# The Richmonder > Local news that matters, with unbiased, fact-based reporting on the issues Richmond cares about. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Frequently Asked Q's URL: https://www.richmonder.org/faq/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T12:58:33.000Z ### What is The Richmonder? The Richmonder is a nonprofit news organization focusing on local news that matters to residents of the community, without bias. We spotlight the best of our community while keeping a watchful eye on those in power. We believe in being in the rooms where decisions are made. We also believe in telling stories that reflect the best of our community, and introducing you to people who make a difference in Richmond. We distribute our news digitally, through a website and email newsletter. While our news is always free, professional reporting is costly. We ask readers to contribute to our mission. ### **What makes The Richmonder different from existing news outlets?** Richmond’s major news outlets are almost entirely owned by for-profit, out-of-state companies. They have an eye on the bottom line, not on the community. As a local nonprofit, we can remain focused on what matters - delivering you timely, accurate and insightful information. ### **Does The Richmonder have a political lean or party affiliation?** No. We believe local news is fundamentally nonpartisan. Our reporters will dig for stories and present what they find in a straightforward way. ### **What is your mission statement?** We elevate the community conversation through independent reporting that avoids cynicism, reflects the fullness of our city and is free to all. ### **Why is The Richmonder a nonprofit?** The advertising-based business model of local news is failing. It can no longer support even basic reporting about our institutions. We are following the nonprofit model that has been successful in other communities around the nation. Our funding comes from donations by major donors, sponsorships and noncommercial underwriting and voluntary donations from our readers. We will keep a close eye on the bottom line to ensure our model is sustainable. We staff Richmond City Council and School Board meetings with professional journalists every time they meet. We believe the presence of a journalist in those rooms fundamentally changes how decisions are made. ### **Do I have to pay to read The Richmonder?** One of our core beliefs is that everybody in the community deserves access to quality reporting and information. We may offer member benefits to donors, but we will not paywall or hide essential news. ### **How is The Richmonder funded?** Through your generosity. We have membership options available through our website, and are actively soliciting donors who will help us ensure quality coverage that brings the city together. If that might be you, contact Beth Weisbrod at [bweisbrod@richmonder.org](mailto:bweisbrod@richmonder.org). ### **Are donations tax-deductible?** Yes! We are authorized as a 501(c)(3) organization through the IRS. To learn more or make a donation, contact Beth Weisbrod at bweisbrod@richmonder.org. You can also make a [one-time donation](https://donate.stripe.com/4gw4h6f7o6MObcIfZ2) through our online portal. ### **Can donors dictate news coverage?** Never. The Richmonder follows best practices set by the Institute for Nonprofit News. All donors above $5,000 will be disclosed in stories whenever they are mentioned. Anonymous donations are never permitted. ### **Who is behind The Richmonder?** Founding editor Michael Phillips has 17 years of journalism experience in Richmond. He has assembled a team of respected, fair-minded, and experienced professional journalists. As a nonprofit, we have a [Board of Directors](https://www.richmonder.org/about-us/) that will provide oversight. ### **Does The Richmonder publish commentary or opinion pieces?** At the moment, the Richmonder does not carry op-ed or opinion pieces. ### **What neighborhoods will The Richmonder cover?** The Richmonder exclusively covers the Richmond region. We do not offer state or national news. As we start up, we are currently providing our accountability news, where we attend government meetings, in Richmond City and Chesterfield County. If you’re interested in bringing The Richmonder to your community, contact news@richmonder.org. ### **Can I work for The Richmonder?** [**See our jobs page for current openings.**](https://www.richmonder.org/jobs/) ### **Why is this project important?** The Brookings Institute found that when a city loses its newspaper, it spends on average $650,000 extra in borrowing costs per civic issue.1 The decline of traditional media has left behind an information vacuum that needs to be filled. We believe quality journalism is a civic good. 1 ### **Who do I contact if I need assistance signing up?** You can always reach us via email at [support@richmonder.org](mailto:support@richmonder.org). ### **Is The Richmonder related to the former blog of the same name?** No, the blog published from 2006-2015 is not related to the current site in any way, nor are any of the authors the same. ### Privacy Policy URL: https://www.richmonder.org/privacy/ Last updated: 2024-08-26T19:27:52.000Z At The Richmonder, we are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data when you visit our website or engage with our content. ### Activity This website is hosted by [Ghost](https://ghost.org). Ghost collects personal data when you visit this website, including: - Information about your browser, network and device - Links you clicked on to come to this website - Pages you visit on this site - Your IP address When you register for an account, your email and subscription preferences will be stored by Ghost. For more information, you can read Ghost's [privacy policy](https://ghost.org/privacy/). ### Cookies This website uses cookies or similar technologies, which are small files or pieces of text that download to a device when a visitor accesses a website or app. We use analytics cookies to view site traffic, activity, and other data to help us improve the content and experience we provide. ### Newsletter Email addresses and any other personally identifiable information collected in the provision of the newsletter are only used to provide and improve the newsletter, and to prevent abuse. No identifying personal information is exchanged with any third party, except as needed with the services that are used to provide it. - The newsletter will have an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every issue. - From time to time, the website or newsletter may be sponsored by third parties. Sponsors do not receive any individual user information. ### Other This website utilizes a few additional third-party services: - [Stripe](https://stripe.com/) is used to process and store payment cards for membership. Stripe uses and processes your payment information in accordance with its [privacy policy](https://stripe.com/privacy). - [Simple Analytics](https://www.simpleanalytics.com) is used to track and measure data and patterns of visitors who come to the website. This service is intentionally built privacy-first and you can read more in its [privacy policy](https://dashboard.simpleanalytics.com/privacy-policy). - [Google Analytics](https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/) is used to track conversion and digital ads we purchase to inform people that we exist. You can read more in its [privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites). - [Fullstory](https://www.fullstory.com) analyzes aggregated and anonymized data on how people interact with parts of the website to help us make it more useful. This data is collected and used in accordance with its [privacy policy](https://www.fullstory.com/legal/privacy-policy/). - Some pages on this website contain embedded content from third parties (for example, YouTube videos). This website does not share any user data with those parties. You should refer to those sites for their privacy policies. - Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties and encourage you to review their privacy policies. - Our services are not directed at children under the age of 13\. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. ### Thank you! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/welcome/ Last updated: 2025-10-31T15:40:01.000Z Your contribution, along with those from more than 1,200 other Richmonders, will fund local news that elevates the community conversation. We are deeply grateful for your support. If you have questions at any time, please contact support@richmonder.org. [Close](https://www.richmonder.org/) ### Thank you! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/reader-welcome/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T16:44:35.000Z We appreciate your support of local news. As you receive our newsletter, please stay in touch and let us know how we can best serve you. For our latest headlines, [**visit our front page**](https://www.richmonder.org/). [Close](https://www.richmonder.org/) ### Contribute to The Richmonder URL: https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:55:15.000Z We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to chase impact, not clicks. We are funded through the generosity of our readers. As part of our commitment to transparency, we disclose [**our donors**](https://www.richmonder.org/donor-list/). Donors are never allowed input or influence on story selection or content beyond that of any other community member, and cannot read stories in advance of their publication. ### **There are several ways to support our work** - Make a one-time, tax-deductible [**donation**](https://www.richmonder.org/donate) of any amount through our online portal. - Mail checks to The Richmonder, PO Box 14684, Richmond, VA 23221 - Donor-advised funds can direct contributions to The Richmonder, IRS ID: 99-3286029 ### Become a donating member Readers who appreciate our work are invited to become members. We'll invite you to events and send you special newsletters from time to time, as well as offering Q&A opportunities with our reporters. *(All donors receive member benefits automatically.)* - Our standard Booster membership is [**$15 a month**](https://donate.stripe.com/aEU8xm7EWefggx29AP)**,** and we also offer a Champion membership at [**$30 a month**](#/portal/signup) for those who want to accelerate our growth. (Right now, join us as a Champion and [**receive a Richmonder hat or mug!**](https://www.richmonder.org/celebrate-local-news-day-by-wearing-your-support-for-the-richmonder/)) - You can also pay [**on an annual basis**](#/portal/signup) for either membership. ### Learn more about what we do - [**2025 Impact Report**](https://www.richmonder.org/2025-impact-report/) - [**2024 Impact Report**](https://www.richmonder.org/2024-impact-report/) ### Corporate partnerships Increase visibility for your business while supporting independent, local news. [Partner with The RichmonderIncrease visibility for your business while supporting independent, local news. About us The Richmonder, launched in late 2024, is a fast-growing nonprofit newsroom in the Richmond region. We’re 100% local, staffed by award-winning journalists who care deeply about Richmond. We highlight issues that impact us all, and![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-6ef8b5d7-d36d-4d02-8a6b-f29fbb74cab5.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/richmondercard2-2-eabf123f-d761-4e9b-a516-685935ffaab1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/partner-with-the-richmonder/) Please [**email Anne-Marie Worthy**](mailto:aworthy@richmonder.org) if interested. ### Data Visualizations URL: https://www.richmonder.org/visuals/ Last updated: 2024-08-26T14:48:10.000Z ## Richmond Lottery Locations Circles represent lottery retail locations and are sized based on net sales: ## Majority Black Districts ### Contact URL: https://www.richmonder.org/contact/ Last updated: 2024-09-06T15:31:28.000Z The Richmonder is a member of and adheres to [the best practices of the Institute for Nonprofit News](https://inn.org/about/membership-standards/). We are fully nonpartisan, and any mistakes in our reporting will be acknowledged and corrected within the original story. ### Emails - Editor, Michael Phillips, [mphillips@richmonder.org](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org) - Journalist, Graham Moomaw, [gmoomaw@richmonder.org](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) - Journalist, Sarah Vogelsong, [svogelsong@richmonder.org](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Other Contacts If you have a news story to call to our attention, please email [news@richmonder.org](mailto:news@richmonder.org). If you have issues with the website or your membership, please contact [support@richmonder.org](mailto:support@richmonder.org). Our physical address is: 📬 Attn: Michael Phillips The Richmonder P.O. Box 14684 Richmond, VA 23221 ### Donor List URL: https://www.richmonder.org/donor-list/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:11:19.000Z The Richmonder is recognized as a 501(c)(3) and all donations are deductible on federal taxes to the full extent allowed by law. We adhere to [**transparency standards**](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/) set by the Institute for Nonprofit News. Our intention is that no donor will have any more influence on what we cover and how we report it than any other member of the community. If we write about a donor who has contributed $5,000 or more, we disclose this in the story. A list of all contributors is below. We want to extend a particular thank you to our founding donors, who helped get us off the ground. ### Publisher's Circle ($100,000 and up) American Journalism Project Rose and Webb Estes Virginia Commonwealth University Dominion Energy Robins Foundation ### Editor's list ($10,000 and up) Rob and Jean Estes Tommy and Carrie Johnstone Sarah and Matt Holland CoStar The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Institute for Nonprofit News Mr. Daniel Gecker Mr. Anthony Markel Liz and Thomas Benedetti Edward H. Rice Tom and Wendy Rosenthal Aggie and Richard Cullen Michael and Eva Hardy Mr. Zachary Reid Jim Ukrop Priscilla Burbank and Michael Schewel M. Kehoe Randy Seibert ### Bureau chief ($5,000 and up) Richmond Association of Realtors Janet Wills Paul Farrell and Becca Roth Elliott and Terrell Harrigan Ms. Sue Ann Messmer Ms. Jody Spraker Kurt Engleman Bob and Liz Blue Mr. Albert S. Diradour Mr. James W. Hazel Mike McClure Ms. Laura Schewel Ms. Diantha R. Swift Jean and David White ### Community connector ($1,000 and up) Mr. Weldon Bradshaw Doswell Operating Group Ms. Mindy Loiselle Rob Hargett O'Hagan Meyer Troutman Pepper Frankie and Steve Slaughter Stephen and Diantha Swift Paul and Anne-Marie Hughes Ms. Lisa Sims Ms. Deborah Oswalt Ms. Dena Frith Moore Scott Oostdyk Mark and Beth Sprinkle McGuire Woods Michael and Emilie Phillips Mr. Vance K. Bishop Jr. Laurie and Dennis Hedgepeth Elizabeth and Michael Martin Centerwell Sr. Primary Care Mr. Stephen Weir Ms. Greta Harris Mr. Ben Moomaw Paul and Janet Woody Mr. Blaine Lay Motley's Asset Disposition Group Joseph Papa and John-Stuart Fauquet Mr. David Poole Mr. David Gammino Mr. Michael C. Gray Meg and Banks Turner Tom and Sheri Crowell Paige and Philip Goodpasture Ms. Debra Lyle Mr. Duront Walton Commonwealth Strategy Group Bruce and Janet Willis Ms. Lorna Wyckoff Ms. Deborah Corliss Mr. William Mattox Virginia Museum of History & Culture May and Charlie Fox Mr. James A. Sties Mr. Harrison Roday Jack and Mary Spain Richmond Forum Ms. Michael C. Bisceglia Independence Golf Club Mr. Jared Calfee Pierce Homer and Stacy Luks Towne Bank Foundation Anita and Tom Lisk SAARA of Virginia Ms. Robin Mockenhaupt Linda and Ken Newsome Sierra Club Mr. Scott Plein Jim Seevers PlanRVA Trustward Toby and Sue Vick ### Copy desk ($500 and up) Lynda Crouse Jeff and Lyric Hassler Patty Merrill Mr. Nicholas Nonnemacker Mr. Matthew Percival Mr. Thomas A. Silvestri Crossroads Art Center Ms. Diane Sheehey Ms. Elizabeth S. Hendrick Ms. Neelan A. Markel Jack and Katherine Berry Mr. Tom Sherwood Mr. Robert H. Brink Brandon Fox and Christopher Arias Mr. George Pendleton Mr. John David McCormack Mr. Daniel Payne Ms. Lee Williams Donna and David Phillips Megan and Timothy McCreary Mr. Burt Pinnock Richard Vogelsong and Joyce Farman Ms. Heather Crislip Ms. Regina Largent Mr. John G. Dicks III Ms. Katharine Baker Mr. Steven Hartman Mr. William Northcutt Mr. John H. Woodfin Ms. Theresa Kennedy Mr. James Easton Ms. Shannon Lindbloom Mr. Michael C. Kolbe Ms. Jennifer Fidura Mr. Max Riederer von Paar Mr. Steve Lack Mr. Luke Atwood Ms. Anne A. Haskins Ms. Susan Haubenstock Robert M. Rolfe Ms. Erica Sims Ms. Katherine H. Story Ms. Lauren Tharp Mr. Theodore Thoerig Fritz and Val Kling Ms. Laura B. Cameron Kirk Pickerel Mr. Christopher Hilbert Ms. Sharon Darby Mr. Laurance Wieder Tim and Taylor Taliaferro Mr. Jacob H. Geiger John Leonard Ms. Kate Park Mr. Kenneth W. Smither Mr. William Mauck Ms. Susan Boisseau Mr. Stephen McMaster Ms. Beth Vann-Turnbull Mr. Jeffrey R. Cartwright Emmett Avery Thomas A. Grant Jonathan Chan Ms. Paula Smith David Nystrom Ms. Dana P. Wilson Erica R. Brody Emma Arata Mr. Loren Hershey Jon Wergin Mr. Conner Kasten Mr. Frank B. Atkinson Mr. Robert Bailie Mr. Donald S. Beyer Jr. Dr. Daniel Carey Tom and Bonnie Cricchi Bradley Cummings The Hodges Partnership Scott Elles Mr. Shane Emmett Andrew Eschenroeder Stephanie and Brian Ford Margaret and Shashi Gupta Charles Hall Mr. and Mrs. Jack Harris Mr. Michael Heaton Joan Huffer and Rob Dugger The Family of R.H. Melton David Jennings Ms. Patricia Koval Ms. Sarah Milston Mr. Michael Morency Mr. L.F. Payne Dr. Pamela Royall Ms. Elizabeth Sauer Mr. Thomas Snead Mr. Robert Sprague The #6 Fund Ms. Katharine Webb Julie and Paul Weissend ### Donating supporter (up to $500) Mr. Al Marschall Frances M. Eckenrode Bill Braden Mr. Blackwell N. Shelley Jr. Mr. Douglas H. Pick Mr. Thomas W. Allin Johnston Brendel Dave DeWalle Ben Emerson Meredith Makhoul R. Marshall Merriman Laura Strickler Vince Tolson Mr. Marshall Morton Mr. Marland Buckner Joshua Duval Hope Norman Mr. Mike Beabout Ms. Sallie Eissler Margaret Hopkins Mr. Mark J. Coakley Mr. Bryce Lyle Mr. Mervyn W. Han Bill and Leigh Anne McKelway Dave and Jan Van Dyke Mr. Michael Southam-Gerow Kristin Swineford Ms. Amanda T. Macaulay Mr. Hossein Ildari Leigh and Drew Gallalee Ms. Sara Page Mr. Nathan Ward William Schroeder Ms. Emily Millhiser Ms. Beth Weisbrod Ms. Judi Crenshaw Ms. Anne-Marie McCartan Mr. William S. Melton Ms. Tram Nguyen Brian Campbell Mr. Ronald Klipp Mr. T. Preston Lloyd Jr. Mr. Michael P. Grim Ms. Kristen Dutton Ms. Katherine Greenier Ms. Mary-Helen Sullivan Ms. Ellen LeCompte Mr. Brian W. Bills Mr. R. Christian Rickers Mr. Steven Saltzberg Brian Burton Mr. Greg Cooperman David Frediani Mr. Paul Goode Sarah Gurnick Daniel Honsberger Steve Jenkins Lowell Smith Jr. Ms. Elizabeth King Leland Klim Nicole Larsh Valerie L'Herrou Kate McCarthy Sarah Merriman Karen D. Patterson Ms. Jeannie Reinick Peggy Siegel Gregory Stockslager Michael Wiebe Cameron and Kevin Cutro Mr. Tyrone Nelson Mr. Robert L. Balster Marty and Gus Guthrie Trevor and Heather Daubenspeck Ms. Sara Monroe Ms. Frances Goldman Mr. C. Paul Brockwell Jr. Mr. Robert C. Williams III Mr. Benjamin P. Campbell Rose Ann Edmiston Barbara Goldberg Ms. Kathleen Holman Ron Jordan Mr. Mark Mendez Ms. Christina Nuckols Mr. Nicholas Piasecki Ms. Susan F. Robertson Mr. Christopher Schultz Lauren Shephard Nick Sollog Mr. Randon A. Sprinkle Joseph Stanley III Ms. Elizabeth H. Thomas Ms. Karen Townsend Sara Wallace Ms. Cheryl Magazine Mr. Rick Pearman Gilpin and Pam Brown Ms. Denise Landers Mr. Edmund J. Sullivan Barbara Lennox Mr. Daniel Heneghan Ms. Donna Ransone Mr. John C. Ficor Mr. Gerald Swerling Jon and Donna Hatfield Mr. Nicholas P. Johnson Penn and Laurie Rogers Lisa and Bob Magnus Thomas Wolf Tim and Deveron Timberlake Ms. Alyssa Salomon Ms. Rebecca Baggesen Mr. Murray Withrow Ms. Mary M. Baltimore Mr. Andrew Stokes Ms. Wendela K. Shannon Ms. Katherine Calos Ms. Susan Miller Mr. Selden Richardson Ms. Annie R. Warman Ms. Elizabeth Z. Gardner Mr. William Rider Mr. Gary A. Smith Mr. Theodore Adams Ms. Julie Campbell Mr. Don Draper Mr. Francis J. Green Mr. Blake Stack Mr. Christian Mosier Berkeley and Emily Horne Esther Nand Steve Berkowitz Mr. Wayne Epps Jr. Ms. Liz White Mr. Emory D. Hamlet Mr. Glen Besa Ms. Elizabeth Roderick Mr. Yewell Thompson Ms. Jessica Jordan Ms. Melissa L. Kravetz Ms. Mary Anne Rodriguez Ms. Diane Beirne Mr. Kenneth Bradford Ms. Lilly Chapa Ms. Christine Eubanks Mr. Richard H. Griset Ms. Michelle Johnson Ms. Pamela Kemp Ms. Mary O'Keefe Ms. Nina V. Weissberg Mr. Andrew Capone Mr. Dave Seibert Mr. L. Preston Bryant Jr. Margaret and Scott Carreras Devon J. Cavanagh Ms. Roxanne Cherry Ms. Margaret Corwin Mr. Toby Desch Ms. Linda V. Duvall Ms. Jo Evans Ms. Emily Francis Ms. Anne Gambardella John and Jennifer Grogan Mr. Richard M. Hamrick III Ms. Rudene Haynes Ms. Patricia Hermanson Mr. Thomas N. Innes William Leighty Mr. L. Richmond Martin III Mr. Richard Martin Mr. J. Robert Mooney Ms. Muriel Johnson Murray Ms. Missy Neff John O'Bannon Ms. Kelsey L. Oostdyk Jay Shah Mr. Whit Shane Jayne and Brian Shaw Dawn and Stuart Siegel Ms. Tracy Kemp Stallings Ms. Pamela Stallsmith Ann Tindall Ms. Maggi Tinsley Mr. John D. Whitlock Ms. Katherine Whitney Ms. Woody Scott Mr. Stephen Eric Bolling Hennessey Mr. Riley D. Champine Mr. Benjamin K. Adamson Mr. Dominic Barrett Ms. Molly Brannan Ms. Madeline A. Campbell Mr. William H. Chapman Jr. Mr. Paul Cooper Mr. Robert Y. Cox Mr. Richard T. Cullen Ms. Kelly L. Dalton Lee Fulk Mr. Roby Hackney Mr. Patrick Hiltz Mr. Connor Johnson Karin and Tom Kapsidelis Mr. John E. Kemper Mr. Justin Kern Mr. John D. Leffler Mr. Jerry Lindquist Mr. Dominic P. Madigan Ms. Sophie McGingley Mr. Graham McNeely Mr. Brian Miller Mr. Deborah L. Miller Ms. Kimberly Moulden Ms. Brianna Murray Mr. Jon Newman Ms. Carolyn Peel Mr. Rebecca Pizzini Mr. Gregory T. Rahm Ms. Patricia Row Ms. Barb Rudolph Mr. Brantley Tyndall Ms. Lorraine Waddill Mr. Weston Martin Mr. Max Wasserman Mr. Andrew Grace Ms. Barbara Anderson Ms. Diana Donnelly Mr. Victor L. Hines Jr. Ms. Melanie Barker Mr. John Boyer Mr. Joshua Crites Mr. Vincent Curotto Mr. Jeffrey Diamond Ms. Kendra G. Feather Ms. Mary Kate Felch Mr. Scott Firestine Ms. Leah Fremouw Ms. Catherine Gioeli Mr. Eric A. Goldenbaum Mr. John Griffiths Ms. Jeanne Haught Ms. Shannon E. Heady Ms. Philippa Holloway Ms. Carolyn Huxford Ms. Brittany Nicole Jezouit Ms. Sheila Keating Ms. Evelyn G. Kling Mr. Charles Knight Ms. Mary Caton Lingold Ms. Samantha O'Neil Ms. Sara L. Reichert Mr. Joseph E. Rupp Mr. Lincoln Saunders Ms. Annika Schunn Ms. Kira A. Siddall Mr. Michael A. Skiffington Campfire & Co. Mr. Samuel Tuttle Mr. Stephen R. Webster Mr. Stephen Weisensale Ms. Emily Williams Mr. Nicholas Wright Mr. Charles D. Anderson Jr. Ms. Caroline Bauserman Mr. Stephen J. Bazydola Mr. William Berry Susan Bradshaw Peter Breil Elisabeth Brittain Mr. Albert Bucher Ms. Priscilla Cash Ms. Caitlin Coakley Ms. Ellen R. Davenport Ms. Lauren DeLuca Ms. Tess M. Dixon Ms. Deborah Dodge Anne M. Dodson Mr. Stephen T. Dwyer Mr. Thomas O. Fitzpatrick Shane Frick Mr. Matthew R. Garrett David Johnson Ms. Edna Johnston Ms. Leanne D. Kurland Ms. Marie LaMonica-Sarro Ms. Diana Rupert Livington Katie Logan Ms. Jessica D. Madden Mr. Justin Mattingly Mr. Neal D. Mollen Ms. Lauren Z. Moore Margaret Mustian Ms. Stephanie Norris Ms. Kelli Olson Ms. Anne R. Percival Ms. Elizabeth Povar Troy Rich Mr. Chester Roberts Ms. Virginia Sharpe April Sopkin Elise Switz Mr. Eric Walters Virginia Watson Mr. Christopher E. West Mr. Jameson Babb Ms. Laura Bateman Ms. Caryl Burtner Mr. Edward Filemyr Ms. Katharine L. Gray Hunter Leemon and Dee Dee Dockendorf Mr. Mason Mairead Mr. Mike Mathews Ms. Andrea Mendes Mr. Kirk Millikan Mr. Conor O'Donnell Mr. Robert Rayner Ms. Emily Thrower Mr. Arthur M. Utley Ms. Erin F. Wilson Ms. Heidi Winton-Stahle Mr. Matthew Wright Mr. Evan Tuten Susan Barr Mr. Jon Bridges Mr. Grant Heston Ms. Melissa Lincoln Bob and Beth Musick Zanas Talley Ms. Faith Alejandro Mr. Mary Kay Avula Mr. Sean Barry Mr. Daniel Cassiday Chip Coutts and Lynn Klanchar Mr. Charles B. Epes III Ms. Megan Field Mr. John Gerner Mr. Peter Henry Mr. Robert Johns Mr. John Paul Jones Joy and Reggie Jones Mr. Simon N. Kelly Jayson and Danielle Leek Mr. William J. Martin Mr. Patricia A. Muller Ms. Shannon Fara O'Neill Mr. Sven Philipsen Ms. Anne Brooks Rich Ms. Louise Thompson Mr. Cameron Vanzura Mr. August Wallmeyer Mr. Robert E. Witham Jr. Ms. Sarah Abubaker Mr. Terence G. Blackwood Mr. Robert H. Chappell Marilyn Erickson Ms. Ellison Lenhart Mr. William C. Mims Mr. Richard F. Mulligan Suzanne Wimett Mr. Alston Knapp Ms. Karen Dillon Mr. John M. Swain Ms. Catherine J. Ayres Cindy Bennett Jane L. Bunnell Mr. Vincenzo Chiariello Greg and Susan Childress Ms. Neslie Christofferson Jim and Marge Crowe Ms. Anne Darby Mr. Nicholas Donohue Mr. Alan Dow Ms. Ellen Duerksen Ms. Anne T. Durkin Mr. Hugh Eaves Mr. Daniel C. Estrada Mr. Brian Ettari Mr. Joel Faul Mr. Noah Holmes Foster Maria Garnett Mr. Ben Grondahl Mr. Michael Grow Mr. Brian Hall Ms. Shirley Hall Mr. Robert L. Hiett Ms. Cecilia Hul Mr. Dan Kennedy Ms. Emily Kuhbach Mr. David M. Lawrence C. Matthew and Chelsea Haynes Mr. Joshua McCrea Janet Murphy Mr. Christopher Payne Ms. Leanne Petroziello Ms. Lynette Plummer-Henderson Ms. Mary Rafferty David Rayner Ms. Kimberly Robertson Mr. Nathan Saxman Jenny Starr and Ed Leland Ms. Kathi Clark Wong Ms. Micah Davenport Biggers Heidi Abbott Ms. Larisa Aleksandrov Mr. William B. Chapman Savannah Coker Mr. Seth Frazer Justin Grant Mr. Gary Hess Elizabeth Kiser Ms. Hilary H. Long Mr. George H. Nixon Mr. Michael L. Raff Mark Rubin Mr. W. Hildebrandt Surgner Angela Warner Ross Abrash Ms. Kateanne Agnelli Ms. Erin Bishop Stephen Butler Mr. David Chernicoff Mr. Bryan Davis Mr. Craig DiSesa John Dolci Sarah S. Driggs Mr. Sharif Ewees Ms. Whitney Fogg Ms. Ronda Ford Mr. Edward Haley Ms. Anita M. Hoffman Mr. Benjamin Lansing Ms. Sarah Lazzaro Jane Martin Mr. D. Cameron McPherson Dr. Bahnsen Miller Kaila Miller Haley Minter Mr. Ian Munro Mr. Jason B. Roop Ms. Amy Scherer Ms. Carol Stanfield Mr. Lance Warren Mr. Daniel H. Werner Ms. Sarah W. Wootton Mr. William Laffoon Ms. Lindsey Franklin Mr. Harry L. Gewanter Mr. Patrick Barranger Victoria and Graham Sheridan Mr. Mark Badger Tricia Bryant Mr. Douglas D. Callaway Mr. Daniel Carr Ms. Sharon B. Freude Ms. Marie Giblin Sarah and Parker Hale Lila Kelso and Henry Wilson Ms. Margaret Reynolds Langston Mr. Brendan Lyman Nora Narum Stephanie Coberly Pluta Mr. Jonathan Richardson Ms. Ann Schimmels Mr. Cullen Seltzer Mr. Patrick Slawinski Mr. Greg Somerville Ms. Rebecca Thomas Mr. Ted Ukrop Mr. Michael Upchurch Mr. Erik Webb Michael and Daniella White Mr. Aidan M. Wojtech Bob Hyde Charles Menges Ms. Caroline Smith Matt and Kelly Marchal John Barclay Ms. Barbara S. Bing Matthew Brazier Ms. Besty Carr Deborah DiazGranados Ms. Sally Dunnington Mr. Sean Erwin Frank and Lee Anne Fuller Kayta Gruneberg Keith Herbert Mr. Ross G. Hoppe Kathleen O'Kane Kreutzer Corey Lane Ms. Abigail Lewis Sheryl Luebke Ms. Julianne McFarland Ms. Margaret M. McVicar Margaret Nimmo Mr. Mark Peterson Aimee Sanford Mr. Jesse Senechal Mr. John Swift Desiree Tunnell Mr. Steven Van Voorhees Ginger and Alex Evans Mr. Richard Rumrill Nicole Storm Mr. Robert Lantier Mr. William H. Nickerson Andrew Allen Mr. Thomas E. Beach Betty Burrell Ms. Adrienne Cooley Mr. Sam Everett Elizabeth Fessenden Gwen Fitzgerald Christian Grantz John L. Harding Bernard Hebert Caroline Jennings Ms. Marjorie G. Merkey Mr. Mitchell Morris Mr. Patrick Northrup Rodney Poole Walter Presgraves Mr. Daniel Royston Mr. Robert Rulof Ms. Susan A. Saavedra Ms. Mary Harding Sadler Tom Shoop Mr. Howard Cary Adams Mr. E. Henri Doggett III Ms. Leah Farrell-Carnahan Ms. Brenda K. Goodman Ms. Emma Johnson Mr. John A. Rupp Mr. Andrew K. Ryan Julie Sions Eldon James Matt Rosenberg Rebecca Aarons-Sydnor Blue Octopus Consulting Mr. Sheamus Cooper Nina Dudley Ms. Catherine W. Edwards Elizabeth Hall Mr. Jacob W. Hall Ms. Melissa Jones Joseph Kessler Ms. Meredith McManus Nicole McMullin Linda Owen Candace Piepgrass Mohan Sarma Janet Tarasovic Tom Tichenor Kim Warnick Mr. Justin West Ms. Elizabeth Canar Mr. Richard Jones Ms. Margaret Lindsay Mr. Stephen Batsche Emily Bitteker Mr. Barrett E. Clark Mr. Whittington W. Clement Ms. Maureen R. Cooper Mr. Carthan F. Curran III Susan Park and Harry Dell Steve Hamilton John Hyslop Mason Lecky Mike and Michelle Perschbacher Stephen and Amy Popovich Ms. Cynthia Proctor Thomas B. Scott The Underground Kitchen Laura Stassi Ms. Tiffany A. Van Der Hyde Ms. Elizabeth Wait Lindsey Hutchinson Mr. Benjamin C. Wright Veronica Garabelli Jason Hamilton and Kristen Green John Jenkins Jerry Klich Keith McCrea Nick Payne Mairead Toms Ms. Anita Storino Mr. Allen L. Smothers Michael and Barbara Haas Mr. David Infante Ms. Emily Oostdyk Diana Zeidel Emily McCrary Kasey Miller Tred Spratley Nancy Terrill John Wilson Mr. Derek Redwine Mr. Robert A. Brown Sarah Brooks Sarah Caldwell Emily Chowhan George Goethais Elizabeth Hambrick Norm and Gayle Holland Samuel Jones Thomas Blackstock Jr. William Loving Marshall Martin Jared Moore Dianne Nordt Marshall Norton Robert Ulrich Mr. Jonathan D. Goodman Lisa Barth Patricia Bell Ms. Becky Bowers-Lanier Claudia Brookman Ms. Gabrielle G. Elliott Ms. Rowena Fratarcangelo Ms. Alexandra Gecker Ms. Tyler Kilpatrick Ms. JoAnn Adrales Ruh Mr. Ansley Perkins Oscar Ruiz Ms. Anna Bell Mr. Dale Brown Mr. John Cartier Ms. Christine Clarke Ruth A. Conliffe Sam Fortier Gregory J. Gilligan Will Hayes Mr. Roy A. Hoagland Ms. Jessica Houser Ms. Sharon Johannas Crawley Joyner Ms. Jane Joyner Joseph Kearfott Mr. Jackson LaBoue Ms. Susan Larsen Mr. Jeffrey Merriman Cindy Mori Ms. Jessee Perry Mr. Michael A. Rawls Charles and Shawna Shade Mr. Cullen Smith Mr. Jesse D. Spangler Mr. G. Edward Stover S. Cole Tucker Jr. Mr. Matthew R. Wester Michael Worthington Chuck Savage Robert Austin Melissa Archbell Robson Bassett Kathy Benham Stephen Long Annette Marquis Betsy McCray Susan Motley Andrea O'Hara Susan Rebillot Nicholas Tambellini Joni Teague Sarah Vernon Reuben Wine Mr. Matthew Adkins Ms. Karen Andrews Mr. Lake M. Andrews Ms. Judith Arginteanu Anne Barash Elizabeth and Tom Barila Mr. Jonathan Loren Berke Lynne Blain Mr. Kevin Bojarski Betty Booker Daniel Bowler Ann Bradshaw Ms. Emily Bryan Samuel Buckley Mr. James M. Burke Mr. Jovan Burton Karen Catrow Ms. Valerie Catrow Mr. Kevin Cianfarini Catherine Clugston Abigail Conley Mr. Mark A. Creery Mr. Beau Cribbs Ms. Deborah Daniels Barbara Dodd Mr. Jon A. Dudding Ms. Elizabeth F. Edwards Ms. Virginia W. Engler Mr. Mark Fagerburg Mr. Ali Faruk Ms. Larkin Garbee Korinna Garbis Mr. Adam Goldsmith Levi Goren Ms. Corinne S. Gray Susan Greenbaum Kathryn Harnsberger Ms. Lindsay Harris Jonathan Hawes Ross Haynes Bernard Henderson Adam Herold Carl Hott Charles Jones Ms. Taylor T. Keeney Scott Lebow Katherine Leer Ms. Patrice Lewis Kay and David Lynch Mr. Max Malmgren Mr. Steven A. Markel Ms. Anna D. Mason Daryl Mathers Mr. William McDowell Martha Ann McIntosh Brian McNally Otesa Miles Mr. William Sheppard Miller III Mr. Robert Moulden Ms. Charlene Noll Ms. Raquel Olegario Mr. Frosty Owen Mr. Alexander R. Parker Ms. Elizabeth Pearce Patricial R. Pearsall Will Perkins Mr. Matthew Phillips Mr. John Cheairs Porter Jr. Ms. Leighton Powell Mr. Max Redmond Martha Rhodes Mr. Grant Rissler Mr. Adam Rotche Mr. Nick Roy Ms. Melissa Sanne Ms. Cynthia S. Schmitz Ms. Susan Schorling Mr. James Schuyler Robert Scible Ms. Hilary Scott William Selden David Shannon Alex and Amanda Silvester Preston Slaughter Ms. Holly K. Smith Mr. William G. Sneddon Ms. Jennifer Surratt Sara Lee Thacker Sam Towell Mr. Benjamin Travis Mr. Thomas Trotter Mr. Robert S. Ukrop Jr. Mr. Quentin van Marcke Ms. Antonia Vassar Caitlin Verdu Mr. Jason A. Vida Trinity Episcopal School Andrew White Ms. Isabelle White Mr. David C. Whitehead Jr. Ms. Ellen Phoebe Willmore Leah Wilson Ms. Katie Youell Mr. Adam M. Zimmerli Mr. Vincent Clements Reuben Waller Ms. Melissa G. Abernathy Melissa Ferrell Anya Groner Kevin Barbour Suzanne Abbot Melissa Barber Sydney Bass Laura Bower Sarah Glass Brigid Godfrey Zach Hanson Kerthy Hearn Anna Henderson Eric Hetzer Anne Holton Nancy Millsaps Damian Pitt Lily Slonim Woodi Sprinkel Richard Weis Mr. Eric Yellin Morrissey Family Giving Fund Edith Allin Brad Armstrong Ms. Margaret Austin Ms. Zena Baimel Ms. Julia Battaglini Ms. Marna Bunger Mr. Brad Cann Ms. Debra Carlotti Noelle J. Coates Elizabeth Cogar Mr. Gordon Dixon Ms. Julia R. Dye Mr. Berkeley Edmunds Ms. Rebekah Edwards Ms. Maureen L. Egan Mr. Tim Farrow Ms. Heather Ferguson Paul Fleisher Ms. Debra Foust Margaret Friedenberg Ms. Anne Greever Professor Richard S. Groover Sherrill Hampton Catherine K. Hancock Jacqueline Harwood Mr. William Hershey James and Kaye Hickey Maria and Scott Hill Mr. Kyle Hoffer Mr. John C.V. Hoke Dave Hulburt Ms. Anne Hyslop Ms. Melissa Jiulianti Andrew R. Jones Mr. Marshall Norton Jr. Ms. Karen Kelly Anne A. Kerr Mr. Richard J. Knapp Ms. Claire Koeze Lauren M. Kokernak Emily Krause Ms. Jane Kusiak Bart Lacks Mr. Robert Q. Lewis Gina and Matt Maio Ms. Susan Martin Ms. Kathleen Martine Ms. Martha Merritt Mr. Roger D. Miller Ms. Katherine H. Moore Mr. Gordon C. Morse Mr. David Ogburn Mr. Cristy O'Keefe Michael Pauli Mr. Tim Pfohl Mr. William Phelps Linda Pierce Ms. Melissa Radtke Dan Ream and Lucretia McCulley Mr. Thomas Rice Mary Richardson Patrice Richman Coleen B. Rodriguez Mr. Sean Ryan Mr. Michael Schwartz Ms. Julia Seward Joseph S. Shocket Ms. Christine Shtogren Juluous P. Smith III Ms. Peggy Staples James Stutts Ms. Carole Tarrant Rob and Jessica Thompson Audrey Trussell Ms. Eileen Vernon Thomas Walls Peggy Myers Walz Anne Wescott Mr. Charles W. Whitlock Mr. Jonathan Wight Dale Wolf Cindy Creasy Woolfolk Jim Alexander Robin Allman Peg Baker Luke Brockman Katie Drash Jessica Haddad Chris Herrington Mr. Luke Hollomon Leigh Hulcher Ashley Kistler Brian Lalor Jennifer Lawhorne Dandan Li Sharon McSweeney Bryan Moorefield Roger Morehouse Dale Neal David O'Brien Renae Sands Michael Tarpey Erin Trimmer Kimberly Tucker Ms. Greta Bollinger Ms. Martha Childs Hrank Ms. Kelly Gerow Ms. Julie Karr Ms. Jessica Morton Bradford Bonney Linda Cheatham Daniel Coakley Jack Burtch Jr. Matthew Maggy Mr. Kyle Hogan Robert Knisely Anne G. Rhodes John Bojarski Allison Bowles Terry Bullard James Burns Eva Colen Christina Dick Jeff Eastman Cynthia Flagg Brian Greene John Cosby Jr. Pat Lacy Blythe Rowe Martha Shickle William Van Vleck Will Wilson Susan Eaves Friends of Bellemeade Park Ms. Tracy Calvert Ms. Rachael C. Deane Mr. John Hummel Mr. Victor McKenzie Ms. Erin Nogueira Mr. Lawrence Robert Ms. Evette Roots Mr. Christian Schick Mr. Michael Smart Mr. Noah Sullivan Ms. Laura Thomas Warren Whitney Tom Grahek Catherine McElhannon Paul Logan Nancy Stutts John Angevine Bob Baldwin Erin Beard Ronald Cook Beth Cosby Ian Davenport Christopher Dunn Sue Friedman Maggie Garinther Vicky Hamrick Bryan Harvey Anne Herrera Thomas Hudson Kathryn Neckerman Hope Richardson Sarah Robb Patricia Robinson Betty Saxman Janet Scagnelli Leigh Smith Laura Stephens Justin Tollett Mary Beth Utley Alden Walters Ms. Elisabeth Wollan Cyane Lowden Julie Arendt Mr. William Benton Richard and Virginia Brown Dale Brusoski Brandy Ewell Mr. William Ferguson Nicholas Hoffman Brandt Isaacs Dan Motta Porter Shomo Erica Sklar Keith Wyllie William V. Benedetti Jade Bock Eric Bowers Scott Byer Lynda Clendenning Shannon Couvillion Josh Dare Genna Beth Davidson Susan Hankins Doug Hunt Weldon Bradshaw Jr. Robert Lee Zach Mayo Shae McGrath Marjorie Menacker Pam Seay Katie Shaffer Mandy Sinclair Liz Vandermark Henry Vandermark Gustavo Espinosa Keely Kiewiet Amanda Glickman Mr. Brian Solomon Eric Steigleder Consulting Mr. Robert Allen Ms. Mary Arginteanu Betty Armbruster Ms. Barbara Atkinson Ms. Danielle Barnes Mr. Jonathan D. Becker Ms. Kia J. Bentley Mr. Robert Beverly Ms. Claire Boland Elaina Brennan Mr. Ezekiel Brody Mr. Douglas N. Brown Ms. Kathryn Brown Kathleen Burden Irene Carney Bryan and Julie Carr Mr. Steven Carter-Lovejoy Thomas W. Chambers Ms. Harriet Coalter Ms. Carolyn Eastman June R. Eldred Emi Endo Jeffrey Ensley Robert P. Erskin Alex Fardon William Fiege Alexis Finc Ms. Sara A. Fishero Joanna Fowler Risa Gomez Amy Kasdorf Gonzalez Ms. Zoe Anne Green William Greenleaf Susan Guckenberg Ms. Clara Heyder Ms. Sallyann C. Holzgrefe Elizabeth Jewett Charles W. Kaufman Cora Kessler Bev and Al Lacy Julie Langan Mr. Willliam LIneberry III Mr. Troy Martin Kimberly Mason-Williams Mr. Justin M. Mattingly Carolyn McCrocklin Ms. Sarah McLellan Esson M. Miller Ronald A. Molinas Ms. Katherine Moore Ms. Laura Moyer Susan Park and Harry Dell Oliver Pollard III Nancy Priddy Mr. Jonathan L. Richman Phil Rippke Ms. Abigail Roberson Mr. Littleton Roden Ms. Leslie Rubio Eva Russo Ms. Ellen M. Sayles Shawn A. Smith Ms. Leigh Anne Stacklin Mr. Levar Stoney Ms. Katherine Terrill Natalie A. Testa Ms. Cathleen Thomas Mr. T. Harper Trow Jr. Ms. Anne Vogeleer Mr. Romesh Wijesooriya Sarah Wilkinson Dean Williamson Ms. Jill Wood Kristin Beecroft Mr. Mike Farrell Ken Morici Mary Ellin Scarberry Ms. Diana Chou Mr. Hunter M. Cox Mr. Andrew Edmunds David Infante Mr. John Meszaros Ms. Sarah O. Pavilack Mr. Michael Rogers McKinley and Erica Sprinkle Mr. Thaddeus M. Williamson James Gannon Peter Hubbel Tasha Nasevich Mary Ann Peppiatt Matthew Snow Mr. Nicholas Banta Ms. Layla Thakkar Ms. Elizabeth York Valena Dixon David Ellsworth Debbie Fagan Mike Green Joanne Harding Finnigan Pollard Mr. Henry Tenser Mr. Matthew Crane Ms. Teresa M. Davis Betsy Donahue Jenner Foster Jason Hamilton and Kristen Green Mark Hagemann Devyn Keller Cindy Menz-Erb Carly Redfearn Megyn Robertson Mr. Luke Abel Jenni Baker Nancy Wright Beasley Grace Bost Scott Broderick Sarah Bryant Mr. Robert Bullington Angela Bullock Ms. Caroline B. Cardwell Robert M. Copeland Joe Doroshenk Ms. Linda Dunham Ms. Terry Ellis Michael Finsterwald Mr. Dennis Foley Ms. Valerie Hardy Akeisha Heard Mr. Eric Johnson Ms. Elizabeth Lamp Rob Lanphear Mr. Jerome Legions G. Manoli Loupassi Toni Maxey Ryan McCracken Sara Myhre Betsy Pike Robert Schulz Ms. Tara Wiley Ms. Allison S. Williams Peney Williams Debra Ann Young Lieutenant Canossa Mr. Hampton Ford Rita Frankenberry Amanda Kail Ms. Sydney Lake Carolyn Lawler Mr. Jordan Moghanaki Michael Morris Mr. Michael O'Connor Brooke Plotnick Sally Quigley Ms. Kelsey Renoll Ken Robson Ms. Amy M. Treonis Mark Hamilton Lee Kallman Eleanor Kootsey Stephanie Saccone Andrew Schwartz Linsey Holmes Mr. Christopher Kowalczyk Lauren Methena Ray Roakes Matthew Soble Christopher Adcock Mr. Robert Burgholzer Isabel Carvalho Ms. Lynn English Kyle Ficker Cate Fitt Mr. Charles A. Frankenhoff Mr. Stephen M. Hawthorne Ms. Emma G. Heinze Ms. Jane Hill Mr. Jonathan Kealing Dean Knight Mr. Thomas J. Kusiak Mr. Peter Landergan Renee Robinson Joseph Schilling Mr. Barbara Vaughan Mr. Anthony Witmer Peter Zafros Jeremy M. Lazarus Heidi and Ross Little 2024 Founding Donors #### $100,000 - Dominion Energy *(Richmond)* - Rose & Webb Estes *(Richmond)* #### $10,000-$25,000 - Priscilla Burbank & Michael Schewel *(Richmond)* - Rob & Jean Estes *(Richmond)* - Sarah & Matt Holland *(Richmond)* - Tommy and Carrie Johnstone *(Richmond)* - Anthony Markel *(Naples, FL)* - Zachary Reid *(Richmond)* - Edward H. Rice *(Vienna)* - Robins Foundation *(Richmond)* - Virginia Commonwealth