The Commonwealth Times; August 26, 2026 by VCU Student Media Center

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 @commonwealthtimes @theCT1

VOL. 73, NO. 2 AUGUST 26, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

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VCU implements measures to address past cybersecurity threats OLIVIA RINE Contributing Writer VCU students face growing concerns with campus online safety, especially after the Canvas breaches back in May and phishing scams earlier this month. VCU has found ways to ensure students safety from these risks through slogans and safety programs. After the initial Canvas hack, the platform faced another hack on the afternoon of May 7, where ransom notes appeared on the login pages of many universities, including VCU. VCU’s chief information officer, Dan Han, acknowledged that as the use of technology rises, risks are predicted to rise as well.

An email from VCU warning students about a fake online work-study offer that was distributed in early August. Photo by Burke Loftus.

Women’s soccer kicks off competition at new VCU Athletic Village VCU's new Athletic Village Facility with the Diamond in the background. Photo by John Brown. BEN MARTINDALE Sports Editor DEVYNN ALSTON Staff Writer VCU Athletic Village, a 42-acre site which began construction in 2024, is officially in use for VCU athletics. Since 1999, VCU sports have played home games at Sports Backers Stadium.

VCU women’s soccer was the f irst team to play an official game at the new facility, falling 4-0 to North Carolina State University. Development of the VCU Athletic Village is broken into four phases. Phase one, which was completed in January, according to VCU News, included a 400 meter outdoor track, two long jumps, two high jumps, two pole vaults, circles

for hammer throw, shotput, discus, two practice soccer fields and an NCAA game soccer field located inside of the 400 meter track. Second-year defender Bo Price, thinks the new space is wonderful.

ATHLETIC VILLAGE Continued on page 4

CYBERSECURITY Continued on page 3

Trinity tattooing a client. Photo courtesy of Trinity.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve JO COVINGTON Contributing Writer TATTOOS Continued on page 7

Beyond the VCU Campus

VCU continues to fight despite loss to Liberty

Opinions: 2nd amendment

see SPECTRUM page 6

see SPORTS page 4

see OPINIONS page 8

The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

News

national: Country icon Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80, announced by her nephew Brian Seaver in a video on her Instagram account. international: At least 16 people were killed in a Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian shopping mall. Over 100 people were injured in the attack, including 23 children.

VCU RamRide in Aug. 2025. CT file photo by Kieran Stevens.

VCU expands transportation services for students with disabilities MADDY THURBER Contributing Writer VCU is expanding the universities transportation options, providing a new point-to-point service for students with disabilities. VCU now offers the RamsLink Paratransit Service for students, faculty and staff with temporary, permanent or longterm disabilities. RamsLink operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering direct point to point transit with advanced scheduling. Riders can order vehicles through the Ride Pingo app. “The ultimate goal of that is for disability to be taken into consideration prior to any program being enacted,” said Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus Chair, Shady Habib. According to Virginia’s Public Media, CYBER CONCERNS

Continued from front page “Not only are we seeing a significant shortening of time between the disclosure of a vulnerability and the exploitation of such vulnerability, but the advancement of these adversarial technologies is also breaking down language barriers and allowing threat actors to rapidly create and deploy increasingly convincing scams intended to target our community,” Han stated in an email. Han assured that this was not solely an issue with VCU’s Canvas platform, but other universities and colleges as well. He encouraged students and staff to exercise caution when using technology by keeping an eye out for cyber criminals targeting their emails, cell phones and other personal technologies. “As organizational cyber defenses mature, we are also seeing cyber criminals target individuals through their personal email accounts or cell phones, thus keeping the scam away from any safeguards organizations may have in place,”

31 locations need improvements to make pedestrian infrastructure more accessible. Habib said that VCU’s integration with the surrounding city limits its control over the sidewalks students use. He noted that poor sidewalk conditions can create significant accessibility barriers and force some students to take much longer routes to get to and from class. “Another big thing that has been a barrier is actually the commercial scooter, like Lime and Bird, where students don,t necessarily park them in the most respectable sort of area and so they may block off an entire sidewalk where it becomes dangerous for a person who has a mobility impairment to go over those scooters,” Habib said. “Then they'll have to either cross the street or take a completely different route.”

Habib said his disability causes heat sensitivity, making it difficult for him to spend extended periods of time outside. He thinks transportation should be useful beyond traveling to class. Transportation options are intended to give students with disabilities another way to travel when other routes may not be accessible. Josh Stone at VCU Park ing and Transportation said the current RamSafe fleet will be used for the service. The vans are ADA compliant and have wheelchair lifts. Stone said the proposal from the Student Government Association and the students involved helped VCU identify the need for the service and determine how to implement it. Last year the DAAC called for all day accessible RamSafe buses with a proposal,

according to a previous report by the CT. “I can’t say enough positive things about DAAC and the students involved in it,” Stone stated. “They came to us with a detailed proposal, data and examples from other universities.” Stone said the proposal helped move the conversation from an idea to discussions about how the program could actually be implemented. It’s really important for our campus to provide accessible transportation options for students, staff, and faculty, and Ramslink will expand the options for everyone to access transportation so that they can successfully contribute to the life and work of our campus community,” Professor of Focused Inquiry, Elizabeth Kreydatus stated in an email.

Han stated. VCU’s Enterprise Marketing and Communications, Information Security Office, Student Affairs and VCU Police, collaborated to form an awareness campaign called “Stop, Verify, Report,” to educate students on different scams to look out for to ensure their cybersecurity and safety, according to Han. “Online safet y and securit y is a collective responsibility and as each of us are more aware of the threat and how to report them, we can collectively make our community a safer place for everyone,” Han stated. Jake Burns, VCU Police spokesperson, suggested that students avoid cybersecurity compromises by not engaging in suspicious outreaches, including emails, texts and phone calls. Students should instead use verified VCU platforms and report any suspicious activity to VCU’s official phishing detection email address. VCU’s Information Security Office began the “Security Heroes” program to focus on rewarding students and faculty with prizes for being proactive about their digital security.

