Friday, April 25
Hanover board OKs landfill growth next to historic Brown Grove
Hanover board OKs landfill growth next to historic Brown Grove
Thursday, April 24
¿Qué Pasa? Festival returns with a celebration of Hispanic heritage
The ¿Qué Pasa? Festival returns to Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond on May 3, for a day of cultural celebration and community connection.
Marita Golden to share insights from new book at main branch library
Award-winning author and literary activist Marita Golden will visit Richmond on Friday, May 2, for a reading and book signing of her latest work, “How to Become a Black Writer: Creating and Honoring Black Stories That Matter.”
Flying Squirrels blank Baysox, 10-0, for first home win of season
The Richmond Flying Squirrels broke out of a slump in dominant fashion Friday night, shutting out the Bowie Baysox 10-0 at The Diamond to earn their first home win of the 2025 season.
Gloucester woman receives Chancellor’s Award for philanthropy
Carolyn A. Lemon of Gloucester recently received the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.
Women gather at Hilton Short Pump for day of financial empowerment
More than 350 women gathered April 15 at the Hilton Short Pump for Virginia Credit Union’s Financial Success for Women Summit, a daylong event focused on personal finance, wealth-building and career development.
Cyclist calls for urgent safety fix on Mosby Street
I’m writing to demand urgent action to address the dangerous conditions on Mosby Street. As someone who commutes by bicycle, I’ve experienced firsthand how unsafe this corridor has become, and a recent incident made it painfully clear that if nothing changes, someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed.
SBA opens business recovery centers in Richmond, Henrico to aid storm-affected businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened two Business Recovery Centers in Richmond and Henrico to assist businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by severe storms that occurred Jan. 5 through 11. The centers aim to provide support with disaster loan applications and other recovery resources.
Richmond juvenile court to host annual Oliver Hill Day
The Atrium of the Oliver Hill Courts Building will be filled with reflection and celebration Friday, April 25, as the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hosts its 28th Annual Oliver Hill Day. The event, honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Oliver White Hill, Sr., will mark a day of remembrance and recognition in close proximity to Hill’s birthday and the American Bar Association’s National Law Day.
Gooden 1st Black recipient of prestigious Dwight Waldo Award in public administration
Susan T. Gooden, a leader in public administration and social equity, was awarded the prestigious 2025 Dwight Waldo Award from the American Society for Public Administration, this month. The award, given for sustained and impactful scholarship, recognizes Gooden’s decades of work advancing equity in government.
Early voting
Early in-person voting for the June 17, primary election starts Friday, May 2, and continues through Saturday, June 14.
Dance takes center stage again at revived Richmond festival
The Richmond Dance Festival returns after a three-year hiatus, with a diverse lineup of performances, from contemporary and hip-hop to modern and cultural dance styles. Dogtown Dance will present three shows across two venues, the Grace Street Theatre and the Henrico Center for the Arts, on Saturday, April. 26, offering a showcase of the area’s vibrant dance community and talent.
Personality: Meg Garner
Spotlight on incoming board president for ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Meg Garner’s journey with the ASK (Assistance, Support and Kindness) Childhood Cancer Foundation began nearly three decades ago during a college internship at the Medical College of Virginia —now Virginia Commonwealth University.
Ex-NFL player Shannon Sharpe accused of rape in $50M civil lawsuit
A young woman who says she was raped and threatened by retired NFL player Shannon Sharpe during a “rocky consensual relationship” has filed a civil lawsuit against him seeking $50 million in damages.
Hanover honors students who integrated schools in 1963
The night before the first day of school in fall 1963, 15-year-old Walter Lee’s confidence was fading.
Local anti-violence activist accused of assault and battery, suffocation
Charles D. Willis, a well known Richmond-based activist and anti-violence advocate, was arrested April 15 after a Richmond Police officer investigated a call for a domestic dispute. After making a $1,000 bond he was released the following day.
Richmond students compete in inclusive Big Feet Meet at Huguenot High
Students from across Richmond gathered April 16 at Huguenot High School for the annual Big Feet Meet, a day of track and field events celebrating inclusion and athleticism for Unified Athletes and partners.
Virginia State taps Millette Green as women’s basketball coach
When Millette Green steps onto the court as Virginia State University’s new head women’s basketball coach, she’ll bring more than just a wealth of experience — she’ll bring a philosophy rooted in grit, leadership and a track record of turning programs into contenders. She becomes the seventh head coach in VSU history.
Vick makes debut as Norfolk State football coach at spring game
Norfolk State fans got their first look at Coach Michael Vick in action Saturday as he led the Spartans through their annual spring football game at William “Dick” Price Stadium.
Korir brothers make marathon history, Lokedi claims record-setting win
Sharon Lokedi broke the Boston Marathon course record, and fellow Kenyan John Korir joined his brother as a race champion on Monday as the city celebrated the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
UR’s Chloe Goode makes good as Truman Scholar
University of Richmond junior Chloe Goode was recently named a 2025 Truman Scholar. The Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States.
Educators find creative work-arounds to laws that restrict what they can teach, by Riley Drake
An onslaught of executive orders from President Donald Trump aim to restrict how and what educators can teach America’s children.
Immigration crackdown enters Twilight Zone, by Clarence Page
Kafkaesque. One hears that word a lot in discussions of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Or, for lowbrows like me, “The Twilight Zone” might be the pertinent reference.
Still Black and still proud, by David W. Marshall
As an international music icon, James Brown emerged as one of the founding fathers of funk with a musical style that often profoundly influenced R&B, jazz, and rock.
Good trouble gets results in Hanover
Let’s take a moment to applaud the good work of the Hanover Branch NAACP. In a county that’s more that 80% white, you might think highlighting the concerns of African Americans is one of those jobs that isn’t worth the trouble. Fortunately, leaders of the local chapter of the civil rights organization know it’s a fight worth having.
Sharpton calls meeting with Target’s CEO ‘constructive and candid’
Target’s chief executive officer met Thursday with the Rev. Al Sharpton, whose civil rights organization has encouraged consumers to avoid U.S. retailers that scaled backed their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Black Men Vote names Michael Bland as executive director
Black Men Vote has appointed Michael Bland as its new executive director, the organization announced last week. Bland brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and political strategy, with a focus on equity-centered policy, coalition-building and advocacy.
Earle-Sears, Spanberger split on cannabis as Youngkin vetoes retail sales
Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed legislation to legalize retail marijuana for the second year in a row, reaffirming his opposition as the state heads into a pivotal election season.
Report finds staff complacency behind Richmond water outage
A recent report from the Virginia Department of Health highlights long-term staff complacency as a factor in the January water treatment plant failure that left much of the Richmond region without running water for days.
New legal fund launches to aid Richmond residents in crisis
As fears of deportation and eviction grow in Richmond, a new fund has launched to provide legal aid to working-class individuals and families facing legal threats. The Richmond Community Legal Fund (RCLF) was announced Monday with a mission to fill gaps in legal aid services.
Voices rise for freedom, justice during Capitol Square rally
“It means everyday actions, it means standing up.” That was one of the takeaways for Church Hill resident Christiane Riederer after attending the “Freedom Rising rally” hosted by 50501 Virginia last Saturday afternoon at the State Capitol.
City Council disagrees over proposed raises for high-paid city staff
The development of a proposed $3 billion budget for Richmond’s 2026 fiscal year continued this week with disagreements between Richmond City Council and Mayor Danny Avula’s administration over amendments to the proposal.
Monday, April 21
Richmond diocese holds mass in memory of Pope Francis
Bishop Barry C. Knestout led a Mass at noon today at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, honoring the memory of Pope Francis, who died earlier this week at the age of 88.
Friday, April 18
RRHA board votes against lease transfer for Gilpin Court
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted 5-4 Wednesday to reject a proposed transfer of Gilpin Court, the city’s oldest public housing development, during a meeting at Virginia Union University.
