
An overview
Nov. 7 election will determine state’s direction on abortion, taxes and environment
Next week, voters across Virginia will fill 100 seats in the House of Delegates and 40 seats in the state Senate — and determine whether Democrats or Republicans hold a majority in each house of the General Assembly.

Mike Jones endorses Nicole Jones as his replacement on City Council
Outgoing City Council President Michael J. Jones is hopeful that a Jones will continue to fill the 9th District seat after he gives it up to prepare to serve in the General Assembly.

Election Day votes likely to boost state’s Black legislators
The General Assembly is guaranteed to have a record number of Black members after voters cast their ballots on Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Collective bargaining effect
Collective bargaining is becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the wages that the city pays its employees.

PROC Foundation hosts 27th Beautillion
The achievements of four beaux (young men) will be recognized during the Profes- sionals Reaching Out to the Community (PROC) Founda- tion’s 27th Beautillion on Nov. 11 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The Beautillion offers high school juniors and seniors educational, social and cultural experiences, along with the chance to earn a college schol- arship during the eight-month Beautillion program. The theme of this year’s Beautillion is “Creating the Nar- rative for a Better Tomorrow.” During the black-tie event, educational and book scholar- ships will be awarded. This year’s participants include: Matthew Lamar Edwards – A junior at Matoaca High School, he is the son of Mr. Marvin L. Edwards and Mrs. Letitia M. Edwards. His escort is J’adore Cadet. Bishop Ramon Foster – A

Tyreek Williams is VSU’s newest baller
Virginia State basketball Coach Lonnie Blow is looking for new stars and Tyreek Williams has raised his hand to volunteer.

Personality: Rebecca Cornett Massey
Spotlight on VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board chair
Rebecca “Becky” Cornett Massey describe herself as being enthusiastic and a teammate. When hearing the new chair of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board discuss the center’s role in the Richmond community, her enthusiasm in being part of the center’s team is evident.

More students gain eligibility for free school meals under expanded U.S. program
Millions of additional students in schools serving low-income communities will be eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost under a rule change announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

JLARC report shows the cost of child care adds up in Virginia
Most Virginia families, particularly single-parent households, currently spend far more than 7% of household income on childcare, or well above the percentage the federal government defines as affordable, according to a new state report.

Finally, a show of support
Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative from Louisiana, is elected House speaker
Republicans eagerly elected Rep. Mike Johnson as House speaker on Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the seat of U.S. power and ending for now the political chaos in their majority.

Trailblazing actor Richard Roundtree dies
Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra- smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.

Churches continue to alter services in era of COVID-19
‘It gives you a reason to reach out to others’
Like other parts of the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed church services throughout the Greater Richmond Region.

VUU has 7 wins and counting
Virginia Union University loves playing at home at friendly Hovey Field. But road trips aren’t bad, either.

Local groups host ‘Trunk or Treat’ at VMHC
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and 24 other local organizations will present Halloween fun at the inaugural Trunk or Treat community event that will take place at the museum on Oct. 27.

Black women and breast cancer diagnosis — just different, by Dr. Vanessa B. Sheppard
While we have made great strides in improving cancer outcomes among many populations over the last several decades, one group remains consistently, inequitably left behind: Black women in America.

Early voting continues in Richmond
The next election is the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Early voting for this election began Sept. 22 and continues until Saturday, Nov. 4.

Chesterfield opens early voting sites
Chesterfield County opened five library satellite sites for in person, early voting on Oct. 23.

MBL presents ‘Women Who Mean Business Summit’
The Metropolitan Business League (MBL) will host its “Women Who Mean Business Summit” on Friday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St.

Fall for All Festival at River City Middle School
A multicultural celebration of love, language and culture takes place Saturday, Oct. 28, at the 2nd Annual Fall for All Festival, hosted by River City Middle School, RPS School Board member Nicole Jones, 9th District, and the RPS Language Instruction Educational Program. The event is free and open to the public.

Virginia NAACP to gain new president
The Rev. Cozy Bailey is on track to be elected the next president of the Virginia NAACP, according to outgoing president, Robert N. Barnette Jr.