Thursday, August 28
Spanberger targets Youngkin’s immigration rule
Dem. nominee for Gov. says local police should not act as ICE agents
Family, friends celebrate Danielle Spencer’s life of compassion
Danielle Spencer, who grew up before America’s eyes on “What’s Happening!!,” was honored last week as family, friends and co-stars reflected on her life and legacy.
GMU president rejects federal demand to apologize for alleged discrimination
George Mason University President Gregory Washington is refusing a federal demand to apologize for alleged racial discrimination in the university’s hiring and promotion practices, according to a letter his attorney sent Monday to the GMU Board of Visitors.
Grimm to receive $5.8M after wrongful conviction
The Richmond City Council on Monday introduced an ordinance to pay $5.8 million to Marvin Grimm, a man wrongfully convicted of murder and sexual assault.
VSU faculty member Latorial Faison nominated for Pulitzer Prize
“Nursery Rhymes in Black,” the latest poetry collection by Virginia State University alumna and faculty member Latorial Faison, is in the running for a Pulitzer Prize in Poetry.
Brown’s Island upgrades will sideline Friday Cheers next year
Richmond’s longest-running summer concert series, Friday Cheers, will take a hiatus in 2026 as construction begins on the Brown’s Island Improvement Project, Venture Richmond announced.
Target practice
When the National Newspaper Association announced a boycott of national retailer Target after the company ended its DEI programs in January, some people wondered if it would work — and if finding another place to shop was worth the effort for African Americans.
New remittance tax adds burden for poor families abroad by David W. Marshall
For those of us who are not living in poverty, we may not fully understand the plight suffered by those who are poor.
Social housing could counter Wall Street greed by Garrett Brand
There are few things more important than our homes. Alongside providing our shelter, homes are where we make memories with friends and family — where bonds are formed and strengthened.
Standing ovation for Venus Williams as she faces defeat in New York
That Venus Williams lost her first Grand Slam match in two years — and what she says will be her last match of 2025 — didn’t really matter Monday night
Lady Wolves stay undefeated with 71-56 victory over Roadrunners
The Maryland Lady Wolves remained unbeaten with a 71- 56 victory over the Richmond Roadrunners on Friday night at the Henrico Sports & Event Center, holding off a second-half rally to stay atop the WABA standings.
Flying Squirrels will say goodbye to The Diamond with farewell series
After 40 years, The Diamond will host its final games as Richmond’s baseball home next month. The Flying Squirrels recently announced “Diamonds Aren’t Forever: The Farewell Series,” a six-game sendoff against the Hartford Yard Goats from Sept. 9-14.
Trojans turn back the clock to honor three championship teams
Virginia State University will roll out the red carpet for three of its storied football teams during the 2025 Homecoming celebration.
Personality: Derrick Johnson
Spotlight on the board chair for the Amandla Fund for Economic & Racial Justice
VMFA to feature Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys collection
The voices of Black artists take center stage this season at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where the collection of Kasseem Dean, known as Swizz Beatz, and Alicia Keys, comes to life in “Giants.”
AfroFest brings music, dance and cuisine to Pine Camp
AfroFest RVA returns for its sixth annual celebration of African culture on Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 7 p.m. at Pine Camp Cultural Arts & Community Center.
Highland Springs legend George Lancaster remembered as coach and mentor
For more than four decades, George Lancaster molded generations of student-athletes and left an enduring mark on Virginia high school basketball.
Basketball shoe with Bible verse from NBA’s Jonathan Isaac lands at Museum
Jonathan Isaac, a 6-foot-10 forward and 2017 first-round pick of the Orlando Magic, gained new recognition last week when his sneaker — the first product of his Christian apparel brand, Unitus — was unveiled at the Museum of the Bible in Washington.
City breaks ground on $140M arts-focused high school
A new era for arts education in Richmond is taking shape along Midlothian Turnpike. Construction is underway on the $140 million Richmond High School for the Arts, a facility designed to serve about 1,800 students.
Cleo Powell elected first Black woman chief justice of Virginia Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Virginia has elected Justice Cleo E. Powell as its next chief justice, making her the first African American woman to hold the post in the court’s history.
