Frozen fountain (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Art, history and service mark Wilder’s 95th-Guests fill the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia on Sunday to celebrate former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 95th birthday, exploring his watercolor paintings and enjoying a program honoring the recipients of the inaugural National Ovation to Wilder scholarships.Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder arrives at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center during his 95th birthday celebration on Sunday.(Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Art, history and service mark Wilder’s 95th-Guests fill the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia on Sunday to celebrate former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 95th birthday, exploring his watercolor paintings and enjoying a program honoring the recipients of the inaugural National Ovation to Wilder scholarships. Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is presented with a cake during his 95th birthday celebration at the BHMVA. (Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Art, history and service mark Wilder’s 95th-Guests fill the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia on Sunday to celebrate former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 95th birthday, exploring his watercolor paintings and enjoying a program honoring the recipients of the inaugural National Ovation to Wilder scholarships. Attendees view artwork during the “Brushstrokes of Governor L. Douglas Wilder” event. (Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Rolling Rally celebrates unity, inclusion-Students, faculty and community supporters came together Jan. 16 for the first RPS Unified Champion Schools Rolling Rally, a celebration of school pride, inclusion and teamwork. The event featured a multistop bus tour visiting five schools, culminating at Thomas Jefferson High School with music, games and the unveiling of a new Special Olympics Virginia slogan, “Live with Unity. Lead with Inclusion.” Crystal Potee, principal of Thomas Jefferson High School, pumps up students and teachers outside the school during the final stop of the RPS Unified Champion Schools Rolling Rally. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Rolling Rally celebrates unity, inclusion-Students, faculty and community supporters came together Jan. 16 for the first RPS Unified Champion Schools Rolling Rally, a celebration of school pride, inclusion and teamwork. The event featured a multistop bus tour visiting five schools, culminating at Thomas Jefferson High School with music, games and the unveiling of a new Special Olympics Virginia slogan, “Live with Unity. Lead with Inclusion.” Richmond High School of the Arts students Viki Monzon, Zandra Johnson and Darneja Williams cheer alongside UCS adviser Diane Herson as the Rolling Rally stops at TJHS, energizing fellow students and participants.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan greets former Gov. Douglas Wilder after her speech at the breakfast. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi speaks at the 47th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Celebration breakfast at the Downtown Richmond Marriott on Jan. 16. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. VUU freshman E’shun Davis during the keynote address from Jeffery O Smith. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. MLK Vigil and protest at War Memorial-James Saxsmo Gates, with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Debby Fagan work together to light candles during the vigil on Jan. 19. The event was also a protest of Trump administration policies and deaths linked to ICE activity.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. MLK Vigil and protest at War Memorial- The event was also a protest of Trump administration policies and deaths linked to ICE activity. Candles, flowers and photos of Renée Good, Keith Porter and other people killed in ICE-related incidents were placed outside the Virginia War Memorial in remembrance.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. MLK Vigil and protest at War Memorial- The event was also a protest of Trump administration policies and deaths linked to ICE activity. People gather with candles and signs bearing hopeful messages during the vigil outside the Virginia War Memorial.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. MLK Vigil and protest at War Memorial- The event was also a protest of Trump administration policies and deaths linked to ICE activity. A demonstrator peers out from among protesters lining South Belvidere Street outside the War Memorial.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Vigil and Advocacy Day for gun violence prevention-Advocates for gun violence prevention gathered at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Jan. 19 for the 34th annual Virginia Vigil and Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through advocacy. This event came hours after gun rights lobbyists filled the same space arguing for fewer gun protections and more gun rights. Attorney General Jay Jones speaks at the 34th annual Virginia Vigil and Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Jan. 19. The event honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through advocacy. Protesters hold signs with messages about the impact of gun violence. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Vigil and Advocacy Day for gun violence prevention-Advocates for gun violence prevention gathered at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Jan. 19 for the 34th annual Virginia Vigil and Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through advocacy. This event came hours after gun rights lobbyists filled the same space arguing for fewer gun protections and more gun rights. Protesters hold signs with messages about the impact of gun violence. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Vigil and Advocacy Day for gun violence prevention-Advocates for gun violence prevention gathered at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Jan. 19 for the 34th annual Virginia Vigil and Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through advocacy. This event came hours after gun rights lobbyists filled the same space arguing for fewer gun protections and more gun rights. Many in attendance remembered Adam Turck, who was fatally shot in Shockoe Bottom in August, and wore Superman hats and attire in his honor. His parents, Peter and Terry Ann Turck, hold his photo.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond-The neighborhood transformation continues on North Arthur Ashe Boulevard as a former Hardee’s restaurant, which closed in late 2022 after more than 40 years in business, was demolished Tuesday, Jan. 20. The site is slated for a 12 story, dual-brand Marriott hotel being developed by Shamin Hotels, featuring about 250 rooms, dining space, event facilities and a parking deck, with an anticipated opening in late 2027. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Gun rights advocates rally-JaPharii Jones, president of BLM757, speaks to a crowd on 9th Street outside the Bell Tower. Behind him are other members of BLM757 and the Original Black Panther Party of Virginia. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Gun rights advocates rally-Hundreds gathered at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Jan. 19, for a gun rights rally organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League. Many attendees carried firearms but were not allowed on Capitol premises and instead formed a group on a blocked-off section of 9th Street. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Voices raised for peace and change on MLK Day-Richmonders marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of events, including Virginia Union University’s 47th annual community leaders breakfast, a candlelight vigil for peace outside the Virginia War Memorial, and Lobby Day rallies for gun violence prevention and gun rights at Capitol Square. Gun rights advocates rally-DJ Hawkins, right, with another attendee, stand outside Capitol Square.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Gov. Abigail Spanberger, then governor-elect, speak with members of the media while moving between House meeting rooms at the Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 14, the first day of the General Assembly session. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Former Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears speaks with Ghazala Hashmi, now lieutenant governor, at the center desk of the Senate chamber on the first day of the General Assembly session at the Capitol. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Delegates Don Scott and Jackie Glass take the oath of office on the first day of the 2026 General Assembly session. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Days later, Spanberger took the oath of office at the Virginia State Capitol in front of thousands, joined by Attorney General Jay C. Jones and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger descends the inaugural platform stairs before taking the oath of office. (photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Days later, Spanberger took the oath of office at the Virginia State Capitol in front of thousands, joined by Attorney General Jay C. Jones and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. Lyn M. Simmons, chief judge of the Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, administers the oath of office to Attorney General-elect Jay C. Jones, joined by his wife Mavis Baah Jones, on Saturday, Jan. 18. Jones becomes the first Black attorney general of the state.(photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Days later, Spanberger took the oath of office at the Virginia State Capitol in front of thousands, joined by Attorney General Jay C. Jones and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. Virginia’s Native American Tribes provide a blessing of the ground and perform traditional dance. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Days later, Spanberger took the oath of office at the Virginia State Capitol in front of thousands, joined by Attorney General Jay C. Jones and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. Gov. Spanberger greets members of Virginia’s Native American Tribes after their performance. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Days later, Spanberger took the oath of office at the Virginia State Capitol in front of thousands, joined by Attorney General Jay C. Jones and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. The Hampton University Concert Choir sings “The Star- Spangled Banner.” (photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Ladies and gentlemen … start your terms- Virginia turns a page as lawmakers take their oaths and Gov. Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated last week. The first day of the 2026 General Assembly session on Jan. 14 saw delegates and state leaders assume their roles. Days later, Spanberger took the oath of office at the Virginia State Capitol in front of thousands, joined by Attorney General Jay C. Jones and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. About 5,000 people attended the ceremony at the Virginia State Capitol. Attendees entered a ticket lottery to get seats. (photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Attorney General Jay Jones comforts his son, Zachary, as Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor and first woman to hold the office. (photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Norfolk State University Spartan Legion marching band closes out the inaugural parade.

Inauguration festivities-Hundreds attended the Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the weekend celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s historic inauguration. Spanberger addressed the crowd, followed by a short performance from Charlottesville-based musician Dave Matthews. The next day, hundreds gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia for the first First Gentleman’s Breakfast. With the help of celebrity Chef T (Torrece “T” Gregoire), of Fox show “Hell’s Kitchen,” First Gentleman Adam Spanberger made and tasted pancakes. Spanberger addresses the crowd at her inaugural ball in a blue gown from Richmond’s Lex’s of Carytown. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Inauguration festivities-Hundreds attended the Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the weekend celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s historic inauguration. Spanberger addressed the crowd, followed by a short performance from Charlottesville-based musician Dave Matthews. The next day, hundreds gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia for the first First Gentleman’s Breakfast. With the help of celebrity Chef T (Torrece “T” Gregoire), of Fox show “Hell’s Kitchen,” First Gentleman Adam Spanberger made and tasted pancakes. Gov. Spanberger and first gentleman Adam Spanberger dance as Dave Matthews performs. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Inauguration festivities-Hundreds attended the Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the weekend celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s historic inauguration. Spanberger addressed the crowd, followed by a short performance from Charlottesville-based musician Dave Matthews. The next day, hundreds gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia for the first First Gentleman’s Breakfast. With the help of celebrity Chef T (Torrece “T” Gregoire), of Fox show “Hell’s Kitchen,” First Gentleman Adam Spanberger made and tasted pancakes. Dave Matthews performs a short solo set of his band’s songs at the inaugural ball. (photo by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press)

Inauguration festivities-Hundreds attended the Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the weekend celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s historic inauguration. Spanberger addressed the crowd, followed by a short performance from Charlottesville-based musician Dave Matthews. The next day, hundreds gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia for the first First Gentleman’s Breakfast. With the help of celebrity Chef T (Torrece “T” Gregoire), of Fox show “Hell’s Kitchen,” First Gentleman Adam Spanberger made and tasted pancakes. First gentleman Adam Spanberger and Science Museum of Virginia Assistant Instructor of Education Laura Kramer conduct a Giant Elephant Ears science experiment after the First Gentleman’s Breakfast.(photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Inauguration festivities-Hundreds attended the Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the weekend celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s historic inauguration. Spanberger addressed the crowd, followed by a short performance from Charlottesville-based musician Dave Matthews. The next day, hundreds gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia for the first First Gentleman’s Breakfast. With the help of celebrity Chef T (Torrece “T” Gregoire), of Fox show “Hell’s Kitchen,” First Gentleman Adam Spanberger made and tasted pancakes. First Gentleman Adam Spanberger and daughters Catherine, Claire and Charlotte watch the experiment grow. (photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)

Inauguration festivities-Hundreds attended the Inaugural Ball at Main Street Station on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the weekend celebrating Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s historic inauguration. Spanberger addressed the crowd, followed by a short performance from Charlottesville-based musician Dave Matthews. The next day, hundreds gathered at the Science Museum of Virginia for the first First Gentleman’s Breakfast. With the help of celebrity Chef T (Torrece “T” Gregoire), of Fox show “Hell’s Kitchen,” First Gentleman Adam Spanberger made and tasted pancakes. First gentleman Adam Spanberger makes pancakes with help from celebrity Chef T.(photo by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press)