Shot caller
Hey, Joe. We haven’t forgotten about you, our 46th president. There’s something I’d like to bring to your attention, I’m sure you have a little more time on your hands these days than you probably expected to a few months ago, so perhaps you can squeeze me in.
Vice Versus
Amid global and domestic crises, a calmer debate
In a debate that evoked a calmer era in American politics, Tim Walz and JD Vance on Tuesday went after each other’s running mates and sought to shore up their campaigns’ vulnerabilities at a time of renewed fears of a regional war in the Middle East and sadness over devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Former hospital worker charged with Irvo Otieno's death acquitted
A jury on Thursday acquitted the first defendant to stand trial in the death of Irvo Otieno, a who died in custody at a Virginia mental hospital last year
Harris’ appeal serves as a bridge between generations, by David W. Marshall
It is refreshing to see a leader like Vice President Kamala Harris who understands the generation gap we have in our nation. There always will be situations where older and younger people maintain different perspectives on life and the nation’s future based on their experiences, opinions, habits and behavior.
Personality: Amiri Jamil Daniel Richardson-Keys
Spotlight on the 2024 official 2nd Street Festival poster commissioned artist
Artist Amiri Jamil Daniel Richardson-Keys draws inspiration from the essence of the Black family, respecting and valuing their contribution to his art.
William “Bill” Lucy, pioneering labor leader, dies at 90
William “Bill” Lucy, a towering figure in the American labor movement and a champion for civil and human rights, died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at his home in Washington, D.C., at 90 years old.
Mayoral candidates tackle key issues during VPM forum
As early voting continues in Richmond, candidates for the Mayor’s Office took a more active role in answering questions and making their case to residents during a forum Tuesday evening hosted at VPM’s Chesterfield County studio.
Ensuring equal access to the ballot box is crucial for democracy, by Tom Barbour
As a former captain in the United States Marine Corps, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, a former prosecutor, and an advocate for public safety reform, I have dedicated my life to upholding the principles of justice and democracy. With just weeks away from Election Day 2024, and many participating in early voting, I am compelled to speak on an issue that is fundamental to our nation’s core: Defending democracy and upholding the integrity of our electoral process.
Virginia schools see uptick in violent threats
Since the Sept. 4 Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia that left four dead and nine injured, there have been several threats of violence toward schools in Virginia, including some locally.
Dikembe Mutombo, a Hall of Fame player and tireless advocate, dies at 58 from brain cancer
Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.
Law group challenges Virginia’s conversion therapy ban as unconstitutional
The conservative Founding Freedom Law Center filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Supreme Court last Thursday, challenging the state’s ban on conversion therapy as “unconstitutional.”
‘A Long Arc’ brings 175 Years of Southern photography to VMFA
From sepia-toned Civil War battlefields to vibrant snapshots of modern Southern life, a new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers a sweeping look at nearly two centuries of photography in the American South.
Catherine Vernice Glover, famed Prince collaborator, dies at 60
Catherine Vernice Glover, known to Prince fans worldwide as “Cat,” the renowned dancer, choreographer and singer who rose to fame through her collaborations with Prince, has died at 60. Glover’s passing was announced via her official Facebook page on Oct. 1, 2024. No cause of death was provided.
Community mourns loss of Richmond mentor and nonprofit leader
For over a decade, Stephan A. Hicks worked to uplift boys and men in the Richmond region and empower them to be their best selves.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Sept. 28, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, trending down from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within the same timeframe. Data on COVID-19 wastewater levels in the Greater Richmond area showed plateaus starting Sunday, Sept. 8.
Leaders gather for veterans and military affairs discussion
On Oct. 3, leaders from across Virginia’s business, military and government sectors will come together at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the 2024 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Executive Forum and V3 Awards Luncheon. Hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the event will highlight efforts to strengthen veteran employment and recognize organizations committed to supporting military families.
Voting Information
The presidential election, as well as contests for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Richmond Mayor, City Council and School Board, take place: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Experts call for legislative action as homelessness surges among Richmond’s elderly
Older adults age 55 and up accounted for 44% of the homeless population in the Greater Richmond Region, according to a recent annual count. Homelessness in the region increased 20% from 2023, while older adult homelessness rose two percentage points, based on recent data collected by the Homeward VA point-in-time count.
Hope after Helene
We are stunned by the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. Particularly, the damage left in western North Carolina, which defies explanation.
A leadership vacuum, by L. Douglas Wilder
The Wilder School at Virginia Commonwealth University recently held a symposium, led by Wilder School Dean Susan T. Gooden. The subject was “Elections 2024: The Importance of Listening to the People.” Panelists included: Bob Holsworth, managing partner of the consulting firm DecideSmart and founding director of the Wilder School; Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics; Dr. Susan Gooden; and Robyn McDougle, associate dean of research and outreach at the Wilder School. They collectively laid out the most vital issues and challenges of the people. The responses from the packed audience demonstrated the need for further discussion regarding an absence of leadership in public service.
