Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Richmond. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The John Rolfe YMCA, which has served the community for 20 years, is set to close Oct. 31 due to an unsustainable lease agreement, and members are planning a community meeting at Publix’s open meeting space today at 7 p.m.—many say losing this family-oriented gym will leave a gap in local services. FOX Richmond
- ➤ Many neighbors are sharing resources through clothing swaps, community fridges, and Little Free Libraries to keep items in use and help each other. Richmond native Taylor Scott started RVA Community Fridges during the pandemic and has grown the project to 14 spots — a plan that cuts waste and builds local bonds. 6 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Richmonders can experience the Jazz Age at the Art Deco Society's Gatsby Afternoon Picnic at Wilton House Museum on Sept.27—an event that celebrates 100 years of The Great Gatsby with period music, lawn games, and a best dressed contest. The gathering runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., does not include modern amenities like food trucks, and has a rain date on Sept.28. Richmond Magazine
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction warned that teachers could lose their licenses if they celebrate political violence on social media—this warning follows reports of such behavior after Charlie Kirk’s death last week. The move has sparked a debate over free speech rights and the need for clear social media guidelines for educators. FOX Richmond
- ➤ The Henrico School Board is holding three town hall meetings beginning today at 7 p.m. at J.R. Tucker High School to get public feedback on proposed attendance boundary changes for five elementary, five middle, and six high schools. Officials are reviewing seven scenarios—based on enrollment data—that could address capacity issues and will also meet on Sept. 30 at Highland Springs High School and Oct. 7 at the ACE Center at Hermitage. 6 News
- ➤ VCU Libraries converted a 150-square-foot storage area in Cabell Library into a sensory room designed with student input to help neurodivergent students—those with ADD, ADHD, PTSD or autism—by offering adjustable lighting, tactile tools and privacy; the room is available by reservation and its usage will be monitored closely. Virginia Commonwealth University
- ➤ Christina Philips began her role as an assistant professor in orthodontics at VCU this fall after finishing her residency and dental studies, and she now treats patients while teaching dental students—she uses creative methods learned from her own experience to guide their growth. Virginia Commonwealth University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ RRHA CEO Damon Nesmith dropped his plan to change Gilpin Court ownership after city leaders opposed it, and the Board voted on a new compromise redevelopment plan. The plan meets requests from Mayor Avula and Councilwoman Gibson for city council approval and better community input—aiming to improve transparency. 6 News
- ➤ Hundreds of poll workers are needed soon for early voting and election day as Henrico County needs from 150 to 200 workers and Chesterfield seeks 200 more while Richmond has a wait list. Any registered voter can serve to help run the polls and earn $200 per day. 12 On Your Side
- ➤ Richmond will update its nearly 50-year-old zoning code within the next year to allow duplexes and more mixed-use development, a move intended to ease project delays and meet growing housing demand—city officials said. The revised code builds on feedback from community meetings and aims to support a diverse and expanding population. Richmond Magazine
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The University has installed naloxone kits in residence halls and student spaces as part of the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program—a project led by student Susannah Carter. The kits, which include instructions and personal protective gear, were placed at hot spots like Tyler Haynes Commons and Boatwright Memorial Library—to help counter opioid overdoses on campus. The Collegian
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Clay Schools Live at Ballast - Iron Blossom Pre-Party
6 PM - 12 AM — Cirrus Vodka — Cost not listed — Celebrate with Clay Schools as he brings his country and bluegrass roots to the stage before the Iron Blossom festival.
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Lil Poppa Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The National — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic performance of rising rap star Lil Poppa live in Richmond.
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Iron Blossom 2025
12-2 p.m. — Midtown Green, 2401 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA — Free entry — Experience the fusion of traditional folk string instruments and heartfelt songwriting in the heart of Richmond.
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The Front Bottoms Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Richmond on Broad Cafe — $67 — Catch The Front Bottoms live in an intimate setting with last-minute tickets available.
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MasterChef All-Stars Live!
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Dominion Energy Center — Tickets required — Experience the heat, competition, and culinary magic with your favorite MasterChef contestants live on stage.
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Young The Giant with Cassandra Coleman
7:30-9 p.m. — The National — Ticket prices vary — Experience the adventurous sound of Young The Giant live in Richmond as they perform from their new album.
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The Baseball Project Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Broadberry — $60 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring The Baseball Project in RVA.
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Marc Rebillet Live in Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Brown's Island — Tickets starting at $65 — Experience an energetic live performance by Marc Rebillet at Brown's Island, Richmond's premier venue.
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2025 Artisan Market at Brambly Park
3-7 p.m. — Brambly Park — Free entry — Explore local artisan crafts from home décor to jewelry in a dog-friendly outdoor setting.
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An Evening With Goose
6:29-9 p.m. — Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-blending sound of Goose in a lively live performance.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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