares in recent weeks, both related and unrelated to the coronavirus. “I have always valued family and friends, yet the communication with loved ones is even more cherished than before,” said the founder of BareSOUL Yoga. The experience also has shifted how she connects with people and the community — through online offerings and resources. The silver lining? “I am able to appreciate, explore and enjoy my home.”

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during …

Published on April 30, 2020

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The 13-year-old Henderson Middle School student, the son of Michael and Otesa Miles, received a trophy and $400 for his first place showing in the four-round competition involving 10 youths. Jace started playing chess in an afternoon elementary school program. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he further developed his chess skills by playing online with a cousin who lives in New York. In between, he continued to play the game.

Jace Miles celebrates his victory in the 2nd Annual Bright Minds RVA Chess Tournament at the awards presentation Friday night at the Black History Museum …

Published on February 16, 2023

Rocks typically covered by the rushing waters of the James River are now visible because of low water levels. This view of the river, taken Tuesday evening near the Manchester Bridge, is emblematic of the severe drought that has gripped much of Virginia in the past two months. The river has dropped below four feet in height and its flow is below normal, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, which monitors the James River. The rain last Sunday was welcome, but its impact had dissipated within two days, the USGS data show. More rain on Wednesday also provided relief, but experts indicate it will take regular rain to make up the deficit in moisture that has developed. Some areas of the state are reportedly seven inches below normal rainfall levels. Concerned about the river that is a main source of drinking water for the Richmond area, city and county public utility departments are urging area residents to take voluntary conservation efforts, including reducing watering lawns and washing vehicles.

Rocks typically covered by the rushing waters of the James River are now visible because of low water levels. This view of the river, taken …

Published on October 18, 2019

Va. Legislative Black Caucus reception at VMFA // Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus gathered Monday for their annual reception before the start of the 2016 General Assembly session. Other elected officials, corporate and educational leaders attended the event at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The 18-member caucus formally announced its legislative agenda Wednesday at a news conference. Above, Caucus members joined Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Virginia’s top elected officials for a photograph. From left, they are Delegate Jeion Ward of Hampton, Sen. Kenneth Alexander of Norfolk, Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan of Richmond, Sen. A. Donald McEachin of Henrico County, Delegate Charniele Herring of Alexandria, Delegate Lionel Spruill Sr. of Chesapeake, Gov. McAuliffe, Sen. Mamie Locke of Hampton, Sen. Dance of Petersburg, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, Delegate Daun Hester of Norfolk, Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, Attorney General Mark R. Herring, Delegate Marcia Price of Newport News, Delegate Lashrecse Aird of Petersburg, Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke and Delegate Joseph Lindsey of Norfolk. Caucus members not pictured are Delegate Luke Torian of Prince William County, Delegate Matthew James of Portsmouth and Delegate Delores McQuinn of Richmond.

Va. Legislative Black Caucus reception at VMFA // Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus gathered Monday for their annual reception before the start of …

Published on January 15, 2016

Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus offer details Wednesday on their legislative priorities for the 2022 session of the General Assembly just hours before the session’s noon start. Among the priorities: Fully funding public education; ending solitary confinement; preventing evictions; universal paid family and medical leave; strengthening employment discrimination and harassment laws; equity in renewable energy development; and protecting recent progress, including the new Voting Rights Act of Virginia, the repeal of the death penalty, the increase in the state’s minimum wage and legalization of marijuana. VLBC members attending the virtual news conference are: Top row from left: Adele McClure, VLBC executive director; Delegate Delores L. McQuinn of Richmond; Delegate Michelle Maldonado of Manassas; and Delegate Lamont Bagby of Henrico, VLBC chairman. Second row from left: Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan of Richmond; Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price of Newport News; Delegate Briana Sewell of Prince William County; and Delegate Angelia Williams Graves of Norfolk. Third row from left: Delegate Jeion A. Ward of Hampton; Delegate Candi King of Stafford; Delegate Nadarius Clark of Norfolk; and Delegate Sam Rasoul of Roanoke. Bottom row from left: Delegate C.E. “Cliff” Hayes Jr. of Chesapeake; Sen. Mamie Locke of Hampton; and Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne of Richmond.

Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus offer details Wednesday on their legislative priorities for the 2022 session of the General Assembly just hours before …

Published on January 13, 2022

Construction continues at Virginia’s Capitol Square as seen here last month. The Capitol Visitor Center has been closed to the public since May 2 for numerous projects. According to a press release from the Department of General Services, the closure is expected to continue until next month, during which time the historic Capitol will remain open. All visitors must use the west entrance to the Capitol, where they are screened upon entry. Buses, tour groups and other large multiple-passenger vehicles can unload on the eastern-most lane of 9th Street near the Capitol Square vehicular entrance at Grace Street. Individuals who need accessibility accommodations and are arriving via a passenger vehicle can call (804) 389-5338 and arrange for drop-off inside Capitol Square. It is advised that all Capitol Square visitors should stay clear of fenced construction areas for safety reasons. The subterranean Visitor Center opened in 2007 and includes two large event/meeting rooms, a café, gift shop, exhibit space, and a media room. The closure of the Capitol Visitor Center is necessary for DGS to safely complete both critical waterproofing and tunnel construction projects.

Construction continues at Virginia’s Capitol Square as seen here last month. The Capitol Visitor Center has been closed to the public since May 2 for …

Published on November 10, 2022

Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler and Zora Neale Hurston. Asked how their lives are different during the pandemic, Mrs. Achalam, executive director of Project Yoga Richmond and an herbal healer with True Grit Botanica, said, “We’ve launched an online membership platform where the community can remotely access yoga and mindfulness content from PYR ambassadors.” Mr. Achalam, a reggae artist and educator, said, “Shows are postponed. But we’ll regroup and spend more time in the studio.” On April 4, he performed in “Couchella,” a digital music festival that helped raise money for the Makindu Children’s Center in Kenya. The money will help install hand-washing stations at the center to combat the spread of COVID-19. Asked about the silver lining, both say the crisis has caused them to slow down and concentrate on the health and well-being of themselves and family.

Nitika and Joshua Achalam may be staying home, but they are staying busy. They are outside their home in Fulton with their chickens, Octavia Butler …

Published on April 16, 2020

Armstrong Renaissance is heading to the finish line after more than three years of construc- tion at this East End site near the city’s border with Henrico County. Crews now are focusing on development of the final phase – 36 attached and detached homes to be sold at market rates – that will cap the redevelopment on the former site of Armstrong High School. Oversized compared with most of the homes on nearby streets, the new houses were initially priced between $225,000 and $350,000 and are designed to add a residential cachet to the area. When finished, the total 22-acre development will contain 256 modern apartments and houses. The first residents moved in just before Thanksgiving in 2019. Previously called Church Hill North, Armstrong Renaissance is the creation of a partnership of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Boston-based nonprofit affordable housing developer, The Community Builders. The project is designed as the first step in the future redevelopment of the 30-acre Creighton Court public housing community located across Nine Mile Road. The new units were used, in part, to relocate Creighton Court residents, clearing the way for a large chunk of the public housing community to be bulldozed and replaced with new units. Demolition of a major portion of Creighton Court is expected this year. Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Richmond City Council cleared the way by allocating $6.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for new streets, alleys and underground utilities in the Creighton Court redevelopment.

Armstrong Renaissance is heading to the finish line after more than three years of construc- tion at this East End site near the city’s border …

Published on February 10, 2022

Standing with Bennett: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, left, meets with alumnae of Bennett and Spelman colleges Monday evening at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond to rally efforts to help raise $5 million by Feb. 1 to save Bennett College. Dr. Cole previously served as president of both institutions, the only two historically black women’s colleges in the nation, and was central to a video the group made Monday and posted on social media. United in sisterhood, the video calls on Spelman women and Bennett Belles to support the Greensboro, N.C., college, which may lose its accreditation if it cannot gain a more sound financial footing by the Feb. 1 deadline. The effort came together within 24 hours. “I have never witnessed black women move so quickly with one mission to make sure African-American women have the opportunity to  receive a quality education,” said Marissa Jennings, Bennett Class of 2003. Dr. Cole’s message is available online at https://vimeo.com/314049002. To donate, go to www.bennett.edu/donate. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

Standing with Bennett: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, left, meets with alumnae of Bennett and Spelman colleges Monday evening at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond to …

Published on February 1, 2019