Thursday, July 31
Flying Squirrels add CareScout to CarMax Park lineup
CareScout, a long-term care and aging services company based in Richmond, has been named a founding partner of CarMax Park, the upcoming home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the team announced Tuesday.
Virginia Brews festival returning with craft beer, live music
Craft beer enthusiasts will have the chance to sample brews from across the state when the Virginia Museum of History & Culture hosts its eighth annual Virginia Brews festival on Saturday, Aug. 2.
804 Day festival highlights local music, culture
Richmond’s 804 Day returns to Shockoe Bottom on Saturday, Aug. 2, bringing a free outdoor music and community festival to the 17th Street Market.
Colonial Downs sees rare double dead heat in opening race
One of horse racing’s rarest outcomes took place Friday at Colonial Downs Racetrack when the day’s opening race ended in a “double dead heat” — a tie for first place and a tie for third.
Kotto named head coach of Lady Panthers tennis team
Virginia Union University has tapped international tennis veteran Gabriel Kotto as the new head coach of the Lady Panthers tennis program.
Bubba Wallace overcame questions, doubts with 1st Brickyard 400 win
Bubba Wallace spent three long years questioning everything about his racing world.
Equity in Government Act promotes social justice, by David W. Marshall
During the Reagan era, prominent figures of the Religious Right movement played a significant role in mobilizing conservative Christians and advocating for their political interests. While the movement was largely led by figures such as Jerry Falwell (Moral Majority) and Pat Robertson (Christian Coalition), younger individuals such as Ralph Reed and Paul Weyrich also played a key role in the movement’s organizational and political outreach.
Democratic mayors show the way to winning working-class voters, by Keith Harris and Richard McDaniel
A common Republican talking point is that Democrats can’t be trusted to manage major cities. Donald Trump and his Republican allies can barely hide their disdain for Democrats of color leading America’s largest cities. They deride these mayors as “DEI” hires who want lawlessness and crime to run rampant while their cities decline.
Democrats, Wilder, NAACP decry federal probes on Virginia colleges
State Democrats, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and the Virginia NAACP are speaking out against what they describe as politically motivated federal investigations and partisan interference in the leadership of Virginia’s colleges and universities.
Black Widows capture WFA Division III title with defense, special teams
The Richmond Black Widows claimed their first Women’s Football Alliance Division III title with a 25-7 victory over the Oklahoma Rage on July 25 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Youngkin threatens to cut Richmond funding over $5.8M owed to wrongfully convicted man
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is threatening to withhold state funding from Richmond until the city pays the $5.8 million the governor says the city owes to a man who spent 45 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Custom motorcycle and Vespa exhibits roll into Branch Museum
Two new exhibitions at the Branch Museum of Design in Richmond showcase striking contrasts in motorcycle design — from gritty, one-of-a-kind builds to sleek, stylish scooters.
New exhibit highlights legacy of Black Catholics in Virginia
A new exhibition exploring the history and contributions of Black Catholics in Virginia is now on view at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
MJBL Black World Series returns
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League’s 34th annual championships are underway in Richmond, with youth teams from across the East Coast competing through Sunday, Aug. 3.
Ben Jealous on leave from Sierra Club amid turmoil with union
Former Maryland gubernatorial hopeful took the helm of environmental group in 2023
Ben Jealous, the former Maryland gubernatorial candidate turned Sierra Club executive director, is “on leave” from his post at the national environmental advocacy group.
Trump’s name game is a pitch to his base, by Clarence Page
As if he didn’t have enough on his mind in late summer, President Trump has called on two professional sports teams to revert to their former names — which unfortunately sound to many ears like racial slurs.
Justice, unevenly served
Several years ago, we witnessed a personal racial reckoning by our governor, Ralph Northam, who, after remembering the time he wore blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume, came to understand how wrong that was.
