Thursday, November 20
Church partnerships to bring Thanksgiving meals to local families
StarCity Behavioral Health will distribute 100 Thanksgiving turkeys and meal boxes to Richmond families on Saturday, Nov. 22 through partnerships with Church Hill Christian Wellness Center and Operation REACH.
Ken Burns to receive inaugural Commonwealth Prize from VMHC
Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will be honored with the inaugural Commonwealth Prize by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the museum announced.
Model Railroad Show returns to Science Museum
The Science Museum of Virginia will bring back its longtime Model Railroad Show from Nov. 28-30, offering three days of train-themed displays and activities that have become a holiday tradition for many families.
Youth combat sports series to bring national event to Williamsburg
The Gladiator Gladiatrix Combat Series will bring one of its national tour stops to Williamsburg starting in 2027 through a three-year partnership with Visit Williamsburg. The event is expected to draw thousands of athletes, families and fans for a multiday competition.
59-year-old Glen Allen athlete sets world records in powerlifting
Tammy Albanese of Glen Allen, 59, recently set world records in all three lifts at the U.S. Powerlifting Association’s Northeast Regional Championships.
Trojans battle past Shaw for USCAA championship
Virginia State capped its inaugural season in the USCAA with a 1-0 win over Shaw on Sunday to claim the Division I women’s soccer national championship.
Virginia same-day voter registration doubles in off-year election
The number of voters who used same-day registration this election doubled compared with the last odd-year election.
Petersburg’s first casino is set to open early next year — in a tent
On Wagner Road, alongside Interstate 95, lies a white tent with 75,000 square feet of space inside.
VUU names honorees for 48th annual MLK Community Leaders Breakfast
Virginia Union University will host its 48th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast on Jan. 16 at the Richmond Marriott, recognizing individuals and organizations whose work reflects the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Former U.S. ambassador Timmy Davis to speak at VCU graduation
Timmy Davis, former U.S. ambassador to Qatar, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University’s commencement next month.
City, VCU launch plan to improve intersection safety with left-turn hardening
At several busy intersections across Virginia Commonwealth University’s campuses, drivers often cut corners on left turns, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to stay alert.
Ex-shelter director pleads guilty
Former RVA Sister’s Keeper leader admits to stealing nearly $200,000 in grant funds
RVA Sister’s Keeper former director Kia Player has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to a homeless shelter for women and children that operated from 2022 to 2023.
Community works to reclaim historic Old St. John’s Cemetery
Volunteers from across Lancaster County gathered Nov. 15 in Kilmarnock to help reclaim Old St. John’s Cemetery, a long-neglected African American burial ground on Calvary Drive.
GardenFest of Lights opens at Lewis Ginter with new theme, attractions
Visitors to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden are already walking under glowing archways and past trees wrapped in millions of lights as Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights fills the gardens for the holiday season.
Personality: Jo White
Spotlight on Saving Our Youth’s founder, CEO and executive director
Jo White’s life experiences shaped her resolve to overcome adversity, leading her to found Saving Our Youth to equip at-risk youth with the tools to do the same.
Flying Squirrels unveil new uniforms, release 2026 home game times
The Richmond Flying Squirrels introduced refreshed branding and new uniforms Monday at The Byrd Theatre ahead of the team’s inaugural season at CarMax Park.
VUU eyes postseason success despite title game defeat
Virginia Union University will face California University of Pennsylvania in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at Hovey Field in Richmond.
VCU soccer standout Moussa Ndiaye credits large family for competitive edge
Growing up, Moussa Ndiaye had a lot of catching up to do.
When corporations ignore justice, our wallets must respond by Julianne Malveaux
Every year corporations expect us to line up, log on and lose our minds for Black Friday.
Harlem project blends housing, culture and opportunity by Marc H. Morial
“This project is befitting of the legacy of greatness that so many Black New Yorkers have built here in Harlem.
Time to bring the ballot home by Ben Jealous
Americans aren’t just anxious about next year’s elections — they’re uneasy in a deeper way.
MacKenzie Scott’s billion-dollar defiance of war on diversity by Stacey M. Brown
Guest Editorial
There are moments in American life when truth steps forward and refuses to be convenient.
Richmond Public Schools outlines framework for 10-year facilities upgrade
Families across Richmond could see big changes down the line to their neighborhood schools as the city’s public school district begins developing a decade-long plan to reshape and modernize its buildings.