Members of the VCU community who report cybersecurity issues, such as potential scams, can enter for a chance to win some exclusive prizes each month,” Han stated. Even though there have been numerous efforts to ensure VCU’s online safety, students are still apprehensive about their use of the program, including Dani Belay, a second-year Mass Communications student, said that he had to reevaluate how much trust he was putting into VCU online services. Jacquel ine Tra n, a second-yea r Mass Communications student, said VCU Technology Services handled the situation quickly and maintained clear communication to students, faculty and families about the situation. “I think VCU handled the hack decently,” Tran said. “They took the steps to warn students about phishing scams, random hyperlinks and not to use Canvas while it was hacked.” Tran said that the school should offer alternatives in case situations like this happen again. “I do think that there should be back

ups offered by the school in the case of a Canvas hack,” Tran said. “Specifically when Canvas was hacked during finals seasons, there were many students who lost their access to study materials and online tests.”

An email from VCU warning students about a fake online work-study offer that was distributed in early August. Photo by Burke Loftus.

MASSEY COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER RECEIVES $2.7 MILLION GRANT KAYLA MUÑECAS Assistant News Editor

A $2.7 million grant was awarded to the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Institutes of Health, according to VCU Health. The Worta McCaskill-Stevens Grant is meant to facilitate the “training of clinical scientists in community cancer prevention, screening, intervention, control and treatment research,” specifically clinical scientists whose focus includes enhancing care for minorities, according to the National Cancer Institute Dr. Monica Baskin, the center’s new director, said she intends to make the care Massey provides accessible to all Virginians, particularly those in rural communities. “When someone receives that news of, ‘you have cancer’ I want Massey to be among those top cancer centers that immediately come to mind,” Baskin said. Ba sk i n e x pl a i ne d t h at Massey’s “community-to-bench model” allows the center to perform research that is relevant to su r round ing communit ies, f rom Fredericksburg and Virginia Beach to the Northern Neck. “By performing robust research that is driven by the needs of our catchment area,

enhancing our Community Outreach and Engagement efforts, and recruiting and retaining an unparalleled bench of cancer researchers and providers who will lead future clinical breakthroughs, I know we will get there,” Baskin said. Baskin previously served as interim director but was named director of the Massey Center in July and began the role in early August. The new director stated that she understands that when organizations change hands, it is only natural for people to have concerns. “I want to be a stabilizing force for Massey - I strive to be the calm in the storm, redirecting the team to our focus and reassuring them that we have the talent and drive to achieve our collective goals,” Baskin said. T he Massey Center acqu ired the Altria Center for Resea rc h a nd Technology, which will provide more space for the cancer center’s research, according to VCU News. The center’s proposal for the grant emphasized a dual mentorship program in order to train junior clinician scientists. Dr. Oxana Palesh, a co-principal investigator for the grant, stated in an email that mentorship was a vital component of

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

News

the proposal and bridges the gap between following clinical interests with actual research. “Clinical trial design and symptom management research are rarely taught in standard med ica l, nu rsing, c l in ica l psychology or other types of clinical programs,” Palesh stated. Palesh described training junior clinicians-scientists as a process that “requires a massive investment of time and effort. Beyond long, rigorous clinical training, building a research career in a community oncology network demands specialized expertise and handson experience that takes years to cultivate.” Dr. Palesh stated that VCU was selected because of the quality of their facu lt y a nd t heir success work ing alongside community networks such as the NCI Community Oncolog y Research Program. Dr. Palesh also stated that VCU aligns well with Dr. Worta McCaskillStevens’s legacy, honoring “her dedication to bringing high-impact cancer care and symptom management research directly into the community.”

VCU’s Massey Cancer Center Friday afternoon on Aug. 21. Photo by Landon G. Walker

700 pedestrian focused installations announced for high risk intersections MAD BIONDI Contributing writer T he R ic h mond Depa r t ment of Transportation via press release announced a two-phase plan with 700 quick-build improvements targeting intersections identif ied as statistically dangerous for pedestrians. The installations include high-visibility crosswalks and the introduction of scramble intersections, allowing pedestrians from all sides to cross. Speed tables, centerline hardening and turn hardening installations ensure more controlled turning and speed. Richmond announced 244 different locations for these solutions. Each phase consists of 350 installations, with Phase 1occurring in Fall 2026. Phase 2 is estimated to be completed in Fall 2027. Pedestrian safety was the top concern in the 2026 VCU Perception of Safety Survey at 57%. Richmonders boast some of the most daily driving in the city, with 2 million cars passing through campus per month. “This is an open campus,” VCU Police Lt. Greer said, “This isn’t a campus where it’s enclosed, you’re going from class to class. You’re in the middle — the heart of the city. We doubled our traffic division because of that need.” Lt. Greer sa id t he nu mber of contributors when planning, involving the city, VCU planners, RPD, VCUPD, and the DMV.

The RDOT uses data from the High Injury Network (HIN), an identification of where pedestrians face the most risk, alongside police data to designate the construction locations. The department cites Laurel St.’s intersections with Cathedral and Franklin as a result of previous collaboration between the police department survey and RDOT and an example of scramble intersections and turn-hardening. W. Broad St. within the Monroe Park Campus is among the locations on the HIN facing improvement at multiple intersections, such as Goshen St, Gilmer St and N. Pine St. Second year student Mari RamirezGarcia expressed feeling danger as a pedestrian on Broad St, particularly when accessing bus stops. “It’s a significant passage for drivers but it is open for people to walk through. I think it either has to be more closed off or there has to be an alternative passage for them,” Ramirez-Garcia said. According to Michael Saw yer, a Richmond City Transportation Engineer, Crash Modif ication Factors calculate how effective installations will be at reducing crashes. VCU Police spokesperson Jake Burns said VCU Police use the Perception Safety survey to inform operations and planning. He noted lighting, officer visibility and improved communication as a result

of the survey. “While the scope and timeline of each project varies, some projects see results quickly. For example, VCU Police speed studies show a noticeable drop in vehicle speeds after the installation of speed tables (humps).” On-campus traffic summons increased 154% from last year, totaling 4,511 traffic summons, according to VCU News. This installation furthers RDOT’s Vision Zero commitment, a pedestrianfocused initiative that proposes all trafficrelated deaths are preventable. “Richmond's goal is to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030,” Sawyer said. The increased focus on pedestrian safety follows Mayor Danny Avula’s acceleration of the Vision Zero response as a result of 13 pedestrian deaths in 2025.

