City budget forces RPS cuts, community projects find support
With Richmond officials set to finalize the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget next Monday, leaders from Richmond Public Schools and the People’s Budget initiative are adjusting plans in response to funding levels and proposed changes. Richmond School Board meetings Monday and Tuesday featured discussions of a revised 2026 budget proposal for Richmond Public Schools that includes nearly $13.8 million in reductions.
Free concert series returns to Main Street Station
Live music is back at Main Street Station this month with the return of the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series. The free outdoor concert series continues Thursday, May 8, and each Thursday through May 22. Concerts will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St.
Reese has rousing return to Baton Rouge
Former LSU star Angel Reese’s homecoming in the Chicago Sky’s WNBA exhibition opener was a smashing success.
Union groups call for rehiring of RPS bus drivers
Union leaders, parents, and students are calling for the reinstatement of five longtime Richmond Public Schools bus drivers who were fired after protesting proposed changes to their overtime pay.
Parayo to oversee opening of Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies recently appointed Penny Parayo as senior vice president of operations and general manager for Live! Casino Virginia, the gaming facility scheduled to open in Petersburg by the end of the year.
Chesterfield seeks input on Route 10 corridor plan
Chesterfield County planning staff are seeking input from residents and businesses on how best to guide development and land use along a key stretch of Route 10.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary election continues through Saturday, June 14.
Warnock to speak at Virginia Union’s 2025 commencement
Virginia Union University recently announced U.S. Sen. Raphael G. Warnock will deliver the keynote address at its 2025 commencement ceremony. The event will take place 9 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Hovey Field on the university’s campus. In addition to his address, Warnock will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree in recognition of his leadership in public service, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to education and equity.
Chesterfield Schools adds 6 to Education Hall of Fame
Six former educators were inducted into the Chesterfield County Public Schools Hall of Fame during a May 1 ceremony, bringing the total membership to 30 since the program began in 2022.
VUU sweeps in shot put, discus at CIAA championship
Virginia Union University made history at the CIAA Men’s Track & Field Championship by sweeping both the shot put and discus throw for the first time, taking first, second and third place in each event. The landmark achievement capped a season in which the Panthers broke more than 10 school records, signaling major growth for the program.
Retired Army colonel to share story of Six Triple Eight in lecture at museum
Retired U.S. Army Col. Edna W. Cummings will speak at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Thursday, May 8, at noon. In her lecture, Cummings will discuss her memoir, “A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion,” which chronicles her path from a military childhood to leadership roles in the Army and beyond.
Agecroft Hall to host free concert and activities on Mother’s Day
Agecroft Hall and Gardens will host a free concert and family-friendly activities on Mother’s Day, inviting visitors to explore the historic site and its gardens.
VMFA to temporarily close select galleries for expansion prep starting May 13
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will temporarily close several galleries beginning May 13 as it prepares for the largest expansion and renovation project in its history, museum officials announced Monday.
Hundreds rally in Richmond for workers' rights on May Day
Chants echoed through downtown Richmond on May Day as more than a thousand demonstrators marched down Franklin Street in support of workers’ rights and in protest of policies tied to the Trump administration.
Council keeps raises in place in proposed Richmond budget
After weeks of discussion, Richmond’s proposed $3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 is moving toward approval with only modest changes from City Council, including keeping salary increases for the city’s highest-paid employees.
Republican candidate calls out anti-gay bias
John Reid defies calls to exit race, accuses Youngkin of smear tactics
Amid a political firestorm, John Reid’s continued campaign for lieutenant governor — the first time an openly gay candidate of any party has run for statewide election in Virginia — represents a litmus test at the intersection of politics, sexuality, gender and privacy in the digital age.
Rev. Barber arrested in Capitol Rotunda after praying against Republican-led budget
Prominent pastor and anti-poverty activist the Rev. William Barber and two others were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday, April 28, an action he said would be part of a recurring series of demonstrations aimed at challenging the Republican-led budget bill.
Personality: Jaeda Perry
Spotlight on Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond’s 2025 Youth of the Year
When Jaeda Perry’s mother faced limited daycare options, she turned to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
T.D. Jakes’ Dallas megachurch to be led by daughter, son-in-law
Bishop T.D. Jakes is turning leadership of his Dallas mega-church, The Potter’s House, over to his daughter and son-in-law — a move they said occurred after preparations “over the last several years,” but also five months after Jakes suffered a massive heart attack.
‘Loving v. Virginia’ opera tells story of landmark case
Richard and Mildred Loving were a brave and tenacious couple who made the existence of many American families possible.