Thursday, April 17
Pastor, professor hosting book signing at Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church and a professor at Virginia Union University, will host a book signing Saturday, April 19, at the church, 1127 N.28th St., beginning at noon.
Big dill: Regency Mall to host first Pickleball Festival
Pickleball takes center stage next month as the first Pickleball Festival comes to Regency Mall on Saturday, May 3, offering a full day of competition, community and fun.
Winston-Salem State wins first CIAA women’s flag football championship
Winston-Salem State University made history Saturday by winning the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s inaugural Women’s Flag Football Championship, defeating Fayetteville State University 9-6 in a defensive battle at Johnson C. Smith University’s Irwin Belk Complex.
Squirrels drop back-and-forth game to close road trip
Victor Bericoto launched two home runs, but the Richmond Flying Squirrels fell to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-6, in a back-and-forth contest Sunday afternoon at FNB Field.
‘Improper ideology’ or accurate history? by Clarence Page
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that directs Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums, educational and research centers and the National Zoo.
Chaos wears a suit, and smirks
There he is again, a friend said to me and pointed at the television. Why won’t somebody stop him? I took a look and wondered the same thing.
Black Women’s History Month: GPS technology legend and Virginia native Gladys West reflects on leading the way with career, contributions
Spring has officially arrived across Virginia, and with it comes travel plans for many as students prepare for upcoming spring breaks. From popular destinations to hidden gems, Virginians are exploring the Commonwealth in greater numbers as the weather warms. Travelers will likely get some help navigating their journey with technology developed by Virginia native Gladys West, who was key in creating the Global Positioning System (GPS).
The COVID-19 Report
For the week ending Saturday, April 12, COVID-19 represented 0.5% of all emergency department visits in Virginia. Overall, respiratory illness rates were minimal and continued to trend downward compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported at press time.
Restaurants, salons top recipients of small business grants
Last week, the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) selected 117 Richmond small businesses to receive grant disbursements from the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund, which provides financial support to businesses impacted by the January water outage.
Hanover County names Binokhar Harris as new deputy fire chief
Hanover County has named Binokhar “Bino” Harris as the new deputy chief of Hanover County Fire-EMS, with the appointment set to take effect May 1.
Early voting begins in Richmond for June 17 primary
Early in-person voting for the June 17 primary starts on Friday, May 2, and continues through Saturday, June 14. Richmond voters can cast their ballots at the Office of Elections at 2134 W. Laburnum Ave.
From moon to middle school
Richmond’s first Moon Tree was dedicated at Thomas C. Boushall Middle School through a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, NASA, and the school. The tree’s seeds orbited Earth and the Moon during NASA’s Artemis I Mission, honoring the legacy of the Apollo 14 Mission.
VSU music chair receives grant for HBCU band research
The syncopated rhythms of marching bands have long been a hallmark of HBCU. Now, a Virginia State University professor is digging into that legacy with support from one of academia’s most competitive grants.
Kickstarter CEO, Richmond Fed president to speak at local commencements
Two prominent business leaders will deliver commencement addresses at Richmond-area universities in May.
Richmond Free Press staff earns honors in statewide journalism contest
The Richmond Free Press has added to its long tradition of excellence, with multiple staff members recognized in the 2024 Virginia Press Association News & Advertising Contest.
Iverson Classic returns to Hampton, featuring top NBA prospects
The next generation of basketball royalty arrives in Allen Iverson’s hometown May 1-3 as the Iverson Classic showcases the nation’s top high school prospects at Bethel High School’s Allen Iverson Gymnasium.
VCUarts and VSU exhibitions spotlight emerging artists’ voices
Two exhibitions are showcasing the dynamic work of emerging artists in the area. The VCUarts MFA Thesis Exhibition at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) and Virginia State University’s (VSU) “Seeing Red” at the Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL) are offering a platform for students to present their research-driven, socially engaged work.
Annual prayer breakfast brings Christian leaders together May 1
The 32nd Annual Christian Leadership Prayer Breakfast is set for Thursday, May 1, bringing together more than 300 Christian leaders from across the Richmond area for worship, fellowship and reflection.
