Friday, December 12
Lauretta Crawley remembered for compassion and innovation
Whether breaking barriers in health care, building family businesses or gathering loved ones around her table, Lauretta Crawley moved through life with uncommon skill and boundless heart, according to those who knew and loved her.
Thursday, December 11
Downtown Ashland launches ‘The Great Raccoon Hunt’
Downtown Ashland has turned a local raccoon’s viral fame into a holiday scavenger hunt.
‘Nutcracker’ continues holiday run at Carpenter Theatre
Richmond Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is being presented at the Carpenter Theatre through Dec. 23, marking the company’s continuation of a signature holiday tradition.
VUU track and field posts standout results at indoor opener
Virginia Union University’s track and field teams opened the indoor season with a surge of early success, highlighted by multiple school records, event wins and breakout performances across two meets.
Student-athletes honored at Maxie Awards banquet
Richmond’s student-athletes were celebrated Dec. 3 during the third annual Maxie Awards banquet at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center.
Applications open for Richmond Poet Laureate position
With less than a year remaining in the city’s current Poet Laureate term, Richmond officials have opened applications for the next poet to serve in the role.
Spanberger picks Candi King as Secretary of the Commonwealth
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday named Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next Secretary of the Commonwealth, choosing a lawmaker and longtime community advocate to oversee constituent services and state board appointments in the incoming administration.
SCC taps former journalist Greg Weatherford as communications director
Greg Weatherford has been named the communications director for the Virginia State Corporation Commission. He replaces Andy Farmer, who retired this year.
Kamala Harris to appear in Richmond to discuss ‘107 Days’
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Richmond on Feb. 2 for a conversation inspired by her bestselling book, “107 Days.”
School Board seeks interim 6th district representative
The 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board will soon have a new occupant, at least temporarily, as the board begins the search to fill the vacancy left by Shonda Harris-Muhammed’s resignation effective Dec. 31.
Fritz Sassine named director of Division of Legislative Automated Systems
Fritz Sassine has been named director of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems at Capitol Square in Richmond, the Virginia General Assembly announced.
Trooper breaks window to pull driver from burning Tesla
A Virginia state trooper, along with several Good Samaritans, helped rescue a Maryland man from a burning Tesla early Friday.
Indigenous artifacts returned by the Vatican are now at a Canadian museum
A selection of Inuit artifacts returned by the Vatican is now at the Canadian Museum of History, after First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders for years called for the repatriation of Indigenous items.
Celebrating its first century, Xavier University of Louisiana perseveres as Catholic HBCU
Once a week, the Rev. Mitchell J. Stevens, a Baptist minister and the interfaith chaplain at Xavier University of Louisiana, hosts an intimate gathering for students at the New Orleans school’s University Center to discuss campus life over coffee and doughnuts.
Personality: Linzy George
Spotlight on Richmond host of CreativeMornings
Linzy George’s story didn’t begin in Richmond, but that’s where her passion for community involvement continues to grow.
Library of Virginia plans major renovation of downtown building
The Library of Virginia is planning a major renovation of its downtown Richmond building at 800 E. Broad St., reimagining more than 112,000 square feet on the first and second floors to improve accessibility, flexibility and community engagement.
A’ja Wilson wins AP Female Athlete of the Year following 4th WNBA MVP
A’ja Wilson stood atop the WNBA again in 2025, winning an unprecedented fourth MVP as her Las Vegas Aces earned a third championship in four seasons.
Secretariat’s early training grounds preserved in Virginia
Nearly 350 acres of farmland where Triple Crown champion Secretariat once roamed as a colt will remain permanently protected, preserving one of the most important landscapes in thoroughbred racing history.
Kickers sign fullback Mujeeb Murana
The Richmond Kickers have signed fullback Mujeeb Murana, pending league and federation approval.
Petersburg’s stars shine, John Marshall dominates in ‘Battle’ wins
Division I talent was on full display Saturday night as nationally ranked Petersburg and city rival John Marshall delivered commanding victories in “The Battle 2025” doubleheader at Virginia State University’s Multipurpose Center.
