Monday, November 2nd, 2026

‘What’s At Stake’: Midterm informational panel held at VCU in preparation for midterm elections

November 1, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences held the “What’s at Stake?” panel on Oct. 28 in preparation for the upcoming midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The panelists included Ambassador Anthony Godfrey, former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and  assistant professors of political science Hollie Mann and Jatia Wrighten. The event gave each panelist the opportunity to highlight the topics that they felt were most important for voters to understand before Election Day.  Midterm elections are a way to understand who participates, and whose participation translates into political power, according to Wrighten. The more diverse voter turnout is, the more representative the government will be.  “The more descriptive our representatives are, the better legislation we get, the better constituents feel that they are actually representative in government,” Wrighten said. “It’s this idea that you can relate to someone that looks like you in office.”  Politicians use gendered imaging Mann said she feels there is a trend of “toxic masculinity” throughout the government, including gender stereotypes from politicians that set back progressive political reforms.  “Candidates and parties are summoning certain ideas about masculinity and femininity to persuade voters,” Mann said.  Mann said that one of the ‘worst

What VCU students should know about same-day voter registration

October 28, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Virginia voters can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, giving eligible residents an opportunity to participate in elections even if they missed the regular registration deadline. Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes’ faculty advisor, stated in an email same-day registration allows eligible students to update their registration using their VCU address, even after the regular deadline. Students who register on the same day must generally cast a provisional ballot.  Provisional ballots are an alternative to turning voters away, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. They are reviewed by a local electoral board, beginning the day after elections. Provisional ballots are also issued if a voter’s name is not in the pollbook, the pollbook indicates the person has already voted, or if the General Registrar cannot confirm the voter is registered to vote.  VCU Votes, a student organization focused on voter engagement, works to educate students about registration requirements and voting opportunities. Jones stated that Virginia’s same-day registration policy took effect beginning with the 2022 general election after the General Assembly passed legislation allowing eligible voters to register through Election Day. She stated the policy gives students another opportunity to participate while balancing

This is America: Speak another language

October 28, 2026

Shiny Chandravel, Assistant Opinions & Humor Editor In Tamil, there is no word for goodbye. Instead, we say, “poitu varen,” which directly translates to “I’m going and I’m coming back.” Growing up, it was the phrase I heard every time my dad would leave for work. It was what my relatives would say before I entered the airport after a long-awaited trip to visit them in India. It was the last thing I heard my grandfather say before he passed away.  “Poitu varen” is a constant reminder that goodbyes can be tender, farewells do not need to be permanent and that you ought to promise your loved ones to always come back.  It is a challenge to be born and raised in the United States and still feel deeply connected to your family’s culture. However, understanding, speaking, hearing and even reading my mother tongue has remained a uniquely powerful way for me to connect with my heritage, transcending political borders. My bilingualism shapes the way I experience the world around me. According to Ethnologue, the U.S. remains one of the top five countries with the largest number of spoken languages as of 2024. We are home to a wide variety

Do not eat the meat

October 28, 2026

Marcus Beavers, Contributing Writer This February, President Donald Trump authorized an additional 80,000 metric tons of Argentine lean beef trimmings to enter the United States on a duty-free import quota. The White House’s February proclamation claimed that its aim is to bolster beef supplies and deflate prices for American consumers. In August, around 29,628 pounds of Argentine beef was recalled after entering the U.S. without the required import reinspection. According to Food Safety News, the meat was produced in May. No illnesses or contamination had been confirmed. How does such an error happen, and why is it up to us to find out about these failures through recall announcements? According to the U.S.D.A., Congress eliminated mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and pork in 2015. While imported meat will continue to have separate labeling requirements, grocery retailers are generally not obliged to reveal where cattle were raised or slaughtered. This January, stricter voluntary “Product of USA” labeling standards took effect. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, qualifying meat must originate from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed domestically.  According to a 2024 report by the USDA Economic Research Service, four major meat packing companies

Ready, set, go! Ram Racing participates in Formula Society of Automotive Engineers competitions

October 28, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing writer Ram Racing is an official multidisciplinary Formula Society of Automotive Engineers student-led team at VCU with 25 to 30 team members. The program began in 2010 after a group of engineering students heard about the Formula SAE competition, according to Ronin Harper, vice president of Ram Racing and a fourth-year mechanical engineering student. Harper had a previous interest in racing, and joined the club after seeing its Instagram post.  “We want to grow as an organization and show off VCU engineering capability,” Harper said. “We look forward to having our racing car VCU-04 compete with schools like VT and UVA. I think that would be our dream.” The idea of creating Formula 1 race cars was initiated by Formula SAE in the ’80s when automotive engineering was a growing field. According to Joe Franzen, president of Ram Racing and fourth-year mechanical and nuclear engineering student, Formula SAE were the leaders who created the automotive industry standards to add student interest.  “I learnt about the club through SOVO fair and engineering student organization fair,” Franzen said. “Joining this club has helped me understand engineering challenges that our competition poses and hone my engineering skills.”  Ram Racing built

