Richmond native named 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts
Christian Trimmingham, a senior from Richmond studying at Interlochen Arts Academy, has been selected as a 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Awarded by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, this honor recognizes Christian as one of the top 20 high school artists in the United States.
Shock, outrage follow after VSU debate scrapped
A historic presidential debate months in the making at Virginia State University may not be happening. News of its probable cancellation prompted surprise and disappointment from the university and condemnation from current and former political leaders across the state.
Personality: Xolani Sivunda
Spotlight on ART 180’s first international Artist in Residence
Xolani Sivunda doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t honing his art skills. His joy of art strengthened at age 10 when he would replicate images of soccer players he saw in sports magazines. Ever since he hasn’tstopped pursuing his dreams and using anything he had to channel his artistic talent.
Biden administration canceling student loans for another 160,000 borrowers
The Biden administration is canceling student loans for another 160,000 borrowers through a combination of existing programs.
Still no date for School Board mandatory training
In a May 20 meeting, the Richmond School Board after much discussion, failed to schedule governance training by the Virginia School Board Association to come into compliance with state requirements. Without the required training, the School Board risks the loss of some state funding.
Richmond leaders consider gun violence program at meeting
Potential solutions for gun violence in Richmond were shared with hopeful and current city leadership Monday evening during a roundtable at Third Street Bethel AME Church.
New laws on marijuana, police and education start July 1
Concerned about how cannabis use could affect your job? Interested in more education opportunities for your children? Hoping to save money on critical items during the annual sales tax holiday?
Inspector general investigating City Elections Office
The Richmond Electoral Board met with the city’s inspector general in a closed session last week following allegations of nepotism and financial improprieties in the Elections Office led by Registrar Keith Balmer.
AME official Jerome V. Harris dies under a cloud of alleged corruption
The Rev. Jerome V. Harris, a retired general officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, died in Memphis, Tenn,, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. At his death, Rev. Harris was involved in a lawsuit with the denomination over alleged mishandling of the church’s retirement pension funds.
Williams shines on diamond, gridiron
Jimmy Williams does double duty for Virginia State University, and he handles it quite well. The versatile freshman from Durham’s Hillside High wears two hats — or rather a helmet and ballcap — for the Trojans.
Memorial Day 2024 holiday closings
In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, please note the following:
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week of Saturday, May 18, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia dropped 16.3% from the previous week. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported statewide that week. COVID-19 wastewater levels in Central Virginia remain below detection. Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.
RPS graduation schedule, procedures
Graduation ceremonies for Richmond Public Schools will be at the Greater Richmond Convention Center or Virginia Union University. All graduation attendees must follow a set of protocols, including going through metal detectors, no loitering, no re-entry and only bringing clear gallon-size Ziploc bags. Graduates cannot enter the venue in regalia and attendees must exit the premises immediately after the ceremony.
Click It or Ticket campaign launches ahead of Memorial Day
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches and summer beckons, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement emphasize the importance of seat belt usage. The national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign is now underway, running until June 2, aiming to enhance road safety across the state.
Department of Veterans Services hosts Memorial Day ceremonies
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services will hold a Memorial Day ceremony 11a.m. Monday, May 27, at the Virginia War Memorial, at 621 S. Belvidere St.
DEI on campus, in corporations due for a change, by Clarence Page
Reports of the death of DEI, the widely praised and reviled— take your pick—employment policies to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, have been greatly exaggerated, as Mark Twain famously said of reports of his own death.
Protests of controversial graduation speakers useful, have a history, by Roger Chesley
High-ranking elected official comes to campus to pontificate at graduation. University bigwigs pat themselves on the back for the PR boost. Noticeable numbers of graduates then protest at the ceremony, outraged at the luminary — and the university’s tone-deaf selection.
GRASP awards $74K to Richmond high schoolers
This year, GRASP—Great Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.—initiated a new program for students who attend Armstrong, Huguenot, John Marshall, Richmond High School for the Arts and Thomas Jefferson high schools. The program, Richmond Pathways Scholarship & Stipend, helps students bridge the gap and overcome barriers to higher education.
Guess who ain’t coming to dinner?
It appears Virginia State University won’t be hosting a presidential debate this year. This is a tough blow for the school, which was preparing for the national spotlight such an event would provide.