Campaign uses 54-foot ladder to highlight speeding dangers
Last week, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the City of Richmond unveiled a 54-foot bright yellow ladder beside The Diamond to illustrate the force pedestrians experience when struck by a vehicle. According to the campaign, a person hit by a car going 40 mph suffers the same impact as being pushed from the top of the five-story structure.
Richmond to launch smart signal system to boost bus reliability
The City of Richmond will begin rolling out an advanced traffic signal system this fall aimed at improving public transit service and emergency response times.
Jackson named deputy chief administrative officer for finance and administration
Tanikia Jackson has been appointed as the City of Richmond’s new Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration, city officials announced recently. Her first day on the job is scheduled for Aug. 11.
City Council accuses RRHA of overstepping in Gilpin deal
The Richmond City Council is questioning if the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority (RRHA) followed the law in its plans to redevelop the city’s oldest public housing neighborhood. Council members unanimously passed a resolution this week alleging the group broke state law when RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith signed a redevelopment agreement for Gilpin Court.
Personality: Lexi Cleveland
Spotlight on the Junior Board president of Historic Richmond
Growing up in Richmond felt magical for Lexi Cleveland, surrounded by a tight-knit extended family and the city’s deep historical roots. She remembers a childhood shaped by the presence of her great-grandmother and all of her grandparents, who shared stories from their lives and the past.
Lawyers say Florida officer pointed gun at Black student before violent arrest
A Florida police officer had his gun aimed at a Black college student shortly before the driver was pulled from his car and beaten in a recorded encounter that recently sparked widespread outrage, civil rights lawyers said Tuesday.
McClellan challenges Gov. on immigrant arrest claims
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, is pushing back against Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent claims that all 2,500 immigrants detained in statewide operations since March were violent offenders, saying Monday she doesn’t believe it — and won’t — until the administration provides proof.
City cracks down on new smoke shops, mandates residency for top staff
The Richmond City Council voted Monday to require top city officials to live within city limits and to impose new zoning restrictions on tobacco and vape shops, approving both measures unanimously during its latest meeting.
Thursday, July 24
Community events honor Muslim American culture and history
Richmond residents will have two opportunities to celebrate Muslim American Heritage Month on Saturday, July 26 with events highlighting the culture, history and contributions of Muslim Americans.
Science Museum to host adults-only ‘Dino Night’
The Science Museum of Virginia is inviting adults to step back in time — about 65 million years — during its upcoming after-hours event, “Science on Tap: Dino Night,” on Thursday, July 24.
Concert series brings jazz to bars, museums and theaters
Jazz will spill into bars, museums and cultural spaces across downtown Richmond next week as the city kicks off a five-day series of free performances ahead of the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival.
Burning Sands foundation to host 12th annual golf tournament
The Burning Sands Alumni Football Foundation will host its 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 26, at Hunting Hawk Golf Club in Glen Allen. Proceeds will support the educational and athletic programs of the Virginia Union University football team.
Squirrels rally past Senators to claim weekend series win
The Richmond Flying Squirrels came back from an early deficit and used a strong bullpen performance to beat the Harrisburg Senators, 8-3, on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond, securing their third straight series victory.
VUU tops CIAA preseason football poll; VSU earns third
Virginia Union University has been picked as the pre-season favorite to win the CIAA football title, marking the first time in more than 25 years the Panthers have earned the top spot in the league’s predicted order of finish.
The State of Black America: The call, the crisis, the charge, by Marc M. Morial
A war has been declared in this country. The fight isn’t just for diversity, equity and inclusion or for fair economic and criminal justice practices. It’s for the soul of America. It’s to determine which of us will have an opportunity not to prosper, but merely to survive in a future clouded with uncertainty at every turn.
Cutting edge: Jets unveil a renovated locker room that includes a barbershop
The new-look New York Jets underwent an Extreme Makeover: Locker Room Edition during the offseason.
