We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Richmond. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
RVA Olympian Hall of Fame
William Agee (far left, in the USA sweater) finished the 1928 Olympic marathon in 2:58. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re like us, you’ll be glued to your screens watching the Winter Olympics for the next two weeks.
With several Virginians heading to Northern Italy to vie for medals, we think this is the perfect chance to look back at some of the notable River City athletes who made names for themselves on the world’s biggest stage.
Bill Agee
William Agee was born in Richmond on Christmas Day, 1905. In 1928, at the age of 22, Agee won the US Marathon trials in Baltimore and finished No. 44 in the Amsterdam games later that year.
Rada Owen
Rada Owen, who finished No. 16 in the 200-meter freestyle at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, is a graduate of Manchester High School. Fun fact: Owen was officially commended by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates in a 2001 joint resolution.
2026 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Mount Pleasant, SC | Free | Pay tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry with a family-friendly boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the fleet, live music, a craft show, seafood samplings, and more.*
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day events, check out our monthly Plan Ahead.
Northern Italy is currently hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, but did you know, the region is seeing a real estate boom? It turns out gorgeous landscapes, world-class food, and rich cultural history are appealing to homebuyers. Shocker. There’s no need to travel — our area has European-inspired elegance of its own. (Wall Street Journal)
Ranked
Richmonders are among the better penny pinchers in the country, ranking No. 42 out of 182 cities on WalletHub’s new list of places with the best budgeters. With lunch deals like these, it’s easy to see why.
Kids
Move over, Labubu, there’s a new trending toy in town. A crying horse with an upside-down snout — the result of a factory mix-up — is the latest plushie obsession in China and beyond. If the craze continues, expect to spot a few at Richmond’s kid-friendly spots. (The New York Times)
Sports
Football season has been over for a matter of minutes, and the NFL is already looking ahead to next year. In October, the league will host a game in Paris for the first time in its history. We hear it’s beautiful in the fall — find out for yourself with a flight from Richmond International Airport.
Trending
We’ve got to wait a little longer for one more small step. NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon was going to launch as early as this week, but a leak during testing has postponed it until at least next month. In the meantime, a trip to The Dome at the Science Museum of Virginia will have to quench our interstellar wanderlust. (The Guardian)
Watch
After outfitting a dozen grizzly bears with cameras, researchers are gaining insight into their lives in Alaska’s remote wilderness. Comparing the footage between the life of an Alaskan grizzly and our pets’ cushy experience at a local dog-friendly business, temperature-controlled and all, would be eye-opening for Fido. (AP News)
Cause
Don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s grown-ups-only night out. Pretend Again returns Friday, March 20 with food tastings, an open bar, music, games, and playful surprises — all for a great cause. Cocktail attire, 21+, and every ticket supports hands-on learning for kids. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Community
This Valentine’s Day, put your heart into local journalism by supporting RICtoday. Your contributions will go directly toward creating more of the local stories you love, expanding our coverage, and ensuring we can remain a free resource for all. Give a little love to local news.
Number
240,000+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Home
Stop settling for gutter guards that barely work and still leave you climbing a ladder every month to clear debris. LeafGuard’s award-winning, one-piece system is designed to make clogs impossible. For a limited time, our readers can get 75% off installation plus an extra $200 off. Get a free assessment.*
Featured Deal
Explore an introduction to psychedelic therapy and how it can help depression or anxiety. Pre-order your book today, February 9, and get bonus access to a live online summit with Michael Pollan, Gabor Maté, Melissa Etheridge, and more.*
The Buy
Searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Surprise loved ones with these gifts that can arrive by the end of the week.
❣️ Remind them how you feel with a little sign to say I love you that’s the perfect size for desks and night stands.
🧦 You can never go wrong with soft, fuzzy socks that make every step feel like you’re walking on clouds.
📚 The perfect gift for any book lover, a three-month Audible membership is under $50 + provides access to thousands of audiobooks.
🍽️ Spark spontaneity with this set of scratch off date ideas that’s been featured in US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and more.
✋ This top-rated hand massager can ease sore hands with five intensity levels + two heat settings.
Rally a dinner party. Today is National Pizza Day. Here are the best places to grab a slice around Richmond while you has out the ultimate debate — does pineapple belong on pizza? My answer is yes, and that will never change.