Spanberger appoints former state education secretaries to transition team
Two former state education secretaries and multiple education experts have been appointed to serve on Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s transition team, tasked with preparing the new gubernatorial administration for the next four years.
Hylton appointed interim Dale District supervisor
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors has appointed LeQuan M. Hylton as interim Dale District supervisor, filling the seat left vacant after the death of James M. “Jim” Holland, who died Oct. 14.
Local Starbucks employees join national walkout demanding better pay
Richmond Starbucks workers joined baristas at more than 40 stores across the U.S. on Nov. 13 in an open-ended strike over contract disputes, closing 65 unionized locations on the company’s annual Red Cup Day.
Rally calls for VRS divestment over Gaza
About 30 demonstrators rallied outside the Virginia Retirement System headquarters on Nov. 13, demanding the fund divest from companies they say are involved in the Gaza war.
Court lifts seal on motion in FOIA dispute with former officer
A previously sealed court filing in a lawsuit over the city’s handling of public records was made public on Nov. 13 after tense exchanges between the judge and the city’s attorney.
Thursday, November 13
T.D. Jakes launches weekly podcast exploring life, purpose and culture
Bishop T.D. Jakes is launching a new weekly podcast, “NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes,” aimed at helping listeners navigate life transitions and explore their purpose.
First Tee – Greater Richmond honored for community outreach
First Tee – Greater Richmond has received the Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award, a national honor recognizing the chapter’s leadership in reaching underserved youth and promoting inclusion in golf.
New book examines legacy of Negro Leagues founder
More than a century after he organized the first Negro National League, Andrew “Rube” Foster’s influence on baseball and Black entrepreneurship is still felt.
First Baptist Church of Ashland to host Caregiver Expo
Caregivers, families and community members are invited to Hanover County’s fourth annual Caregiver Expo on Monday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ashland, 800 Thompson St.
Poet to discuss new book on Black Appalachian cooking
Poet and author Crystal Wilkinson will discuss her new book, “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks,” Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Library of Virginia.
‘Gabriel’ musical extended after sellout performances
The musical “Gabriel,” produced by ATLAS Partnership, will continue its run following a series of sold-out performances.
VUU tops VSU to clinch spot in CIAA title game
Virginia Union University secured its place in the CIAA Championship Game with a 14-3 win over rival Virginia State University on Saturday afternoon at Hovey Field.
Richmond’s Coliseum deserves a second chance
Letters to the Editor
It’s been announced that the 54-year-old Richmond Coliseum will be demolished. After giving a thumbs-down to the Navy Hill development, Richmond City Council decided to move forward with what is now the City Center project.
Election sends message to politicians
Letters to the Editor
The people’s voices were heard loud and clear, by the electorate going to the ballot box and voting. We have seen enough divisive antics thrown our way.
RMTA executive chosen to guide global transportation leaders
Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Joi Taylor Dean was elected president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association for 2026.
Two local teachers to explore Africa, London and Quebec through REB grant
Two Henrico County teachers will soon take their lessons far beyond the classroom — one to Africa, the other to London and Quebec.
Chief of Chickahominy Tribe to speak at VCU about Native sovereignty
Stephen R. Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University about the journey of Virginia’s Native nations toward federal recognition and sovereignty.
City pauses utility disconnections, late fees due to federal shutdown
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is temporarily pausing disconnections of gas and water services for nonpayment and suspending late fees for November to help residents affected by the federal government shutdown, according to a city news release.
Three local A-10 standouts named to Becky Hammon watch list
Three of the Richmond area’s top women’s basketball players are drawing national attention as the 2025-26 season tips off.
Virginians can now use smartphones for ID at airports, DMV and ABC stores
After a lengthy development process, Virginians will now be able to use their smartphones at select locations to share their personal identification cards, the Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Wednesday morning.
Quarter of Virginia inmates waiting for prison education programs, study finds
Roughly one in four inmates in Virginia are waiting to enroll in prison education programs — a backlog that state officials say could hinder rehabilitation and reduce chances of success after release. Lawmakers this week heard a range of possible fixes aimed at expanding access and lowering recidivism rates.
Voters decided Jones’ texts paled in comparison to threats against democracy by Roger Chesley
Lance Watson, senior pastor of a large Baptist congregation in Richmond, must have spoken for hundreds of thousands of Virginians Sunday when he mentioned the prospects of Jay Jones, then the Democratic attorney general candidate, in last week’s election.
