The older sewer systems in Virginia cities like Richmond, Alexandria and Lynchburg have sent billions of gallons of untreated wastewater into state rivers during heavy rain events when the sewer backs up. All are actively working to upgrade their sewer systems, but there are concerns there is not enough funding to fix the issues soon enough, especially amid increasingly heavier rainfall periods. Richmond’s project has the biggest price tag at $100 million.

This article follows VCU School of Dentistry student Lily Turner and her passion for improving dental care experiences for patients with special needs through advocacy, education, and sensory-friendly initiatives. It highlights her commitment to creating more inclusive healthcare environments and ensuring patients with developmental and sensory disabilities feel understood, supported, and comfortable during treatment.

After years of struggling to access affordable dental care, Kimberly Crawford received a life-changing new smile through the Wise Missions of Mercy project, where VCU School of Dentistry students and faculty provide free care to underserved communities. The story highlights the profound impact of compassionate dental care and the importance of expanding access to oral healthcare in rural Appalachia.

This article highlights how VCU School of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students are making a difference both inside and outside the clinic through community outreach, patient care, and service-learning experiences across Virginia. It showcases the students’ commitment to improving access to oral healthcare while developing the hands-on skills and compassion needed to transform patients’ lives.

RVA Fashion Week highlights Richmond’s growing creative scene by showcasing local designers, models, and artists while fostering collaboration and inclusivity within the city’s fashion community. Through interviews with designers and attendees, the story captures how the event inspires emerging talent and reinforces Richmond’s identity as a hub for artistic innovation.

It All Begins Here