
Feeling the heat
Local libraries, other facilities offer relief for some
It’s been a record-breaking hot summer and, according to the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, July was the world’s warmest month ever recorded.

VCU Medical Center leads again in annual ranking
For the 13th consecutive year, Virginia Commonwealth Uni- versity Medical Center has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital in the Metro Richmond area by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Hospitals rankings for 2023 and 2024.

Lives well lived in service to others
Let us pay tribute to two remarkable women who left their mark on the world: New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver and educator and perennial Richmond volunteer Dr. Cora S. Salzberg.

A ‘woke’ military? Don’t forget the messy race relations that got us here, by Clarence Page
Recent Republican moves to limit diversity training and transgender rights and other hot button controversies stemming from the annual defense authorization bill remind me of my own days in uniform back when some of those diversity policies were being created.

It’s time to act, by Jesse Jackson
If things don’t add up, it makes sense to see if something has been left out of the equation. That’s the case today. The experts tell us that the economy is as good as it has been in decades – unem- ployment at record lows, inflation under control, wages finally rising faster than prices. Yet, most people are unhappy and pessimistic. President Biden’s approval rating is still underwater. Donald Trump, his likely opponent in the presidential race, is even less popular. What’s going on?

Historically Black fraternity drops Florida for convention because of DeSantis policies
The oldest historically Black collegiate fraternity in the U.S. said it is relocating a planned convention in two years from Florida because of what it described as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration’s “harmful, racist and insensitive” policies toward African-Americans.

Inner-City Classic to include softball
This year’s activities include fast-pitching girls
The 32nd Annual Inner-City Classic is back in the Richmond area this week with an added attraction.

NSU, HU facing uphill climb
Norfolk State University will have a chip on its shoulder pads during the upcoming football season.

VSU, NSU to play charity baseball
Time for the “old-timers” to loosen up their arms and rub a little oil into their fielding gloves.

Roxanne W. Brinson, former RRHA manager, remembered
Roxanne White Brinson wore multiple hats in seeking to benefit others.

Personality: Jessica B. Brooks
Spotlight on Peter Paul Development Center board chair
Four years ago, Jessica B. Brooks joined the board of the Peter Paul Development Center after hearing her husband speak of the East End facility’s positive impact during his youth.

Richmond area feeling impact from visitors
More visitors are coming to the Richmond area to participate in conventions and sporting events, giving a boost to the regional economy, generating jobs and filling hotels.

RRHA prepares to launch home-buying initiative
Richmond is preparing to become the first place in the country to test a revamped federal regulation aimed toward making it easier for people who hold housing vouchers or live in public housing to buy homes. Describing it as a “groundbreaking and historic ini- tiative” that would build wealth for those who qualify, Steven B. Nesmith, the chief executive officer for the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority,

Ezibu Muntu marks 50th year at Dogwood Dell program
Ezibu Muntu, the oldest African dance company in the Richmond area, will mark its 50th year with a “golden” dance program at Dogwood Dell at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.

DHR approves 7 state historical highway markers
City’s African burial ground, Washington Park to be recognized; Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup hailed
The Virginia Board of Historic Resources recently approved seven new historical markers that will be placed along roadsides in Virginia. The signs will highlight the City of Richmond’s first municipal African burial ground; three communities founded by formerly enslaved African-Americans after the Civil War; and the life and work of Arthur Crudup, a 20th century blues musician of the Eastern Shore whose song, “That’s All Right,” launched the career of Elvis Presley.

Thumbs up: Circuit court OKs casino referendum for Nov. 7 ballot
Voters have the power to change South Side’s ‘economic trajectory,’ says Mayor
Richmond voters are all but certain to have a second chance to decide whether the city should host a casino resort.

Former city educator memorialized at Fifth Baptist Church
Emma Darlene Nunery, a veteran Richmond educator whose career spanned more than 40 years, has died.