Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026

Democrats remove three VCU Board of Visitors members

February 19, 2026

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor The Democrat-majority Virginia General Assembly voted last week to remove three members from the VCU Board of Visitors — the school’s highest governing body. The removed members were the final appointees of former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin; real estate developer Lara Tyler Chambers and tech employment firm founder Lori Jennings. Also removed was a member initially appointed by former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam and reappointed by Youngkin; Andy Florance — the CEO of CoStar, which VCU’s new arts building is being named after. The VCU Board of Visitors now has three vacant seats going into its first full meetings of the semester on Feb. 26 and 27.  Gov. Abigail Spanberger will be able to fill the vacancies, as well as make the four routine appointments the governor typically makes every summer — meaning seven members of the 16-member body could be Spanberger appointees before the 2026-27 academic year begins. After being reached out to by The CT, the Office of the Governor declined to clarify if Spanberger will fill the vacancies and appoint new members to the VCU Board of Visitors this semester, or even before their upcoming meetings. Virginia Senate Democrats, VCU and the VCU

At VCU, Jewish students search for unity in wake of Gaza protests

February 19, 2026

Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor “I’m in a weird place right now with my Judaism when it comes to my beliefs about Israel,” an anonymous VCU student said. The anonymous student, Jewish by ethnicity and religion, said the teachings they received about Israel before Oct. 7, 2023 only consisted of praise for the country and included no mentions of conflict with Palestinians. “What’s happening to the Palestinian people is a genocide and I absolutely believe that the Israeli government is not right at all,” the anonymous student said. “It’s just a very thin line, because I do have a history with Israel, but my love for it is within my memories and my experiences.” The anonymous student’s viewpoint is growing in popularity. Nearly four out of every 10 Jewish Americans believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, according to a September 2025 Washington Post survey. Over six in 10 believe Israel has at least committed war crimes. “When I transferred to VCU post-Oct. 7, I have felt a bit isolated when it came to my community,” the anonymous student said. “So it’s been difficult to join any of the Jewish orgs on campus, because I don’t know where I

Art is essential to life and resistance

February 18, 2026

Kylie Grunsfeld, Contributing Writer There’s a certain feeling of magic in the air at a Richmond house show. I can’t say for certain what everybody else is feeling when we sit around listening to someone’s performance. I do know, however, that we are all feeling something.  That is what great art can do — unite a room of people through the shared human experience of emotion.  Since my freshman year at VCU, I have had the privilege of both attending and performing at several house shows. A good friend and I started a tradition of hosting small acoustic shows in her apartment. Since that first show last year, attendance has grown rapidly, with people from other cities coming to sit and listen for an hour or two. I’ve seen old friends reunite. I’ve even seen people fall in love.  There is nothing like the community an intimate event like this provides. This goes for more than just music — I’ve experienced a similar connection with people I barely know at art galleries, ballet performances and poetry readings. Art gives us the space to feel in the presence of others. As quiet as an event may be, the energy is never

Communities need to be built on collective care, not collective rage

February 18, 2026

Urjita Mainali, Contributing Writer  On Feb. 1, I joined my mother in paying respect to the venerable monks conducting the Walk for Peace. Just outside the city limits in Chesterfield, the usually empty streets were filled with people carrying flowers and gifts, helping direct each other and traffic towards the path the monks would walk.  The next day, despite the biting cold and lingering ice, thousands of people filled the streets of Richmond as they joined the monks on day 100 of their 2,300 mile journey. Their mission — to spread awareness of inner peace and mindfulness — has reached thousands of people across the nation and has brought communities together.   The venerable monks and their mission mean a lot to me, both religiously and culturally, but I was still shocked to see how many people were moved by their efforts. I couldn’t help but wonder why their message had resonated so deeply with so many people in so many different places. In recent years, there’s been growing discussion about the effectiveness of peaceful demonstrations. While those questions don’t have easy answers — if any at all — I do know that within the reality of state-supported brutality, peaceful demonstrations

Richmonders curb corporate consumption through ‘Barter Markets’