Pedestrians cross Main and Laurel intersection as car breaks to avoid collision, the same location where VCU student Mahrokh Khan was struck and killed by a car in 2023. Photos by William Spencer.

The Commonwealth Times

Stat of the week

Sports VCU Athletic Village

Continued from front page “The pitch is like a carpet,” Price said. “Really, there’s so many passes that you can play, and the ball never bobbles. So as long as we do our thing, it’s perfect.” Rams’ players also pointed out the benefits of having a dedicated practice field. “It ’s rea lly a blessing to have a practice field,” said fourth-year defender/ middlefielder Brianna Lawrence. “We’re not ruining our game field so the grass is very fresh. The sprinklers are out every day which is nice. The ball moves across

it nicely, so I think it was a really great adjustment from last year to this year.” Head coach, and VCU women’s soccer alumna, Lauryn Hutchinson was thrilled with the new facilities. “It’s unbelievable,” Hutchinson said. “Our training fields are like 10 yards away. Two beautiful ones, turf and grass. So, depending on who we’re playing that weekend, we train on grass or we can train on turf. The grass on the training field looks the same as the game field.” A new stadium, built specifically for soccer, will be constructed in phase three of development. VCU has not released construction

VCU Volleyball closed out the preseason in style, sweeping Christopher Newport University 4-0. dates for phase three but has stated that the dedicated soccer facility will be used by both the men’s and women’s teams. The positive reaction from players and coaches is an encouraging sign for VCU, who committed to spending over 200 million to purchase the land and build the Athletic Village, according to WTVR Richmond. “I wasn’t here last season so I never got to play at Sports Backers,” Price said. “But speaking to what it’s like back home, this is a top facility. Similar to the likes of facilities I played at like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.”

VCU continues to fight despite loss to Liberty DEVYNN ALSTON Staff Writer VCU women’s soccer lost 1-0 to Liberty University at VCU Athletic Village on Sunday. VCU struggled to gain momentum in the first half, but applied more attacking pressure during the second half. An aggressive attack led to fifth-year Liberty forward Halle Engle scoring the game’s lone goal in the third minute. Libert y continued to be aggressive throughout the game, finishing with 21 shots on goal. VCU’s best opportunit y to score came from first-year forward Monique McEnhimer, whose first-half shot on goal was narrowly deflected.

Third-year goalkeeper, Cameryn Nunn, kept VCU within striking distance, saving four shots on goal. The first half ended with Liberty ahead 1-0. VCU came out of the half much more aggressive than they had been during the first. Both teams kept their feet on the gas, with VCU having two quick shots blocked during the 54th minute. Liberty had multiple chances to extend the lead, even having a goal rescinded because of an offside call, but Nunn kept VCU in the game, making multiple saves. VCU struggled to find the equalizer this game. Fourth-year defender and midfielder Brianna Lawrence highlighted the team’s finishing through the final

third as something that the Rams need to work on. “We have some struggles in the final third to f inish our shot, so def initely working on finishing, and doing stuff in our own time,” Lawrence said. VCU head coach Lauryn Hutchinson said the Rams’ performance against a highly competitive Liberty squad was another step forward for the program, despite the loss. “Yes, we lost, but we gained so much out of today, and every time I say this to our girls and to people after the game, we are taking steps forward,” coach Hutchinson said. Second-year defender Bo Price echoed the same sentiment, with a focus on VCU’s effort

GAME RESULTS 8/20/26 VCU WSOC - AT DELAWARE LOST 1-3

VCU MSOC - AT #14 UNC GREENSBORO LOST 1-5

8/23/26 VCU WSOC - VS LIBERTY LOST 0-1

and defensive pressure as positives while emphasizing the importance of continuing to build fitness, composure and chemistry. “I think from the start the effort for today was there, I think the press was perfect, really close today,” Price said. “I think that as long as we keep ticking over fitness and calm, as we build more chemistry as a team, it’s gonna come.” The Rams next opportunity to get in the win column will come on Aug. 27 vs University of North Carolina Wilmington at 7 p.m.

Forward Isabelle Franklin takes the ball downfield during VCU’s game against Liberty University on August 23rd, 2026. Photo by John Brown.

Women’s volleyball strong preseason finish against Christopher Newport BENNEY KOCH Staff Writer

The Rams’ huddle between points. Photo taken by Ashley Davis.

VCU vol leyba l l completed their preseason with a hard fought 4-0 sweep over Christopher Newport University on Sunday. The first set started hot for VCU but became a back and forth battle of runs. With the score tied 18-18, the Rams took a timeout to make adjustments and came back looking to regain control. CNU struggled to keep up at the net as VCU continuously forced errors. Sarah Dibbs-Frantz, second-year middle blocker, was especially effective, making an impact throughout the first set. VCU held on to win the opening set 25-22 after allowing CNU to close the gap late. The Rams controlled the second set,

leading 10-5 at the technical timeout. CNU led in both kills and digs, but VCU had a large advantage in blocks and hit percentage. Their ability to force errors with their aggressiveness above the net allowed them to pull away and win the second set 25-16. In the third set both teams traded the lead, but VCU refused to let CNU pull away. The Captains led 15-14 at the technical timeout before the Rams answered with a five-point run. VCU took a 19-15 lead and forced a CNU timeout. From that point, VCU took control, allowing one more point and winning the set 25-16. Although VCU had already secured the win, they played a fourth set for the sake of the exhibition. The fourth set was similar to the first

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Sports and third as both teams stayed within a point of each other for much of it. VCU created some separation at the technical timeout taking a 15-11 lead. Nina Boledovicova, fourth-year middle blocker, and Letizia Galli, third-year middle blocker, Letizia Galli were a major part of VCU’s success at the net. The pair helped the Rams stay in control during some of the closest stretches of the set. VCU f inished off the set 25-22 to

complete the 4-0 exhibition win. Lannah Price, second-year outside hitter, had an impact across the court, finishing with eight kills, four digs and three blocks. “We really know all we have is each other,” Price said. “If everyone trusts in each other to do their own job it lets you play more freely and you are just worried about doing your job for your teammates, and it instills a lot of confidence in them.”

