Portrait of Martin ‘Tutti’ Townes unveiled at Executive Mansion
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and first lady Suzanne Youngkin hosted senior government officials, members of the Governor’s Citizens’ Advisory Council for Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion, and the Townes family and friends for the unveiling of a commissioned portrait of longtime butler Martin “Tutti” Townes.
Already strained food banks worry about looming SNAP cuts
Budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food banks will put more strain on Virginia organizations already struggling to meet increased need and costs, food bank representatives say.
Protect your vote
One advantage of spreading the voting process over several weeks, rather than cramming all the tabulation into a single day, is that it allows time to catch and correct mistakes on the ballots.
Silencing journalists threatens freedom of all Americans by Barbara Reynolds
Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel — giants of late-night television — faced censorship, dismissal or forced silence when their words cross the powerful. That should alarm us all. If media figures of their stature can be muzzled, what chance do ordinary journalists or community truth-tellers have?
What the Readjusters teach us about healing a divided country by Ben Jealous
There’s a deep sense of despair settling over America. Families are working harder and falling further behind. The cost of raising children grows, while schools, housing and health care remain out of reach for too many. It’s no wonder people across this country — rural and urban, Black and white — feel left behind and politically homeless.
Personality: Djimon Hounsou
Spotlight on the actor, humanitarian and founder of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation
Before his role in “Amistad,” the 1997 film about a 19th-century revolt by enslaved Africans on a Spanish ship, Djimon Hounsou, a native of Benin in West Africa, had limited knowledge of slavery — including his own country’s involvement. This realization sparked a journey of discovery, leading him to explore the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Black chefs to take center stage during barbecue, fish fry
When you examine the flavors and history of food in the United States, one thing becomes clear: Large swaths of American cuisine as we know it today — particularly that of the South — are indelibly marked by the contributions of African Americans.
Virginia authors celebrated at library’s Literary Awards
Seven authors received the Library of Virginia’s 28th annual Virginia Literary Awards on Friday at the state library’s annual dinner and gala.
VMFA extends hours for ‘Frida: Beyond the Myth’ exhibition
Due to popular demand, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will offer extended hours for the exhibition “Frida: Beyond the Myth” during its final five days, Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 28.
Westmoreland church to host marker dedication for landmark civil rights case
A state historical marker will be dedicated next month in Westmoreland County to commemorate a late 19th-century federal court case that helped lay the groundwork for one of the country’s earliest civil rights organizations.
Hispanic Football Hall of Fame launches to honor legends and inspire future players
A new chapter in American football history began recently with the launch of the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to recognizing Hispanic players, coaches and contributors at every level of the sport.
RPS continues free vaccine program for middle and high schoolers
Richmond Public Schools is providing free vaccinations to middle and high school students for a fourth year.
Richmond honors longtime city employees at annual service award ceremony
More than 560 Richmond city employees were recognized Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Main Street Station for reaching service milestones with the city recently.
Red light cameras coming to high-risk Richmond intersections this fall
The City of Richmond is expanding its Safety Camera Program to address red light running at crash-prone intersections, with enforcement expected to begin at the end of September, weather permitting.
Early voting
Richmond voters are now casting ballots early for the 2025 elections, including races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates.
Memory of Jan. 6 fades as false narratives take hold by David W. Marshall
During the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, millions of people across the United States watched the events unfold in real time on live television. News broadcasters provided continuous coverage showing how police officers were unable to contain the rioters who eventually breached the Capitol. Watching this attack, I found myself in shock and disbelief that something like this could ever happen in our nation. We saw television images of the hangman’s noose along with the chants of “Hang Mike Pence.”
RVA East End Festival set for MLK Jr. Middle School
Richmond will celebrate its homegrown musical talent at the RVA East End Festival on Saturday, Sept. 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.
From Church grounds to community homes
Plans for a new affordable housing complex in Richmond — years in the making — are now taking shape.
Lift Your Gift gospel fest to celebrate faith, music and fellowship
The Lift Your Gift gospel fest will bring faith, music and fellowship to Petersburg on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will run from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax St.