University *(Richmond)* - Michael K. *(Henrico)* #### $5,000-$9,999 - Liz & Thomas Benedetti *(Richmond)* - Albert S. Diradour *(Richmond)* - Daniel Gecker *(Chesterfield)* - James W. Hazel *(Manakin Sabot)* - Richmond Association of Realtors *(Henrico)* - Tom & Wendy Rosenthal *(Richmond)* - Laura Schewel *(Richmond)* - Randy Seibert *(Richmond)* - Stephen Swift *(Rockville, MD)* - Jean & David White *(Richmond)* #### $1,000-$4,999 - AARP Virginia *(Richmond)* - Weldon Bradshaw *(Henrico)* - Commonwealth Strategy Group *(Richmond)* - Aggie & Richard Cullen *(Henrico)* - Paul Farrell & Becca Roth *(Richmond)* - Paige & Philip Goodpasture *(Richmond)* - Michael & Eva Teig Hardy *(Richmond)* - Greta J. Harris *(Richmond)* - Laurie & Dennis Hedgepeth *(Henrico)* - Independence Golf Club *(Midlothian)* - William Mattox *(Richmond)* - Sue Ann Messmer *(Richmond)* - Robin Mockenhaupt *(Falls Church)* - Motley's Asset Disposition Group *(Richmond)* - Linda and Ken Newsome *(Richmond)* - Michael & Emilie Phillips *(Richmond)* - Scott Plein *(Falls Church)* - Richmond Forum *(Richmond)* - Frankie & Steve Slaughter *(Richmond)* - Diantha R. Swift *(Rockville, MD)* - Lorna Wyckoff *(Richmond)* #### $500-$999 - The #6 Fund - Frank B. Atkinson *(Henrico)* - Robert Bailie *(Hanover)* - Donald S. Beyer Jr. *(Alexandria)* - Daniel Carey *(Birmingham, MI)* - Deborah Corliss *(Richmond)* - Shane Emmett *(Henrico)* - Brandon Fox & Christopher Arias *(Richmond)* - May & Charlie Fox *(Richmond)* - Margaret & Shashi Gupta *(Miami Beach, FL)* - Elliott & Terrell Harrigan *(Richmond)* - Mr. and Mrs. Jack Harris *(N Chesterfield)* - Michael Heaton *(Glen Allen)* - Joan Huffer and Rob Dugger *(Alexandria)* - Patricia Koval *(Richmond)* - Anita & Tom Lisk *(Richmond)* - Debra Lyle *(Richmond)* - The Family of R.H. Melton *(St. Louis, MO)* - Ben Moomaw *(Lynchburg)* - Michael Morency *(The Plains)* - Joseph Papa & John-Stuart Fauquet *(Richmond)* - L.F. Payne *(Charlottesvillle)* - Elizabeth Sauer *(Henrico)* - Tom Sherwood *(Washington, DC)* - Snead Family Foundation (Tom) *(Naples, FL)* - Mark and Beth Sprinkle *(Richmond)* - James A. Sties *(Richmond)* - Clare Tilton & David Poole *(Richmond)* - Katharine M. Webb *(Henrico)* - Stephen Weir *(Henrico)* - Julie & Paul Weissend *(Richmond)* - Paul and Janet Woody *(Richmond)* #### $250-$499 - Luke Atwood *(Richmond)* - Vance K. Bishop Jr. *(Midlothian)* - Susan Boisseau *(Richmond)* - Brian Broadway *(Henrico)* - L. Preston Bryant Jr. *(Richmond)* - Marland Buckner *(Richmond)* - Benjamin P. Campbell *(Richmond)* - Margaret & Scott Carreras *(Midlothian)* - Roxanne Cherry *(Richmond)* - Toby Desch *(Henrico)* - Linda V. Duvall *(Henrico)* - Joyce Farman *(Alexandria)* - Jennifer Fidura *(Richmond)* - Emily Francis *(Richmond)* - Anne Gambardella *(Henrico)* - David Gammino *(Richmond)* - Jacob H. Geiger *(Atlanta, GA)* - Anne A. Haskins *(Richmond)* - Jeff & Lyric Hassler *(Richmond)* - Susan Haubenstock *(Glen Allen)* - Rudene Haynes *(Midlothian)* - Patricia Hermanson *(Naples, FL)* - Thomas N. Innes *(Richmond)* - Fritz & Val Kling *(Henrico)* - Blaine Lay *(Richmond)* - Bryce Lyle *(Richmond)* - Cheryl Magazine *(Glen Allen)* - Neelan A. Markel *(Richmond)* - L. Richard Martin Jr. *(N Chesterfield)* - L. Richmond Martin III *(Spotsylvania)* - Megan & Timothy McCreary *(Richmond)* - Bill & Leigh Anne McKelway *(Richmond)* - Will Melton *(Richmond)* - Mark Mendez *(Henrico)* - Sarah Milston *(Richmond)* - J. Robert Mooney *(North Chesterfield)* - Muriel Johnson Murray *(Richmond)* - Missy Neff *(Richmond)* - Tram Nguyen *(Alexandria)* - Christina Nuckols *(Richmond)* - Kelsey L. Oostdyk *(Henrico)* - Deborah Oswalt *(Richmond)* - Penn Pendleton *(Moseley)* - Matthew Percival *(Richmond)* - Donna & David Phillips *(Wichita, KS)* - Nicholas Piasecki *(Richmond)* - R. Christian Rickers *(Henrico)* - Susan F. Robertson *(Richmond)* - Harrison Roday *(Richmond)* - Christopher Schultz - Whit Shane *(Henrico)* - Jayne & Brian Shaw *(Richmond)* - Blackwell N. Shelley Jr. *(Richmond)* - Dawn & Stuart Siegel *(Richmond)* - Erica Sims *(Richmond)* - Paula Smith *(Richmond)* - Jack and Mary Spain *(Richmond)* - Robert Sprague *(Richmond)* - Randon A. Sprinkle *(Richmond)* - Tracy Kemp Stallings *(Richmond)* - Pamela Stallsmith *(Henrico)* - Katherine H. Story *(Richmond)* - Lauren Tharp *(Richmond)* - Betsy Thomas *(Henrico)* - Maggi Tinsley *(Richmond)* - Karen Townsend *(Richmond)* - Meg & Banks Turner *(Richmond)* - W.W. Whitlock Foundation *(Mineral)* - Katherine Whitney *(Glen Allen)* #### $100 to $249 - Sarah Abubaker *(Richmond)* - Howard Cary Adams *(Richmond)* - Matt Adkins *(Richmond)* - Thomas W. Allin *(Richmond)* - Barbara Anderson *(Richmond)* - Karen Andrews *(Richmond)* - Lake M. Andrews *(Richmond)* - Judy Arginteanu *(Richmond)* - Margaret Austin *(Richmond)* - Katharine Baker *(Glen Allen)* - Robert L. Balster *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth and Tom Barila *(Henrico)* - Patrick Barranger *(Henrico)* - Stephen J. Bazydola *(New Kent)* - Jonathan L. Berke *(Richmond)* - Jack & Katherine Berry *(Richmond)* - William Berry *(Mechanicsville)* - Glen Besa *(Chesterfield)* - Brian W. Bills *(Richmond)* - Terence G. Blackwood *(Richmond)* - Kevin Bojarski *(Richmond)* - Jon Bridges *(Richmond)* - Robert H. Brink *(Arlington)* - Paul Brockwell *(Richmond)* - Bob Brown *(Henrico)* - Dale Brown *(Naples, FL)* - Gilpin and Pam Brown *(Richmond)* - Emily Bryan *(Henrico)* - James M. Burke *(Richmond)* - Jovan Burton *(Henrico)* - Laura B. Cameron *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth Canar *(Suffolk)* - Andrew Capone *(Richmond)* - John Cartier *(Richmond)* - Jeffrey R. Cartwright *(Richmond)* - Valerie Catrow *(Richmond)* - Robert H. Chappell *(Richmond)* - Kevin Cianfarini *(Henrico)* - Whittington W. Clement *(Richmond)* - Mark J. Coakley *(Henrico)* - Maureen R. Cooper *(Richmond)* - Greg Cooperman *(Richmond)* - Mark A. Creery *(Henrico)* - Beau Cribbs *(Richmond)* - Heather Crislip *(Richmond)* - Carthan F. Curran III *(Richmond)* - Deborah Daniels *(Oxford, KS)* - Trevor & Heather Daubenspeck *(Richmond)* - John G. Dicks III *(Richmond)* - Deborah Dodge *(Henrico)* - E. Henri Doggett III *(Smithfield)* - Jon A. Dudding *(Richmond)* - Stephen T. Dwyer *(Bellaire, TX)* - Berkeley Edmunds *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth F. Edwards *(Henrico)* - Maureen L. Egan *(Richmond)* - Sallie Eissler *(Lorton)* - Jo Evans *(Richmond)* - Mark Fagerburg *(Chesterfield)* - Leah Farrell-Carnahan *(Richmond)* - Ali Faruk *(Richmond)* - Heather O. Ferguson *(Henrico)* - John C. Ficor *(Richmond)* - Rowena Fratarcangelo *(Richmond)* - Seth Frazer *(Midlothian)* - Leigh and Drew Gallalee *(Henrico)* - Larkin Garbee *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth Z. Gardner *(Richmond)* - Matthew R. Garrett *(Richmond)* - Alex Gecker *(Richmond)* - Harry L. Gewanter *(Richmond)* - Frances Goldman *(Henrico)* - Adam Goldsmith *(Richmond)* - Paul Goode *(N Chesterfield)* - Brenda K. Goodman *(Richmond)* - Corinne S. Gray *(Glen Allen)* - Mike C. Gray *(Richmond)* - John and Jennifer Grogan *(Richmond)* - Richard S. Groover *(Mechanicsville)* - Marty & Gus Guthrie *(Richmond)* - Michael and Barbara Haas *(Richmond)* - Richard M. Hamrick III *(Richmond)* - Lindsay Harris *(Powhatan)* - Jon and Donna Hatfield *(Chester)* - Daniel Heneghan *(Richmond)* - Will & Jean Hershey *(Richmond)* - Gary Hess *(Glen Allen)* - Grant Heston *(Midlothian)* - Chris Hilbert *(Richmond)* - Maria & Scott Hill *(Richmond)* - Roy A. Hoagland *(Moseley)* - John C.V. Hoke *(Glen Allen)* - Jess Houser *(Richmond)* - David Infante *(Henrico)* - Melissa Jiulianti *(Richmond)* - Emma Johnson *(Richmond)* - Nick Johnson *(Richmond)* - Jane Joyner *(Richmond)* - Taylor T. Keeney *(Henrico)* - Liz King *(Bon Air)* - Ronald Klipp *(Henrico)* - Jane Kusiak *(Henrico)* - Jackson LaBoue *(Richmond)* - Steve Lack *(Richmond)* - Marie LaMonica-Sarro *(Richmond)* - Denise Landers *(Marshall)* - Regina Largent *(Richmond)* - Susan Larsen *(Richmond)* - Ellison Lenhart *(Richmond)* - Patrice Lewis *(Midlothian)* - Robert Q. Lewis Jr. *(Henrico)* - Melissa Lincoln *(Richmond)* - Shannon Lindbloom *(Richmond)* - Diana Rupert Livingston *(Richmond)* - T. Preston Lloyd Jr. - Hilary H. Long *(Manakin-Sabot)* - Kay and David Lynch *(Richmond)* - Amanda T. Macaulay *(Richmond)* - Jessica D. Madden *(Richmond)* - Max Malmgren - Matt & Kelly Marchal *(Richmond)* - Steven A. Markel *(Richmond)* - Susan Martin *(Richmond)* - Kathleen Martine *(Henrico)* - Anna D. Mason *(Richmond)* - Justin Mattingly *(Henrico)* - William Mauck *(Henrico)* - Dave McCormack *(Petersburg)* - William McDowell Jr. *(Richmond)* - Stephen McMaster *(Henrico)* - Jeffrey Merriman *(Richmond)* - Roger D. Miller *(Henrico)* - William Sheppard Miller III *(Richmond)* - William C. Mims *(Henrico)* - Neal D. Mollen *(Alexandria)* - Dena Frith Moore *(Henrico)* - Katherine H. Moore *(Richmond)* - Gordon C. Morse *(Williamsburg)* - Robert Moulden *(Richmond)* - Dick Mulligan *(Richmond)* - Bob & Beth Musick *(Richmond)* - Supervisor Tyone Nelson *(Henrico)* - George H. Nixon *(Richmond)* - Charlene V. Noll *(Richmond)* - Nick Nonnemacker *(Richmond)* - Cristy O'Keefe *(Richmond)* - Raquel Olegario *(N Chesterfield)* - Kelli Olson *(Richmond)* - Frosty Owen *(Richmond)* - Sara Page *(Richmond)* - Alexander R. Parker *(Richmond)* - Daniel Payne *(Richmond)* - Liz Pearce *(Richmond)* - Rick Pearman - Jessee Perry *(Richmond)* - Mike & Michelle Perschbacher *(Springfield)* - William Phelps *(Richmond)* - Matthew Phillips *(Wichita, KS)* - Linda Pierce *(Midlothian)* - John Cheairs Porter Jr. *(Richmond)* - Leighton Powell *(Richmond)* - Melissa Radtke *(Richmond)* - Mike Raff *(Richmond)* - Donna Ransone *(Richmond)* - Michael A. Rawls *(Richmond)* - Dan Ream and Lucretia McCulley *(Richmond)* - Max Redmond *(Richmond)* - Jeannie Reinick *(Richmond)* - Selden Richardson *(Henrico)* - William Rider *(Richmond)* - Max Riederer von Paar *(Richmond)* - Grant Rissler *(Richmond)* - Chester Roberts *(Chesterfield)* - Elizabeth Roderick *(Richmond)* - Penn & Laurie Rogers *(Henrico)* - Adam Rotche *(Richmond)* - Nick Roy *(Richmond)* - JoAnn Adrales Ruh *(Henrico)* - John A. Rupp *(Henrico)* - Andrew K. Ryan *(Henrico)* - Mark Ryan *(Richmond)* - Sean Ryan *(Henrico)* - Alyssa Salomon *(Providence Forge)* - Melissa Sanne *(Henrico)* - Cynthia S. Schmitz *(Richmond)* - Susan Schorling *(Hanover)* - James Schuyler *(Richmond)* - Michael Schwartz *(Henrico)* - Hilary Scott *(Richmond)* - Julia Seward *(Richmond)* - Virginia Sharpe *(Richmond)* - Diane Sheehey *(White Post)* - Alex & Amanda Silvester *(Richmond)* - Thomas A. Silvestri *(Richmond)* - Caroline Smith *(Richmond)* - Holly K. Smith *(Powhatan)* - Kenneth W. Smither *(Richmond)* - William G. Sneddon *(Richmond)* - Jesse D. Spangler *(Richmond)* - Andrew Stokes *(Richmond)* - G Edward Stover *(Roseland)* - Jennifer Surratt *(Richmond)* - Carole Tarrant *(Roanoke)* - Ted Thoerig *(Richmond)* - Yewell Thompson *(Richmond)* - Benjamin Travis *(Richmond)* - Thomas Trotter *(Richmond)* - James E. Ukrop *(Richmond)* - Robert S. Ukrop Jr *(Henrico)* - The Underground Kitchen *(Richmond)* - Quentin van Marcke de Lummen *(Richmond)* - Beth Vann-Turnbull *(Glen Allen)* - Antonia F.D. Vassar *(Bon Air)* - Eileen Vernon *(Williamsburg)* - Jason A. Vida *(Henrico)* - Eric Walters *(Richmond)* - Nathan Ward *(Richmond)* - Annie R. Warman *(Richmond)* - Christopher E. West *(Richmond)* - Matthew R. Wester *(Richmond)* - Isabelle White *(Richmond)* - David C. Whitehead Jr. *(Richmond)* - Charles Whitlock *(Richmond)* - Lee Williams *(Richmond)* - Bruce and Janet Willis *(Richmond)* - Ellen Willmore *(Richmond)* - Benjamin C. Wright *(Henrico)* - Katie Youell *(Richmond)* - Adam M. Zimmerli *(Richmond)* #### Under $100 - Luke Abel *(Midlothian)* - Melissa G. Abernathy *(Richmond)* - Theodore F. Adams III *(Richmond)* - Benjamin K. Adamson *(Richmond)* - Kateanne Agnelli *(Richmond)* - Faith Alejandro *(Richmond)* - Mary Arginteanu *(Richmond)* - Barbara Atkinson *(Richmond)* - Mary Kay Avula *(Richmond)* - Jameson Babb *(Richmond)* - Rebecca Baggesen *(Richmond)* - Mary M. Baltimore *(Richmond)* - Nicholas Banta *(Richmond)* - Jessie Barford *(Richmond)* - Melanie Barker *(Richmond)* - Danielle Barnes *(Richmond)* - Dominic Barrett *(Richmond)* - Sean Barry *(Richmond)* - Laura Bateman *(Richmond)* - Stephen Batsche *(Richmond)* - Mike Beabout *(Henrico)* - Thomas E. Beach *(Richmond)* - Diane M. Beirne *(Midlothian)* - William Benton *(Richmond)* - Micah Davenport Biggers *(Richmond)* - Barbara S. Bing *(Henrico)* - Greta Bollinger *(Richmond)* - John Boyer *(Richmond)* - Kenneth Bradford *(Richmond)* - Molly Brannan *(Richmond)* - Douglas N. Brown *(Henrico)* - Caryl Burtner *(Richmond)* - Ashley Calkins *(Richmond)* - Douglas D. Callaway *(Richmond)* - Katherine Calos *(Richmond)* - Julie Campbell *(Richmond)* - Madeline A. Campbell *(Richmond)* - Campfire & Co. *(Richmond)* - Caroline B. Cardwell *(Richmond)* - Bryan & Julie Carr *(Henrico)* - Daniel Carr *(Richmond)* - Steven Carter-Lovejoy *(Richmond)* - Isabel Carvalho *(Satellite Beach, FL)* - Daniel Cassiday *(Richmond)* - Riley D. Champine *(Richmond)* - Lilly Chapa - Will Chapman *(Richmond)* - William H. Chapman Jr. *(Richmond)* - David & Zoe Chernicoff *(Richmond)* - Barrett E. Clark *(Richmond)* - Christine Clarke *(Richmond)* - Vinny Clements *(Richmond)* - Harriet Coalter *(Richmond)* - Adrienne Cooley *(Richmond)* - Paul Cooper *(Richmond)* - Chip Coutts & Lynn Klanchar *(Richmond)* - Hunter M. Cox *(Henrico)* - Rob Cox *(Richmond)* - Matt Crane *(Richmond)* - Judi Crenshaw *(Richmond)* - Joshua Crites *(Richmond)* - Richard T. Cullen *(Arlington)* - Vincent Curotto *(Richmond)* - Cameron and Kevin Cutro *(Richmond)* - Kelly L. Dalton *(Richmond)* - Sharon Darby *(Richmond)* - Teresa M. Davis *(Richmond)* - Jeff Diamond *(Richmond)* - Karen Dillon *(Richmond)* - Craig DiSesa *(Ashland)* - Diana Donnelly *(Richmond)* - Don Draper *(Richmond)* - Sally Dunnington *(Richmond)* - Kristen Dutton *(Richmond)* - Carolyn Eastman *(Richmond)* - James Easton *(Richmond)* - Andrew Edmunds *(Henrico)* - Rebekah Edwards *(Richmond)* - Kelly Inge Eichfeld *(Midlothian)* - Gabrielle G. Elliott *(Richmond)* - Terry Reid Ellis *(Sutherland)* - Lynn English *(Richmond)* - Chuck Epes *(Richmond)* - Wayne Epps Jr. *(Richmond)* - Sean Erwin *(Henrico)* - Christine Eubanks *(Mechanicsville)* - Ginger & Alex Evans *(Richmond)* - Mike Farrell *(Henrico)* - Kendra G. Feather *(Richmond)* - Feedmore *(Henrico)* - Mary Kate Felch *(Chesterfield)* - Megan C. Field *(Richmond)* - Edward Filemyr *(Richmond)* - Scott Firestine *(Richmond)* - Sara A. Fishero *(Richmond)* - Whitney Fogg *(Henrico)* - Dennis Foley *(Baltimore, MD)* - Hampton Ford *(Richmond)* - Noah Holmes Foster *(Richmond)* - Debra Foust *(Richmond)* - Leah Fremouw *(Chesterfield)* - Sharon B. Freude *(Richmond)* - Friends of Bellemeade Park *(Richmond)* - Lee Fulk *(Richmond)* - Lee Fulk *(Richmond)* - John Gerner *(Richmond)* - Catherine Gioeli *(Richmond)* - Eric A. Goldenbaum *(Richmond)* - Jonathan D. Goodman *(Richmond)* - Katharine L. Gray *(Richmond)* - Frank Green *(Doswell)* - Zoe Anne Green *(Richmond)* - Katherine Greenier *(Richmond)* - Michael P. Grim *(Henrico)* - Richard H. Griset *(Richmond)* - Roby Hackney *(Henrico)* - Sarah and Parker Hale *(Richmond)* - Edward Haley *(Richmond)* - Brian Hall *(Richmond)* - Emory D. Hamlet *(Chesterfield)* - Mervyn W. Han *(Richmond)* - Steven Hartman *(Midlothian)* - Jeanne Haught *(Richmond)* - C. Matthew and Chelsea R. Haynes *(Richmond)* - Shannon E. Heady *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth S. Hendrick *(Richmond)* - Stephen Hennessey *(Richmond)* - Robert L. Hiett *(Richmond)* - Jane Hill *(Richmond)* - Patrick L. Hiltz *(Richmond)* - Victor L. Hines Jr. *(Henrico)* - Anita M. Hoffman *(Powell Butte, OR)* - Kyle Hogan *(Richmond)* - Norm & Gayle Holland *(Henrico)* - Luke Hollomon *(Henrico)* - Philippa Holloway *(Richmond)* - Sally C. Holzgrefe *(Richmond)* - Martha Childs Hrank *(Richmond)* - Carolyn Huxford *(Henrico)* - Hossein Ildari *(Henrico)* - Brittany Jezouit *(Richmond)* - Robert Johns *(Richmond)* - Connor Johnson *(Henrico)* - Michelle Johnson *(Richmond)* - John Paul Jones *(Henrico)* - Joy & Reggie Jones *(Henrico)* - Richard Jones *(Richmond)* - Jessica Jordan *(Richmond)* - Karin & Tom Kapsidelis *(Richmond)* - Julie Karr *(Richmond)* - Conner Kasten *(Richmond)* - Jonathan Kealing *(Minneapolis, MN)* - Sheila Keating *(Richmond)* - Simon N. Kelly *(Richmond)* - Pamela Kemp *(Chesterfield)* - John E. Kemper *(Richmond)* - Dan Kennedy *(Richmond)* - Theresa Kennedy *(Richmond)* - Justin Kern *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth Kiser *(Chesterfield)* - Evelyn G. Kling *(Chicago, IL)* - Paul F. Kling *(Henrico)* - Charles Knight *(Richmond)* - Michael C. Kolbe *(Richmond)* - Christopher Kowalczyk *(Chesterfield)* - Melissa Kravetz *(Richmond)* - Sydney Lake *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth Lamp *(Richmond)* - Peter Landergan *(Midlothian)* - Margaret Reynolds Langston *(Richmond)* - Benjamin Lansing *(Richmond)* - Robert Lantier *(Henrico)* - David M. Lawrence *(Mechanicsville)* - Jayson & Danielle Leek *(Richmond)* - Hunter Leemon & Dee Dee Dockendorf *(Richmond)* - John D. Leffler *(Henrico)* - Jerome Legions *(Richmond)* - Jerry Lindquist *(Manakin-Sabot)* - Margaret Lindsay *(Richmond)* - Billy Lineberry *(Richmond)* - Mary Caton Lingold *(Richmond)* - Heidi & Ross Little *(Henrico)* - Dominic P. Madigan *(N Chesterfield)* - Mason M. Mairead *(Richmond)* - Al Marschall *(Richmond)* - Troy Martin *(Richmond)* - Weston Martin *(Richmond)* - William J. Martin *(Richmond)* - Mike Mathews *(Richmond)* - Justin M. Mattingly *(Henrico)* - Anne-Marie McCartan *(Richmond)* - Julianne McFarland *(Richmond)* - Sophie McGingley *(Richmond)* - Graham McNeely *(Richmond)* - D. Cameron McPherson *(Richmond)* - Andrea Mendes *(Richmond)* - John Meszaros *(Midlothian)* - Bahnsen Miller *(Richmond)* - Brian Miller *(Richmond)* - Deborah L. Miller *(Richmond)* - Susan Miller *(Richmond)* - Emily Millhiser *(Richmond)* - Kirk Millikan *(Richmond)* - Jordan Moghanaki *(Richmond)* - Katherine Claire Moore *(Richmond)* - Jessica Morton *(Richmond)* - Christian Mosier *(Henrico)* - Kimberly Moulden *(Richmond)* - Laura Moyer *(Fredericksburg)* - Patricia A. Muller *(Richmond)* - Ian Munro *(Richmond)* - Brianna Murray *(Richmond)* - Jon Newman *(Glen Allen)* - William Northcutt *(Richmond)* - Conor O'Donnell *(Richmond)* - David Ogburn *(Henrico)* - Mary O'Keefe *(Henrico)* - Samantha O'Neil *(Henrico)* - Shannon Fara O'Neill *(Richmond)* - Susan Park & Harry Dell *(Richmond)* - Sarah O. Pavilack *(Richmond)* - Christopher Payne *(Richmond)* - Carolyn Peel *(Richmond)* - Ansley Perkins *(Richmond)* - Peter Henry *(Richmond)* - Mark Peterson *(Henrico)* - Leanne Petroziello *(Bon Air)* - Tim Pfohl *(Richmond)* - Sven Philipsen *(Richmond)* - Rebecca Pizzini *(Midlothian)* - Lynette Plummer-Henderson *(North Chesterfield)* - Cynthia Proctor *(Richmond)* - Gregory T. Rahm *(Richmond)* - Robert Rayner *(Chesterfield)* - Derek Redwine *(Richmond)* - Sara L. Reichert *(Richmond)* - Kelsey Renoll *(Richmond)* - Thomas Rice *(Midlothian)* - Anne Brooks Rich *(Richmond)* - Jonathan Richardson *(Richmond)* - Littleton Roden *(Richmond)* - Michael Rogers *(Richmond)* - Jason B. Roop *(Richmond)* - Patricia Row *(N Chesterfield)* - Daniel Royston *(Richmond)* - Leslie S. Rubio *(Richmond)* - Barb Rudolph *(Petersburg)* - Robert Rulof *(Midlothian)* - Richard Rumrill *(Richmond)* - Joe Rupp *(Richmond)* - Steven Saltzberg *(Richmond)* - Lincoln Saunders *(Richmond)* - SBDigital *(Washington, DC)* - Amy Scherer *(Henrico)* - Christian Schick *(Richmond)* - Annika Schunn *(Richmond)* - Woody Scott *(Bon Air)* - Dave Seibert *(Richmond)* - Cullen Seltzer *(Richmond)* - Jesse Senechal *(Richmond)* - Wendela K. Shannon *(Richmond)* - Victoria & Graham Sheridan *(Richmond)* - Kira A. Siddall *(Richmond)* - Lisa Sims *(Richmond)* - Michael A. Skiffington *(Henrico)* - Patrick Slawinski *(Richmond)* - Allen L. Smothers *(Richmond)* - McKinley and Erica Sprinkle *(Richmond)* - Blake Stack *(Richmond)* - Leigh Anne Stacklin *(Richmond)* - Jenny Starr & Ed Leland *(Richmond)* - Mayor Levar Stoney *(Richmond)* - Anita Storino *(Richmond)* - Mary-Helen Sullivan *(Richmond)* - Brandt Surgner *(Henrico)* - John M. Swain *(Richmond)* - Jerry Swerling *(Richmond)* - John Swift *(Richmond)* - Tim Taliaferro *(Richmond)* - Zanas Talley *(Richmond)* - Henry Tenser *(Richmond)* - Cathleen Thomas *(Richmond)* - Laura Thomas *(Richmond)* - Emily Thrower *(Richmond)* - Ann Tindall *(Glen Allen)* - Amy M. Treonis *(Richmond)* - T. Harper Trow Jr. *(Henrico)* - Evan Tuten *(Richmond)* - Sam Tuttle *(Richmond)* - Brantley Tyndall *(Richmond)* - Ted Ukrop *(Richmond)* - UpVote Virginia *(Richmond)* - Arthur M. Utley *(Henrico)* - Dave & Jan Van Dyke *(Williamsburg)* - Cameron Vanzura *(Richmond)* - Lorraine Waddill *(Chesterfield)* - Elizabeth A. Wait *(Henrico)* - August Wallmeyer *(Manakin-Sabot)* - Duront Walton *(Richmond)* - Lance K. Warren *(Richmond)* - Max Wasserman *(Richmond)* - Stephen R. Webster *(Richmond)* - Beth Weisbrod *(Richmond)* - Stephen Weisensale *(Richmond)* - Nina V. Weissberg *(Leesburg)* - Dan Werner *(Richmond)* - Laurance Wieder *(Richmond)* - Romesh Wijesooriya *(Richmond)* - Tara Wiley - Allison S. Williams *(Richmond)* - Emily Williams *(Richmond)* - Peney Williams *(Norfolk)* - Thaddeus M. Williamson *(Richmond)* - Dana P. Wilson *(Henrico)* - Erin F. Wilson *(Richmond)* - Robert C. Wilson III *(Henrico)* - Heidi Winton-Stahle *(Richmond)* - Robert E. Witham Jr. *(Glen Allen)* - Murray Withrow *(Richmond)* - Anthony Witmer *(Richmond)* - Elisabeth Wollan *(Richmond)* - Jill Wood *(Henrico)* - Jack Woodfin *(Richmond)* - Matthew Wright *(Glen Allen)* - Nicholas Wright *(Richmond)* - Eric Yellin *(Richmond)* - Elizabeth T. York *(N Chesterfield)* ### 2024 Voter Guide URL: https://www.richmonder.org/2024-voter-guide/ Last updated: 2024-10-28T13:35:35.000Z This year is an important election cycle in Richmond. Residents will elect a new mayor, City Council and School Board. As Richmonder reporters meet with candidates in each of the races, and attend forums and debates, we will update this voter guide with information about the candidates, their backgrounds, and where they stand on the issues that matter most. If you believe in the importance of quality local news, we invite you to join us. Help support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. Become a Founding Member ## Richmond's geographic boundaries The city is divided into nine districts, of roughly equal population. Each district will elect its own council and school board representative. If you are unsure which district you live in, you can use [our locator map](https://www.richmonder.org/find-my-district/). In the mayoral election, a candidate must receive a plurality of the vote (more votes than any other candidate) in five of the nine districts. If no candidate wins five districts, there will be a runoff election in mid-December. ## How to Register Oct. 15 is the deadline to [register to vote](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/) if you’re not already registered. (Voters may register in-person after this date, using a provisional ballot). [Check your registration status here.](https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/status) ## Where to Vote A new congressional district map went into effect in 2021, so your district may have changed since the last mayoral election. Here are some resources to help you find your district as well as your polling place. [Find Your District](https://www.richmonder.org/find-my-district/) [Find Your Polling Place](https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/) ## Voting FAQ ### Can I vote early in-person? Yes. Early voting will take place beginning Sept. 20 at the Office of Elections, located at 2134 West Laburnum Avenue. Starting Oct. 7, City Hall and Hickory Hill Community Center are available for early voting each weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. [Sign up for The Richmonder and support local journalism](#/portal/signup) ## [Mayoral Race](https://www.richmonder.org/2024-election-guide-richmond-mayor/) Incumbent Mayor Levar Stoney is serving his second term, meaning he is not allowed to seek reelection. Five candidates have qualified for the ballot. Learn more about them [here](https://www.richmonder.org/2024-election-guide-richmond-mayor/). [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2024/09/0904_RMK_MayoralForum24-1.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/2024-election-guide-richmond-mayor/) Richmond's five mayoral candidates at a forum on Sept. 4. *Ryan Kelly for The Richmonder* --- ## District Races ### 1st District Three candidates are running for city council in the 1st District, while the school board seat is unopposed. See[ what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%201.pdf) for 1st District residents, and learn more about the two races below. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-1st-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-1st-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 2nd District Katherine Jordan will win a second term as the city council representative unopposed, while the 2nd District has a competitive school board race between two candidates. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%202.pdf) for 2nd District residents, and learn more about the two races below. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-2nd-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-2nd-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 3rd District In the 3rd District, both races are competitive, and both have three candidates running. Current school board representative Kenya Gibson is running for city council, creating a vacancy on the school board. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%203.pdf) for 3rd District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-3rd-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-3rd-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 4th District Sarah Abubaker will join city council as she is the only candidate running in the 4th District. For the school board, there are three candidates running for a seat that was recently vacated. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%204.pdf) for 4th District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-4th-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-4th-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 5th District Stephanie Lynch will hold the city council seat, as she has no challengers, while the previous two 5th District school board representatives will face off for the seat. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%205.pdf) for 5th District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-5th-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-5th-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 6th District Ellen Robertson, the longest serving member of city council, has two challengers this year, while school board member Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed will hold her seat. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%206.pdf) for 6th District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-6th-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-6th-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 7th District Both incumbents are running in the 7th District. Cheryl Burke will claim the school board seat unopposed, while Cynthia Newbille will be challenged by Eric Sundberg for the city council seat. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%207.pdf) for 7th District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/2024-7th-district-city-council-race/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-7th-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 8th District Longtime councilmember Reva Trammell is running against Frank Henry Wilson Jr., while two candidates are seeking the school board seat - E.J. Jafari and P.H. Sherman. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%208.pdf) for 8th District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-8th-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-8th-district-school-board-race-2024/) ### 9th District The promotion of Nicole Jones from school board to city council earlier this year changed the dynamics of the 9th District races. Shavonda Dixon will run for the school board seat unopposed, while Jones is challenged by Stephanie Starling. See [what the ballot will look like](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%209.pdf) for 9th District residents, and learn more about the two races here. [City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-9th-district-city-council-race-2024/) [School Board](https://www.richmonder.org/2024-9th-district-school-board-race/) --- ## Go deeper... *Reporter Sarah Vogelsong was asked in a member Q&A how different school board candidates can be, given that they are generally all Democrats and pro-education. Her answer:* School boards broadly are unique in that almost everyone who runs for them agrees on the basic goal of ensuring that students in the public school system get a good education. To that extent, there's no difference between the candidates in this year's Richmond School Board races. Every candidate that I have talked to this year, and I've had long conversations with most of them, is passionate about that aim. But even if most candidates would identify as Democrats — and here we should note that all School Board races in Virginia are officially nonpartisan — that doesn't mean there can't be important policy differences among them. Whether the division should expand its use of 200-day school years and how the board should approach infrastructure challenges (should it prioritize maintaining and/or rebuilding neighborhood schools or should it consider closures and consolidations?) are two examples of issues that candidates may differ on that have little to do with broader partisan ideology. Additionally, one of the key issues that keeps coming up in this year's School Board races is practical rather than policy-oriented. That's the issue of good governance. A number of candidates say one of their top priorities is ensuring that the next School Board improves its governance procedures to rebalance the superintendent-board dynamic, shorten meetings, avoid last-minute agenda changes and generally minimize the kind of high-intensity fights that have gotten the body the label of "dysfunctional" over the past four years. Notably, a number of candidates say they're already seeing improvements in how the board operates. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Local news that matters, with unbiased reporting on the issues Richmond cares about. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### About Us URL: https://www.richmonder.org/about-us/ Last updated: 2026-02-19T20:46:16.000Z The Richmonder is a news outlet whose mission is to elevate the community conversation through independent reporting that avoids cynicism, reflects the fullness of our city and is free to all. These are the values that guide our work: **Local** From Richmond, for Richmond. We’re dedicated to the people and the stories in this community. **Independent** Our work is non-partisan. Our reporting is balanced and unbiased, free from external influence. **Vigilant** We hold power to account by reporting on local decisions that significantly affect our community. **Optimistic** We spotlight the people and organizations who are working to move our community forward. **Welcoming** We draw in voices from different backgrounds to reflect the fullness of our community. **Inventive** We initiate new approaches, seeking to enhance our work and how people can access it. ## Corporate structure We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to chase impact, not clicks. We are funded through the generosity of our readers. As part of our commitment to transparency, we disclose [our donors and members](https://www.richmonder.org/in-unpredictable-contest-richmond-mayoral-candidates-pitch-city-hall-reset/). Donors are never allowed input or influence on story selection or content, and cannot read stories in advance of their publication. 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He can be reached at [mphillips@richmonder.org](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org). You can meet [the rest of the Richmonder team here](https://www.richmonder.org/meet-our-team-of-contributors/). If you have a news story to call to our attention, please email [news@richmonder.org](mailto:news@richmonder.org). If you have issues with the website or your membership, please contact [support@richmonder.org](mailto:support@richmonder.org). ## Sign up for The Richmonder Local news that matters, with unbiased reporting on the issues Richmond cares about. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. 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Richmonder encourages you to periodically review the Terms to stay informed of our updates. **Contact Us** We welcome your questions or comments regarding the Terms: The Richmonder P.O. Box 14684 Richmond, Virginia 23221 support@richmonder.org ### Our policies URL: https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T21:33:50.000Z ## Editorial independence policy We subscribe to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News: Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions. We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Our organization may consider donations to support the coverage of particular topics, but our organization maintains editorial control of the coverage. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content. ## Donor Transparency Policy Our intent is for our donors to exert no more influence on our reporting than other members of the community. We do not accept anonymous gifts or those that appear to have strings attached. We publish on our website the names of all contributors. Whenever we write about a donor who has contributed $5,000 or more, we disclose this in the story, at the earliest possible opportunity. Donors at that level will also be asked to sign a statement affirming our stances. We believe that everyone in our community should have the ability to be involved in our work. We do not discriminate about sources of support. We strive for a healthy cross-section of support from different generations, those who hold divergent views and from all corners of Richmond. We believe local news is fundamentally non-partisan. We reserve the right to refuse any donation that we deem a conflict of interest or we believe could detract from our reputation as an independent, trustworthy news source. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a public trust, we do not pay certain taxes. We may receive funds from government programs offered to nonprofits or similar businesses and we will disclose all public funds we may accept in support of our mission. We may submit competitive bids to win contracts for advertising or other services from federal, state or local government agencies. Acceptance of donations, sponsorships, grants or advertising does not imply any endorsement by The Richmonder of donors’ products, services or opinions. We strive to report the news accurately. When errors happen, we will correct them as quickly and transparently as possible. ## Photo use policy The Richmonder receives many requests by groups looking to use the photos that accompany our articles. The only photos that we are able to license are taken by Richmonder staff members, and are credited as (Staff member’s name/The Richmonder). We permit free public usage of those photos in limited situations: ### **Permitted Uses:** - **Educational and Informational Use:** You may use our photos on websites, blogs, presentations, social media and printed materials for educational or general informational purposes. - **Non-Commercial Use:** Our photos may be used for non-commercial projects, including nonprofit newsletters, research papers and school projects. ### **Prohibited Uses:** - **Commercial Use or Resale:** Our photos may not be sold, licensed, or otherwise used for profit without our express written permission. - **Political Campaigns:** Our photos may not be used in any political advertisements, campaign materials, or endorsements of candidates or ballot measures. - **Alteration:** Images may not be altered in a way that misrepresents the context or subjects. ### **Required Attribution:** When using our photos, please credit “The Richmonder” and, if applicable, the individual photographer. ### **Requesting Permission:** If your intended use is outside the permitted scope (e.g., for a book, film, or commercial product), or you have other questions, please contact us at [news@richmonder.org](mailto:news@richmonder.org). The Richmonder is unable to share photos that have not been published on our website. By using our photos, you agree to comply with this policy. ### Artificial Intelligence Policy **Last updated: September 14, 2026** *Generative artificial intelligence is the use of large language models to create something new, such as text, images, graphics and interactive media. These terms will be referenced throughout this policy:* **Generative AI*: A type of artificial intelligence that creates new content, such as text, images, or media, by interpreting and generating based on input data.* **Large language models (LLMs)*: AI systems trained on vast datasets of text to understand and generate human-like language, and is the information backbone that powers Generative AI.* **AI prompt*: A specific input or instruction provided to an AI tool to generate a desired output.* **Hallucination*: The phenomenon where AI generates information or responses that are fabricated, inaccurate, or not grounded in fact.* **Training data*: The dataset — articles, research papers or social media posts — used to teach an AI model patterns, relationships and knowledge for making predictions or generating content.* *Although generative AI has the potential to improve newsgathering, it also has the potential to harm journalists’ credibility and our unique relationship with our audience.* *As we proceed, the following five core values will guide our work. These principles apply explicitly to the newsroom and throughout other non-news departments including advertising, events, marketing and development.