A knight out in Monroe Park

October 28, 2026

Wilder Rodriguez, Contributing Writer Knights and squires head into battle as arrows buzz overhead and swords clash. This is not a scene from a history book or a medieval blockbuster, but rather one in Monroe Park, amongst Richmond’s bustling city and its towering buildings.  Instead of steel swords and iron-tipped arrows, these knights and squires are armed with the finest foam in all the realm.  Cambria Battlegames is a Live Action Role Playing community based in Richmond headed by a dedicated group of VCU alums. They host practices each Thursday at 5 p.m. at Monroe Park.  Buck Helmke, also known as Sir Stone Wyndhaven, is a part of the core leadership group who founded Cambria Battlegames. Helmke said that the group began in 2006 when he and his roommates were still students at VCU. While on a camping trip, Helmke’s roommates unexpectedly discovered LARPing and excitedly reintroduced it to him.  The early days consisted of small practices in Monroe with only members of the household, Helmke said. “Our best recruitment is literally just sitting here in the park fighting and people will walk up and ask,” Helmke said. “We’ll teach anybody to fight.” Helmke said that the community attends larger

VCU women’s soccer snaps losing streak in scoreless draw against Loyola Chicago in home finale

October 28, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU women’s soccer tied 0-0 against Loyola University Chicago and snapped their six-game losing streak on Sunday at the VCU Athletic Village in the Rams’ final home game of the season. The Rams battled Loyola Chicago through a back-and-forth contest, with both teams finding opportunities in the midfield but struggling to turn their attacking runs into goals. Fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz helped preserve the draw with four saves, posting her second shutout of the season. The performance brought her career total to 119 saves, moving her into 10th place in VCU women’s soccer program history. “It just means a lot to me that I was able to give a lot back to a program that’s given so much to me these past four years,” Pongratz said. “I’m very, very proud to do it with this team too.” Loyola Chicago tested Pongratz early, forcing a save in the fourth minute. The Ramblers outshot VCU 8-5 in the first half, but the Rams held firm defensively to enter the break scoreless. VCU found more success in creating opportunities after halftime, putting three shots on goal in the final 10 minutes. However, fourth-year Loyola Chicago goalkeeper Allison Deardorff kept

VCU field hockey falls in penalty shootout

October 28, 2026

Drew Clements, Staff Writer After 75 minutes of scoreless field hockey, VCU lost to St. Joseph’s University in penalties Friday at Cary St. Field, dropping their record to 8-8 on the season. Throughout the first quarter, both teams exchanged shot attempts, although each side struggled to create open opportunities. Third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements set the tone for the game, fighting off early pressure from St. Joe’s.  Clements’ performance for the Rams stood out, making several diving blocks and kick-saves throughout the game to keep the score knotted. VCU head coach Stacey Bean applauded the performance in goal. “I thought our penalty corner defense was outstanding today, led by Emma in goal there,” Bean said. “But we’ve gotta find a way to put a little bit of pressure on the opponent and earn a corner ourselves.” The game was even throughout the first half and into the second, even after VCU second-year Emily Foerster was forced out for 10 minutes with a yellow card. After four quarters with no goals, the game went into overtime. St. Joe’s was aggressive and earned multiple penalty corners, but neither team managed to break the tie. Third-year Cameron Butler said the Rams stayed resilient and

Rams lose crosstown battle to Richmond in 2-0 shutout

October 27, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor The VCU women’s soccer team fell 2-0 to crosstown rival the University of Richmond Spiders on Thursday, as an impressive defensive performance by the Spiders was too much for the Rams to overcome. Despite an aggressive second-half effort and multiple well-placed shots on goal, the Rams were unable to find the back of the net. The match got off to a fast-paced, physical start with both teams battling for early possession. Richmond opened up the scoring in the 15th minute when third-year midfielder Paige West finished a right-footed shot into the bottom center of the net. VCU looked for an immediate response, but fouls and stoppages disrupted the Rams’ momentum. VCU fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz delivered a big moment in the 44th minute, diving to save a low strike from Richmond’s third-year Sophia Jurado and keep VCU within striking distance heading into halftime. To start the second half, the Rams made adjustments and quickly picked up their momentum. Third-year forward Kate Weyer nearly leveled the match off a 47th-minute corner kick, launching a shot toward the top right corner that required a high-handed save from Richmond second-year goalkeeper Isabel Seifert. To start the half, substitutions

