Virginia schools see uptick in violent threats
Since the Sept. 4 Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia that left four dead and nine injured, there have been several threats of violence toward schools in Virginia, including some locally.
Dikembe Mutombo, a Hall of Fame player and tireless advocate, dies at 58 from brain cancer
Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.
Law group challenges Virginia’s conversion therapy ban as unconstitutional
The conservative Founding Freedom Law Center filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Supreme Court last Thursday, challenging the state’s ban on conversion therapy as “unconstitutional.”
‘A Long Arc’ brings 175 Years of Southern photography to VMFA
From sepia-toned Civil War battlefields to vibrant snapshots of modern Southern life, a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers a sweeping look at nearly two centuries of photography in the American South.
Catherine Vernice Glover, famed Prince collaborator, dies at 60
Catherine Vernice Glover, known to Prince fans worldwide as “Cat,” the renowned dancer, choreographer and singer who rose to fame through her collaborations with Prince, has died at 60. Glover’s passing was announced via her official Facebook page on Oct. 1, 2024. No cause of death was provided.
Community mourns loss of Richmond mentor and nonprofit leader
For over a decade, Stephan A. Hicks worked to uplift boys and men in the Richmond region and empower them to be their best selves.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Sept. 28, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, trending down from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within the same timeframe. Data on COVID-19 wastewater levels in the Greater Richmond area showed plateaus starting Sunday, Sept. 8.
Leaders gather for veterans and military affairs discussion
On Oct. 3, leaders from across Virginia’s business, military and government sectors will come together at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the 2024 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Executive Forum and V3 Awards Luncheon. Hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the event will highlight efforts to strengthen veteran employment and recognize organizations committed to supporting military families.
Voting Information
The presidential election, as well as contests for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Richmond Mayor, City Council and School Board, take place: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Experts call for legislative action as homelessness surges among Richmond’s elderly
Older adults age 55 and up accounted for 44% of the homeless population in the Greater Richmond Region, according to a recent annual count. Homelessness in the region increased 20% from 2023, while older adult homelessness rose two percentage points, based on recent data collected by the Homeward VA point-in-time count.
Hope after Helene
We are stunned by the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. Particularly, the damage left in western North Carolina, which defies explanation.
A leadership vacuum, by L. Douglas Wilder
The Wilder School at Virginia Commonwealth University recently held a symposium, led by Wilder School Dean Susan T. Gooden. The subject was “Elections 2024: The Importance of Listening to the People.” Panelists included: Bob Holsworth, managing partner of the consulting firm DecideSmart and founding director of the Wilder School; Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics; Dr. Susan Gooden; and Robyn McDougle, associate dean of research and outreach at the Wilder School. They collectively laid out the most vital issues and challenges of the people. The responses from the packed audience demonstrated the need for further discussion regarding an absence of leadership in public service.
For a thriving Richmond, start at home, by Danny Avula
For more than 20 years, my wife, Mary Kay, and I have raised our family in Richmond’s East End. It’s the place where we cheered on our kids as they played soccer for the Powhatan Community Center, made lifelong friends sitting on our neighbors’ porches, and connected with families at regular events at Chimborazo Elementary School. But for too many people – residents who have lived here for generations and newcomers alike – the neighborhood we love calling home is becoming unaffordable and out of reach.
VUU Panthers dominate Shaw University in Willard Bailey Classic
The Virginia Union University Panthers showcased a commanding performance in the Willard Bailey Classic, overwhelming Shaw University 42-7 on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Willie Lanier Field at Hovey Stadium.
VCU women’s soccer extends unbeaten streak
The Virgnia Commonwealth University Women’s Soccer team extended their unbeaten streak to five games after a 1-1 draw against St. Bonaventure in Atlantic 10 play on Sunday at Sports Backers Stadium. VCU remains undefeated in conference action with a 1-0-3 record.
Virginia State bounces back with 35-18 win over Fayetteville State
After two consecutive losses, Virginia State University (2-2, 1-0 CIAA) returned to the win column with a 35-18 victory over Fayetteville State (2-2, 1-1 CIAA) on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Trojans used a strong offensive performance led by quarterback Romelo Williams and wide receiver Kevin Gayles to secure the conference win.
Pitner to lead discussion on ‘Altar America’ at Gallery 5
Philosopher, writer and educator Barrett Holmes Pitner will speak at Gallery 5 in Richmond on Thursday, Oct. 3, to discuss the Altar America Project, a cultural and ancestor remembrance initiative. The event, part of Gallery 5’s “Community Care Night,” runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with Pitner’s talk beginning at 7 p.m.
Standing up
Young voters urged to participate
Early voting is underway for the November general election. Over 54,000 people completed a ballot on the first day of early voting, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
Registrar faces scrutiny as early voting begins amid investigation
With early voting underway, Richmond Registrar Keith Balmer is focused on getting people to the polls, as other officials call for his removal or continue to investigate his misconduct in office.
Native tree distribution event held at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light and Mosby Memorial Baptist Church gave away 200 native trees and shrubs to Richmond residents last Saturday.
