Intellectual

To start, don’t change the City Charter. The Mayor-Council form of government has proven to be an effective way of balancing the needs of the community with strong leadership, when needed, from the Mayor’s chair. Unfortunately, we have already seen unfiltered partisanship and a shift from May to November elections, making City elections less about the issues and more about a party. And that’s really sad. We shouldn’t be voting based on the color of a sample ballot. Modifying the Charter, as some have suggested, will only make the situation worse.

Plastic Free July sounds simple until you realize that it falls right in the middle of pool party, BBQ, and cookout season, where all plates and cups seem to come in plastic. What was once known as the most common month for plastic use, is now turning into a global reminder to rethink everyday habits, even when summer makes that harder than it sounds.

Summer travel is heating up in 2026, but travelers are approaching vacations differently than in years past. While Americans remain eager to explore, rising costs, crowded airports, and limited flexibility across the travel industry are reshaping how—and where—they spend their vacation dollars.

RICHMOND, VA - The Republican Party of Virginia has certified three candidates to compete in the party's Aug. 4 primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, setting the stage for a contest that will determine who will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the general election on Nov. 3.