Women’s basketball renews in offseason
Hayden Braun, Contributing Writer The VCU women’s basketball team is on a new path following a disappointing 2024 season, with a 12-19 record and placing 11th in the Atlantic 10 conference. With a refreshed mix of talent and new leadership, the Rams are hopeful for a turnaround soon. This off-season, the Rams brought one of […]
CT seniors say farewell
Dylan Hostetter, Executive Editor As a transfer student, I have only spent two years of my life at VCU. While looking back on that time in anticipation to graduate, the past two years feel less like 16 classes taken and instead more like 16 months at The Commonwealth Times. I can say with the utmost […]
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and Afro-surrealism
Arrick Wilson, Photo Editor Afro-surrealism “Get Out.” “Atlanta.” “They Cloned Tyrone.” What do these films all have in common? They are all films and series that fall under the genre of Afro-surrealism. In simpler terms, Afro-surrealism films capture real Black life with hints of dreamlike, extraordinary, bizarre juxtapositions, which in turn equals a deeper meaning […]
VCU Police initiative addresses safety concerns on Belvidere Street
Emily Grinstead, Contributing Writer VCU Police implemented a traffic initiative on March 7, which will continue through May, along a busy section of Belvidere Street. Following concerns from community members, VCU Police increased traffic enforcement efforts along a five-block corridor of Belvidere Street, from West Broad Street to Canal Street, according to an April 8 […]
VCU’s new flagbearer: Phil Martelli Jr.
Marcus Leary, Contributing Writer Alexis Washington, Staff Writer VCU named Phil Martelli Jr. their 14th men’s basketball head coach. The university formally introduced Martelli in a press conference on March 27. Martelli previously coached at Bryant University for seven years, two of which as their head coach. VCU athletic director Ed McLaughlin spoke before Martelli […]
The Rams’ horns break in the first round against BYU, 80-71
Thailon Wilson, Sports Editor The Atlantic 10 Champions fell in the first round against the Brigham Young University Cougars 80-71 in a lopsided matchup on March 20. This marked the end of the season for the Rams, and was the final collegiate game for five players on the black and gold. VCU graduate student guard […]
Rams’ march to madness: VCU wins Atlantic 10 Tournament
Thailon Wilson, Sports Editor The Rams are headed back to March Madness after coming into the Atlantic 10 tournament as the No.1 seed. VCU faced off against inner-state rivals George Mason University in the championship bout and beat them 68-63 to hoist up the Atlantic 10 trophy. VCU vs. St. Bonaventure The black and gold […]
Gone for good, Ipanema Cafe closes its doors after almost 30 years
Molly Manning, Contributing Writer Harshini Kanala, Contributing Writer Richmond’s vegan and vegetarian cafe Ipanema Café is officially closed as of Feb. 17, according to Richmond BizSense. Signs on the restaurant have been taken down and their page on Google marks the business as “permanently closed.” The restaurant and bar, located in a basement space at […]
VCU suffers heartbreak against Loyola Chicago, 52-50
Andrew McGhan, Staff Writer VCU women’s basketball lost to Loyola University Chicago by a missed, game-tying shot on Feb. 26. VCU won two of their last three games, according to VCU Athletics. Loyola, on the other hand, lost eight consecutive games heading into their matchup against the Rams, according to Loyola Ramblers. At the start […]
VCU hunts down the Wildcats to stay atop the Atlantic 10
Kyler Gilliam, Staff Writer Drew Thompson, Staff Writer The VCU Rams hosted the Davidson College Wildcats in an Atlantic-10 conference matchup in one of their final home games of the 2024-2025 season on Feb. 28. The Rams dominated the contest throughout, with excellent shooting efficiency and Davidson was not able to keep up. VCU won […]