VCU comes up short in final non-conference matchup

October 21, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor VCU women’s field hockey lost a hard-fought matchup to the University of Delaware on Sunday at Cary St. Field. The Rams entered the matchup having won three of their last four, including a 4-3 victory vs. Davidson College two days prior to Sunday’s matchup. The first quarter was competitive, with neither team able to punch in the opening goal. Delaware nearly broke the tie a minute and a half into the second quarter, ricocheting a shot off the upper right corner of the goal, but after review, the goal was waived off and the score remained tied at zero. The Blue Hens nearly scored again with eight minutes remaining in the quarter, but a diving save from third-year VCU goalkeeper Emma Clements foiled the Delaware attempt. Delaware’s attack-first style paid off when second-year Amanda Rattay scored to give the Blue Hens the lead. VCU started the second half with more energy and quickly put Delaware on the defensive. Three minutes later, VCU first-year Julia Spohr scored a goal of their own, evening the score at one goal apiece. In the final quarter, the two teams refused to give an inch to the other, both squads getting

Thriller finish: VCU bests Loyola University Chicago 1-0

October 14, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU men’s soccer defeated Loyola University Chicago 1-0 on Saturday at the VCU Athletic Village, scoring with one second remaining in regulation to secure their first win at the new facility. The Rams have dealt with persistent injuries throughout the season. VCU entered Saturday looking to build momentum in its final Atlantic 10 matchups while managing a depleted roster. Both teams struggled to generate scoring opportunities in a defense-heavy first half. VCU recorded one shot on goal and Loyola had two. Fourth-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney made two saves in the opening 15 minutes to keep the match scoreless at halftime. In the 52nd minute, first-year midfielder Bya Ndimubandi received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing VCU to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Despite the disadvantage, VCU continued to hold off Loyola’s attack. The Ramblers outshot the Rams 20-10, but Maloney finished with three saves to earn his first shutout of the season. With the clock winding down, VCU found one final opportunity. Third-year defender Nikita Hayes sent a ball into the top of the six-yard box, where first-year midfielder Esteban Vasquez finished with a one-touch shot to score

‘What’s At Stake’: Midterm informational panel held at VCU in preparation for midterm elections

November 1, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences held the “What’s at Stake?” panel on Oct. 28 in preparation for the upcoming midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The panelists included Ambassador Anthony Godfrey, former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and  assistant professors of political science Hollie Mann and Jatia Wrighten. The event gave each panelist the opportunity to highlight the topics that they felt were most important for voters to understand before Election Day.  Midterm elections are a way to understand who participates, and whose participation translates into political power, according to Wrighten. The more diverse voter turnout is, the more representative the government will be.  “The more descriptive our representatives are, the better legislation we get, the better constituents feel that they are actually representative in government,” Wrighten said. “It’s this idea that you can relate to someone that looks like you in office.”  Politicians use gendered imaging Mann said she feels there is a trend of “toxic masculinity” throughout the government, including gender stereotypes from politicians that set back progressive political reforms.  “Candidates and parties are summoning certain ideas about masculinity and femininity to persuade voters,” Mann said.  Mann said that one of the ‘worst

What VCU students should know about same-day voter registration

October 28, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Virginia voters can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, giving eligible residents an opportunity to participate in elections even if they missed the regular registration deadline. Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes’ faculty advisor, stated in an email same-day registration allows eligible students to update their registration using their VCU address, even after the regular deadline. Students who register on the same day must generally cast a provisional ballot.  Provisional ballots are an alternative to turning voters away, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. They are reviewed by a local electoral board, beginning the day after elections. Provisional ballots are also issued if a voter’s name is not in the pollbook, the pollbook indicates the person has already voted, or if the General Registrar cannot confirm the voter is registered to vote.  VCU Votes, a student organization focused on voter engagement, works to educate students about registration requirements and voting opportunities. Jones stated that Virginia’s same-day registration policy took effect beginning with the 2022 general election after the General Assembly passed legislation allowing eligible voters to register through Election Day. She stated the policy gives students another opportunity to participate while balancing

