Wednesday, December 31
Johnson claims ACC Player of the Week after record game
Virginia junior guard Kymora Johnson earned Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week honors for her scorching performance during games played Dec. 15-21, the league office announced.
Richmond, Henrico health officials warn against gunfire on New Year’s Eve
Richmond and Henrico health officials are reminding residents to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely by avoiding celebratory gunfire and keeping firearms securely stored.
Spanberger family to open Virginia Executive Mansion for inaugural weekend
Virginians will have a chance to tour the Executive Mansion and meet the new first family during inaugural weekend, the Spanberger Inaugural Committee announced Monday.
Gov.-elect Spanberger appoints secretary of labor
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has announced the appointment of Jessica K. Looman as Virginia’s next secretary of labor, selecting a longtime labor official with experience in federal and state government.
New Year’s Day closings
Federal offices and state offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Special election
Early, in-person voting for the Tuesday, Jan. 6 special election continues through Saturday, Jan. 3.
Richmond seeks public input on intersection safety improvements
The Richmond Department of Public Works announced Dec. 22 the launch of two public surveys aimed at improving safety at intersections across the city, where the vast majority of fatal and serious injury crashes occur.
New Virginia laws take effect Thursday
Virginia workers, young people and consumers will see several new protections take effect statewide Thursday, Jan. 1.
DeSean Jackson, others honored with HBCU Superlative Awards
As the HBCU college football season winds down, BOXTOROW, a media outlet covering HBCU sports, has recognized the top performers with its annual HBCU Superlative Awards. The awards are voted on by media members who cover HBCU football.
Moon to lead Virginia’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts
After four years in which Virginia’s diversity office was renamed and redirected under Republican leadership, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has moved to restore a broader equity focus with the appointment of Sesha Joi Moon as the state’s next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Blowback
Community advocates question vape shop crackdown
As Richmond officials continue to develop their approach to tackling the spread of vape shops and any related illegal activity, community groups are raising questions about the impact their methods could have on businesses and communities of color.
Richmond mourns Bill Martin, museum director, cultural advocate
William “Bill” Martin, a beloved Richmond museum director and advocate for the Black arts and cultural scene, died Sunday at 71 after being struck by a vehicle.
Ashland advocate connects Spanish-speaking families to county services
Teresa Lopez de Ocanas has spent years turning her Ashland home into a bridge between Hanover County and its growing Spanish-speaking community.
State regulators clear controversial Chesterfield peaker plant
The controversial proposed Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center has cleared its final major regulatory hurdle, winning approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Deportations, tariffs, court clashes, record shutdown mark historic year in D.C.
This year produced a seemingly endless array of history-making events and nearly constant change to immigration policy, tariffs, the Education Department and federal health care programs.
Honor America’s birthday by fighting for freedom, again by Ben Jealous
America has a big birthday in 2026. Here’s a hint: The celebration will not feel much like the last big one in 1976.
White privilege is not for everyone by David W. Marshall
We can all learn a lot from James Troiano, the retired New Jersey Superior Court judge. In 2017, Troiano ruled in favor of giving leniency to a then-16- year-old boy accused of raping an intoxicated 16-year-old girl at a basement house party.
Freedom for Christmas: the journey of an enslaved woman to Britain by Genevieve Johnson
A newly unveiled statue in North Shields is casting fresh light on the extraordinary life of Mary Ann Macham — a woman whose courage carried her from the brutality of slavery in Virginia to freedom on the banks of the River Tyne on Christmas Day 1831.
Remembering William ‘Billy’ Flora, a free Black Virginian, American patriot by Tom Ewing
The Battle of Great Bridge on Dec. 9, 1775, was an important step on the road to American independence, as rebellious Virginia soldiers defeated a detachment loyal to royal governor Lord Dunmore.
New Year’s resolutions worth keeping by J. Basil Dannebohm
As the calendar once again turns over, many of us find ourselves looking back on the last year, sometimes with regret.
Personality: Todd Boyd
Spotlight on a philanthropic business leader
Shifting easily between real estate and philanthropy, Todd Boyd has built a career that extends beyond selling homes.