The Rams are coming off a 16-13 season where they reached the Atlantic 10 Championship match and were a close set away from winning it all. Five seniors graduated from that team and this year brings in six newcomers, including five freshmen. VCU head coach Tim Doyle said the team is still working to establish its identity and improve its consistency before the regular season.

“There’s room for improvement in our consistency of match readiness and being adaptable,” Doyle said. “It's one day at a time and take it from there.” VCU will open the regular season Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. against Florida Gulf Coast and will host their regular-season home opener Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. against East Tennessee State.

Second-year middle blocker Sarah Dibbs-Frantz spikes the ball. Photo taken by Ashley Davis.

Inside the Rise of VCU’s Cross-Country and Track & Field Club TYRESE PERKINS Assistant Sports Editor VCU’s Cross Country and Track and Field Club has experienced a surge in competitive prestige over recent years, breaking multiple club milestones and bringing national recognition back to Richmond. The National Intercollegiate Running Club Association was established in May 2006 during a national conference at Ohio State University. Two decades later, club cross-country and track and field programs continue to experience growth at the collegiate level, with more than 120 active college and university running clubs across the United States. VCU officially joined the association during the fall semester of 2017. The club competes in the mid-Atlantic region. Operating year-round, the club focuses on cross country during the fall semester, before shifting to indoor and outdoor track and field in the winter and spring semester. The program accepts athletes of all skill levels, from casual runners looking to stay active to highly competitive sprinters, jumpers, throwers and distance runners aiming for regional and national championships at NIRCA invitationals. The VCU Cross Country and Track and Field Club resume has garnered national recognition in recent seasons. M’Kayla Murdaugh won a NIRCA national championship in the women’s high jump, sprinters Dameon Lewis and Landon Reeves placed the Rams on the national leaderboard in the 400-meter dash, according to the National Running Club Database. A typical practice for the club begins with a team meeting before splitting into event-specific groups, according to Mark Janssen, a middle-distance runner and the group's co-treasurer. Practice begins with two warmup laps followed by team stretching. Workouts

are tailored to meet individual and event goals. For middle-distance runners, drills include 800-meter repeats and ladder workouts, Janssen said. Despite conducting different workouts, teammates continue to encourage each other throughout practice. “Between reps or sets we cheer each other on, especially on workout days when we’re pushing the tempo,” Janssen said. “You never know when someone’s having a rough day or week so supporting them can help in more ways than just getting them through a workout.” For field athletes complete stretches that specif ically benef it their events. At the throwing circle, athletes take turns warming up with the shot put before beginning their throwing cycles, according to Krystal Ward, a thrower and co-treasurer. Club co-treasurer and thrower, Krystal Ward, said music is a key part of practice and plans to create a collaborative playlist with the other throwers to help make workouts more enjoyable. The unique combination of event-specific training and a relaxed team environment helps members focus on improving, while still enjoying the people they train alongside. The club’s team building also extends beyond practice. Members occasionally have team dinners after workouts, providing another opportunity to socialize and strengthen the relationships built during training. “ Pr a c t ic e i s not si mply a b out completing a workout,” Ward said. “It is an opportunity for runners and throwers with different events and goals to train together, support one another, and build a lasting community.” This tight-knit community gathers right outside Cary Street Gym Monday through Friday with meeting times posted to their Instagram. Attendance is voluntary, so the club relies on an organic dedication from its members to maintain its competitive edge. During one of our officer meetings our

VCU student signs up for VCU Cross Country and Track Club. Photo by Andrew Carr. coach made one of my culture’s dishes which really touched my heart,” Ward said. “Moments like that really make me appreciate choosing VCU.” Their strategy works; through a blend of f lexible, athlete-driven training, and genuine emotional support leaving the team fueled and ready for success. Now, the club is turning that collective energy toward the track and field as they prepare for a demanding lineup of upcoming

competitions throughout the 2026-27 school year. Whether pushing their physical limits at an event or bonding at a weekend social, the athletes continue to prove that a club built on community runs furthest. Ultimately, it is this balance of athletic ambition and genuine friendship that ensures VCU’s running legacy will keep growing, one stride at a time.

The Commonwealth Times

On This Day

Spectrum

On Aug. 26, 2002, the Richmond Concert Band performed at Maymont as part of the park’s summer Musical Mondays concert series.

Beyond Campus:

Exciting events to explore around & within Richmond this month FAKEHA NAEEM Contributing Writer

August and September are usually the month when U.S. colleges experience the hustle and bustle of in-state, out-of-state and international students moving into their new homes and VCU is no exception.

website. The fair is open on weekdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults.

Many gatherings will take place in the last stretch of summer, including The Artisan Market, a free event held at Strangeways Brewing on Aug. 29 from 12-5 p.m., according to Visit Richmond Virginia. The market showcases unique handmade items from local vendors, offering a range of craftsmanship and handmade items created by artists living in Virginia to celebrate the end of summer.

Are you searching for rare Pokémon cards or specif ic anime items to add to you r col lect ion? Col lect-A-Con provides fanatics the opportunit y to discover and add to trading card and anime collections, according to CollectA-Con USA. The Greater Richmond Convention Center will host the con from Aug. 29 to 30 with 900 vendors sel l ing Pokémon and spor ts ca rds, v intage toys and other col lectables, along with appearances from anime voice actors and celebrity guests.

Illustration by Jayden Smirnova.

Collect-A-Con: Comedy Pop in Paint, a flexible walk-in event from End of Summer: Trading Cards and Richmond to 3 p.m., allows you to pick a design and and Music Festival 1paint at your own pace. The second class The Artisan Market Anime The Richmond Comedy and Music is a DIY candle making class starting at

Chesterfield County Fair

Illustration by Jayden Smirnova.

Rides are just the tip of the iceberg for county fairs. Chesterfield County Fair will run a week-long event featuring performances, pageants, arts and crafts and a horse show beginning Aug. 28 to Sep. 5., according to the Chesterfield County Fair

Festival presents a blend of humor and music featuring comedian Micha “Bamm Bamm” White and live performances by Unity 7 and DJ Hype Entertainment on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m., according to Virginia Business Expo Corporation. The festival is a ticketed event at Imani catering-conference center for ages 21 and over. The multidisciplinar y event features jazz and R&B music and a variety of food and drinks from local vendors.

Wine and Design

Wine and Design advertises itself as a premier art experience for attendees to spend a quiet, creative evening with their friends, offering exclusive classes, according to the Wine and Design website. Wine and Design will hold two events on Aug. 29.

1:30 p.m. Reservations are not required for Pop in Paint, while candle making is reservation only.

Gaffer At Gallery5 Gallery5 will host an exciting night of music on Aug. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring opening act Gaffer, a teenage-led Richmond based band, whose music is influenced by indie rock, classic emo, punk and hardcore melodies, according to Gallery5. Hippie Love Party, a Virginia beach based band known for its punkinspired, complex rhythm guitar tones will also perform alongside Becoming, a local indie group with a similar emo and alternative rock style. Tickets may be purchased in advance on the Gallery5 website.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve JO COVINGTON Contributing Writer

When looking around at Richmond’s rich tapestry of culture through the art of tattooing, it is hard to miss the amount of people in Richmond who show their unique personalities through tattoos. Tattoos are not only symbols to represent the identities of those who have them, they can also be the catalyst of developing those identities. Local tattoo artist Trinity, @forest_ fairy_tattoos on Instagram, has tattooed as a career for two and a half years, but she has been immersed in the art form her entire life. “My dad has been showing me how to tattoo since I was about ten years old,”

Trinity said. “Our house while I was growing up was partially a tattoo studio, so I interacted with his clients a lot and got to see him tattoo every day as a child.” Trinity now works alongside her father in a private studio they share in Richmond. “My most favorite story is when I got to tattoo my pawpaw,” Trinity said. “He came to me for his first tattoo and it was absolutely so much fun to get to tattoo him.” Like Trinity, many people choose these sentimental pieces to provide a sense of belonging or a reminder of where they came from. Local Richmonder Adham Rekni got a matching sun and moon design with his mother as his first and only tattoo in November of 2024 in Lakeside. “It’s meant to symbolize how the bond

between a mother and son is eternal, like celestial bodies,” Rekni said. Rekni described Richmond’s tattoo culture as thriving, noting that the city’s tattoo scene complements the strong art community at Virginia Commonwealth University. Adam Peniguet, a third-year interior design student at VCU, got a tattoo of two koi fish, symbolizing the Pisces zodiac. “I’ve wanted it since I was 15,” Peniguet said. “It’s to match my father who has a Scorpio tattoo on his back.” Peniguet has four other tattoos in addition to his coordinating piece, including two different Pokémon, a reference to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – a manga and anime series – and angel numbers he resonates with.

Trinity’s pawpaw Steeler’s tattoo displayed Photo courtesy of Trinity. on his arm.

Adam Peniguet’s arm koi fish tattoo, symbolizing the zodiac of Pisces.

Photo courtesy of Adam Peniguet.

Tattoo meanings can span from an ode to loved ones to interests, hobbies and aesthetics that one might hold dear. Taylor Best got her first tattoo at 17 years old and since then has accumulated nearly too many to count. “I have a lot of dragons and skulls because I like them,” Best said. With her arms and legs covered in bold pieces and flames, Best has over 50 tattoos and plans to get more in the future. Despite their stories being different, Trinity, Rekni, Peniguet and Best each expressed plans to get more tattoos in the future. Regardless of what someone’s reason to get a tattoo may be, the sentiment behind each was enough to commit to it being etched into skin forever.

Taylor Best’s display of her tattooed legs.

Photo courtesy of Taylor Best.

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Monster Drawing Rally rallies community at 1708 Gallery ELLE COTA Spectrum Editor 1708 Gallery hosted its 17th monster drawing rally on Aug. 22. While no monsters were present, 80 artists were split into four rounds, each lasting an hour. From 12:15 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., artists worked on their notstrictly-monster-related pieces as attendees walked around and watched. A whistle signaled the beginning and end of each round, adding to the event’s fast-paced atmosphere. Artists worked in a variety of styles and mediums, while nonparticipating attendees created their own monster designs on a chalkboard wall. The event began in 2009 after Southern E x posu re, a Sa n Fra nc isco-based organization, shared details on a similar event with a 1708 Gallery board member. The gallery has continued the tradition ever since, according to Emily Smith, director of 1708 Gallery. “I think it’s both the novelty and curiosity of seeing people make work and what that looks like and how it comes together,” Smith said. “Then you get to hopefully take one home and you’ve got an original work of art and that’s pretty cool.” Over the years, Smith has watched

participation grow from 60 artists to 80 artists, as more people have expressed interest in taking part. Smith said the rally provides artists the opportunity to connect with Richmond’s larger arts community while also allowing 1708 Gallery to support local artists. “They get to see their friends making work or artists that they admire and so it allows them to all be in the space together, in addition to being an awesome opportunity for our audience to see it happening,” Smith said. Abby A ltizer Davis, a returning participant, said this was their sixth or seventh time attending the rally. After experimenting with different mixed media techniques, Altizer Davis focuses on creating art that interests them. This year, they utilized watercolor paper to create a giant jack-o-lantern. “I just want something colorful and joyful and interesting to look at for this type of event,” Altizer Davis said. Buying artwork and supporting artists through an event, such as the rally, offer diverse ways to contribute, Altizer Davis said. “Making art, I just want people to feel joy of life or to feel emotions at all,” Altizer Davis said.

