Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Mama. Is. Exhausted. Hi, I’m Mama. While I try my best to make this a bright little corner of the world each week, today I feel like my face is about to hit the keyboard (not out of frustration; I’m just sleepy). But I’ve promised y’all an informative newsletter, and that’s what I fully intend to give—so let’s chat a bit about one of my favorite things, shall we?

Caffeine. Caffeine is maybe the best ingredient to ever emerge on our planet. From coffee to Red Bull to many trusty soft drinks, it’s the reason this message is possible today. It’s why my eyes remain open, how my fingers continue to type, and stands aloft at the precipice of my creativity. 

It’s also, potentially, the reason I can’t fall asleep at a decent time… but blame not! From one person happy to welcome the weekend to another, I’m so glad you’re here. 

Here’s what you need to know: With its rich history and diverse landscapes, Virginia has served as the backdrop for numerous books, TV shows, and films. From historical dramas to heartwarming stories, the Commonwealth has inspired creators to set their works here.

Our top picks: 

• Marguerite Henry’s beloved classic novel Misty of Chincoteague brings the wild beauty of Chincoteague Island to life through the story of Phantom, a mysterious mare, and her gentle colt, Misty. During the annual “Pony Penning Day” roundup, Phantom’s fate takes an unexpected turn, leaving her colt Misty to bridge the wild and the domestic.

• Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, The Vampire Diaries is a supernatural drama based on the book series of the same name. According to Explore Georgia, the series follows Elena Gilbert, a recently orphaned teenager, as she navigates her small-town life while falling in love with Stefan Salvatore and later encountering his brother, Damon—both vampires.

• Set in 1971 in Alexandria, Remember the Titans chronicles the challenges of integrating T.C. Williams High School and its football team amid racial tensions. The film follows African American coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington, as he is appointed head coach over the team’s longtime white coach, Bill Yoast (Will Patton), according to IMDb. Despite initial resistance from both players and the community, Boone and Yoast work together to unify the team.

Ready to jump into the story? Virginia’s the setting for more tales than you might imagine, and you can discover more of them at the link below. 

Question of the Week: Jan. 23 was National Pie Day (not to be confused with National Pi Day on Mar. 14). Once and for all, who makes the very best pie in Virginia? Let me know at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Virginia Democrats recently blocked a Republican anti-union measure. 

The Democratic-controlled Senate Privileges and Elections Committee killed along party lines on Tuesday a resolution to add “right to work” to the state constitution.

“Right to work” refers to laws in Virginia and other states that make it illegal to require workers to be members of a union, even workers who are nevertheless represented by a union. The effect of these laws is to severely weaken unions by depriving them of union dues. Unions use these dues to help negotiate contracts, offer workers legal services, and create strike funds to help support striking workers. 

Adding “right to work” to the state constitution would make it much harder to repeal the policy in Virginia.

• Three state constitutional amendments recently cleared a major hurdle on the long road to becoming a reality. A week after the Virginia House passed them, the Virginia Senate today passed three constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, voting rights, and same-sex marriage (READ MORE HERE).

• Winter got you down? Us too, but with Ava Edward’s in-and-out list, you can combat seasonal depression. Remember, self care is important—and so are you (WATCH HERE).

• Have you ever wondered why Virginia’s voting laws are so weird? Virginia Del. Joshua Cole recently reminded Republicans that the answer is Jim Crow, as he spoke in support of a state constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights to people convicted of a felony who have served their time (WATCH HERE).

This week, we’re featuring a speed skating highlight! If you’d like to see your team’s accomplishments broadcast on Dogwood’s platforms, send a note and photo to amie@couriernewsroom.com or reply to this message. Just be sure you have permission to share from all of the proper sources—players/guardians, photographers, and coaches/schools, to name a few.

AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File

If you’re a fan of sports on the ice, you’re likely familiar with Maame Biney’s impressive feats. The skater’s skills propelled her to the world’s biggest stage in 2018, where she became the first Black woman to make a US Olympic short-track speed skating team. Biney also secured her spot on the US Olympic team in 2022.

The speed skater was born in Ghana but grew up in Virginia near the DC area. She announced her retirement from the sport last year on social media, saying she was “deeply grateful for the journey.”

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Courier Newsroom
611 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003-4303