‘RPS Five’ reinstated in wake of pay dispute
“Reinstated! Twenty-nine years! Twenty-nine years! Reinstated!” The voice of Richmond Public Schools bus driver Cynthia Cole echoed through City Hall’s entryway Monday as she, four other drivers, and their supporters celebrated their rehiring following a tentative contract agreement between RPS and the drivers’ union.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail after mixed verdict clears in sex crimes case
Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s celebrated figures behind bars for life. The rapper was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offenses and denied bail as he awaits sentencing.
Personality: Sherod Davis
Spotlight on the owner of Misfit Tattoo Society
When Richmond’s predominantly white tattoo industry didn’t provide an opportunity for Sherod Davis to learn the craft, he taught himself. Now, as the owner of one of Rich- mond’s Black-owned tattoo shops, Misfit Tattoo Society, he offers a safe space for apprentices to learn and his customers to feel at home. His shop opened in February 2024.
Investigation finds Rev. Barber did not misdirect funds to pay ex-wife alimony
An independent investigation into allegations that the Rev. William Barber II paid his ex-wife alimony from the finances of his nonprofit concluded the civil rights leader did nothing wrong.
Powhatan dad gets another shot at American Ninja Warrior glory
Barry Boyd grew up in a cramped three-bedroom home with 13 other family members. When Child Protective Services deemed the living situation unsuitable, 6-year-old Barry and his two younger brothers were sent to live with their grandfather. But after that arrangement broke down, the siblings entered foster care, where they remained for five years. That challenging start helped shape the resilience and drive that now fuels his life as a competitor and father.
Senate budget plan threatens hospital funding, Virginia officials warn
With roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid funding at stake, Congress is racing to finalize a sweeping budget package, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” ahead of President Donald Trump’s July 4 deadline — but key decisions about cuts to the health care program remain up in the air.
Baskin named deputy director of research at VCU Massey
Monica L. Baskin has joined the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as deputy director of research.
July fourth holiday schedule
In observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4, please note the following:
Public voting opens for BLK RVA Community Awards
Finalists have been named for the 2025 BLK RVA Community Awards, an annual event that spotlights the people, businesses and organizations making a cultural impact across the Richmond region.
Audit finds oversight gaps in Richmond’s fuel program, officials pledge reform
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor has found significant weaknesses in the City of Richmond’s fuel program, including poor tracking of fuel usage, inadequate controls over fuel card access and PIN management and a lack of standardized procedures and training.
Ouster of UVA’s president attacks academic freedom, by David W. Marshall
The forced resignation of James E. Ryan as president of the University of Virginia at the hands of the Trump administration marks a dangerous precedent for American higher education. The federal government’s ultimatum that Ryan step down as a condition for resolving a civil rights investigation into UVA’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is not just governmental overreach — it is a direct threat to the independence of public universities and the principles of academic freedom.
VCU duo achieves NBA dreams as Shulga and Watkins get drafted
Two former VCU standouts achieved their NBA dreams Thursday night, with both Max Shulga and Jamir Watkins hearing their names called in the draft.
Norfolk State names M.L. Morgan head baseball coach
Norfolk State University has named Merrill “M.L.” Morgan as its new head baseball coach, the school announced last week.
Flying Squirrels drop series finale to Fightin Phils, 5-3
The Richmond Flying Squirrels fell behind early and couldn’t recover in a 5-3 loss to the Reading Fightin Phils on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.
Going fourth
Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest, Dogwood Dell “Big Show” at Byrd Park, Henrico County Red, White & Lights at Meadow Farm Museum, and more...
Museum to close select galleries for expansion project
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will temporarily close galleries displaying African art, Indigenous American art and Pre-Columbian art beginning July 7 as it prepares for its largest expansion and renovation project.
Richmond weathers heat wave as city, community groups respond
An intense heat wave has gripped the Richmond region since temperatures began climbing late last Friday, with daily highs in the 90s. The heat wave is expected to last through the end of the month, despite forecasts calling for rain in the coming days. In response, city and community groups have mobilized to address public needs.
Senate Dems sue over Youngkin appointees
Nine Virginia Senate Democrats are suing three university rectors over the gubernatorial appointment of board members, they announced Tuesday, opening a new field of contention between Virginia’s Democrat-controlled legislature and Republican executive.
Willie J. Banks Jr., noted Virginia surgeon and Navy veteran, dies at 81
For more than five decades, Willie J. Banks Jr. was a trusted surgeon and a medical asset to Virginia and Washington, D.C. His skills served patients in a wide range of settings, and his commitment to caring for others was a family legacy that continues after his death on May 21 at age 81.
Williamsburg begins rebuilding one of the nation’s oldest Black churches
The rebuilding of one of the nation’s oldest Black churches, whose congregants first gathered outdoors in secret before constructing a wooden meetinghouse in Virginia, started Thursday, June 19, with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