Judge rules in favor of New York’s Abyssinian Baptist Church and its new pastor
A New York State Supreme Court judge has ruled in favor of Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church in a lawsuit brought by current and former members who challenged senior pastor the Rev. Kevin Johnson’s 2024 election and sought to remove him.
Beyoncé joins rare group of Black American billionaires
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has joined the small, closely watched group of Black American billionaires, joining a handful of individuals who built vast wealth in a country where Black ownership has long been restricted or denied.
Downtown ballpark, statewide games lead Richmond’s 2026 sports lineup
Richmond will open a new downtown ballpark and host relocated statewide games while the region welcomes back professional golf and NASCAR among a packed calendar of sporting events in 2026.
El Paso running back named first Hispanic High School Football Player of Year
El Dorado High School senior running back Ryan Estrada has been named the inaugural Hispanic High School Football Player of the Year, the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame announced Monday.
Sunday, December 28
Valentine Museum Director Bill Martin Dies in Traffic Accident
One of the preeminent chroniclers of Richmond history, William “Bill” Martin died Sunday at age 71 after being struck by a car downtown.
Wednesday, December 24
A Golden return to the stage
Blues guitarist celebrates survival, community with birthday performance
After a year of grueling medical treatments that derailed his rising music career, Richmond blues guitarist Justin Golden stepped onto the stage at the Camel on Saturday afternoon to launch his monthly residency — not as a comeback, but as a defiant next chapter in an ongoing battle with Stage 4 cancer.
Richmond launches crackdown on vape and smoke shops
A multi-agency Richmond task force has shut down 18 vape and smoke shops following inspections that uncovered widespread safety violations, illegal drugs, firearms and illicit cash, city officials said Friday at a City Hall press conference on Operation Vaporize.
Regulators to consider appeal against Dominion Energy natural gas plant
Opponents say the controversial facility in Chesterfield will harm communities
The State Corporation Commission suspended its approval of the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center — a planned Dominion Energy Virginia natural gas plant that has drawn significant opposition from Central Virginia residents and environmental groups.
Shonda Harris-Muhammed named interim superintendent amid Southampton investigation into lost grant funding
Just two months before she announced her resignation from the Richmond School Board, Shonda Harris-Muhammed (6th District) was named in a recent investigation into the district where she works full time. Last week, she was named acting superintendent of that district.
Yes, Virginia, there is still a Santa Claus by Bill Press
If there’s one thing never- Trumpers need this holiday season — and, remember, we are the majority of Americans! — it’s a bit of good cheer. Here it is.
Hard to hide Trump White House dysfunction by Clarence Page
Will someone please tell President Trump that he’s not running against Joe Biden anymore?
We need homes with roots, not just roofs by Sheri Shannon and Kami Blatt
Across Virginia, housing costs are rising faster than paychecks. Too many residents face impossible choices between rent and groceries or between staying rooted in their communities and finding somewhere they can afford to live.
Joy, faith and the fight to keep towns alive by Ben Jealous
This week’s column was supposed to be a celebration. A celebration of a wonderful little toy store in a joyful Midwestern town.
Georgia dominates VCU in 4 Tha Culture opener
The University of Georgia Bulldogs delivered a commanding performance against VCU on Thursday night, cruising to a 72-53 victory at the Henrico Sports & Events Center as part of the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Hoops Classic.
VSU announces Hall and Wall of Fame Class of 2026
Virginia State University Athletics recently announced the Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing former student-athletes, coaches, teams and supporters who made significant contributions to Trojan Athletics.
Personality: Andrew Alli
Spotlight on the Superintendent of James River Park, Trails & Greenways
Andrew Alli knew early that a desk job wasn’t for him. Drawn more to rivers, trails and open sky than fluorescent lights, the Godwin High School graduate shifted course at Virginia Commonwealth University, trading an early interest in mechanical engineering for studies in sustainability and the environment.
‘King James’ follows two friends through a decade of basketball devotion
Richmond Shakespeare will present “King James,” a comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winner Rajiv Joseph, running Jan. 15 through Feb. 1 at Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Theatre Gym.
Longtime Trinity Baptist pastor A. Lincoln James Jr. dies at 80
For 45 years, the Rev. A. Lincoln James Jr. shepherded Trinity Baptist Church and shaped Richmond’s community life, leading a congregation that peaked at about 2,000 while expanding humanitarian programs across the region.
