Pardon the turkeys
Later this month, President Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House, a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, every year in the U.S., over 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression.
Quincy Jones laid to rest at private funeral in Los Angeles
Music giant Quincy Jones was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, a week after his death at age 91. A larger, more public memorial also is being planned.
Ms. Pat’s comedy tour promises laughter, raw honesty
If you think you’ve heard it all, Ms. Pat is here to prove you wrong. Known for her fierce honesty and sharp-edged humor, the Emmy-nominated star of “The Ms. Pat Show,” brings her “Hot and Flashy” tour to Richmond’s Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center on Nov. 16. With a no-filter approach that slices through the everyday and the outrageous, Ms. Pat turns her life’s rawest moments into comedy gold, from a hard-knock start in Atlanta to standing ovations in Hollywood.
Finding calm after election chaos
If there’s any good to come out of this election, it’s that it’s finally over. After months of emails, phone calls and postcards from so-and-so who is running for this-or-that office, those intrusive communications have finally ceased.
Hanover County to host free Caregiver Expo
Hanover County will host its third annual Caregiver Expo on Thursday, Nov. 14, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month. The free event to provide resources and support for caregivers of older adults will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Montpelier Recreation Center and Library, 15302 Clazemont Road.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Nov. 9, COVID-19 accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness trending up from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that timeframe at the time of publication. Data on COVID-19 wastewater showed levels below detection in Richmond and Henrico County as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Papa Johns awards $15,000 to city organizations
Three local Richmond organizations have been awarded $15,000 in grants to support their efforts in youth leadership and entrepreneurship. The funding, provided by the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community, will help advance programs that aim to strengthen the community.
Visual Arts Center hosts ‘The Shape of Water’ exhibition
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, in partnership with the nonprofit Crafting the Future, hosts “The Shape of Water,” a group exhibition exploring themes of human embodiment, land connection and lasting impressions. The exhibition continues through Jan. 12.
Harriet Tubman posthumously named a general in Veterans Day ceremony
Revered abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who was the first woman to oversee an American military action during a time of war, was posthumously awarded the rank of general on Monday. Dozens gathered on Veterans Day at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Maryland’s Dorcester County for a formal ceremony making Tubman a one-star brigadier general in the state’s National Guard.
Why we cannot go backward on clean energy, by Ben Jealous
More jobs. Better jobs. Lower energy prices. Cleaner water. Cleaner air. Fewer asthma attacks. Fewer heart attacks. Those are just a few of the benefits working people and communities across this country are reaping from the transition from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy.
Youngkin launches Virginia Veterans Network to support military families
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday unveiled the Virginia Veterans Network, a new comprehensive online resource designed to support the state’s veterans, transitioning service members and their families.
Something in the contract?
Things have gotten choppy for the popular “Something in the Water” concert series. After recently canceling this year’s event, which was set for mid-October in Virginia Beach, now it looks like plans for next year are in jeopardy.
Committed to serving all citizens, not catering to Trump
I see where some are dwelling on alleged shortcomings in Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. To my mind, she was a brilliant candidate who ran a near-perfect race. Of course Democrats will look for ways to improve our efforts.
Tribe member celebrates inclusive Indigenous representation
As a tribal member of the Patawomeck, one of the 11 state-recognized tribes in Virginia, I found the Richmond Free Press article “Local tribes celebrate culture, history on Indigenous Peoples’ Day” by Paula Phounsavath (Oct. 17-19 edition) to be a refreshing, appreciative and inclusive read regarding our native culture.
Virginia State defeats Virginia Union, setting up championship rematch
In a battle of two of the top teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Virginia State University defeated Virginia Union University 35-28 on Nov. 9 in Ettrick. The win sets up a rematch between the two teams in the CIAA Championship Game on Nov. 16 in Salem, Va.
Richmond Kickers’ Sawatzky nominated for Coach of the Year
USL League One recently announced that Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky was nominated for the league’s Coach of the Year award.
CIAA announces 2024-25 All-CIAA preseason women’s bowling team
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced the 2024-25 All-CIAA Preseason Women’s Bowling Team and Predicted Order of Finish, as voted on by the Sports Information Directors Association. This year’s preseason team is composed entirely of returners from the 2023-2024 All-CIAA team, showcasing the depth of talent in the conference.
City prepares for 47th annual Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon
The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon is set to celebrate its 47th edition Nov. 16. Known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” the event will feature over 20,000 participants across the marathon, half marathon and 8K races.
Presidential campaign ends on cruel notes, by Clarence Page
It seems to me that Tony Hinchcliffe, the podcast host and alleged “roast comedian” who warmed up the crowd at Donald Trump’s recent campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, could have found a less gratuitously cruel way to get laughs than to call Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”
Richmond minority voters turn out strong for Harris despite national loss
Black and minority voters turned out Tuesday in force across Richmond, with the city delivering an overwhelming 81.6% of its votes to Vice President Kamala Harris in her historic but ultimately unsuccessful bid for the presidency.