Opinion

This is America: Speak another language

October 28, 2026

Shiny Chandravel, Assistant Opinions & Humor Editor In Tamil, there is no word for goodbye. Instead, we say, “poitu varen,” which directly translates to “I’m going and I’m coming back.” Growing up, it was the phrase I heard every time my dad would leave for work. It was what my relatives would say before I entered the airport after a long-awaited trip to visit them in India. It was the last thing I heard my grandfather say before he passed away.  “Poitu varen” is a constant reminder that goodbyes can be tender, farewells do not need to be permanent and that you ought to promise your loved ones to always come back.  It is a challenge to be born and raised in the United States and still feel deeply connected to your family’s culture. However, understanding, speaking, hearing and even reading my mother tongue has remained a uniquely powerful way for me to connect with my heritage, transcending political borders. My bilingualism shapes the way I experience the world around me. According to Ethnologue, the U.S. remains one of the top five countries with the largest number of spoken languages as of 2024. We are home to a wide variety

Do not eat the meat

October 28, 2026

Marcus Beavers, Contributing Writer This February, President Donald Trump authorized an additional 80,000 metric tons of Argentine lean beef trimmings to enter the United States on a duty-free import quota. The White House’s February proclamation claimed that its aim is to bolster beef supplies and deflate prices for American consumers. In August, around 29,628 pounds of Argentine beef was recalled after entering the U.S. without the required import reinspection. According to Food Safety News, the meat was produced in May. No illnesses or contamination had been confirmed. How does such an error happen, and why is it up to us to find out about these failures through recall announcements? According to the U.S.D.A., Congress eliminated mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and pork in 2015. While imported meat will continue to have separate labeling requirements, grocery retailers are generally not obliged to reveal where cattle were raised or slaughtered. This January, stricter voluntary “Product of USA” labeling standards took effect. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, qualifying meat must originate from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed domestically.  According to a 2024 report by the USDA Economic Research Service, four major meat packing companies

The Rundown

Spectrum

Ready, set, go! Ram Racing participates in Formula Society of Automotive Engineers competitions

October 28, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing writer Ram Racing is an official multidisciplinary Formula Society of Automotive Engineers student-led team at VCU with 25 to 30 team members. The program began in 2010 after a group of engineering students heard about the Formula SAE competition, according to Ronin Harper, vice president of Ram Racing and a fourth-year mechanical engineering student. Harper had a previous interest in racing, and joined the club after seeing its Instagram post.  “We want to grow as an organization and show off VCU engineering capability,” Harper said. “We look forward to having our racing car VCU-04 compete with schools like VT and UVA. I think that would be our dream.” The idea of creating Formula 1 race cars was initiated by Formula SAE in the ’80s when automotive engineering was a growing field. According to Joe Franzen, president of Ram Racing and fourth-year mechanical and nuclear engineering student, Formula SAE were the leaders who created the automotive industry standards to add student interest.  “I learnt about the club through SOVO fair and engineering student organization fair,” Franzen said. “Joining this club has helped me understand engineering challenges that our competition poses and hone my engineering skills.”  Ram Racing built

A knight out in Monroe Park

October 28, 2026

Wilder Rodriguez, Contributing Writer Knights and squires head into battle as arrows buzz overhead and swords clash. This is not a scene from a history book or a medieval blockbuster, but rather one in Monroe Park, amongst Richmond’s bustling city and its towering buildings.  Instead of steel swords and iron-tipped arrows, these knights and squires are armed with the finest foam in all the realm.  Cambria Battlegames is a Live Action Role Playing community based in Richmond headed by a dedicated group of VCU alums. They host practices each Thursday at 5 p.m. at Monroe Park.  Buck Helmke, also known as Sir Stone Wyndhaven, is a part of the core leadership group who founded Cambria Battlegames. Helmke said that the group began in 2006 when he and his roommates were still students at VCU. While on a camping trip, Helmke’s roommates unexpectedly discovered LARPing and excitedly reintroduced it to him.  The early days consisted of small practices in Monroe with only members of the household, Helmke said. “Our best recruitment is literally just sitting here in the park fighting and people will walk up and ask,” Helmke said. “We’ll teach anybody to fight.” Helmke said that the community attends larger

Sports

VCU women’s soccer snaps losing streak in scoreless draw against Loyola Chicago in home finale

October 28, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU women’s soccer tied 0-0 against Loyola University Chicago and snapped their six-game losing streak on Sunday at the VCU Athletic Village in the Rams’ final home game of the season. The Rams battled Loyola Chicago through a back-and-forth contest, with both teams finding opportunities in the midfield but struggling to turn their attacking runs into goals. Fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz helped preserve the draw with four saves, posting her second shutout of the season. The performance brought her career total to 119 saves, moving her into 10th place in VCU women’s soccer program history. “It just means a lot to me that I was able to give a lot back to a program that’s given so much to me these past four years,” Pongratz said. “I’m very, very proud to do it with this team too.” Loyola Chicago tested Pongratz early, forcing a save in the fourth minute. The Ramblers outshot VCU 8-5 in the first half, but the Rams held firm defensively to enter the break scoreless. VCU found more success in creating opportunities after halftime, putting three shots on goal in the final 10 minutes. However, fourth-year Loyola Chicago goalkeeper Allison Deardorff kept

