Courts need to slap down SLAPP suits, by Ben Jealous
A group of Texas cattle ranchers sued Oprah Winfrey for more than $12 million in 1996. They claimed that one of her shows, called “Dangerous Food,” that featured experts on mad cow disease and in which she said she would not eat another hamburger, was an attack on their business.
VCU basketball faces tough non-conference slate
Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team faces a challenging 2024-25 non-conference schedule, including potential matchups with five NCAA Tournament teams and two recent Final Four participants.
Library of Virginia names finalists for 2024 Literary Awards
The Library of Virginia recently announced the 12 finalists for its 27th Annual Virginia Literary Awards.. This year’s finalists represent a broad range of genres, highlighting the Commonwealth’s vibrant literary culture.
Personality: Cheryl Groce-Wright
Spotlight on The Innerwork Center board president
Cheryl Groce-Wright’s journey with mindfulness began after a work burnout in 2019. Seeking solace, she was guided by a colleague teaching a mindful, self-compassion course. This experience ignited a transformative journey of self-discovery that enhanced her well-being.
191 openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing in 2024 Olympics
A record number of athletes openly identifying as LGBTQ+ are competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, a massive leap during a competition that organizers have pushed to center around inclusion and diversity.
Richmond musicians receive $12,500 from Newlin Music Prize
The Newlin Music Prize has awarded $12,500 to 40 Richmond area musicians, recognizing past winners and nominees from its inception in 2022. This distribution follows an increase in prize money for the 2024 award and honor artists from previous years.
Community meeting set for VUU’s plans for former hospital
Virginia Union University President Hakim J. Lucas will take part in a discussion of the university’s plans for the former Richmond Community Hospital building next week.
Union deal boosts pay for Richmond schools staff
Approximately 200 custodial and plant services workers at Richmond Public Schools have ratified their first-ever collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 322, union officials announced Tuesday.
Rapper uses 804 Day event to seek bone marrow donor for nephew
The second annual 804 Day, set for Friday in Shockoe Bottom, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Richmond’s community spirit. While over 15 bands across various genres will join local artists, musicians and merchants, the event holds a deeper significance for one performer.
Harris calls Trump’s false claims about race ‘the same old show’ of divisiveness, disrespect
Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday that former President Trump’s false assertions about her race were the “same old show” as she emphasized the need for Black women to organize for his defeat this November.
Sonya Massey said, ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus’ What’s the significance?
Massey’s words, said shortly before she was fatally shot by a deputy, have taken on a life of their own
As video footage of the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who lived in Springfield, Ill., circulates online, many viewers are memorializing her near-final words: “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Rev. Barber’s new book demystifies poverty: Black people are not the problem
When Tim Tyson first invited the Rev. William Barber II to meet with a group of white residents of Mitchell County, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Barber half jokingly replied, “I knew you were gonna get me killed.”
Unseated: Bench for Confederate marker removed
Without prior notice or announcement, a bench adjacent to the Confederate marker near the Department of Public Utilities substation on Wise Street was removed. Only the four bolts that anchored the bench remain, stuck in the concrete on the spot where it was installed in 2023.
Black students sue Shenandoah School Board for restoring Confederate names
Attorneys for School Board ask court to dismiss case
After the Shenandoah County school district made headlines around the world for rebranding two schools with Confederate leaders’ names, two rising seniors at one of the schools are leading community opposition to that decision.
Chesterfield opens government to citizens through academy
Could you do a better job than your local politicians? Are you interested in politics but need help knowing where to start? Have you ever wanted to learn more about your local government?
Richmond Crusade for Voters organizes forums for mayoral and council candidates
The Richmond Crusade for Voters, the city’s oldest political organization, has announced a series of public forums to be held in August, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates for mayor, City Council and the School Board.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending on Saturday, July 20, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia rose 24.8% from the previous week, though new admissions remain low. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported statewide during that timeframe. COVID-19 wastewater levels in the Greater Richmond area last week, on average, have plateaued.
Landmark African American architect’s home to be restored at VSU
Virginia State University has received a $150,000 grant to preserve Azurest South, a historic home designed by one of the first documented female African American architects.
Science Museum lauded for accessibility efforts
The Science Museum of Virginia was recently recognized for its efforts to increase accessibility and inclusiveness during Disability Pride Month.
Inviting disrespect
When word got around that the National Association of Black Journalists had invited the Republican Party’s presidential nominee to its annual convention, things got bad for the 48-year-old organization pretty fast. Some members refused to attend, others dropped out of roles on panel discussions and the convention’s co-chair resigned. On social media, African American journalists expressed their outrage and disdain.
