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.
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.