From soccer fields to the speedway
At an event hosted by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation with sponsor Gainbridge, participants rotated through skill stations for passing, dribbling, shooting and scrimmaging.
Labor Day holiday closings
In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1, Richmond, Henrico County and Chesterfield County government offices will be closed, along with state and federal offices.
Patrick Herrel joins RPS to tackle facilities and operations
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras has filled one of his most important vacancies, hiring Patrick Herrel as the district’s new chief operating officer.
Judge orders review of cityissued phones in firing dispute
A Richmond judge will review text messages on two city-issued work phones to determine their relevance in a former Freedom of Information Act officer’s $250,000 lawsuit against the city.
Basketball hoop from 2020 protests on display at The Valentine
A basketball hoop and ball used during the summer 2020 gatherings at Lee Circle are now on view at The Valentine as part of its ongoing exhibition “This Is Richmond, Virginia.”
Black excellence recognized
Richmond’s Black community came together for the BLK RVA Awards. This year’s theme, “Proud Voices,” highlighted the leaders and stories that define the region.
RVA East End Festival returns with hometown talents
Young musicians from Richmond Public Schools will share the stage with Grammy-nominated artists Sept. 27 as the RVA East End Festival returns to Chimborazo Park to support arts programs in the East End.
Thursday, August 21
Personality: Mimi Sadler
Spotlight on the president of the board of The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond
Chargois remembered for decades of service and activism
Paige Lanier Chargois, a Richmond reverend, author and tireless advocate for reconciliation and social change, died July 27 at 81.
Rezoning, rapid transit raise worries about displacement on Chamberlayne Ave.
A proposal to rezone a 2-mile stretch of Chamberlayne Avenue where Richmond plans to run a new Pulse line is causing worries that increased development could lead to the loss of one of the city’s greatest concentrations of affordable housing.
Debate at state
Once again, Virginia State University was left hanging by a politician during an election season.
Federal overreach seeks to undermine the success of America’s Black mayors, by Marc H. Morial
American cities reflect the soul of the nation.
Let’s fight crime, not each other, by Clarence Page
When your only tool is a hammer, psychiatrist Abraham Maslow famously observed, all problems begin to look like nails.
Virginia Union looks to make history with third straight CIAA title
Coming off back-to-back CIAA championships, Virginia Union enters the 2025 football season with its sights set on a rare three-peat — and a roster reshaped by the transfer portal.
UR to induct five individuals, one team into Athletics Hall of Fame
The University of Richmond will honor five individuals and one team in its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class, Vice President and Director of Athletics John P. Hardt announced Monday.
Southern Soul Celebration returns to Woodford Aug. 23
Dream Entertainment will host its 19th annual Southern Soul Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Mr. B’s Park in Woodford.
New HBCU basketball tournament coming to Disney World
Eight historically Black colleges and universities will compete in the inaugural HBCU Hoops Invitational at Walt Disney World Resort from Dec. 4-7.
Celebrating family, culture
The 34th annual Down Home Family Reunion filled the day with music, dance and storytelling as performers and community members came together to celebrate heritage and culture.
Virginia Chamber of Commerce names interim president
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has appointed Keith Martin as interim president and CEO following the resignation of Cathie J. Vick after just four months in the role.
RMTA to begin all-electronic tolling on Powhite Parkway this winter
The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) will begin transitioning to all-electronic tolling (AET) this winter, starting with the Powhite Parkway.
60 National Guard members to be deployed in Virginia to support ICE
About 60 Virginia National Guard members will be deployed around the state as early as September to support immigration enforcement agents.
Little Rock Nine member to keynote Virginia descendants symposium
Descendants of Enslaved Communities Virginia will celebrate its fifth anniversary with the organization’s annual Descendants Day Symposium on Sept. 13 at The Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville.
Richmond utility to shorten PromisePay repayment terms Sept. 1
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities will change the terms of its PromisePay payment plans starting Sept. 1, reducing the maximum repayment period for customers with overdue bills
‘First Take’ kicks off largest HBCU fall tour
ESPN’s morning debate show “First Take” is taking its biggest fall tour ever to historically Black colleges and universities, bringing sports talk and debate straight to campus. The tour kicks off Aug. 28 at Norfolk State University in Norfolk.
