Pope Leo XIV seems well loved — but for how long? by Clarence Page
Once loyal Chicagoans got over the double shock of hearing that a local native, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has been named the 267th pope, some critically important, locally familiar questions came up:
Innocence petition for one of ‘Waverly Two’ denied
Efforts to exonerate two men once acquitted of killing a Waverly police officer but still sentenced to life in prison hit a setback Tuesday, as the Virginia Court of Appeals denied an innocence petition filed by Terence Richardson, one of the men known as the “Waverly Two.”
City Council approves $3B budget in 6-2 vote
After weeks of discussion, Richmond City Council adopted a $3 billion budget for the City’s 2026 fiscal year in a 6-2 vote during its meeting Monday evening.
Bishop Knestout reflects on election of first American pope
Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond recently offered reflections following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope The election, which took place May 8, brought Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, to the papacy as the 267th pope.
Climbing, kayaking and concerts converge at Riverrock weekend
It’s where gravity, grit and groove collide. Richmond’s Dominion Energy Riverrock returns May 17-19 to turn Brown’s Island into a high-octane playground of trail runs, climbing walls, flying dogs and thumping bass lines. Now in its 16th year, the free, three-day adrenaline fest draws over 100,000 fans annually—blending elite outdoor sport with live music in a setting where kayakers battle in polo scrums and boulderers scale walls to roaring crowds.
Pamunkey Reservation named among nation’s most endangered historic places
The Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County, home to one of the nation’s oldest Indigenous communities, has been named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Boone named president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Sentara Health has announced the appointment of Elwood Bernard “Bernie” Boone III as the next president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. Boone will assume the role on June 2.
City Council appoints RJ Warren as chief of staff
Richmond City Council has named RJ Warren as its new chief of staff.
Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes two new members
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has announced the addition of two new members to its team: Carter T. Whitelow and Sarah Muse. Whitelow has joined as vice president of government relations and Muse is the new director of marketing and brand management.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary election continues through Saturday, June 14.
RVA Bikeshare offers free rides for National Bike to Work Week
In celebration of National Bike to Work Week, RVA Bikeshare is encouraging Richmond residents to leave their cars behind and hop on one of the program’s electric bikes.
Nominations open for BLK RVA Community Awards
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s BLK RVA initiative is now accepting nominations for the second annual BLK RVA Community Awards, presented by Wells Fargo.
Denied for dissent?
Several Virginia Commonwealth University students who did everything they needed to do to graduate were denied their degree for sitting on the wrong patch of grass on April 29.
Historic Reservations
Last week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of the most endangered historic places. This year’s list includes the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County.
From Reconstruction to today, equity efforts meet familiar opposition
The United States’ relationship with diversity, equity and inclusion is not anomalous—it is as American as discrimination itself. Since Donald Trump’s first term in office, DEI has become a central political focus of his administration, matching previous efforts in principle but exceeding them in aggression. But Trump is not the first to attack diversity or inclusion, nor is this the first time America has struggled with reconciliation in the pursuit of equality.
Richmond beats VCU, 6-3, for coach’s 600th career win
The University of Richmond baseball team defeated Virginia Commonwealth University, 6-3, on Saturday at The Diamond, marking Coach Mik Aoki’s 600th career victory across 24 seasons coaching five NCAA Division I programs.
Burrows, Blunt ace All-CIAA Women’s Tennis Team
Virginia State University’s Alexcie Burrows and Suffolk native Nakari Blunt of Bowie State were among the standout student-athletes named to the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women’s Tennis All-Conference Team.
VSU on par with golf simulator from PGA
Virginia State University has unveiled a new golf simulator donated by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
Squirrels drop series finale to senators 4-2
The Richmond Flying Squirrels gave up three runs in the first inning and couldn’t recover, falling 4-2 to the Harrisburg Senators on Sunday afternoon at FNB Field.
Asian American Celebration features music, dance and global cuisine
The annual Asian American Celebration returns Saturday, May 17, with a full day of cultural performances, food and family-friendly activities at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
