Health officials tout updated COVID vaccine
While respiratory illnesses like the flu typically trend higher in the winter months, COVID-19 is not totally seasonal. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate high or very high levels of COVID-19 nationwide this summer. But with new vaccines expected to be available next month and the winter months on the horizon, medical professionals in Virginia suggest people get their shots sooner rather than later.
Russell Wilson’s fading career among hot QB questions in 2024
Dak Prescott figures to get paid, either by Dallas or another team willing to go north of $50 million per year if the Cowboys let his contract expire after this season.
Tourism Foundation honors Black culture contributors
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to Black tourism and culture at the inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards.
Richmond International Airport officials delay vote on service changes
A move by the Richmond International Airport to assume more control of airline services from two local providers has been delayed for a second time.
Brown named executive director of the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
Renowned curator Jessica Bell Brown has been tapped to lead the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University as its new executive director.
Aging RPS buildings to get multimillion-dollar facelift
Richmond Public Schools is getting a $15.3 million federal grant for HVAC upgrades, a crucial step in the district’s efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs among its aging facilities. The funding, part of a broader initiative to enhance school infrastructure, will target 22 RPS buildings, addressing long-standing issues in a school system where the average facility is 62 years old.
Labor Day closing schedule
In observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2, please note the following:
Red Cross faces emergency blood shortage as severe weather disrupts donations
The American Red Cross is grappling with a nationwide blood emergency as severe weather, including the remnants of Hurricane Debby, has significantly impacted blood donations across the country. Residents in unaffected areas are urged to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets to help replenish the critical supply.
Dems’, energy, enthusiasm, exuberance, by Julianne Malveaux
The Democratic National Convention, held Aug. 19 through 22, was, among other things, an occasion of joy.
Debate duck
Former national security adviser H.R. McMaster said recently that his former boss, the previous president, needs the support of a team of competent professionals, as he is susceptible to manipulation.
Walz ‘bringing the joy’ to election
Perhaps the most memorable moment of this year’s Democratic National Convention came the night before Kamala Harris officially accepted the party’s nomination for president.
Historian calls on VUU to save former hospital, by Selden Richardson
Dear Dr. Richardson and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees, Virginia Union University,
Breaking the glass ceiling in November, by David W. Marshall
People can be pleasantly unpredictable at times, so our politics is equally unpredictable.
Lightning strike hits school
Cardinal Elementary shuts down while repairs underway
Parents arriving at Cardinal Elementary School on Wednesday morning, carrying clear backpacks and lunch bags, were met by a school official informing them the school was closed due to damage caused by a lightning strike and subsequent fire. The building will remain closed until next Tuesday.
Congresswomen press FDA on ban for hair-straightening chemicals
Two U.S. House members who first pushed the Food and Drug Administration in 2023 to investigate the health risks of hair straighteners used primarily by Black women are now asking the agency why it has twice delayed its target date to propose a ban on products containing formaldehyde, which studies link to increased rates of cancer.
Personality: Carlehr Swanson
Spotlight on Miss Virginia 2024
Richmond native Carlehr Swanson’s pageant journey stemmed from her passion for music. In 2017, her talent and dedication earned her the title of third runner-up and the People’s Choice Award in the Miss Virginia Organization. This past June, Swanson’s perseverance paid off when she was crowned Miss Virginia, a triumph that marked the pinnacle of her efforts and secured her $22,500 in scholarship awards.
Killer Mike among panelists for University of Richmond event
The University of Richmond will host a panel discussion on the future of free expression, featuring rapper Killer Mike among the panelists.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending on Saturday, Aug. 24, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia fell by 5.2% from the previous week, and new admissions remain low. Four deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within the same timeframe. Updated data on COVID-19 wastewater levels in the Greater Richmond area showed plateaued levels starting the week of Sunday, Aug. 18.
School conditioning
Kudos to the Richmond Public Schools administration for securing a grant to address the problem of sending some of our children to schools that may be older than their grandparents. A large part of creating an environment conducive to instruction and learning is ensuring a comfortable space.
