Empowering school boards for a stronger educational future, by Ethan Ashley
As our education system becomes increasingly destabilized, it is more important than ever that our local elected leaders have the knowledge, skills, resources and capacity to fill in the gap should federal structures, guidelines and oversight disappear.
Young composer pens symphonic tribute to Arthur Ashe
For Joe Jaxson, notes are more than symbols on a page. As Richmond Symphony attendees will soon hear, the Gen Z composer has a talent for transforming an orchestra into a chorus of storytellers.
Ken Burns brings ‘The American Revolution’ to Richmond
Ken Burns will begin the promotional tour for his upcoming six-part documentary series, “The American Revolution,” in Richmond on March 23.
VCU heads to NCAA Tournament as No. 11 seed, set to face BYU
Virginia Commonwealth University is headed back to the NCAA Tournament after securing the Atlantic 10 Championship, earning the No. 11 seed in the West Region. The Rams (28-6) will face sixth-seeded Brigham Young University (24-9) Thursday afternoon in Denver in the tournament’s first round.
John Marshall boys dominate in state title game, girls finish in 2nd place
The John Marshall High School basketball teams both made a run in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) state championship games last weekend at the Siegel Center. While the boys’ team came out victorious, the girls’ squad fell short.
Street of service
Richmond City Council recognized the Rev. Robert A. Winfree on March 15 with an honorary street block sign designation, acknowledging his service to the community.
Amy Popovich named new deputy chief administrative officer
The City of Richmond appointed Amy Popovich as the next deputy chief administrative officer for Human Services on Tuesday.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, March 15, COVID-19 accounted for 1% 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.
VCU Health cleaners secure first union contract
Richmond workers earned an important victory this week, when 400 environmental service cleaners employed at VCU Health won their first union contract with the medical institution.
Cemetery Collaboratory symposium to explore long-term cemetery care
The worn headstones and overgrown paths of many historic cemeteries tell a story of neglect, but a new symposium in Richmond is working to change that.
Dominion Energy, Elegba Folklore Society recognized for cultural contributions
Virginia Humanities has announced the three recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth Humanities Award, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the humanities and their impact on Virginia’s cultural landscape.
Grant funds VUU’s second doula certification program
A $40,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health will fund Virginia Union University’s second cohort of its Doula Certification Program, making VUU the first historically Black college or university in Virginia to offer follow-up doula training.
Month of madness
For years, I was immune to the siren sound of rubber soles on plywood, bouncing balls and the screams of underclassmen that permeate this time of year, dubbed “March Madness.” I gracefully bowed out of sports discussions that turned to the collegiate variety. But now I might be hooked.
If it walks like a tax, it’s a tax, by Marc H. Morial
“You can’t really run a campaign where you’re like: I want to cut taxes for rich people and raise them on the poor. So instead, it’s all of this smoke-and-mirrors distraction about how foreigners are tak- ing advantage of us ... It’s a story that, if you don’t know any economics and you haven’t stopped to think about it, sounds appealing. And the more people who buy that story, the more he can do this fiscal switch and have an excuse for the tax cuts.” — Kimberly Clausing
Henrico to host 2025 wheelchair basketball national championships
In April, the Henrico Sports & Event Center will be the center of intense competition as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Adult and Junior Division National Championships return for a second year. With 104 teams and more than 1,200 athletes ready to battle for supremacy, the tournament promises high-energy action and unforgettable moments on the court.
Softball program receives support from Virginia Union
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The Virginia Union University softball team will host a clinic for Richmond Public Schools’ co-ed middle school program on March 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. More than 80 students from all eight RPS middle schools are expected to attend, according to Dr. Stefanie Ramsey, RPS coordinator for K-12 athletics and activities, who helped launch the program.
Lounge to anchor year-round events at CarMax Park
The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Friday an expanded partnership with Atlantic Union Bank, which will become the first Founding Partner at CarMax Park, the team’s new ballpark scheduled to open in 2026.
Virtual book talk explores slave trade in Civil War South
The Library of Virginia will host a free virtual talk by historian Robert K.D. Colby on his debut book “An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South” on Tuesday, March 25, from noon to 1 p.m. .
UR to host inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival
The University of Richmond will host the inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival March 21-24, featuring acclaimed contemporary Italian cinema and a restored classic.
Protesters decry anti-trans policies at Capitol Square demonstration
Speakers highlight the growing risks for transgender youth and families
On Saturday, Capitol Square was lined with tombstones, each bearing the name of a murdered transgender person. Activists, lying still on the lawn, symbolized the growing threat of violence and hatred against transgender individuals.