February 18, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer One man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure at Richmond’s Barter Markets — a reoccurring gathering rooted in camaraderie and sustainability hosted by the Anonymous Club. The markets — in which barterers trade whatever they have for whatever they want — were created as a protest against corporate consumption amid the genocide in Gaza. The next one is on Feb. 21. Tables of books, clothes, trinkets and more will span the Warehouse 317 Collective building, a hub built by artistic professionals for all things creative, as Richmonders exchange their unwanted items for whatever catches their eye. “It was really cool to see, although at first I didn’t know what it was,” Richmond native Sophia Nealy said. “But once I realized it was a place to exchange items without having to pay, I was instantly drawn to it.” Nealy went to the Anonymous Club’s November pop-up, which marked the fifth Barter Market by the group. As a big thrifter, she was happy to see the array of items that were on display, particularly the clothing, which she noted ranged across several different aesthetics.  “My friends and I love to go thrifting, you know?” Nealy said. “I thought it

A look into Richmond’s vibrant chess scene

February 18, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Chess is a game of patience, skill and quick thinking. Enthusiasts of the game from across Richmond gathered at the Black Iris club and gallery on Sunday to participate in a tournament of one of life’s most ubiquitous games, hosted by RVA Pieces. It was RVA Pieces’ third chess tournament at the Black Iris — and they have plans for more. The game of chess has evolved across cultures since the sixth century, first enjoyed in India, then Persia and the world — even in Hollywood on the Starship Enterprise and Millennium Falcon. Chess is as universal as brushing your teeth. Snuggly located to the right hand entrance of Cabell Library are chess boards for any passer by in the mood for a quick game.  Richmond’s chess scene is quite vast, with a good mix of children, college students and other age groups, according to Spenser Kearns, the president of RVA Pieces.  Kearns’ organization hosts three to four events each week that cater to people of all skill levels. They also play casual games at different bars and breweries, games in parks, lessons in libraries and tournaments at the Carytown Publix, according to

Women’s basketball’s woes continue against Davidson

February 18, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor  The Rams continued their five game slide as interim Head Coach Kirk Crawford still searches for his first win this season.  VCU won the tip and second-year forward Katarina Knezevic immediately opened the scoring with a layup.  Davidson answered with a layup of its own on the ensuing possession.  The Wildcats came out of the gate hot, shooting multiple threes in the opening minutes and grabbing a quick lead.  Davidson went on a three minute scoring drought halfway through the first despite the high volume of shot attempts, allowing VCU to regain a short-lived lead.  The two teams remained evenly matched throughout the majority of the first, however the Wildcats continued to hold a slight 14-12 advantage.  Second-year guard Cyriah Griffin made VCU’s first field goal in over two minutes to keep the score close.  Davidson ended the first quarter with a narrow 17-14 lead. The Wildcats continued the trend of high-volume three point shooting, with half their points coming from behind the arc.  The Wildcats capitalized on the Rams’ sluggish start out of the break quickly going up six points. VCU looked good defensively but struggled to carry that momentum to offense.  Davidson continued to

Rams feed off the hype crowd earning their 10th straight win

February 18, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer Surrounded by notable alumni and with VCU’s winning streak on the line, energy and pressure pulsed throughout the Stu as this game marked the 15-year anniversary of the 2011 Final Four run.  VCU won the tip-off and fourth-year forward Barry Evans immediately put up a second chance layup getting the and-one.  Rams’ first-year guard Nyk Lewis drained back-to-back threes putting both the first and second three of the game on the board.  Second-year guard Brandon Jennings followed Lewis’ consistency and knocked down the Rams’ third three in a row putting them up 13-4.  Third-year forward Michael Belle hit VCU’s fourth three pointer in a row, keeping the momentum going,  George Washington University responded with their own back-to-back threes by graduate guard Luke Hunger and third-year guard Trey Autry, bringing the score to 16-12. The Revolutionaries tried to keep up with the Rams as they knocked down another three putting them down by three with 13 minutes and 19 seconds remaining.  A free throw from Revs graduate guard Tre Dinkins gave them their first lead of the game with 12 minutes left in the first.  The Rams did not let up, leading Ward and Evans to consistently