‘Sandwich guy’ trial shows the Justice Department’s missteps by Clarence Page
For decades, I have been hearing the old courtroom saying about how a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich if given the chance, but I never expected to see it happen.
Election results show strength of inclusion by David W. Marshall
For those opposing diversity, equity and inclusion, the recent elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City were discouraging. Democrats won big, and candidates representing racial, gender and religious diversity also prevailed.
Mail, war and courage of Black women
Veterans Day is meant to honor service and sacrifice, but it also offers a chance to reckon with the complexity of that service, especially for Black Americans whose contributions have often been ignored or minimized.
Virginia Democrats plan to capitalize on 2025 ‘tsunami’
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, says Democrats would act with restraint next year while simultaneously claiming his chamber’s near-supermajority has a mandate to enact an agenda.
Kaine says protecting federal workers behind his vote to end shutdown
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told reporters Monday that Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger supports his decision to vote with Republicans on a deal to reopen the federal government after its longest shutdown in history.
Union Hill garden preserved for community use through land transfer
The Jefferson Avenue Community Garden in Union Hill has secured its future through a conservation easement and a transfer of ownership to Verdant Richmond.
Local influencer rallies support for Jamaica hometown
Shanisse Palmer, a Richmond-based family lifestyle influencer, is using her platform to aid her hometown in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa left it in ruins.
Jones, Gardner to face off for Hashmi’s vacant Senate seat
For some Richmond-area voters, it’s already election season again.
Segal to lead Richmond Fire and Emergency Services with focus on reform
Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal has been appointed as the permanent head of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, city officials announced this week.
School Board votes to alter bargaining rules
After months of debate and public pushback, the Richmond School Board approved changes to the district’s collective bargaining resolution.
Council backs rental program and boosts housing fund
Richmond City Council took major steps on housing Monday, approving a new rental inspection program and transferring $2 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support long-term affordable housing and neighborhood stability.
Thursday, November 6
AJGA junior golf championship coming to Chesterfield
The American Junior Golf Association will bring one of the nation’s top youth golf tournaments to Chesterfield County beginning in 2026.
Flying Squirrels help strike out hunger, generate $10,000 for Feed More
Virginia Credit Union’s partnership with the Richmond Flying Squirrels has generated a $10,000 donation to Feed More, supporting food security initiatives across Central Virginia.
VUU holds third annual E. Lee Coble Golf Tournament
Virginia Union University hosted its third annual E. Lee Coble Golf Tournament on Monday at Lakeside Park Club, with 17 foursomes competing in men’s and women’s divisions.
Second Baptist, West End to celebrate 179th homecoming
The congregation of Second Baptist Church at 1400 Idlewood Ave. in Richmond’s Randolph community will celebrate its 179th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of its pastor, the Rev. Dr. James Henry Harris, on Nov. 16 and 23.
Bethlehem Baptist Church welcomes new senior pastor
Bethlehem Baptist Church has turned a page in its long history with the appointment of the Rev. George Brown as senior pastor.
Celebration honors Lesane’s 70th birthday, retirement
More than 100 family members, friends and former colleagues gathered Saturday, Oct. 25 at The Westin Hotel to celebrate the 70th birthday and retirement of the Rev. Warren J. Lesane Jr.
Brookland Park Fest returning with food, music and family activities
Brookland Park Fest returns to the neighborhood on Nov. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. along Brookland Park Boulevard between Fendall and North avenues.
Another test
On his way out, our current governor has decided to give Virginia students the one thing they haven’t asked for — another test.
Board of Supervisors to appoint LeQuan Hylton as interim supervisor
In the wake of the death of five-term Dale District Supervisor James M. “Jim” Holland, members of the Chesterfield board plan to appoint LeQuan Hylton as interim supervisor for the district.
Plans for Shockoe Project memorial, plaza advance
The City of Richmond’s Planning Commission on Monday, Nov. 3 approved conceptual plans for a memorial to the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground and finalized designs for Reconciliation Plaza improvements, two key components of The Shockoe Project.
MacKenzie Scott gives Virginia State University $50M gift
Virginia State University has received a $50 million gift from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest single donation in the school’s 143-year history and the second major contribution from Scott in less than five years.
Griffith to lead Germanna Community College
Germanna Community College is turning to an experienced Florida higher education leader, Tashika Griffith, to guide the school as its next president starting in January.
Virginia practitioners can now access accredited medical cannabis training
As more Virginians turn to medical cannabis for relief, health care practitioners are being asked increasingly about its benefits, risks and potential drug interactions, but many lack formal training.
Ceremony at Virginia War Memorial to honor Commonwealth’s veterans
The Virginia War Memorial will host the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 on the memorial’s grounds at 621 S. Belvidere St.
Chesterfield School Board announces interim Clover Hill representative
The Chesterfield County School Board appointed Jenna Darby as the interim representative for the Clover Hill District, effective Jan. 1, following the announced resignation of Dorothy Heffron, who is stepping down after controversy over a social media post. Her resignation is effective Dec. 31.
NAACP Virginia State Conference names new leadership
The NAACP Virginia State Conference has elected new officers for the 2025-27 term during its 90th annual convention Oct. 24-26 in Richmond.
Equipment failure delays Richmond utility bills for about 5,000 customers
An equipment malfunction has forced the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to delay billing for roughly 5,000 customers on the city’s South Side. The department discovered the issue Oct. 17 and paused billing to avoid issuing inaccurate statements.
Franchise QB Jayden Daniels, All-Pro Marvin Mims Jr. injured late in blowouts
With a surge in blowouts in the NFL, head coaches might want to take stock of two scenarios that backfired when star players were injured in the waning moments of games that were already way out of hand.
VCU tips off season with fresh faces, familiar ambitions
Fans at the Siegel Center on Monday night might have been wise to grab a program on their way in to watch VCU’s 103-74 victory over the Wagner Seahawks.
‘A Distinct Society’ to premiere at Firehouse Theatre
Firehouse Theatre will stage the Virginia premiere of “A Distinct Society,” a play written and directed by acclaimed playwright Kareem Fahmy, opening Nov. 14 on the Carol Piersol Stage at 1609 W. Broad St.
Personality: Micheal Sparks
Spotlight on the CEO of the Underground Kitchen and founder of UGK Community First
Drawing on years of global culinary experience, Micheal Sparks blends food education and cultural tradition to promote healthier eating within the African American community.
Winsome Earle-Sears’ candidacy a missed opportunity by Sophia A. Nelson and Colita Nichols Fairfax
When Winsome Earle-Sears — who lost to Democrat Abigail Spanberger by nearly 15 points Tuesday — became the first Black woman nominated for governor of Virginia by a major political party, history took note.
Endorsing Kamala Harris was Dick Cheney’s finest hour by Julianne Malveaux
Dick Cheney, who died this week at age 83, was one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern American politics.
Hegseth’s war on ‘woke’ is an assault on American history by Clarence Pagfe
When Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the cancellation of any official observance of “cultural awareness” months in the military service, I immediately wondered what it would mean for the legacy of Milton Olive.
Young people must defend democracy in dark times by Ben Jealous
We just fell back. The season of darkness is coming. But this year, more than any I can remember, that darkness feels existential, not just seasonal.
Ladies first
Led by two accomplished and capable women, the Democratic Party of Virginia secured a political trifecta this week, winning the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Voter empowerment, social justice take center stage at rally
Chants for justice, equality and voting rights echoed through downtown Richmond on Sunday as about 100 residents marched from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School to the state Capitol in the first “United We Stand” March and Rally for Voter Empowerment and Justice.
Swipe left
Virginians turn away from Republican rule, elect Spanberger and Democrats statewide
Virginia made history in several ways Tuesday after elections that saw landmark gains for Democrats statewide and nationally.
General Assembly passes initial vote on redistricting measure
An amendment that would allow the General Assembly to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts passed its first hurdle Friday afternoon, when state senators voted 21-16 along party lines to approve it after about three hours of floor discussion.
Petersburg casino hosting job fairs as opening of first phase nears
As construction continues on the new Live! Casino Virginia, the developers are launching a series of community career fairs to prepare for the first phase of the resort’s opening.
Civil rights groups sue Virginia over rejected student voter registrations
Civil rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit in Virginia alleging that state and local election officials are unlawfully rejecting student voter registration forms because they lack dormitory names, room numbers or campus mailbox information — details that the groups say are both irrelevant and discriminatory.
Wednesday, November 5
Democrats sweep Virginia's statewide offices, expand House majority
Abigail Spanberger will become the first woman to be Virginia's governor, according to The Associated Press.
