April 22 Newsletter: No more election ads
Weather: Afternoon showers will bring warmth and a high of 78 after a cool morning.
On this date in 1979, about 1,000 people pack Shockoe Slip for a new festival dubbed the “Spring Fling.”
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.
Redistricting amendment: How Richmond voted on Tuesday
Richmond City, Henrico County and Chesterfield County all supported a redistricting initiative, leading the measure to a 3-point victory statewide.
If the redistricting withstands court challenges, the Richmond area will be split into three congressional districts. See the new maps, and how they impact local incumbents, here.
RPS pitches outsourcing some substitute teachers, Board pushes back
In an effort to kick-start the hiring season for the division, Superintendent Jason Kamras asked the School Board to fast track a contract with a substitute teacher employment agency.
The company, based out of D.C., would provide RPS with 15 vetted long-term subs for next year, at about $48,600 per teacher. The division currently has 93 vacancies.
The School Board declined to vote on the proposal, though, saying it felt rushed and raising concerns about whether recruiting work should be done in-house. Read more here.
City Council backs creation of energy efficiency program for Richmond residents
Six members of the City Council are supporting a plan to develop an energy efficiency program that could help residents and businesses use less — and spend less on — gas and electricity.
Richmond city code allows the DPU to offer rebates for “energy audits, the installation of energy efficient natural gas equipment, insulation and other conservation measures.” Read more here.
Richmond officials agree to scrap flawed housing relief program to free up money for other uses
After using only a small amount of the $3.9 million set aside in late 2024 to help lower-income Richmonders pay their rent or mortgage bill, city officials have agreed to scrap the flawed Gap Grant Program and put the remaining money toward other things, including:
- Fully funding raises for all city employees, instead of a delayed approach for non-union employees.
- A one-time bonus payment for Richmond Retirement System retirees.
- A new bus loop at Westover Hills Elementary and after-school transportation costs for RPS broadly.
Today's sponsor:
VCU drives economic value across Virginia
VCU’s academic and medical operations generate $18.5 billion in economic activity annually and support 95,000 jobs – according to a recent report examining VCU’s impact.
“This report highlights the prodigious economic impact of VCU on the entire commonwealth,” said VCU President Michael Rao. “But beyond the data, it shows that as a major, national research institution, VCU is uniquely positioned to improve the lives of Virginians, prepare the next generation of Virginia’s workforce, heal and save patients' lives, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the communities we serve.” Read more.
Also today in The Richmonder:
- City nets $1 million in overdue utility bills from repayment campaign
- DPU said it will now begin disconnecting service to customers who are delinquent.
- VCU issues 1,760 traffic summonses during Safer Streets initiative
- The school issued almost as many in three months as it did all last year.
- Suspect in custody in Highland Park shooting
- One victim, a John Marshall high student, died, and two others were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
- Tuesday at about 8 p.m., there was another fatal shooting in Shockoe Bottom. CBS 6 reported that a fight broke out outside a restaurant.
In other news:
- Citing crime, local baker leaves Shockoe Bottom for Regency (Richmond BizSense)
- She said her store has been broken into six times since last March.
- Persistent ICE activity at Richmond's Southwood highlights monitoring efforts (VPM)
- According to residents, federal agents are a near-daily presence at the apartment complex.
- Sapporo is selling Stone Brewing but keeping its Richmond taproom (Axios)
- The brewery will be rebranded around the Japanese beer, which will be produced for the U.S. market in Richmond.
The editor's desk
It'll be weird to order a Sapporo beer not as an import, but a local special. Can it replace PBR in the hearts of Richmonders?
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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