Spider track team shines at VMI Invitational with strong results
The University of Richmond women’s track and field team put on a strong showing at the VMI Invitational on Saturday at the Corps Physical Training Facility in Lexington, highlighted by a standout performance from the Spider 4x400-meter relay team.
Civil rights documentary fundraiser set for March 23
A fundraiser for a new documentary about a 1960 civil rights protest will be held March 23 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Public input sought for Virginia’s most endangered historic sites list
Preservation Virginia is now accepting nominations for its annual Most Endangered Historic Places Program, an initiative designed to identify and protect historic sites at risk of being lost. The program invites the public to nominate significant locations facing threats such as demolition, neglect or other challenges.
Youngkin vetoes higher minimum wage despite economic research, by Michael O’Grady
Virginia’s minimum wage recently increased to $12.41 per hour. Democrats sought a higher increase last year but Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed that effort. In his veto explanation, the governor repeated talking points used for the last half-century, including economic freedom and business competitiveness.
President Trump will raise your energy bills, by Ben Jealous
Rate payers, beware. President Donald Trump’s eagerness to enrich his fossil fuel industry allies with a “drill baby drill” and “export baby export” agenda will raise energy costs for American households.
New exhibitions, festivals coming to Science Museum
From interactive exhibits to seasonal festivals, the Science Museum of Virginia is gearing up for a year packed with unique experiences. Guests can look forward to a diverse slate of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages with science, technology, engineering and math.
Green infrastructure projects planned for Belmont, Hull Street libraries
Two Richmond Public Library branches will receive green infrastructure upgrades this year as part of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. Improvements are planned for the Belmont Branch, located at 3100 Ellwood Ave., and the Hull Street Branch, at 1400 Hull St., to enhance sustainability and manage stormwater runoff.
Personality: Amma Gatty
Spotlight on the founder of Cultural Encounters
Amma Gatty, founder of Cultural Encounters, didn’t experience a culture shock when she moved from Ghana, West Africa, to Richmond — it was more of a “people shock.”
Actor reflects on dual roles in ‘MJ the Musical’
Joe Jackson, the controversial patriarch of the Jackson family, played a critical role in shaping Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom. Seven years after his death, his complicated legacy is brought to life on stage by actor Devin Bowles in “MJ the Musical.”
Virginia State defeats Virginia Union in close Freedom Classic showdown
In a thrilling Freedom Classic matchup, Virginia State University edged out Virginia Union University with a 78- 74 victory Saturday night in Petersburg. The game featured dramatic runs from both teams, including a late push by the Panthers that brought the contest down to the wire.
Richmonders join nationwide “We Fight Back” protests
Chants of “the people united, will never be defeated,” echoed throughout Monroe Park on Monday afternoon as dozens of Richmonders rallied and marched in defense of the world’s oppressed, and against the wave of expected changes to come with the second term of President Trump.
Life sentences of ‘Waverly Two’ commuted by Biden
Decades after two African American men were acquitted of the murder of a Sussex County police officer but still sentenced to life in prison, and after years of efforts to clear their names, Terence J. Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne are set to be released in the near future.
Wilder celebrates 94th birthday with tributes, jazz
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 94th birthday was celebrated with heartfelt tributes at the State Capitol, a jazz concert and reflections on his groundbreaking contributions to Virginia’s political landscape
Thousands march in defiance of Trump
Diverse coalition protests inauguration
A diverse coalition of thousands marched in Washington on Saturday in the name of women’s rights, climate change, prison abolition and more, but also as an act of defiance against President Trump.
In sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde pleads for immigrants, transgender rights
President Donald Trump attended the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, Jan. 21, finishing off the festivities marking the beginning of his second term with an interfaith service filled with prayers and hymns — and a sermon that offered a religious challenge to his administration’s stated goals.
RPS budget proposal targets teacher pay, contracts
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented a proposed $43.7 million increase in the operating budget and a $13.6 million increase for school infrastructure improvements at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting.
Firm hired to investigate water treatment plant debacle
In the wake of a weather-related power disruption that caused flooding and equipment malfunctions at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant, City officials have enlisted the help of HNTB Corporation to conduct an independent report. The firm, with over 100 years of experience in infrastructure development, will assess the circumstances surrounding the Jan. 6 debacle.
Speakers urge action to continue King’s legacy at celebration
The enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy was the focus for hundreds last Friday morning as they gathered for Virginia Union University’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast. The event brought local, state and federal officials to a Downtown hotel, where community members from Richmond and across Virginia reflected on King’s impact in the United States and around the world as the new year began.
Barbour launches campaign for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Tom Barbour officially launched his campaign for Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney last week, focusing on public safety issues in the city. Barbour, who previously ran for the office in 2021, outlined his vision for change, emphasizing Richmonders should not be held back by perceptions of unsafe streets.
Campus workers lobby for collective bargaining rights, free speech on campus
Over the past year, Kristin Reed, a career educator at Virginia Commonwealth University, has witnessed the university’s board of visitors vote to increase tuition after it laid off a record number of faculty members and increased class sizes, in addition to eliminating racial literacy general education requirements.