VMFA returns 41 ancient terracotta fragments
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has deaccessioned and returned 41 ancient polychrome terracotta reliefs after an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit determined they had been looted.
Jones secures Democratic nomination for Hashmi’s Senate seat
Michael Jones, a former Richmond City Council member and state delegate, won the Democratic firehouse primary Sunday and will fill the Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi.
After two years of probation, Virginia Union regains accreditation
Decision ends threat to federal aid eligibility and degree validity
Virginia Union University has regained full accreditation after spending two years on probation, closing a period marked by scrutiny of its financial and operational practices.
Firehouse primary set to fill House District 77 seat
A firehouse primary is set for Sunday, Dec. 14, to fill the House of Delegates seat left vacant by Michael Jones’ election to the state Senate.
Rally calls for end to U.S. involvement in Venezuela
The sounds of anti-war chants and speeches echoed around Maggie Walker Memorial Plaza on Saturday afternoon as Richmond activists rallied against the U.S.’ military strikes on boats in Venezuela and any potential escalation into war.
Chamber outlines decadelong business strategy
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce unveiled its long-term economic strategy, Blueprint Virginia 2035, during the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade, presenting the plan to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.
Mayor Avula and council launch collaborative budget process
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and City Council members met for three hours Dec. 4 to open a new budget process where they work closer together, going over their priorities and sharing concerns about how to pay for them.
Getting schooled
It happens to the best of us. You’re led to believe that you have a say in how things might happen at your job or organization, but instead you realize that the solicitation of your opinion was an exercise in “performative consultation.”
Trump’s obsession with Somali immigrants takes a sinister turn by Clarence Page
Sometimes, one crisis seems to lead to another for President Donald Trump — and he’s got plenty of trouble brewing.
The illusion of the markdown by Julianne Malveaux
Consumers love a sale. We love the little red tag, the “limited time only,” the breathless “50% off!” that promises we’re getting over on somebody.
As Virginia legalizes adult-use marijuana, safeguarding youth is crucial by Bill McGee
Virginia is moving steadily toward approving adult-use marijuana, with a regulated market expected to begin in 2026.
Headlines about white men, college miss the full story by Ben Jealous
The headlines this month about white men, college admissions and the fallout from ending affirmative action startled a lot of people.
New Orleans calls for law enforcement that is fair, focused by Marc H. Morial
“New Orleans is a city with a soul. Our culture, our neighborhoods, our traditions and our deep sense of community shape how we live and how we keep each other safe.
Thursday, December 4
Democrats blast UVA’s settlement with Justice Department over diversity policies
Virginia's public universities faced scrutiny from state senators Monday as lawmakers examined the University of Virginia's settlement with federal investigators and the growing political battle over control of higher education institutions.
Commission sets stage for 2026 retail cannabis launch
Proposal scraps local opt-outs, opens early market access for small growers
Virginia lawmakers took another decisive step Tuesday toward launching a legal cannabis retail market in 2026, unveiling a revised legislative blueprint that scraps local opt-outs, tightens ownership rules and aims to favor small, independent operators over deep-pocketed national brands.
Richmond Fire Department picks three new deputy chiefs
The Richmond Fire Department has appointed three new deputy chiefs to oversee operations, support services and administration.
Special election for Hashmi’s Richmond-area Senate seat set for Jan. 6
Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, has set a Jan. 6 special election to fill the soon-to-be-vacant seat of Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, clearing the way for a fast, intraparty fight in one of the state’s safest Democratic districts.
Richmond auditor finds nearly 50 high-risk issues in city departments
Nearly 50 high-risk issues found during audits of City of Richmond departments have not been fixed by their target date, City Auditor Riad Ali wrote in a new report.
Spanberger names Figueroa to oversee state health and human services
As Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take the helm of the state of Virginia, she has announced her pick for the next secretary of health and human resources: Marvin Figueroa.
Border Patrol exits Chicago to create disorder elsewhere by Clarence Page
They’re gone? Really gone?
The leadership lessons Jesse Jackson has given us by Ben Jealous
News of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s health struggles has stirred many.