Churches risk their witness when they chase power, by J. Basil Dannebohm
According to a joint court filing in a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service by the National Religious Broadcasters Association, pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit shouldn’t have to risk putting their churches’ tax-exempt status in jeopardy.
July storms are done, but heat and humidity return this weekend
The rain has stopped, and the high humidity has backed away — at least temporarily.
Veteran finance leader Shelton returns to Richmond
Letitia Shelton, who spent nearly two decades in Richmond city government earlier in her career, has been appointed director of finance for the City of Richmond. She is set to begin her new role on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Prosecutor withdraws case against Richmond anti-violence advocate
A domestic assault case against anti-violence advocate Charles Willis has been dropped.
Future stars unleashed
Rising stars clashed at the ECNL Boys and Girls National Finals last week, showcasing some of the top youth soccer talent in the country.
Atlee Church to host free back-to-school community event
As families prepare for the start of a new school year, Atlee Church and several local partners are teaming up to provide support through a free Back-to-School Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Leadership Metro Richmond announces new board officers
Leadership Metro Richmond has announced its board officers and new members for fiscal year 2026. The slate was approved during the organization’s annual meeting in June.
Protesters join national call to carry on John Lewis’ legacy
More than 1,000 people gathered on Monument Avenue on Thursday to honor the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis and to protest the Trump administration, part of the nationwide Good Trouble Lives On Day of Action.
From Mraz to makers markets, Glen Allen arts center plans packed season
A lawn chair on the grass. A guitar on stage. Handmade jewelry in one room and a Carpenters tribute echoing from another. That’s a glimpse of what’s in store at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen’s 2025-26 season of performances, exhibits and community events.
Minimum wage has lost value for 16 years and counting, by Holly Sklar
When the minimum wage does not go up, it goes down in buying power.
Food aid cuts fuel growing hunger, hardship, by David W. Marshall
When Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, the change in administration provided the nation with a four-year reprieve from much of the misery now emerging during the early months of Trump’s second term.
America’s brother
The namesake of the 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show” was known as America’s father for dispensing advice, humor and occasional zerberts to his beloved family.
Sportsmanlike conduct
Something happened in the world of sports this week that was a bit unusual, based on the standards for public behavior that we’ve become accustomed to. No, I’m not talking about the problematic suggestion to return the Washington football team’s moniker back into a racial slur. But it did happen in the world of football.
Give 804 campaign encourages support for early reading programs
The Richmond Education Foundation is launching an initiative aimed at improving childhood literacy and rallying community support for public education. The “Give 804” campaign kicks off Aug. 4 and will run through Sept. 30, with a goal of raising $50,000 and collecting 10,000 children’s books to benefit Richmond Public Schools students in pre-K through third grade.
New work groups aim to restore confidence in Richmond’s water system
Facing renewed scrutiny after back-to-back water crises, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula has announced the creation of two new water-focused work groups aimed at building a more resilient regional system and restoring public trust.
City installs harm reduction vending machines to prevent overdoses
The City of Richmond has launched a new harm reduction initiative to support residents living with substance use disorders and prevent drug overdoses.
‘Generations’ exhibit shares stories of Asian Americans in Richmond
With its white wheels, colorful painted flowers and striped frame, the three-wheeled rickshaw of Qazi Aied Iqbal’s youth is certainly one of a kind.
Educator, athlete Harold Thomas Green Sr. dies at 96
Whether in a classroom or on the track, Harold Thomas Green Sr. pursued excellence throughout his life. The longtime educator and competitive runner, who influenced generations of Richmond students and competed internationally well into his later years, died last week at the age of 96.
Personality: Atul Patel
Spotlight on founding member of Richmond’s Heartfulness Institute
Atul Patel, a founding member of Richmond’s Heartfulness Institute, has become a steady and uplifting presence in the community — balancing a long career at Dominion Energy with a deep commitment to meditation, mindfulness and inner peace.
