From probation to promise
In the final days of fall, across campuses around the country, students are celebrating their graduations from colleges and universities. Some may be the first in their family to reach this milestone.
When Big Tech’s thirst threatens our health by Ben Jealous
In Morrow County, Oregon, families are living through a crisis. According to a “Rolling Stone” investigation, mothers have suffered miscarriages and neighbors are battling rare cancers.
‘Reverse migration’ is an idea without a future by Clarence Page
After an Afghan national was charged in the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington just before Thanksgiving, President Trump’s administration revived his earlier calls for something that to many Americans sounded, at best, puzzling: “reverse migration.”
If solitary confinement is unnecessary, why are Virginia jails still overusing it?
Eric Bonds, Aaliyah Anderson, Tabitha Van Doren
Over the past two years, the Virginia General Assembly approved legislation to limit the use of solitary confinement across prisons in the Commonwealth.
Hampton hires Malone to lead football program
Hampton University named Van Malone as its 23rd head football coach last week, tapping a veteran assistant with 23 years of college coaching experience to lead the Pirates’ storied program.
Olympian Chaunté Lowe to speak at wellness luncheon
Chaunté Lowe, four-time U.S. Olympian and American high jump record holder, will be the keynote speaker at the 31st annual Women and Wellness Luncheon hosted by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2026
Virginia’s top athletes, coaches and sports leaders will be celebrated in the spring as the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame unveiled its Class of 2026.
Personality: Tiffany Sneed
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ 2026 Teacher of the Year
When Tiffany Sneed made her way through the halls of Fairfield Court Elementary for what she believed was a kindergarten winter concert, she didn’t know she was about to celebrate a career milestone.
Richmond fire officials urge safety after fatal house fire
The Richmond Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize fire safety ahead of the holidays after a weekend house fire killed two people.
Housing groups press for rent safeguards
Housing advocates are calling on the General Assembly to extend recent progress on tenant protections and housing affordability when lawmakers return next year.
Special election
Early, in-person voting for the Tuesday, Jan. 6 special election will begin Saturday, Dec. 27 and continue through Saturday, Jan. 3.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announces new leadership team
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has announced its executive leadership team for the 2026-28 term, naming Del. Luke Torian as chair.
Spanberger inaugural committee unveils weekend event schedule
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s inaugural committee has released the schedule for the Commonwealth’s upcoming inauguration weekend, set for Jan. 16-18.
Petersburg’s yes, Richmond’s no
This week, job seekers will line up at a Downtown Richmond hotel for work tied to a casino that will not be built in Richmond.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival returns Dec. 27
The Elegba Folklore Society will present the 2025 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall B.
Holiday events
Dec. 18 Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at The Byrd Theatre, 8:45 p.m. Seasonal string-quartet concert of Christmas classics performed by candlelight.
Lego partners with Children’s Museum for holiday charity campaign
Community members built more than 150 Lego brick hearts in Chesterfield County on Dec. 12, part of the toy company’s campaign to encourage people to share their creations online and help children in need.
High school star Timani Harris to host basketball clinic, toy drive
Richmond native and ESPN Top 100 nationally ranked athlete Timani Harris, who currently plays high school basketball for DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, will host a free basketball clinic and toy drive in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond on Saturday, Dec. 20.
VUU’s Allen, SCSU’s Lunz named HBCU GO Football Players of the Year
Curtis Allen of Virginia Union University and Michael Lunz II of South Carolina State University were named the 2025 HBCU GO Football Players of the Year, recognizing the top offensive and defensive performers in historically Black college and university football.
Woodfin to sponsor fan area at CarMax Park
Woodfin-Your Home Team and the Richmond Flying Squirrels will continue their partnership as the local HVAC and plumbing company has been announced as a founding partner of CarMax Park, according to the teams.
