Earle-Sears, Spanberger split on cannabis as Youngkin vetoes retail sales
Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed legislation to legalize retail marijuana for the second year in a row, reaffirming his opposition as the state heads into a pivotal election season.
Black Men Vote names Michael Bland as executive director
Black Men Vote has appointed Michael Bland as its new executive director, the organization announced last week. Bland brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and political strategy, with a focus on equity-centered policy, coalition-building and advocacy.
Sharpton calls meeting with Target’s CEO ‘constructive and candid’
Target’s chief executive officer met Thursday with the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose civil rights organization has encouraged consumers to avoid U.S. retailers that scaled backed their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Good trouble gets results in Hanover
Let’s take a moment to applaud the good work of the Hanover Branch NAACP. In a county that’s more that 80% white, you might think highlighting the concerns of African Americans is one of those jobs that isn’t worth the trouble. Fortunately, leaders of the local chapter of the civil rights organization know it’s a fight worth having.
Still Black and still proud, by David W. Marshall
As an international music icon, James Brown emerged as one of the founding fathers of funk with a musical style that often profoundly influenced R&B, jazz, and rock.
Immigration crackdown enters Twilight Zone, by Clarence Page
Kafkaesque. One hears that word a lot in discussions of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Or, for lowbrows like me, “The Twilight Zone” might be the pertinent reference.
Educators find creative work-arounds to laws that restrict what they can teach, by Riley Drake
An onslaught of executive orders from President Donald Trump aim to restrict how and what educators can teach America’s children.
UR’s Chloe Goode makes good as Truman Scholar
University of Richmond junior Chloe Goode was recently named a 2025 Truman Scholar. The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States.
Korir brothers make marathon history, Lokedi claims record-setting win
Sharon Lokedi broke the Boston Marathon course record, and fellow Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a race champion on Monday as the city celebrated the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
Vick makes debut as Norfolk State football coach at spring game
Norfolk State fans got their first look at Coach Michael Vick in action Saturday as he led the Spartans through their annual spring football game at William “Dick” Price Stadium.
Virginia State taps Millette Green as women’s basketball coach
When Millette Green steps onto the court as Virginia State University’s new head women’s basketball coach, she’ll bring more than just a wealth of experience — she’ll bring a philosophy rooted in grit, leadership and a track record of turning programs into contenders. She becomes the seventh head coach in VSU history.
Richmond students compete in inclusive Big Feet Meet at Huguenot High
Students from across Richmond gathered April 16 at Huguenot High School for the annual Big Feet Meet, a day of track and field events celebrating inclusion and athleticism for Unified Athletes and partners.
Local anti-violence activist accused of assault and battery, suffocation
Charles D. Willis, a well known Richmond-based activist and anti-violence advocate, was arrested April 15 after a Richmond Police officer investigated a call for a domestic dispute. After making a $1,000 bond he was released the following day.
Hanover honors students who integrated schools in 1963
The night before the first day of school in fall 1963, 15-year-old Walter Lee’s confidence was fading.
Ex-NFL player Shannon Sharpe accused of rape in $50M civil lawsuit
A young woman who says she was raped and threatened by retired NFL player Shannon Sharpe during a “rocky consensual relationship” has filed a civil lawsuit against him seeking $50 million in damages.
Personality: Meg Garner
Spotlight on incoming board president for ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Meg Garner’s journey with the ASK (Assistance, Support and Kindness) Childhood Cancer Foundation began nearly three decades ago during a college internship at the Medical College of Virginia —now Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dance takes center stage again at revived Richmond festival
The Richmond Dance Festival returns after a three-year hiatus, with a diverse lineup of performances, from contemporary and hip-hop to modern and cultural dance styles. Dogtown Dance will present three shows across two venues, the Grace Street Theatre and the Henrico Center for the Arts, on Saturday, April. 26, offering a showcase of the area’s vibrant dance community and talent.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17, primary election starts Friday, May 2, and continues through Saturday, June 14.
Gooden 1st Black recipient of prestigious Dwight Waldo Award in public administration
Susan T. Gooden, a leader in public administration and social equity, was awarded the prestigious 2025 Dwight Waldo Award from the American Society for Public Administration, this month. The award, given for sustained and impactful scholarship, recognizes Gooden’s decades of work advancing equity in government.
Richmond juvenile court to host annual Oliver Hill Day
The Atrium of the Oliver Hill Courts Building will be filled with reflection and celebration Friday, April 25, as the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hosts its 28th Annual Oliver Hill Day. The event, honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Oliver White Hill, Sr., will mark a day of remembrance and recognition in close proximity to Hill’s birthday and the American Bar Association’s National Law Day.