‘Waverly Two’ celebrate freedom after decades behind bars
Cheers and embraces swept through Richmond’s Copper Hall on Saturday as Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne, known as the “Waverly Two,” celebrated their release from prison with family, friends and supporters after more than two decades behind bars.
New CAO promises focus on ‘nuts and bolts’ of city government
As he settles into his new role as the top unelected official at City Hall, Richmond’s new Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II says he’s gotten the message that residents want “top notch service” from City Hall.
Thursday, July 17
Shalom Farms welcomes families to explore food justice work
Shalom Farms will host its annual summer open house on Sunday, July 20, offering Richmond residents a chance to explore its Northside farm and connect with local food justice initiatives.
Chesterfield’s Mila Henry receives honor from Megan Thee Stallion
Thirteen-year-old Chesterfield resident Mila Henry was honored July 16 at the inaugural gala of Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation in New York City.
Virginia Commonwealth Games find new home
The Virginia Commonwealth Games are headed to the Richmond area.
Virginia Union earns record five CIAA academic awards
Virginia Union University has earned a record five Dr. Freddie Vaughan Awards for academic achievement during the 2024-25 school year, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced Monday.
Former Richmond Braves manager honored
Former Richmond Braves manager Grady Little has been named the recipient of the 2025 Paul Keyes RBI Award, the Richmond Flying Squirrels announced Monday.
Immigrants with TPS face new threats under Trump’s policies, by Emily Rodriguez
In the 19 years my uncle has worked in the health care industry, he’s only missed one day — the day his mother, my grandmother, died. He then helped plan a funeral he couldn’t attend.
Rising waters will not drown the American spirit, by Ben Jealous
On the Fourth of July, Donald Trump signed his “mega-bill.” The law boosts the dying fossil fuel industry with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars. It invites an additional 470 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2035 — that’s the equivalent annual emissions of more than 100 million gas-powered cars. And it aims to stop dead in its tracks the clean energy transition and the green manufacturing jobs boom the Inflation Reduction Act was already starting to create.
Is the Epstein scandal behind us? Don’t bet on it, by Clarence Page
When a reporter asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation last week, President Trump could not contain himself a moment longer.“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” he said, pushing back against the question. “This guy’s been talked about for years. … Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.”
Workshop to explore African American spirituals in worship
Voices will come together Saturday morning, Aug. 16, at Grace Episcopal Church in Goochland County for a workshop on African American spirituals and gospel music.
A show of force with no justification, by Julianne Malveaux
They came to MacArthur Park on horseback and in riot gear, their faces covered and their weapons out. They were part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and the California National Guard. They came with more than a dozen military vehicles as helicopters swarmed overhead. They came heavily armed with rifles and other weapons. They came, clearly, ready to rumble, armed to excess. Why?
S.A. Cosby to discuss new novel at Petersburg event
Award-winning crime fiction author S.A. Cosby will stop in Petersburg on Saturday, July 19, to promote his newest release, “King of Ashes,” during a book tour stop hosted by Resist Booksellers.
Excelsior University honors Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg
Excelsior University formally dedicated its headquarters on July 9 as the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg University Center, paying tribute to the late U.S. Army leader and founding university trustee.
Parking meter rates, violation fines rise
Starting July 7, the City of Richmond’s Parking Enterprise Division implemented new parking fees following approval of the city budget by City Council in May.
City seeks public input on Hull Street bridge replacement project
The City of Richmond is inviting residents to weigh in on plans to replace the Hull Street bridge over the Manchester Canal, with a public meeting scheduled for Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Main Street Station.
Henrico schools offer free immunization clinics
Rising seventh- and 12th-grade students in Henrico County Public Schools can receive required immunizations at no cost during four clinics scheduled in August.
Rodgers named Richmond’s economic development director
Angie Rodgers has been named Richmond’s new director of economic development, city officials announced this week.
