March 25 Newsletter: Play ball!
Weather: Sunny, high of 63.
On this date in 1865, at the Battle of Fort Stedman, Confederate forces failed in a last-gasp attempt to halt Union movement into Petersburg, marking the beginning of the final days of the Civil War.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 50 public research institution, Virginia Commonwealth University has an unparalleled drive to discover, innovate and create. VCU impacts the human experience and tackles the problems of tomorrow. It's a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Richmond’s new baseball stadium is a giant leap forward. But please calibrate your expectations.
Unlike The Diamond, which for 40 years made fans walk a giant staircase to view the action from above, CarMax Park invites spectators to immerse themselves in the game and the camaraderie.
The stadium officially opens for baseball on April 7, but there will be an invitation-only concert tomorrow night. Read more, including concession prices and early reviews.
At St. Peter's, volunteers drive a program that is part of a downtown safety net
Homeward released its January 2026 Point-in-Time Count data last week, giving a glimpse into homelessness in the Richmond region.
The count found 618 homeless individuals in the region, while 5,538 individuals are served by agencies with the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care.
St. Peter's is one of the founding members of the downtown community ministry, a group of churches that alternate providing meals to those in need each day. Read more on the initiative here.
Budget proposal would allow larger severance payouts for top City Hall officials
Senior Richmond City Hall officials would be eligible to receive up to a full year’s salary in severance pay under a more generous policy proposed by Mayor Danny Avula’s administration.
CAO Odie Donald II, referring to himself as one of the most “sought-after” public administrators in the country, said he was unlikely to take a job anywhere “without an agreement to have a severance of at least a year.” Read more here.
Police impound a car used in 'street takeover' on Saturday
Police have impounded one of the vehicles used in a "street takeover" on Saturday night, using a legal tool they hope will discourage future events.
Virginia law was changed last year to allow for up to 20 days of impoundment, with fees paid by the owner. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Uncommon impact: VCU pairs efficiency with affordability
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s report ranks VCU No. 1 for efficiency, a key part of the university's strategy to keep tuition growth as low as possible.
At VCU, the data shows that the university has prioritized and remains committed to keeping costs as low as possible — despite national higher education trends. For students from households earning less than $110,000, there was zero growth on average from 2019 to 2024.
Overall, the net price of a VCU education grew by only 8%, despite 22.5% inflation over that same period. Read more.
In other news
- Friends remember Christopher Maxwell, co-founder of WRIR, as a man who got things done for others (Style Weekly)
- Old Henrico courthouse, jail complex up for grabs in Shockoe Bottom (BizSense)
- Henry Clay Elementary School added to state landmarks list (8News)
The editor's desk
Severance has been an issue across mayoral administrations, dating back to Levar Stoney being forced to pick up the tab after Dwight Jones gave severance to some of his employees on the way out.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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