VCU Health system halts gender-affirming care for youth
Molly Manning, Contributing Writer VCU Health and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU suspended gender-affirming medication and surgical procedures for patients under 19 years old on Jan. 30, according to the Children’s Hospital. This comes following a memo from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares to the VCU and University of Virginia health systems calling […]
President Trump orders end to government DEI programs
Ellie Waltman, Copy Editor President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring diversity, equity and inclusion programs on Jan. 20, putting an end to “radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing,” according to whitehouse.gov. Federal agencies were quick to comply with Trump’s executive orders. The Defense Intelligence Agency ordered a pause on activities relating […]
Virginia bills targeting ‘terrorists’ fail over free speech concerns
Andrew Kerley, Contributing Writer Legislators struck down multiple bills in the Virginia General Assembly that patrons said would prevent terrorism, and pro-Palestine groups said would target student protesters and stifle free speech. The legislation comes after over a year of pro-Palestine activism on campuses and encampments that led to at least 94 protesters being arrested […]
Egg prices soar amid avian flu outbreak
Charlie Martin, Contributing Writer Egg prices are rising sharply in the midst of a nationwide shortage, according to the AP. Some producers in Virginia have joined impacted poultry farms around the country in depopulating their flocks, according to a news release by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. By doing so, they hope […]
Provost memo mandates terminal degrees for promotions
Andrew Kerley, Contributing Writer A new provost directive will require faculty at VCU to have the highest attainable degree in their field of study to get promoted or receive tenure — a move that has drawn backlash from some faculty who no longer have a path to promotion. The policy was first announced in a […]
State of the University: Rao highlights research progress, community
Jack Glagola, News Editor Brianna Cobbs, Contributing Writer Eliza Eyre, Contributing Writer VCU President Michael Rao delivered the 2025 State of the University speech at the James Branch Cabell Library on Jan. 30. The speech focused on VCU’s increasing national profile, research advancements and efforts to expand experiential learning, including a spot on the National […]
Goodbye, TikTok? Ban, unban raises public suspicion
Jack Glagola, News Editor The social media app TikTok went offline on Jan. 19 ahead of a ban the Supreme Court upheld on Jan. 17. The app came back online 14 hours later after President Donald Trump promised to give their parent company 90 days to sell the app to an American company or face […]
Trans sports ban: House passes bill barring transgender women from school sports
Max Walpole, Contributing Writer The House of Representatives passed a bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, on Jan. 14. It would prohibit transgender women from participating in women’s sports at schools receiving federal funding. The bill would also change federal law to define sex as what reproductive organs a […]
‘A movement, not a moment’: Rally held in Monroe Park on Inauguration Day
Emily Grinstead, Contributing Writer Donald Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20 as the 47th president of the United States. The inauguration took place in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C. due to inclement weather, according to Washington.org. Historically, inaugurations are held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The inauguration was expected to be attended […]
New coffee shops open to serve the neighborhood
Max Walpole, Contributing Writer Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Two new coffeehouses are joining the neighborhood’s circle: Abi’s Books & Brews on Cary Street and Qahwah House on Franklin Street at the Chesterfield Apartments. Abi’s, a combination coffee shop and bookstore, opened on Nov. 23, 2024. Keith Duffin, who co-owns the shop with his wife, said […]