The Chuck Brown Band will bring go-go groove to 2nd Street Festival
The beat of go-go will echo through Jackson Ward this fall as the Chuck Brown Band headlines the 37th annual 2nd Street Festival, set for Oct. 4-5 in downtown Richmond.
Black Widows punch ticket to championship
The Richmond Black Widows are charging toward their first national crown. On July 12, 2025, Richmond steamrolled the Connecticut Ambush 45-14 to clinch their spot in the WFA Division III National Championship.
Justice takes root at eco camp
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light will host its annual youth eco camp on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond.
The real man of steel
Did you know there’s a strong chance the character of Superman — the beloved immigrant hero— was inspired by a legendary figure from African American folklore?
RRHA delays vote on Gilpin Court transfer amid concerns
The future of Richmond’s oldest public housing neighborhood remains uncertain after the RRHA delayed a vote to transfer ownership of Gilpin Court to Wednesday, Sept. 17.
During Diversity town hall, community voices anger, demands accountability
Nearly 100 people gathered Tuesday evening at Diversity Richmond for a town hall meeting marked by frustration and calls for accountability following allegations of weeks of racism and sexual harassment by a former employee.
Black Pride RVA faces funding cuts ahead of annual events
Flexing and strutting on a makeshift runway in The Valentine museum, models in locally designed leather, fur and crochet couture excited an audience of about 50 people on June 28, a few weeks before Black Pride RVA.
Personality: Anissa Turner-Randolph
Spotlight on the board chair of the BLK RVA Advisory Committee
Anissa Turner-Randolph first discovered BLK RVA while scrolling through Instagram. After learning about the organization’s mission at the Second Street Festival, she began following its account. So when a call for advisory committee members appeared in her feed, she didn’t hesitate to step up.
Deacon gets a new pickup truck after helping thwart Michigan church shooting
As Richard Pryor watched the armed man push toward CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, he realized his options to stop the gunman were few.
Dems hold early edge in Va.’s top 2025 races
Youngkin’s approval dips as Trump remains unpopular, VCU poll finds
With less than four months to go before Virginians elect a new slate of statewide leaders, a new poll from Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs finds Democrats holding early leads in all three top races — and voters sharply focused on economic pressures and personal freedoms.
Local groups join ‘Good Trouble’ day of action rallies
Activists in Richmond and across the country will honor the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis on Thursday with marches, rallies and calls to action aimed at defending civil rights and expanding voter protections.
Thursday, July 10
A tribute to Black legacy in performance and public service
Richmonders paid tribute to two historic legacies with commemorative events held days apart. The Richmond Fire Department and community partners marked the 75th anniversary of Virginia’s first Black professional firefighters, while the Astoria Beneficial Club Inc. hosted its 52nd annual service honoring the enduring legacy of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
Thousands gather in Richmond for Ahmadiyya Muslim convention
Nearly 10,000 Muslim Americans gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center over the Fourth of July weekend for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s 75th annual convention.
Camels, ostriches and zebras set to race at Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs is adding a wild twist to its summer racing season with exotic animal races set for Friday, July 11.
CIAA extends Baltimore basketball tournament partnership
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors approved Baltimore as the host city for the men’s and women’s basketball tournament through 2029 during its annual spring meeting last month at Virginia State University.
Vick era at Norfolk State to kick off in primetime, bolstered by new recruits
The Michael Vick era at Norfolk State will begin on a national stage with a primetime matchup and a bolstered roster.
Squirrels sweep Baysox with 12-2 rout, set season high in runs
The Richmond Flying Squirrels capped a dominant weekend with a 12-2 blowout win over the Bowie Baysox on Sunday afternoon at Prince George’s Stadium, completing a three-game sweep and setting a new season high for runs scored.
Trump’s promises of cuts lost in a sea of costly waste
In these hectic weeks of the Trump administration, America has witnessed has witnessed division, hatred, complete disregard for the Constitution and the law. There have been sudden cuts and disruptions to important departments such as the Department of Education, USAID, DEI programs and other departments. Employees have been fired, furloughed without notice and given ultimatums.