NASCAR’s Chastain urges fans to buckle up, drive sober
NASCAR driver Ross Chastain is no stranger to high-speed wrecks, but at Richmond Raceway on Aug. 15, his focus was on helping fans avoid them off the track.
Bandura’s walk-off single lifts Flying Squirrels over Curve, 6-5
Scott Bandura hit a two-out single in the ninth inning at The Diamond on Sunday night to give the Richmond Flying Squirrels a 6-5 win over the Altoona Curve.
Richmond Folk Festival adds 10 new artists for 2025 lineup
The Richmond Folk Festival has added 10 more artists to its lineup for this year’s event, set for Oct. 10-12 along downtown Richmond’s riverfront.
‘A Strange Loop’ leads Richmond Artsies nominations; multiple shows earn nods
Richmond Triangle Players’ production of “A Strange Loop” led this year’s Richmond Theatre Community Circle Artsies nominations with multiple nods across musical, direction, performance and design categories.
McClellan launches youth advisory council for high school students
A group of high school students in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District will soon get a front-row seat to federal government operations, thanks to Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan’s newly launched Youth Advisory Council for the 2025-2026 school year.
State health officials still encourage COVID vaccines for pregnant women
Heading into the respiratory illness season, states and clinicians are working to encourage pregnant patients to get COVID-19 vaccinations, even though the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommends that they should.
Candidates set for debate at NSU
In Virginia’s governor’s race, the candidates aren’t just preparing to debate — they’ve been debating whether to debate.
New study links historic redlining to youth violence hotspots
Richmond’s historic redlining practices continue to shape the city’s risk of youth violence, according to new research from Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University.
Family, friends mourn Harlem Globetrotter, Maggie Walker alum Clyde Austin, 67
For nearly two decades, Clyde “The Glide” Austin was a basketball superstar. A gifted player, his talents took him from the gymnasiums of Richmond Public Schools to touring with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Thursday, August 14
Activists call on city to cut ties with ICE after wave of arrests
More than 100 people gathered outside Richmond City Hall on Monday afternoon, urging city and state leaders to sever any cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a recent surge of arrests in the region.
Chesterfield County redeveloping historic Colbrook Motel site into affordable housing
In 1946, a decade before the new Interstate 95 became the most heavily traveled north-south highway on the U.S. East Coast, a trio of African Americans — William E. Brooks, his wife, Audrey W. Brooks, and Dr. Cortlandt M. Colson — opened a motel along Route 1 in south Chester.
Danielle Spencer, who played Dee on ‘What’s Happening!!,’ dies at 60
Danielle Spencer, who played the wisecracking and tattling little sister Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!” has died.
Library of Virginia to honor Geter with Patron of Letters degree
The Library of Virginia will present its highest honor, the Patron of Letters degree, to acclaimed musician and composer Damien Geter during the 28th annual Virginia Literary Awards Celebration on Sept. 20.
City, shop owners weigh next steps for smoke shop regulation
Richmond officials and smoke shop owners are weighing the future of the city’s tobacco and hemp stores, following the recent approval of restrictions on new shops.
Henrico unveils plans for $16M trail highlighting Black Civil War history
Company I of the 36th Colored Regiment served during the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm and New Market Heights.
After turmoil and no-confidence votes, Sierra Club terminates Ben Jealous
Ben Jealous’ tenure at the Sierra Club has come to an end.
Statues of limitations
You may be aware that time is running out to share your opinion on what should be done with the statues of Confederate leaders that once stood on Monument Avenue and elsewhere in the city.
Fighting for justice and democracy with Jasmine Crockett
“When you have people that are this extreme, they will do anything and everything to maintain power. The only thing that will stop them is us.” — Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Time for Dems to get serious about their future
Gee, what’s happened to the “silly season” of U.S. politics?
Sketchy groups send confusing Social Security mailers to seniors
My mother-in-law is all the rage with charitable groups, particularly the ones that are opaque at best and deceptive at worst in their snail mail.
Thunder to host Spurs in Christmas Day debut as NBA champions
The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule.
