From South Side to CEO, Taylor returns for VCU graduation speech
When Everette Taylor takes the stage at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on May 10, it will be a homecoming. The Richmond native and CEO of Kickstarter has been named keynote speaker for Virginia Commonwealth University’s spring commencement ceremony.
Personality: Janine Y. Bell
Spotlight on president of Downtown Neighborhood Association
Janine Y. Bell’s embrace of Afrocentricity began during her college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Though Howard University was her first choice, she ultimately found herself at Chapel Hill, where a growing community of African American students provided a formative environment that would shape her passion and define her life’s work.
Faith leaders arrested during Capitol Rotunda prayer protest
Five faith leaders were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday, May 5, the second time in as many weeks clergy and others have been handcuffed as they speak out against the Republican-led budget bill.
Hundreds rally in Richmond for workers’ rights on May Day
Chants echoed through downtown Richmond on Thursday, May 1 as more than a thousand demonstrators marched down Franklin Street in support of workers’ rights and in protest of policies tied to the Trump administration.
Harbor School could become Richmond’s first new charter in nearly a decade
Virginia could soon see its first new charter school in nearly nine years. On Thursday, May 8, the state Board of Education’s Charter School Standing Committee will review an application for the Harbor School, a proposed middle school in Richmond.
NSU offers 1st course on gaming management at university this fall
Norfolk State University will offer Virginia’s first college course on gaming management this fall. The course, Introduction to Gaming Management, will be available entirely online through the Business School’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program.
Mother’s Day tribute
‘The Negro Mother’
This was originally published in the Richmond Free Press on the Editorial Page for the May 10-12, 2007 edition as a special Mother’s Day tribute.
Is America still a ‘shining city’ on a hill? By R.L. Byrd
On the night of Jan. 11, 1989, near the end of a 21-minute farewell address, President Ronald Reagan asked the television audience, “How stands ‘The City’ on this winter night?” The City—a reimagined America based off highly controversial pioneer John Winthrop’s 1600’s America—refers to the country being a beacon of light.
Will Trump have Chicago to kick around anymore? by Clarence Page
Will Donald Trump have Chicago to kick around anymore? That question, an update of Richard Nixon’s memorable farewell to news reporters as he dropped out of the California governor’s race in 1962, came to mind on the heels of some unusually welcome news about violent crime in Chicago.
Long-hitting golf great Jim Dent dies at 85
Jim Dent grew up in the caddie yards of Augusta, Ga., eventually working at the Masters and honing his game at the municipal course known as “The Patch.”He went on to become one of the PGA Tour’s longest hitters and one of the top Black golfers of his generation.
Consumers will soon see less of costly ‘junk’ fees
Virginia consumers should see less hidden fees on the purchase price of certain items, starting in July.
Patriots rally late to beat Squirrels 5-4 in series finale
The Richmond Flying Squirrels surrendered four late runs and fell to the Somerset Patriots, 5-4, in Sunday’s series finale at The Diamond.
School Board extends Kamras contract
Superintendent’s compensation rises to $275,000 in new four-year deal
The Richmond School Board voted 8-1 on Tuesday night to extend the contract of Superintendent Jason Kamras for an additional four years, through 2029 and the next round of school board elections. Kamras has served in the position since 2018, bringing stability to a position that rotated often in the years prior to his hiring.
City budget forces RPS cuts, community projects find support
With Richmond officials set to finalize the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget next Monday, leaders from Richmond Public Schools and the People’s Budget initiative are adjusting plans in response to funding levels and proposed changes. Richmond School Board meetings Monday and Tuesday featured discussions of a revised 2026 budget proposal for Richmond Public Schools that includes nearly $13.8 million in reductions.
Free concert series returns to Main Street Station
Live music is back at Main Street Station this month with the return of the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series. The free outdoor concert series continues Thursday, May 8, and each Thursday through May 22. Concerts will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St.
Reese has rousing return to Baton Rouge
Former LSU star Angel Reese’s homecoming in the Chicago Sky’s WNBA exhibition opener was a smashing success.
Union groups call for rehiring of RPS bus drivers
Union leaders, parents, and students are calling for the reinstatement of five longtime Richmond Public Schools bus drivers who were fired after protesting proposed changes to their overtime pay.
Parayo to oversee opening of Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies recently appointed Penny Parayo as senior vice president of operations and general manager for Live! Casino Virginia, the gaming facility scheduled to open in Petersburg by the end of the year.
Chesterfield seeks input on Route 10 corridor plan
Chesterfield County planning staff are seeking input from residents and businesses on how best to guide development and land use along a key stretch of Route 10.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary election continues through Saturday, June 14.
