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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.
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.
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.
Gov. Northam remains in isolation after COVID-19 symptoms emerge
Gov. Ralph S. Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam remain in isolation for the coronavirus this week in the Executive Mansion after the governor, who was asymptomatic after first testing positive for COVID-19, developed symptoms over the weekend.
VCU apology fails to heal wounds inflicted by MCV doctors who removed a Black man’s heart
More than 50 years after a deceased Black man became an organ donor without his consent or the knowledge of his family, Virginia Commonwealth University’s role in the treatment of Bruce Tucker continues to be reassessed and scrutinized by leaders inside and outside the university.
House District 70: Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, Democrat (incumbent) vs. David B. Vaught, Independent
Democratic Delegate Delores L. McQuinn is facing the first challenger for her seat representing House District 70 since 2009.
Roll up your sleeve
Virginia officials introduce COVID-19 vaccine with initial inoculation of front line health workers
When the opportunity arose to be one of the first in Virginia to get a shot of the new COVID-19 vaccine, the choice was obvious for Dr. Roberson.
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.
New laws tax cigarettes in city, raise smoking age statewide
Smoke ’em if you got ’em, because the cost of cigarettes and vaping is about to go up in more ways than one.
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.
RRHA extends eviction freeze until May 1
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s moratorium on public housing evictions will continue for another three months, through May 1, officials have announced.
Local authority’s outreach helps equity fund address health disparities
For the last two months, Jacquetta Gosier has worked to bridge the gap of mental health access for Richmond communities in need.
RPS lunch times to be extended
The Richmond School Board unanimously approved a motion during their meeting Monday evening for a minimum 20-minute seated lunch time.
As COVID-19 continues, community needs grow along with programs to help
Three years ago, Greta Randolph’s work to meet the needs of the Richmond community “exploded,” she says, as a novel disease began creating upheaval and disruption.
Perseverance and legacy were themes of VUU’s commencement
Six different classes of Virginia Union University graduates, some stretching as far back as five decades, were recognized for their academic accomplishment last Saturday during the first in-person commencement ceremony in two years.
Hanover County School Board stalls on new names for Confederate schools
The former Stonewall Jackson Middle School and Lee-Davis High School will remain unnamed for a few more weeks after arguments and criticisms led the Hanover County School Board to delay the renaming until at least October.
VCU anti-war protest attracts hundreds, ends in 13 arrests
Six students at Virginia Commonwealth University were among the 13 people arrested by police Monday evening on VCU’s campus outside the James Branch Cabell Library during an antiwar, pro-Palestine protest and encampment focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine.
‘Telling the whole story’
Statue of Virginia segregationist Harry F. Byrd Sr., architect of ‘Massive Resistance,’ removed from Capitol Square
After 45 years in Capitol Square in Downtown, the statue commemorating arch-segregationist Harry F. Byrd Sr. was removed Wednesday morning, marking the latest undertaking in Virginia’s long reassessment of and reckoning with its history of oppressing Black people and other people of color.
