All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.

Health Equity Fund adds groups to combat disparities
Six new community partners, $644,000 in grant money and a continuing effort to bring greater equity to Richmond’s marginalized communities were the focus Tuesday afternoon at Richmond City Hall, as city leaders announced the latest groups and projects that will be part of the Health Equity Fund.

Silk Hair Studio becomes touch point for COVID-19 vaccination effort
Silk Hair Studio bustled with talk and activity Tuesday afternoon, though not just about hair care and other conversations between patrons in dryer chairs.

It’s not too early to vote
Early voting has begun across Virginia, with locations open as of Friday, May 3, for Democratic and Republican primary ballots ahead of the primary election Tuesday, June 18.

Atkins becomes first black woman to serve on Henrico School Board
The Henrico School Board is set to welcome its first female African-American member.

Jackson Ward residents continue to hear plans, explore ideas for historic neighborhood’s future
The latest proposal to reunite the former “Harlem of the South” was unveiled to Jackson Ward residents and government stakeholders at the Hippodrome Theater on June 29. All were eager to hear and discuss updates for the Reconnect Jackson Ward Project.

School Board considers safety plan after shooting
The Richmond School Board is considering a multimillion dollar plan to ensure safety and security following a fatal shooting after Huguenot High School’s graduation in Monroe Park last month. Two people were killed and five others were wounded. The Care & Safety Plan was presented this week during the board’s regular meeting.

Richardson gets new hearing in controversial case
A man who was cleared in the murder of a police officer, but has served decades in prison, has another chance to seek his release.

Mayoral candidates' platforms include equity, mental health and safe neighborhoods (Updated)
The list of candidates who hope to become Richmond’s next mayor continues to grow.

Collaboration helps erase graffiti at historic cemeteries
Nearly three weeks after historical African- American and Jewish cemeteries were tagged with graffiti, volunteers and other workers have cleaned the marks — “777” — that were spraypainted on headstones and entrances to Evergreen, East End, Barton Heights and Sir Moses Montefiore cemeteries, including the gravesite of noted businesswoman Maggie L. Walker.

Go 'Red4Ed:' Teachers lobby for education $
The State Capitol echoed with the chants “Fund Our Future!” and “Red4Ed!” as educators, students and their supporters gathered in the thousands Monday afternoon to press for increased state funding for teachers and public schools in Virginia.

Problems, solutions discussed at criminal justice summit
The state of criminal justice in Virginia is poor, according to a panel of local, state and national officials, educators and experts who discussed the topic during a summit last Saturday at the Richmond Justice Center.

Demands for better staffing, racial literacy course continue as VCU begins semester
Virginia Commonwealth University students moved into the residence halls last weekend amid ongoing calls for the university’s leadership to address issues regarding firings, hirings tuition increases and on-campus living conditions.

MJBL, Hampton U. part of hurricane relief efforts for the Bahamas
People in Richmond and across the state are lending a hand to help residents of the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian settled over the islands, killing at least 44 people, leaving around 70,000 people homeless and causing billions of dollars in damage.

City Council approves Diamond District project, lawsuit follows
Richmond City Council made a big swing in determining the future of the city, with members unanimously approving a new redevelopment project in the Diamond District during a special meeting last Wednesday afternoon. Outside of Council Chambers, the reaction was more mixed.

Boushall teacher on leave after confrontation with student
A Richmond Public Schools teacher identified as a female is currently on administrative leave after a video of a confrontation with a student over speaking Spanish sparked criticism from the community and calls to deal with long-standing issues for Latino students in the city.

Marijuana legalization comes with info, warnings from health officials
Treatment for chronic pain. Possible addiction. Improving muscle spasms. Mood changes.

Eric English to become Henrico’s first Black police chief
For the first time in its history, Henrico County will have an African-American police chief.

Frozen
RRHA puts hold on all public housing evictions through December, but residents are skeptical, concerned bigger issues are not being addressed
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has frozen all evictions for the rest of the year, following months of growing scrutiny and backlash from residents and housing advocates over the organization’s actions and priorities.

Henrico’s Varina District poised to elect 1st African-American female to county School Board
The Henrico County School Board is set for a historic new addition with next week’s election — its first African-American female member.

House District 74: Delegate Lamont Bagby, Democrat (incumbent) vs. James L. “Jimmy” Brooks, Republican
Delegate Lamont Bagby, who has represented House District 74 since 2015, is being challenged by political novice Republican James L. “Jimmy” Brooks.