Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 22, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates moderate and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time. As of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Feb. 16, no trend in COVID-19 wastewater levels was available for Richmond, while levels in Henrico County had plateaued.
Chesterfield academy to offer government insight for local residents
Chesterfield County, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), is accepting applications for this year’s My Chesterfield Academy. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 17.
Wage bills vetoed last year by Youngkin clear General Assembly again
Democratic lawmakers passed a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage, although the effort might be thwarted again by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who previously said the bump stifles economic competitiveness.
Henrico employee receives $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A CEO
At Chick-fil-A White Oak Village on Feb. 26, Taylor Powell, a Rise Academy student and employee, was surprised with a $25,000 scholarship as part of Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships program. The scholarship will support Powell’s plans to attend the University of Virginia, where she intends to major in psychology and pursue a career as a clinical child psychologist.
As Virginia housing costs rise, General Assembly offers little relief
The median price of a single-family home in Virginia rose almost 40% between 2019 and 2024, pushing home ownership out of reach for many working-class families. This year, Virginia legislators have introduced various measures to make home buying more attainable, both by helping buyers and incentivizing more home building. Progress has been slow.
Apple shareholders reject proposal to scrap company’s diversity programs
Apple shareholders rebuffed an attempt to pressure the technology trendsetter into joining President Donald Trump’s push to scrub corporate programs designed to diversify its workforce.
Staley to release memoir detailing her career, life lessons
Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star, will publish a book titled “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three” on May 20.
Virginia Union’s Maia Charles earns Rookie of the Year honors
Virginia Union University’s Maia Charles was named the CIAA Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, a well- deserved honor announced Sunday, Feb. 23, at the CIAA Tournament Awards Ceremony in Baltimore.
Nutzy’s Block Party set for March 1 at The Diamond
The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host their annual Nutzy’s Block Party on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Diamond.
Vick announces three new additions to Norfolk State football staff
Norfolk State football Coach Michael Vick announced three additions to his coaching staff Wednesday, welcoming Tim Smith, DeCedrick Quinn Sr. and Wilson Appleton for the 2025 season.
Hayes to speak at Richmond Peace Center event
The Richmond Peace Education Center will host Rev. Mark J. Hayes as a guest speaker for its 2025 Peace Center Speaker Series on March 11.
VCU dominates second half to take down George Mason 70-54
VCU used a dominant second half to power past George Mason 70-54 on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 7,637 at the Siegel Center, pulling the Rams into a tie for first place in the Atlantic 10.
Multiple Richmond protests highlight unity, activism on Presidents Day
Richmond was alive with activism Presidents Day as hundreds gathered across the city to protest the policies of the Trump administration and local political leaders. From rallies in Capitol Square to marches through the streets, the day highlighted a shared commitment to justice, solidarity and community action.
NAACP lists companies that dump DEI in its tactical spending guide for Black Americans
The NAACP wants Black Americans to steer their buying power toward companies that haven’t pulled back from diversity, equity and inclusion programs under conservative pressure, and the nation’s oldest civil rights organization is listing which brands have stood by — or reversed — past commitments to DEI.
Personality: Andrea Daughtry
Spotlight on founder of For the Fem In You
At 16, Andrea Daughtry already was carving out a place for herself in the music industry.
A Black church that now owns Proud Boys logo is using it to sell shirts
A historic Black church whose Black Lives Matter sign was destroyed by members of the extremist group Proud Boys is now selling T-shirts using the group’s logo after the congregation won the Proud Boys trademark as part of a year long legal dispute.
Newlin Music Prize announces 2025 short list
The Newlin Music Prize recently announced the 20 albums shortlisted for its 2025 award, recognizing outstanding music from Richmond area artists. The winner, set to be revealed on March 24, will receive a $2,500 cash prize and a commemorative trophy. Each remaining nominee will receive $250, with the organization awarding a total of more than $7,000 to local musicians.
All-Star break over
Time for run toward NBA playoffs
The trade deadline is gone. The All-Star break ended Wednesday. Luka Doncic is with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jimmy Butler is with the Golden State Warriors. Anthony Davis is with the Dallas Mavericks, though it’s unknown when he’ll play again. The dust has settled. It’s time for the stretch run.
Confederate marker near DPU substation under new scrutiny
The future of a Confederate marker near a City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities substation on Wise Street is uncertain under Mayor Danny Avula’s administration. The marker, placed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1939.
LeVere Bolling becomes first Va. lawmaker to vote remotely after giving birth
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling, D–Henrico, became the first woman in Virginia allowed by political leaders to vote remotely after she delivered her child last week, casting her votes miles from a statehouse historically governed by men.