Evelyn Harris, acclaimed singer and educator, dies at 75
Evelyn Maria Harris, an acclaimed singer, composer, producer and devoted educator whose powerful voice and generous spirit enriched the world of vocal music for more than five decades, died Dec. 16. She was 75.
California city to reform police after racist texts scandal
A Northern California city whose police department came under national scrutiny after it was revealed that some officers shared racist and sexist texts, used excessive force and falsified records has reached a settlement agreement to implement a series of reforms, officials announced Friday.
Trump appears in several files of latest Epstein release
The U.S. Department of Justice early Tuesday released thousands more files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with several referencing President Donald Trump.
A woman’s holiday tradition inspires
At 90, Dolores W. Whitaker still ushers in the holiday season one wreath at a time.
Midtown64 development set to bring retail, apartments and hotel to Henrico
Greenberg Gibbons last week broke ground on Midtown64, a $500-plus million, 46-acre mixed-use development at the Interstate 64/Broad Street junction in Henrico County.
Gov.-elect Spanberger appoints longtime public administrator to lead state operations
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has appointed Traci J. Deshazor as Virginia’s next secretary of administration, naming a longtime public administrator with experience in local, state and federal government.
Special election
Early, in-person voting for the Tuesday, Jan. 6 special election will begin Saturday, Dec. 27 and continue through Saturday, Jan. 3.
Mendoza earns top Hispanic football award
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was named the inaugural Hispanic Football Hall of Fame College Player of the Year on Dec. 18, an honor recognizing the nation’s most outstanding Hispanic college football player.
Hoops standout gives back with clinic, toy drive
Top 100 nationally ranked basketball player Timani Harris returned home Saturday to host a free basketball clinic and toy drive for local youth.
VUU coach honored with Triad of Excellence Award
Franck Charles ’16 has turned Virginia Union University’s Track & Field and Cross Country programs into a model of excellence both on and off the track, earning him the Triad of Excellence Award from the John W. Barco Alumni Chapter.
Rashad Robinson launches monthly series ‘Freedom Table’ on NewsOne
NewsOne has launched a new monthly series, “Freedom Table,” hosted by social justice leader Rashad Robinson.
Recycle your Christmas tree for free
Residents in Central Virginia can recycle their real Christmas trees at no cost through programs offered by localities in partnership with the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority.
Local organization bringing holiday support to inmates
Christmas can be a time of isolation for people behind bars, and organizations are working to provide support during the holiday season.
Officer who killed Tamir Rice fired from ranger position in West Virginia
The former Cleveland officer who fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice in 2014 was fired from his post as a ranger at a West Virginia resort community, the fourth known time in seven years that he left a small department following public backlash.
Thursday, December 18
City, RRHA take joint role in Gilpin Court redevelopment
Richmond city officials will take a formal role in the redevelopment of Gilpin Court after the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority board unanimously approved a joint governance proposal from Mayor Danny Avula.
Barbara Johns honored in U.S. Capitol, replacing Lee statue
The U.S. Capitol on Tuesday began displaying a statue of a teenaged Barbara Rose Johns as she protested poor conditions at her segregated Virginia high school, a pointed replacement for a statue of Robert E. Lee who commanded Confederate forces, that was removed several years ago.
Schmidt wins Democratic nomination for Jones’ delegate seat
Democratic voters in Richmond and Chesterfield County have chosen Charlie Schmidt to serve as the party’s candidate to replace Michael Jones in the House of Delegates.
City Council approves Avula’s FOIA library proposal
Richmond City Council on Monday approved Mayor Danny Avula’s proposal to create an online library of Freedom of Information Act requests, a move supporters say will improve access to public records but critics argue falls short of true transparency.
Henrico County seeks to block alcohol at Roseshire gaming parlor
Tensions between Henrico County and the operators of the Roseshire gambling parlor continue to boil over — with legal documents revealing the county’s attempts to block the facility from being approved to sell alcohol, while a separate lawsuit seeks to strip the venue of its operating license altogether.
Odie Donald calls for transparency and upgrades
After 100 days
Over his first 100 days at City Hall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald says he has seen a fragmented system for tracking government financial data.