FEB. 18 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

February 18, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer Women’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island Rhode Island maintained its perfect 13-0 conference record, defeating VCU 85-42. The Rams got off to a bad start, going scoreless for over four minutes. Rhode Island took full advantage, piling on the points early en route to a 22-2 first-quarter lead. Rhode Island never looked back, going on to blow out the Rams in their worst loss since 2017. The Rams have now lost three games in a row. Men’s basketball at La Salle University VCU extended its winning streak to eight, beating La Salle 77-68. After a competitive first half that saw both teams lead, VCU pulled ahead and controlled the second half, never allowing La Salle a chance to regain the lead. VCU third-year forward Lazar Djokovic continued his exceptional play this season, dropping a career high 26 points to go along with eight rebounds. First-year standout guard Nyk Lewis scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, tallying his second double-double of the season. The Rams also received excellent production from third-year forward Michael Belle, who set a career high four blocks. Women’s tennis vs. the College of William and Mary VCU women’s tennis lost

Under Martelli Jr., Rams showcase a faster, riskier play style

February 18, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor VCU men’s basketball is firmly in the Phil Martelli Jr. era as the season reaches its apex.  Martelli Jr. was brought in at the end of the last season after previous head coach Ryan Odom took a coaching job at the University of Virginia.  Martelli Jr. coached at Bryant University for two seasons — reaching the NCAA Tournament last season — before signing a six-year deal with VCU.  The Rams were a well-oiled machine under Odom, whereas Martelli Jr. ’s start of the season was rockier than fans have come to expect. The team is almost entirely different from last season, in terms of roster and play style.  However, VCU has flipped the script since starting Atlantic 10 play, currently on a nine-game win streak and sitting second in the A-10 only behind nationally ranked Saint Louis University. Both this and last season’s teams were great around this time, so that brings forward the question: what difference has a year made for VCU? The 2024-25 team was 20-5 and 11-2 in the A-10 at this time, and the 2025-26 team sits at almost the same. VCU is currently 20-6 and 11-2 in the A-10, however this

Democrats remove three VCU Board of Visitors members

February 19, 2026

Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor The Democrat-majority Virginia General Assembly voted last week to remove three members from the VCU Board of Visitors — the school’s highest governing body. The removed members were the final appointees of former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin; real estate developer Lara Tyler Chambers and tech employment firm founder Lori Jennings. Also removed was a member initially appointed by former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam and reappointed by Youngkin; Andy Florance — the CEO of CoStar, which VCU’s new arts building is being named after. The VCU Board of Visitors now has three vacant seats going into its first full meetings of the semester on Feb. 26 and 27.  Gov. Abigail Spanberger will be able to fill the vacancies, as well as make the four routine appointments the governor typically makes every summer — meaning seven members of the 16-member body could be Spanberger appointees before the 2026-27 academic year begins. After being reached out to by The CT, the Office of the Governor declined to clarify if Spanberger will fill the vacancies and appoint new members to the VCU Board of Visitors this semester, or even before their upcoming meetings. Virginia Senate Democrats, VCU and the VCU

At VCU, Jewish students search for unity in wake of Gaza protests

February 19, 2026

Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor “I’m in a weird place right now with my Judaism when it comes to my beliefs about Israel,” an anonymous VCU student said. The anonymous student, Jewish by ethnicity and religion, said the teachings they received about Israel before Oct. 7, 2023 only consisted of praise for the country and included no mentions of conflict with Palestinians. “What’s happening to the Palestinian people is a genocide and I absolutely believe that the Israeli government is not right at all,” the anonymous student said. “It’s just a very thin line, because I do have a history with Israel, but my love for it is within my memories and my experiences.” The anonymous student’s viewpoint is growing in popularity. Nearly four out of every 10 Jewish Americans believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, according to a September 2025 Washington Post survey. Over six in 10 believe Israel has at least committed war crimes. “When I transferred to VCU post-Oct. 7, I have felt a bit isolated when it came to my community,” the anonymous student said. “So it’s been difficult to join any of the Jewish orgs on campus, because I don’t know where I

Opinion

Art is essential to life and resistance

February 18, 2026

Kylie Grunsfeld, Contributing Writer There’s a certain feeling of magic in the air at a Richmond house show. I can’t say for certain what everybody else is feeling when we sit around listening to someone’s performance. I do know, however, that we are all feeling something.  That is what great art can do — unite a room of people through the shared human experience of emotion.  Since my freshman year at VCU, I have had the privilege of both attending and performing at several house shows. A good friend and I started a tradition of hosting small acoustic shows in her apartment. Since that first show last year, attendance has grown rapidly, with people from other cities coming to sit and listen for an hour or two. I’ve seen old friends reunite. I’ve even seen people fall in love.  There is nothing like the community an intimate event like this provides. This goes for more than just music — I’ve experienced a similar connection with people I barely know at art galleries, ballet performances and poetry readings. Art gives us the space to feel in the presence of others. As quiet as an event may be, the energy is never

Communities need to be built on collective care, not collective rage

February 18, 2026

Urjita Mainali, Contributing Writer  On Feb. 1, I joined my mother in paying respect to the venerable monks conducting the Walk for Peace. Just outside the city limits in Chesterfield, the usually empty streets were filled with people carrying flowers and gifts, helping direct each other and traffic towards the path the monks would walk.  The next day, despite the biting cold and lingering ice, thousands of people filled the streets of Richmond as they joined the monks on day 100 of their 2,300 mile journey. Their mission — to spread awareness of inner peace and mindfulness — has reached thousands of people across the nation and has brought communities together.   The venerable monks and their mission mean a lot to me, both religiously and culturally, but I was still shocked to see how many people were moved by their efforts. I couldn’t help but wonder why their message had resonated so deeply with so many people in so many different places. In recent years, there’s been growing discussion about the effectiveness of peaceful demonstrations. While those questions don’t have easy answers — if any at all — I do know that within the reality of state-supported brutality, peaceful demonstrations

The Rundown

Spectrum

Richmonders curb corporate consumption through ‘Barter Markets’

February 18, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer One man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure at Richmond’s Barter Markets — a reoccurring gathering rooted in camaraderie and sustainability hosted by the Anonymous Club. The markets — in which barterers trade whatever they have for whatever they want — were created as a protest against corporate consumption amid the genocide in Gaza. The next one is on Feb. 21. Tables of books, clothes, trinkets and more will span the Warehouse 317 Collective building, a hub built by artistic professionals for all things creative, as Richmonders exchange their unwanted items for whatever catches their eye. “It was really cool to see, although at first I didn’t know what it was,” Richmond native Sophia Nealy said. “But once I realized it was a place to exchange items without having to pay, I was instantly drawn to it.” Nealy went to the Anonymous Club’s November pop-up, which marked the fifth Barter Market by the group. As a big thrifter, she was happy to see the array of items that were on display, particularly the clothing, which she noted ranged across several different aesthetics.  “My friends and I love to go thrifting, you know?” Nealy said. “I thought it

A look into Richmond’s vibrant chess scene

February 18, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Chess is a game of patience, skill and quick thinking. Enthusiasts of the game from across Richmond gathered at the Black Iris club and gallery on Sunday to participate in a tournament of one of life’s most ubiquitous games, hosted by RVA Pieces. It was RVA Pieces’ third chess tournament at the Black Iris — and they have plans for more. The game of chess has evolved across cultures since the sixth century, first enjoyed in India, then Persia and the world — even in Hollywood on the Starship Enterprise and Millennium Falcon. Chess is as universal as brushing your teeth. Snuggly located to the right hand entrance of Cabell Library are chess boards for any passer by in the mood for a quick game.  Richmond’s chess scene is quite vast, with a good mix of children, college students and other age groups, according to Spenser Kearns, the president of RVA Pieces.  Kearns’ organization hosts three to four events each week that cater to people of all skill levels. They also play casual games at different bars and breweries, games in parks, lessons in libraries and tournaments at the Carytown Publix, according to

