Right to vote hangs in balance, by Marc H. Morial
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy and should be accessible to every eligible resident. It has been proven that participating in the civic process reduces recidivism, and individuals take pride in their communities when they can fully contribute to Virginia. True democracy does not deprive individuals of participation based on the whim of one individual. It’s time to correct the wrongs of our 1902 Constitution and leave the power to one succinct process that cannot be modified by a single person’s emotions in the moment.” — Sheba Williams, Executive Director, Nolef Turns
Vote ‘YES’ for the Richmond Grand Resort and Casino
For the past several weeks, Alfred C. Liggins III, CEO of Urban One, and representatives of Churchill Downs have spoken with church, civic and media organizations about their quest to build a gambling project on Richmond’s South Side.
Taxpayer rebates issued
Taxpayer rebate checks began rolling out this week, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin announced Tuesday.
No tax cut for Richmond property owners
City Council has no plans to cut the tax rate on property taxes, essentially allowing an increase in the tax bills most property owners will pay.
Virginia NAACP to gain new president
The Rev. Cozy Bailey is on track to be elected the next president of the Virginia NAACP, according to outgoing president, Robert N. Barnette Jr.
Chesterfield offering after-school snacks and supper
Chesterfield County Public Schools is offering free afternoon snacks and supper at more than 30 schools for students in after-school activities, according to a news release from its media services unit.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Fall for All Festival at River City Middle School
A multicultural celebration of love, language and culture takes place Saturday, Oct. 28, at the 2nd Annual Fall for All Festival, hosted by River City Middle School, RPS School Board member Nicole Jones, 9th District, and the RPS Language Instruction Educational Program. The event is free and open to the public.
MBL presents ‘Women Who Mean Business Summit’
The Metropolitan Business League (MBL) will host its “Women Who Mean Business Summit” on Friday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St.
Virginia Supreme Court bans ‘skill games’
Playing so-called “skill games” at gas stations, retail shops and convenience stores could soon come to a screeching halt in the wake of an Oct. 13 order from the state Supreme Court.
More students gain eligibility for free school meals under expanded U.S. program
Millions of additional students in schools serving low-income communities will be eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost under a rule change announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Early voting continues in Richmond
The next election is the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Early voting for this election began Sept. 22 and continues until Saturday, Nov. 4.
Black women and breast cancer diagnosis — just different, by Dr. Vanessa B. Sheppard
While we have made great strides in improving cancer outcomes among many populations over the last several decades, one group remains consistently, inequitably left behind: Black women in America.
Local groups host ‘Trunk or Treat’ at VMHC
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and 24 other local organizations will present Halloween fun at the inaugural Trunk or Treat community event that will take place at the museum on Oct. 27.
VUU has 7 wins and counting
Virginia Union University loves playing at home at friendly Hovey Field. But road trips aren’t bad, either.
Churches continue to alter services in era of COVID-19
‘It gives you a reason to reach out to others’
Like other parts of the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed church services throughout the Greater Richmond Region.
Personality: Rebecca Cornett Massey
Spotlight on VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board chair
Rebecca “Becky” Cornett Massey describe herself as being enthusiastic and a teammate. When hearing the new chair of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board discuss the center’s role in the Richmond community, her enthusiasm in being part of the center’s team is evident.
Trailblazing actor Richard Roundtree dies
Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra- smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.
Finally, a show of support
Mike Johnson, a staunch conservative from Louisiana, is elected House speaker
Republicans eagerly elected Rep. Mike Johnson as House speaker on Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the seat of U.S. power and ending for now the political chaos in their majority.