What will Gov. Glenn Youngkin do next? He’s not ready to tell
Almost from the moment that Glenn Youngkin became Virginia’s governor four years ago, the political world has wondered what’s next for a Republican who seemed to keep one foot in the MAGA movement and the other in the party’s traditional country club establishment.
From probation to promise
In the final days of fall, across campuses around the country, students are celebrating their graduations from colleges and universities. Some may be the first in their family to reach this milestone.
When Big Tech’s thirst threatens our health by Ben Jealous
In Morrow County, Oregon, families are living through a crisis. According to a “Rolling Stone” investigation, mothers have suffered miscarriages and neighbors are battling rare cancers.
‘Reverse migration’ is an idea without a future by Clarence Page
After an Afghan national was charged in the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington just before Thanksgiving, President Trump’s administration revived his earlier calls for something that to many Americans sounded, at best, puzzling: “reverse migration.”
If solitary confinement is unnecessary, why are Virginia jails still overusing it?
Eric Bonds, Aaliyah Anderson, Tabitha Van Doren
Over the past two years, the Virginia General Assembly approved legislation to limit the use of solitary confinement across prisons in the Commonwealth.
Hampton hires Malone to lead football program
Hampton University named Van Malone as its 23rd head football coach last week, tapping a veteran assistant with 23 years of college coaching experience to lead the Pirates’ storied program.
Olympian Chaunté Lowe to speak at wellness luncheon
Chaunté Lowe, four-time U.S. Olympian and American high jump record holder, will be the keynote speaker at the 31st annual Women and Wellness Luncheon hosted by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2026
Virginia’s top athletes, coaches and sports leaders will be celebrated in the spring as the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2026.
Personality: Tiffany Sneed
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ 2026 Teacher of the Year
When Tiffany Sneed made her way through the halls of Fairfield Court Elementary for what she believed was a kindergarten winter concert, she didn’t know she was about to celebrate a career milestone.
Richmond fire officials urge safety after fatal house fire
The Richmond Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize fire safety ahead of the holidays after a weekend house fire killed two people.
Housing groups press for rent safeguards
Housing advocates are calling on the General Assembly to extend recent progress on tenant protections and housing affordability when lawmakers return next year.
Special election
Early, in-person voting for the Tuesday, Jan. 6 special election will begin Saturday, Dec. 27 and continue through Saturday, Jan. 3.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announces new leadership team
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has announced its executive leadership team for the 2026-28 term, naming Del. Luke Torian as chair.
Spanberger inaugural committee unveils weekend event schedule
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s inaugural committee has released the schedule for the Commonwealth’s upcoming inauguration weekend, set for Jan. 16-18.
Petersburg’s yes, Richmond’s no
This week, job seekers will line up at a Downtown Richmond hotel for work tied to a casino that will not be built in Richmond.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival returns Dec. 27
The Elegba Folklore Society will present the 2025 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall B.
Holiday events
Dec. 18 Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at The Byrd Theatre, 8:45 p.m. Seasonal string-quartet concert of Christmas classics performed by candlelight.
Lego partners with Children’s Museum for holiday charity campaign
Community members built more than 150 Lego brick hearts in Chesterfield County on Dec. 12, part of the toy company’s campaign to encourage people to share their creations online and help children in need.
High school star Timani Harris to host basketball clinic, toy drive
Richmond native and ESPN Top 100 nationally ranked athlete Timani Harris, who currently plays high school basketball for DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, will host a free basketball clinic and toy drive in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond on Saturday, Dec. 20.
VUU’s Allen, SCSU’s Lunz named HBCU GO Football Players of the Year
Curtis Allen of Virginia Union University and Michael Lunz II of South Carolina State University were named the 2025 HBCU GO Football Players of the Year, recognizing the top offensive and defensive performers in historically Black college and university football.
Woodfin to sponsor fan area at CarMax Park
Woodfin-Your Home Team and the Richmond Flying Squirrels will continue their partnership as the local HVAC and plumbing company has been announced as a founding partner of CarMax Park, according to the teams.
