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April 6 Newsletter: Pain at the pump

Weather: A rare traditional spring day. Cool in the morning, afternoon high of 65.

On this date in 1998, the tobacco industry releases 39,000 documents formerly kept secret after being ordered to by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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.

Richmond schools get additional money for repairs in new budget, but it will be borrowed from future years

The mayor's budget proposes a major boost to the RPS capital improvement budget, the fund used to repair schools.

The suggested increase, from $2.5 million to $9.3 million, comes close to achieving nearly all of the division’s infrastructure projects for the upcoming school year, like replacing roofs, windows, and HVAC systems.

  • However, the city is front-loading the money, meaning the extra money the schools get in the coming budget year will require reduced funding (just $795,500) for the next four years.

School officials said they're optimistic the city will ensure they get the funding they need in future cycles. Read more here.

Several VCU men's basketball players announce they will return next year

After the college basketball season ends tonight, the NCAA's transfer portal will open for players seeking a new school or a larger endorsement deal.

VCU moved quickly to lock down a number of players from this year's team, the first Rams squad to win an NCAA men's basketball tournament game in a decade.

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All three of this year's starters who have eligibility remaining will return – Nyk Lewis, Brandon Jennings and Lazar Djokovic. The notable departure is guard Terrence Hill Jr., the hero of the Rams' tourney win over UNC.

Last year, the school spent between $4 million and $5 million on men's basketball players. With competitors raising their spending, we'll see where the Rams land this offseason. Read more here.

Pain at the pump: Richmond gas prices continue upward march

A week after hitting $4 a gallon, the price of gasoline in Richmond continues to trend upward, with no immediate signs of abating.

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But it's the surge in diesel gas prices, which are now up nearly $2 per gallon month-over-month, that has experts predicting rising prices across-the-board.

Henrico County officials told 12 On Your Side they go through 20,000 gallons of diesel each week when school is in session.

Driving the current spike is Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane that carries about 20% of the world's oil supplies.

The national average for regular gasoline has only hit $5 once, on June 11, 2022. 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

The editor's desk

Back in the office after a week in Mexico City filled with great culture, delicious food and lovely people.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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