Atlantic editor-in-chief added to top-secret group chat
Ellie Waltman, Copy Editor The Donald Trump administration faced backlash after an article published in The Atlantic on March 24 revealed that a journalist had inadvertently been added to a Signal group chat between high-ranking officials. Signal is an American open-source, encrypted messaging service for instant messaging, voice calls and video calls. Its encryption prevents […]
VCU students ‘not surprised’ by cuts to DEI
Emily Grinstead, Contributing Writer VCU announced on March 21 that it is dissolving its Division of Inclusive Excellence, following a Jan. 21 executive order issued by President Donald Trump titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” VCU president Michael Rao addressed students in an email sent after the resolution, promising it does not alter […]
Pope Francis released from hospital following weekslong health crisis
Andrew Scida, Contributing Writer Pope Francis was discharged from Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on March 23 after a five-week stay, during which he spent four weeks in critical condition, according to Al Jazeera. The 88-year-old pope was hospitalized on Feb. 14 with a respiratory tract infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs, according to the […]
House bill seeks to expand higher education access in prisons
Harshini Kanala, Contributing Writer Gov. Glen Youngkin is soon to sign House Bill 2158, a major stride in prison reform. This bipartisan bill, patroned by delegates Betsy Carr and Carrie Coyner, aims to expand higher education opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Virginia by allowing Virginia’s public and private higher education institutions to partner with the […]
VCU’s tour season brings signage to campus
Skye Hathaway, Contributing Writer VCU installed large signs around the Compass over the last several weeks, designed to expand their “Uncommon” branding, Brian McNeill, director of public relations at VCU, stated in an email. These signs are the continuation of VCU’s “UN” brand platform rollout, which they believe will strengthen the school’s brand and appeal […]
Gilman Scholarship delay leaves students waiting for promised funds
Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Several VCU students awarded the federal Gilman Scholarship said they are still waiting for funds that were paused earlier this year due to administrative review. The Gilman International Scholarship is a need-based federal award designed to help Pell Grant recipients study abroad. This semester, the scholarship experienced a 15-day pause — […]
VCU ends DEI following Trump order
Andrew Kerley, Contributing Writer VCU has become the latest Virginia school to begin dismantling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives to comply with President Donald Trump’s orders. The VCU Board of Visitors voted 11–4 for a resolution ending the university’s DEI office — the Division of Inclusive Excellence — on March 21. The university is examining […]
Students notice decreased reliability of Richmond’s public transit system
Jessica Vigil, Contributing Writer Joshua Miklos, Contributing Writer Richmond is known for its free public transportation, ranked fourth in the country by Consumer Affairs in 2024. However, VCU students and other community members have recently reported decreased reliability in the two main systems, the regular GRTC line and the Bus Rapid Transit line, or the […]
Virginia Repertory Theatre cancels shows as crisis deepens
Skye Hathaway, Contributing Writer The Virginia Repertory Theatre was forced to cancel its performance of “Fat Ham,” which featured queer and Black leads, calling into question the future of the theatre after a failed building sale, according to The Richmonder. This devastating blow comes after their emergency fundraiser last year, which was held to keep […]
Lawmakers pass VCU Health leadership reform following development failure
Andrew Kerley, Contributing Writer UPDATE: The VCU Health leaderhsip reform bill was vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin. It has been reintroduced in the 2026 General Assembly session. VCU Health System is expected to remove Michael Rao as Chair of its Board of Directors and require some Board members to be commercial real estate experts […]