> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # March 21 Newsletter: With loss, VCU enters uncertain offseason - URL: https://www.richmonder.org/march-21-newsletter-with-loss-vcu-enters-uncertain-offseason/ - Published: 2025-03-21T10:00:53.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-21T10:00:57.000Z - Description: Plus, what did Patrick Henry really say? And federal funding is the subject of local protests, as well as a study by the city. And an observation from Denver. - Author: Michael Phillips - Tags: Newsletter **Weather:** Sunny, but a high of just 59. **On this date** in 1617, Pocahontas is buried at St. George’s Church in England after dying of an illness while traveling from England to Virginia. She was about 21 years old when she died. ([Read more](https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/pocahontas-her-life-and-legend.htm)) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** Crossroads Art Center. Join us tonight for an evening of Art and Jazz, featuring the juried all-media show, "All That Jazz," and music by the David Esleck Trio and singer Jordan Garrett. [DETAILS](https://www.crossroadsartcenter.com/pages/exhibitions) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/GmfWVRzaMAAlYyE-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/vcu-falls-to-byu-in-ncaa-tournament-game/) ### As VCU season ends, the only certainty is change The VCU men's basketball season came to an end with an 80-71 loss, and when they take the court again in November, they're likely to look very different than they did on Thursday. Many of the team's star players won't return, and coach Ryan Odom has been linked to the vacant job at the University of Virginia. - Odom is the sixth consecutive VCU coach to advance to the NCAA tournament during his time on Broad Street, a testament to a program that has continued to build and grow through numerous changes. [**Read more about what's next here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/vcu-falls-to-byu-in-ncaa-tournament-game/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/2A3PM5W-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/patrick-henrys-speech-inspired-revolution-but-were-still-not-sure-what-he-said/) ### Patrick Henry's speech inspired revolution. But we're still not sure what he said. Sunday marks 250 years since the "Give me liberty or give me death speech." But did you know that the speech wasn't written down until more than 40 years later? - Regardless of its accuracy, however, all recorded witnesses to the speech affirmed that it produced a profound effect upon the audience that day. VUU Professor Tim Wenzell takes a look at the words, and why they were so meaningful at the time — and continue to resonate today. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/patrick-henrys-speech-inspired-revolution-but-were-still-not-sure-what-he-said/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/walk-in-9-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/public-education-is-worth-fighting-for-school-walk-in-highlights-need-for-funding/) ### ‘Public education is worth fighting for’: School walk-in highlights need for funding The Richmond Education Association, the union representing RPS teachers and some employees, staged three events in Richmond on Wednesday to protest cuts at the Department of Education nationally. At Westover Hills, one parent feared the effects if Title I funding is lost. “I fear that if funding is cut, these classroom environments that foster this kind of community will be threatened,” she said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/public-education-is-worth-fighting-for-school-walk-in-highlights-need-for-funding/) ### Also in The Richmonder [More than $116M Richmond stands to get in federal funding could be in flux, officials say“There is a lot going on right now with the federal government. We are trying to keep track of it.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-98.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/more-than-116m-richmond-stands-to-get-in-federal-funding-could-be-in-flux-officials-say/) [Another Richmond-area public health official is heading to City Hall“I have no doubt Amy will build on her experience and thrive in her new role as DCAO for Human Services.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-99.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/AmyP-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/another-richmond-area-public-health-official-is-heading-to-city-hall/) --- ### Today's sponsor: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-02-26-125254.png) ### **Jazz-Themed Art Opening and Musical Performance** Crossroads Art Center will offer its annual "All That Jazz" juried art show reception on Friday, March 21 from 5-8 p.m. The evening is FREE to the public and will include: - Music by the David Esleck Trio and Singer Jordan Garrett - Food and beverages - Gallery member exhibition, “Spring has Sprung” Crossroads is conveniently located between Willow Lawn and Libbie Mill. [DETAILS](https://www.crossroadsartcenter.com/pages/exhibitions) --- ### In other news - [**Federal judge orders reinstatement of funding for VCU teacher program**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2025-03-20/vcu-teacher-retention-federal-funding) (VPM) - [**Former DPU Director April Bingham breaks silence on Richmond water crisis: 'I hold no regrets'**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/tyler-layne-april-bingham-interview-march-19-2025) (CBS 6) - [**Take a ride on Kings Dominion’s new roller coaster**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/03/20/i-was-not-expecting-that-take-ride-kings-dominions-new-roller-coaster/)(NBC 12) - [**Dave Tate Day of Service scheduled for tomorrow to remember beloved arborist**](https://www.cfengage.org/opportunity/a0CNw00009I7p09MAB/dave-tate-day-of-service?layoutViewMode=tablet) (Community Foundation) --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/03/IMG_0913.jpeg) Greetings from Denver, a perpetually-lauded city for quality of life. One thing the city has done well is creating pedestrian spaces out of what used to be roads downtown. This space came to life in the evening and helped draw people into the city. Richmond would be wise to follow the example. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Want to support The Richmonder? [**Become a donor for $9.99 a month**](https://donate.stripe.com/aEU8xm7EWefggx29AP) and keep quality local journalism in the community.