ASHLAND, Va. — Eighth-grade students from Richmond Public Schools are getting a hands-on look at the stars at the Keeble Observatory at Randolph-Macon College.
The observatory, located on the campus in Ashland, is a research, outreach, and teaching telescope for the college’s Department of Physics, Engineering, and Astrophysics.
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It is the largest telescope of its kind between Washington, D.C., and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Earth Science teacher Chloe Tremper brought her class from Boushall Middle School to the observatory to learn about celestial objects.
“I think more people should know about it, especially when they have public nights on Thursdays. I’ll definitely be coming back with some folks,” Tremper said.
Randolph-Macon engineering and astrophysics students Brielle Baughman and Kamaya Wilson helped guide the middle schoolers during their visit.
“It never gets old. It’s beautiful looking at it every time. And then seeing others see how beautiful it is, and their reactions, it’s amazing,” Baughman said.
“We usually have something already up. Something cool, shocking. Typically, a planet. We can look at Saturn. That’s a really popular one. I personally think Saturn’s my favorite,” Wilson said.
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Randolph-Macon engineering and astrophysics students Brielle Baughman and Kamaya Wilson
The telescope and lab provide hands-on learning for students of all ages.
The campus hosts weekly public stargazing sessions on Thursdays during the academic semester, weather permitting.
Visitors can even play a form of cosmic bingo, marking off cards with everything they see.
Physics professor Michael Rodruck knows not all the middle school students will become astrophysicists, but he hopes they all find an interest in discovering new things.
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“I hope they just get amazed by the night sky. Usually when kids look through that telescope, it’s always ‘Wow, that’s so cool!’ And seeing that spark of curiosity. Seeing that spark of interest, that really is making it worth it,” Rodruck said.
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RICHMOND, Va. — J’Ana Price published her first book at age 5. Now 11, she has more than 50 titles to her name and a platform aimed at getting kids excited about reading and writing.
Price appeared at the Chickahominy River Women Chapter SocieTea Talent Showcase in Richmond, Virginia, where I had the chance to talk to her about about her work as an author.
She told me her father, who is also an author, inspired her to start writing. Her first book, “Finding Myself,” remains meaningful to her.
“It’s like a memento,” Price said. “It shows where I started.”
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Her catalog spans inspirational and educational themes, all focused on encouraging young readers.
“I think it’s important because without reading, you basically got nothing,” Price said. “Reading is really good for your mind and comprehension.”
Price also spoke about the role imagination plays in reading.
“Your imagination is the most important thing that you have… and when you read a book, your imagination is activated,” Price said.
Through her platform, J’Ana’s Planet, she offers resources and guidance for young aspiring authors.
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Her advice for kids who struggle with reading: “Practice makes perfect. The more you read, your vocabulary gets better… and soon you’ll be reading like it’s second nature.”
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The developer of the Mountain Valley pipeline expansion plans to restart construction this week in Virginia after a federal appeals court opted not to halt that work as litigation plays out.
Mountain Valley informed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in a letter Wednesdaythat “it intends to resume work” on the MVP Southgate project for its Virginia facilities, notifying the agency on the same day the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued its orders.
The Southgate project, approved in its current form in December, is a 31-mile extension of the main Mountain Valley gas pipeline, which travels more than 300 miles from West Virginia into southern Virginia. The Southgate project, which would be operated by the gas producer EQT, is designed to provide gas to North Carolina utilities.
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The court’s decision Wednesday is a positive step for Mountain Valley, which secured FERC permission in late March to launch construction in Virginia on the Southgate project. Mountain Valley had stopped all construction activity on Southgate after the 4th Circuit in late March issued orders that granted temporary administrative stays.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Virginia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
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Here’s a look at April 29, 2026, results for each game:
Powerball
Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 11 p.m.
03-19-35-51-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Saturday, May 02, 2026
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Pick 3
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 8-8-3, FB: 4
Day: 8-6-3, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
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Night: 3-9-9-0, FB: 2
Day: 3-1-5-5, FB: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 5
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 4-1-5-2-1, FB: 9
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Day: 5-8-2-2-0, FB: 0
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Cash Pop
Drawing times: Coffee Break 9 a.m.; Lunch Break 12 p.m.; Rush Hour 5 p.m.; Prime Time 9 p.m.; After Hours 11:59 p.m.
Coffee Break: 02
After Hours: 04
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Prime Time: 09
Rush Hour: 02
Lunch Break: 12
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Cash 5
Drawing every day at 11 p.m.
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02-03-14-33-45
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Bank a Million
Bank a Million draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 11 p.m.
04-06-18-27-33-35, Bonus: 11
Check Bank a Million payouts and previous drawings here.
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Millionaire for Life
Drawing everyday at 11:15 p.m.
05-10-17-21-42, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Center for Community Journalism (CCJ) editor. You can send feedback using this form.