* **Transparency** When we use generative AI in a significant way in our journalism, we will document and describe to our audience the tools with specificity in a way that discloses and educates. This may be a short tagline, a caption or credit, or for something more substantial, like an editor’s note. When appropriate, we will include the prompts that are fed into the model to generate the material. **Accuracy and human oversight** All information generated by AI requires human verification. Everything we publish will live up to our standards of verification. For example, an editor will review prompts, and any other inputs used to generate substantial content, including data analysis, in addition to the editing process in place for all of our content. **Privacy and security** Our relationship with our audience is rooted in trust and respect. To that end, we will protect our audience’s data in accordance with our newsroom’s privacy policies. We will never enter sensitive or identifying information about our audience members, sources or our own staff into any generative AI tools. As technology advances and opportunities to customize content for our audience arise, we will be explicit about how your data is collected — in accordance with our organization’s privacy policy — and how it was used to personalize your experience. We will disclose any editorial content that has been created and distributed based on that personalization. **Accountability** We take responsibility for all content generated or informed by AI tools. Any errors or inaccuracies resulting from the use of these tools will be transparently addressed and corrected. We will regularly audit feedback forms and incorporate audience feedback into policy updates. Violations of this policy will require retraining and possible disciplinary action. **Exploration** With the previous principles as our foundation, we will embrace exploration and experimentation. We will strive to invest in newsroom training so every staff member is knowledgeable about the responsible and ethical use of generative AI tools. **Logistics:** The point person/team on generative AI in our newsroom is the lead editor (currently Michael Phillips). This person will: - Write clear guidance about how we will or will not use AI in content generation. - Prepare an AI policy for board approval, and ensure that it is both internally available and where appropriate, publicly available (with our other standards and ethics guidelines). - Seek input from our audience, through surveys, focus groups and other feedback mechanisms. - Manage all disclosures about partnerships, grant funding or licensing from AI companies. - Understand our privacy policies and explain how they apply to AI and other product development. This includes regularly consulting with editors, lawyers or other privacy experts that influence newsroom policies. - Innovate ways to communicate with the audience to both educate them and gather data about their needs and concerns. **Editorial use** We will not use generative AI to write news stories. We allow the use of generative AI to improve efficiency and automate routine tasks. In upholding the five principles of AI use in our organization, we will be mindful that generative AI tools may introduce errors, misinterpret context or suggest phrasing that unintentionally changes meaning, and will review all suggestions critically to ensure accuracy. Some identified permissible uses, with restrictions, are: *Research* We may use generative AI to research a topic. This includes using chatbots to summarize academic papers and suggest others, surface historical information or data about the topic and suggest story angles. Generative AI tools may be used by fact-checkers to find checkable claims to pursue, or by journalists to sift through social media posts for article topics. A reminder: These tools are prone to factual errors, so all outputs will be verified by researchers, reporters and editors. *Transcription* We may use generative AI to transcribe interviews and make our reporting more efficient. Our journalists will review transcriptions and cross-check with recordings for any material to be used in articles or other content. *Translation* We may use generative AI tools to translate material for article research. *Searching and assembling data* We may use AI to search for information, mine public databases or assemble and calculate statistics that would be useful to our reporting and in the service of our audience. Any data analysis and writing of code used on the website will be checked by an editor with relevant data skills. *Visuals* AI-generated charts or illustrations must have any data checked by a human editor against the original source material. *Headlines or search engine optimization* Our journalists and editors may use generative AI tools to generate headlines or promotional copy to help our content appear more prominently in search engines. We will always base our headline on our journalism and not other reporting. *Copy editing* Generative AI may be used as a tool to assist with copy editing tasks, such as identifying grammar issues, suggesting style improvements or suggesting sentences to rephrase for clarity. It may not make such changes directly, only offer suggestions for human review. ### Sign up for The Richmonder's free newsletter URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T17:41:32.000Z Our email newsletter hits inboxes at 6 am three mornings a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There is no charge, and we will never sell or share your personal information. [**Learn more about us here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Join email list Sign up Completing registration... Something's gone wrong. Please try again. Success! Check your inbox for our email. ### 2024 Impact Report URL: https://www.richmonder.org/2024-impact-report/ Last updated: 2025-02-28T20:31:14.000Z The Richmonder launched in Sept. 2024\. This annual review summarizes the work we did in our first four months and our financial outlook moving forward. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/impact-report-front.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/20250228-The-Richmonder-2024-Annual-Report-web_2-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/20250228-The-Richmonder-2024-Annual-Report-web_3-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/20250228-The-Richmonder-2024-Annual-Report-web_4-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/20250228-The-Richmonder-2024-Annual-Report-web_5-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/20250228-The-Richmonder-2024-Annual-Report-web_6-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/20250228-The-Richmonder-2024-Annual-Report-web_7-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/02/impact-report-back-1.jpg) ### Thank you! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/thank-you/ Last updated: 2025-11-07T18:06:07.000Z We will reach out to you shortly! [**Back to The Richmonder**](https://www.richmonder.org/) ### 2025 Impact Report URL: https://www.richmonder.org/2025-impact-report/ Last updated: 2026-01-20T22:32:22.000Z The Richmonder is pleased to offer our readers, donors and other stakeholders this look into our first full year of operations. For a printed copy, please email support@richmonder.org with your mailing address. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/topofwelcome.jpg) On Monday mornings, The Richmonder’s reporting team gathers to catch up and make a plan for the upcoming week. In our first weeks, I would also often update the reporters on how we were doing as a brand new nonprofit. They had each taken a big risk in leaving established organizations to join a startup that promised a new way of sharing local news. But while we knew the risks, we also saw the need. The city’s newspaper is shrinking before our eyes, and the voices filling the void on Facebook and other social media sites are often unreliable, unprofessional and downright divisive. We’ve committed to a different way. We attend community meetings to hear the concerns of residents. We sit at City Hall while decisions are made that shape Richmond’s future. And we don’t use a “paywall” on our website, because we believe everybody deserves a seat at the table when important decisions are being made. I’m happy to report that our first year has been a smash hit. You’ll see some of those metrics in this report, about how many people visit the site, or our ever-growing donor list of more than 1,200 supporters. You’ll also read about some of the ways we’ve changed the city through our reporting. As we grow, we’ll hold true to our roots, providing local news coverage to help you feel informed and empowered. Because at the end of the day, this is personal for us. We live here. We believe a thriving Richmond happens when all Richmonders get a seat at the table. Thank you for joining us. We absolutely could not do it without you. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/bottomofintro.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page7.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page9.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page10.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page11.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page13.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page14.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page15.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page16.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page17.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page19.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/page20.jpg) ### READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refresh URL: https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T21:26:21.000Z The Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city's zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: ### **Project overview:** [THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean different things in different neighborhoods.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/04/zoningpuzzle2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-next-50-years-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-envisions-a-denser-city-what-will-that-look-like/) ### **Recent stories:** [Avula administration drops duplex proposal in third draft of code refresh“There will be many nervous residents that will breathe a sigh of relief when they see that update.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-5ce54a75-5179-451b-8e70-1cd837a92336.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/C2222ADB-6CC1-49D5-9D51-3C39F27ECC73_1_201_a--1--8d482de1-536f-4da7-b3b0-424c60bf239f.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-administration-drops-duplex-proposal-in-third-draft-of-code-refresh/) [Richmond’s historic Westwood neighborhood has beaten the odds for years. Can it survive rezoning?The historically Black community traces its founding to formerly enslaved men and women who put down roots in the 1870s.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a2ba09ec-cf07-4c82-91d6-def194d36ec1.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/97BB04BA-4A41-466A-96B9-7A3BD8A4F5F6_1_201_a-7d7d3316-0705-47e8-a964-6a6c1e656bfc.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-historic-westwood-neighborhood-has-beaten-the-odds-for-years-can-it-survive-rezoning/) [Third draft of code refresh to be released Aug. 17Among the key decisions the draft will resolve are how many housing units will be allowed on a single residential lot, how places of worship should be zoned and how many unrelated people can make up a household.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-dfcfe844-9f74-4167-ac73-07cf1e6e159d.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/4CC8D9CD-8261-4A04-AC16-7019CCB12A40_1_105_c-08d0a777-640c-4cbc-848f-99516ad1565e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-released-aug-17/) [As Richmond’s rezoning begins to solidify, a proposal to allow more duplexes may be on shaky groundAs might have been expected, Richmond City Council’s first public meeting on the proposed citywide rezoning was a freewheeling affair.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3b25ffb6-0845-49a6-9677-aeccd62ac67d.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/9CF6F93A-DB4E-4D24-B7FC-60D9E46002B7_1_201_a-e10f4694-5f8f-4a1e-b85e-a86ed68ec918.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) [City Council to take up three big code refresh questions: duplexes, churches and household numbers“There’s no right or wrong answer on these. What we’re looking for is to get to an answer.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-25bca8ff-6948-45da-bba0-f8c318abf1ff.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/CW2J47-d040e823-f00b-4e9a-84f6-d892604d1b45.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-to-take-up-three-big-code-refresh-questions-duplexes-churches-and-household-numbers/) [Latest study finds rezoning will spur most new housing in mixed-use corridors from urban core through West EndOverall, RKG predicts that rezoning would produce roughly 1,200 to 1,600 housing units in areas zoned for mixed use.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c6405524-969d-49af-86aa-282a39adc9b6.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/ScottsAddition2-1-a3e4a737-b53b-4545-a4bc-f68e71e2f56f.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/latest-study-finds-rezoning-will-spur-most-new-housing-in-mixed-use-corridors-from-urban-core-through-west-end/) [Third draft of code refresh to be rolled out in phases starting in JuneThe Planning Department will first release a proposal on how to handle some of the most controversial policy issues.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-11-18-at-9.02.13---PM-cd2d9a7c78e950c2d7711881e3905eeeb11e1e7ac89d63051711696c8a25b214.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-rolled-out-in-phases-starting-in-june/) [For some Richmonders, code refresh is a promise for a better future“There are a lot of Richmonders that are renters, and they want to have a say as well.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/4CC8D9CD-8261-4A04-AC16-7019CCB12A40_1_105_c.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-some-richmonders-code-refresh-is-a-promise-for-a-better-future) [Code refresh opponents air AI-generated ad showing woman with a ‘bacterial infection’ from the James RiverThe digital file is watermarked as being generated by Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c8c39c0e-9312-463c-b51e-a4a82fb86151.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-29-at-11.50.31---AM-b61a0912-4a8e-4761-a43b-e9f5368508ff.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh-opponents-air-ai-generated-ad-showing-woman-with-a-bacterial-infection-from-the-james-river/) [Richmond’s rezoning allows more development. Should it also require more trees?At a meeting of Richmond’s Zoning Advisory Council last week, everyone wanted to make one thing clear: They all loved trees.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/04/IMG_5668.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-rezoning-allows-more-development-should-it-also-require-more-trees/) [Pro-code refresh groups pitch plan to allow smaller duplexes in bid for more affordable homesThe new proposal would let duplexes be built in all single family neighborhoods, as long as the units are no larger than 1,500 square feet.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/03/5A90ED53-F652-434D-936F-B3FAF0E02B8F_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/pro-code-refresh-groups-pitch-plan-to-allow-smaller-duplexes-in-bid-for-more-affordable-homes/) [In code refresh, proposal to allow small businesses in neighborhoods draws mixed reviewsDepending on where you put it, the neighborhood store is a blessing or a curse.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/03/BE91CEA7-6FF2-41A0-A4D1-1BA094EEC61F_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-code-refresh-proposal-to-allow-small-businesses-in-neighborhoods-draws-mixed-reviews/) [Study finds rezoning impacts will be limited in single family neighborhoods due to lot layouts, economicsThe least dense of those neighborhoods would likely see virtually no new development due to high property values, according to the study.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/03/2DW0FD2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/study-finds-rezoning-impacts-will-be-limited-in-single-family-neighborhoods-due-to-lot-layouts-economics/) [At charged meeting, Trammell calls for citizen commission to rethink code refreshSeveral city councilors in attendance said they were still considering the idea.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/03/IMG_7074.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/at-charged-meeting-trammell-calls-for-citizen-commission-to-rethink-code-refresh/) [For some neighborhoods, it’s covenants — not zoning — that decides what gets built“Private land-use restrictions can lawfully impose standards that are, in some cases, more stringent than zoning code.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/02/IMG_6837.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-some-neighborhoods-its-covenants-not-zoning-that-decides-what-gets-built/) [Former city councilman’s group buys 14 billboards opposing Richmond’s code refreshJewell told The Richmonder that the billboards are being funded by individual contributions made by members of the Richmond Civic League.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/FDAAF900-5F6D-43C6-95F9-62FFED4C4814_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/former-city-councilmans-group-buys-14-billboards-opposing-richmonds-code-refresh/) [Amid affordable housing push, homes for the lowest incomes are a tough nut to crack“The need in this space is getting greater and greater.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/12/91E3C1ED-A7CA-4617-94F5-3D9A995A9259_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/amid-affordable-housing-push-homes-for-the-lowest-incomes-are-a-tough-nut-to-crack/) [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/12/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) [Residential density dominates ongoing code refresh discussionsPlanning Department officials have held 42 meetings with civic associations on the refresh.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/12/8413AC01-FAFA-4AF9-B937-A91503F61EE6_1_102-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/residential-density-dominates-ongoing-code-refresh-discussions/) [Second draft of zoning overhaul draws cautious hope from neighborhood groups but some concern from housing advocates“I really felt like our team did a good job of hearing what residents and other stakeholders were raising.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/8D38B418-A53D-438F-90A8-CD6B42C106BC_1_105_c.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/second-draft-of-zoning-overhaul-draws-cautious-hope-from-neighborhood-groups-but-some-concern-from-housing-advocates/) [For many neighborhood associations, Richmond’s zoning overhaul is too much, too fastAsk any of Richmond’s several dozen neighborhood associations what they think about the city’s ongoing overhaul of its almost 50-year-old zoning code, and you’re likely to get an earful.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/11/190ED245-58A0-430E-A566-63E3616D28FB_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-many-neighborhood-associations-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-is-too-much-too-fast/) [Affordable housing and other nonprofits launch campaign in support of zoning code changesA coalition including many of Richmond’s most active affordable housing developers has launched a campaign in support of the city’s ongoing effort to overhaul its 1970s-era zoning code.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/CACBAFC9-E6C1-41CC-A192-884C03D86EAB_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/affordable-housing-and-other-nonprofits-launch-campaign-in-support-of-zoning-code-changes/) [City planners want more feedback on rezoning maps from Southside residentsTo date, the map has gotten just over 2,000 comments and replies from 306 unique commenters.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-16-at-7.36.14---PM.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-planners-want-more-feedback-on-rezoning-maps-from-southside-residents/) [Increasing Richmond’s density wouldn’t stretch utility infrastructure too far, officials sayRichmond’s utilities system has the capacity to handle the greater housing density envisioned by the city’s overhaul of its zoning code, according to DPU Director Scott Morris.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/09/IMG_1712.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/increasing-richmonds-density-wouldnt-stretch-utility-infrastructure-too-far-officials-say/) [After complaints, city expands zoning advisory group from 17 to 21 membersCurrently, the ZAC has no members from District 4, in the southwestern part of Richmond, or District 7 in the East End.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/10/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-complaints-city-expands-zoning-advisory-group-from-17-to-21-members/) [On Chamberlayne Ave., rezoning and rapid transit raise worries about displacementAs the corridor becomes a backbone of Richmond’s transit system, planners envision development will follow.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/08/7013F942-A83A-47FD-8FD2-2C280D8EA604_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/on-chamberlayne-ave-rezoning-and-rapid-transit-raise-worries-about-displacement/) [Mushrooming development on Southside brings sidewalk and school shortfalls into focus“I think sidewalks should be included in all new development.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/09/5C3D8757-E232-462F-BD16-3E200A183DAD_1_201_a-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/mushrooming-development-on-southside-brings-sidewalk-and-school-shortfalls-into-focus/) [New draft zoning maps spark debate over disparities in densityOne advocate called it “deeply frustrating that exemptions from growth are being considered for the most educated, affluent and opportunity-rich neighborhoods of our city.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/06/F5EDB54F-2341-4E19-BE2D-35DBF824528F_1_102.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-draft-zoning-maps-spark-debate-over-disparities-in-density/) [It might be Richmond’s biggest push to create affordable housing. But many residents don’t even know it exists.Richmond has signed off on 25 agreements that, if all come to fruition, will add 3,213 affordable units to the city’s housing stock.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/07/1203-E-Brookland-Park-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/it-might-be-richmonds-biggest-push-to-create-affordable-housing-but-many-residents-dont-even-know-it-exists/) [Here is the first draft map of how Richmond could be rezoned“The map will change based on community input over the next several months.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmond-ZAC-Review_--Initial-Draft-Zoning-Map-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/here-is-the-first-draft-map-of-how-richmond-could-be-rezoned/) [Survey shows ‘generational divide’ in support for increasing density in Richmond“We need to think about what the next generation who is going to be living and working here prefers just as much as existing residents who are of an older age group.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/05/CW2J47.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/survey-shows-generational-divide-in-support-for-increasing-density-in-richmond/) *The Richmonder's work is funded by readers.* [***Learn how to contribute here.***](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) ### Sign up for The Richmonder's free newsletter URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter-2/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T16:46:34.000Z Our email newsletter hits inboxes at 6 am three mornings a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There is no charge, and we will never sell or share your personal information. [**Learn more about us here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Join email list Sign up Completing registration... Something's gone wrong. Please try again. Success! Check your inbox for our email. ### Work for The Richmonder URL: https://www.richmonder.org/jobs/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T19:40:34.000Z Current openings are listed below. Please apply by sending a cover letter and résumé to jobs@richmonder.org. *The Richmonder has no openings currently. Please check back.* --- ### **About The Richmonder** The Richmonder is a nonprofit local news organization dedicated to delivering independent, community-minded journalism that helps residents understand their city, connect with one another, and engage in civic life. We believe that local news provides the information that can elevate our community. Our mission is to inspire a more informed, better-connected community by filling gaps in local news coverage with balanced, nonpartisan reporting. **The Richmonder is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.** ### Tip Jar URL: https://www.richmonder.org/tip-jar/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T18:37:59.000Z _No content available._ ## Posts ### Oct. 21 Newsletter: Building immigrant trust URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-21-newsletter-building-immigrant-trust/ Last updated: 2026-10-21T10:00:00.000Z **Weather:** Another sunny fall day, with a high of 70. **On this date** in 1938, a regional gathering of educators makes a statement against increasing federal control of education, saying it “arouses fear and alarm in our democracy.” [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/vcu-Opportunity-Richmonder-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Jones-Avula-trust-policy.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-roll-out-trust-policy-to-boost-protection-for-immigrants/) ### Richmond officials roll out ‘trust policy’ to boost protection for immigrants Since President Donald Trump first took office in early 2017, Richmond officials have characterized Virginia’s capital city as a place that welcomes immigrants. Now, Mayor Danny Avula and the Richmond City Council are enacting a formal set of rules aiming to put those values into practice. Under the new "trust policy," Richmond promises it won't discriminate based on citizenship when it comes to providing local services and won’t collect or share immigration-related data about its residents, except when necessary to comply with federal law. Richmond police also won't question anyone about their immigration status or cooperate with civil administrative immigration enforcement. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-roll-out-trust-policy-to-boost-protection-for-immigrants/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Manchester-Connection-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-residents-worry-wave-of-bridge-projects-could-cut-off-bike-ped-access-across-river-for-years/) ### Manchester residents worry wave of bridge projects could cut off bike-ped access across river for years Manchester residents are worried the overhaul of a popular footbridge and an ambitious schedule of transportation improvements could cause the booming neighborhood’s pedestrian and bike access across the James River to be cut off for long periods of time. “Can we come up with another solution? I think that’s what everybody’s going to ask for,” said Manchester resident Ray Olson to applause at a meeting of the Manchester Alliance earlier this month. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-residents-worry-wave-of-bridge-projects-could-cut-off-bike-ped-access-across-river-for-years/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Chopshop1-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/two-men-arrested-in-connection-with-25-honda-thefts-in-richmond/) ### Two men arrested in connection with 25 Honda thefts in Richmond Over the past three weeks, 25 Hondas were stolen from Richmond residents in Woodland Heights and Northside. Now police have arrested two men in connection with the thefts and uncovered a chop shop in Petersburg where Hondas were being dismantled into parts. The Richmond Police Department said it's possible the thefts are connected to a larger criminal operation in Philadelphia, with Lt. Brian Rogers remarking that "it wouldn't surprise us if there's more people involved." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/two-men-arrested-in-connection-with-25-honda-thefts-in-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Courthouse-water.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-courthouse-closes-due-to-water-emergency/) ### Richmond courthouse closes due to water emergency Officials closed Richmond’s John Marshall Courts Building Monday morning after broken water pipes caused flooding inside the building and visible leaking outside. According to city officials, the flooding occurred when the building's baseboard heaters were turned on for the first time this fall, causing a hot water valve to break. The courthouse is maintained by the city government, and the judges who use it had already put City Hall on notice that the building was falling into a state of disrepair. [**Read more — and see videos and photos of the damage — here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-courthouse-closes-due-to-water-emergency/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-22.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cyclist-completes-cross-country-bike-ride-raising-more-than-250-000-for-type-1-diabetes-research/) ### Richmond cyclist completes cross-country bike ride, raising more than $250,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research This summer, Pat McAleer biked from Washington state to Virginia Beach, totaling 4,361 miles. He did it to raise money for diabetes research. The journey took a total of 72 days. McAleer said that he received a lot of positive support from people along his route. He noted that the “shining star” of this trip was the kindness of strangers. “I really felt restored in my faith in mankind,” said McAleer. “Regardless of politics, people were really good to me. I met so many people from so many different walks of life who gave me meals, water on the side of the road, and people would just make sure I was okay.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cyclist-completes-cross-country-bike-ride-raising-more-than-250-000-for-type-1-diabetes-research/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/260817_0169_jm900.jpg)](https://vcu.exposure.co/the-class-of-2030-has-arrived?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU Class of 2030** The Class of 2030 brings together students from a variety of communities, cultures and experiences, each contributing distinct perspectives, talents and ambitions. They come from different places and are pursuing different paths, but they have one thing in common: They are Rams, ready to shape what comes next and build futures that are unlimited. Here’s a snapshot of the first-year class: - **4,520 students** from **38 states,** including Virginia, as well as **77 countries.** - **40% are first-generation students.** - **60% of the class** are starting with some college credit. [**Read more.**](https://vcu.exposure.co/the-class-of-2030-has-arrived?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) --- ### In other news - [**Student shot at Virginia Union University, campus on lockdown**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/virginia-union-university-lockdown-oct-20/) (8News) - The man, who VUU Police identified as a student at the university, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. - [**In the summer of 1930, Byrd Park hosted a children’s endurance bicycle race that lasted more than a month**](https://useful.bike/post/830566322286067712/in-the-summer-of-1930-byrd-park-hosted-a) (Useful.bike) - The race attracted an occasionally rowdy crowd numbering over a thousand people at times. - [**Neighbors concerned after escaped inmate found outside Chesterfield home: 'How did this guy get away?'**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/law-enforcement-is-alerting-public-to-escaped-inmate-from-chippenham-hospital) (WTVR) - The inmate was on the loose for about 11 hours. - [**Richmond woman says Flock cameras led police to tow wrong car**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/10/19/richmond-woman-says-flock-cameras-led-police-tow-wrong-car/) (WWBT) --- *Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Richmond cyclist completes cross-country bike ride, raising more than $250,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cyclist-completes-cross-country-bike-ride-raising-more-than-250-000-for-type-1-diabetes-research/ Last updated: 2026-10-21T09:31:59.000Z A Richmond father and cyclist has returned home from a cross-country bike journey, raising more than $250,000 for Type 1 diabetes research and awareness. This summer, Pat McAleer biked from Washington state to Virginia Beach, totaling 4,361 miles for his Type 1 diabetes fundraising campaign, [Ride Pat Ride](https://www.ridepatride.org/about-pat). Throughout his trek, McAleer had an important person in mind to motivate his efforts, his daughter Mary Kate. McAleer’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 10 years old, in 2009\. Shortly after learning about her diagnosis, McAleer and his family began working with Breakthrough T1D (a nonprofit formerly known as JDRF) to help raise money through organized fundraising walks. McAleer has enjoyed biking since childhood, and his love for it continued over the years. “To me, biking has always meant freedom,” he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/unnamed--15-.jpg) His love for traveling via bike grew in 2021, after breaking his toe and having to rent a bicycle to complete the Camino de Santiago, a famed pilgrimage in Spain. “That ended up being the catalyst for me. When I came home, I went to Journeyman’s Adventure Co., down in Shockoe Bottom, to buy a bike suitable for this kind of travel, put panniers on it and just started doing these big trips,” said McAleer. “Anywhere from five days, to maybe two weeks.” In July, McAleer retired and decided that he was going to take his biking and fundraising efforts to the next level. “I had been thinking about it for about three or four years, about doing a big fundraiser. I like cycling and traveling, so it all just kind of fell into place,” said McAleer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/unnamed--17-.jpg) McAleer decided to do a self-funded biking route across the country, with the goal of raising $250,000 for Type 1 diabetes research. Collaborating with Breakthrough T1D, McAleer created his campaign, [Ride Pat Ride](https://www.ridepatride.org/support), so that people could follow his progress, donate to the fundraiser, and share stories of their own. He completed most of the ride on his own. For a portion of his ride, he met up with 20 other bikers in Buffalo, who were friends of his that were also raising money for two other Richmond-based charities: [Sportable](https://sportable.org/) and the [Fanconi Cancer Foundation](http://fanconi.org/who-we-are/). McAleer shared that one of the ways that he kept motivated was through remembering who it was all for. He began writing the names of people that he knew that were affected by Type 1 diabetes on pieces of duct tape that he’d stick to his handle bar for the day, keeping a different person and their story on his mind each ride. “I took off a piece of tape and wrote my daughter’s name, and put it on my handle bar, right where I’d see it, and that was how I rode that day,” said McAleer. “That was my way of being like, ‘OK, I’m doing this for my daughter and others who live with this disease.’ Towards the end, I probably had about 70 names on my bag.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/unnamed--18--1.jpg) At the start of the journey. On Oct. 8, McAleer rode through Innsbrook in the West End, where he was cheered on by friends, family, and his community. McAleer successfully met his original goal of $250,000 on Oct. 10, before completing his journey. “I started getting texts from friends and family that we had actually reached the goal,” said McAleer. “It felt like a great sense of accomplishment and pride. That was really an awesome experience.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/unnamed--20--1.jpg) The journey took a total of 72 days. McAleer said that he received a lot of positive support from people along his route. He noted that the “shining star” of this trip was the kindness of strangers. “I really felt restored in my faith in mankind,” said McAleer. “Regardless of politics, people were really good to me. I met so many people from so many different walks of life who gave me meals, water on the side of the road, and people would just make sure I was okay.” As of Oct. 15, McAleer has raised $252,910 and counting. While McAleer’s ride is over, the fund will still be accepting donations through [RidePatRide](https://www.ridepatride.org/support) for the next few weeks. ### Manchester residents worry wave of bridge projects could cut off bike-ped access across river for years URL: https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-residents-worry-wave-of-bridge-projects-could-cut-off-bike-ped-access-across-river-for-years/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T19:02:54.000Z Manchester residents are worried the overhaul of a popular footbridge and an ambitious schedule of transportation improvements could cause the booming neighborhood’s pedestrian and bike access across the James River to be cut off for long periods of time. “Can we come up with another solution? I think that’s what everybody’s going to ask for,” said Manchester resident Ray Olson to applause at a meeting of the Manchester Alliance earlier this month. This fall, the Department of Public Works unveiled preliminary plans to replace the Manchester Connection, a pedestrian bridge that crosses Norfolk Southern’s railroad tracks and ties into the popular T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge. Engineers with the Department of Public Works and consultants RK&K repeatedly said the design of the roughly $6.3 million project is still in its early stages and the city is considering all options. But whatever solution they land on, the bridge replacement is expected to take between a “best-case scenario” of 12 to 15 months and a worst-case scenario of two years, said David Gutermuth, a project manager with RK&K. Much of the delay is expected to be due to the difficulty of coordinating with the railroad, which actively runs trains along the line and requires flaggers onsite for parts of construction. While the bridge is shut, “the only legal access would be from the Floodwall,” said Gutermuth. That possibility has filled many residents with dismay — particularly because other major closures are expected as Richmond rebuilds the Mayo Bridge and revamps the pedestrian corridor down the center of the 9th Street Bridge into a shared use path for the Fall Line Trail. [$126 million segment of Fall Line Trail could rewire Southside's transportationOne of the Fall Line Trail's most significant benefits could be its expansion of bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Richmond’s Southside, which has long lagged other parts of the city in options to get around without a car.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-27826b0e-9406-4967-84bf-cc6541c8845c.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Commerce-Rd-1-706d8dac-c028-4eb5-b3e9-8050f1d894db.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/126-million-segment-of-fall-line-trail-could-rewire-southsides-transportation/) “What are the possibilities to stagger things?” asked Woodland Heights resident Lisa Hatcher at the Manchester Alliance meeting. “The idea of the city putting together everything all at the same time is absolutely ridiculous.” Schedules and details of all three projects are evolving, but Jensen Gavulic, a spokesperson for Richmond’s Department of Transportation, outlined the latest plans for The Richmonder: **Mayo Bridge:** Construction is expected to begin in August 2028 and conclude in spring 2033\. The bridge will remain open to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists during the initial stages of construction, but a full closure will eventually be necessary. During that time cyclists will be detoured to the 9th Street Bridge and pedestrians to GRTC buses. “The exact timing and duration of that closure have not yet been determined and will depend on the construction approach selected by the design-build team,” said Gavulic in an email. **9th Street Bridge:** Construction is expected to begin in fall 2029, although Gavulic said the project team “is exploring opportunities to advance that timeline.” “The city intends to maintain pedestrian and bicycle connectivity across the Manchester Bridge throughout construction,” she wrote. “While specific access arrangements and potential restrictions will be determined as the design progresses, maintaining these connections remains a project requirement.” **Manchester Connection:** Construction is expected to begin in summer 2028 and last up to two years. Gavulic said that “engineers are working to reduce the duration of the closure.” Janet Woodka, president of the Manchester Alliance, said even a six-month closure of the Manchester Connection “is not acceptable to the community.” “We’re not being selfish. We’re not just talking about Manchester,” she said. “We’re talking about everybody on the Southside having access to the north side of the river. We are talking about businesses like Allianz Ampitheater and Costar. I mean, there’s Costar employees here who walk across it every day going to work.” [‘We’ve heard clearly that it is a priority for the community’: Bike lanes remain a sticking point on Mayo Bridge proposalThe Fire Department said any physical barriers would keep cars from getting out of the way of fire trucks crossing the bridge.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-236e3721-e353-4e47-a8aa-1885dd11f6f1.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Mayos-Bridge-Website-Photo-1-77e76d2b-f9b4-4d01-a1cf-8b6e94ebd1b9.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/weve-heard-clearly-that-it-is-a-priority-for-the-community-bike-lanes-remain-a-sticking-point-on-mayo-bridge-proposal/) Unlike the Mayo Bridge, which the state has classified as structurally deficient for years, engineers consider the Manchester Connection to be in good shape. “The substructure is very robust. It is a very well-built bridge by the Army Corps of Engineers,” said Gutermuth. What’s driving the replacement of the upper part of the bridge (the bottom will be left intact) is the desire to expand the width from its current 6 feet to 10 feet, allowing it to become a safer shared-use path for both pedestrians and bikers. The expansion will also allow it to serve as what Gutermuth called “a critical spur for the Fall Line Trail,” which will cross the river on the 9th Street Bridge. Gavulic told The Richmonder that the city “recognizes the importance of maintaining pedestrian and bicycle connections between Manchester and downtown, particularly as several major transportation projects move toward construction.” “While construction will bring temporary disruptions, these improvements are part of a larger effort to build a safer, more connected and accessible Richmond for generations to come,” she said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Richmond officials roll out ‘trust policy’ to boost protection for immigrants URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-roll-out-trust-policy-to-boost-protection-for-immigrants/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T17:26:41.000Z Since President Donald Trump first took office in early 2017, Richmond officials have characterized Virginia’s capital city as a place that welcomes immigrants. Now, Mayor Danny Avula and the Richmond City Council are enacting a formal set of rules aiming to put those values into practice. Broadly, Richmond’s new [“trust policy”](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/2026.City%20of%20Richmond.Trust%20Policy.English.pdf?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=ctct) says the city won’t discriminate based on citizenship status when it comes to providing local services and won’t collect or share immigration-related data about its residents, except when necessary to comply with the law or rules for federally funded programs. The policy states that the Richmond Police Department won’t question anyone about their immigration status and won’t cooperate with “civil administrative immigration enforcement.” Police officers will only ask for identification documents “for the purpose of establishing a person’s identity,” and failure to provide ID won’t be treated as a criminal offense unless someone gives a false identity. At a news conference Monday at the city’s Southside Community Services Center, Avula said the policy is about making sure every Richmonder can access government services “without fear,” making it clear that city resources won’t be used for federal immigration enforcement and ensuring city employees “understand their responsibilities.” “It’s about sending a clear message to our immigrant neighbors that you are a part of this community and that your local government is here to serve you,” Avula said. As someone born in India who came to America at a young age, Avula said the issue is “really personal” to him. “My early years in this country were filled with experiences where I didn't feel welcomed, or I was outright mocked or misunderstood or just made constantly othered,” Avula said. “So much so that those early experiences in my life resulted in me actively running away from my Indian heritage and rejecting anything that highlighted the ways that I did not fit in.” In adulthood, the mayor said, he’s come to “appreciate the value and beauty of my culture” and “the ways that my heritage and that of all of our residents contribute to the beauty and the diversity of our society.” According to 2025 U.S. Census estimates, residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino now make up roughly 10.7% of Richmond’s population. The trust policy resulted from a joint effort by Avula, the City Council and advocacy groups and citizen activists that have pushed for more official pro-immigrant policy against the backdrop of Trump’s second-term crackdown on undocumented communities. Last month, the Council passed a resolution supporting the creation of the trust policy. Councilor Nicole Jones, a New York native who now represents Southside’s 9th District, said she too knows what it’s like to be a newcomer. “I moved to Richmond in the ’90s and built my life here from the ground up. I know what it is to find your footing in a new place, to figure out who you can trust and where you belong,” Jones said. “And I know the difference it makes when a community makes room for you.” Carolina Luna — who came to Richmond from Guatemala in 2003, became a citizen in 2017 and now serves as an organizer with the Latinx Hispanic Civic Association — said many immigrants are “always scared right now.” “They worry that simply asking for help could put everything at risk,” Luna said. Richmond hasn’t been targeted with the same kind of large-scale federal presence some bigger cities have seen since Trump regained the White House partly on promises of stricter immigration enforcement. When ICE activity was at its peak across the country, Avula said, Richmond officials saw “a precipitous decrease in 911 calls and people coming to access services.” “I think we've kind of seen that plateau over the last, I don't know, six months,” Avula told reporters after Monday’s announcement. “But the fact remains that people are concerned.” The mayor said frontline city employees will be trained on the new policy, which he expects to be fully implemented by the end of the year. The policy says no city resources can be used to help with civil immigration enforcement and states federal immigration authorities cannot access any city building or property without proper legal authorization. Part of the training, Avula said, will focus on what city employees should do if federal authorities show up. “The answer to that is in our trust policy we've outlined that the Richmond Police Department would come and verify whether they're there legitimately or not,” Avula said. The new policy doesn’t apply to the office of Richmond Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who oversees the city jail, where ICE agents [occasionally try](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fcf47a98b-f13b-40ae-bfe4-0eb8a178a674.html) to pick up undocumented immigrants arrested on local charges. As a constitutional officer elected to office on her own, the mayor doesn’t have authority over the sheriff. Irving didn’t attend Monday’s press event. The policy says the city will request yearly information from the sheriff about contact with immigration officials “for transparency and informational purposes.” Avula indicated he could not yet say whether Irving intends to provide that information when asked. “I’ve not really heard anything from her on it,” Avula told reporters. The new policy also says the city won’t disclose any “personally identifiable information” that could be used to help with immigration enforcement. It specifies the confidentiality rule doesn’t supersede public-records transparency required by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Avula said the policy largely codifies the city’s existing practices, while also sending a signal to city employees about how they’re expected to interact with immigrant communities. “We've heard from residents not necessarily that people are asking for information or storing or sharing information that they shouldn't,” Avula said. “But that they're just not feeling welcomed or that they're not feeling like the frontline city staff necessarily are making that extra effort.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Two men arrested in connection with 25 Honda thefts in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/two-men-arrested-in-connection-with-25-honda-thefts-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T18:06:27.000Z Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of 25 Honda CRVs and Accords from Richmond’s Woodland Heights and Northside neighborhoods over the past three weeks. On Thursday, police arrested and charged Jhon Alexander Jabier, 22, and Luiyi Munoz-Inoa, 33, with grand larceny-auto and conspiracy to commit larceny. Police said Jabier’s last known address was in Newark, New Jersey, while Munoz-Inoa is from Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, an area about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia. According to the Richmond Police Department, the thefts were traced to the Petersburg area, where detectives located a chop shop containing dozens of Honda parts including several motors linked to vehicles stolen from Richmond. “We feel confident that we’ve disrupted the string of Honda CRVs that were stolen in the two specific areas of the city,” said Richmond Lt. Brian Rogers Monday. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Chopshop2.jpeg) Honda parts found during an investigation of the Petersburg chop shop. (Richmond Police Department) While investigation is still underway, Richmond police said the thefts may be connected to a larger criminal operation. Philadelphia police have [recently found a chop shop in that city where stolen Hondas were being stripped for parts](https://6abc.com/post/police-uncover-alleged-chop-shop-stolen-hondas-north-philadelphia/19889081/). Two of the vehicles found at the Petersburg chop shop, located in a former auto repair business in the 2500 block of Deerfield Drive, had been stolen from New York State. “We’re in very early stages, so it wouldn’t surprise us if there’s more people involved,” said Rogers. While Richmond police initially thought car thieves may have been using some kind of device to unlock the stolen Hondas, Rogers said Monday that in many cases the entire door lock assembly was simply torn out of the vehicles. [10 Hondas have been stolen in Richmond since last week. Here's what to know about the 'relay attack' theftsFive of the thefts were in the Woodland Heights neighborhood.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-55059418-4b8b-4e82-8159-8d702be2468a.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2G03PYG-9ae658ed-3a74-4c2e-8ba3-fc71accbb4e1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/10-hondas-have-been-stolen-in-richmond-since-last-week-heres-what-to-know-about-the-relay-attack-thefts/) “What we think was happening is they were defeating the door mechanism or the door lock, entering the car and stealing it with some kind of technology device from there,” he said. Police apprehended Jabier and Munoz-Inoa Thursday after a Flock camera in Petersburg picked up the license plate of a vehicle that had just been stolen from Richmond. An AirTag placed by an owner inside another stolen vehicle as a precautionary measure also helped lead police to what Rogers described as “a pretty significant chop shop operation” with approximately 35 car doors, 10 hoods, 12 trunk lids and dozens of other Honda parts. One Honda CRV recently stolen from Richmond was found cut in half. Other Richmond owners were more lucky: five have been returned “with minimum damage to the locking mechanism,” said Rogers. While no additional thefts of Hondas have occurred in Richmond since the Thursday arrests, Rogers urged owners to continue taking precautions such as using wheel locks. “The risk of your Honda being stolen still remains,” he said. “You know, if it’s not this group of individuals, it could be just as easily another group of individuals.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Richmond courthouse closes due to water emergency URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-courthouse-closes-due-to-water-emergency/ Last updated: 2026-10-20T12:29:28.000Z Officials closed Richmond’s John Marshall Courts Building Monday morning after broken water pipes caused flooding inside the building and visible leaking outside. A pair of sheriff’s deputies were positioned outside the building as of around 11 a.m., instructing people showing up to do business at the courthouse that they couldn’t go in. Internal pipes burst and created “a lot of water” on the building’s second and third floors, according to Circuit Court Clerk Ed Jewett. “Damage has been contained to areas not open to the public,” Jewett said in an email. A city press release said all hearings and trials would be rescheduled, and instructed people with questions to call a phone number that only led to a recording message saying the building was closed. Officials have indicated the building will reopen Tuesday. "Please contact us tomorrow and we'll be glad to assist you," the phone recording said on Monday. The courthouse is maintained by the city government, and the judges who use it on a daily basis had already put City Hall on notice that the building was falling into a state of disrepair. Late Monday afternoon, city officials said the flooding occurred when the building's baseboard heaters were turned on for the first time as temperatures drop. That caused a hot water valve to break, according to the city. The flooding involved clear water, not wastewater. City Hall's facilities team was at the building Monday working on cleanup and repairs. "Vacuums have been used to collect a large portion of the water, and dehumidifiers and fans are being used to dry out the rest," said city spokesperson Michael Hinkle. "Furniture/wall hangings/etc. have been moved out of areas that were particularly impacted." The flooding appeared significant enough to cause damage, according to photos and videos obtained by The Richmonder from a source connected to the courthouse. One photo showed standing water in a room filled with records. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/1924867913548234148.jpg) A video appears to show part of the ceiling collapsing in the office of General District Court Clerk Cecelia V. Garner. 0:00 /0:22 1× In an order closing the building for the day, Chief Circuit Court Judge Richard B. Campbell called the flooding "extreme." In May, the judges took [legal action](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-judges-take-legal-action-against-city-government-over-courthouse-conditions/) seeking to compel City Hall to move faster with plans to either majorly renovate the building or construct an entirely new courthouse. The city was ordered to hire an outside firm to explore those options, with an initial report due next month. 0:00 /0:12 1× ### **City leaders discuss options at legislative summit** On the same day as the courthouse emergency, city and state officials were set to meet a few blocks away to discuss Richmond's priorities for the next General Assembly session. Council Vice President Katherine Jordan (2nd District) raised the courthouse issue during that discussion. "As everyone knows, the City Council is being sued over the condition of the courts building," Jordan said. "We'll have some good information on it probably by the end of the year." It's not yet clear if Richmond might seek state funding for a courthouse project. The [legislative agenda](https://richmondva.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=16073148&GUID=909A0055-17D4-478E-AEC5-B5590EAEC847) the Council passed earlier this month says Richmond supports "allocating funding" for the courthouse project. But the topic isn't one of the city's top few priorities and isn't listed in a section detailing specific "budget requests." At Monday's meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said a project to replace the courthouse at its existing site could cost around $150 million based on the work done on the project to date. Donald said it appeared the court's preference was to stay at the current location. Local architectural design firm Baskervill is currently doing an assessment of the current courthouse and coming up with a plan for a "reconstructed courthouse," according to a court order. The firm is due to deliver a report by Nov. 20. Officials had previously considered setting up an expert panel to review the courthouse conditions, but that process is on hold until Baskervill's work is completed. The city's risk management team was also at the courthouse Monday, officials said, and should have a clearer picture of the extent of the damage later this week once things have dried out. 0:00 /0:07 1× *This is a breaking news story and will be updated* *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### October 19, 2026, Notice of Application for ABC License, The Bach LLC URL: https://www.richmonder.org/october-19-2026-legal-notice-the-bach-llc/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T14:27:59.000Z The Bach LLC, trading as Burger Bach, 3426 W. Cary St. BLDG, Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia 23221 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL AUTHORITY (ABC) for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application \- Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Davante Hicks: Owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license should be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the pubishing date of the first of two required posted legal notices. Objections should be registered at [www.abc.virginia.gov](http://www.abc.virginia.gov) or 800-552-3200 💼 Want to place a public notice with The Richmonder? [****See details here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/legal-notice-information/) ### Oct. 19 Newsletter: Virginia Home redevelopment rejected URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-19-newsletter-virginia-home-redevelopment-rejected/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T10:00:01.000Z **Weather:** Fall weather reigns this week; high of 68. **On this date** in 1993, Republican candidate for governor George Allen says a politician's religion should be a private matter in response to a $10,000 contribution from Pat Robertson. **Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU Health** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Leaderboard-Ad_2184x270.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-23.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-rejection-of-21-townhouse-plan-linked-to-virginia-home-leaves-randolph-site-in-limbo/) ### City Council rejection of 21-townhouse plan linked to Virginia Home leaves Randolph site in limbo Richmond’s City Council overwhelmingly rejected a plan that would have built 21 market-rate townhouses in the Randolph neighborhood, with some members and residents expressing hope that affordable housing could be constructed on the site instead. Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) cautioned that “people may be holding out for another project that may never come,” noting that affordable developers did not express interest in the site. His colleague Stephanie Lynch (5th District) warned that under the state’s new Faith in Housing legislation, the Virginia Home would have the right to develop affordable housing on the site without any public input on what it looked like and only minimal guardrails from the Planning Department. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-rejection-of-21-townhouse-plan-linked-to-virginia-home-leaves-randolph-site-in-limbo/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-7.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-maymonts-garden-glow-returns-with-enhanced-laser-light-tunnel/) ### Photos: Maymont's Garden Glow returns with enhanced laser-light tunnel This year marks the ninth edition of the Garden Glow event, which has become the park's largest annual fundraiser. [**See more photos here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-maymonts-garden-glow-returns-with-enhanced-laser-light-tunnel/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-24.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/ricky-irby-pulls-double-duty-as-a-football-coach-and-ad-thats-increasingly-rare/) ### Ricky Irby pulls double duty as a football coach and AD. That's increasingly rare. Thirty years ago, it was common, if not expected, for a school’s athletic director to also be a sitting head coach. But as years went by and schools began adding job responsibilities from events and activities outside of athletics, the dual role began to fade away. At Hopewell, Irby arrives at school every day at 6:30 a.m., first fulfilling his role as the school’s in-car driving instructor before settling in for his larger role. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/ricky-irby-pulls-double-duty-as-a-football-coach-and-ad-thats-increasingly-rare/) **ALSO IN SPORTS:** [**Defense makes big plays for Petersburg in victory over Meadowbrook**](https://www.richmonder.org/defense-makes-big-plays-for-petersburg-in-victory-over-meadowbrook/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Image.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) ### U.S. News & World Report names VCU Medical Center No. 1 hospital in Virginia Virginia's best, and among the nation’s best. VCU Medical Center has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. U.S. News also recognized the medical center among the Top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery at No. 29, and orthopedics at No. 44\. The publication also ranked VCU Medical Center No. 1 in the Richmond metro area for the 16th consecutive year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- ### Last week's most-read stories - [**Chesterfield Towne Center is getting a facelift, but won’t join other mixed-use makeovers**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/) - [**A high school coach held football practice in blistering heat. What happened next nearly tore the team apart**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-high-school-coach-held-football-practice-in-blistering-heat-what-happened-next-nearly-tore-the-team-apart/) - [**As EDA told Squirrels to vacate Diamond, officials gave VCU the option for new lease**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-eda-told-squirrels-to-vacate-diamond-officials-gave-vcu-the-option-for-new-lease/) - [**The largest croquet club in the world is nearby, and it's hosting the North American championships this weekend**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/) - [**YWCA partially reopens Sprout School as parents call for a board investigation into operations**](https://www.richmonder.org/ywca-partially-reopens-sprout-school-as-parents-call-for-a-board-investigation-into-operations/) --- ### In other news - [**Law enforcement is alerting public to escaped inmate from Chippenham Hospital**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/law-enforcement-is-alerting-public-to-escaped-inmate-from-chippenham-hospital) (CBS 6) - Law enforcement authorities are actively searching for an escaped inmate who fled custody Sunday night after receiving medical treatment at Chippenham Hospital. - [**2-year-old put administrator’s loaded gun in their mouth while at Richmond daycare**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/child-loaded-gun-mouth-thrive-learning-center-east/) (8News) - The DSS said the incident wasn't reported for multiple days, and the daycare has previous violations. - [**Wrongful death lawsuit filed against SwimRVA in drowning of 9-year-old King Overton**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/10/16/wrongful-death-lawsuit-be-filed-against-swimrva-drowning-9-year-old-king-overton/) (12 On Your Side) - National civil rights attorney Ben Crump is part of the family’s legal team. - [**Metzger announces they’ll be closing for good in December**](https://rvahub.com/2026/10/16/metzger-announces-theyll-be-closing-for-good-in-december/) (RVAHub) - "I’m sure it’s no surprise to other small business owners, but this year has been the nail in the coffin for us after years of changes and hardships post Covid." --- ### The editor's desk Friday's newsletter had two errors. The [**world's largest croquet club**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/) is in the Middle Peninsula, not the Northern Neck. Also, an item about [**Chesterfield Towne Center's redevelopment**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/) incorrectly summarized a county planning commissioner's quote. He was referring to how developers have attempted to build mixed-use properties in the county, not weighing in on mixed-use itself. We regret these errors and remain committed to keeping them to a minimum through our editing process, but will always correct them publicly and transparently when they occur. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### High school football: Panthers bare their claws as Highland Springs looms in Week 9 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-panthers-bare-claws-as-highland-springs-looms-in-week-9/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T09:36:51.000Z Command performances, a season-saving upset and some expected results. Week 8 set the table for the final furious three weeks of the regular season that lie ahead. Hermitage played its best game yet, throttling rival Glen Allen and giving the Panthers big momentum as they head to Highland Springs on Friday. The Springers took care of their last-minute replacement, St. Frances Academy of Maryland. Varina ran away from Hanover, Thomas Dale’s offense returned in force in a 42-6 win over Dinwiddie, Hopewell scored 40-plus for the sixth straight week, and Midlothian, Petersburg, Huguenot and Douglas Freeman all took care of business on their respective marches to the postseason. Atlee overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to stun Armstrong, and don’t look now, but Benedictine is roaring back in the private-school ranks, getting a win Friday while counterparts Trinity Episcopal and St. Christopher’s lost on Saturday. Check out the complete Week 8 scoreboard and the latest RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll below. [RVA Sports Network![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-46f43464-0abc-4b28-a31c-31f65769bcd2.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-4811e9c3-3824-4d65-a3d6-a8446f59afca.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/) ### Week 8 standouts **Hermitage’s rushing offense:** How about 410 total yards, with Jahson Allums accounting for 192 and two touchdowns as the Panthers completely stymied Glen Allen 41-7 to solidify their playoff position in Region 5C. **Devin Boisseau, Varina:** He’s spent a couple of weeks starting at quarterback while Kaleb Wyche has nursed an injury. Wyche returned for Friday’s 55-14 win at Hanover, but Boisseau saw some impressive time under center, going 7 of 8 for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a fumble recovery from his usual secondary position. **Wyatt Jessup, Thomas Dale:** The Knights are getting healthy, and the junior quarterback has benefited, going 16 of 25 for 235 yards and four passing touchdowns in Thomas Dale’s victory **Dyson Coleman, Midlothian:** While Cosby held the Trojans to 155 total yards, Coleman maximized his opportunities, opening the scoring on a 70-yard interception return, then hauling in a 41-yard pass from Gibson Gross for 6 as Midlothian bested the Titans 28-7. ### Unsung hero **Walker Pasowicz, Atlee:** Talk about the epitome of doing your job. After hearing coach Matt Gray’s halftime talk (see below), the junior not only blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown, he switched places and returned a blocked field goal attempt to set up Atlee’s game-winning touchdown in its victory at Armstrong that keeps the Raiders’ playoff hopes alive. ### Game of the week **No. 11 Hopewell (6-1) at No. 5 Petersburg (7-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:** It’s the biggest game between these Tri-Cities rivals in a generation. Both teams have created separation in Region 3A, with the Blue Devils, ranked 11th in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll, a quarter point ahead of the Crimson Wave. For all the talk of Hopewell’s young, explosive offense and Petersburg’s relentless defense, it’s Hopewell’s defense that must meet the moment if the Blue Devils want to seize first place in the region. ### Games we’re watching **No. 10 Hermitage (5-2) at No. 2 Highland Springs (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Panthers fell one score short in last year’s Region 5C championship game against the Springers. Both teams put on brilliant performances in Week 8, and both will have a lot to say in this region again come November. Highland Springs leads by more than a point over Midlothian, while Hermitage jumped over Glen Allen and James River to take over fifth place. **King William (6-1) at No. 12 Mechanicsville (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Mustangs put up 42 points in a row before pulling their starters in a win over Henrico. But now they must contest with the Cavaliers’ all-everything quarterback K’Sean Hill in one of the biggest assignments for Mechanicsville’s defense this season. Both teams are in fourth in their respective regions but not comfortably. This game may decide which school gets to host a first-round playoff game. **No. 4 Midlothian (7-1) at James River (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** This will be one of the biggest Coal Bowl games in its three decade-plus history. The Trojans enter in second place in Region 5C, while the Rapids are in seventh. James River begins a three-game gauntlet here, with Huguenot and L.C. Bird still to come. Midlothian is rooting for Hermitage to knock off Highland Springs to give the Trojans a shot, with a win, to take over the top region seed. ### Game under the radar **Mills Godwin (3-4) at No. 8 Douglas Freeman (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Eagles enter this heated West End rivalry in ninth place in Region 5C, one point behind Meadowbrook for the eighth and final playoff berth. Godwin has had two weeks to prepare for a potent Mavericks offense, who put at least four scoring threats on the field on every down. Freeman is in third place, trying to keep Patrick Henry-Roanoke at bay. ### Beyond the headlines **– Joy in the journey:** Our “Under the radar” game last week proved to be the best of Week 8\. How did Atlee come alive after being down 14-3 at halftime at Armstrong’s homecoming? For coach Matt Gray, it had nothing to do with scoreboard watching. “This summer, I traveled to Louisville. I visited the Muhammad Ali museum. I asked this team, who is the greatest heavyweight of all time?” Gray explained. “I told them I was really interested in researching the fighter. What is he made of? And that’s now the team’s mindset. They’re just fighters.” The psychological process Gray and his team is utilizing certainly has similarities to the now legendary process of former Alabama coach Nick Saban. No scoreboards. It’s play by play. It worked to perfection Friday. Lance Heizer kicked three field goals, including two in the third quarter to cut Atlee’s deficit to 14-9\. Then came the Walker Pasowicz punt block, returned by Kaden Wright for a TD to take the lead. Wright would catch a Scotty Tompkins touchdown pass in the fourth to extend the lead. Armstrong answered back and was driving in the final moments when the Raiders’ defense got a stop and sealed the win. “At 14-3 at halftime, I said we’ve just got to be the best second-half team we’ve been all year,” Gray noted when discussing his locker-room talk. This is a young Atlee squad. Juniors and sophomores are all over the depth chart. Gray describes the 2026 Raiders as “fun”. Even when falling in their first three games by a combined five points, they haven’t quit. “The big word is fun. It’s been a fun year,” Gray explained. “Forget the record. That’s not the measure of joy that we have here.” **– Playoff races:** Time to update the area’s regional playoffs outlook. First, though, we hand out a bouquet. A new website on the scene, [harpcrate.com](http://harpcrate.com), has taken on the giant task of finding a way to quickly parcel, add, divide and determine all the power points statewide to finally give fans a place to keep up with standings. We reached out to their founders, and they politely asked that they could stay out of the limelight. They call themselves a group of “Virginia parents, coaches and volunteers helping VHSL staff, regions and schools with rankings.” This resource has been needed literally for decades, and we find it an oasis in what has been a desert of information once you get to this point of the season. Bravo, harpcrate! They are the source of the standings we analyze now. Thomas Dale and Manchester are in the Region 6A playoffs, where six teams qualify and the top two seeds get a quarterfinal bye. The Knights are 1.29 points ahead of the Lancers, with Oscar Smith sneaking up in third. L.C. Bird currently holds fourth by less than half a point over Landstown. Cosby is still seventh, but only a third of a point behind Grassfield, which clings to the sixth and final playoff spot. Highland Springs and Midlothian can rest easy, having clinched Region 5C bids. Douglas Freeman is third, more than a point behind the Trojans, and Patrick Henry-Roanoke remains fourth. Hermitage jumped Glen Allen for fifth, while the Jaguars are in sixth, just ahead of James River. Meadowbrook holds the final spot, but a Mills Godwin upset of Douglas Freeman on Friday could change that, even if the Monarchs win at Dinwiddie. Strength of schedule can do such a thing. Matoaca has life, too. No one could have foreseen Louisa topping Region 4B with three weeks to go. But the Lions are only .81 of a point ahead of second-place Varina. Louisa’s strength of schedule is hurting its chances of staying number one. Five of its seven wins are against teams with losing records. If Varina wins out, the road to Salem for the state-title game may still have to go through Dawkins Stadium. Huguenot lurks in third, then there’s a significant dropoff to Mechanicsville in fourth (more than three points). Courtland, Hanover, Spotsylvania and King George round out the top eight, but Atlee is a little more than half a point behind the Foxes in ninth. A 2-1 record versus their final three opponents (Varina, Mechanicsville, Henrico) could be enough to steal a bid from King George, whose last three games come against teams with a combined record of 4-17. Hopewell and Petersburg, as mentioned earlier, are No. 1 and No. 2 in Region 3A with the victor of their showdown Friday grabbing the inside track for the top seed. Both teams have already sealed postseason spots. New Kent (4-3), after its win at Bruton, is in sixth, while Colonial Heights holds onto eighth place, .69 points ahead of Heritage of Newport News. In Region 3B, Goochland (3-4), despite its 7-0 loss to Western Albemarle, is in sixth place. Two wins in their last three games will not only send the Bulldogs to the playoffs but they still could be in play for the fourth seed and a home quarterfinal. Region 2A is a hot mess. The last unbeaten, Central-Lunenburg (7-0), is in the top spot by almost a point over Thomas Jefferson, which was off in Week 8\. Poquoson is surging in third, a half-point behind the Vikings, followed by King William. The top three here can punch their tickets to the postseason. King William would, too, with a win at Mechanicsville. Suddenly, Armstrong is in fifth with just two games left after this coming week’s bye, against Hanover and Arcadia. Essex’s win over Rappahannock returns the Trojans to the top of Region 1A. The Raiders are second, followed by Northumberland. All three teams have clinched playoff berths. **– Anatomy of a touchdown:** Already up big approaching halftime, Huguenot defensive back Cairee Smith suddenly made a highlight-reel play. A completed pass by Powhatan was fumbled near the goal line. Smith picked it up, ran right, then cut left towards the sideline, juked by two Indians players, cut back to the middle of the field then returned to the right side accompanied by two teammates on the final leg of a 97-yard journey for a touchdown in the Falcons’ 75-6 win. Watching the play, we wondered, what goes through your mind in a moment like that, and how do you feel when a signature play of your high school career unfolded so unexpectedly? “Man, they threw a slant and almost scored. I see the ball punched out and rolling, so I ran and got it,” Smith said. “I took a minute to read where to go and saw that crease and took off. My brothers were blocking for me. I made a few guys miss, and we made it to the end zone. When I got there, I was tired, but it felt great as it was my second touchdown of the game.” In less than a minute, everything changed. Just ask Hanover. The Hawks scored with 36 seconds left in the first half to cut the Varina lead to 14-7 Friday night. The Blue Devils see 36 seconds as an opportunity. They scored in just two plays as Hanover went to the locker room down 14 points and sapped of momentum instead of trailing by just a touchdown to the top-ranked team in the area. Varina won 55-14. ### They said it “We played physical, trusted each other and got the stop. Every stop builds confidence, and I was able to finish the play with the tackle. At Hermitage, our motto is ‘play the play’, no matter what happened on the previous one.” – Hermitage senior defender Blake Lewis discussing a four-down goal-line stand from the 2 that ended any hopes of a Glen Allen comeback in the Panthers’ win Friday. “All of us were starting on varsity as underclassmen and learning how to play against older players. Now we’ve matured and have played at this level for several years, which has really helped. The seniors have been focused for the last six years on making this year our time to shine.” – Mechanicsville senior Eli Maxie, who blocked a Henrico punt and returned it for a touchdown in a win Friday for the 6-1 Mustangs “In order to be a state-championship contender or a state-championship program, you have to have a state-championship defense. We take pride, man, no matter where the ball is, we’re coming to hit you.” – Petersburg coach Jerome Mathis, interviewed by ESPN Richmond’s Jack Fitzpatrick after their 26-15 triumph at Meadowbrook ### Our final play With most homecomings now in the books, attention begins to turn to the final weeks of the regular season. But for the Class of 2027, whether now or in the postseason, players begin to really experience the “lasts” of a career. The last bus trip to a road game. The senior night walk. The last storming of the home field. To a man, they’ll say that it felt like yesterday that they were scared freshmen just trying to make the junior varsity roster. Now, they face the end. So, please indulge my request. If you are the parent or grandparent of a senior player, a teammate who is an underclassman, a teacher or just a friend, be ready to support them as the emotional rollercoaster of the next several weeks unfolds. This happens to players in every sport. But I think it’s a little different when it comes to football. The gladiator mentality that’s needed. Sacrificing your body for your brother’s so he can make the play. Team building from the heat of August to the chill of November. The overwhelming majority of high school seniors see their organized athletic career conclude when they graduate. The latest numbers from the NCAA indicate that just 8.1 percent of scholastic football players go on to compete at the collegiate level. Thus, when that final whistle is blown in just a few short weeks, that feeling of camaraderie, of brotherhood, one that you tangibly feel pulsating through your body in the pregame locker room, will conclude. Thinking about this milestone moment, I thought it appropriate that the first thing the seniors will take off after the final game will be the helmet. For, after building and protecting one’s psyche, it’s time to expose it so it can lap in the final walk off the field. Then, when the team begins to depart the locker room for the final time, the jersey slips off, the chest protector and shoulder pads are cast aside, and the heart is exposed. Through the inevitable tears of that moment, I hope each senior realizes that their heart, thanks to football, is so much different and so much better, and the sport has helped prepare them for whatever may lie ahead. ### Ricky Irby pulls double duty as a football coach and AD. That's increasingly rare. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/ricky-irby-pulls-double-duty-as-a-football-coach-and-ad-thats-increasingly-rare/ Last updated: 2026-10-18T12:17:38.000Z Every day around 2 p.m., Hopewell High School football coach Ricky Irby switches gears. At that point in the day, he double checks his practice schedule and makes sure everything is planned out for his team’s afternoon workout. His focus is solely on getting his team ready for Friday night’s opponent. That is, unless an urgent phone call or email comes in for the school’s Athletic and Activities Director. “If something comes up and I’m needed in my AD role, that’s going to take precedent over my football responsibilities,” Irby said. Irby, who served as the school’s interim Athletic and Activities Director when Dr. Kerry Gray left the post last spring, accepted the full-time role before school started over the summer. In an increasingly rare move, Irby did so while also retaining the role of head football coach. He is the only public-school coach in the Central Region to also hold a director job at the same time. “I really enjoyed my time as the interim athletic director here, being able to work without spring sports like boys and girls soccer. I actually went over and coached a girls tennis match one afternoon when our head tennis coach couldn’t be there for a make-up game,” he said. “It was very rewarding and I really enjoyed it, so, it’s something I ended up pursuing.” ### Defying the trend Thirty years ago, it was common, if not expected, for a school’s athletic director to also be a sitting head coach. But as years went by and schools began adding job responsibilities from events and activities outside of athletics, the dual role began to fade away. As the role of “athletic director” increasingly got replaced with “activities director,” many school districts began to discourage, if not outright ban, sitting head coaches from also holding the administrative position. “As the position of athletic director evolved from just handling sports to also covering activities and more of an administrative position, you see less and less people doing both,” said Joe Fowler, the athletic director at Goochland High School, who spent several years as the school’s football coach before stepping down to take the administrative role. “The workload has exploded in the past few years with a ton of duties that by themselves are not that time consuming, but when aggregated together they eat up a large amount of time.” Fowler’s words come as a lesson that Irby quickly learned. He arrives at school every day at 6:30 a.m., first fulfilling his role as the school’s in-car driving instructor before settling in for his larger role. “When you show up on a Monday morning, you might not think you have much to do, but you have 10 or 15 things that pop up that you have to deal with right away,” Irby said. That’s one thing I never understood about the position. I never like to leave the evening with something left on my to-do list. I try to get everything done before I leave, then when I get back the next day there’s another 10 or 15 things you need to get done that pop up on you.” With nearly 30 years of coaching and teaching experience, Irby has developed a long Rolodex of coaches and administrators he considers friends and colleagues. As he went through the application process for the full-time administrative position, some were skeptical of him trying to handle two large roles at once. “They all thought I was crazy that I was going to keep coaching and do this position,” Irby said. Crazy? Maybe. But that same circle was ready to lend a hand with any advice needed for him to be successful. Irby said he called upon Lakeland Athletic Director Michael Whittington Jr. for advice, and often called Prince George AD (and former head football coach) Bruce Carroll multiple times a day for suggestions in the first few days on the job. “Coach Irby is an organized, highly intelligent and hard-working individual. He will do a great job,” Carroll said. When Irby accepted the position, he did so knowing he needed two things to be successful – a football coaching staff that was fully on board, and an administration that had his back in both spots. “You have to have great assistant coaches that understand you’re going to be pulled in different directions, and they can pick up some slack, when need be,” he said. “You also need a great administration, and I have both of those. Our administration really wants to see me be successful in both positions.” ### Administrative support Hopewell High School Principal Judy Carter is firmly in Irby’s corner. Since arriving at the school five years ago, she’s had a hands-on approach with athletics, and it has stayed that way with Irby in charge. The administrators meet weekly to discuss budgets, security, purchasing and during football season, the plan for when Irby is busy on the sidelines. “When he’s on the field, I want him to be able to focus on his athletes and his role as the head coach, which means we plan for that kind of stuff,” Carter said. “Especially our football events, those are some of the biggest events we have. We have to make sure we’re working together and preparing for oversight for those events, because he’s going to be on the field and he doesn’t need to worry about what’s happening.” Carter defines Irby as student-centered and solutions-oriented, and also feels Hopewell’s relatively small size gives him the unique ability to perform both coaching and administrative duties. “I do not think it’s optimal for all schools,” Carter said. “Our school has about 1,100 kids, and that’s rounding up.” Nearly a decade ago, when the director’s role was vacant, Irby was asked if he was considering applying for the job. After all, he had assisted former AD Marshall Parker many times over the years in similar fashion that he recently filled in for Dr. Gray. But, at the time, Hopewell would have required an active coach to give up his position. Irby didn’t think the time was right, and felt he had a bigger impact on the field. This time around, however, he didn’t have to make that consideration. “I’ve been coaching here for 27 years, 10 years as an assistant, 17 as the head coach. I feel like I’ve done a lot here, and if I had to give it up, who knows,” he said. “I’m glad I wasn’t faced with that decision.” ### Defense makes big plays for Petersburg in victory over Meadowbrook URL: https://www.richmonder.org/defense-makes-big-plays-for-petersburg-in-victory-over-meadowbrook/ Last updated: 2026-10-17T12:05:03.000Z Five times Friday night, the Meadowbrook Monarchs launched forays deep into Petersburg territory with the specific intent of scoring, obviously, and, if successful often enough, knocking the undefeated, high-flying Crimson Wave off their lofty perch. Four times, though, coach Jerome Mathis’ guys, well-schooled in their bend-but-don’t-break style of play, fended off the Monarchs en route to a sometimes-ragged, never-easy but ultimately well-earned 26-15 road victory at Mack D. Moore Stadium. “To be a state-championship contender, you have to have a state-championship defense,” said Mathis, whose team improved to 7-0 (and 16-4 in his two-season tenure). “The defense has to be able to come in and get stops when the offense is sputtering or we turn the ball over. “They have to reel us back in and get us on the right track. We played a sloppy game, but at the end of the day, every win isn’t going to be pretty.” Petersburg, ranked sixth in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll, scored first when Keyon Ridley returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown and Edgar Murillo added the extra point. “Our coach told us every day that they were going to overload the right side and kick it to the left side,” said Ridley, a 5-9, 155-pound senior. “We just had to execute. My other backer, Joshua Beasley, threw the lead block. It took me to the promised land.” Late in the first quarter, the Wave’s Kristopher Gethers returned an interception 27 yards to the Meadowbrook 42. Three plays later, the second of which was a 39-yard Kemonie Peebles-to-Javarie Mallory connection, Jayveon Hill-Jackson scored from the 1, and Murillo’s PAT put the Wave up 14-0 at 1:40. “They were trying to match our intensity,” Peebles said of the Monarchs. “They were trying to get the upper hand on us, but we were focused on us and nobody else.” Though a runaway appeared possible, the Monarchs had other ideas. Their next drive reached the Petersburg 19, but Ridley’s tackle for a 3-yard loss ended the threat on fourth down. The Wave’s ensuing drive ended when Michael Wesley forced a fumble, and Eddie Hastings recovered at midfield. The Monarchs couldn’t capitalize, though, and their scoring threat ended when Tyreke Bright recovered a blocked 45-yard field goal attempt on the Petersburg 32. The Monarchs returned from the break rejuvenated, inspired and confident and cut their deficit to 14-7 on a 4-yard run by quarterback Davin McDaniel on third-and-goal to end an 11-play, 58-yard drive at 6:11 of the third quarter. The Wave answered when Peebles engineered a seven-play, 38-yard drive that ended when he followed his blockers into the end zone from the 2 for a 20-7 lead. That’s when the situation became dicey for the visitors. On consecutive possessions, the Monarchs stopped Petersburg three-and-out. Both times, errant snaps in punting situations gave the home team possession in prime territory, first on the Wave’s 15 then on their 25. Both times, the Petersburg defense rose to the moment. “We love those moments,” said Rasean Jones Jr., a 6-2, 230-pound sophomore middle linebacker. “There’re no selfish defenders. Everybody does his job. Everybody plays for each other.” Plucky and indefatigable, the Monarchs scrambled to get back into the game, but Cavonta Carey’s sack for a 6-yard loss ended a promising drive and gave Petersburg the ball on its 28. After an exchange of possessions, Peebles directed a drive that covered 63 yards. Ridley’s 60-yard blast up the visitors’ sideline on the penultimate play set up Hill-Jackson’s 2-yard TD run 1:02 from the end. The Monarchs’ Javion Oliver returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for a TD, and Wesley followed with a run for the 2-point conversion. The Wave limited Meadowbrook to 220 yards (87 rushing, 133 passing) on 52 plays. They’ve now outscored their opponents 185-32. “When big plays happened, they didn’t get in our head,” Jones said. “We went on to the next play, made big stops on defense and turned the whole game around.” Petersburg amassed 295 yards on 40 plays. Peebles completed 8 of 16 passes for 146 yards. Mallory had three receptions for 101 yards, and Ridley rushed nine times for 147 yards. “As a leader, that’s what I have to do,” Ridley said of his ability to make plays at opportune moments. “Our coach told us this would be a physical game. We just had to stay focused, stay motivated and stay humble.” *This article has been updated to reflect Petersburg’s correct record.* ### City Council rejection of 21-townhouse plan linked to Virginia Home leaves Randolph site in limbo URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-rejection-of-21-townhouse-plan-linked-to-virginia-home-leaves-randolph-site-in-limbo/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T15:13:08.000Z Richmond’s City Council overwhelmingly rejected a plan that would have built 21 market-rate townhouses in the Randolph neighborhood, with some members and residents expressing hope that affordable housing could be constructed on the site instead. The property, which is vacant and covers the block of South Meadow Street between Winder and Blair streets, is owned by the Virginia Home, a nonprofit that for decades has run a residence for adults with permanent physical disabilities in a six-story facility a block away. Now the Virginia Home is leaving. Last year, the organization broke ground on a new $128 million facility in Hanover County that will be able to house more residents and will provide better conditions such as semi-private bathrooms. To help fund the construction, the Virginia Home is selling off its Richmond properties. This September, the City Council [approved the redevelopment of the longtime care residence into apartments](https://www.richmonder.org/conversion-of-95-year-old-virginia-home-in-byrd-park-to-apartments-gets-thumbs-up-from-planning-commission/). But the townhome proposal proved far more controversial. “This project would present an unbelievable problem for safety and parking,” Reid Carter, who has lived at the corner of South Meadow and Blair streets for some 30 years, told the council Tuesday. Most of the concerns aired by opponents focused on worries that Randolph’s narrow streets cannot handle additional traffic or sometimes even emergency vehicles. And many were critical of the roughly half-million-dollar price tag that the homes were expected to be sold for — houses that Toni Mounce called “out of character with the area and way too expensive.” “I can’t sit here and say that we’re building affordable housing. We’re not,” said Councilor Stephanie Lynch, whose 5th District includes Randolph. Not all neighbors were against the project. Charlie Trochlil, a resident of nearby Powhatan Street, called the proposal “exactly the type of gentle density Richmond and Randolph need.” “Increasingly as a result of Richmond’s housing shortage, the housing in Randolph is bought by investors and leased or demolished to build bigger,” he said. “If we cannot find opportunities for infill like this one, these trends will continue, which will threaten over time the affordability and character of our neighborhood.” ### **Would affordable housing come?** Lynch said conversations had been held with affordable developers like the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust and Commonwealth Catholic Charities, nonprofits active in the Richmond market, about the prospect of developing affordable units on the site instead. But, she told the council, “the parcel was out for open bid for months, and none of those affordable housing nonprofits applied. And some of them have expressed that they’re not interested in applying if it goes back on the market again.” Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) cautioned that “people may be holding out for another project that may never come.” Because the Virginia Home owns the South Meadow property, “we don’t get to pick what goes on this parcel,” he continued. “All we get to do is vote yes or no on specific things that come.” Lynch warned several times that under the state’s new Faith in Housing legislation — a measure also known as Yes In God’s Backyard, or YIGBY — the Virginia Home would have the right to develop affordable housing on the site without any public input on what it looked like and only minimal guardrails from the Planning Department. “If they shoot this down, they can and they likely will build a 40-, maybe 50-unit multifamily complex with no parking,” she said. Later she added, “Unless it comes in the form of that Faith in Housing bill, and unless it is a multifamily development, affordable housing going on that parcel is probably not going to happen because we don’t control that parcel. Virginia Home does.” Still, Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) said residents “would rather see some affordable housing come. And I think that at the end of the day, we are tasked to make a decision about what’s on the table right now.” “If what comes down the road as a result of this means that there are state laws that kind of fly in the face of common sense and the community, then it is our duty as a body to lift that up as an example,” she said. The Virginia Home did not respond to two requests for comment on the Tuesday vote or on its plans for the South Meadow property. ### **Developer’s reductions still deemed too much density** Both the current zoning for the block and proposed zoning under the code refresh would allow the construction of eight single family detached homes as well as an accessory dwelling unit on each, for a potential maximum of 16 units. While Audeo Partners, the developer chosen by the Virginia Home, had initially proposed 31 attached homes arranged around a central alleyway, that plan was scaled back to 21 homes in response to neighbor concerns. Of those, 15 would have faced South Meadow, with three fronting on Winder Street and three on Blair Street. ADUs likely could also have been built on lots as long as they met other zoning requirements like setbacks. Thirty-two parking spaces would have been provided on the site. The developer also pledged to plant 15 new street trees and said it intended to construct underground stormwater detention infrastructure to reduce flooding, one concern raised by neighbors. Walter Parks, the architect on the project, argued the layout would be very similar to what is found on the 1100 and 1200 blocks of South Meadow, which both contain 12 homes, many of them attached. “When you drive down the street, we will have the same sort of density. That’s how it will appear,” he said. Opponents disagreed: “We do not want 21 houses to be put on a block that is zoned for eight houses,” said Lynn Burris, a resident of Eggleston Street several blocks away. Councilors were persuaded by those objections. Eight voted down the project, with only Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District) in favor of granting the permit. “There are cases where you can advocate for the project instead and say, ‘This is a good project. Not everyone’s happy, but it’s a good project,’” said Breton. “Unfortunately, I’m not hearing that level of endorsement. I’m hearing a level of a lot of concerns that don’t meet the threshold of granting an exception over the objections of the community.” Some residents told The Richmonder they had intended to speak in favor of the project virtually Tuesday but had not had the chance because Council President Cynthia Newbille never opened a virtual public hearing for those in support. City Clerk Candice Reid said no one in support had previously submitted a request to speak virtually — a requirement the City Council has imposed. “Participants who had not requested time in advance were not recognized to speak, regardless of their position on the item,” said Reid. While the City Council frequently amends special use permits — often significantly — that come before it, its Tuesday decision marks only the seventh denial of an SUP out of more than 500 it has considered since the start of 2021\. [What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond’s most powerful tool to get around zoning rulesThe Richmonder reviewed five years of SUP data to determine where these permits are driving the most development, what kind of development it is and how long the public review process is taking.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f8f8f34c-75e7-4bf7-8fc4-59acedff85ad.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/B5D11A6F-6D46-44CF-8D9C-59D2E672D46D_1_201_a-2be1eaab-fc20-42a9-bc75-548379689a08.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Oct. 16 Newsletter: Chesterfield Towne Center's glow-up URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-16-newsletter-chesterfield-towne-centers-glow-up/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T11:40:42.000Z ⚠️ This article has been updated since it was initially posted to correct that a Chesterfield planning commissioner was referring to how developers have attempted to build mixed-use properties, not mixed-use itself. **Weather:** One last gasp of heat (allegedly). High of 87, then back to the 60s. **On this date** in 1960, hundreds gather from around the state for the annual Virginia Food Dealers Association meeting, where attendees are given a sneak peek at color television by industry officials. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Maymont_Garden-Glow.jpg)](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by Maymont.** Experience the magic of Garden Glow presented by Kroger. Spectacular light displays transform Maymont after dark into an unforgettable evening of color and light. [**Learn more here.**](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/) ### Chesterfield Towne Center is getting a facelift, but won’t join other mixed-use makeovers The mall's new owners spoke at a community forum last night, and said they want to revive the mall into a thriving neighborhood hub. 🏢 Unlike other recent projects, though, they do not plan to add housing on the site. Midlothian's Planning Commissioner said the county added lots of mixed-use seven years ago as part of its PlanMod effort, but said the implementation has "not been what we had envisioned," with some developers attempting to skirt the rules by building housing with, for example, a small gas station on the corner of the lot. [**Learn what's next at the mall, and see how other area malls have transformed.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-19.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/) ### The largest croquet club in the world is on the Northern Neck. It's hosting the North American championships this weekend The Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club is the brainchild of 66-year-old Macey White, whose 24 laser-leveled grass courts make his facility the biggest in the world. He was inspired to build it after taking up the game a decade ago. "At 53, you can't be internationally competitive in a lot of things," he said. "But croquet, you can learn the game at 53, make your national team – which I did. It's a low-impact sport." Every Sunday, the club offers free lessons from pros. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/history-in-pink-barbie-exhibit-arrives-at-vmhc/) ### History, in pink: Barbie exhibit arrives at VMHC The Virginia Museum of History and Culture debuts "Barbie: A Cultural Icon" on Saturday, giving visitors a chance to sit inside a room from Barbie's dream house and take a photo inside a Barbie box. True to the museum's mission, the exhibit is also educational. There are six Virginia-specific Barbies, including a George Washington (he is wearing pink). [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/history-in-pink-barbie-exhibit-arrives-at-vmhc/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-21.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/company-says-theres-still-a-chance-for-richmond-solar-deal-after-city-finishes-investigation/) ### Company says there’s still a chance for Richmond solar deal after city finishes investigation City Council’s decision not to revisit the matter seemed to be the end of the proposed agreement with Secure Solar Futures, but its CEO thinks there's still a chance. Any revival would have to wait until the city finishes its investigation into an employee who worked for both the city and the solar company simultaneously. The city's HR department declined to answer emailed questions from The Richmonder. On Oct. 7, a city spokesperson said the Office of Strategic Communications was working to “gather the appropriate details” to be able to answer. More than a week later, there was no response. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/company-says-theres-still-a-chance-for-richmond-solar-deal-after-city-finishes-investigation/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2893.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-high-school-coach-held-football-practice-in-blistering-heat-what-happened-next-nearly-tore-the-team-apart/) ### A high school coach held football practice in blistering heat. What happened next nearly tore the team apart Monacan High's football coach moved practice from the afternoon to the morning on Sept. 1, as a heat wave rolled through. However, a trainer treated players for blisters after. When the school put the coach on leave, his assistants refused to coach out of solidarity, and some parents demanded his reinstatement, defending his character. With that, one of the smallest high schools in Chesterfield County was thrust into a national debate over football conditioning, and the underlying question: What’s the difference between a tough practice and an unsafe one? [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-high-school-coach-held-football-practice-in-blistering-heat-what-happened-next-nearly-tore-the-team-apart/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/c-Brandon-Hendrickson-2024---Maymont-Garden-Glow.jpg)](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) ### Garden Glow returns to Maymont Experience Garden Glow presented by Kroger, where Maymont transforms after dark into an enchanting world of color, including new larger-than-life installations, illuminated gardens and picture-perfect moments! Stroll the expanded laser lane and glowing Japanese Garden, then gather around cozy fire pits and enjoy local food trucks, a variety of beverage options, and seasonal treats. Plan your visit on a Value Night for discounted admission or visit on a Featured Night for themed fun. [**Learn more here.**](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) --- ### In other news - [**High school football: Playoffs picture beginning to take focus**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-playoffs-picture-beginning-to-take-focus/) - Glen Allen faces Hermitage and Petersburg visits Meadowbrook in tonight's top games. - [**Henrico man charged after bringing firearm into elementary school**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henrico-man-charged-after-bringing-firearm-into-elementary-school/?ref=henrico-newsflash-newsletter) (Henrico Citizen) - A weapons detector alerted administrators to an item in a visitor's bag as he entered the school. - [**Judge: Flying Squirrels owner’s defamation lawsuit can continue – ‘for now’**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/10/15/judge-flying-squirrels-owners-defamation-lawsuit-can-continue-for-now/) (Richmond BizSense) - "All parties here would be better served by resolving their disputes at the bargaining table rather than dragging the Court into their sophomoric soap opera." - [**Richmond DPU Implementing Measures to Improve Bill Payment Processing**](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Richmond-DPU-Implementing-Measures-to-Improve-Bill-Payment-Processing.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=oIVY8KWN2qA) (News release) - Bills will now be due 25 days after they are issued, instead of the previous 30, which was causing issues with customers receiving bills that didn't account for processed payments. - [**Hanover County's "I Voted" Sticker Contest**](https://engage.hanovercounty.gov/stickercontest) (News release) - Through November 30, Hanover residents of all ages can submit an original design for a future “I Voted” or “Future Voter” sticker. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_1061-1.jpeg)](https://www.resonatepodfest.com/) This year's Resonate Podcast Festival, held at VCU, is taking on the topic of the press and preserving access to quality information. (We approve!) Public radio star Ira Glass spoke yesterday, playing classic examples of radio storytelling to inspire future generations and encouraging students to focus on centering humans in their stories. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Opening kickoff returned for touchdown jump-starts easy victory for King William URL: https://www.richmonder.org/king-william-rides-fast-start-to-easy-victory-over-mecklenburg-county/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T08:15:14.000Z CENTRAL GARAGE – Fourteen seconds had ticked off the clock Thursday night when King William’s Jordan Spivey crossed the Mecklenburg County goal line to complete a seemingly effortless, 80-yard sprint with the opening kickoff. His electrifying return for a touchdown followed by the first of Judah Peach’s six extra points put the Cavaliers ahead 7-0 and portended doom and gloom for the visiting Phoenix. Why, you might ask, since the visitors from Southside Virginia had ample time to rectify the situation, shift the momentum and earn themselves an enjoyable, two-hour bus ride home? The answer is simple. Not only did coach Scott Moore’s guys have the lead but neither K’Sean Hill, their quarterback par excellence and offensive linchpin, nor their relentless, aggressive and, at times, unyielding defense had sprung into action. When they did, the Phoenix would be in a world of hurt. Turns out they were, to the tune of a resounding 48-14 King William victory that concluded just as a light rain began to fall on Roger G. Brookes Field. “When you get the kickoff return to start the game, it really opens the gates and takes a little pressure off you offensively,” said Moore, whose team, a Class 2 signatory, improved to 6-1\. “Of course, one touchdown’s not a ball game, but it definitely gives you a boost, and, if you can maintain it and ride the wave, that’s a good sign.” The Cavaliers’ fast-out-of-the-blocks lead quickly became 14-0 when Hill, whose interception ended Mecklenburg’s first drive, raced 44 yards from scrimmage for a TD at 8:09. “Even though we had a 7-0 lead, we still had to go out on the field and execute to our full ability,” said Hill, a 5-11, 195-pound senior who carried 12 times for 168 yards and whose season stat line reads 87 carries for 1,157 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. “There are four quarters in a game. We couldn’t start slowing down our offense.” The Class 4 Phoenix (2-6) responded quickly when Cergeo Feggins returned the ensuing kickoff 78 yards for a TD and Adrian Johnson added the point-after, but the special teams mishap was one of very few mistakes the Cavaliers made on this cool, overcast evening. They ended the quarter with a 21-7 lead thanks to Hill’s 2-yard run up the middle to culminate an eight-play, 55-yard drive. To Mecklenburg’s consternation, the Cavaliers were just getting started. In the second quarter, they ran just six plays, but two of them resulted in touchdowns: Spivey’s 31-yard run on a reverse and Xavier Shelton’s 51-yard run from scrimmage at 9:17 that gave the home team a 34-7 lead they’d take into halftime. The Cavaliers ran just four plays in the third quarter, but two resulted in touchdown runs by Hill (61 yards) and Shelton (47 yards). “They (the Phoenix) were overpursuing,” Hill said of the Cavaliers’ offensive superiority. “We’d call our motion. They overpursued to that one side. We’d overload that side, and the backside cut was there. Almost everybody took it and just went there for six.” The Cavaliers ended the half with a masterly defensive stop on a fourth-and-goal on their 5-yard line. “When we’re on defense, it’s 11 hats to the ball,” junior linebacker Jawon Thomas said. “I love being on the defensive side of the ball. I like how we all come together. When they got downfield, all of us settled down and really played to the ball. We didn’t want them to score at all.” Twice in the third quarter and early in the fourth, King William’s defense rose to the challenge again and ended promising Mecklenburg threats, once at the Cavaliers’ 38, then at their 48 and again, also at their 48. “Defense always comes out to make stops,” said Spivey, a 5-11, 155-pound junior who plays defensive back as well as wide receiver. “Our defense was really hyped. We were ready to go as soon as the game started.” Mecklenburg scored one final touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Kamryn Phillips to Feggins on a second-and-goal situation 1:30 from the end. King William ran 32 plays for 347 yards, all but 11 of which came on the ground. Shelton finished with 123 yards on 12 carries. Thanks to the Cavaliers’ defense, which recorded 11 tackles for losses, the Phoenix managed just 160 yards, 63 of which came in the final quarter. “Our goal is to go 1-0 each week,” junior linebacker Tyler Newbill said. “Practice is intense. There’re some finer points we still need to work on, and we will. We have to stay focused and locked in if we want to reach our goals.” ### Chesterfield Towne Center is getting a facelift, but won’t join other mixed-use makeovers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-towne-center-is-getting-a-facelift-but-wont-join-other-mixed-use-makeovers/ Last updated: 2026-10-21T00:38:58.000Z Imagine the mall days of old: bustling avenues, buzzing storefronts and chattering crowds. That downtown-esque atmosphere is exactly what Chesterfield Towne Center’s new stewards pitched to the Midlothian community during a Thursday night town hall. While they’re still cooking on the concepts, New York-based investment firm JRE Partners and Swiss single-family office Anastacia AG said they’re eager to revive the mall into a thriving community hub. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2712.jpeg) The mall, like many across America, has struggled to retain tenants in recent years. (Photos by Eleanor Shaw/The Richmonder/Report for America) Chesterfield Towne Center changed hands in late 2025, and Thursday’s presenters said they’re not looking to raze it or add residences (both points earned applause from roughly 60 attendees). The hope is to complete the first phase by the end of 2027, keeping the mall operational with minimal disruption. The wish list includes greenery, outdoor eating, activity spaces and relaxing hideaways. “We’re not knocking this down,” JRE Managing Fraser said. “In fact, we’re hoping to improve what’s there.” Built in 1975, the mall was last renovated in 2015\. The decision not to add housing is a new twist for the area. In 2019 — the last time Chesterfield revamped its comprehensive plan — mixed-use was all the rage. Midlothian Planning Commissioner Frank Petroski, who joined the planning commission in 2020, said things have since shifted. “We added a lot of mixed-use for the first time around the region in our comprehensive plan,” Petroski said. “This is our vision; this is what we want. I will say, seven years later, it’s not been what we had envisioned.” Currently, Chesterfield Towne Center rests on land that the county previously designated as almost entirely mixed-use. But [the 2026 proposed comprehensive plan](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a65a57ac6dee480e88d61a3afc695a8c#:~:text=Chesterfield%20Towne%20Center/Robious%20%26%20Huguenot%20Area) now reduces mixed-use land, shifting toward arterial business and residential zoning — mostly to match what's already there. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-c7d2192a-b69b-4ff1-ae48-c7e2b22d4ca2.png) A new plan scales back the amount of land zoned for mixed-use. Between first-floor shopping and high-rise living, mixed-use is costly. And Chesterfield’s makeup isn’t always conducive to the density mixed-use requires. “We don’t really have the density or the demand, quite frankly, for a developer to invest that type of money in building that type of product here, because you’re not going to get a return on investment,” Petroski said. Some builders have attempted to skirt the county’s mixed-use dreams by proposing housing and, maybe, a gas station on a corner. The argument is that, since both residential and commercial are present, it’s technically mixed-use. As the county solicits input from residents, The Richmonder took a look at some other local malls that have reinvented themselves in recent years. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3115.jpeg) ### **Springline: Another Chesterfield redevelopment** Further up Midlothian Turnpike from the Chesterfield Towne Center, Springline at District 60 is setting Chesterfield’s standard for mixed-use development. With its high-rise apartments and first-floor retail space, it sits [where the Beaufont Center once stood, and across the street from Cloverleaf Mall's former location](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/3425). Even with the new changes to the comprehensive plan, the county is leaning into a mixed-use Springline. So, what does mixed-use look like at Springline? The answer is first-floor retail, apartments stacked above it, neighboring hotels, and a shiny new headquarters for both Chesterfield’s EDA and school district. This is how Chesterfield has historically looked at “mixed-use” — as Petroski put it, it’s creating villages where people can work, shop and live. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3088.jpeg) ### **Regency: Keep the mall, add the housing** Beginning in 2017, Henrico's Regency (formerly Regency Square) saw multiple exterior additions, while the closed-air mall remains intact. Many of Regency’s anchor stores — which would have once housed a department store connecting the interior to a parking lot — are now activity spaces. These include swimming, pickleball, VR activity rooms, mini golf and Henrico County’s adult education program. Upon exiting through the doors next to the mall’s customary bright plastic play place, there are several stories’ worth of apartment complexes called “The Rise at Regency.” These opened in April 2022. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3095.jpeg) ### **Willow Lawn: Shops without the residences** Before being demolished in 2011, Willow Lawn was an enclosed mall. While a mall was completely demolished to make way for Springline, Willow Lawn underwent several renovations to add open-air shopping to its campus before fully leaning into outdoor offerings. The land Willow Lawn sits on is zoned for retail and office space — not residential. Apartments are across the street, but they’re not part of the Willow Lawn complex. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been corrected to note that Springline is on the site of the former Beaufont Center.* ### History, in pink: Barbie exhibit arrives at VMHC URL: https://www.richmonder.org/history-in-pink-barbie-exhibit-arrives-at-vmhc/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T00:41:30.000Z It's history, of a different kind. The Virginia Museum of History and Culture debuts "Barbie: A Cultural Icon" on Saturday, giving visitors a chance to sit inside a room from Barbie's dream house and take a photo inside a Barbie box. Visitors will step into a world of everything pink and sparkly as they take a tour through the life of Barbie set to a soundtrack the exhibit's curator, Karan Feder, said she selected to be “peppy and poppy” with tunes from artists like Destiny’s Child and Taylor Swift*.* True to the museum's mission, the exhibit is also educational. It is largely presented in chronological order, and Barbie’s story begins with the doll's introduction at the 1959 New York Toy Fair. Barbie No. 1 is on display front and center in her striped swimsuit. There are more than 250 vintage Barbies throughout. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Head.jpeg) Close to the entrance is also where visitors will find information and examples of how Barbies are manufactured. Nestled somewhere past the '70s and the power suits of the '80s is the “Virginia is for Barbie” section. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Va4Barbie.jpeg) There are six Virginia-specific Barbies, including Virginia Tech and UVA cheerleaders and George Washington. Yes, there is a George Washington Barbie (he is wearing pink). The 90s is where you’ll find the coveted photo-op – life-sized Barbie and Ken boxes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Photo.jpeg) “Barbie's clearly an icon,” Feder said. “Most people have some sort of Barbie memory or Barbie experience, or even if they don't, they know who Barbie is, right? So we really wanted to bring that to Virginia.” Feder wants multigenerational visitors and families to share in a sense of nostalgia, memory and fun, but also learn something along the way. “It's a super fun exhibit, but you can learn something if you want to. It's not all pink and fluffy. There is actually a pretty serious historical narrative as well,” she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Barbie.jpeg) The story of Barbie’s evolution reflects the changing role of women in American culture and society, like the introduction of the first Black Barbie and the first Black and Hispanic Barbie actually named Barbie (not one of her friends) as well as her iconic career changes, according to Feder. “Especially beginning in the 2000s, there was a bigger emphasis on diversity, not just body type, but skin tone, hair texture, all sorts of things, that really allows kids and young women to see themselves in Barbie,” Feder said. The exhibit will run until mid-January. ### The largest croquet club in the world is nearby, and it's hosting the North American championships this weekend URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-largest-croquet-club-in-the-world-is-on-the-northern-neck-its-hosting-the-north-american-championships-this-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T12:00:33.000Z Contrary to what you might think, it’s not all in the wrist when you’re playing golf croquet. “Actually, the wrist is something that interferes with hitting a straight shot,” said George Enoch. “You kind of swing from your shoulders. You obviously have to use your wrist because you've got to rotate the ball when you hit it. But if you have too much wrist action, you're liable to hit the ball off-center. And if you hit it off-center, it's not going to go where you want it to.” Enoch, 87, is practicing his shots on one of the 24 laser-leveled, Bermuda grass courts at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club, which sits roughly 500 yards from one of the many inlets into the Chesapeake Bay just outside of Hartfield. He’s here hoping to win a trophy at the North American Open Golf Croquet Championship taking place this weekend. “I live up in Alexandria,” said Enoch, who’s been playing for 40 years and has traveled to other states to compete. “It's a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, and I can come down here and play competitively without a whole lot of inconvenience.” The event and location is part of Macey White’s croquet empire, something he started building more than a decade ago. The club is celebrating its 10th anniversary. “I started playing croquet when I was 53 years old,” said White, now 66\. “And at 53 you can't be internationally competitive in a lot of things. Basketball is out. Football is out. But croquet, you can learn the game at 53, make your national team – which I did. It's a low-impact sport.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Macey-White---owner-founder-of-the-club.jpeg) Macey White started the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club a decade ago. The club offers free lessons every Sunday. He fell in love with the sport and decided to create his own club in his own back yard that once held dozens of peach trees when it belonged to his grandfather. White’s grandfather’s house — which he now lives in — sits within walking distance to the courts. “I spent the winter pulling all the trees, moving topsoil, leveling the subsoil and putting the topsoil back,” he said. “Sometime in August, we had courts we could play on. And in October, we ran a tournament. We started this club with two members and eight courts. We fell in love with running tournaments and having people come from other places.” Now White has 24 courts and a clubhouse that was once a barn. “We built this into the largest facility in the world,” he said. “We were twice the size of the next biggest club in the world, which was the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. Since then, they've tried to catch us, so they have 15 courts now. But we're still the largest with 24, probably always will be.” ### **Styles of croquet** The style of croquet that’s being played this weekend is known as Golf Croquet. It’s one of the forms of competitive croquet that’s played in the United States, said White, who has been national champion nine times in a form known as nine-wicket. “A lot of people play croquet in their backyard,” he said. “When you play that by the actual rules and not just try to send your sister's ball into the bushes, it's a very competitive and complex game. And it is still played on long grass.” The other forms of the sport are played on short grass. “The nine-wicket is purely American and on short grass, (and) six-wicket is purely American. They're very similar,” White said. “A similar game internationally is called association croquet. It's the most widely played form of croquet in the world. The U.S. has won the world championship in golf croquet three (tournaments) running.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/John-Welch-sets-up-a-shot.jpeg) John Welch picked up croquet after health issues prevented him from playing basketball. The tournament at the club draws people from all over the country and the world, especially when they held the World Championships in 2024\. Silvia Short and her husband Peter Dreyer recently moved from South Africa to North Carolina. She said they’re still learning how to play golf croquet. “This is already our second tournament, and we've only been here a month,” said Short, who’s been playing since 2009\. “We weren't taught golf croquet. We were taught association tournament croquet, which is, I think, more the original form of the game. It's like snooker. You make as many hoops as you can and try to win the game.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Round-Robin-Doubles-Match-1.jpeg) Players compete in round-robin doubles. Short, 70, who represented South Africa in the Women's World Championships in England in 2023, said her and Dreyer are predicted to win a trophy on Sunday. “Our seedings came in quite high, which is quite surprising. Peter is first in his block, and I'm second in my block, so the challenge is ours,” she said. John Welch and his wife came down from Plymouth, Massachusetts to compete. The 77-year-old has been playing for 11 years after having to give up playing basketball due to health issues. “We're playing as a team and we just lost a tough 7-6 match, so it could be a long ride home. Nobody talking to each other,” he said, with a laugh. “I got into croquet and it fulfills my competitive instincts. In my own mind, I'm very well-ranked.” Enoch likes that the sport has a lot to offer for both body and mind. “It has a physical component to it. You've got to be able to physically execute the shots,” he said. “It has an intellectual component because you've got to figure out the strategy, which shots to hit and how to hit them. And (at) my age, it gives me something to be competitive about.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Scoreboard-with-results-of-the-round-robin.jpeg) ### **Not just for seniors** Despite the age range of the players on the courts in Chesapeake Bay, White said the game is not just for older people. In fact [American Blake Fields](https://worldcroquet.org/2024-golf-croquet-world-championship/) won the Golf Croquet World Championship in 2024 at age 18. “Interestingly, the age range is really wide. It's a game that you can play your entire life,” he said. “There are some who are 13, 14, 15-years-old who are winning tournaments, and there's guys in their 80s that are winning tournaments.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Who-will-win-the-main-trophy.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Round-Robin-Doubles-Match.jpeg) Every Sunday, the club offers free lessons from pros, and games for anyone. Wednesday’s tournament started with round robins and gave the players a chance to warm up, said White. Then starting Friday afternoon, the playoffs will start. “They'll take two and a half days to finish, so sometime Sunday afternoon we'll have the finals for both the doubles and the singles,” White said. *The headline to this article initially referred to the Northern Neck. Hartfield is located in the Middle Peninsula.* ### Company says there’s still a chance for Richmond solar deal after city finishes investigation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/company-says-theres-still-a-chance-for-richmond-solar-deal-after-city-finishes-investigation/ Last updated: 2026-10-15T18:49:03.000Z A proposal to put privately owned solar panels on dozens of government buildings in Richmond had stalled out before Mayor Danny Avula said he would stop pushing for it so the city could look into a “possible relationship” that might erode public trust in the deal. The City Council stood by its 5-4 vote on Sept. 28 to reject the deal, rebuffing an effort to put the solar proposal back on the agenda for a meeting on Oct. 5\. In an email sent Oct. 2, the Council clerk said a majority of members “have not agreed” to reconsider the solar vote. That email was sent a few hours before news broke that a part-time staffer in the city’s Office of Sustainability, which was leading the solar energy project, was working with the private solar developer at the same time. [Richmond solar energy proposal fails to pass as Council meeting turns chaotic“Actions have consequences, and City Council’s action tonight will make it harder to achieve the City’s sustainability goals.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7db0c02a-7353-488f-8b87-42f0a13fae07.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/031B61B9-978B-4B66-B9A7-F8C4C0309197_1_201_a-db5d5db2-831f-48fa-b61d-e6c5fc4b433b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-solar-energy-proposal-fails-to-pass-as-council-meeting-turns-chaotic/) The Council’s decision not to revisit the matter seemed to be the end of the proposed agreement with Staunton-based Secure Solar Futures, because it meant officials wouldn’t be signing off on any rooftop leases by the project deadlines the city had been given. The company would have paid to install and maintain solar panels on city buildings, while selling the energy back to the city at a lower rate than what Dominion Energy charges. Council members balked at the deal due to concerns it was being forced through on a compressed timeline and over the objections of some administration officials who felt it would come with too much legal and financial risk. Adding to the difficulties, there’s now an open inspector general investigation related to the project and an internal review of a possible staff conflict of interest. However, Tony Smith, the CEO of Secure Solar Futures, said he thinks there’s still a chance to work something out after the city completes its investigation. “There’s definitely an opportunity. But we want to allow the investigation to follow its course,” Smith said in an interview last week. “My hope and expectation is that it would resolve quickly.” The drama surrounding the proposal — which proponents said could lead to around $20 million in energy savings over 25 years — has also led some city officials to wonder if the company will eventually choose to just walk away. “We don’t walk away. We walk towards,” Smith said. “We’re fully committed to helping the city realize its goals for sustainability, energy savings and relieving the taxpayer burden.” [As electricity costs rise and federal tax credits wind down, Richmond hopes to move fast on solarCurrently, Richmond’s annual electricity costs are about $18.7 million.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-95af40b6-fcda-456e-8ac7-6ac1fb2df203.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/EPMW11-3d497269-10fc-4314-b7c6-2fa57dbdd053.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-electricity-costs-rise-and-federal-tax-credits-wind-down-richmond-hopes-to-move-fast-on-solar/) City officials don’t appear to be trying to reintroduce another version of the solar plan. There was no new solar-related legislation introduced at the Council’s Oct. 13 meeting, making it unlikely the matter will be reconsidered anywhere close to the deadlines listed in a previous memo from the Avula administration. As of late last month, the administration said the Council had until Oct. 1 to approve the full solar deal involving 39 rooftops. A smaller-scale project involving 17 rooftops was possible by Oct. 5, that memo said. Without Council action by that timeline, the administration said, the “project does not move forward.” “We will, of course, try to regroup, but we don't have a clear path to rooftop solar in Richmond now that key deadlines have passed,” said Susan Kruse, executive director of Community Climate Collaborative, a nonprofit that was involved in planning the solar project. Though the city has said it’s doing an internal review, answers haven’t come quickly. It’s not clear what Inspector General Foster Curtiss is looking into. The IG’s office typically doesn’t comment on active investigations and doesn’t give timelines for how long a particular investigation might take. The revelation that caused the mayor to put the project on hold dealt with part-time sustainability staffer Andre Eanes, who also had a professional relationship with Secure Solar Futures, according to public LinkedIn info. Staunton-based Secure Solar Futures isn’t exactly an unknown company with a limited track record. The organization has done several solar power purchase agreements across Virginia like the one Richmond was considering, including a deal with Richmond Public Schools. In an Oct. 2 email to the Council, the mayor said he didn’t think the issue impacted the solar negotiations. But, Avula added, it “will absolutely color the public perception around this work.” The mayor told the Council “we are going to stop pursuing this effort right now.” “While I absolutely believe in the importance of this effort, and the integrity of the negotiating process, this uncertainty raises too many concerns, and I believe stepping away from this is necessary to preserve the public’s trust,” Avula wrote. Eanes has [told media outlets](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F26f9d62c-20f6-4650-925b-956526e842b7.html) the city was aware of the relationship and had signed off on it through the human resources department. Smith has said the same. “The city was aware that he was doing this work with us and it was cleared by HR,” Smith said, explaining that Eanes had done some technical site analysis work for the company related to the solar project the sustainability office was pursuing. City officials haven’t commented on the assertion the matter was fully cleared by HR. The HR department declined to answer emailed questions from The Richmonder. On Oct. 7, a city spokesperson said the Office of Strategic Communications was working to “gather the appropriate details” to be able to answer. More than a week later, there was no response. Officials also said they would need more time to pull potentially relevant HR records in response to Freedom of Information Act requests, saying the city couldn’t respond within FOIA’s standard five-day window and would need the additional seven workdays the law allows. According to city [HR policies](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/AdminRegs5-05.pdf), employees must seek “written approval” for outside employment. A copy of any such approval is supposed to be kept in the employee’s personnel file. The sustainability office also didn’t answer emailed questions. The mayor’s office has offered few updates since saying the matter was under review. “We’re taking the time to find out more about the questions that are being raised,” Avula spokesperson Mira Signer said on Oct. 2\. “The Mayor directed the CAO to look into the situation immediately, and we will know more soon." There has been no formal determination any rules were broken. Under Richmond’s [ethics policy](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/1.1%20Code%20of%20Ethics.pdf), employees are instructed to avoid anything that could create the appearance of a conflict of interest, even if there’s no intent to do anything overtly improper. “It is important that all City employees remain independent, impartial and responsible to Richmond citizens,” the city ethics policy states. “No employee of the City of Richmond shall engage in business activity or have any direct or indirect financial interest, professional activity or incur any obligation of any nature which conflicts or would appear to conflict with the fair, impartial and objective performance of officially assigned duties and responsibilities.” As part of a 2025 review of the city’s purchasing card system, City Auditor Riad Ali identified lax enforcement of conflict of interest policies as an area of concern. That audit was mainly focused on employees who had authority over procurement and purchasing decisions, but included recommendations for strengthening conflict of interest rules more broadly. The audit suggested requiring annual conflict of interest disclosures from all employees with “with purchasing, approval or vendor selection authority” and a stronger system for reviewing and acting on “disclosed relationships.” The auditor also recommended a conflict of interest disclosure tracking system and yearly “conflict of interest and ethics training” for employees with authority over how public dollars are spent with private companies. The [purchasing card audit](https://rvagov.prod.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/OCA%232025-11%20Purchasing%20Cards%20-%206.24.25.pdf) was issued in June of 2025. In a [June 2026 update](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/2026-11%20Open%20Audit%20Recommendations%20Follow-Up%20FY26P3.pdf) from the auditor’s office, the suggestions regarding conflicts of interest were listed as “high priority” recommendations that had not yet been resolved. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Photos: Maymont's Garden Glow returns with enhanced laser-light tunnel URL: https://www.richmonder.org/photos-maymonts-garden-glow-returns-with-enhanced-laser-light-tunnel/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T19:58:52.000Z Maymont's Garden Glow event has returned, and will run until Nov. 8\. Tickets can be pre-purchased [through the Maymont website](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/). This year marks the ninth edition of the Garden Glow event, which has become the park's largest annual fundraiser. Here's what this year's edition looked like on opening night: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-12.JPG) A field of glowing fireflies leads to a nearly 12-foot Here We Glow wall installation ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-11.JPG) The Tree of Life installation at Maymont's Garden Glow, one of the estate’s biggest fundraisers of the year. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-10.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-9.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-8.JPG) Caitlin Rafuse and her wife Sara Rafuse take in the lights and atmospheric sounds along Laser Lane during a preview of Maymont’s annual Garden Glow event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-6.JPG) Guests hike the Woodland Trail from the Japanese Garden. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-5.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-4.JPG) Somer Agnor and her three kids, Palmer, left, Pepper, right, and 2 month old Persephone, pile on the Glow Swings together during the Garden Glow preview event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-3.JPG) Lisha Reynolds, left, and Sarah Yount, visiting from Agecroft Hall & Gardens, take a selfie in front of the nearly 12-foot tall Here We Glow wall. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Garden-Glow_10.13.26_The-Richmonder_JTH-2.JPG) ### A high school coach held football practice in blistering heat. What happened next nearly tore the team apart URL: https://www.richmonder.org/a-high-school-coach-held-football-practice-in-blistering-heat-what-happened-next-nearly-tore-the-team-apart/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T18:37:40.000Z Before the season was in jeopardy, before the boycotts and parent protests, before the Risk Management reports, Justin Akers was trying to get his football team on the field. As head coach at Monacan High School, Akers knew the unseasonably hot conditions on Sept. 1 could force the school to cancel outdoor practices. The school’s artificial turf can reach temperatures as high as 200 degrees in the midday sun. So he asked his players to meet before school that morning, when temperatures were cooler. What happened next remains disputed. Several players reported blisters, prompting the school to remove Akers from his coaching position. Administrators initially appeared to expect his assistants to step into the vacancy and finish the season. Instead, they stood by Akers and declined. Parents split, too. One group demanded a meeting with Activities Director Wyatt Hicks, arguing that the pause in the program was costing their children opportunities to be scouted by college programs. Another group of dads offered to coach the team themselves. Hicks, meanwhile, stayed after school each day to help players work out as the controversy escalated. “We have 2 paths forward - the county moves quickly enough to bring him back soon or I believe the rest of the staff will continue to stand their ground and we lose the season,” he wrote in an email to one parent. “I don’t see a scenario where the rest of the staff comes back without him because they are proving a point.” With that, one of the smallest high schools in Chesterfield County was thrust into a national debate over football conditioning, and the underlying question: What’s the difference between a tough practice and an unsafe one? 📝 This account is based on emails and text messages obtained by The Richmonder. Chesterfield County Public Schools was asked by phone and email five times for comment and to conduct interviews with those involved in this story. The coach, Justin Akers, said he would have to check with school officials before speaking with a reporter. CCPS spokesperson Shawn Smith said he messaged involved parties with The Richmonder’s request but didn’t hear back. ### **The practice** The Chiefs lost their season opener to Manchester, 36-0, and were preparing to face Hanover when they moved their practice to the morning on Sept. 1. The decision to allow outdoor practices rested with the school’s athletic trainer, Matthew Schneider. By the time Monacan’s football team took the field that Tuesday morning, Schneider hadn’t yet made a call on outdoor practices. By 2 p.m., however, he announced outdoor practices should stop for the remainder of the day. Akers planned to run the same plan the next day — he initially rescheduled Wednesday’s afternoon practice for the morning. Then came the blisters. Sometime that Tuesday, Schneider treated several of Akers’ players for blisters. He later told Hicks that the injuries were limited to players’ hands, but they were serious enough to warrant an injury report to the county’s Risk Management office. After school that day — two days before the Chiefs’ home opener — Akers and the varsity team gathered in the school’s physical education room. What they discussed remains unclear. Akers was still coaching when the Chiefs took the field that Thursday, losing 55-33. By Friday, the Chiefs were 0-2 — and without a head football coach. The circumstances of his removal weren’t covered in emails The Richmonder reviewed. With the season hanging in the balance, none of Akers’ assistants would take his place. Since he began coaching Monacan in May 2025, Akers built a strong following in the school’s community. After his departure, several parents emailed administrators to voice support for the former coach and described him as a role model. “He has made a profoundly positive impact on the lives of these student-athletes, teaching them invaluable lessons about character, community and looking out for one another,” one parent wrote. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2887.jpeg) ### **The scramble** So, perhaps in solidarity, no one would step up to lead the team. Without a head coach or willing replacement, the Chiefs faced losing more than a few days’ worth of football. Their next scheduled opponent, L.C. Bird, was set to visit Monacan on Sept. 11. That weekend — Sept. 4 through 6 — high school administrators scrambled to decide their next steps. The immediate question was whether Monacan could practice, let alone play. Administrators initially considered canceling Monday’s practice and postponing the game against L.C. Bird. But rescheduling proved difficult, and no coaches — including the position coaches — were available to prepare the team for competition. “I think we should cancel Monday practice - push the Bird game,” Principal Ben Shindler wrote to Hicks. “Send community message tomorrow and brace for impact.” Administrators began drafting a notification to parents. Because the school had yet to formally announce Akers’ departure from coaching, Shindler sought help from Chesterfield County Public Schools spokesperson Shawn Smith. After the messaging was finalized, an assistant coach sent a notice canceling the varsity team’s practice. The junior varsity team, however, practiced that Monday — Labor Day. Varsity players were instructed to meet in Room 207 after school Tuesday. By Tuesday afternoon, the search for a head coach had yielded no resolution. Administrators made it official: Monacan would not play L.C. Bird on Sept. 11. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2897.jpeg) ### **The aftermath** The canceled game ignited a new wave of frustration and confusion from parents. Some demanded answers. Others offered to coach. The fallout extended beyond the football team, affecting the school’s dance team, cheerleaders and band, whose members also stood to lose part of their game-day experience. Parents worried that students — especially seniors — would miss out on what could be a defining part of high school. With no head coach in place, Hicks began leading after-school conditioning sessions that week. The Chiefs still had a chance to return to the field against James River on Sept. 18. On Thursday, Sept. 10, administrators met with a handful of team parents to address their concerns. But the team didn’t wait long to learn its fate. Later that same Thursday, after the parents’ meeting, it was official: Football was back, and defensive coordinator Dylan Culpen would serve as interim head coach. The Chiefs returned to competition on the road against James River, where Culpen made his debut. Monacan lost 35-14, but the team returned to the field. [Improved offensive flow for James River comes to pass against MonacanRapids' aerial attack takes off behind the play of quarterback Mayfield![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-b7e15c4e-4eec-48a1-adcb-6012ad46be1b.png)The RichmonderJonathan Howard![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_4737-1-4447c13f-3fa4-45d2-a5a9-4d4bf2e64f17.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/improved-offensive-flow-for-james-river-comes-to-pass/) Two weeks later, on Oct. 2, Monacan hosted its homecoming game. Students and parents dressed in white packed the bleachers. The Friday night lights beamed brightly overhead. Across the field, Richmond High School for the Arts held a one-touchdown lead over the Chiefs. Before the first half ended, Monacan scored. Then it scored again. The stands erupted with each touchdown. Students repeatedly rushed the field and waved a massive school flag as Culpen paced the sidelines, speaking into his headset. The game clock ticked down. The Chiefs held their lead, allowing the Bulldogs just one more touchdown. After weeks of uncertainty, Monacan notched its first home victory of the season. The final score: 40-12. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This story has been updated since it was initially posted to remove a reference to Culpen as the current coach.* ### Oct. 14 Newsletter: Murder rates drop to decade-long lows URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-14-newsletter-murder-rates-drop-to-decade-long-lows/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T10:00:00.000Z **Weather:** A one-day heat wave sees temperatures reach 90 before dropping overnight. **On this date** in 1994, five people are shot in Gilpin Court, as Richmond suffers its worst murder year on record. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/vcu-Opportunity-Richmonder-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-7e7cc0ee-1b78-4b19-8846-a999111a3424.png) ### Murders, shootings at lowest point in over a decade Richmond murders and nonfatal shootings are trending toward the lowest totals in over a decade, according to data presented by Police Chief Rick Edwards Tuesday. 🚔 The declines also included a 32-day stretch this summer when no murders happened at all, a pattern that Edwards called “really significant.” “We’ve only had that a few times over the last 10 years, and it’s always been the winter months,” he said. Police partly attributed the decrease to the seizure of 213 guns this summer as part of Operation Safe Summer. [**Last year’s initiative saw police seize some 250 firearms**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-police-chief-touts-historically-low-number-of-non-fatal-shootings-after-operation-safe-summer/)**.** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_2608-1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-eda-told-squirrels-to-vacate-diamond-officials-gave-vcu-the-option-for-new-lease/) ### As EDA told Squirrels to vacate Diamond, officials gave VCU the option for new lease Richmond’s Economic Development Authority could end up with two ballparks leased to two different baseball teams amid an ongoing feud over the Diamond District development project. ⚾ The EDA gave VCU the option of entering a new lease for continued use of The Diamond. On Tuesday, a VCU spokesperson indicated in a statement that the university plans to take that offer. The new lease would presumably be a backup plan if VCU and the Squirrels owners continue to be unable to reach a deal to have both teams play at the new, publicly financed ballpark. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-eda-told-squirrels-to-vacate-diamond-officials-gave-vcu-the-option-for-new-lease/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/YWCA-Richmond-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/ywca-partially-reopens-sprout-school-as-parents-call-for-a-board-investigation-into-operations/) ### YWCA partially reopens Sprout School as parents call for a board investigation into operations One week after the YWCA’s Sprout School at Second Presbyterian Church closed due to understaffing, the school has reopened its doors, but teachers and parents critical of the organization continue to call on its top leadership to take action addressing what they say are longstanding issues. The school’s closing followed a daylong teachers' strike last Monday. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/ywca-partially-reopens-sprout-school-as-parents-call-for-a-board-investigation-into-operations/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/DSCF8073--3--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/mayor-police-chief-say-they-hope-to-find-middle-ground-on-automatic-license-plate-readers/) ### Mayor, police chief say they hope to find ‘middle ground’ on automatic license plate readers Three days after announcing Richmond won’t renew its automatic license plate reader contract with Flock Safety at the end of June, Mayor Danny Avula said he hopes the city can come up with a path forward that balances the public safety benefits of the controversial cameras with privacy concerns. Avula said he'd be open to a Virginia-based system that kept its information inside a closed network. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/mayor-police-chief-say-they-hope-to-find-middle-ground-on-automatic-license-plate-readers/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/260817_0169_jm900.jpg)](https://vcu.exposure.co/the-class-of-2030-has-arrived?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU Class of 2030** The Class of 2030 brings together students from a variety of communities, cultures and experiences, each contributing distinct perspectives, talents and ambitions. They come from different places and are pursuing different paths, but they have one thing in common: They are Rams, ready to shape what comes next and build futures that are unlimited. Here’s a snapshot of the first-year class: - **4,520 students** from **38 states,** including Virginia, as well as **77 countries.** - **40% are first-generation students.** - **60% of the class** are starting with some college credit. [**Read more.**](https://vcu.exposure.co/the-class-of-2030-has-arrived?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/meeting-recaps.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/) - [**Richmond City Council scales back 2015 financial transparency law over privacy concerns**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-city-council-scales-back-2015-financial-transparency-law-over-privacy-concerns/) - Officials had stopped publishing the so-called payment register in 2019 after concerns it was taking up too much staff time and putting the city at risk of accidentally exposing sensitive or confidential information. - [**With more growth on the horizon, Chesterfield opts to level capacity between old and new schools**](https://www.richmonder.org/with-more-growth-on-the-horizon-chesterfield-opts-to-level-capacity-between-old-and-new-schools/) - With the new West Ridge High welcoming students in 2027, that school, plus neighboring Midlothian and Cosby high schools, will have roughly the same capacity: 73%. --- ### In other news - [**Henrico Tomorrow grant program set to relaunch in 2027**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-10-13/henrico-tomorrow-eda-renovation-grants-tretina-cooper-pellerito-medallion-park/) (VPM) - This program, which began in 2024, offers reimbursement grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for the renovation of qualifying aging or vacant office properties. - [**Richmond Flying Squirrels named 2026 MiLB Organization of the Year**](https://www.wtvr.com/sports/richmond-flying-squirrels-milb-organization-of-the-year-oct-13-2026) (CBS 6) - The award recognizes the overall achievements of an MiLB club demonstrating excellence across all business functions and in baseball operations. - [**Lucky AF restaurant finally opens in Forest Hill after two-year wait**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/12/lucky-af-forest-hill-sushi-restaurant-opening-date-menu) (Axios Richmond) - The "Boujie AF" roll has tempura lobster topped with filet mignon and four kinds of caviar ($22.30). --- ### The editor's desk A shout-out to one of our summer freelancers, Libby Mercer, who [**broke the big news on Monday**](https://x.com/libmmercer/status/2109637814346568039) that JMU is leaving the Sun Belt athletic conference. Like VCU basketball, the Dukes seem to have lofty goals for their football program. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### As EDA told Squirrels to vacate Diamond, officials gave VCU the option for new lease URL: https://www.richmonder.org/as-eda-told-squirrels-to-vacate-diamond-officials-gave-vcu-the-option-for-new-lease/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T02:15:10.000Z Richmond’s Economic Development Authority could end up with two ballparks leased to two different baseball teams amid an ongoing feud over the Diamond District development project. Last month, the EDA told the Richmond Flying Squirrels the team could no longer use The Diamond for overflow storage after the minor-league team moved to the new CarMax Park. The EDA said it was changing locks on the old stadium and would consider it trespassing for any Squirrels personnel to try to enter The Diamond after this Friday. In a letter sent to VCU the same day, the EDA gave the university the option of entering a new lease for continued use of The Diamond. On Tuesday, a VCU spokesperson indicated in a statement that the university plans to take that offer. “We fully expect to play next season's games at The Diamond as we continue to work with all parties to secure VCU Baseball's long-term home,” said VCU spokesman Michael Porter. The new lease would presumably be a backup plan if VCU and the Squirrels owners continue to be unable to reach a deal to have both teams play at the new, publicly financed ballpark. Officials announced a tentative deal for shared use of CarMax Park last October, but the plan apparently fell through due to disagreements over cost-sharing terms. In January, the Squirrels announced they were cutting off talks with VCU, leaving the school in a sort of limbo between the old and new stadiums. [City, VCU appear to set a September deadline for Squirrels agreement in new contractWhat exactly “good faith” means could be the next legal frontier in a project that has turned increasingly acrimonious.