Divesting from education is divesting from our future, by Ben Jealous
The big ugly boondoggle, which our president calls the “Big Beautiful Bill,” is a transfer of resources from the poor to the wealthy, preserving 2017 tax cuts, cutting Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps), imposing new work requirements for benefits, and increasing defense spending by at least 13%. Kasey Kosgarian, director of the National Priorities Project of the Institute for Policy Studies, posed our choices as “weapons and war or food and health care.” We have apparently chosen weapons and war, and the rest of us exist in peril.
School spirit
I didn’t attend school in Richmond Public Schools, but even from a distance I was aware of the strong school spirit that some Richmonders have for their high schools. It’s similar to a sorority or fraternity, in some ways, except that the schools were less picky about who they let in.
Morenike Miles appointed to VSU Board of Visitors
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has appointed Morenike Miles, a senior executive at Dominion Energy, to the Virginia State University Board of Visitors, the university announced.
Beto O’Rourke to host town hall in Glen Allen on July 19
Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke will hold a public town hall meeting at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.
Charles brings listening tour to Richmond theater
Independent gubernatorial candidate Donna Charles will host a community listening session Saturday in Richmond as she seeks to become Virginia’s first elected female governor.
Voices sought to shape memorial at lost burial site in Shockoe Hill
City officials and local partners are inviting the public to weigh in on plans for a permanent memorial at the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, where an estimated 22,000 free and enslaved African Americans were laid to rest.
Richmond’s procurement director steps into interim deputy CAO role
Rene Almaraz, Richmond’s director of procurement, has been named interim deputy chief administrative officer for finance and administration.
Henrico gets a head start with back-to-school bash
Henrico County Public Schools will hold its annual Back-to-School Kickoff on Thursday, July 31, at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, marking the second consecutive year the event will take place at the spacious venue. The free, divisionwide event aims to energize students and families ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 18.
Personality: Will Melton
Spotlight on the board chair of Housing Families First
Will Melton carries with him the memory of the housing insecurity his family faced growing up in Lansing, Mich. That experience, along with the loss of his father at age 12, shaped his resilience. As his mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, he took on the responsibility of helping care for his siblings. Despite the hardships, Melton channeled those struggles into a relentless drive, using his work as a springboard to build a different future.
City advances upgrades to water system and emergency plans
Following a series of high-profile water system failures earlier this year, Richmond officials say they are making steady progress on state-mandated improvements to the city’s water treatment operations and emergency response plans.
Festival returns to Chimborazo Park to uplift East End youth
The seventh annual RVA East End Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 7 p.m. at Chimborazo Park, 3215 E. Broad St., organizers announced Monday.
Juicy tradition continues at Hanover Tomato Festival
The 47th annual Hanover Tomato Festival returns Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Hanover’s signature juicy tomatoes with live entertainment on two stages, nearly 100 vendors, and a variety of children’s activities, all centered around the beloved tomato.
New York Knicks hire Mike Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year
The New York Knicks liked Mike Brown’s experience with championship teams, after he worked for four of them.
Fighting the prevalence of gun suicides requires more attention, action, by Roger Chesley
They’re an ever-growing crisis, often underreported and overlooked because they involve a topic – killing oneself – the news media have been reluctant to cover.
‘Welfare queen’ legends haunt Trump’s budget plan, by Clarence Page
As the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives neared passage of President Donald Trump’s beloved — and enormous — “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” my mind raced back as it often does in such debates to memories of the late Linda Taylor, a Chicago woman better known as “the welfare queen.”
Our city, our rules
The Richmond Police Department did the right thing in pulling the plug on federal access to its license plate reader system after learning it had been misused to track down people over immigration issues.