Housing crisis won’t ease until lawmakers get serious by Tolton D. Montgomery
I applaud Abigail Spanberger on becoming the governor-elect of Virginia, especially due to one of her core campaign promises: to bring down the cost of housing. “We are going to work to lower costs of renting, buying or staying in your home,” she said in mid-November.
It takes GOP courage, not compromise by David W. Marshall
Every elected official is required to take an oath of office.
U.S. traded global leadership for conspiracy theories by Marc H. Morial
Trump’s reasons for boycotting the event are ridiculous, to be polite … The claim that white people are more affected by criminal acts in the country is not only a mistaken belief but also a manufactured lie designed to invoke the emotions of white racists across the globe.
Michael Jordan’s fight against NASCAR lands in court
Michael Jordan's bitter fight against NASCAR headed to federal court this week in a jury trial that could rip apart the top motorsports series in the U.S.
Personality: Bianca Myrick
Spotlight on the founder & executive director of Pretty Purposed
Bianca Myrick turned a personal struggle into a mission to empower young women and girls.
New generation of Black church leadership rising to continue battle for freedom
It was on Nov. 24, 2014, when then-Howard University student Kevin Lamár Peterman first felt a sermon rise from his belly.
We are hardwired to sing — and it’s good for us, too by Elinor Harrison
On the first Sunday after being named leader of the Catholic Church in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and addressed the tens of thousands of people gathered.
School Board votes to honor Kennedy High
The Richmond City School Board unanimously voted to bring back Armstrong-Kennedy High School, restoring a name that celebrates the legacy of the merged schools.
Harris-Muhammed resigns from RPS board
Shonda Harris-Muhammed is stepping down from the Richmond City School Board to become a Virginia school division superintendent.
Giving Heart marks Thanksgiving feast’s 20th year
The Giving Heart marked its 20th annual Thanksgiving Day Feast last Thursday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, drawing more than 1,000 people to the exhibit hall for a day centered on meals and community connection.
VSU taps award-winning actor Rob Morgan for keynote
Virginia State University recently announced that award-winning actor and VSU alumnus Rob Morgan will deliver the keynote address at the school’s Fall 2025 commencement.
City of Richmond hires Ken Martinez as director of revenue administration
The City of Richmond has hired Ken Martinez as the new director of revenue administration in the Department of Finance. Martinez brings more than 23 years of experience in municipal finance, with expertise in revenue management, taxpayer service and tax administration.
Jones names senior leadership team for attorney general’s office
Attorney General-elect Jay Jones recently announced three senior members of his leadership team who will serve when he takes office in January.
VCU pulls away from Virginia Tech in Battle 4 Atlantis
VCU closed out its Battle 4 Atlantis run with an 86-68 win over Virginia Tech on Friday in Nassau, Bahamas, behind a career-best performance from sophomore guard Terrence Hill Jr.
Spiders add sprint and hurdles coach Andre Moore
The University of Richmond has added Andre Moore to its track and field staff as an assistant coach, bringing the Richmond native back to the program for the first time since 2018.
Holiday Hoops Classic to debut in Henrico
The inaugural 4 Tha Culture Holiday Hoops Classic, a new women’s basketball showcase, is set to take place Dec. 19-21 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center.
H-SC will add club squash with new facility, coach
Hampden-Sydney College will add club squash to its athletic offerings in the 2026- 27 academic year, the school announced.
Upcoming holiday events
RVA Illuminates, downtown Richmond at Kanawha Plaza and surrounding areas. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with live music, food trucks and holiday cheer.
Evanston marks six years of reparations with national town hall
Six years after Evanston, Illinois, launched its groundbreaking reparations initiative, city leaders and national partners will gather Thursday, Dec. 4 to assess progress and offer guidance to communities nationwide.
Historian to discuss Lincoln, Douglass collaboration at VMHC lecture
Historian Jonathan W. White will explore the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass in a lecture at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Dec. 18 at noon.
Monday, December 1
Starbucks workers and supporters continue strike and pickets
Local Starbucks workers and their supporters are calling on residents to take their money to other businesses, as a strike against the company’s labor practices continues nationwide.