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-70235ba6-d157-429e-8ce8-d0a7ead6889b.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay05-f64d6530-0034-427d-85b5-59158bf94623.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-vcu-appear-to-set-a-september-deadline-for-squirrels-agreement-in-new-contract/) Both Sept. 21 letters from EDA Director Angie Rodgers started the same way, informing the Squirrels and VCU that they no longer had any legal rights to access The Diamond because prior deals had expired with the completion and opening of CarMax Park. Squirrels owner Lou DiBella has filed lawsuits against the EDA and Thalhimer Realty Partners developer Jason Guillot over disputes related to the Diamond District. In an internal staff memo, a team executive said the order to vacate The Diamond was “clearly retaliatory for legal steps the organization has taken to protect its business interests.” [In internal memo, Squirrels COO says team had permission to use Diamond for storageIn an internal memo obtained by The Richmonder, COO Ben Rothrock pushed back on what he described as “misinformation” by the EDA.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1a37f9b1-2461-423d-b315-74efd62d9097.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay05-1efe29b6-fe79-40d5-9ca4-38636326d062.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-internal-memo-squirrels-coo-says-team-had-permission-to-use-diamond-for-storage/) While the Squirrels were effectively told to clear out, the EDA offered a new lease to VCU “for whatever additional period you might need it.” What that lease might entail isn’t clear from the letter, but the EDA said it should address “priority and coordination for VCU home games, practices and events” as well as “a defined description of the spaces VCU will occupy year-round, the spaces it will use seasonally and shared or common areas.” The EDA proposed a “rent or use fee” along with shared utility costs. “A lease conveying an interest in EDA-owned property will require approval by both the EDA Board and Richmond City Council,” Rodgers wrote in the letter addressed to VCU Athletics Director Ed McLaughlin. “That process takes significant time, and we want VCU to be able to plan its facility needs around that timeline.” City officials have characterized the letters as a way to tie up loose legal ends with The Diamond as part of the transition to CarMax Park. In [an interview with WRIC](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/eda-flying-squirrels-out-of-the-diamond/) earlier this month, Mayor Danny Avula said the two entities essentially got “the same notice” to “vacate the premises.” The bottom lines in the two letters were substantially different. While the Squirrels were told to clear out by Friday, Rodgers asked VCU officials to send a response by Friday about their interest in a new lease “so that we can begin the EDA Board and City Council approval process without a gap in VCU’s use of the facility.” City spokesperson Michael Hinkle said the directive to the Squirrels was less about the planned future demolition of The Diamond and more about “the lease agreement, liability coverage and ensuring the responsible management of a publicly owned asset.” The Squirrels felt the city’s letter falsely implied the team was improperly using The Diamond even though the EDA had previously given the team permission to keep using it for storage. Hinkle acknowledged the EDA had an informal agreement with the team, but said the Squirrels were “aware that the continued use would need to come to an end once they began to occupy the new ballpark.” The nature of the relationship between the EDA and the Squirrels over the last few months, Hinkle said, “requires clear, formal communication.” “The tone in the letter is meant to clearly communicate purpose,” Hinkle said in an email. The city has told the Squirrels to resume negotiations with VCU about a cost-sharing arrangement to allow the university team to play at CarMax Park. The EDA’s letter to VCU indicated the new lease for The Diamond would only be necessary until VCU can begin playing at CarMax Park. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org)*. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder, but was not allowed to influence or review this story. Read our editorial policy* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*.* ### Richmond City Council scales back 2015 financial transparency law over privacy concerns URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-city-council-scales-back-2015-financial-transparency-law-over-privacy-concerns/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T02:03:56.000Z The Richmond City Council voted Tuesday to slim down a 2015 law that required the city to publish an online list of payments made with taxpayer dollars. Officials had stopped publishing the so-called payment register in 2019 after concerns it was taking up too much staff time and putting the city at risk of accidentally exposing sensitive or confidential information. Earlier this year, Mayor Danny Avula proposed reducing the scope of the law to make the workload more manageable and relaunch a new version of the payment register. The mayor’s proposal was unveiled in April. After several delayed committee hearings and a round of amendments, the Council gave it a final thumbs-up Tuesday in a 7-2 vote. The goal of the revised payment register, according to the Avula administration, is to clearly exclude payments to individual people like tax refunds or social services assistance, while keeping information about public funds being paid to vendors. Reimbursement payments to city employees would still be included. “I’m extremely proud of our team for working through a long-standing, inherited, and very complicated pain point and finding a path forward that provides proactive public access to the city’s spending data,” Avula said in a [news release](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/RELEASE--Mayor-Danny-Avula-s--Statements--City-Council-Meeting---Oct--13--2026.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=UjLes-K-S7s) Tuesday evening. In the most significant change, the payment register will no longer include an “invoice description” field containing specific information about what was being purchased. An earlier version of the proposal left out more categories of information, such as transaction dates. However, the Avula administration restored some information in a round of amendments made over the summer. “After a very long period, I think we got it right,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) concurred, saying he felt the revised payment register will include essential information while also being “careful” with city data. “Transaction-level data that has dates and amounts and payees and account numbers is critical for the transparency that we need,” Breton said. According to the Avula administration, invoice descriptions having the most descriptive detail also made that field the most perilous and time-intensive in terms of review and redaction. In many transactions, officials have said, the invoice description is left blank. Though the new payment register won’t allow the public to see exact purchase descriptions, the mayor’s office has said it will still include funding codes and cost center descriptions that will give users at least some idea of the nature of each purchase. The city was able to publish the original version of the payment register from 2015 to 2019 without any major public controversies about confidential information being exposed. When the city revisited the matter this year, officials said some Social Security numbers were getting into the data. The revised payment register would allow city officials to exclude “any payment that would disclose personally identifiable information protected by law.” Because Virginia law treats many FOIA exemptions as optional, not mandatory, that provision could give officials more discretion over what to publish. A few Council members had expressed interest in doing an independent Council investigation into why the city was failing to follow a self-imposed transparency law. The call for an investigation — a power the Council rarely uses — was championed by Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District). At Tuesday’s meeting, Gibson said the revisions to the 2015 law were unnecessary and would serve to add “loopholes.” “We won’t know what is hidden,” Gibson said. “Because we won’t be able to see it.” Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) joined Gibson in voting against the Avula administration’s proposal. The Council rejected Gibson’s standalone proposal for an investigation by a 6-3 vote. Gibson said Council members are often “frustrated” by limitations on what they can do, while reminding her colleagues “we have power in these seats.” “The power that we hold is to ensure that information is provided and that laws are followed as they’re written,” Gibson said. “And if we’re not going to do that, I don’t know who else will.” Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) voted for the payment register revisions and the proposed investigation into why the city stopped following the law. The new payment register also won’t include any information about money spent to settle lawsuits or legal claims against City Hall. The new payment register must be implemented within 90 days of the Council’s vote. The Avula administration signaled it should happen by the end of the year. Once the register is up and running, the Avula administration has indicated it should be able to publish new monthly payment data no later than 60 days after the close of each month. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Mayor, police chief say they hope to find ‘middle ground’ on automatic license plate readers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/mayor-police-chief-say-they-hope-to-find-middle-ground-on-automatic-license-plate-readers/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T01:57:51.000Z Three days after announcing Richmond won’t renew its automatic license plate reader contract with Flock Safety at the end of June, Mayor Danny Avula said he hopes the city can come up with a path forward that balances the public safety benefits of the controversial cameras with privacy concerns. City Hall is “trying to see if there is both a happy middle ground that allows the use of the technology, which we’ve been very clear helps the public safety mission, with the sense of what people need and what people fear around what is involved with the surveillance state,” said Avula during a press conference. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards similarly said that he wants Richmond to “find that happy medium between the concerns of our community and the very real ability of this technology to keep our community safe.” [Saturday’s announcement](https://www.richmonder.org/after-henrico-drops-flock-cameras-avula-says-richmond-wont-renew-contract-either/) followed Henrico County’s decision just days prior to end its contract with Flock, which was scheduled to run out Nov. 14, as well as months of complaints from local activists who have pointed to abuses of the technology across the nation. Locally, a Chesterfield County police employee was [recently charged with misusing the camera](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-police-employee-arrested-for-misusing-flock-cameras/) system. This April, the Richmond Police Department informed the public [a sergeant had improperly shared Flock information with a federal agent](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-discloses-sergeant-violated-flock-camera-policy-by-sharing-info-with-federal-agent/), although Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin’s office declined to prosecute the case. Avula acknowledged Tuesday that he personally has some concerns with Flock, the largest and best-known of the companies that operate automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology. “Particularly as an immigrant, as I’ve heard stories about how immigrants have been terrorized, as I’ve seen the role that ICE has played here in our local community, I think at the national level the concern that that data might be used, shared in a way that’s not helpful, deeply concerns me,” he said. Edwards for his part said “the biggest concern I have and the biggest challenge with this technology is the abuse by the operator.” “That is happening throughout the country, where officers are using it to track ex-wives and things like that, and that is a betrayal of trust,” he said. “We have ways to address that at RPD should we run into that.” Both the mayor and the police chief, however, have continued to argue the technology has clear material benefits for policing, including the ability to more quickly identify perpetrators of crime, cut down on traffic stops and reduce the number of people who have to be subpoenaed as witnesses in cases. While the city will be ending its contract with Flock, Avula said the city hasn’t ruled out the possibility of contracting with another company for those services. “It is still on the table that we would consider the use of other ALPR technologies and other law enforcement technologies broader than that, like gunshot detection, which I have not heard much concerning feedback around,” said the mayor. According to the police chief, Richmond’s current Flock contract for the city’s automatic license plate reader system costs $285,000, while the gunshot detection contract is for $152,000\. The city does not plan to discontinue its use of the gunshot detection system. ### **‘Not a closed decision’** Avula has pledged to hold a series of “community conversations” in the coming months to decide how the city should proceed with automatic license plate reader technology. On Tuesday, he explained his decision to announce the city would not renew the Flock contract at the end of June 2027 ahead of those conversations as an effort to let the community know that the “conversation is changing.” “What I’m trying to be clear about in every step of this is that this is not a closed decision,” he said. He pointed to two factors as having persuaded his administration to take immediate action: Henrico’s decision to terminate its contract and what Avula described as a growing range of people “who are raising questions and who are expressing concerns about the role that surveillance technology has in our society.” Still, the mayor said he doesn’t believe the group of activists who have persistently lobbied the City Council to cancel the Flock contract is representative of the city population broadly or of communities experiencing high levels of gun violence. “We've heard from many residents at City Council meetings, and those voices certainly matter,” he said. “But we also need to hear from the people whose lives have been disproportionately impacted by crime and who may not be showing up at those meetings.” The mayor contends the conversations his administration intends to hold with residents in coming months will capture a broader range of opinions than what has typically been heard at Council meetings. “We'll go to a meeting in a lower-income community or a community that's experiencing a lot of violence, and people are clamoring for more police participation, more surveillance, and so there are very different messages that are emerging in our community,” he said. The debate is also expected to continue on the state level. Several legislators, [including Richmond Sen. Mike Jones](https://www.instagram.com/p/DeUie64Ri3Y/), have already publicly stated they are drafting bills for the upcoming General Assembly session to address the issue. “There's a role for the state and federal government here,” said Avula Tuesday. “I think that if there were a company that was not a big national company, if there was a closed network for the state of Virginia where we could build our own guidelines and manage our own data, would that change things for members of the public? It certainly would for me. I’d feel a lot better about that scenario.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### With more growth on the horizon, Chesterfield opts to level capacity between old and new schools URL: https://www.richmonder.org/with-more-growth-on-the-horizon-chesterfield-opts-to-level-capacity-between-old-and-new-schools/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T11:00:28.000Z Future development was front and center in the Chesterfield County School Board’s Tuesday decision on redistricting. With the new West Ridge High welcoming students in 2027, that school, plus neighboring Midlothian and Cosby high schools, will have roughly the same capacity: 73%. Now, the county turns its focus to redistricting four Bermuda District elementary schools — Curtis, Bellwood, Bensley and Wells — to prevent excessive overcrowding in advance. ### **West Ridge will open at 73% capacity** [The adopted West Ridge redistricting was the first of three options](https://www.richmonder.org/three-proposed-redistricting-maps-would-send-cosby-midlothian-high-school-students-to-west-ridge/) CCPS’s Chief Operations Officer Reid Wodicka reviewed during last month’s school board meeting. West Ridge, Midlothian and Cosby high schools’ capacity will increase to an estimated 82% within five years. The other two options would’ve either immediately set West Ridge’s capacity at 80.3% or put it in the middle, at 78.3%. [Three proposed redistricting maps would send Cosby, Midlothian High School students to West RidgeThe 2,400-student high school is set to open August 2027.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d16f3bec-29b8-4f75-8163-e7d79fc209cd.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-2-b8d52ce2-7aff-41ac-be84-10a864d98987.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-proposed-redistricting-maps-would-send-cosby-midlothian-high-school-students-to-west-ridge/) Last month, board members Steve Paranto and Lisa Hudgins said they saw the most support straight out of the gate for the now-adopted option. As it was presented in September, this will place students from these neighborhoods in the new school: - 449 students from Magnolia Green - 293 from Westerleigh/Summer Lake - 343 from Watermill/RounTrey peninsula - and 173 from Wynwood at FoxCreek/Foxfield. Since the initial presentation, the proposal was revised so rezoning won’t impact the [RounTrey complex’s NewMarket Village](https://www.rountreyonline.com/). Rising high school seniors won’t be affected during the 2027-28 academic year. “I’d like to echo what Mr. Paranto said about what we’ve been hearing from the community as soon as this went live, and I don’t disagree with what they’re saying,” Hudgins said Sept. 8. ### **Next time: Elementary schools** The school board [will vote on another redistricting proposal](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/chesterfield/Board.nsf/pfiles/DYSJ4C4B5621/$file/PRESENTATION%20-%20Elementary%20Redistricting%20%282027-28%20School%20Year%29.pdf) Nov. 10 — this time, it’ll impact elementary schools in the Bermuda District. As with the West Ridge High School rezoning, these elementary capacity adjustments reflect local development patterns. Last academic year, Curtis Elementary was at roughly 96% capacity, [according to the county’s website](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5003/StratIS-Data-Reports), and the school district says it has breached 100%. With new housing building up nearby, Chesterfield is eager to adapt. Nearby Curtis are Bellwood, Bensley and Wells elementary schools — at 79.4%, 71.4% and 75.8% capacity, respectively. Bensley is the newest, [having cut its ribbon](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-celebrates-second-ribbon-cutting-in-one-week-at-bensley-elementary-school/) in August. During his October presentation to the school board, Wodicka again reviewed the proposed student distribution. Based on current enrollment, this would move: - 60 Curtis students to Bellwood Elementary - 67 Bellwood students to Bensley Elementary - 53 Curtis students to Wells Elementary ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-d2845166-032d-4cce-9e8e-263317c8d3b8.png) Screen capture of the county’s [visualization](https://ccps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=9c9f6a641d114410bd1c15cc0cf71d2a) of proposed redistricting. If all goes to plan, capacity would settle to: - 86.9% at Curtis - 78.4% at Bellwood - 78.5% at Bensley - and 83.4% at Wells During his presentation, Wodicka said the county’s sweet spot is 80-to-90% program capacity. From Oct. 21 to 27, CCPS will host information sessions at Bellwood, Bensley and Wells. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### YWCA partially reopens Sprout School as parents call for a board investigation into operations URL: https://www.richmonder.org/ywca-partially-reopens-sprout-school-as-parents-call-for-a-board-investigation-into-operations/ Last updated: 2026-10-14T01:41:55.000Z One week after the YWCA’s Sprout School at Second Presbyterian Church closed due to understaffing, the school has reopened its doors, but teachers and parents critical of the organization continue to call on its top leadership to take action addressing what they say are longstanding issues. Families at the preschool, along with concerned community members, sent a letter to the YWCA Board of Directors Monday requesting an investigation into the school’s risks and challenges, as well as setting specific targets and timelines for improvements at the Sprout School. “A child care center does not lose the ability to safely staff its classrooms overnight,” the letter’s 80 signatories wrote, noting the drop from 20 staff, five floaters and trainees across six classrooms in Spring 2024 to 10 full-time staff and one floater for seven rooms last month. “A plan for reopening 2P does not answer how the site reached the point where sudden closure was the only viable option. The Board is in a unique position to answer that question.” The YWCA Board acknowledged the letter in a message to Second Presbyterian parents, where they also stressed the need to allow YWCA leaders the time to develop and implement solutions that would improve all Sprout Schools. “We ask you to give the leadership team a chance to make progress and look to parent communications for continued engagement and updates,” the Board wrote. The 80 signatories have requested confirmation of which requests the Board will undertake by Wednesday, October 28. Striking Second Presbyterian teachers also released a letter on Monday. “We want Sprout to succeed, because the children, families, and dedicated educators who make up this community deserve nothing less,” the teachers wrote. “But reopening classrooms is not the same thing as resolving the problems that led to their closure.” The reopening began Monday with the school’s infant and toddler rooms, while teachers and children in other classrooms have been reassigned to other Sprout School locations throughout Richmond. According to YWCA CEO Rupa Murthy, this “phased reopening” is part of a larger effort to tackle problems at the school, and will include an enrollment pause, except for those already contracted, and hiring additional teachers. “We want to make sure that we’ve got our teachers in our classrooms, we want to make sure our families are re-enrolled in the different schools,” Murthy said, “and we are then looking at enrollment differently.” Parents remained concerned in the days before the reopening, with some worried the school had asked families in need of childcare to bring their children back into the unsafe staffing conditions that led to the closure, based on the information YWCA leaders shared. Murthy notified teachers and families at the school of the temporary closure in an email last week, citing an inability “to consistently staff every classroom at Second Presbyterian Church within state-required ratios, and to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.” The school’s closing followed a daylong teachers' strike last Monday. The strike, which included demonstrations outside the school by some teachers and parents, came after employees requested that the school not enroll any new students in classrooms without a full-time aide. Murthy said demonstrating teachers wouldn’t face any questioning or “adverse reaction” for their actions, but when teachers who participated in the demonstrations will receive their reassignment is unclear. Teachers and parents at the school have criticized YWCA leadership’s failure to resolve issues they said they brought to their attention months before the temporary closing, issues they say added further strain and challenge to their work and lives. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Jacque-Williams-and-Avva-Tarwater.JPG) Teachers Jacque Williams and Avva Tarwater. For lead preschool teacher Avva Tarwater, the decreasing number of teachers and growing classroom sizes forced her to shoulder more and more responsibilities, including assistant teaching and administrative and cleaning work. She and other teachers have also had to share cleaning and food supplies due to a lack of resources. The experience has been very taxing, with Tarwater choosing to stop drinking water during work to avoid bathroom breaks that would leave her classroom unattended. She began sharing her concerns with leadership in March, but said the response to her and others’ requests did nothing to address issues present. “If they worked with us or communicated anything to us, offered any solutions to us about any of the issues we brought to their attention, we wouldn't have been striking,” said Tarwater, who started working at the Fulton school in June last year and transferred to Second Presbyterian months later due to the poor working conditions. Parents have made their own efforts to address the school’s issues as they saw and learned about the toll the school’s conditions had on staff last year, providing teachers with supplies, offering to volunteer, and advocating on their behalf to leadership and the board. Parents have also had to weather the impact of the school’s understaffing, as classrooms have been shifted around or closed to mitigate the effects of teacher shortages, in the process disrupting the lives of parents and children at a critical point in their development. “It was clear that they were just really trying to come up with any kind of system to make it work, regardless of what that meant for the teachers or the children,” said Sarah Scarr, whose son first enrolled at the Second Presbyterian school in September 2024. Teachers and parents said they also experienced communication issues that further complicated attempts to resolve problems at the school, and received unsubstantial or combative responses from YWCA Richmond leadership to their concerns. Murthy acknowledged the communication issues with parents and teachers and said YWCA Richmond was taking steps to address their messaging. “We are actively working on improving those channels of communication,” Murthy said, “and making sure that every voice is heard throughout our Sprout School profile.” Parents and teachers remain disappointed with a school system and organization many of them joined or appreciated due to their stated values of an equitable, trauma-informed approach, values they say have not been reflected in their approach to the school’s issues and management. “I'm incredibly disheartened by this entire process,” said Chloe Haynes, a mother of two sons who enrolled at the school in 2024 and 2025\. “For an organization that is supposed to be doing good, it's been nothing but targeting and retaliation and petty decisions on their end.” Multiple short- and long-term responsibilities may further impact the future of the Sprout Schools, which accounted for 49% of YWCA Richmond’s expenses for the last fiscal year, according to its 2025 Community Impact Report. The schools will need to complete their Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program assessments for the school year, and are also helping to pilot a new substitute teacher program for the Virginia Department of Education. YWCA Richmond is also planning to establish another Sprout School in Henrico County as part of a new model community, The Heights, which is looking to open in 2027 to serve and support the recovery of domestic abuse survivors and their families. Murthy acknowledged some of these commitments in her email, and said YWCA Richmond is dedicated to continuing its work and sustaining operations. Teachers and parents are skeptical of the organization’s ability to handle these projects and duties, however, given the problems the schools continue to face. “We are set up to fail,” said Tarwater, who said she warned YWCA leadership of the challenges of completing assessments during their meeting. “We’re not given time to even test children, (or) repair our classrooms. “We've been telling them for months, this is not a sustainable model.” Scarr and her husband Greg Randall, meanwhile, have already enrolled their son in a different daycare center, a major change after years enrolled in a school they initially saw as a benefit for their lives and the community. “They’re not listening to us, they’re not respecting us, they’re not listening to the teachers, they’re not creating safe situations for the kids,” said Randall, who noted the negative impact the school’s issues have had on his son’s enthusiasm for daycare. “I'm just left upset and sad that this situation has occurred. I feel like it's really avoidable.” ### We've been authorized to print public notices. Here's what that means. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/weve-been-authorized-to-print-public-notices-heres-what-that-means/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T14:14:03.000Z The Richmonder is excited to announce the launch of its public notice platform. 📣 Public notices are legally required notices to the public that an action impacting them is being discussed or might occur. Common examples are zoning changes, City Council or Board of Supervisors meetings, liquor license applications or trustee sales. [****Read more here.**](https://www.vpa.net/advocacy/public-notices/) In 2024, [Virginia Code § 8.01-324](https://www.vpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Public-Notice-Guid.pdf#:~:text=publication%20in%20lieu%20of%20publication%20in%20a,the%20notice%20is%20required%20to%20be%20published%3B) expanded the definition of *newspaper of record* to include online-only news outlets that meet an extensive criteria of serving the public through their reporting. The Richmonder was certified as meeting that criteria by circuit courts in Richmond, Henrico and Hanover, and expects certification in Chesterfield imminently. Public notices received by The Richmonder will be displayed [in our new Public Notices section](https://www.richmonder.org/legal-notice-information/)a. ### How to place a public notice Send your written notice via email to: [legal@richmonder.org](mailto:legal@richmonder.org) or use The Richmonder's [website tool](https://www.richmonder.org/legal-notice-information/). Allow three business days for publication. A notarized affidavit and copy of the notice will be sent via email. The cost is $150 per notice and can be paid online or by check. This is often a significant discount over print-based notices. Each notice will reside and be searchable on The Richmonder website. Notices will also be [uploaded to the state's online repository](https://www.publicnoticevirginia.com/%28S%28qeeuly1oymokzu24laztaxe4%29%29/default.aspx). Please send questions to Beth Weisbrod, Director of Growth: [bweisbrod@richmonder.org](mailto:bweisbrod@richmonder.org) 💡 [****See our list of frequently asked questions, and their answers, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/place-a-public-notice/#faq) ### Catching up: The Squirrels' legal rodeo URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-12-newsletter-catching-up-the-squirrels-legal-rodeo/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T18:32:14.000Z Subscribers to The Richmonder newsletter received this special edition this morning. If you're not yet getting our newsletter, join the fun here! ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- **Weather:** Rain finally leaves today, setting up a cool week ahead. **On this date** in 1818, Elizabeth Van Lew is born into wealth in Church Hill. She later orchestrates a spy network for the Union during the Civil War. ([**more**](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/smithsonian-american-womens-history-museum/2026/10/07/discover-the-story-of-elizabeth-van-lew-the-mastermind-behind-a-critical-union-espionage-network-during-the-civil-war/)) --- *On this holiday Monday, we're catching you up to speed on one of our most regular topics of coverage: The ongoing drama in Richmond's new Diamond District.* *The four main parties are the City of Richmond, the Flying Squirrels baseball team, VCU and Thalhimer, the Diamond District's developer. Below, a look at the team's interactions with each over the past year.* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-12.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-tells-squirrels-to-clear-out-of-the-diamond-or-be-treated-as-trespassers/) ### VCU vs. the Squirrels One of the core issues is when VCU's baseball team will be allowed to play at CarMax Park. VCU, city and Squirrels representatives announced in Oct. 2025 that they had reached an agreement allowing that, but the agreement between VCU and the Squirrels still hasn't been signed. 🚧 The Diamond isn't a long-term option because it must be torn down to build the broader Diamond District. The city's contract with the Squirrels requires "good-faith" negotiations with VCU, the intensity of which is currently the subject of debate. - [**On March 12,**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-approves-deal-allowing-vcu-to-play-at-carmax-park-but-agreement-with-squirrels-is-still-required/) the city signed its portion of the agreement allowing VCU to play at the stadium. - [**In June,**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-vcu-appear-to-set-a-september-deadline-for-squirrels-agreement-in-new-contract/) the city appeared to set a September deadline for the Squirrels to sign the deal. - [**In late August,**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-to-squirrels-owner-stop-suing-and-start-negotiating/) that deadline was moved to Dec. 31. - [**On Sept. 23,**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-tells-squirrels-to-clear-out-of-the-diamond-or-be-treated-as-trespassers/)the Squirrels were told they had 30 days to begin negotiations, or they would be in default of contract, and could be kicked out of CarMax Park. Last week, the team's Chief Operating Officer sent an email to employees telling them those threats have "no legal standing." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-internal-memo-squirrels-coo-says-team-had-permission-to-use-diamond-for-storage/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-13.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-squirrels-plan-for-winter-holiday-event-at-risk-over-roadwork-planned-near-ballpark-entrance/) ### Thalhimer vs. the Squirrels Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella has been the hottest towards the group developing the broader Diamond District, a group led by Thalhimer Realty Partners. 🤝 Thalhimer was supposed to partner with another developer, Loop Capital, on the project. However, Loop Capital [**quietly left the project**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/developer-group-pulls-out-of-diamond-district-partnership/) during a key phase in 2024, and DiBella has alleged in lawsuits that the city intentionally withheld that information to keep the project moving forward. - DiBella is also unhappy that Thalhimer is allegedly developing a sports bar on the land directly next to the CarMax Park entrance (photo above), which he says will hurt his concession sales. Tensions between the two groups boiled over on opening night in a heated exchange that included [**DiBella's dog biting a Thalhimer official.**](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-14.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-vcu-appear-to-set-a-september-deadline-for-squirrels-agreement-in-new-contract/) ### The city vs. the Squirrels Through its Economic Development Authority, Richmond financed the Diamond District development with $130 million in general obligation bonds, meaning if the proposed development doesn't generate the projected returns, taxpayers will be on the hook. - Delays have produced financial strain on the project. In February, City Council [**approved a $14.7 million loan**](https://www.richmonder.org/council-approves-14-7m-loan-to-keep-diamond-district-project-on-track/) to keep the project on track. - At a [**Council meeting last week**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-property-tax-bills-will-keep-rising-report-says-but-city-will-still-face-fiscal-constraints/), two members of Council asked about the status of the debt, but CAO Odie Donald II took issue with the line of questioning. - “What is probably best for us to do is you give us a list of your questions. We’ll respond to those within about 30 days and help you kind of right-size your questions,” [**Donald said.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-property-tax-bills-will-keep-rising-report-says-but-city-will-still-face-fiscal-constraints/) In the past month, the city appears to have moved towards a new, tougher negotiating stance with DiBella, in the face of mounting legal threats from his team. Meanwhile, work continues on the broader Diamond District, including the first apartment building, Dōma, which [**developers envision as "a retreat from the noise, the grind, the hubbub."**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-break-ground-on-276-unit-diamond-district-apartment-building/) --- ### In other news - [**After Henrico drops Flock cameras, Avula says Richmond won’t renew contract either**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-henrico-drops-flock-cameras-avula-says-richmond-wont-renew-contract-either/) - Richmond’s Flock contract is set to expire in June of 2027, according to the mayor’s office. - [**That's Moore like it: WR's three touchdowns help Benedictine secure needed victory**](https://www.richmonder.org/thats-moore-like-it-wrs-three-tds-help-benedictine-secure-needed-win/) - No way was the Benedictine Cadets’ 2-3 start expected or, to them, even close to acceptable. - [**DPW skips Newbille's Gov't Rd. meeting, blockades Chimbo's dog park**](https://www.chlookout.com/p/dpw-skips-newbille-s-gov-t-rd-meeting-blockades-chimbo-s-dog-park?utm%5Fsource=www.chlookout.com&utm%5Fmedium=newsletter&utm%5Fcampaign=dpw-skips-newbille-s-gov-t-rd-meeting-blockades-chimbo-s-dog-park&%5Fbhlid=18838ace35b942e6a892508f55f19d8373bf345b) (Church Hill Lookout) - It’s the latest neighborhood frustration with DPW over its management of the Government Rd. project, which finally got underway in July 2026 after more than two years of postponements. