
Henrico schools expand student ID program
Henrico County Public Schools will roll out new multifunctional ID cards for all 50,000 students when classes resume Aug. 19, expanding on a transportation pilot program from last year.

VPM marks start of construction on new Downtown headquarters
In June 2023, VPM unveiled plans for a cutting-edge headquarters in the heart of Downtown Richmond’s Historic Monroe Ward. On Thursday, community members and VPM representatives gathered at the future site at 15 E. Broad St. to celebrate the start of construction in a unique way— with a block party.

FXA Sports, Be Social Richmond merge to expand adult sports offerings
FXA Sports, one of the nation’s largest adult sports leagues, has announced a merger with Be Social Richmond to expand and enhance adult sports opportunities in the Richmond area. The merger will combine resources, leagues and sports options for a more comprehensive sports experience.

Richmond Flying Squirrels set to soar in 2025
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have announced their game schedule for the 2025 season, marking their 15th year in the league and the 40th season of baseball at The Diamond.

Down Home festival celebrates African American culture
The 33rd Annual Down Home Family Reunion, a celebration of African American folklife, is set for Aug. 17 in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward.

Black farmers win $2.2 billion payout in USDA discrimination case
After a decades-long fight for Black farmers to receive financial assistance for their farms, the rain made grain this week.

That’s the ticket!
Harris-Walz team targets key battlegrounds in campaign
The most turbulent presidential campaign in generations is now set to play out as a 90-day sprint across two fronts: the Rust Belt and the Sun Belt.

AME Zion Church meeting focuses on voting initiative, new bishops
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church launched a get-out-the vote effort, chose new bishops and finalized the restructuring of some departments during its quadrennial meeting in late July.

Diamond District developers confident despite $40M lawsuit
As Richmond’s Diamond District project begins in earnest, partner real estate developers expect to see no interference in the work to come, even as a new $40 million lawsuit has been levied against those involved in the redevelopment of the area.

Richmond Jazz & Music Festival returns with eclectic lineup
The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival will celebrate its 12th edition Aug. 9-11. Since its debut in 2010, the festival — originally known as the Richmond Jazz Festival — has broadened its scope to feature a diverse array of music genres. On the bill this year are rappers, R&B singers and of course top-notch jazz musicians.

Accountability takes center stage at mayoral forum
A more honest and accountable Richmond city government was the major focus of a mayoral forum hosted by the Richmond Crusade for Voters last Thursday at Third Street Bethel AME Church.

Rebuilt bronze Jackie Robinson statue to be unveiled after the original was stolen
A rebuilt statue of Jackie Robinson in bronze will be welcomed home Monday by Little League players and former Major League Baseball All-Stars, just over six months after the original was destroyed by thieves.

Virginia officials offer celebration, criticism of Walz as Harris VP pick
Politicians and groups across Virginia offered support of and opposition to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joining Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign as her running mate, following the announcement of his selection Monday.

Local songwriter contributes to Stellar Award-winning gospel album
A song by local songwriter Anthony “Junebug” Turner Jr. is featured on Ricky Dillard’s “Choirmaster II” album, which won two categories at the 39th Stellar Awards in Las Vegas on July 20.

From MAGA to America’s future, by Robert B. Reich
Joe Biden didn’t just pass the torch to another generation. He passed it from white MAGA men to America’s future.
Proposed Fall Line Trail in Bryan Park threatens trees and green space
Preserving the natural environment in Bryan Park and developing a first-class Fall Line Trail within the park are not mutually exclusive.

Personality: Lloyd Young
Spotlight on founder of River City Dreams
Lloyd Young’s journey began in New Kent County, where he dreamed of playing college football. He achieved this goal and also earned a scholarship to Virginia State University. His success on and off the field led to a degree in engineering technology, paving the way for a career in construction project management. However, he remains focused on another major goal — uplifting children in underserved communities.

Jayden Daniels to play in the Washington Commanders’ first preseason game
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to play for the Washington Commanders in their first preseason game Saturday at the New York Jets.

Steampunk exhibition gears up for final days
The Science Museum of Virginia is counting down the final days of its “Discover Steampunk” exhibition, set to close Sunday, Aug. 18. The interactive showcase, which has been entertaining visitors since February, offers a unique blend of art, science and Victorian-era imagination.