“A lot of my artwork is either more colorful or darker, but I really like fantasy and silliness, whimsy.” Alexis Turner, a first time participant, said they enjoy the challenge of creating artwork without extensive preparation. Turner primarily works with collage. They said working in smaller pieces helps them organize their ideas into manageable steps without becoming overly attached to any one part of the work. Watching the layers of a collage develop is one of the most rewarding parts of creating the work because viewers can see how the individual pieces come together to form the finished composition, Turner said. Turner is an art educator and regularly teaches composition and technical skills, while their personal work allows them to experiment with more playful and unconventional approaches. A returning participant, Barry O’Keefe, said supporting 1708 Gallery is one reason he keeps coming back. “They do a tremendous amount for the city for being such a small organization,” O’Keefe said. “I always am happy to find ways to support them.” O’Keefe’s piece continued a practice of documenting materials he encounters while

Photo by Elle Cota. An overview of the first round artists drawing. walking or traveling. He arranged the materials inside a stenciled grid of circles on paper to create what he described as a pseudo-scientific record of a walk through Manchester earlier that morning. His piece incorporated cobwebs, an inky rag, crushed brick, ditch grime, grass seed, rust sand, river pebble, glass and cigarette butts. O’Keefe prepared several sheets of watercolor paper in his studio before the event, hoping the preparation would make the one hour limit less stressful, but left the prepared pieces in his studio. The act of creating remains more important than simply viewing finished artwork, according to O’Keefe. “I think any good art form has 10,000 times as many people making as consuming,” O’Keefe said. “I think an art form dies when people are consuming more than they’re making. So, I think it’s really important to make art.” After each artist finished, the pieces were hung for viewing and purchase. Each artwork was priced at $100, with artists receiving up to 50% of the proceeds from their sales. The remaining proceeds support 1708 Gallery’s exhibitions and programs.

A quack-tastic day of community at RVA Duck Fest

RVA Duck Fest Ducks that were being sold at the entrance table. ELLE COTA Spectrum Editor RVA Duck Fest brought families, community organizations and vendors together on Aug. 22 at CarMax Park for a day centered on autism awareness, inclusion and connection. The Autism Society of Central Virginia hosted the event, formerly known as the RVA Duck Race & Festival. Duck Fest featured live music, organization booths and new activities, including the chuck-aduck contest – a game where guests throw rubber ducks into duck-shaped inflatables for a chance to win prizes. The ASCV organization uses events like Duck Fest to help people connect with others and find social opportunities and support, said Kate Fletcher, community engagement manager for ASCV. Fletcher has attended Duck Fest since its first year and has worked with ASCV at the past two events, along with her family. The ASCV provides caregiver support groups and connects families with resources, along with 400 programs each year for people of all ages and support needs. “It is really to say come as you are and we welcome all and we try to make all of our programs adapted and suitable no matter what level of support an individual

Photo by De Smaw.

needs,” Fletcher said. Fletcher’s three sons have autism and have participated in ASCV programs, including spring break and summer camps for more than a decade, making the event more personal to her. Seeing Waddles, the ASCV mascot, interact with attendees was one of Fletcher’s favorite parts of the festival, along with the addition of the chuck-aduck game and raffle. More than 50 booths showcased their products and services throughout the festival. Olivia Patterson, physician liaison at Above & Beyond Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy, attended Duck Fest as a first time vendor at CarMax. The company previously held a booth when the event was located at Brown’s Island. Above & Beyond ABA Therapy works with children in homes and centers to provide therapy and addresses areas such as behavioral changes, routine and socialization to help children with autism to learn to navigate challenges and move forward with their best lives, Patterson said. “In my role as a physician liaison, I am continuously networking with the community and everyone that may come in contact with a child with autism, and being able to be surrounded by people that are

Small children playing with fake snow at one of the tables.w here to provide resources for these children, for these families, is wonderful to be a part of,” Patterson said. Events like Duck Fest give families an opportunity to find resources, meet other families and make connections that can continue outside the festival, Patterson said. “ It ’s about rea l ly bu i ld ing that communit y because it does take a community to care for these children,” Patterson said. Patterson said she enjoyed watching children explore the activities at the festival and seeing what each child gravitated toward. Lizzy Collinson, a program assistant at Dash and Scout, attended Duck Fest for the first time and said it was uplifting to be part of an event centered on inclusion and community. Dash and Scout works with adults with autism, down syndrome and developmental disabilities to build independent living skills, according to Collinson. “It means that we’re empowering everyone to come together and support our community,” Collinson said. “We don’t see that very often and I think we need to do it more.” Organizations such as Dash and Scout can help fill a gap for adults with disabilities who may lose access to some services after

Photo by De Smaw.

turning 21, Collinson said. The event also had a simple appeal for Collinson. “It’s just friendly, it’s just fun,” Collinson said. “There’s ducks involved. I love ducks.” Families came out to support the event, connect with others and find resources in the welcoming, sensor y-friendly environment. Nicole Braxton, an attendee whose daughter is diagnosed with level one autism and ADHD, returned to Duck Fest this year after finding the resources at last year’s event helpful. “It’s really helpful to see, sometimes in normal everyday, it’s hard to realize that you’re not the only person that has struggles,” Braxton said. Bra xton said she appreciated the welcoming atmosphere at the vendor booths, where her daughter could explore and interact with items without being discouraged from touching them. Braxton appreciates that ASCV provides events specif ically for neurodivergent children and families, giving them opportunities to participate in activities designed with their needs in mind. “I like the resources and how it doesn’t just end here, like, if there’s something that you need, there’s lots of resources that you can reach out to, other organizations and companies, going forward for more help,” Braxton said.

The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

Opinions

“Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” — Leonard Cohen

Until the 2nd Amendment is repealed, I will own an assault rifle ZACHARY ROMAN Contributing Writer Five years ago, during that god-awful Zoom school year, I was outside with my puppy when I saw a white pickup truck drive by my house and head towards I-495. A truck that proudly f lew a Confederate flag. T he d r iver is in fa mous in my neighborhood for having the house covered in pro-Trump flags and signs. I felt my usual disgust toward this person and went back to my class. During the same class, I glanced up at my living room TV and my mouth went agape. On the live broadcast from MSNBC, a mob of radical election deniers chanted for the execution of the sitting vice president, broke through police lines and rioted at one of our nation’s most sacred government institutions. They smashed the windows with riot shields and assaulted police officers with mace, bear spray and whatever else they could get their hands on. I alerted my family of the situation and we watched in horror as the chaos continued to unfold, hoping it would not migrate the five miles it would take to reach us. When you can see the top of the Washington Monument from your house, Jan. 6 becomes infinitely more terrifying. The next day, my ex-marine father took me to the Marine Corps Exchange at Fort Myer and bought a Saint Victor 5.56 AR15 pistol, a short-barrelled semi-automatic rifle. He bought this weapon without the permission of my mother and when I asked him why, he had a very matter-of-fact answer: “If those nutjobs are going to have these guns, then so am I.” A weapon like this fires rounds with such velocity that it tears apart your organs, shatters bones and can render a person

unidentifiable. Weapons like this should not be legal under any circumstances, but they are. When my father bought this gun, it was legally classified as a pistol. Only under the Biden administration was it deemed a “short-barrel rifle.” This loophole is one of many that allow for these weapons of mass destruction to be owned legally. That is a major problem with our constitution and the political party that refuses to infringe on Second Amendment rights, even when there is statistical proof from other countries that restricting gun ownership reduces mass shootings (i.e., Canada, Australia and the UK). I am in full support of strict gun regulations, a registry system where every single gun, bullet and augment is stamped and can be traced back to an owner and even repealing the Second Amendment, which would make gun ownership a privilege in this country. However, these beliefs are unlikely to be codified into law and until then, these weapons will be legal. If they are, then I will absolutely be an owner of one. There is no chance I am sitting back and letting people like my neighbor or any of the 10,000 people at the Jan. 6 riots have weapons like that while I have nothing. If it comes down to them or me and my family, it is me and my family every single time. We live under an administration that has no qualms with their immigration enforcement agency murdering people in public in broad daylight, where ICE is stopping vehicles without probable cause, where they raid homes without warrants and where they racially profile brown people, where the Patriot Front, a white supremacist organization, can march on the National Mall chanting about “taking

Illustration by Marielle Taylor. the country back.” As long as this is the case, I am going to own an assault rifle. If this borderline authoritarian administration continues to make life for marginalized communities increasingly more dangerous, then I will level the playing field. Mass shootings and lack of gun control is a uniquely American problem. We are the only country in the world where the second biggest culprit to children dying is guns. We saw 20 first graders get torn apart by an assault rifle at Sandy Hook in 2012 and decided not to do anything. We saw a man fire 1,049 rounds from the 32nd f loor of Mandalay Bay hotel, murder 60 people, injure 500 others and nothing was done about it. If I sat here and named every single mass shooting to happen in this country since Columbine in 1999, I would be writing

this piece for months. With all the death, pain and grief guns have caused us in the 21st century, I would love for nothing more than a future where parents can drop their kids off at school and not have to worry about trying to identify their kid who was brutally murdered by an assault rifle. If confiscating every weapon in the country and melting them down to nothing but metal would save every single child who would have died from gun violence, I would give up any and all guns in a heartbeat. But right now, that future is so far away, I cannot see it. Right now, guns are legal weapons of mass destruction that can be purchased under loopholes. In 38 states in the US, you can decide to buy a gun and obtain one that same day. If that is the case, then I want to be on the same playing field.

Why we should worry about ‘slop’ at Richmond events MARCUS BEAVERS Contributing Writer Recently, I found myself at Carytown’s Watermelon Festival. Shout out to P ubl i x for t hei r few sta nds of watermelon bowls and cups. However, while walking through the festival, I caught myself wondering, “Where is the rest of the watermelon?” Each vendor had their own stand. There were some wind chimes, foliage from Celestial Gardens, a tent full of horror-themed collectables, a few rides for kids, musicians and the Carytown shops themselves. The rest was not as appealing. There they were: the largest insurance company in the U.S., dropshippers, food trucks with pictures of AI burgers and the “giveaway stands.” Ah yes, the stands that need me to fill out my home address and a personal survey so I can win $250 off a carnival cruise. My absolute favorite stands in a festival celebrating a fruit! Yes, stands plural. Now is the time to ask, “Are event planners becoming lazy and less involved? Why are they okay with feeding the Richmond community ‘slop?’” The word “slop” has been consistently thrown around on social media for a little over a year now. Merriam-Webster named it “word of the year” in 2025. It refers to low-quality, mass-produced content that is meant to quickly earn clicks, views,

engagement and attraction. Considering the watermelon festival featured less than 20% watermelon, I deduce that this was indeed a ploy to bring slop to the community. There were no watermelon-themed rides or events advertised, like watermelon eating contests, watermelon carving or seed spitting. The “events” were mostly musicians on stages that were hidden away from everyone, too quiet to hear. 44 years ago, ‘Discover Carytown Day’ was created to bring attention to the shops along Cary Street. Two years later, it was renamed to celebrate watermelon while still supporting local businesses. With that history in mind, the lack of actual watermelon-themed activities today feels like a major shift from what the event was originally meant to be. The festival seems to have lost the mission of celebrating the fruit and supporting the local community. This could have been a day to eat and play. Instead, vendors drop-shipped items from AliExpress, Amazon and Temu. We are at a point where working for ourselves is the most profitable, but really many are just turning themselves into small outlet stores. This endangers small Richmond businesses who actually curate their own products with care. For a festival that was one long strip, it was certainly a maze for my wallet and a time for me to question where our city events are heading. This issue is becoming more widespread

