Juneteenth 2025 Closings
Here's what is closed on Thursday, June 19th...

VUU Gospel Choir releases debut single ‘Great is Yahweh’
The Virginia Union University Gospel Choir has released its debut single, “Great is Yahweh,” marking a historic milestone for the student ensemble.

VDH issues third notice to Richmond after May boil water advisory
State officials with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have raised concerns about Richmond’s water system for the third time this year, issuing another Notice of Alleged Violation to the city Monday over the May boil water advisory.
RippleCon returns to Richmond Public Library
RippleCon, the Richmond Public Library’s annual mini fandom convention, is set to return for its third year on Saturday, June 28, at the Main Library downtown. The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include special guests, workshops, gaming, vendors, photo ops and a cosplay contest.

VUU Names Alico Dunk as 10th Women’s Basketball Coach
Virginia Union University recently appointed Alico Dunk as the 10th head coach in the history of its women’s basketball program.

An appreciation: Jerrauld C. Jones, by Roger Chesley
Jerrauld Jones’ speech about the Confederate flag on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates in January 1999 displayed an oratory so gut-wrenching, so authentic, that he swayed opposing delegates to his side.

Peaceful protest is patriotic, by David W. Marshall
This is the America the world has been waiting to see. As the self-proclaimed defender of democracy, it is a role embedded in our nation’s history and founding principles. The United States has a long history of supporting democratic movements and institutions globally; now it must seriously fight to save its own democracy at home.

President’s peacemaking efforts invite more chaos, by Clarence Page
While the nation braced to see what would happen next in Los Angeles, on Thursday a surprising message appeared on President Donald Trump’s Truth Social account.

Black Music Month and Sly Stone’s songs remind us to hope, by Julianne Malveaux
Dyana Williams, Kenny Gamble and Ed Wright founded Black Music Month in June 1979. Also known as African American music Appreciation Month, it was first officially celebrated by President Jimmy Carter with a White House reception.
Freedom’s Holiday
With all that’s going on — and there’s a lot going on — we’re pleased and heartened by the strong showing of Juneteenth events this year. It looks like more celebrations are taking place not just on the official day but also in the days leading up to and following it. Juneteenth has come a long way from a somewhat obscure day of remembrance to the national holiday it is today. .

Survivors, families mark 10 years since church massacre
People of faith gathered again at Mother Emanuel AME on Tuesday just like they did 10 years ago, searching for God’s truth and his love in the church fellowship hall.

Jones edges Taylor in Democratic attorney general primary
Norfolk native will face Miyares in November
In a nail-biter Democratic primary Tuesday, Jay Jones narrowly defeated Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor in the race for attorney general, setting up a November showdown with Republican incumbent Jason Miyares.

Edge of Daybreak shines again with new music, film
In 1979, a group of inmates at Powhatan Correctional Center recorded an album with the help of a mobile studio from Richmond’s Alpha Audio. Over five hours, the band Edge of Daybreak laid down eight soul and disco tracks within the prison walls.

Extra rest could be the Pacers’ best ally in the NBA Finals
Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right now.

Teacher, superintendent Billy Cannaday dies at 75
Condolences have poured in from across Virginia’s education community following the death of Billy K. Cannaday Jr. last week at age 75. His decadeslong career included a variety of local and state roles, including serving as superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools from 2000 to 2006.

Personality: Sera Erickson
Spotlight on the collective board member at Rags & Bones Local bicycle co-op
Rag & Bones, Richmond’s volunteer-run bicycle co-op has become a vital hub for the city’s bicycle community. Dedicated to making biking affordable and accessible, the non-profit offers low cost refurbished bicycles and parts and a welcoming space where anyone can learn to keep their wheels rolling.

Thousands join nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ protest
Downtown Richmond rang with chants and cheers Saturday as thousands gathered for the city’s No Kings Day of Defiance, part of a nation-wide protest against the Trump administration.

Hashmi claims Lt. Gov. nod as Stoney concedes race
A Richmond-area politician appeared to win the lieutenant governor spot on Virginia’s statewide Democratic ticket in Tuesday’s elections. But it wasn’t former Mayor Levar Stoney.

Former CIAA Coach of the Year joins VUU as women's hoops leader
Virginia Union University recently appointed Alico Dunk as the 10th head coach in the history of its women's basketball program.

‘Un/Bound’ highlights more than two centuries of free Black life in Virginia
A new exhibition at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture explores the lives and legacies of free Black Virginians from 1619 to the end of slavery in 1865.