New RPS youth baseball league set for spring 2026
Virginia State University’s baseball team will help kick off a new elementary school baseball league organized by Richmond Public Schools (RPS) and set to debut in spring 2026.
Federal power grab in D.C.
Black leaders alarmed, recall civil rights battles
President Donald Trump has taken control of the District of Columbia’s law enforcement and ordered National Guard troops to deploy onto the streets of the nation’s capital, arguing the extraordinary moves are necessary to curb an urgent public safety crisis.
Richmond expands community outreach with new staff, offices
As Richmond neighborhoods face ongoing challenges related to housing, health and public safety, the city is expanding its approach to community engagement through new leadership and specialized offices.
Chamber of Commerce announces leadership change
Cathie J. Vick has resigned as president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce after just four months on the job to pursue other opportunities, the Chamber announced this week.
Henrico gaming venue announces job fairs
Roseshire Gaming Parlor, a new boutique gaming and entertainment venue, will hold job fairs Aug. 15-16 as it prepares to open this fall in the Staples Mill Shopping Center.
Live! Casino Virginia to host info sessions for Dealer Institute
With hundreds of jobs set to open at a new casino, area residents have an opportunity to gain the skills needed for a career as a table games dealer.
Dee
It’s been a few weeks since we mourned the loss of America’s big brother, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who portrayed “Theo” Huxtable on NBC’s “The Cosby Show.”
Former Trojans guard joins VSU’s coaching staff as assistant
Virginia State head men’s basketball coach Lonnie Blow Jr. recently announced the addition of CJ Wiggins to the Trojans’ coaching staff.
Squirrels shut out to end road trip
The Richmond Flying Squirrels were held to five hits and lost to the Erie SeaWolves 4-0 on Sunday at UPMC Park.
Three CIAA players named to HBCU Preseason All-America team
With summer winding down, the 2025 college football season is just weeks away. The HBCU Preseason All-America team was announced Tuesday, with three CIAA student-athletes earning recognition.
John Madden Foundation joins Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl as offificial partner
The Black College Football Hall of Fame has announced a new partnership with the John Madden Foundation, which is now an official partner of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Richmond Ballet to open season with Frida Kahlo-inspired premiere
Richmond Ballet will launch its 2025-26 season next month with “Piensa en Mí” (“Think of Me”), a new work by artistic director Ma Cong inspired by the life and art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
Annual back-to-school event returning with free supplies
Radio One Richmond’s stations will host their annual Prep for Success Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 16, offering free school supplies, haircuts and family resources to help students prepare for the 2025-26 academic year.
First Union Baptist pastor retiring after four years of service
First Union Baptist Church on Derwent Road is preparing to bid farewell to Pastor Tommy Fleming, who will retire Aug. 31 after four years of service.
Stage play ‘Father Figure’ coming to Richmond
“Father Figure,” an award-winning stage play by playwright Garrett Davis, will be performed Saturday, Aug. 23 at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church North, 4247 Creighton Road, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 7
After the fire, Fox Elem. rises from the ashes
More than three years after a late-night fire devastated William Fox Elementary School and disrupted the Richmond Public Schools system, the building reopened to the community Wednesday evening.
Wilder sues VCU
Former Gov. alleging retaliation over Wilder School probe
Former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder filed a federal lawsuit last Friday accusing Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao and Chief Audit and Compliance Executive Suzanne Milton of retaliating against him by launching a baseless investigation into the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
Personality: Kevin Smith
Spotlight on NextUp RVA board member and finance chair
Kevin Smith’s career experience guiding organizational growth informs his work on the board of NextUp RVA, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to out-of-school time programs. He also serves as the organization’s finance chair, helping to safeguard its financial health.
Aretha Franklin and the Apostle Paul agree: Sing!, by Jason D. Thompson
What would a conversation between Aretha Franklin and the Apostle Paul sound like?
Youngkin supports National Guardsmen assisting with ICE deportations
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday that he supports a U.S. Defense Department change that would permit National Guard units to aid in federal immigration enforcement.
GMU board backs president with raise despite DOJ investigations
George Mason University President Gregory Washington will remain in his role as the school faces federal investigations and political infighting over its leadership and future.