PepsiCo meets with Sharpton over DEI cuts, potential boycott
Leaders at PepsiCo met on Tuesday with civil rights advocates from the National Action Network to discuss the company’s recent decision to roll back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Protest, Rally, Repeat
Students, workers keep up pressure with demonstrations
Nicole Subrayan-Bailey, a nurse, visited the Social Security office Tuesday morning to request a physical copy of her Social Security statement—previously accessible online—because she was concerned her benefits might be erased, she said. “I thought I was getting a statement today. Oh no, honey. They were like, ‘No, this is to make an appointment to get your statement.’ And I couldn’t even make an appointment! She’s like, ‘the system’s down,’” Subrayan-Bailey said.
Ashland Train Day rolls into town with family fun and rail-themed festivities
Ashland Train Day returns to Downtown Ashland on Saturday, April 26, offering a day of family-friendly fun, food and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Earth Action Day: Unleashing our power for our planet, by Susan Bass
Soon, April 22 will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The power of those 20 million voices that came out on the streets that first Earth Day led the United States to create the Environmental Protection Agency and the first generation of environmental laws addressing clean air, clean water and toxics.
The history they fear is the truth we carry, by Ben Jealous
The last living link of my family’s story of origin in antebellum Southern Virginia died at age 105 a few years ago.
Eliminating women in power, by David W. Marshall
In 2024, four women held the rank of four-star general or admiral. One year later, in 2025, there are none. This is just one example of how individuals and groups who believe in social equity and fairness are embroiled in a cultural war—and the opposing side is winning.
Screening out distractions
If you’re seeing this on your phone or computer, go ahead and take a moment to appreciate the irony — you’re reading about the governor’s call for “Virginia Screen-Free Week”... on a screen.
Bernice King discusses Fair Housing Act, made law after her father’s murder
Bernice King warns decades of work to reduce inequities in housing is at risk, as the Trump administration cuts funding for projects and tries to reduce funding for nonprofits that handle housing discrimination complaints.
City Council, residents push for changes to Richmond’s 2026 budget
Richmond’s proposed $3 billion budget for 2026 drew scrutiny this week, as City Council members and residents attended a series of meetings to push for changes and raise concerns.
Personality: Christine DeFilippo
Spotlight on the trustee and co-chair of the National MS Society for Richmond Council VA/WV Chapter
Christine DeFilippo’s journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) began while she was on vacation in 2017. She first noticed a tingling sensation in her legs, followed by waves of hot and cold. Soon after, her legs felt like Jell-O, and she eventually woke up unable to walk.
GRTC plans to continue zero-fare policy
Riders won’t have to worry about paying for the bus anytime soon.
Packed meeting highlights division over Fall Line Trail plans
A crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the Richmond Police Training Academy last week, to weigh in on a hotly debated section of the Fall Line Trail planned through Bryan Park.
Federal cuts drive interest in Virginia’s Democratic primaries
New policies affecting the federal bureaucracy and workforce are set to play a central role in Virginia’s 2025 Democratic primaries, observers told VPM News.
Friday, April 11
Packed meeting highlights division over Fall Line Trail plans
A crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the Richmond Police Training Academy on Wednesday night, to weigh in on a hotly-debated section of the Fall Line Trail planned through Bryan Park.
Thursday, April 10
Judge dismisses gender discrimination lawsuit against historic Harlem church
A federal judge has dismissed a gender discrimination lawsuit brought against Abyssinian Baptist Church by a onetime candidate to be the historic Harlem church’s senior pastor, the sole female candidate among finalists for the role.
Who’s got next?
Women’s college basketball looking for next star
Women’s college basketball has been on the rise these last few years, riding the wave of iconic players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins.
Final water crisis report identifies training, communication failures
A lack of managerial training, delayed projects and communication issues were among the problems identified as part of the final report on an outage at Richmond’s Water Treatment Plant that left the region without running water for days.
Council questions mayor’s proposed spending, salary increases and rate hikes
Richmond City Council members raised sharp questions Monday during the first in-depth discussion of Mayor Danny Avula’s proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, challenging both spending priorities and potential cost increases for residents.
Hanover to recognize students who led school integration 60 years ago
Sixty years ago, eight courageous students walked through the doors of Hanover County’s segregated schools, defying resistance and reshaping history. This month, their legacy will be permanently honored.
VCU students renew calls for accountability from university leadership
Students at Virginia Commonwealth University are once again demanding increased accountability, protection and engagement from university leadership regarding its ties to the war in Gaza and federal influence on its policies.
Woman’s work
This year, it’s all but certain that Virginia’s next governor won’t be the best man for the job—because for the first time in the state’s history, both major parties have nominated women. Last week, Democrats and Republicans made it official, setting up a historical race that guarantees Virginia will finally elect its first female governor.
Wealth gets votes, not victory, by Clarence Page
Lately Elon Musk has been looking like a good candidate for Washington's unofficial "So Sorry to See You Go" award. We used to hand it out annually on "The McLaughlin Group," among other deliberately dubious honors, as a snarky salute to the formerly powerful and influential who, in the inevitable way that Washington cycles through its luminaries, had outlasted their sell-by date. With the passing of longtime host John McLaughlin in 2016, the show faded away, just before Donald Trump's first presidency could provide us with a seemingly endless supply of new contenders for the Olympics of political stardom. That process came back to mind as rumors began to circulate that Musk, the oligarch behind Tesla, X and SpaceX, among other business ventures, was going to exit his controversial role in President Donald Trump's administration and return to private sector concerns. Musk, as everyone knows, dominated headlines this year after Trump empowered him to slash the federal workforce as head of DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, which is not a "department," since that would require confirmation by Congress. This came after Musk spent $290 million in 2024 to elect Trump and other Republican candidates. As Trump's right-hand man, he has wielded his unsupervised power like a chainsaw to eliminate thousands of government jobs and sow chaos in many federal agencies. Unfortunately, Musk's minions have given the boot to lots of long-tenured workers with what seemed to be shockingly little consideration for the valuable services those workers have provided. Not that government should not do everything possible to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. That worthy goal has been raised like a hardy perennial at least since the birth of our nation, when presumably it was calculated with quill pens. Unfortunately, Musk's army of DOGE data wizards has shown questionable abilities to distinguish real waste, fraud and abuse from what many of us would call essential services. Horror stories abound of lawsuits filed by government workers abruptly locked out of their offices and email accounts, and Musk set off alarm bells with a series of false claims about "fraud" that DOGE discovered in the Social Security system. Musk chose to propagate these falsehoods on his influential social media platform, X, which had already become notorious among Democrats and others of the political center and left for amplifying disinformation from right-wing extremists. Not surprisingly, a backlash against Musk and his enterprises has spread like wildfire, even leading to vandalism against his best known business, Tesla. But the truly painful manifestation of distaste with Musk has been entirely legal, as consumers have shunned his cars. Owing to Tesla's tanking sales, Musk reportedly lost more than a fourth of his total net worth since January as the company's shares plunged. Yes, losing $121 billion in three months is enough to put anyone in a bad mood. But Musk had more losing to do, as he traveled to Wisconsin to don the obligatory foam cheesehead hat to campaign for conservative Judge Brad Schimel in a special election for the state's supreme court. Why did Musk care enough about this election to blow $20 million and a lot of time and effort on it? Because the party that controls Wisconsin's supreme court also controls the drawing of congressional districts, and thus (potentially) controls the U.S. House of Representatives after the next election. And thus, as Musk put it, it will control the fate of Western civilization. Even though it was an off-year election, a surprisingly high turnout gave liberal Judge Susan Crawford enough votes to win handily. Thanks to Schimel's unabashed fealty to President Trump and the patronage of Musk, who stooped to handing out million-dollar checks to supporters of a petition against "activist" judges, Wisconsin voters had the pleasure of articulating the nation's evolving opinion of Musk and DOGE. Musk's defeat in Wisconsin last Tuesday night was a new sign of energy on the political left. Importantly, Democrats won special elections for state legislative seats in Iowa and Pennsylvania and defeated a handful of Republican-backed state referendums in Louisiana. The victories resonated nationally as the first burst of good news for Democrats since Trump beat Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the presidential race. Wisconsin Democrats couldn't be happier, as the state's high court is expected to consider cases related to abortion rights, union rights and voting rules, in addition to congressional redistricting. And what about Musk? The Beatles sang, "Money can't buy me love." Perhaps Musk, more unloved than ever, has learned money can't always buy you votes, either.
Hip-hop can document life in America more reliably than history books, by A.D. Carson
Describing my 2017 appointment as a faculty member, the University of Virginia dubbed me the school’s “first” hip-hop professor. Even if the job title and the historic nature of the appointment might have merited it, the word was misleading.
Thousands rally in city for “Hands Off!” protests against Trump and Musk
Thousands of demonstrators filled Downtown Richmond streets Saturday, marching from Capitol Square to Monroe Park as part of a nationwide series of “Hands Off” protests held in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The demonstrations targeted President Trump and billionaire tech executive Elon Musk, criticizing their influence over politics, social media and civil rights.
Lawsuit over Richmond Community Hospital building dropped
As plans for the future of the old Richmond Community Hospital building continue to unfold, a lawsuit regarding its condition and preservation is being dropped.
Personality: Ashley Williams
Spotlight on president of The Well Collective
Stress is an unavoidable part of daily life for many. Economic uncertainty, political unrest, workplace pressures and unresolved trauma contribute to the chronic strain on individuals and communities. This ongoing toll fuels burnout, strains relationships and costs the global economy billions.
Documentary screening to honor culinary pioneer Edna Lewis at Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia will host a free screening of “Finding Edna Lewis,” followed by a panel discussion onThursday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event celebrates the Virginia-born chef during what would have been her 109th birthday week.
In leaked audio, Sears downplays job losses tied to Trump cuts
A newly surfaced recording of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and federal employee unions, who say her remarks downplaying the impact of recent federal layoffs show a disregard for the thousands of Virginians — many of them veterans — who have lost their jobs under President Trump’s administration’s workforce cuts. -
Torian succeeds Bagby as leader of Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus elected Delegate Luke Torian as its new chair last week, succeeding Sen. Lamont Bagby, who led the group for seven years.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, April 5, COVID-19 represented 0.8% of all emergency department visits in Virginia. Overall, respiratory illness rates remained low and continued to trend downward compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported at press time.
Trump’s Smithsonian order mirrors tactics of Nazis, Soviets, by David W. Marshall
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and other staff members at the Smithsonian are upset, and they have every right to be. The Smithsonian network spans 21 museums and has become one of the latest presidential targets through an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." The order directs the removal of "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from its museums.
No more markers
The embarrassing and irritating recurrence of these Confederate markers makes plain the need for missionaries in this Southern land of benighted heathens.
Faith, business leaders gather for final T.D. Jakes leadership conference
T.D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit, presented by Wells Fargo, will hold its final gathering April 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, bringing together faith and business leaders for a last time under its current format.
Richmond Poetry Fest celebrates community through verse
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond will host its second annual Poetry Fest this weekend, April 11 and 12, featuring free workshops, readings and performances. The event showcases Richmond’s literary community with former City Poet Laureate Roscoe Burnems hosting Saturday’s poetry slam.
Flying Squirrels stumble late, swept by RubberDucks in season-opener
The Richmond Flying Squirrels learned a hard lesson Sunday afternoon: no lead is safe against Akron’s red-hot Jorge Burgos. After building a comfortable 4-0 advantage behind rookie Sabin Ceballos’ first Double-A homer and Adrian Sugastey’s two RBIs, the Squirrels watched their early dominance evaporate in a crushing 5-4 loss to complete a franchise-first season-opening sweep at The Diamond.
Virginia State’s Coach Blow earns spot on national coaching honor roll
Virginia State University head men’s basketball coach Lonnie Blow Jr. has been selected for the 2025 Achieving Coaching Excellence Honor Roll, recognizing his outstanding leadership this season.
Top basketball talent honored at Spring Maxie Awards
NOAH (Natives of African Heritage) Sports presented the annual Spring Maxie Awards on Saturday night, celebrating Richmond’s top high school basketball players, coaches and teams. The event was held at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and emceed by NOAH Sports founder Clarence Kenney.
Frida Fest
A lively event marked the opening of “Frida: Beyond the Myth,” honoring Kahlo’s artistic legacy and Mexican culture through music, dance and community.
Thursday, April 3
Youngkin, Earle-Sears join pro-life march opposing abortion amendment
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears joined hundreds of pro-life advocates for a Capitol Square rally Wednesday opposing a proposed constitutional amendment that would protect abortion access in Virginia.
Personality: Melody Walker
Spotlight on president of Richmond Chapter of The Society
A recent report from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has reaffirmed what many have long believed — arts education has a profound and positive impact on the academic, social and emotional development of school-age children. However, this crucial aspect of education is under threat due to federal funding cuts to the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Arts and other agencies and programs that support arts education. These cuts mainly affect schools in underserved communities, limiting access to creative development. Melody Walker aims to fill the gaps for children who share her passion for the arts through The Society, hopes a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing, exposing and promoting young talent in the arts. As president of the Richmond chapter, she is committed to supporting and showcasing creative talent. Her enthusiasm harkens back to her days in Richmond Public Schools where she played the flute in the band.
‘Fat Ham’ cookin’ again: Triangle Players, Firehouse team up to save production
As soon as the cancellation of “Fat Ham” was announced, the leaders of Richmond Triangle Players (RTP) and Firehouse Theatre started talking.
Ealey Project seeks public help to preserve civil rights leader’s legacy
A stash of moldy boxes uncovered during a home renovation in Jackson Ward sparked a years-long effort to preserve the legacy of Roland J. “Duke” Ealey, a civil rights attorney and former Virginia state delegate whose work spanned pivotal moments in school desegregation, voting rights and criminal justice.
Richmond to investigate Confederate burial site under City property
Years after a costly renovation to a Confederate marker on City property sparked controversy, Richmond officials are moving forward with plans to determine whether the remains it honors are still buried there.
Avula unveils $3B budget with focus on housing and education
Housing and school funding, raises and spending reductions are major elements of Mayor Danny Avula’s first budget.
‘Go with the Flow’ project aims to map flooding patterns across Richmond
Southside ReLeaf and the University of Richmond have launched the “Go with the Flow” community science project to collect data on flooding patterns across the city. The project, which runs from March 20 to Sept. 1, encourages Richmond residents to participate in a flood survey each time it rains.
April Herstory
While lawmakers wrap up the recent veto session, here’s something they — and the governor — actually agreed on last year: honoring Black women.
Remembering Wilma Wirt
Last month, Wilma Wirt, a former Virginia Commonwealth University associate professor who taught, mentored and challenged many young writers over the years, died at age 94. While no official service is planned, it wouldn’t be surprising if her lasting influence brings together those whose lives and careers she shaped. There are many of us.
‘Signalgate’ reveals backward-looking military view, by Clarence Page
A hard-won Senate confirmation was not enough to keep the aroma of scandal away from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for long.
Faith leaders call on Congress to act against authoritarianism, by Bridget Moix
As Christians mark Lent, Muslims observe Ramadan and Jews celebrate Passover, leaders from numerous faith traditions are gathering each week in front of the U.S. Capitol, calling on Congress to show moral courage in the face of growing authoritarianism and attacks on democracy.
Respect the sanctity of churches, by David W. Marshall
Trust is a powerful word. It involves relying on someone to be honest and reliable. It becomes a belief in a person’s character and actions. Trust is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Cosmic invasion
GalaxyCon Richmond brought more than 22,500 fans to the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the four-day pop culture festival.
$6.8M funding gap threatens GRTC zero-fare program
During fiscal year 2024, almost 11 million riders rode the bus in Richmond, or used paratransit, or LINK Microtransit services, according to the Greater Richmond Transit Company, an increase of 14% over last year. That boost is almost certainly due to GRTC’s zero-fare program that has allowed people to ride for free. But the program, which started during the pandemic, may be eliminated this summer, if a funding gap isn’t closed.
Black-owned brands adapt their plans for a post-DEI era
The co-founders of a company that makes lip products for darker skin tones no longer hope to get their line into Target. A brother and sister who make jigsaw puzzles celebrating Black subjects wonder if they need to offer “neutral” images like landscapes to keep growing. Pound Cake and Puzzles of Color are among the small businesses whose owners are rethinking their plans as major U.S. companies weaken their diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Marvin Sapp defends fundraising style after viral video sparks debate
Gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp defended his fundraising approach during a radio interview March 31, following backlash over a viral video from a nine-month-old call for donations.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, March 29, COVID-19 accounted for .9% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates low and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time.
VUU hosts first CIAA Flag Football Roundup
Under bright Friday afternoon skies at Virginia Union University, whistles blew and flags flew as history unfolded with the school’s first CIAA Flag Football Roundup.
VMFA hires Karen Daly to lead provenance research
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently appointed Karen Daly as the museum’s first senior manager of provenance research.
Henrico seeks new developer for arena project at Best Products site
After the collapse of a previous development deal, Henrico is once again looking for proposals to transform the former Best Products headquarters into a mixed-use development anchored by an arena.
Richmond grapples with second data mishap in weeks after erroneous mailings
City of Richmond officials announced Tuesday that 226 debt collection letters were mailed to incorrect addresses last month, marking the second time in weeks Richmond has disclosed errors in sensitive mailings.
Local Starbucks baristas file for union election amid labor push
A petition filed last week by Starbucks baristas in Mechanicsville has set the stage for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and could continue the labor efforts seen by other stores across the Richmond area.
The ‘poorly educated’ and the plan to undermine them, by Julianne Malveaux
After he won the Nevada Republican caucuses in 2016, the current president crowed about his victory. “We won with young. We won with old. We won with highly educated. We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated,” he said. Congressman Bobby Scott, D-Va., reflected on this comment as he called on Republicans to join Democrats in preserving the Department of Education.
Donamatrix Day returns to Petersburg with fitness festival, charity events
Celebrity trainer and Petersburg native Don “DB Donamatrix” Brooks brings his signature fitness event back home with the annual Donamatrix Day Fit Fest on Saturday, April 5, at Petersburg High School.
Phil Martelli Jr. named VCU men’s basketball head coach
Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Basketball has a new head coach, and he’s no stranger to building success. Phil Martelli Jr., who was formally introduced at a press conference March 27, takes over the program after leading Bryant University to new heights over the past two seasons.
Kickers fall to Forward Madison in Henny Derby opener
The Richmond Kickers (2-2-0, 6 points) fell 2-1 to Forward Madison (1-1-0, 3 points) in a hard-fought first leg of the Henny Derby on Saturday.
Flying Squirrels introduce new GM ahead of last season at Diamond
Anthony Oppermann is the general manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the team announced Monday.
‘Homes & Habitats’ exhibition explores nature through art at Lewis Ginter
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden recently opened its outdoor art exhibition, “Homes & Habitats,” featuring works by seven local artists. The exhibition, which runs through Sept. 28, showcases large-scale installations that explore ecosystems and human interactions with nature.
History tours return at The Valentine
The Valentine’s Richmond History Tours will resume in April, offering guided explorations of the city’s past. Now in their 25th year, the tours highlight historic sites, architectural landmarks and lesser-known stories from Richmond’s history.
Virginia Interfaith names LaKeisha Cook executive director
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy appointed Dr. LaKeisha Cook as its new executive director, the organization announced Tuesday.
