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.
Youngkin, legislators battle on court, raise over $100K for cancer research
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, lobbyists and representatives from the House and Senate competed Monday evening on the basketball court to raise money for cancer research.
Let it snow
After a few dry winters and lots of discussion about climate change, many of us didn’t think we’d see snow like this again – or at least not for a long while. But here it is, weather we want it or not. (See what I did there?)
Honoring Black history in Virginia from 1619 to today, by Kay Coles James
This month, as we celebrate African-American History Month, we reflect on the depth, resilience and undeniable contributions of Black Americans to this nation. Nowhere is that history more deeply woven into the fabric of America than in Virginia.
Timely pushback against Trump-Musk secrecy deals, by Clarence Page
It’s not easy to steal the spotlight from two seasoned publicity lovers like President Trump and Elon Musk, but Musk’s 4-year-old son X AE A-Xii, or “X” for short, made it look easy during his Oval Office visit.
Silence of the lambs: Youngkin, Miyares and the rule of law, by David J. Toscano
The Trump administration, backed by Project 2025 allies, continues its assault on the rule of law — facing little opposition from Republican leadership, including here in Virginia.
Flurry of fluff
Light snow dusts the city
The city saw a sudden winter chill this week, as light snow covered the streets, bringing a pause to the usual rush hour bustle. With office buildings and schools closing, city parks became gathering spots for children and parents hoping to take advantage of prime snowman-building weather. Wednesday morning’s below-freezing temperatures, followed by a powdery snow, arrived several hours ahead of schedule and lingered well into the evening.
VAIPL to host open mic on environmental and racial justice
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is hosting an open mic night this Thursday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Abi’s Books & Brews, 1212 W Cary St. The event invites participants to explore the intersection of racial and environmental justice through poetry, prose, music and storytelling.
Report on Richmond water crisis highlights staffing, procedure gaps
An independent report identified the cause of a January outage at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant that left residents without running water for days, and found ongoing issues in need of solutions.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Mid-Atlantic Region to host Richmond conference
More than 4,500 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will gather in Richmond for the organization’s 72nd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, set for March 6 through 9 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Richmond cancer survivor featured in national campaign
As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month approaches in March, Richmond resident CiNease Freeman is taking her story to a national stage.
Joy-Hogg leads Richmond’s operations as interim CAO
Sabrina Joy-Hogg was sworn in as Richmond’s interim chief administrative officer during a ceremony in the basement of the Main Branch of the Richmond Public Library last month.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Feb. 15, COVID-19 accounted for 1.3% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates trending down but still high 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. 2, COVID-19 wastewater levels in Richmond were below detection, and levels in Henrico County had plateaued.
McClellan celebrates Women’s History Month with awards program
U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, 4th District, recently launched her second annual Women of Excellence Awards program to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the outstanding contributions of women in Virginia’s 4th District.
The shop stop
A text message has been making the rounds in recent days — maybe you’ve received it or a version of it. It calls for a one-day boycott of corporations like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy, which have recently cut back or eliminated their diversity programs.
VUU to play SIAC champion Miles College in opener
The Virginia Union University football team, the defending CIAA champions, will kick off the 2025 season with an appearance in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Canton, Ohio.
