Richmond News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Richmond’s crime numbers are dropping fast—nonfatal shootings down 26%, murders 33%, and commercial robberies plummeted 55%—thanks to tech and detective work, says Chief Edwards. Property crimes are also falling, but aggravated domestic assaults have doubled, raising alarms as domestic violence becomes a bigger factor in homicides. To help victims, police and prosecutors are launching a Family Jus...

A chaotic weekend at Hallmark Youthcare exposed serious safety failures: multiple breakouts, staff confrontations, and reports of weapons left parents terrified and demanded urgent reform. With kids escaping, staff overwhelmed, and a lieutenant warning of potential fatalities, the facility’s leadership says they’re acting — but critics demand immediate review before tragedy strikes. Listen in comf...

Postal workers in Richmond are suffering through dangerously hot conditions inside the Central Post Office, with temps hitting the 90s as the main AC unit has failed. Employees report near-fainting episodes and are resorting to sitting in their cars during lunch to cool off — some even threaten to walk off the job. Though USPS says contractors are working on the issue and have deployed fans and ch...

A young girl with Dravet Syndrome, Haley, faced over a thousand seizures a year—until a specific high-THC CBD oil dramatically cut her seizures to just 40-50, transforming her life. Now, Virginia’s legal loophole closing August 15 threatens to make this lifesaving oil illegal as hemp, while federal bans loom in November. Her family argues the product isn’t intoxicating and past medical marijuana a...

A touching tribute unfolds as hospital staff prepare to honor nine-year-old Davin Yap, who tragically lost his life in a June car crash. As he’s wheeled to surgery for organ donation, medical teams will line the halls — his family, clad in shirts bearing his name and a cyan shark, will walk beside him. Davin’s mom recalls his joyful, generous spirit, and his family’s immediate decision to donate h...

A massive fire erupted on Elletts Crossing Road in Hanover around 10:15 PM, with flames shooting through the roof and thick smoke billowing — but here’s the twist: nobody was home. No injuries, no lives lost, and firefighters emerged unscathed. Now, investigators are on the case to uncover what sparked the blaze — and why it hit an empty house. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: h...

A six-month-old black-and-white Shih Tzu was found abandoned and tied up near Forest Hill Park in Richmond—with a tent nearby, hinting at intentional neglect. Richmond Animal Care and Control is urgently seeking tips to reunite her with her family; call 804-646-5573, message them on social media, or visit their shelter at 1600 Chamberlayne Ave. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: h...

Veteran reporter Wayne Covil, with over 30 years in TV news, dropped by Crater Community Hospice’s Coffee Chat to share unforgettable career stories dating back to 1992. The event wasn’t just a Q&A—it turned into a community hangout with giveaways and thrift store discounts, sparking meaningful connections. Wayne’s decades of experience offered a rare, insightful perspective, while the hospice kee...

Meet Nola and Louis, two rescued river otters now thriving at Maymont in Richmond, Virginia—once seen as a crawfish nuisance in Louisiana, now beloved ambassadors for conservation. Louis, 11, arrived in 2018; Nola, 5, just joined after her name was chosen from 16,000 suggestions. Watch them play live via the Otter Cam between 9 AM and 4 PM, or visit the Robins Nature Center (Tue–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM) t...

A tense standoff in Charlottesville turned deadly when Daquan Hoffman, wanted for a felony, refused to cooperate with officers near the downtown mall—leading to a gunfight. Now on the run and charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder, Hoffman is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities, including Virginia State Police and U.S. Marshals, are actively hunting him. Police chief pra...

Richmond’s crime numbers are dropping fast—murders down 33%, shootings 26%, robberies 55% and 28%, and rapes 25%. Police, agencies, and community groups are credited with preventing violence before it happens, thanks to initiatives like Operation Safe Summer that led to felony arrests and gun seizures. But aggravated domestic assaults have doubled, partly due to new state laws making reporting eas...

A chilling connection has emerged in Caroline County’s cold case: the body of 56-year-old Helen Marie Pullen Banks, found three months ago, is now linked to the murder of 18-year-old Jayden McComber. Forensic evidence and ballistic testing tie both victims to four suspects—Rashad Mayfield, Devonti Pettaway, Kennady Lambert, and Jaden Phillips—who face eight new indictments, including first-degree...

Another inmate has died at Greensville Correctional Center, marking the 73rd death there in just three years. Though officials say it was from natural causes and the inmate was taken to the hospital, he died before 5 AM. The Virginia Department of Corrections is investigating, but no further details are being released. This grim statistic raises serious questions about conditions inside the facili...

A body found in the woods in March has been identified as 56-year-old Helen Marie Pullen Banks — and her murder is now directly tied to the killing of 18-year-old Jayden McComber. The same four suspects arrested for McComber’s death — Devonti Pettaway, Kennady Lambert, Rashad Mayfield, and Jaden Phillips — now face charges in both killings, including first-degree murder and felony gun possession....

Richmond International Airport just claimed the top spot as North America’s most efficient airport for under-five-million-passenger hubs, winning the prestigious 2026 Air Transport Research Society Global Airport Efficiency Award. This isn’t just a title—it’s earned through rigorous analysis of productivity, cost control, and operational performance over fiscal year 2024. Led by the ATRS Global Ai...

Four suspects now face first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in the shocking double homicide of 18-year-old Jayden McComber and 56-year-old grandmother Helen Marie Pullen Banks — whose identity was confirmed via DNA on July 7. Investigators linked the killings early through forensic evidence, revealing both bodies were transported to Caroline County from elsewhere. While robbery is suspected...

A pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash on Boydton Plank Road in Dinwiddie County on Wednesday, July 8 — the latest in a troubling string of 24 pedestrian accidents this year in Central Virginia. The black sedan involved fled the scene, echoing a fatal hit-and-run from January. Authorities are still investigating, but this grim pattern underscores a growing safety crisis on these...

A 20-year-old man, Curtis Whitted Jr., died after being shot while driving in Henrico County, crashing into a tree. Police arrested another 20-year-old, Savontre Kester Garlick, on July 7, charging him with second-degree murder and using a firearm during a felony. The shooting occurred around 11:10 PM on Kingsridge Road — a tragic case that’s now entering the legal system. Listen in comfort: Get a...

Virginia’s got a new thrill ride—Mountain Mayhem, the state’s first alpine coaster, now roaring at Massanutten Resort. With over 3,000 feet of track and speeds up to 25 mph, it’s pure adrenaline for riders of all ages, whether solo or with a buddy. Locals and guests alike can dive into this family-friendly adventure, which is just one of many attractions at the resort’s Family Adventure Park—inclu...

A 20-year-old man, Savontre Kester Garlick, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Curtis Whitted Jr., who died after being struck by gunfire during a car crash on Kingsridge Road. Garlick faces second-degree murder and firearm-related charges. The investigation remains active, and authorities urge the public to come forward with tips through Detective M. Lynch, Cri...

A Virginia judge just handed down a major legal blow to the state’s new assault weapons and magazine ban, ruling it’s not just a local issue—it’s statewide, temporarily halting enforcement across the board. The decision, issued July 7th, aims to unify enforcement while the legal battle rages on, with a new injunction date set for July 21st. Sparked by an NRA lawsuit claiming the ban violates Virgi...

Lorna, the striking chestnut mare with Secretariat bloodlines and a past as a racehorse and broodmare, is leaving Maymont Farm next week for specialized care at the Equine Welfare Society. Born in 2011 and a beloved resident since November 2024, she’s been a close friend to 20-year-old horse Artie — and to help ease the transition, donkey Percy will join Artie in the paddock. Visitors can say good...

Another inmate has died at Greensville Correctional Center, marking the seventh inmate fatality in Virginia’s prisons since July 1 — and officials say it’s likely a natural death. The inmate was taken to a local hospital after receiving medical attention and was pronounced dead early Thursday morning. No staff were involved, and no injuries were reported. With three of the previous six deaths also...

Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters before January 6, is confessing to investigators — revealing he was deeply disillusioned by the 2020 election outcome. Prosecutors say the case is solid, with surveillance footage, cell phone pings, and credit card records tying him directly to the devices and locations. Evidence suggests his actions were fueled by ele...

Virginia’s making a major comeback, leaping to third place in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business — a dramatic rise from last year’s fourth and its lowest since 2018. This year’s surge? All thanks to infrastructure, where Virginia ranks second — a category CNBC now weighs heavily. Last year’s slump was driven by economic headwinds, with Virginia dropping to 23rd from 14th. Back then, critics...