August 6 Newsletter: First look at Fox
Weather: Cool temperatures continue. High of 74 with some scattered showers.
On this date in 1993, a total of 18 tornadoes touch down across Virginia, the most in state history. The state averages six tornadoes a year.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
School board gets first look inside Fox Elementary ahead of tonight's grand reopening
After being closed by a fire for nearly three years, the 114-year school will have its official grand reopening tonight.
- Interest is high, as more than 830 community members have sent an RSVP to attend.
- "You will see the character is still there. When you walk in, it feels like Fox," an RPS official said.
The school board got a sneak peek. See photos here.
Richmond police vehicle struck by train off Forest Hill Avenue
A police vehicle was struck by a train in South Richmond Monday evening as authorities responded to a call for a suicidal woman on a train trestle over the James River, according to the Richmond Police Department.
No one was hurt in the collision. Police and railroad personnel safely led the woman off the bridge, according to RPD. Read more here.
Local actor mortally wounded after attempting to aid stranger in domestic dispute
A renowned local actor, Adam Turck, is not expected to survive after being shot on Saturday morning while attempting to assist in a domestic dispute.
“This is a tragic story of gun violence against a person who was simply trying to de-escalate a disturbing argument,” said Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards. “This is a heartbreaking reminder that we must, as a community, continue to combat gun violence in our society.” Read more here.
25 in '25: Ally Fisher connects Richmond with its inner child through Adult Recess
What started with a few people has turned into a regular event at Richmond's Battery Park, as the group meets to play games with a carefree attitude.
Fisher said she fell in love with Richmond as a place where people can make change. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Clearing the air about the hidden danger in vapes
Michelle Peace, Ph.D., a forensic toxicologist at Virginia Commonwealth University, is exposing the dangerous chemicals in vaping and cannabis products — and the lack of oversight protecting the public. Her research has uncovered everything from deadly synthetic cannabinoids to brake cleaners, which are inhaled by teens and adults alike.
Peace’s research informs national policy and fuels grassroots efforts. She has testified before lawmakers, advised the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and helped schools uncover what students are actually inhaling. Read more.
In other news
- VCU hires law firm to probe workplace issues at Wilder School
- The probe has drawn a preemptive legal challenge from former Gov. Doug Wilder.
- Appeals court overturns ruling that faulted Richmond police for racial disparities in traffic stops
- The initial ruling overturned a conviction because Richmond pulls over a disproportionate number of Black drivers. On appeal, judges ruled that the details of the case did not indicate racial profiling.
- New Squirrels baseball stadium will be covered in solar panels
- Richmond's new baseball stadium will generate enough electricity to power 250 homes at peak output.
The editor's desk
Enjoying this article about how the Intermediate Terminal briefly served as the City Jail. I'm sure they'll turn it into upscale housing, but "jail" is definitely more of the building's current vibe.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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