Flying Squirrels drop series finale to Fightin Phils, 5-3
The Richmond Flying Squirrels fell behind early and couldn’t recover in a 5-3 loss to the Reading Fightin Phils on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.
Norfolk State names M.L. Morgan head baseball coach
Norfolk State University has named Merrill “M.L.” Morgan as its new head baseball coach, the school announced last week.
VCU duo achieves NBA dreams as Shulga and Watkins get drafted
Two former VCU standouts achieved their NBA dreams Thursday night, with both Max Shulga and Jamir Watkins hearing their names called in the draft.
Ouster of UVA’s president attacks academic freedom, by David W. Marshall
The forced resignation of James E. Ryan as president of the University of Virginia at the hands of the Trump administration marks a dangerous precedent for American higher education. The federal government’s ultimatum that Ryan step down as a condition for resolving a civil rights investigation into UVA’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is not just governmental overreach — it is a direct threat to the independence of public universities and the principles of academic freedom.
Audit finds oversight gaps in Richmond’s fuel program, officials pledge reform
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor has found significant weaknesses in the City of Richmond’s fuel program, including poor tracking of fuel usage, inadequate controls over fuel card access and PIN management and a lack of standardized procedures and training.
Public voting opens for BLK RVA Community Awards
Finalists have been named for the 2025 BLK RVA Community Awards, an annual event that spotlights the people, businesses and organizations making a cultural impact across the Richmond region.
July fourth holiday schedule
In observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4, please note the following:
Baskin named deputy director of research at VCU Massey
Monica L. Baskin has joined the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as deputy director of research.
Senate budget plan threatens hospital funding, Virginia officials warn
With roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid funding at stake, Congress is racing to finalize a sweeping budget package, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” ahead of President Donald Trump’s July 4 deadline — but key decisions about cuts to the health care program remain up in the air.
Powhatan dad gets another shot at American Ninja Warrior glory
Barry Boyd grew up in a cramped three-bedroom home with 13 other family members. When Child Protective Services deemed the living situation unsuitable, 6-year-old Barry and his two younger brothers were sent to live with their grandfather. But after that arrangement broke down, the siblings entered foster care, where they remained for five years. That challenging start helped shape the resilience and drive that now fuels his life as a competitor and father.
Investigation finds Rev. Barber did not misdirect funds to pay ex-wife alimony
An independent investigation into allegations that the Rev. William Barber II paid his ex-wife alimony from the finances of his nonprofit concluded the civil rights leader did nothing wrong.
Personality: Sherod Davis
Spotlight on the owner of Misfit Tattoo Society
When Richmond’s predominantly white tattoo industry didn’t provide an opportunity for Sherod Davis to learn the craft, he taught himself. Now, as the owner of one of Rich- mond’s Black-owned tattoo shops, Misfit Tattoo Society, he offers a safe space for apprentices to learn and his customers to feel at home. His shop opened in February 2024.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after mixed verdict clears in sex crimes case
Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s celebrated figures behind bars for life. The rapper was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses and denied bail as he awaits sentencing.
‘RPS Five’ reinstated in wake of pay dispute
“Reinstated! Twenty-nine years! Twenty-nine years! Reinstated!” The voice of Richmond Public Schools bus driver Cynthia Cole echoed through City Hall’s entryway Monday as she, four other drivers, and their supporters celebrated their rehiring following a tentative contract agreement between RPS and the drivers’ union.
Withers’ message still resonates in song, service and support for others
How refreshing it was to read your article, “Celebrating Bill Withers’ music, message through song and service,” about the legendary singer-songwriter’s daughter, Kori Withers, performing her father’s music at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen.
‘Ayida’ at VCU’s ICA celebrates Caribbean culture and diaspora
The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University recently opened “Ayida,” a group art exhibition celebrating the Caribbean and its diaspora, that will be on display through early 2026.
Virginia Union to induct 8 and 1992 basketball team into Hall of Fame
Virginia Union University will induct eight individuals and the 1992 men’s basketball team into its Thomas “Tricky Tom” Harris Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 19.
New York’s mayoral race a testing ground for a Democratic comeback?, by Clarence Page
A seasoned veteran of Chicago politics once told me that it often takes Democrats a couple of four-year cycles out of office before they can pull their fractious factions together into a winning coalition.
Between freedom and the fireworks
Juneteenth and the Fourth of July sit days apart on the calendar, yet for many of us, they couldn’t feel further apart. Both are marked by celebrations, but one party doesn’t feel like the other.
Richmond utility rates increase as new billing cycle begins
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities customers will see higher bills this month, as new utility rates approved by City Council have taken effect.
