Marita Golden to share insights from new book at main branch library
Award-winning author and literary activist Marita Golden will visit Richmond on Friday, May 2, for a reading and book signing of her latest work, “How to Become a Black Writer: Creating and Honoring Black Stories That Matter.”
¿Qué Pasa? Festival returns with a celebration of Hispanic heritage
The ¿Qué Pasa? Festival returns to Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond on May 3, for a day of cultural celebration and community connection.
Richmond diocese holds mass in memory of Pope Francis
Bishop Barry C. Knestout led a Mass at noon today at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, honoring the memory of Pope Francis, who died earlier this week at the age of 88.
RRHA board votes against lease transfer for Gilpin Court
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted 5-4 Wednesday to reject a proposed transfer of Gilpin Court, the city’s oldest public housing development, during a meeting at Virginia Union University.
City Council, residents push for changes to Richmond’s 2026 budget
Richmond’s proposed $3 billion budget for 2026 drew scrutiny this week, as City Council members and residents attended a series of meetings to push for changes and raise concerns.
Personality: Christine DeFilippo
Spotlight on the trustee and co-chair of the National MS Society for Richmond Council VA/WV Chapter
Christine DeFilippo’s journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) began while she was on vacation in 2017. She first noticed a tingling sensation in her legs, followed by waves of hot and cold. Soon after, her legs felt like Jell-O, and she eventually woke up unable to walk.
GRTC plans to continue zero-fare policy
Riders won’t have to worry about paying for the bus anytime soon.
Packed meeting highlights division over Fall Line Trail plans
A crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the Richmond Police Training Academy last week, to weigh in on a hotly debated section of the Fall Line Trail planned through Bryan Park.
Federal cuts drive interest in Virginia’s Democratic primaries
New policies affecting the federal bureaucracy and workforce are set to play a central role in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries, observers told VPM News.
Bernice King discusses Fair Housing Act, made law after her father’s murder
Bernice King warns decades of work to reduce inequities in housing is at risk, as the Trump administration cuts funding for projects and tries to reduce funding for nonprofits that handle housing discrimination complaints.
Screening out distractions
If you’re seeing this on your phone or computer, go ahead and take a moment to appreciate the irony — you’re reading about the governor’s call for “Virginia Screen-Free Week”... on a screen.
Eliminating women in power, by David W. Marshall
In 2024, four women held the rank of four-star general or admiral. One year later, in 2025, there are none. This is just one example of how individuals and groups who believe in social equity and fairness are embroiled in a cultural war—and the opposing side is winning.
The history they fear is the truth we carry, by Ben Jealous
The last living link of my family’s story of origin in antebellum Southern Virginia died at age 105 a few years ago.
Earth Action Day: Unleashing our power for our planet, by Susan Bass
Soon, April 22 will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The power of those 20 million voices that came out on the streets that first Earth Day led the United States to create the Environmental Protection Agency and the first generation of environmental laws addressing clean air, clean water and toxics.
Ashland Train Day rolls into town with family fun and rail-themed festivities
Ashland Train Day returns to Downtown Ashland on Saturday, April 26, offering a day of family-friendly fun, food and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Protest, Rally, Repeat
Students, workers keep up pressure with demonstrations
Nicole Subrayan-Bailey, a nurse, visited the Social Security office Tuesday morning to request a physical copy of her Social Security statement—previously accessible online—because she was concerned her benefits might be erased, she said. “I thought I was getting a statement today. Oh no, honey. They were like, ‘No, this is to make an appointment to get your statement.’ And I couldn’t even make an appointment! She’s like, ‘the system’s down,’” Subrayan-Bailey said.
PepsiCo meets with Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott
Leaders at PepsiCo met on Tuesday with civil rights advocates from the National Action Network to discuss the company’s recent decision to roll back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Annual prayer breakfast brings Christian leaders together May 1
The 32nd Annual Christian Leadership Prayer Breakfast is set for Thursday, May 1, bringing together more than 300 Christian leaders from across the Richmond area for worship, fellowship and reflection.
VCUarts and VSU exhibitions spotlight emerging artists’ voices
Two exhibitions are showcasing the dynamic work of emerging artists in the area. The VCUarts MFA Thesis Exhibition at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) and Virginia State University’s (VSU) “Seeing Red” at the Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL) are offering a platform for students to present their research-driven, socially engaged work.
Iverson Classic returns to Hampton, featuring top NBA prospects
The next generation of basketball royalty arrives in Allen Iverson’s hometown May 1-3 as the Iverson Classic showcases the nation’s top high school prospects at Bethel High School’s Allen Iverson Gymnasium.
