Kwanzaa festival celebrates African American culture
The Elegba Folklore Society will host its annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Dec. 28, offering a daylong celebration of African American culture and heritage.
TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban
TikTok asked a federal appeals court on Monday to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews its challenge to the statute. The legal filing was made after a panel of three judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to divest its stakes in the social media company or face a ban, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, have claimed that the popular app will shut down by Jan. 19, 2025. TikTok has more than 170 million American users who would be affected, the companies have said. In their legal filing on Monday, attorneys for the two companies wrote that even if a shutdown lasted one month, it would cause TikTok to lose about a third of its daily users in the U.S. The company also would lose 29% of its total “targeted global” advertising revenue for next year as well as talent since current and prospective employees would look elsewhere for jobs, they wrote. “Before that happens, the Supreme Court should have an opportunity, as the only court with appellate jurisdiction over this action, to decide whether to review this exceptionally important case,” the filing said. It’s not clear if the Supreme Court will take up the case. But some legal experts have said the justices are likely to weigh in on the case since it raises novel issues about social media platforms and how far the government could go in its stated aims of protecting na- tional security. President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok the last time he was in the White House, has said he is now against such action. In their legal filing, the two companies pointed to the political realities, saying that an injunction would provide a “modest delay” that would give the incoming Administration time to determine its position — which could moot both the impending harms and the need for Supreme Court review.” Attorneys for the two companies are asking the appeals court to decide on the request for an
Personality: Gary L. Flowers
Spotlight on the president of Theban Club of Richmond
Gary L. Flowers, an African American history enthusiast, has devoted over 35 years to civil rights law and activism. He’s worked alongside notable African American trailblazers such as the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and continues to battle the suppression and inequities Black people face today.
Former President Obama highlights megachurches and bridge-building at forum
Former President Barack Obama at a Dec. 5 forum on democracy pointed to the partnership of houses of worship and the success of megachurches as examples of ways to build bridges and foster pluralism.
VUU’s probation status extended
Virginia Union University’s probation status will continue into 2025. VUU leadership announced the decision in a letter to the college’s community Tuesday, with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges allowing VUU to remain accredited by extending the status into the coming year.
Hildreth ‘Hal’ Walker Jr., laser scientist, dies at 91
Hildreth “Hal” Walker Jr., a pioneering laser scientist and dedicated STEM advocate, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at 91 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Barkley inches closer to NFL single-season rushing crown
Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia.
GardenFest of Lights tops USA Today’s ranking with holiday display
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has again topped USA Today’s ranking of botanical garden holiday light displays, drawing national recognition for its elaborate nighttime spectacle.
Movieland theater to undergo multimillion-dollar renovation
Movieland at Boulevard Square, Richmond’s only first-run movie theater within the city limits, is undergoing its most significant renovation since opening in 2009. The multimillion-dollar project will enhance the movie-going experience with new features and upgraded amenities.
RVA Community Fridges stay cool with help after vandalism
Taylor Scott founded RVA Community Fridges nearly four years ago, inspired by similar mutual aid initiatives in California and New Orleans.
McQuinn announces re-election campaign for House of Delegates
Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, D-Henrico, officially launched her re-election campaign Tuesday afternoon at Trevor’s Grill and Tavern in Henrico.
Farid Alan Schintzius, activist, dies at 76
Richmond activist Farid Alan Schintzius died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of local advocacy and community engagement. Schintzius’ family confirmed his death on a social media post.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Dec. 7, COVID-19 accounted for .6% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness moderate and trending up compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at time of publication. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Maxie Awards honor Richmond’s student-athletes
Richmond’s student-athletes stepped into the spotlight at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center on Dec. 4 at the 2nd Annual Maxie Awards Banquet. The event honored the city’s best players and coaches, blending pride, celebration and community spirit.
Joyner-Kersee to headline RVA Sports Awards
Legendary Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee will headline the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8, bringing star power to the annual celebration of Richmond area athletic achievements.
Virginia Union’s historic season ends with loss to Valdosta State
Virginia Union University’s football team saw its record-breaking season come to an end Saturday, Dec. 7, with a 49-14 loss to top-ranked Valdosta State in the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals in Valdosta, Ga.
Activist Farid Alan Schintzius Dies at 76
Richmond activist and community leader Farid Alan Schintzius died Thursday, Dec. 5 at the age of 76.
Shockoe Project continues to advance with new developments
Richmond officials and architects gathered Monday afternoon at Ancarrow’s Landing to celebrate and update the public on the latest developments in the multi-million-dollar Shockoe Project.
Dept. of Corrections confirm inmates burned themselves: lawmakers want investigation
At least six incarcerated people have burned themselves at western Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison, the Virginia Department of Corrections confirmed Wednesday.
RPS bids farewell to outgoing School Board Members
Richmond Public Schools Board Chairwoman Dawn Page, 8th District, teared up as family, community members and former school board colleagues congratulated her for her service at Monday night’s school board meeting.