Gun thefts from cars surge nationwide, now account for 40% of cases
A growing number of firearms are being stolen from parked cars nationwide, especially in urban areas including Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to a new report that highlights a frequently overlooked source of illegally circulating guns.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs gets standing ovation from inmates after court victory, lawyer says
Sean “Diddy” Combs got a standing ovation from fellow inmates when the music mogul returned to jail after winning acquittals on potential life-in-prison charges, providing what his lawyer says might have been the best thing he could do for incarcerated Black men in America.
Digital project aims to preserve and expand the legacy of Bayard Rustin
Social justice advocates are creating a queer history archive that celebrates Bayard Rustin, a major organizer in the Civil Rights Movement and key architect of the March on Washington.
Richmond police cut ATF access over immigration data use
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said in a press release Tuesday afternoon that data from the department’s license plate reader program was used to assist with immigration enforcement, in violation of the department’s policy.
Proposals sought for transformation of Intermediate Terminal Building
Sitting along the James River waterfront, the Intermediate Terminal Building stands as both a relic of Richmond’s industrial past and a blank canvas for its future. Now, city officials are looking for proposals to bring new life to the historic structure at 3101 E. Main St.
‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ unofficial Black national anthem, celebrates 125 years
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a hymn many African Americans of older generations just know. They sang it in church, learned it in school and stood for what is dubbed the unofficial Black national anthem just like they might for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Family of Alabama teen shot by police seeks access to video of shooting
Lawyers representing the family of a Black teenager shot and killed by police in an Alabama suburb said the state’s refusal to release body-camera video during an investigation is fueling mistrust over the shooting.
School board weighs renaming Armstrong High School
A spirited debate over school names and legacies prompted the Richmond School Board to hit pause Monday night, choosing instead to let the community weigh in on whether Armstrong High School should become Armstrong-Kennedy High School.
Thursday, July 3
Museum to close select galleries for expansion project
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will temporarily close galleries displaying African art, Indigenous American art and Pre-Columbian art beginning July 7 as it prepares for its largest expansion and renovation project.
Going fourth
Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest, Dogwood Dell “Big Show” at Byrd Park, Henrico County Red, White & Lights at Meadow Farm Museum, and more...
Flying Squirrels drop series finale to Fightin Phils, 5-3
The Richmond Flying Squirrels fell behind early and couldn’t recover in a 5-3 loss to the Reading Fightin Phils on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.
Norfolk State names M.L. Morgan head baseball coach
Norfolk State University has named Merrill “M.L.” Morgan as its new head baseball coach, the school announced last week.
VCU duo achieves NBA dreams as Shulga and Watkins get drafted
Two former VCU standouts achieved their NBA dreams Thursday night, with both Max Shulga and Jamir Watkins hearing their names called in the draft.
Ouster of UVA’s president attacks academic freedom, by David W. Marshall
The forced resignation of James E. Ryan as president of the University of Virginia at the hands of the Trump administration marks a dangerous precedent for American higher education. The federal government’s ultimatum that Ryan step down as a condition for resolving a civil rights investigation into UVA’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is not just governmental overreach — it is a direct threat to the independence of public universities and the principles of academic freedom.
Audit finds oversight gaps in Richmond’s fuel program, officials pledge reform
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor has found significant weaknesses in the City of Richmond’s fuel program, including poor tracking of fuel usage, inadequate controls over fuel card access and PIN management and a lack of standardized procedures and training.
Public voting opens for BLK RVA Community Awards
Finalists have been named for the 2025 BLK RVA Community Awards, an annual event that spotlights the people, businesses and organizations making a cultural impact across the Richmond region.
July fourth holiday schedule
In observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4, please note the following:
Baskin named deputy director of research at VCU Massey
Monica L. Baskin has joined the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as deputy director of research.
Senate budget plan threatens hospital funding, Virginia officials warn
With roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid funding at stake, Congress is racing to finalize a sweeping budget package, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” ahead of President Donald Trump’s July 4 deadline — but key decisions about cuts to the health care program remain up in the air.