the more traction AI gains. Flyers are being made in seconds and if you do not have to put thought into a flyer, why put thought into an event? 7th Annual Crabs, Beer & Spirits by the James, Richmond Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, Margarita Fest RVA and many more events have all been taken over by slop. Costing anywhere from $25-50 for entry and $200+ to be a vendor, these events are using cheap labor and cheap alternatives for coordination, event planning, merchandise and food products, all while steadily increasing their price of entry for consumers and vendors each year. We are in a day and age where people are staying inside and I do not blame them. Paying $50 to stand outside in 90-degree weather to eat a food truck’s “shareables” sounds miserable. We are seen as products

and we are buying into it. This is what we need to worry about the most. Masking the desire for profit with an image of community is prevalent and it is becoming clear who is responsible. This is one of the most important things changing in our community and the main way to stop it is to end the support of it. If they lose their product, they lose their money. We are people looking for a fun time and a moment to share. If event coordinating is too much of a chore, maybe plans should be reconsidered. We need to stop consuming the slop we are given and consider whether it is for us or solely for profit.

Illustration by Jamie Ryan.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Illustration by Jaz Chalmers.

Goodwill’s increasing prices help no one KYLIE GRUNSFELD Opinions & Humor Editor As someone who in recent years has shifted to shopping primarily secondhand, I have witnessed the increase in Goodwill’s clothing prices in real time. For a store whose mission, according to their website, is to serve the underprivileged, I am concerned at the rate in which prices are climbing. A shirt — oftentimes stained and/or made of polyester — could cost you six dollars. A pair of shoes, close to 10. Individually, these costs may be lower than those of retail stores like Old Navy or H&M but when multiple pieces are added together, one might spend close to $50 on a small bag of items. For someone who shops at Goodwill for the sake of developing more eco-friendly habits, this is frustrating. For a person or family who needs to clothe themselves but cannot afford to shop elsewhere, this is harmful, especially considering the increasing costs of living all around.

A winter coat given to the company by donation should not cost as much as a meal. To be clear: Goodwill shelves are stocked by donation only. They do not lose any profit when filling their stores with clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, appliances, decor and books. As long as people keep giving, Goodwill can keep selling. Yet, items keep getting more and more expensive — and who benefits? Only 35% of employees companywide feel they are paid fairly, with the average entry-level employee making $13 an hour, according to an Indeed job listing. The company’s claim that they are “driven by a common mission to help people from all backgrounds reach their potential and thrive” feels completely disingenuous. The people benefiting are not those who buy from the store and they are not those who keep it running. The increasing prices are especially alarming when you take into account other low-cost retailers: fast fashion stores like SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop. Despite not being secondhand, prices

that these stores boast is sometimes half of what Goodwill offers. Not only are these items cheaper, but selections are far more expansive. Thrift stores are more ethical and ecofriendly than fast fashion shopping by a landslide. For some, however, it is the difference between having or not having clothes to wear. Being able to consider the environment in your day-to-day life is a privilege when companies often make eco-conscious options less accessible to the average American consumer. Locally grown produce is expensive. Many cafes and restaurants serve to-go orders in plastic containers. Thrift stores are disregarding the very customer base they claim to care about. So, what can we do? I cannot talk about Goodwill without mentioning the bins. Clothes that do not sell at the retail locations go to the outlet stores, known colloquially as “the bins.” Instead of being priced individually, textiles are priced by the pound and put into bins where customers can dig through

and hopefully find hidden gems. For those who are also put off by Goodwill’s retail prices and wish to keep as many clothes in circulation as possible, the bins are a great alternative. The only issue is that “the bins”are fewer and farther between than the retail stores. I implore every person — especially those who are SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop frequenters — to shop secondhand. It can be tempting to purchase fast fashion items when prices are so low, especially when donation-based thrift stores like Goodwill do not do much to rival them, but by shopping primarily at the bins and other local thrift stores, perhaps we can slowly drive Goodwill’s retail prices back down. This way, all shoppers can benefit from these stores: those who are striving to be more environmentally conscious in their consumer habits and those who need places like Goodwill to survive.

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THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maeve Bauer editor@commonwealthtimes.org MANAGING EDITOR Ellie Waltman managing@commonwealthtimes.org COPY EDITOR Skye Hathaway copy@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Sal Orlando news@commonwealthtimes.org ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Kayla Muñecas asstnews@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Ben Martindale sports@commonwealthtimes.org ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Tyrese Perkins asstsports@commonwealthtimes.org SPECTRUM EDITOR Elle Cota spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org ASSISTANT SPECTRUM EDITOR Rachel Nicholas asstspectrum@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS & HUMOR EDITOR Kylie Grunsfeld opinions@commonwealthtimes.org ASSISTANT OPINIONS EDITOR Shiny Chandravel asstopinions@commonwealthtimes.org PHOTO EDITOR Burke Loftus photo@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Zoë Luis illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Ashley Davis multimedia@commonwealthtimes.org ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Abriana Ridgley asstmultimedia@commonwealthtimes.org AUDIENCE EDITOR Naveen Griscom social@commonwealthtimes.org

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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Puzzles GENERATION X

Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle GENERATION X

Lo s A n g e l e s Ti me s Sunda y C ro s s w o rd P u z z l e

By Yijing Chen

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Edited by Patti Varol GENERATION X by Yijing Chen

Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

Level

Sudoku By The Mepham Group

Level

Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

8/26/26

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, please visit sudoku.org.uk

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Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle