
Wood stands out in Nationals spring training action
Among the Washington Nationals’ brightest prospects has Richmond ties. Outfielder James Wood is the son of former University of Richmond basketball standout Kenny Wood, a member of the Spiders Athletic Hall of Fame.

Lunch and learn
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosts Chef Patrick O’Connell for VMHC’s Julia Child exhibit
Virginia’s First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted a media preview on March 14 in honor of the Virginia History and Culture Museum’s new exhibit “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” on view through Sept. 2.

Dr. Dorothy Height celebrated
The Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Richmond Section of the National Council of Negro Women will host the annual Dorothy Height Day celebration on Friday, March 22, at 10:45 a.m. The event will be at the historical markers at Hull Street Library, 1400 Hull St.

Lydia Thompson, NCECA works featured at BHMCC
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will host an exhibition opening reception for two new exhibits from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 22.

Let’s roll
RVA Hot Wheelz, a luxury car rental company owned by Dashia Oliver and Destiny Oliver, celebrated its grand opening Saturday, March 16, at 3107 Old Hilliard Road.

Personality: Meredith Hertzler
Spotlight on He She Ze and We board president
In 2016, family led Meredith Hertzler to reach out to the nonprofit He She Ze and We. She found a supportive community that she continues to rely on each day.

The City and FOIA
Following media reports detailing issues faced in obtaining timely responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and a $250,000 lawsuit filed March 1 by the City of Richmond’s former FOIA officer, the city plans to overhaul how it receives and handles those requests.

No comment unless we know what you’re talking about
Resolution changes how residents address City Council
Council members unanimously passed a resolution Monday night that will mean changes to its meeting rules and procedures — including some related to public comment.

Legislating with power and purpose
Jennifer McClellan’s historic first year in Congress
March 7, 2024, marked one year since Jennifer L. McClellan made history, winning a special election to succeed the late A. Donald McEachin and become the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.

Housing Secretary Fudge resigning; Biden hails her dedication to boosting supply of affordable homes
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge announced Monday that she would resign her post, effective March 22, saying she was leaving “with mixed emotions.”

Russell Wilson heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Sunday night.

Educator Wilbert H. Brooks remembered
Wilbert H. Brooks Jr., 83, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, leaving behind a decades-long legacy in Virginia education.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph wins Oscar for ‘The Holdovers’
Trained opera singer never dreamed of being an actor
While tears rolled down Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s face, she collected her first Oscar then delivered a powerful speech about her realizing that she’s good enough as an actor.

Virginia lawmakers approve budget, but Gov. Youngkin warns that changes will be needed
Virginia lawmakers wrapped up their 60-day legislative session Saturday by approving a two-year budget that includes pay raises for teachers and state employees, increases for education funding and extends the state sales tax to cover digital services.

Town hall meeting to include VUU president, other City officials
The future of the Richmond Community Hospital, the cost of utilities and crime in the city will be the focus of an upcoming town hall in Richmond’s 3rd District on Wednesday, March 20, at Linwood Holton Elementary School at 1600 W. Laburnum Ave. from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Coming Together Virginia to explore impact of racism on mental health
For the next three months, Coming Together Virginia (CTVA) will host its Racism at Work (RAW) series to tackle how racism affects physical and emotional well-being. Founded by Danita Rountree Green and Martha Rollins in 2014, the nonprofit’s vision is of “a racially healed world of thriving, equitable and just communities.”

Dominion Foundation announces spring grant cycle
Nonprofit and educational organizations focused on human needs, the environment, education and their community but in need of financial support have a new opportunity courtesy of Dominion Energy.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

Henrico CARES aims to strengthen youth mental health services
Henrico County and Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) are implementing the Henrico CARES plan with the goal to increase availability of mental health services in schools and to expand efforts of prevention, support, and early and intensive intervention for youth mental health, substance abuse and violence.

Congratulations, Congresswoman
March is Women’s History Month, and on this week’s front page, we feature the energetic Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, who recently marked her one-year anniversary as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia.