Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Richmond. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Francine the calico cat returned to her Richmond Lowe's store on Tuesday after disappearing in September when she rode in a truck from North Carolina, and employees drove 90 minutes to bring her back safely. Mainline Brewery hosted Francine Fest on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.—raising funds for local animal shelters. 6 News
- ➤ Feed More, a Central Virginia food bank, is preparing for rising need as the government shutdown continues. It already serves over 120,000 people a month and will use emergency mobile truck drives—hoping that community donations will help meet the demand. 12 On Your Side
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ VCU received a report that the unrecognized Theta Chi fraternity physically battered prospective members in a hazing incident — university officials are investigating the matter. Richmond Times-Dispatch
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Richmond Public Library is hosting a Freedom to Read Bingo for kids at its Ginter Park branch as part of Banned Books Week, which runs Oct. 5-11, and library manager Jennifer Deuell said the effort shows that removing books from schools and libraries is raising local concern over censorship. Richmond Magazine
- ➤ The Richmond Folk Festival returns to the riverfront for its 21st year and will kick off tomorrow with over 200,000 expected guests—featuring a tribute performance for local folk musician Justin Golden who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The event will offer performances on six stages including the new Allianz Amphitheater and demonstrations in the Virginia Folklife Area. 6 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ VCU ecologist Chris Gough has been named executive director of the Rice Rivers Center in Charles City County, which is marking 25 years of research along the James River. He plans to boost the center’s international reputation, expand student research opportunities, and launch a summer session in 2026—drawing on over 20 years of his experience. Virginia Commonwealth University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Virginia Department of Energy launched an online tool called Energy Connect to help residents and businesses match with incentives such as tax credits, loans and assistance to lower electric bills. The platform will simplify access to programs before many incentives expire soon + support contractors with clean energy workforce training. VPM
- ➤ Avula sent a letter to Gov. Youngkin asking for $80M in state funds to support water infrastructure projects planned for the region over the next decade — this amount is 6% of the $1.4B set aside for water investments. Richmond Times-Dispatch
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Five-year-old Zion Ortiz received a life-saving bone marrow transplant on Oct. 8 at Duke Children’s Hospital—after years of waiting for a match that turned out to be his 14-year-old sister—with both children now recovering well. FOX Richmond
- ➤ VCU medical students with UV—Me are visiting Richmond public schools to teach sun safety and clear up myths about skin cancer. The group uses interactive presentations to show students simple ways to protect themselves from harmful sun exposure. Virginia Commonwealth University
- ➤ Professor Lana Sargent of VCU’s School of Nursing was selected as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and will be inducted at the Health Policy Conference on Oct. 16-18 in Washington. Her work on Alzheimer’s research and leading the Mobile Health and Wellness Program has improved care for older adults in Richmond and Central Virginia — her research and leadership continue to boost community health. Virginia Commonwealth University
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Richmond Folk Festival
6:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Venture Richmond — Free entry — Celebrate the roots and diversity of American culture at one of Virginia’s largest folk festivals.
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Catholic Fest
10 AM – 9 PM — The Diamond — Free entry — A day of family-friendly fun featuring activities and entertainment for all ages.
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Rattlesnake Milk Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Richmond Music Hall — Tickets from $56 — Experience the electrifying vibe of Rattlesnake Milk live in concert.
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An Evening With David Byrne - Who is the Sky Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — Altria Theater — Tickets from $140 — Experience an unforgettable evening of music with David Byrne in a renowned Richmond venue.
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Adam Melchor Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Richmond Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience the unique storytelling and sound of Jersey's rising star Adam Melchor.
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Lee Ritenour Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Tin Pan — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a night of smooth jazz and guitar mastery with celebrated musician Lee Ritenour.
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Ari Lehman at Nightmare Weekend
Oct 17–19 — Greater Richmond Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Meet the original Jason from 'Friday the 13th' for autographs and photo opportunities.
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Dylan Gossett Live
6-8 p.m. — Brown's Island — Tickets from $95 — Experience an evening with Dylan Gossett at the picturesque Brown's Island in Richmond.
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Susan Greenbaum Concert
2-3:30 p.m. — The Tin Pan — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating performance of award-winning singer-songwriter Susan Greenbaum.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
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