Media mainstays
For those of us in the business of printed media, things have been better. Publications are struggling as subscribers dwindle as newspapers and magazines shrink in size.
Virginia Union Panthers host Shaw University Bears in home opener
The Virginia Union University Panthers are preparing to kick off their 2024 home football season against the Shaw University Bears.
Virginia authors shine at Library of Virginia literary gala
Reginald Dwayne Betts was 16 when he received a nine-year adult prison sentence for carjacking a man sleeping in his vehicle in Fairfax. During his incarceration, Betts endured over 14 months in solitary confinement. Despite these challenges, he completed his high school education behind bars and discovered a passion for poetry.
Sports Backers Executive Director Jon Lugbill retires
Jon Lugbill, the founding executive director of Sports Backers, will retire June 30, 2025, after 31 years leading the nonprofit organization. Since its inception in 1993, Lugbill has overseen the growth of Sports Backers into a leading promoter of active living in the Richmond region.
Commanders uniforms rank last in NFL fan survey
A recent study of NFL fan sentiment on social media revealed the Washington Commanders uniforms are the least popular in the league.
Colonial Downs ends successful season with big plans for spring
Colonial Downs Racetrack concluded its 2024 season on a high note, capping off 27 days of racing. The highlight of the season, Virginia Derby Day, took place on Sept. 7, drawing thousands of racing enthusiasts and families to witness top tier equine competition.
Second Presbyterian Church hosts speaker series on environmental justice
Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond will host a speaker series titled, “Rooting in Place: Planting Seeds of Resilience,” focusing on the intersection of environmental care and social justice. The series takes place Sundays from September through October, with events scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
New Life Outreach Church to host Unshakeable Conference in October
The Unshakeable Conference happens at New Life Outreach Church Oct. 2 through 6. Led by Pastors Carlos and Rosalinda Rivera, this year’s conference centers on a theme drawn from Hebrews 12:28-29, reminding participants that through Christ, they are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, according to the church’s website.
Sophomore set to preach initial sermon
Arterius G. Rollins, a 15-year-old sophomore at Goochland High School, is preparing for a significant milestone in his spiritual journey.
New Canaan Church to host Live2Lead leadership summit
On Oct. 5, New Canaan International Church will host Live2Lead, a global leadership event organized by author and leadership expert John Maxwell. Dwayne Whitehead and The Whitehead Group will serve as local hosts for this event, which features a lineup of speakers to inspire, educate and equip leaders.
GRTC ridership continues to increase: ‘Zero fare is paying for itself’
Greater Richmond Transit Company continues to report increased ridership along most routes and attributes the success to the zero fare program implemented in spring 2020, near the start of the pandemic.
Voting Information
The presidential election, as well as contests for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Richmond Mayor, City Council and School Board, take place: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Tomlin faces tough decision as Fields’ performance puts Wilson’s spot in jeopardy
Justin Fields doesn’t want to get involved in any sort of quarterback controversy. One might be coming anyway.
Candidates focus on student safety, leadership at 3rd District forum
Another round of a very important job interviews for Richmond School Board candidates happened in Linwood Holton Elementary School’s gymnasium Tuesday evening.
VCU launches program to tackle pharmacy technician shortage
Virginia Commonwealth University is launching a program to train entry level pharmacy technicians, to address severe staffing shortages in pharmacies and hospitals across Virginia and the nation.
Personality: Marilyn Heckstall
Spotlight on chair of 2024 RVA East End Festival
Whether it was a profound sense of community, a desire to help children grow through music or her ministry, the Rev. Marilyn Heckstall found a way to raise funding for music and arts programs in Richmond Public Schools.
Report details Irvo Otieno’s poor treatment before death, calls for reforms
Restraint practices and police role questioned
At least 11 hours restrained in a chair. That’s one of the details from an investigative report into the killing of Irvo Otieno, and the conditions that led to his death while in the custody of Henrico County sheriff’s deputies last year.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will stay in jail after 2nd judge denies bail
Sean “Diddy” Combs is staying locked up after a judge Wednesday rejected the hip-hop mogul’s proposal that he await his sex trafficking trial in the luxury of his Florida mansion instead of a grim Brooklyn federal jail.
Former Gov. Wilder and experts discuss people-first governance
With election season in full swing, former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder joined political analysts for a discussion on the importance of a people-first government during a symposium at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Singleton Performing Arts Center on Tuesday evening.