Powhatan dad gets another shot at American Ninja Warrior glory
Barry Boyd grew up in a cramped three-bedroom home with 13 other family members. When Child Protective Services deemed the living situation unsuitable, 6-year-old Barry and his two younger brothers were sent to live with their grandfather. But after that arrangement broke down, the siblings entered foster care, where they remained for five years. That challenging start helped shape the resilience and drive that now fuels his life as a competitor and father.
Investigation finds Rev. Barber did not misdirect funds to pay ex-wife alimony
An independent investigation into allegations that the Rev. William Barber II paid his ex-wife alimony from the finances of his nonprofit concluded the civil rights leader did nothing wrong.
Personality: Sherod Davis
Spotlight on the owner of Misfit Tattoo Society
When Richmond’s predominantly white tattoo industry didn’t provide an opportunity for Sherod Davis to learn the craft, he taught himself. Now, as the owner of one of Rich- mond’s Black-owned tattoo shops, Misfit Tattoo Society, he offers a safe space for apprentices to learn and his customers to feel at home. His shop opened in February 2024.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after mixed verdict clears in sex crimes case
Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s celebrated figures behind bars for life. The rapper was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses and denied bail as he awaits sentencing.
‘RPS Five’ reinstated in wake of pay dispute
“Reinstated! Twenty-nine years! Twenty-nine years! Reinstated!” The voice of Richmond Public Schools bus driver Cynthia Cole echoed through City Hall’s entryway Monday as she, four other drivers, and their supporters celebrated their rehiring following a tentative contract agreement between RPS and the drivers’ union.
Withers’ message still resonates in song, service and support for others
How refreshing it was to read your article, “Celebrating Bill Withers’ music, message through song and service,” about the legendary singer-songwriter’s daughter, Kori Withers, performing her father’s music at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen.
‘Ayida’ at VCU’s ICA celebrates Caribbean culture and diaspora
The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University recently opened “Ayida,” a group art exhibition celebrating the Caribbean and its diaspora, that will be on display through early 2026.
Virginia Union to induct 8 and 1992 basketball team into Hall of Fame
Virginia Union University will induct eight individuals and the 1992 men’s basketball team into its Thomas “Tricky Tom” Harris Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 19.
New York’s mayoral race a testing ground for a Democratic comeback?, by Clarence Page
A seasoned veteran of Chicago politics once told me that it often takes Democrats a couple of four-year cycles out of office before they can pull their fractious factions together into a winning coalition.
Between freedom and the fireworks
Juneteenth and the Fourth of July sit days apart on the calendar, yet for many of us, they couldn’t feel further apart. Both are marked by celebrations, but one party doesn’t feel like the other.
Richmond utility rates increase as new billing cycle begins
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities customers will see higher bills this month, as new utility rates approved by City Council have taken effect.
State Democrats celebrate new maternal health care laws
“Moms, babies and families across the commonwealth will begin to feel the benefit of maternal health policies that fundamentally transform how Virginia supports mothers, babies, and families,” said LeVere Bolling. The crowd fanned their faces with handouts on the package legislation, which Democrats called “the momnibus.”
In the loop
Richmond Triangle Players and Firehouse Theatre stage “A Strange Loop,” a Pulitzer and Tony-winning show about Black queerhood, family and finding your “inner white girl.”
Maxine Jenkins remembered for a life of service, education and compassion
For years, Maxine Turner Jenkins was a major part in the beginnings and endings of Richmond residents’ lives. Through her career in education and decades working in the funeral business, Maxine Turner Jenkins occupied a unique place in Richmond, touching many lives before her death on June 26 at age of 85.
After outages, city and county officials seek common ground on water
Richmond and Henrico County officials agreed Monday on their commitment to ensure reliable water service for the region, but they have not yet settled on the best way to make that happen.