Seminary partnership receives $10M for leadership program
Union Presbyterian Seminary has received a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch Seminary Extended: Strengthening Pastoral Leadership, a collaborative initiative with Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
NY pastor pleads guilty to tax evasion in church embezzlement case
Paul Mitchell, 60, the lead pastor of a Brooklyn church and president of an affiliated daycare, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to tax evasion in federal court.
Casino holding job fair downtown
Live! Casino Virginia will hold a job fair Thursday, Dec. 18 in downtown Richmond as it prepares for the opening of its temporary gaming facility in Petersburg.
Friday, December 12
Lauretta Crawley remembered for compassion and innovation
Whether breaking barriers in health care, building family businesses or gathering loved ones around her table, Lauretta Crawley moved through life with uncommon skill and boundless heart, according to those who knew and loved her.
Thursday, December 11
Jones secures Democratic nomination for Hashmi’s Senate seat
Michael Jones, a former Richmond City Council member and state delegate, won the Democratic firehouse primary Sunday and will fill the Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi.
After two years of probation, Virginia Union regains accreditation
Decision ends threat to federal aid eligibility and degree validity
Virginia Union University has regained full accreditation after spending two years on probation, closing a period marked by scrutiny of its financial and operational practices.
Firehouse primary set to fill House District 77 seat
A firehouse primary is set for Sunday, Dec. 14, to fill the House of Delegates seat left vacant by Michael Jones’ election to the state Senate.
Rally calls for end to U.S. involvement in Venezuela
The sounds of anti-war chants and speeches echoed around Maggie Walker Memorial Plaza on Saturday afternoon as Richmond activists rallied against the U.S.’ military strikes on boats in Venezuela and any potential escalation into war.
Chamber outlines decadelong business strategy
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce unveiled its long-term economic strategy, Blueprint Virginia 2035, during the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade, presenting the plan to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.
Mayor Avula and council launch collaborative budget process
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and City Council members met for three hours Dec. 4 to open a new budget process where they work closer together, going over their priorities and sharing concerns about how to pay for them.
Getting schooled
It happens to the best of us. You’re led to believe that you have a say in how things might happen at your job or organization, but instead you realize that the solicitation of your opinion was an exercise in “performative consultation.”
Trump’s obsession with Somali immigrants takes a sinister turn by Clarence Page
Sometimes, one crisis seems to lead to another for President Donald Trump — and he’s got plenty of trouble brewing.
The illusion of the markdown by Julianne Malveaux
Consumers love a sale. We love the little red tag, the “limited time only,” the breathless “50% off!” that promises we’re getting over on somebody.
As Virginia legalizes adult-use marijuana, safeguarding youth is crucial by Bill McGee
Virginia is moving steadily toward approving adult-use marijuana, with a regulated market expected to begin in 2026.
Headlines about white men, college miss the full story by Ben Jealous
The headlines this month about white men, college admissions and the fallout from ending affirmative action startled a lot of people.
New Orleans calls for law enforcement that is fair, focused by Marc H. Morial
“New Orleans is a city with a soul. Our culture, our neighborhoods, our traditions and our deep sense of community shape how we live and how we keep each other safe.
VMFA returns 41 ancient terracotta fragments
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has deaccessioned and returned 41 ancient polychrome terracotta reliefs after an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit determined they had been looted.
Petersburg’s stars shine, John Marshall dominates in ‘Battle’ wins
Division I talent was on full display Saturday night as nationally ranked Petersburg and city rival John Marshall delivered commanding victories in “The Battle 2025” doubleheader at Virginia State University’s Multipurpose Center.
Kickers sign fullback Mujeeb Murana
The Richmond Kickers have signed fullback Mujeeb Murana, pending league and federation approval.
Secretariat’s early training grounds preserved in Virginia
Nearly 350 acres of farmland where Triple Crown champion Secretariat once roamed as a colt will remain permanently protected, preserving one of the most important landscapes in thoroughbred racing history.
A’ja Wilson wins AP Female Athlete of the Year following 4th WNBA MVP
A’ja Wilson stood atop the WNBA again in 2025, winning an unprecedented fourth MVP as her Las Vegas Aces earned a third championship in four seasons.
Library of Virginia plans major renovation of downtown building
The Library of Virginia is planning a major renovation of its downtown Richmond building at 800 E. Broad St., reimagining more than 112,000 square feet on the first and second floors to improve accessibility, flexibility and community engagement.
