April 20 Newsletter: Giving up dams

Weather: High of 63 as cool weather briefly returns.

On this date in 1968, a new library at what is now VCU is named after novelist James Branch Cabell, whose widow donated 4,000 books to start the collection.

Today's newsletter sponsored by Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU: A stronger future starts with healthier kids. Together, we can ensure that Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is ready to meet the challenges of today, and tomorrow. Donate Today and help give kids the unstoppable care they deserve.

Bryan Park dams to be removed as part of broader stream restoration

The dams, which have held back the waters of Upham Brook in Bryan Park for more than a century, will be replaced by pedestrian bridges.

A pool will remain just below the new Upper Bridge, which will also be part of the larger Fall Line Trail under development, while the Lower Bridge will be relocated about 100 feet upstream of the current Lower Dam to preserve what Houseman called “a particularly large and beautiful oak tree.”

The $20 million project will also involve the planting of 450 native trees, the removal of invasive plants and the installation of signs, new trails and new disc golf baskets. Read more here.

JXN Project unveils rebuilt ‘founding father’ home, highlighting Black history in Richmond

On Sunday afternoon, Abraham Peyton Skipwith joined the ranks of other prolific local Black icons like Maggie L. Walker and Oliver Hill. 

The JXN Project, a nonprofit founded by sisters Enjoli and Sesha Moon, held the Skipwith-Roper Homecoming yesterday, honoring Skipwith and revealing his reconstructed home. Read more here.

How Richmonders can vote in Tuesday’s special election on redistricting

On Tuesday, voters in Richmond and across Virginia will head to the polls in an unusual April special election to decide whether the state should redraw its congressional districts.

• Democrats say it’s necessary to tilt the partisan balance in Virginia to respond to Republican-led states that have heeded President Donald Trump’s call to try to carve out more GOP-friendly seats.
• Republicans say it would bring extreme partisan gerrymandering back to Virginia just five years after Virginians voted to do away with gerrymandering by creating a bipartisan redistricting commission.

Voters who traditionally vote at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church and the VCU Institute of Contemporary Art will be moved for this election only. Read more here.

Richmond Forum announces 2026-27 lineup, with mystery opening guest: a 'trailblazing female artist'

The Richmond Forum announced its 2026-27 lineup on Saturday night, marking the 41st season of the popular speaker series.

In a break with tradition, the Forum did not announce its first guest, who will open the season on Nov. 21, 2026, referring to her only as a "trailblazing artist."

Other guests are Dr. Laurie Santos, who studies happiness, Sal Khan, founder of the online learning site Khan Academy, British Baroness Dambisa Moyo, and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Read more here.

After months without internal oversight, RPS fills auditor role

After nearly a year of an empty office, the Richmond School Board has found an auditor to fill the space. 

Board members announced Friday that Ziauddin Ahmed will serve as the new Director of Internal Audit for Richmond Public Schools. He will start work today. Read more here.

Today's sponsor:

For the last 105 years, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU has been providing the families of Virginia and the world with expert pediatric care. Considered a top 50 children's hospital by U.S. News and World Report in 8 of 11 ranked subspecialities, as well as a top 10 children’s hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region, CHoR is dedicated to providing unstoppable care for kids in every possible way.

A stronger future starts with healthier kids. Together, we can ensure that Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is ready to meet the challenges of today, and tomorrow. Donate Today and help give kids the unstoppable care they deserve.

In other news

• Sports Backers Stadium threatens Diamond District progress (Times-Dispatch)
  • VCU still has not signed an EDA memo of understanding allowing crews early access to the site.
• Man dead after drowning in the James River near Belle Island (CBS 6)
  • Officials urged people to stay vigilant and cautious when in the river, even though water levels are low.
• Hanover planning commission recommends approving Mountain Road data center (VPM)
  • The company committed to contribute $15 million towards the design and purchase of a booster pump station and two water storage tanks.
• Henrico to sell The Crossings Golf Club to N.C. firm, teeing up $6M renovation (BizSense)
  • The county bought the course for $3 million, and will sell it for $1, contingent on the renovation investment.

The editor's desk

Congrats to my longtime Times-Dispatch colleague Arthur Utley, who covered high school sports at the RTD and the News-Leader for more than 30 years. He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame yesterday evening.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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