Cross-country start off season on high note with underclassmen, optimistic for future
Arrick Wilson, Contributing Writer The future is bright for the VCU men’s cross-country team, with underclassmen leading the way. The Rams have been stepping up to the competition with eight underclassmen at the helm; among them, freshman Kendall Phillips and sophomore Johnny White have led the Rams in their first two meets this season. “You […]
PRESS BOX: NBA players should trust the science and get the COVID-19 vaccine
Yanni Kouiroukidis, Contributing Writer To me, the decision to get my COVID-19 vaccine was a no brainer. I felt as though this was the best option to keep me and my family safe. I rolled up my sleeve and attended my appointment at the VCU University Student Commons as soon as I became eligible. Brooklyn […]
‘Why Am I Not on the Stage?’: Third-party gubernatorial candidate speaks out on exclusion from debates
Selna Shi, Contributing Writer Third-party candidate Princess Blanding interrupted Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin and Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe in the final gubernatorial debate on Sept. 28. “I’m on the ballot. Why am I not on the stage?” Blanding stated. “We have these two rich white men sitting up there and you don’t hear anyone reporting […]
COVID-19, the Flu and Seasonal Allergies: Know the difference
Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer With the fall season comes flu season, and during a COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to differentiate between flu symptoms, COVID-19 symptoms or fall allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both COVID-19 and the flu can either cause symptoms or none at all, known as asymptomatic […]
VCU alumnus Tony-nominated for Broadway’s ‘Slave Play’
Zahra Ndirangu, Contributing Writer VCU alumnus Blair Russell remembers the moment when he was nominated for a Tony Award, he was surrounded by the silence of his Mexico City home in October 2020. “I remember when the nominations came out because we were still in a weird time during the pandemic,” Russell said. “It was […]
2nd Street Festival returns to Jackson Ward, celebrates Richmond culture
Mackenzie Meleski, Contributing Writer The 2nd Street Festival made its return to Richmond on Oct. 2-3, after a yearlong hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. The festival, and its location in Jackson Ward, has been a local tradition for 33 years. This year the two-day event included live music, […]
Treatment of Haitian migrants is a clear human rights violation
Ishaan Nandwani, Contributing Writer Ripped T-shirts caught in wire. Crosses with names faintly etched in them. A lone teddy bear, ragged and covered in dust. These were some of the sights I saw this past summer at the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona. Walking across the border’s fence, I felt a sense of deep melancholy […]
Tea Time with Tagwa: Justice is on the way for Adam Oakes
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Tea timers, when I think of justice, I think of accountability. My mind immediately jumps to the concept of holding someone accountable for their misdoings. For the longest time, justice has felt more like a fantasy than a reality. I’ve seen countless of innocent people’s lives be ruined and justice never […]
‘Lost Cause’: Monument Avenue residents call for rehearing of Lee statue removal case
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor Helen Marie Taylor and other Monument Avenue residents submitted a petition to the Supreme Court of Virginia to request a rehearing of the Robert E. Lee statue removal case. The statue was removed on Sept. 8 and the petition was filed on Sept. 29, less than four weeks after the removal. […]
Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch – Oct. 6
“The Edge of Seventeen” (2016) High schooler Nadine is considered by everyone in her life, including herself, to be an outsider, especially because her older brother is the school’s star athlete. When her best friend starts dating her brother, she has to navigate growing up while dealing with adult problems without support from her friends […]