A mural in Richmond’s Northside has sparked a complex debate about public art, race, and neighborhood change, with artists, community leaders, and residents weighing in on how public art intersects with neighborhood history. The mural, painted by artist Lauren YS,...
The case of Dawn Marie Morris, a Louisa County resident and owner of the Charlottesville-based Higher Education smoke shop chain, highlights Virginia’s complex and often contradictory stance on drug laws. While Morris clearly broke the law—particularly by selling psilocybin mushrooms, a Schedule I controlled substance—the severe penalties she...
As winter grips Richmond, the city faces a stark moral and political dilemma. Recent events—the approval of a $2 million animal adoption center, the city deciding to no longer support overflow shelters for the homeless, and the vandalism of a community fridge—lay bare a troubling pattern: Richmond’s policies prioritize visibility and convenience...
Few songs have captured the public imagination like “Y.M.C.A.,” the 1978 disco hit by Village People. Over four decades later, it continues to spark dance floors, wedding receptions, and even political rallies. However, its role as a “gay anthem” is now a hot topic of debate. Recently, Victor Willis, the lead singer and lyricist for Village...
Sub Rosa Bakery, a cornerstone of Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood, is closed indefinitely after a fire early last Sunday morning caused severe roof damage. The community has quickly mobilized to support the bakery’s recovery. A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the fire has already raised over $40,000 toward its $50,000 goal. Siblings...
A Senate bill was introduced on Nov. 21 to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, something President-elect Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail. The federal institution is focused on student achievement and equal access to education, according to its website. It is the No. 3 U.S. agency in terms of money spent, behind the Defense and...
For over half a century, Health Brigade—formerly the Fan Free Clinic—has been Richmond’s quiet, unshakable healthcare safety net. No glitz, no glamour, no trophies on the wall. Just care for anyone who walks through their doors, no questions asked. But now, they’re reaching out. An email landed in our inbox the other day—direct, urgent, and...
Conservatives will control every branch of the federal government once newly elected Republicans take office in January. Republicans won the needed 218 seats to have a majority in the House of Representatives. They also have a 53-seat, simple majority in the Senate. The U.S. Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority, after President-elect...
Richmond has achieved a perfect score of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a comprehensive assessment of LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal policies, services, and laws. Released annually by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), this year’s MEI evaluated 11 cities and towns in Virginia, with Richmond standing proudly alongside nine...
Richmond has $3 million up for grabs—money meant to improve the city, boost its neighborhoods, and maybe even change a few lives. But here’s the twist: for once, city hall isn’t the ones calling the shots. Instead, they’re turning to the people, asking a deceptively simple question: what do you want? It’s a bold move, giving the public the reins...
