Folk Festival drops performance schedule for 20th anniversary
The Richmond Folk Festival returns for its 20th anniversary Sept. 27 through 29, with a weekend packed with performances, cultural displays and community engagement. The festival, one of Virginia’s largest events, is expected to draw more than 200,000 attendees to Downtown Richmond’s riverfront.
Unbalanced
It needs to be said – the Republican nominee isn’t being treated fairly by the mainstream media. I think he might agree with that notion, but it’s becoming more and more difficult to predict what the 78-year-old convicted felon might say. There’s been a noticeable dip in the former president’s ability to speak coherently in the last few months. He’s embraced conspiracy theories, made them up on the spot, changed positions on major issues without notice or explanation and lied all over the place. If another candidate had done some of these things, their mental condition would be a news story. Remember our friend Joe Biden? His debate missteps became a national news story that led him to step down from his campaign. But much of the media is silent when Donald Trump appears to be mentally unraveling on stages and in interviews. His latest rant was against schools that he said provide sex change operations to students. “Think of it; your kid goes to school, and he comes home a few days later with an operation. The school decides what’s going to happen with your child,” he said. Of course, these schools don’t exist anywhere, but that’s not the point. The gatekeepers of the mainstream media are under the assumption that the former president is good for business and continue to allow their producers and reporters to pretend these comments are part of the normal political discourse. This is a dangerous narrative that can’t be allowed to continue. There’s only one way to cancel this frightening reality show the media has helped create – vote.
Standing firm: Protecting reproductive rights in Richmond, by Harrison Roday
The race for mayor will be filled with critical discussions on many topics: our public schools, neighborhood safety, economic opportunity, the functioning of City Hall and transportation, to name a few. But those issues will be accompanied by some new ones. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the growing threat to reproductive rights is a national issue, a state issue, and it’s a local issue. It’s a values issue.
Flying Squirrels’ final homestand against Akron
The Richmond Flying Squirrels began their final homestand of the season Tuesday night with a game against the Akron Rub- berDucks at The Diamond. Left-hander John Michael Bertrand (6-8, 4.50 ERA) started for Richmond, while Akron sent right- hander Tommy Mace (8-5, 3.75 ERA) to the mound. The Flying Squirrels will continue their series against Akron on Friday, Sept. 6, at 6:35 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 7, at 6:05 p.m. Friday’s game will feature a Groundbreaking Day Fan Fest celebrat- ing the future construction of the team’s new stadium. Festivities will start at 5 p.m. and include a commemorative baseball card giveaway, live DJ, photo booth, food and player autographs.
Roadrunners fall to DC Cyclones, but make playoffs
The Richmond Roadrunners closed out their 2024 regular season with a tough 100-58 loss to the DC Cyclones on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Henrico High School. Despite battling numerous injuries and personnel challenges, the Roadrunners finished the season with a 4-4 record and have qualified for the first round of the playoffs.
Virginia State stuns Benedict College 23-7
Virginia State University upset Benedict College 23-7 in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, ending the Tigers’ 20-game regular season winning streak.
VMHC hosts history symposium
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture hosts the Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 7. The event, designed for historians and the public, will offer a full day of presentations centered on the theme of Creation/Creating.
Richmond Kickers unveil massive new video board at City Stadium
City Stadium is about to get a serious upgrade. The Richmond Kickers, in partnership with Ivy Soccer Clubs and the RVA Sports Foundation, have announced the installation of a new, cutting-edge video scoreboard that promises to transform the match-day experience.
Gregg, first Black lieutenant general, remembered for legacy of leadership
Military trailblazer Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, who paved the way for African Americans in the armed forces, passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at the age of 96 after decades of distinguished service.
Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival sets the stage for unity
Luis “Sweet Lou” Hidalgo is known on Richmond’s radio airwaves as “The Voice of Latin Jazz.” He’s the founder of the Richmond Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival and the owner of Master and Sons Plumbing company. Hidalgo also is a man on a mission: to harness the unifying power of the music he loves.
Mayor acknowledges Finance lapses, pledges accountability
Mayor Levar M. Stoney said “under 30 checks” were found by officials in the Department of Finance on the desks of employees during audits in early August, during a press conference held in the lobby of City Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
Health officials tout updated COVID vaccine
While respiratory illnesses like the flu typically trend higher in the winter months, COVID-19 is not totally seasonal. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate high or very high levels of COVID-19 nationwide this summer. But with new vaccines expected to be available next month and the winter months on the horizon, medical professionals in Virginia suggest people get their shots sooner rather than later.
Russell Wilson’s fading career among hot QB questions in 2024
Dak Prescott figures to get paid, either by Dallas or another team willing to go north of $50 million per year if the Cowboys let his contract expire after this season.
Tourism Foundation honors Black culture contributors
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Black tourism and culture at the inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards.
Richmond International Airport officials delay vote on service changes
A move by the Richmond International Airport to assume more control of airline services from two local providers has been delayed for a second time.
Brown named executive director of the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
Renowned curator Jessica Bell Brown has been tapped to lead the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University as its new executive director.
Aging RPS buildings to get multimillion-dollar facelift
Richmond Public Schools is getting a $15.3 million federal grant for HVAC upgrades, a crucial step in the district’s efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs among its aging facilities. The funding, part of a broader initiative to enhance school infrastructure, will target 22 RPS buildings, addressing long-standing issues in a school system where the average facility is 62 years old.
Labor Day closing schedule
In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2, please note the following:
Red Cross faces emergency blood shortage as severe weather disrupts donations
The American Red Cross is grappling with a nationwide blood emergency as severe weather, including the remnants of Hurricane Debby, has significantly impacted blood donations across the country. Residents in unaffected areas are urged to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets to help replenish the critical supply.
Dems’, energy, enthusiasm, exuberance, by Julianne Malveaux
The Democratic National Convention, held Aug. 19 through 22, was, among other things, an occasion of joy.
