
Rising waters will not drown the American spirit, by Ben Jealous
On the Fourth of July, Donald Trump signed his “mega-bill.” The law boosts the dying fossil fuel industry with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars. It invites an additional 470 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2035 — that’s the equivalent annual emissions of more than 100 million gas-powered cars. And it aims to stop dead in its tracks the clean energy transition and the green manufacturing jobs boom the Inflation Reduction Act was already starting to create.

Is the Epstein scandal behind us? Don’t bet on it, by Clarence Page
When a reporter asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation last week, President Trump could not contain himself a moment longer.“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” he said, pushing back against the question. “This guy’s been talked about for years. … Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.”

Workshop to explore African American spirituals in worship
Voices will come together Saturday morning, Aug. 16, at Grace Episcopal Church in Goochland County for a workshop on African American spirituals and gospel music.

A show of force with no justification, by Julianne Malveaux
They came to MacArthur Park on horseback and in riot gear, their faces covered and their weapons out. They were part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and the California National Guard. They came with more than a dozen military vehicles as helicopters swarmed overhead. They came heavily armed with rifles and other weapons. They came, clearly, ready to rumble, armed to excess. Why?

S.A. Cosby to discuss new novel at Petersburg event
Award-winning crime fiction author S.A. Cosby will stop in Petersburg on Saturday, July 19, to promote his newest release, “King of Ashes,” during a book tour stop hosted by Resist Booksellers.

Excelsior University honors Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg
Excelsior University formally dedicated its headquarters on July 9 as the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg University Center, paying tribute to the late U.S. Army leader and founding university trustee.

Parking meter rates, violation fines rise
Starting July 7, the City of Richmond’s Parking Enterprise Division implemented new parking fees following approval of the city budget by City Council in May.

City seeks public input on Hull Street bridge replacement project
The City of Richmond is inviting residents to weigh in on plans to replace the Hull Street bridge over the Manchester Canal, with a public meeting scheduled for Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Main Street Station.

Henrico schools offer free immunization clinics
Rising seventh- and 12th-grade students in Henrico County Public Schools can receive required immunizations at no cost during four clinics scheduled in August.

Rodgers named Richmond’s economic development director
Angie Rodgers has been named Richmond’s new director of economic development, city officials announced this week.

The Chuck Brown Band will bring go-go groove to 2nd Street Festival
The beat of go-go will echo through Jackson Ward this fall as the Chuck Brown Band headlines the 37th annual 2nd Street Festival, set for Oct. 4-5 in downtown Richmond.

Black Widows punch ticket to championship
The Richmond Black Widows are charging toward their first national crown. On July 12, 2025, Richmond steamrolled the Connecticut Ambush 45-14 to clinch their spot in the WFA Division III National Championship.

Justice takes root at eco camp
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light will host its annual youth eco camp on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond.

The real man of steel
Did you know there’s a strong chance the character of Superman — the beloved immigrant hero— was inspired by a legendary figure from African American folklore?

RRHA delays vote on Gilpin Court transfer amid concerns
The future of Richmond’s oldest public housing neighborhood remains uncertain after the RRHA delayed a vote to transfer ownership of Gilpin Court to Wednesday, Sept. 17.

During Diversity town hall, community voices anger, demands accountability
Nearly 100 people gathered Tuesday evening at Diversity Richmond for a town hall meeting marked by frustration and calls for accountability following allegations of weeks of racism and sexual harassment by a former employee.

Black Pride RVA faces funding cuts ahead of annual events
Flexing and strutting on a makeshift runway in The Valentine museum, models in locally designed leather, fur and crochet couture excited an audience of about 50 people on June 28, a few weeks before Black Pride RVA.

Personality: Anissa Turner-Randolph
Spotlight on the board chair of the BLK RVA Advisory Committee
Anissa Turner-Randolph first discovered BLK RVA while scrolling through Instagram. After learning about the organization’s mission at the Second Street Festival, she began following its account. So when a call for advisory committee members appeared in her feed, she didn’t hesitate to step up.

Deacon gets a new pickup truck after helping thwart Michigan church shooting
As Richard Pryor watched the armed man push toward CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, he realized his options to stop the gunman were few.

Dems hold early edge in Va.’s top 2025 races
Youngkin’s approval dips as Trump remains unpopular, VCU poll finds
With less than four months to go before Virginians elect a new slate of statewide leaders, a new poll from Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs finds Democrats holding early leads in all three top races — and voters sharply focused on economic pressures and personal freedoms.