VCU field hockey falls in penalty shootout

October 28, 2026

Drew Clements, Staff Writer After 75 minutes of scoreless field hockey, VCU lost to St. Joseph’s University in penalties Friday at Cary St. Field, dropping their record to 8-8 on the season. Throughout the first quarter, both teams exchanged shot attempts, although each side struggled to create open opportunities. Third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements set the tone for the game, fighting off early pressure from St. Joe’s.  Clements’ performance for the Rams stood out, making several diving blocks and kick-saves throughout the game to keep the score knotted. VCU head coach Stacey Bean applauded the performance in goal. “I thought our penalty corner defense was outstanding today, led by Emma in goal there,” Bean said. “But we’ve gotta find a way to put a little bit of pressure on the opponent and earn a corner ourselves.” The game was even throughout the first half and into the second, even after VCU second-year Emily Foerster was forced out for 10 minutes with a yellow card. After four quarters with no goals, the game went into overtime. St. Joe’s was aggressive and earned multiple penalty corners, but neither team managed to break the tie. Third-year Cameron Butler said the Rams stayed resilient and

Rams lose crosstown battle to Richmond in 2-0 shutout

October 27, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor The VCU women’s soccer team fell 2-0 to crosstown rival the University of Richmond Spiders on Thursday, as an impressive defensive performance by the Spiders was too much for the Rams to overcome. Despite an aggressive second-half effort and multiple well-placed shots on goal, the Rams were unable to find the back of the net. The match got off to a fast-paced, physical start with both teams battling for early possession. Richmond opened up the scoring in the 15th minute when third-year midfielder Paige West finished a right-footed shot into the bottom center of the net. VCU looked for an immediate response, but fouls and stoppages disrupted the Rams’ momentum. VCU fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz delivered a big moment in the 44th minute, diving to save a low strike from Richmond’s third-year Sophia Jurado and keep VCU within striking distance heading into halftime. To start the second half, the Rams made adjustments and quickly picked up their momentum. Third-year forward Kate Weyer nearly leveled the match off a 47th-minute corner kick, launching a shot toward the top right corner that required a high-handed save from Richmond second-year goalkeeper Isabel Seifert. To start the half, substitutions

VCU comes up short in final non-conference matchup

October 21, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor VCU women’s field hockey lost a hard-fought matchup to the University of Delaware on Sunday at Cary St. Field. The Rams entered the matchup having won three of their last four, including a 4-3 victory vs. Davidson College two days prior to Sunday’s matchup. The first quarter was competitive, with neither team able to punch in the opening goal. Delaware nearly broke the tie a minute and a half into the second quarter, ricocheting a shot off the upper right corner of the goal, but after review, the goal was waived off and the score remained tied at zero. The Blue Hens nearly scored again with eight minutes remaining in the quarter, but a diving save from third-year VCU goalkeeper Emma Clements foiled the Delaware attempt. Delaware’s attack-first style paid off when second-year Amanda Rattay scored to give the Blue Hens the lead. VCU started the second half with more energy and quickly put Delaware on the defensive. Three minutes later, VCU first-year Julia Spohr scored a goal of their own, evening the score at one goal apiece. In the final quarter, the two teams refused to give an inch to the other, both squads getting

Thriller finish: VCU bests Loyola University Chicago 1-0

October 14, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU men’s soccer defeated Loyola University Chicago 1-0 on Saturday at the VCU Athletic Village, scoring with one second remaining in regulation to secure their first win at the new facility. The Rams have dealt with persistent injuries throughout the season. VCU entered Saturday looking to build momentum in its final Atlantic 10 matchups while managing a depleted roster. Both teams struggled to generate scoring opportunities in a defense-heavy first half. VCU recorded one shot on goal and Loyola had two. Fourth-year goalkeeper Trevor Maloney made two saves in the opening 15 minutes to keep the match scoreless at halftime. In the 52nd minute, first-year midfielder Bya Ndimubandi received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing VCU to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Despite the disadvantage, VCU continued to hold off Loyola’s attack. The Ramblers outshot the Rams 20-10, but Maloney finished with three saves to earn his first shutout of the season. With the clock winding down, VCU found one final opportunity. Third-year defender Nikita Hayes sent a ball into the top of the six-yard box, where first-year midfielder Esteban Vasquez finished with a one-touch shot to score

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