Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending on Saturday, Aug. 10, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia rose by 10% from the previous week, though new admissions remain low.
NASCAR’s Rajah Caruth teams up with Microsoft to turbocharge VUU
Virginia Union University just got a serious upgrade, thanks to NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth and tech giant Microsoft. On Aug. 9 during NASCAR’s Race Weekend, Caruth rolled into the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center with a state-of-the-art driving simulator in tow, ready to shift VUU’s educational resources into high gear.
Personality: Kenneth Lanelle Ragland
Spotlight on the 2024 president of the National Police Athletic/Activities League
Kenneth Lanelle Ragland grew up in inner-city Philadelphia, an area that struggled with poverty and crime. His positive experience with the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL) inspired him to pursue a career focused on creating opportunities for young people in similar circumstances.
Businesses and volunteers rally to support students’ back-to-school needs
Last week, the Seventh Annual Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive brought together community leaders, volunteers and business partners to ensure students are prepared for the upcoming academic year.
Historic hospital’s fate hangs in balance as debate continues
Plans for the partial demolition of Richmond Community Hospital, the city’s first Black hospital, were met with mixed reactions last Thursday as Virginia Union University and developers unveiled details of a multimillion-dollar housing project during a community meeting.
BHMVA earns national designation, secures $320K in grants
he Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia has been designated as a member of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network, a program that preserves stories of the Civil Rights Movement.
Council candidates clash on Richmond’s path forward
Twelve of the 18 candidates running for Richmond City Council shared their vision for the city’s future at a candidate forum hosted by the Richmond Crusade for Voters on Monday evening, drawing a crowd of around 60 people to Third Street Bethel AME Church.
Metro health districts promote vaccination during national awareness month
As August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, the Richmond and Henrico health districts are launching a campaign to emphasize the critical role of vaccinations in public health.
Henrico schools expand student ID program
Henrico County Public Schools will roll out new multifunctional ID cards for all 50,000 students when classes resume Aug. 19, expanding on a transportation pilot program from last year.
VPM marks start of construction on new Downtown headquarters
In June 2023, VPM unveiled plans for a cutting-edge headquarters in the heart of Downtown Richmond’s Historic Monroe Ward. On Thursday, community members and VPM representatives gathered at the future site at 15 E. Broad St. to celebrate the start of construction in a unique way— with a block party.
FXA Sports, Be Social Richmond merge to expand adult sports offerings
FXA Sports, one of the nation’s largest adult sports leagues, has announced a merger with Be Social Richmond to expand and enhance adult sports opportunities in the Richmond area. The merger will combine resources, leagues and sports options for a more comprehensive sports experience.
Richmond Flying Squirrels set to soar in 2025
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have announced their game schedule for the 2025 season, marking their 15th year in the league and the 40th season of baseball at The Diamond.
Down Home festival celebrates African American culture
The 33rd Annual Down Home Family Reunion, a celebration of African American folklife, is set for Aug. 17 in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward.
Black farmers win $2.2 billion payout in USDA discrimination case
After a decades-long fight for Black farmers to receive financial assistance for their farms, the rain made grain this week.
That’s the ticket!
Harris-Walz team targets key battlegrounds in campaign
The most turbulent presidential campaign in generations is now set to play out as a 90-day sprint across two fronts: the Rust Belt and the Sun Belt.
AME Zion Church meeting focuses on voting initiative, new bishops
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church launched a get-out-the vote effort, chose new bishops and finalized the restructuring of some departments during its quadrennial meeting in late July.
Diamond District developers confident despite $40M lawsuit
As Richmond’s Diamond District project begins in earnest, partner real estate developers expect to see no interference in the work to come, even as a new $40 million lawsuit has been levied against those involved in the redevelopment of the area.
Richmond Jazz & Music Festival returns with eclectic lineup
The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival will celebrate its 12th edition Aug. 9-11. Since its debut in 2010, the festival — originally known as the Richmond Jazz Festival — has broadened its scope to feature a diverse array of music genres. On the bill this year are rappers, R&B singers and of course top-notch jazz musicians.
Accountability takes center stage at mayoral forum
A more honest and accountable Richmond city government was the major focus of a mayoral forum hosted by the Richmond Crusade for Voters last Thursday at Third Street Bethel AME Church.