Sports

Women’s basketball’s woes continue against Davidson

February 18, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor  The Rams continued their five game slide as interim Head Coach Kirk Crawford still searches for his first win this season.  VCU won the tip and second-year forward Katarina Knezevic immediately opened the scoring with a layup.  Davidson answered with a layup of its own on the ensuing possession.  The Wildcats came out of the gate hot, shooting multiple threes in the opening minutes and grabbing a quick lead.  Davidson went on a three minute scoring drought halfway through the first despite the high volume of shot attempts, allowing VCU to regain a short-lived lead.  The two teams remained evenly matched throughout the majority of the first, however the Wildcats continued to hold a slight 14-12 advantage.  Second-year guard Cyriah Griffin made VCU’s first field goal in over two minutes to keep the score close.  Davidson ended the first quarter with a narrow 17-14 lead. The Wildcats continued the trend of high-volume three point shooting, with half their points coming from behind the arc.  The Wildcats capitalized on the Rams’ sluggish start out of the break quickly going up six points. VCU looked good defensively but struggled to carry that momentum to offense.  Davidson continued to

Rams feed off the hype crowd earning their 10th straight win

February 18, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer Surrounded by notable alumni and with VCU’s winning streak on the line, energy and pressure pulsed throughout the Stu as this game marked the 15-year anniversary of the 2011 Final Four run.  VCU won the tip-off and fourth-year forward Barry Evans immediately put up a second chance layup getting the and-one.  Rams’ first-year guard Nyk Lewis drained back-to-back threes putting both the first and second three of the game on the board.  Second-year guard Brandon Jennings followed Lewis’ consistency and knocked down the Rams’ third three in a row putting them up 13-4.  Third-year forward Michael Belle hit VCU’s fourth three pointer in a row, keeping the momentum going,  George Washington University responded with their own back-to-back threes by graduate guard Luke Hunger and third-year guard Trey Autry, bringing the score to 16-12. The Revolutionaries tried to keep up with the Rams as they knocked down another three putting them down by three with 13 minutes and 19 seconds remaining.  A free throw from Revs graduate guard Tre Dinkins gave them their first lead of the game with 12 minutes left in the first.  The Rams did not let up, leading Ward and Evans to consistently

FEB. 18 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

February 18, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer Women’s basketball at the University of Rhode Island Rhode Island maintained its perfect 13-0 conference record, defeating VCU 85-42. The Rams got off to a bad start, going scoreless for over four minutes. Rhode Island took full advantage, piling on the points early en route to a 22-2 first-quarter lead. Rhode Island never looked back, going on to blow out the Rams in their worst loss since 2017. The Rams have now lost three games in a row. Men’s basketball at La Salle University VCU extended its winning streak to eight, beating La Salle 77-68. After a competitive first half that saw both teams lead, VCU pulled ahead and controlled the second half, never allowing La Salle a chance to regain the lead. VCU third-year forward Lazar Djokovic continued his exceptional play this season, dropping a career high 26 points to go along with eight rebounds. First-year standout guard Nyk Lewis scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, tallying his second double-double of the season. The Rams also received excellent production from third-year forward Michael Belle, who set a career high four blocks. Women’s tennis vs. the College of William and Mary VCU women’s tennis lost

Under Martelli Jr., Rams showcase a faster, riskier play style

February 18, 2026

Drew Thompson, Sports Editor VCU men’s basketball is firmly in the Phil Martelli Jr. era as the season reaches its apex.  Martelli Jr. was brought in at the end of the last season after previous head coach Ryan Odom took a coaching job at the University of Virginia.  Martelli Jr. coached at Bryant University for two seasons — reaching the NCAA Tournament last season — before signing a six-year deal with VCU.  The Rams were a well-oiled machine under Odom, whereas Martelli Jr. ’s start of the season was rockier than fans have come to expect. The team is almost entirely different from last season, in terms of roster and play style.  However, VCU has flipped the script since starting Atlantic 10 play, currently on a nine-game win streak and sitting second in the A-10 only behind nationally ranked Saint Louis University. Both this and last season’s teams were great around this time, so that brings forward the question: what difference has a year made for VCU? The 2024-25 team was 20-5 and 11-2 in the A-10 at this time, and the 2025-26 team sits at almost the same. VCU is currently 20-6 and 11-2 in the A-10, however this

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