Single ballot theory
The bloodied head of our former president is an image that we won’t be able to shake for some time. (Thanks cable news.)

What if Crooks had been a Black man?, by Hazel Trice Edney
Can you imagine what would have happened to a Black man who showed up at a Donald Trump rally acting “suspiciously” around the metal detectors?

Desirée Roots joins leadership team at ATLAS partnership
Desirée Roots, former co-artistic director of community at Virginia Rep, has joined the leadership team of the newly established ATLAS Partnership. Roots’ previous position, was eliminated during a recent restructuring of Virginia Rep.

Richmond Music Week returns for second year
Richmond Music Week, a celebration of the city’s music scene, will return for its second year Aug. 2 through 11 organizers announced Wednesday.

President of Florida’s only public historically Black university resigns after donation debacle
The president of Florida’s only public historically Black university is resigning amid backlash over the school’s apparent failure to properly vet a multimillion dollar donation from a dubious donor.

Dr. JoAnn Thomas Wilson remembered
JoAnn Thomas Wilson, a revered figure in psychology and community service, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ga.

Personality: Dwight Jones
Spotlight on president of Richmond Chapter of the National Negro Golf Association
Michigan native Dwight Jones is deeply committed to the community that welcomed him 17 years ago. As the president of the Richmond Chapter of the National Negro Golf Association, Jones not only enjoys a good game of golf but also the community spirit of the club. His dedication to the NNGA and his community is a testament to his values and commitment.

Family activities and hoops highlight Henrico’s back-to-school event
Henrico County Public Schools will host its annual Back-to-School Kickoff at the Henrico Sports & Events Center on Aug. 9, offering a day filled with family activities, educational resources and a basketball tournament to celebrate the up-coming school year.

A Plunky good time
Concert to bring jazz icon’s multifaceted legacy to life
James “Plunky” Branch is an educator. A label founder. A mentor to multiple generations of instrumentalists and a founding father of the Richmond Jazz Society. His early musical travels included formative stints in San Francisco and New York, but 2024 marks his 50th year of performing after returning to his native Richmond, and he’ll celebrate by staging a concert dubbed Plunky Day in RVA on Friday, July 19, at Kanawha Plaza. The event promises to tie together threads of the soon-to-be 77-year-old’s varied legacy.

Veterans care centers get new wheelchair-accessible vans
The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services announced Wednesday that the Disabled American Veterans Department of Virginia has donated four specially equipped minivans to transport residents of state veterans care centers to medical appointments.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending on Saturday, July 13, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia rose 2% from the previous week, though new admissions remain low. One death associated with COVID-19 was reported statewide during that timeframe. COVID-19 wastewater levels in the Greater Richmond area remain, on average, below detection.

McClellan delivers $1.6M for domestic violence survivors
U.S. Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Va., presented YWCA Richmond with a $1,666,279 check Tuesday to support the organization’s services for domestic violence survivors.

Popular jazz café secures funding for 3 more years
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced Tuesday that Dominion Energy has renewed its sponsorship of the museum’s free weekly jazz performance series.

City proposes solar farm, meadow on former landfill site
Richmond officials are seeking public input on a proposal to convert a former landfill into the city’s first solar farm and pollinator meadow. The project, which could cover up to 30 acres in the 7th District, aims to generate renewable energy while supporting local biodiversity.
Helping at the polls aligns with basic faith values, from hospitality to honoring our neighbors, by Jennifer Walker Thomas & Chris Crawford/Religion News
With summer in full swing, our attention, in an ideal world, would be divided between planning vacations and wrangling children, with the coming election a far-off problem for the fall. Sadly, the state of our politics isn’t allowing us that luxury.

Local First Tee team cinches Redmond Cup in thrilling playoff
In a nail-biting finish, First Tee Greater Richmond captured the 11th Redmond Cup presented by Troutman Pepper on Thursday at Belmont Golf Course. The local team emerged victorious in a playoff against First Tee – Greater Washington, D.C., after both squads finished the two-day competition tied at 165.

Spiders make splash with 2 CSCAA Scholar All-Americans
The University of Richmond’s swimming and diving team is proving they’re as sharp in the classroom as they are in the pool.

5 Panthers earn spots on VaSID All-State football team
The Virginia Union University football program made a strong showing in the recently announced Virginia Sports Information Directors All-State Football Team. Five Panthers have secured spots on the prestigious list, highlighting the team’s talent and depth.

Michael Vick to mentor young athletes at NSU flag football clinic
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is gearing up for its second annual Girls on the Gridiron Flag Football Clinic, with former NFL quarterback Michael Vick slated to make a special appearance. The event, set for Sunday, July 21, aims to introduce more young women to the growing sport of flag football.

‘Portraits’ exhibition showcases Style Weekly’s visual chronicle of Richmond
A new exhibition showcasing photographs from Style Weekly’s archive at the Valentine museum, offering a visual journey through Richmond’s cultural landscape from the 1980s to recent years.