Personality: Linzy George
Spotlight on Richmond host of CreativeMornings
Linzy George’s story didn’t begin in Richmond, but that’s where her passion for community involvement continues to grow.
Celebrating its first century, Xavier University of Louisiana perseveres as Catholic HBCU
Once a week, the Rev. Mitchell J. Stevens, a Baptist minister and the interfaith chaplain at Xavier University of Louisiana, hosts an intimate gathering for students at the New Orleans school’s University Center to discuss campus life over coffee and doughnuts.
Indigenous artifacts returned by the Vatican are now at a Canadian museum
A selection of Inuit artifacts returned by the Vatican is now at the Canadian Museum of History, after First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders for years called for the repatriation of Indigenous items.
Trooper breaks window to pull driver from burning Tesla
A Virginia state trooper, along with several Good Samaritans, helped rescue a Maryland man from a burning Tesla early Friday.
Fritz Sassine named director of Division of Legislative Automated Systems
Fritz Sassine has been named director of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems at Capitol Square in Richmond, the Virginia General Assembly announced.
School Board seeks interim 6th district representative
The 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board will soon have a new occupant, at least temporarily, as the board begins the search to fill the vacancy left by Shonda Harris-Muhammed’s resignation effective Dec. 31.
Kamala Harris to appear in Richmond to discuss ‘107 Days’
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Richmond on Feb. 2 for a conversation inspired by her bestselling book, “107 Days.”
SCC taps former journalist Greg Weatherford as communications director
Greg Weatherford has been named the communications director for the Virginia State Corporation Commission. He replaces Andy Farmer, who retired this year.
Spanberger picks Candi King as Secretary of the Commonwealth
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday named Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next Secretary of the Commonwealth, choosing a lawmaker and longtime community advocate to oversee constituent services and state board appointments in the incoming administration.
Applications open for Richmond Poet Laureate position
With less than a year remaining in the city’s current Poet Laureate term, Richmond officials have opened applications for the next poet to serve in the role.
Student-athletes honored at Maxie Awards banquet
Richmond’s student-athletes were celebrated Dec. 3 during the third annual Maxie Awards banquet at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center.
VUU track and field posts standout results at indoor opener
Virginia Union University’s track and field teams opened the indoor season with a surge of early success, highlighted by multiple school records, event wins and breakout performances across two meets.
‘Nutcracker’ continues holiday run at Carpenter Theatre
Richmond Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is being presented at the Carpenter Theatre through Dec. 23, marking the company’s continuation of a signature holiday tradition.
Downtown Ashland launches ‘The Great Raccoon Hunt’
Downtown Ashland has turned a local raccoon’s viral fame into a holiday scavenger hunt.
Thursday, December 4
Democrats blast UVA’s settlement with Justice Department over diversity policies
Virginia's public universities faced scrutiny from state senators Monday as lawmakers examined the University of Virginia's settlement with federal investigators and the growing political battle over control of higher education institutions.
Commission sets stage for 2026 retail cannabis launch
Proposal scraps local opt-outs, opens early market access for small growers
Virginia lawmakers took another decisive step Tuesday toward launching a legal cannabis retail market in 2026, unveiling a revised legislative blueprint that scraps local opt-outs, tightens ownership rules and aims to favor small, independent operators over deep-pocketed national brands.
Richmond Fire Department picks three new deputy chiefs
The Richmond Fire Department has appointed three new deputy chiefs to oversee operations, support services and administration.
Special election for Hashmi’s Richmond-area Senate seat set for Jan. 6
Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, has set a Jan. 6 special election to fill the soon-to-be-vacant seat of Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, clearing the way for a fast, intraparty fight in one of the state’s safest Democratic districts.
Richmond auditor finds nearly 50 high-risk issues in city departments
Nearly 50 high-risk issues found during audits of City of Richmond departments have not been fixed by their target date, City Auditor Riad Ali wrote in a new report.
Spanberger names Figueroa to oversee state health and human services
As Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take the helm of the state of Virginia, she has announced her pick for the next secretary of health and human resources: Marvin Figueroa.
Border Patrol exits Chicago to create disorder elsewhere by Clarence Page
They’re gone? Really gone?
