Federal transportation allocates $18M for Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge replacement
Transportation in the Commonwealth is getting a massive investment of federal dollars, as over $64 million in funding is set to be distributed across six different transportation projects and eight localities, with the goal of increased affordability, safety and connectivity for supplies.
ACLU challenges amendment blocking inmates’ early release
The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a legal challenge to a last-minute amendment to the state budget that blocked the planned early release of hundreds of inmates this summer.
Richmond Folk Festival returns in October
The Richmond Folk Festival, an annual free, three-day event celebrating the diversity of American culture through music and dance performances, will take place Oct. 7-9 on Brown’s Island in Richmond. In its 18th year, the festival will include 30 musicians and dance groups performing on six stages. Several new, first-time artists will premiere eight cultural traditions that never have been presented at the festival. The music and dance program this year ranges from bluegrass to hip-hop to zydeco. Other features of the festival include demonstra- tions, an interactive family area produced by the Children’s Museum of Richmond, handmade crafts, merchandise for sale and food vendors. About 200,000 people are expected to attend the event during the weekend. The schedule is: Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Oct. 8 12-9:30 p.m., and Oct. 9, 12-6 p.m. Parking is available near the festival site and, although shuttles will not be provided this year, several GRTC bus routes will offer free rides to the riverfront. Presented by Venture Richmond Events, the festival is presented in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond. For more information, visit https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/.
Richmond reduces charge for natural gas
The cost that Richmond customers must pay for natural gas is coming down, for now.
VUU appoints director of global and online learning
Tunesha Witcher has been appointed director of VUU Global and Online Learning in the Division of Academic Affairs.
Rita Dove is among Library of Virginia finalists for the 25th Annual Literary Awards
Nine finalists have been selected for the 25th Annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards, the Commonwealth’s premier celebration honoring Virginia writers and their contributions to literature. Acclaimed poet and former U.S. poet laureate Rita
Local cosmetologists weigh in on licensing change
Aspiring cosmetologists inVirginia may soon become licensed without working as many hours as their more seasoned peers once did.
A big deal
Let’s be clear. Your grocery bill won’t go down and your rent won’t drop because President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Action into law on Tuesday. But make no mistake, this legislation has all the earmarks of a big deal.
Revolutions, evolutions and Serena Williams, by Julianne Malveaux
Unquestionably, Venus and Serena Williams revolutionized women’s tennis. With serves that approached the speed of light, fantastic agility, exceptional athleticism, and the grace of gazelles, they changed how women played tennis.
Fearmongering, by David Marshall
During the Trump presidency, the pontiff continued to speak out. He said the president was “not Christian” because of his views on immigration and ought to extend protections to undocumented young immigrants if he is actually “pro-life.”
Book has insight, no clear answer on Ralph Northam blackface yearbook photo
A Virginia author’s investigative effort to uncover the origins of a racist photo on Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page has ended inconclusively, according to the author, who has written a book that offers new details about the 2019 scandal and the former governor’s remarkable political survival.
Serena’s legacy: Plenty of wins, plenty of stands on issues
A couple of days before Serena Williams claimed the 22nd of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2016, she was asked what she makes of it when people refer to her as one of history’s greatest female athletes. Her reply: She prefers being characterized as “one of the greatest athletes of all time.” That one, brief response from Williams said quite a lot — about her one-of-a- kind talent with a racket in hand, about her status as an icon, about her willingness to stand up for herself, about why women’s sports should not be thought of any differently than men’s sports. That all came to mind again Tuesday, when Williams indi- cated she is preparing to walk away from her professional tennis career as the start of the U.S. Open approaches on Aug. 29 and her 41st birthday next month nears. Yes, with shouts of “Come on!” marking the journey, she’s won the most major singles championships in the profes- sional era of tennis, which began in 1968; more than the 22 for Steffi Graf or Rafael Nadal, more than the 21 for Novak Djokovic, more than the 20 for Roger Federer, more than the 18 for Chris Evert or Martina Navratilova, more than anyone else. And, yes, Williams won a total of 73 tour-level singles titles and spent more than six years’ worth of weeks ranked No. 1. And she combined with older sister Venus to claim 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles. And then there are the four Olympic gold medals. Still, mere numbers can’t capture everything Williams has represented during a dis- tinguished career that began when she was a teenager in the 1990s and is remarkable for not just the successes but also the longevity, including a record10majorchampionships after turning 30. “She’s lasted longer than most, if not all, female tennis pros. She’s transcended tennis and become a leader on many important cultural, social and gender issues. She has lived an extraordinary life,” Evert wrote in a text message to The Associated Press, “and will undoubtedly continue to crash the glass ceiling in the future.” Indeed, what Williams did without a racket in her hand is rather noteworthy, and extends past the millions in endorse- ment deals; the flirtations with acting; the interest in fashion design and penchant for bring- ing the catwalk to the court with body suits and knee-high boots and whatever else she decided to try; the celebrity and place in pop culture; and, most recently, the work as a venture capitalist (“Seventy-eight per- cent of our portfolio happens to be companies started by women and people of color, because that’s who we are,” Williams said). “It is important to take a step back and think about everything that Serena has brought to our sport and what she has accomplished both on and off the court,” said Steve
NBA retires Bill Russell’s jersey
Patches, logos will honor the late basketball legend
Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey will never be issued again to another NBA player.
Los Angeles high school basketball team’s 4 players with famous dads
It would be noteworthy for a high school basketball team to have one son of a famous NBA player. But four?
Tillman shoots for gold in Denver
Basketball has taken Justin Tillman around the world. Now he’s back in the U.S. and looking to play on the highest level — the NBA.
Portsmouth to name street for hometown hero Missy Elliott
A Virginia city is honoring hometown hero Missy Elliott by naming a boulevard in a new entertainment district after her.
Glennys E. Fleming, Girl Scout leader, community servant, dies at 68
When Glennys Elaine Fleming joined an organization, others quickly took note of her energy, dedication and passion.
Liberation Church’s intent is children’s learning center, not homeless shelter, says pastor
The founding pastor of Liberation Church is pushing back against a report that the city was considering placing a large homeless shelter on the site of the main sanctuary at 5501 Midlothian Turnpike. Founding Pastor Jay Patrick said the church never considered that idea.
Mixed deal
Sheriff’s playing cards lack ‘empathy’ for crime victims’ loved ones
Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who has been under fire for her jail management and attacks on deputies, has sought to shift the narrative.
Local groups announce back-to-school giveaways
Are you or someone you know struggling to buy school supplies for your children?