Virginia Court of Appeals rules NAACP’s voting rights FOIA lawsuit against Youngkin isn’t over
The Virginia Court of Appeals determined Tuesday that the Virginia NAACP’s yearslong challenge to Gov. Glenn Youngkin over access to records concerning his administration’s changes to voting rights restorations can move forward.
Shifting into school
This school year will mark the first time Richmond Public Schools implements a “staggered” start to the school year.
Opportunity Hoarded, Futures Denied: New Maps Point to Needed Change
It isn’t often that a bundle of maps writes a prescription for change. But that’s the takeaway of a new offering from researchers at the University of Richmond.
Kaitlyn Scroggins named Virginia State volleyball head coach
Virginia State University has hired Kaitlyn Scroggins as the eighth head coach of its volleyball program, Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes announced July 25.
34th Down Home Family Reunion celebrates folk life
The 34th Down Home Family Reunion will bring a full day of music, dance, storytelling, food, shopping and cultural enrichment to downtown Richmond on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Staggered start set to smooth transitions for Richmond students
Richmond Public Schools will implement a staggered start for the 2025-26 school year to help students transitioning into new grade levels.
Musical about Virginia slave rebellion getting preview at Highland
Three Richmond artists will showcase their new musical about a Virginia slave rebellion at a behind-the-scenes preview event next week.
Boxing showcase delivers message with impact
The fifth annual Gloves Over Guns boxing event was held Saturday, Aug. 2, at Varina High School, bringing together amateur and elite-level fighters for an afternoon of competition with a deeper purpose — to help prevent youth gun violence.
Black History Museum loaning Confederate statues for national exhibition
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is sending several Confederate monument artifacts from Richmond to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles for a new exhibition exploring race, art and public memory.
Concierge desk, color-coded signs debut at Richmond City Hall
Richmond officials have introduced a series of upgrades to improve the visitor experience on the first floor of City Hall.
Hanover County NAACP receives national recognition at Charlotte convention
The Hanover County branch of the NAACP has earned national recognition for its leadership in community outreach and communication.
John S. Finn Jr. joins Maggie Walker Community Land Trust board
The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust has appointed veteran real estate professional and civic leader John S. Finn Jr. to its board of trustees, it was announced in a statement from the group this week.
Thousands pack Dorey Park for National Night Out
Thousands gathered at Dorey Park on Tuesday, Aug. 5, for the 42nd Annual National Night Out, organized by Hope Givers USA and Speaking Spirit Ministries.
A hero’s role
Richmond’s theater community lost one of its own last week in a tragic act of gun violence.
Black women are leading cities, shaping the future of democracy
In 2014, when Higher Heights for America and the Center for American Women in Politics released our first report on the status of Black women in American politics, the data confirmed what we already knew: Black women were underrepresented at every level of government. But we were also organizing, running and winning, often without the institutional support our leadership deserved.
Trump drives wedges into his own movement
Remember when then-candidate Donald Trump said during an Iowa campaign rally in 2016 that he “could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?” I quickly put that aside as just another example of the New Yorker’s outlandish braggadocio, but like other political observers I have since been impressed by Trump’s seeming wall of invulnerability to scandal. However, as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal boils up around our ears, I have begun to notice some cracks.
Federal cuts put Trump country communities in jeopardy
Republican lawmakers cannot have it both ways. They cannot continue to push for tax cuts for the wealthy and not have it catch up with them and the country. They cannot push for tax cuts for the wealthy and, when the time comes for the federal government to fulfill its rightful role, be unable or unwilling to do so.
Five teams claim titles during MJBL championships
The Richmond region hosted the 34th annual Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) championship from July 30 to Aug. 3, with five teams winning titles during a week of intense competition.
Richmond welcomes Saitama for sister city baseball exchange
Richmond recently welcomed the Saitama City, Japan, delegation for the return of the longtime sister city baseball exchange program after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Squirrels lose to Patriots 3-1 on Saturday
The Richmond Flying Squirrels were held to three hits and dropped a 3-1 decision to the Somerset Patriots on Saturday night at TD Bank Ballpark.