The leadership lessons Jesse Jackson has given us by Ben Jealous
News of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s health struggles has stirred many.
Housing crisis won’t ease until lawmakers get serious by Tolton D. Montgomery
I applaud Abigail Spanberger on becoming the governor-elect of Virginia, especially due to one of her core campaign promises: to bring down the cost of housing. “We are going to work to lower costs of renting, buying or staying in your home,” she said in mid-November.
It takes GOP courage, not compromise by David W. Marshall
Every elected official is required to take an oath of office.
U.S. traded global leadership for conspiracy theories by Marc H. Morial
Trump’s reasons for boycotting the event are ridiculous, to be polite … The claim that white people are more affected by criminal acts in the country is not only a mistaken belief but also a manufactured lie designed to invoke the emotions of white racists across the globe.
Michael Jordan’s fight against NASCAR lands in court
Michael Jordan's bitter fight against NASCAR headed to federal court this week in a jury trial that could rip apart the top motorsports series in the U.S.
Personality: Bianca Myrick
Spotlight on the founder & executive director of Pretty Purposed
Bianca Myrick turned a personal struggle into a mission to empower young women and girls.
New generation of Black church leadership rising to continue battle for freedom
It was on Nov. 24, 2014, when then-Howard University student Kevin Lamár Peterman first felt a sermon rise from his belly.
We are hardwired to sing — and it’s good for us, too by Elinor Harrison
On the first Sunday after being named leader of the Catholic Church in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and addressed the tens of thousands of people gathered.
School Board votes to honor Kennedy High
The Richmond City School Board unanimously voted to bring back Armstrong-Kennedy High School, restoring a name that celebrates the legacy of the merged schools.
Harris-Muhammed resigns from RPS board
Shonda Harris-Muhammed is stepping down from the Richmond City School Board to become a Virginia school division superintendent.
Giving Heart marks Thanksgiving feast’s 20th year
The Giving Heart marked its 20th annual Thanksgiving Day Feast last Thursday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, drawing more than 1,000 people to the exhibit hall for a day centered on meals and community connection.
VSU taps award-winning actor Rob Morgan for keynote
Virginia State University recently announced that award-winning actor and VSU alumnus Rob Morgan will deliver the keynote address at the school’s Fall 2025 commencement.
City of Richmond hires Ken Martinez as director of revenue administration
The City of Richmond has hired Ken Martinez as the new director of revenue administration in the Department of Finance. Martinez brings more than 23 years of experience in municipal finance, with expertise in revenue management, taxpayer service and tax administration.
Jones names senior leadership team for attorney general’s office
Attorney General-elect Jay Jones recently announced three senior members of his leadership team who will serve when he takes office in January.
VCU pulls away from Virginia Tech in Battle 4 Atlantis
VCU closed out its Battle 4 Atlantis run with an 86-68 win over Virginia Tech on Friday in Nassau, Bahamas, behind a career-best performance from sophomore guard Terrence Hill Jr.
Spiders add sprint and hurdles coach Andre Moore
The University of Richmond has added Andre Moore to its track and field staff as an assistant coach, bringing the Richmond native back to the program for the first time since 2018.
Holiday Hoops Classic to debut in Henrico
The inaugural 4 Tha Culture Holiday Hoops Classic, a new women’s basketball showcase, is set to take place Dec. 19-21 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center.
H-SC will add club squash with new facility, coach
Hampden-Sydney College will add club squash to its athletic offerings in the 2026- 27 academic year, the school announced.
Upcoming holiday events
RVA Illuminates, downtown Richmond at Kanawha Plaza and surrounding areas. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with live music, food trucks and holiday cheer.
Evanston marks six years of reparations with national town hall
Six years after Evanston, Illinois, launched its groundbreaking reparations initiative, city leaders and national partners will gather Thursday, Dec. 4 to assess progress and offer guidance to communities nationwide.
Historian to discuss Lincoln, Douglass collaboration at VMHC lecture
Historian Jonathan W. White will explore the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass in a lecture at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Dec. 18 at noon.
Monday, December 1
Starbucks workers and supporters continue strike and pickets
Local Starbucks workers and their supporters are calling on residents to take their money to other businesses, as a strike against the company’s labor practices continues nationwide.