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0945.PNG) Richmonder reporter Eleanor Shaw walked out of our offices to a (literal) dumpster fire last week. Always good to get practice at covering those. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### High school football: Playoffs picture beginning to take focus URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-playoffs-picture-beginning-to-take-focus/ Last updated: 2026-10-17T06:12:47.000Z The second weekend of October is a tipping point while jockeying for playoff position in high school football. The separation has begun. Teams all but in postseason play are Thomas Dale, which stayed unbeaten by besting Matoaca, and Manchester, which won at home in overtime 42-40 over L.C. Bird, a game that featured a wild fourth quarter and a costly penalty by the Skyhawks as they lined up for the tying 2-point conversion in the extra session. Mechanicsville earned, arguably, its biggest win in a decade, beating county rival Hanover to move to 5-1\. The Mustangs are in fourth place in Region 4B, but they are still far behind Louisa, Huguenot and Varina. Douglas Freeman held on in a slugfest for a 16-14 win over Thomas Jefferson, whose week began with stunning second-half performance to hand Armstrong its first loss in a game delayed a month by weather. Petersburg earned its first win over Dinwiddie in 20 years, Glen Allen and Meadowbrook earned key victories over Region 5C rivals Mills Godwin and Prince George, respectively, while Hopewell’s offensive explosion continued against Colonial Heights. Check out the complete Week 7 scoreboard and the latest RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll below. [RVA Sports Network![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-1ee6d301-a18f-48ab-9270-a65b19cdd2e7.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-880eb970-2998-4c2b-9595-4943204ebba2.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/) ### Week 7 standouts **Meadowbrook’s rushing offense:** By committee, the Monarchs outmuscled Central District rival Prince George with 31 carries for 264 yards, scoring all four of their touchdowns on the ground in a 28-12 win. Michael Wesley headed the effort, gaining 118 yards on 14 rushes with a score. **Connor Goad, Mechanicsville:** Goad had a 218-yard night on the ground, with 107 coming on fourth-quarter touchdowns of 37 and 70 yards. The latter put the Mustangs up for good as their 20-0 run in the final stanza gave them a 39-29 win over Hanover. **Jakeem Dandridge, Glen Allen:** An electrifying season continues for the Jaguars’ tailback, who had an 80-yard score in the first half as part of a 145-yard, three-touchdown effort in Glen Allen’s 40-13 homecoming win over Mills Godwin. With three games left in the regular season, Dandridge already has more than 1,000 yards on the ground. **William Sterling, St. Christopher’s:** Give a kicker some love! Earlier this year, Sterling broke the Saints’ record for longest field goal at 48 yards. Friday, he connected from 49, one of two critical field goals as the St. Christopher’s defense got a big stop in the final seconds to best St. Michael The Archangel 20-14 to stay alive in the VISAA Division I playoff race. ### Unsung hero **Damarion Wiggins, Mechanicsville:** Normally a player who scores three touchdowns doesn’t make this category, but this is all about timing. Wiggins, a senior, had two scoring receptions in the second quarter, but it was his other score that changed everything. With the Mustangs’ starting defensive-back unit together for the first time this season, Wiggins took an early fourth-quarter interception 47 yards to paydirt to kick off Mechanicsville’s run to victory. ### Game of the week **Glen Allen (5-2) at No. 10 Hermitage (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:** A little more than three miles, most of it via Staples Mill Road, separate these two schools. While the Jaguars enter in fifth place in Region 5C, the Panthers, ranked 10th in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll, are seventh. The homestretch is daunting for both, as Glen Allen still has Trinity Episcopal and Douglas Freeman after a bye week, while Hermitage faces Highland Springs, Freeman and Thomas Jefferson. Luke Perini versus Myles Brooks. We’re ready for this. ### Other games we’re watching **No. 6 Petersburg (6-0) at Meadowbrook (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Monarchs enter this game in the eighth and final playoff spot in Region 5C. Handing the Crimson Wave their first loss, though, would do wonders in solidifying a postseason spot after their 6-4 finish wasn’t enough a year ago. Petersburg trails Hopewell for the top spot in Region 3A, though the Blue Devils have a loss. That is to Highland Springs, and remember, the power-point system rewards you for losses to higher classification schools and to teams with better records. **Roanoke Catholic (6-0) at Benedictine (3-3), Friday, 4 p.m.:** Luke Kincaid has taken over in the Cadets’ injury-ravaged quarterback room, playing well in Benedictine’s 28-0 win over Collegiate. Now, the Cadets welcome the unbeaten Celtics, who gave Trinity Episcopal its lone loss 43-37 in overtime in their season opener. **Rappahannock (5-1) at Essex (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The past two Class 1 state champions collide in Tappahannock. To no one’s surprise, the Raiders top the Region 1A standings, while the Trojans are right behind them. Their 2025 postseason game was a 19-16 Raiders win on the road. Can they do it again? ### Game under the radar **Atlee (2-4) at No. 11 Armstrong (6-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** Armstrong’s wild week, which included losing to Thomas Jefferson then beating Greensville in Emporia, dropped the Wildcats to fifth in the Region 2A standings. With three games left, including a trip to Hanover, Armstrong needs wins to hope to at least have one playoff game on Cool Lane. Enter a dangerous Raiders team that likely must win out to sneak into the Region 4B playoffs. Atlee looked strong in a 31-19 rivalry win at Patrick Henry on Friday. ### Beyond the headlines **–What would you do?** Up 26-19 after three quarters, Manchester went back and forth with L.C. Bird, watching the Skyhawks force overtime at 34 apiece. Lancers coach Jason Harrell watched his offense score and convert the 2-point conversion. Jaylen Tyler rushed for an L.C. Bird touchdown, and the Skyhawks set up to try their own 2-point conversion to tie the game. A flag flies. A 5-yard penalty on the Skyhawks. Instead of the conversion coming from the 2-yard line, it’s now at the 7\. It certainly may change what the offense tries to do, but what about Manchester’s defense? Is there time to change things with a little more real estate to cover? We asked Harrell. “No. The defensive coordinator said he wanted to keep pressure up since he knew they had to pass,” Harrell told The Richmonder. “So he kept the same call.” Formerly the defensive coordinator before being promoted to head coach in 2024, Harrell’s trust in his staff was rewarded as Manchester kept pressure on top-seeded Thomas Dale in the Region 6A playoff race. **–Playoff races:** With four Fridays to go before the postseason, how do area teams stack up in the regional standings? Thomas Dale, No. 3 in the Super 12 Poll, and No. 7 Manchester essentially have clinched bids in Region 6A, where only six teams qualify, giving the top seeds a quarterfinal-round bye. The Knights are first, the Lancers second. L.C. Bird is trying to keep Landstown at bay in the battle for fourth place, while Cosby is a half-point out of the sixth and final berth. An upset win at by the Titans at No. 5 Midlothian on Friday changes that. No. 2 Highland Springs, Midlothian and No. 9 Douglas Freeman are closing in on Region 5C bids. Patrick Henry-Roanoke is fourth, barely ahead of Glen Allen, followed by James River, Hermitage and Meadowbrook. William Fleming, Mills Godwin and Prince George are all within two points of eighth place. Louisa (6-0) remains the leader in Region 4B by more than a point over No. 8 Huguenot and nearly two in front of No. 1 Varina. Mechanicsville and Hanover are fourth and fifth. Dinwiddie, Monacan, Atlee and Patrick Henry are outside the top eight but are less than three points out of the final playoff spot. The three teams ahead of them are from the northern portion of the region: Courtland, King George and Spotsylvania. No. 12 Hopewell leads No. 6 Petersburg in Region 3A, with New Kent holding on to sixth place just in front of Lake Taylor. Losers of four straight, Colonial Heights is in the eighth and final spot. In Region 3B, Goochland’s 49-10 loss to Louisa drops the Bulldogs to sixth. But with a nearly seven-point lead over ninth-seeded William Monroe, the Bulldogs’ chances to miss the playoffs are slim. A week ago, No. 11 Armstrong was looking for the top spot in Region 2A, but the Wildcats are in fifth place after losing to Thomas Jefferson on Monday and beating Greensville on Friday. The Vikings are second, three-tenths of a point behind undefeated Central Lunenburg. Four-time defending region champion Poquoson is third, followed by King William. John Marshall is slightly more than three points out of the eighth and final slot after winning at Charles City. **–This one’s for the girls:** We’re getting into the heart of girls flag football season in the city and south of the river. But the big news this week will be off the field, and it could be seismic. The Virginia High School League will hold a membership meeting Thursday in Midlothian. On the agenda is a presentation discussing the possible adoption of flag football as an “emerging sport.” This classification, if approved, would give the sport a three-year window to prove it is worthy of official sanctioning. With the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens heavily supporting team creation in schools in the Beltway and down to our area and with the impressive growth in participation numbers in the Commonwealth and nationally, proving the sport is worthy shouldn’t be a problem. We don’t have official word, but we expect schools in Henrico and Hanover counties to get on the flag football train in the near future. It would be wise for the VHSL to give itself the flexibility to approve official sanctioning of the sport in less than three years. And, though the “official” statistics won’t count down the road, there are plenty of firsts happening on the field: Petersburg’s first two wins in program history were both on the road as the Crimson Wave defeated Henrico and Highland Springs. And L.C. Bird took the first “Girls Battle of Chester” 26-15 over rival Thomas Dale. For the Knights, the name Ariyah Heckstall is etched in school history as she scored the program’s first-ever touchdown. ### They said it “I can’t be more proud of our team on both sides of the ball. We are a very young team. With only four senior starters, (coach Gary Brock) has developed successful schemes that allow the underclassmen to make vital contributions each week. We are looking to further develop our underclassmen in preparation for a possible playoff run.” – Blessed Sacrament Huguenot senior two-way lineman Scott Krohn on how the young Knights have bolted to a 6-1 record and eyeing postseason play in VISAA “I don’t know. You do this so long, you start to compare teams, and I’m trying not to do that. Like I’ve always been told, comparison is the thief of joy, so I’m just trying to enjoy the moment with this group.” – Highland Springs coach Loren Johnson on ESPN 106.1 when asked if his team is where he hoped they would be at this point, now coming off their bye week “I am excited for what’s to come. This offense is electric, and it’s always fun to have great athletes like (Jakeem) Dandridge and Jabari Harris around you. It definitely makes my job a lot easier, along with a great offensive mind like (coach Jacob) Hodges.” – Glen Allen senior quarterback Luke Perini, who threw for 169 yards and two scores in the win over Mills Godwin in his return from injury ### Our final play Let the kids be kids. We made a few observations about our great game from outside the field of play this week. All of them are tied together, however, with the glue that, if it should ever disappear, would put high school football in peril. At Mechanicsville High School, it wasn’t just a rivalry game. The Mustangs hadn’t beaten Hanover since they were known by another name. So, rightfully so, students, when instructed they could, stormed the field to celebrate their team’s 39-29 comeback win. The Mustangs’ student body hasn’t had a reason to do that since Barack Obama was president. We thought, how does a senior on the football team view it all? How did this turnaround occur? We asked wideout and defensive back Blake Whitley. “It’s been everyone stepping up and putting in work every day in the offseason, whether it was getting stronger or faster,” Whitley explained. “Another big thing was the fact that every senior has stepped up and been doing more than their part on and off the football field.” The Mustangs’ program had a brief suspension in 2022, and Mechanicsville has lost 10 straight Tomato Bowl games to archrival Patrick Henry, including its only loss this season. But the work put in on days where fans don’t cheer, or complain, from the stands made a night like Friday possible. Everyone in “Mustang Country” deserved to celebrate. Now, the question is, can the Mustangs build on a 5-1 record and become a team that is not only successful on the field but can change the trajectory of the program’s future? Doing the latter is not easy. Look no further than Midlothian for an example. The Trojans had a playoff win in 2021, a 9-2 record in 2022 and got off to a 5-1 start in 2023\. But Midlothian lost its last four that season, seeing a postseason bid slip away. It returned to the postseason but lost in the region quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025. Now, the Trojans look like a team finally primed for a long postseason run. For the Mustangs, enjoy the moment and what lies ahead. When they gather in 25 years for a reunion, they won’t be reminiscing about biology class. But everyone will remember “when we beat Hanover.” Let the kids be kids. On social media after their tough 16-14 loss to Douglas Freeman on Friday night, Thomas Jefferson coach Eric Harris said the following, in part: “Had someone told me before the season we would play four games against four top teams in 13 days and would have to start my JV QB in the last one, I would have told them: line them up and prepare for the best. Not only did we battle through this gauntlet, but of those four teams, three were undefeated, one had one loss and we came out of this gauntlet 3-1, losing by two points. I want to say publicly that I am extremely proud of my guys. “Now, we are not done! But, with a bye week and time to heal before our final push I wanted to publicly give my players, our trainer who worked overtime keeping my guys on the field, my AD, and most importantly, my staff some love.” He finished with the hashtag “#weallwegotweallweneed”. Sounds like a proud coach, right? Certainly. But there’s more to this picture, and we don’t need to know about it. The other way to let kids be kids is to remember this is Friday night, not Sunday afternoon. Teams have issues and adversities most fans have no clue about. All teams have injuries. Some teams have great support systems. Others struggle to have one. The coaching staff mentors their roster more so off the field than on, making sure they are succeeding on the classroom scoreboard, too. Players must be disciplined when infractions occur. And lest we forget, a program, whether 6-0 or 0-6, will have those nagging detractors, complaining about everything from their son’s playing time to the decision to punt on fourth down. All the while, coaches are doing their best trying to mold kids into young men, yet allowing them to enjoy the experience. Yes, we know coaches make mistakes. They’re human. But we invite you to give it a try, a task of mentoring dozens of teenagers at a rate of mere pennies per hour when it comes to the job’s year-round responsibilities. When one has a legitimate concern, air it correctly. Speak to the school’s principal and director of student activities. As a fan, your postgame social media rant will solve nothing. Most of all, in every decision we make, let the kids be kids. ### After Henrico drops Flock cameras, Avula says Richmond won’t renew contract either URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-henrico-drops-flock-cameras-avula-says-richmond-wont-renew-contract-either/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T17:01:45.000Z Mayor Danny Avula announced Saturday that Richmond won’t renew its contract for Flock Safety license plate readers, walking back his previous defense of the technology as a valuable public safety tool. Avula made the announcement in an [Instagram video](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeUZrEfMdHn/?exln=MTRya2E3cHRvMXVvNw%3D%3D), four days after neighboring Henrico County announced it was “terminating” its Flock contract. The mayor had [previously said](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-we-need-to-reevaluate-our-relationship-with-flock/) his administration would review the Flock contract, but apparently chose to take a firmer stance after Henrico’s move. “Today, I am announcing that the city will not move forward with the Flock ALPR contract when it’s up for renewal,” Avula said in the video. Richmond’s Flock contract is set to expire in June of 2027, according to the mayor’s office. For most of the year, local activists held protests at City Hall urging the city to end its Flock deal. It’s also been a recurring topic during public comment periods at City Council meetings, though no Council members seemed eager to take up the anti-Flock cause. Flock’s automated license plate readers take pictures of every passing vehicle, creating a database of vehicle locations over time that police can use to track suspects or cars linked to a crime. Flock opponents say the camera network is so extensive it amounts to an invasion of privacy, giving the government too much info on the everyday movement of residents who aren’t suspected of doing anything wrong. Avula said Henrico’s move influenced his decision. “Now that Henrico has decided to end their contract with Flock, it clarifies the picture for me. Because Flock, specifically, is now less useful as a tool,” Avula said. “Crime doesn’t stop and start at the city/county line. And part of what makes this technology a useful crime-solving tool is our ability to work together with our regional partners.” Henrico officials said they were ending their Flock contract immediately, without waiting until it's up for renewal. “I’m encouraged to see that the region is joining us in grappling with this issue, an issue that is clearly so important to so many residents,” Avula said. Last week, Chesterfield County announced a former police staffer was [criminally charged](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-police-employee-arrested-for-misusing-flock-cameras/) for alleged abuses of the county’s Flock system. It’s not clear if regional officials might only stop doing business with Flock specifically, or will abandon ALPR technology altogether by not seeking out another vendor. The mayor said he still intends to hold a series of public listening sessions to get community feedback on the tradeoffs between privacy and safety. He also said city officials will be watching future General Assembly decisions that could impact how localities can use license plate readers going forward. In a statement Saturday afternoon, state Sen. Mike Jones, a Democrat who represents parts of Chesterfield and Richmond, applauded Richmond’s move. “Public safety and the constitutional rights of Virginians should never be competing priorities. We can and must do both,” Jones said. “Black and brown neighborhoods carry too much of the burden of violent crime in our city. Families in these communities deserve to feel safe on their streets, at their bus stops, and in their homes, and they deserve real investment in that safety.” Those communities, Jones added, also “know what it means to be watched.” “From the surveillance of civil rights leaders to over-policing that continues today, Black communities have lived under a lens for generations,” Jones said. “Safety cannot come at the price of being treated as suspects in our own neighborhoods.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Public notice, Oct. 10, 2026 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/saturday-october-10-2026-legal-notice-commissioner-of-the-accounts-of-the-circuit-court-of-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-10-16T20:13:58.000Z ### Legal Notice, Commissioner of the Accounts of the Circuit Court of Richmond **NOTICE OF TAKING PROOF OF DEBTS AND DEMANDS** At the request of the personal representative of the following decedents, namely: **MICHAEL BARRETT, DECEASED** **DARNELL LEWIS HENSON, SR., DECEASED** I have fixed Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at my office, [6922 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200, City of Richmond, Virginia](https://www.google.com/maps/search/6922+Forest+Hill+Avenue,+Suite+200,+City+of+Richmond,+Virginia?entry=gmail&source=g), as the place for receiving proof of debts and demands against the above said decedent or their estate. Accounts of said personal representative are before me for settlement. Kimberly A. Pinchbeck Commissioner of Accounts of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond 6922 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23225 [(804) 537-3100](tel:%28804%29%20537-3100) [richmondcoa@kpinchbeck.com](mailto:richmondcoa@kpinchbeck.com) 💼 Want to place a public notice with The Richmonder? [****See details here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/place-a-public-notice/) ### That's Moore like it: WR's three touchdowns help Benedictine secure needed victory URL: https://www.richmonder.org/thats-moore-like-it-wrs-three-tds-help-benedictine-secure-needed-win/ Last updated: 2026-10-10T03:12:55.000Z They’d had enough. No way was the Benedictine Cadets’ 2-3 start expected or, to them, even close to acceptable. Sure, the three-time defending VISAA Division I champions could pin the blame on a series of injuries to key players, including Ralphie Puccinelli, their touted senior quarterback and University of Richmond commit. Sure, they could talk about their demanding schedule, which included games, all losses, with Trinity Episcopal, McDonogh (Md.), and Gonzaga (D.C.), who sport a combined 15-2 record. What coach Kurt von Bargen’s guys needed was a victory, they needed it in the worst possible way, and Friday they earned it by taking down visiting Collegiate 28-0 on a mid-70’s, overcast afternoon at Bobby Ross Stadium. “We knew we had to win to turn around the season,” said Sean Boyd, a 6-0, 280-pound two-way lineman. “We hadn’t won in a month. It was a terrible taste. We knew what was at stake. We just locked back in.” The Cadets (3-3) took an early 7-0 lead when Josh Moore returned the Cougars’ first punt 52 yards for a touchdown and James Gasperini added the first of his four points-after at 6:24 of the first quarter. “I saw the ball in the air,” said Moore, a 6-2, 185-pound junior. “I saw my guys come back to block for me. I trusted them. I caught the ball with confidence and just ran to the end zone.” The Cougars (5-1) hardly had seen the last of Moore. On a fourth-and-4 midway through the second quarter, quarterback Luke Kincaid connected with him for a 19-yard touchdown despite tight coverage to end an eight-play, 46-yard drive. “I knew it would have to be a competitive catch,” Moore said. “I knew my quarterback would put it in a good spot for me to catch it, and I came down with it.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/ColQBSamSettar-2--chased-by-SeanBoyd-52-and-MaxTanner-44--and--1.JPG) Collegiate quarterback Sam Settar is pursued by Benedictine defenders Sean Boyd (52) and Max Tanner during the Cadets' shutout victory. Benedictine held a 316-101 advantage in total yards (Photo by Andy Garrigue). Later, after the Cadets’ defense stopped a promising Collegiate drive on their 20, Kincaid took them 80 yards in five plays, the last a 40-yard TD pass to Moore 36 seconds before halftime. Importantly, the lighting strike sent the Cadets into the break with heightened energy and firm control of the momentum. Try as they might, the Cougars could find no answer. “(Coach von Bargen) always talks about adversity: how we correct the things that don’t go our way,” Moore said. “A lot of guys stepped up today. We haven’t played like we expected (earlier in the season), but I have no doubt we’ll do what we have to do at the end.” Late in the third quarter, the Collegiate defense forced a fumble that senior linebacker Crawford Shield recovered. A moment later, back-to-back sacks (the first by Damari Hawkins, the second by Boyd) abruptly ended what had appeared to be a promising opportunity for the visitors. Then, after a Collegiate punt sailed out of bounds at the Benedictine 45, Kincaid engineered a quick drive that ended with his 44-yard laser to a well-defended Elijah Haughton in the end zone at 9:27 of the fourth quarter for the Cadets’ final TD. “Our kids competed really hard,” Cougars coach Collin McConaghy. Said. “We knew this was a really good Benedictine team. Their 2-3 record was not indicative of that team. “We didn’t execute well at times, and they made plays. A lot of credit to those guys.” Kincaid, a 6-3, 205-pound senior, completed 12 of 18 passes for 199 yards. “I had a lot of time in the pocket,” he said. “Shout out to the O-line. We knew what we had to do. We knew we had to come back from those losses with an all-in mentality. Especially with all the injuries, it was next man up. “We had a big chip on our shoulder after the Gonzaga game (a 21-14 loss). This (win) is a step in the right direction, for sure.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/SeanBoyd-52-tacklesTyStanley-4--after-Stanley-receives-a-pass-from-SamSettar-1.JPG) Benedictine's Sean Boyd closes in on Collegiate's Ty Stanley during the Cadets' VISAA Division I victory at Bobby Ross Stadium on Friday (Photo by Andy Garrigue). All told, Benedictine ran 45 plays and amassed 316 yards, including 117 on the ground. The Cadets limited Collegiate to 101 yards (35 rushing, 66 passing) on 43 plays and recorded nine tackles for loss, including five sacks. As the celebration wound down, the crowd dispersed and the sun dipped behind the tree line on the western side of Benedictine’s campus on River Road in Goochland County, von Bargen, in his second season as coach, reflected on the difficulty past month. “It’s two sided,” he said. “You show them what they’re doing wrong and correct it. You also have to show them what they’re doing well. When you do the right things, no matter who you play, good things happen.” Case in point … “Today, we played well on defense and special teams and stayed on schedule with the offense,” he added. “So just playing sound in all three phases and playing field position goes a long way. It sounds boring, but it’s just who we are.” ### Oct. 9 Newsletter: Audiobook club URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-9-newsletter-audiobook-club/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T10:00:04.000Z **Weather:** Conditions remain lovely until the remnants of Hurricane Isaias arrive late Saturday afternoon, with rain expected all day Sunday. **On this date** in 1962, counties ask the state to redistribute sales tax collection by population, not by purchase location, to correct what they perceive to be a lack of proper funding for their needs. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px--1-.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-17.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/at-audiobook-club-a-solitary-hobby-becomes-a-group-connector/) ### At audiobook club, a solitary hobby becomes a group connector The group, organized by Breelyn Lester, listens to audiobooks while walking and soaking up nature. Lester, who works as a nurse at VCU, said she researches the outdoor spaces before the walks and will often pose related questions. The audiobook club walks aren’t rigid. There’s no set pace. Breaks are encouraged because they lead to discussions. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-audiobook-club-a-solitary-hobby-becomes-a-group-connector/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-16.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/this-is-going-to-be-life-changing-chesterfield-to-open-the-areas-first-publicly-run-domestic-violence-shelter/) ### ‘This is going to be life-changing’: Chesterfield to open the area’s first publicly run domestic violence shelter When someone in Chesterfield needs to leave an abusive relationship, finding a safe place to go can be nearly as difficult as making the decision. That’s the gap the county hopes to close with its first publicly operated domestic violence shelter, a roughly 16-bed facility expected to open in early 2028. The shelter will be completely county-run with volunteer help. To the organizers' knowledge, this is the first publicly run shelter in the region. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/this-is-going-to-be-life-changing-chesterfield-to-open-the-areas-first-publicly-run-domestic-violence-shelter/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/B8C82B24-DD4E-4882-A80C-DD02970E3D0B_1_201_a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-mixed-use-projects-moving-forward-near-vuu-could-transform-an-auto-shop-dominated-stretch-of-lombardy/) ### **Three mixed-use projects moving forward near VUU could transform an auto shop-dominated stretch of Lombardy** A local businessman is moving forward with a 2023 plan to redevelop properties on both sides of N. Lombardy into two five-story mixed-use buildings with a combined 249 apartments. The buildings would replace a now-shuttered animal hospital and a string of automotive businesses. Farther down the street, Virginia Union University is also moving forward with its plans to redevelop the former Budget Motel site at the intersection of North Lombardy and Brook Road. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/three-mixed-use-projects-moving-forward-near-vuu-could-transform-an-auto-shop-dominated-stretch-of-lombardy/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/F6789D-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/folk-fest-is-back-for-its-22nd-year-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) ### Folk Fest is back for its 22nd year. Here's what you need to know. A Richmond tradition, the three-day Folk Festival will return this weekend to the riverfront, drawing an estimated 200,000 people over its three days. 🪕 Brown's Island also returns to the mix. Its refurbishment isn't completely finished, but Richmonders can get a sneak peek. The festival is free to attend but a donation of $10 per person, per day is requested. For the second year, the festival's footprint will include the Allianz Amphitheater, though the venue's clear bag policy continues to apply throughout the weekend. [**Read more, including Saturday's tribute to D'Angelo.**](https://www.richmonder.org/folk-fest-is-back-for-its-22nd-year-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-15.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-trojans-turnaround-is-picking-up-steam/) ### High school football games of the week - **Douglas Freeman at Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m., Hovey Field, Virginia Union:** TeeJay’s defense has come alive in recent weeks, but the Vikings played on Monday night. - **L.C. Bird at Manchester, 7 p.m.:** With a win, the Skyhawks would vault into the conversation for at least third place in the region. - **Collegiate at Benedictine, 4 p.m.:** This is the biggest test yet for the undefeated Cougars. --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/210513_595_aj900--1-.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **How VCU and the community work together to bring about positive change** “Community engagement is the pathway through which we connect the work that we do at an academic institution to real community impact, to making a difference,” said Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., VCU vice provost, [**community engagement**](https://community.vcu.edu/). “We do this through engagement with our partners and communities and through the relationships embedded in that engagement.” “VCU brings research, students, expertise and resources into our partnerships,” she said. “Our communities also bring tremendous knowledge, strengths, resources and opportunities that benefit VCU and our students.” [Read more](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting). --- ### In other news - [**Eleanor Ipson, wife of Holocaust survivor and museum founder Jay Ipson, dies at 87**](https://www.richmonder.org/eleanor-ipson-wife-of-holocaust-survivor-and-museum-founder-jay-ipson-dies-at-87/) - When Jay proposed, “Her dad said no, she said yes, her dad said no, she said yes, and she left,” her daughter recalled. - [**Former VCU Baseball player, Marine captain dies in training incident**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/vcu-baseball-player-marine-captain-dies/) (8News) - Pearson died Saturday night at 30 years old after “an unexpected training incident.” - [**Richmond housing authority says development arm not subject to public oversight, FOIA**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fc3f2ccb4-f81c-4d0f-b654-1bd3cd1b2142.html?utm%5Fsource=richmond.com&utm%5Fcampaign=breaking-news&utm%5Fmedium=cio&lctg=a2f1070bb25fc3f114&tn%5Femail%5Feh1=a1a759122ba23fd55cee8218fc1b86fdde8b63562251095bb7b24af121b3870c) (Times-Dispatch) - The Richmond Development Corporation was at the heart of controversy over the planned redevelopment of Gilpin Court. - [**Hardywood taps C’ville rival Starr Hill Brewery for first major acquisition**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/10/07/breaking-news-hardywood-acquires-cville-competitor-starr-hill-brewery/) (Richmond BizSense) - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery has acquired Charlottesville-based Starr Hill Brewery for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced. - [**Haynes Furniture and The Dump to close**](https://www.furnituretoday.com/store-closings/haynes-furniture-and-the-dump-to-close/) (FurnitureToday) - The going-out-of-business sales began at 10 a.m. on Thursday. --- ### The editor's desk Haynes Furniture leaves behind a 128-year legacy of serving Virginia, and a Guinness record for consecutive number of weeks hosting THE BIGGEST SALE EVER. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Three mixed-use projects moving forward near VUU could transform an auto shop-dominated stretch of Lombardy URL: https://www.richmonder.org/three-mixed-use-projects-moving-forward-near-vuu-could-transform-an-auto-shop-dominated-stretch-of-lombardy/ Last updated: 2026-10-09T15:38:51.000Z A stretch of North Lombardy Street near Virginia Union University long dominated by auto shops and underused commercial space could soon look very different. A&Z 2 VA, Inc., an entity connected to local businessman Atallah Mahases, is moving forward with [a 2023 plan](https://richmondbizsense.com/2023/10/09/two-5-story-buildings-eyed-for-former-animal-motel-site-on-lombardy/) to redevelop properties on both sides of the 2400 block of North Lombardy into two five-story mixed-use buildings with a combined 249 apartments. The buildings, which would be called the [North Lombardy Flats](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8212902&GUID=C8C87808-CB0D-4762-BBC9-CDAFD0CEFCA9&Options=&Search=) and [South Lombardy Flats](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8212903&GUID=4067AC1E-E04A-49E4-980C-F85026F733E6&Options=&Search=), would replace a now-shuttered animal hospital and a string of automotive businesses. Jean Carlos of Hispanos Unidos, who is representing the owner in the case, said while earlier plans had focused on rezoning the properties — which are currently designated UB-2, an urban business zoning that only allows heights of three stories by right — the special use permit ended up being the better route after consultation with the city. Under the planned citywide rezoning that is being considered, the northern property would be designated MX-5, allowing mixed use of up to five stories by right, while the southern property would be zoned MX-7. Carlos said the developer was optimistic the plans would come to fruition and believed the project would be “beneficial to the city.” [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d197b82a-be29-43c5-8506-ff67f3fe9cb4.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-5bebf118-48a1-435c-9004-de79d16154c4.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) Plans show the northern building at 2412 North Lombardy would include 88 apartments above parking and retail, with a triangular public pocket park at the corner where Lombardy intersects with Overbrook Road and Seminary Avenue. The larger southern building at 2423 North Lombardy would contain 161 units with first-floor retail. Carlos said at least half the units are intended to be for rent, and that given the close proximity to the VUU campus, they could be attractive for students. All of the units in the larger southern structure will be one bedrooms, while the smaller norther building will be a mix of one and two bedrooms. Altogether, the plans say the buildings would provide 117 parking spaces throughout lots and on the street. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-f824305a-f6f8-4536-ac12-5161638c718c.png) “We took consideration of every single concern from the community and also the city staff,” he said, noting in particular the inclusion of the public pocket park. Anne Darby, president of the Edgehill Chamberlayne Court Civic Association, whose footprint includes the sites, said the group had no comment on the project. Both projects will need to secure approval for a special use permit from the City Council to move forward. On Tuesday, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Council support them. Farther down the street, Virginia Union University is also moving forward with its plans to redevelop the former Budget Motel site at the intersection of North Lombardy and Brook Road into a five-story, 101-unit mixed-use building that could provide student housing in addition to retail. Grant Neely, a spokesperson for the university, said Thursday that the site plan had been approved in September and VUU was working on getting its financing lined up with the intent of breaking ground in the first quarter of 2027. Even though nothing may be happening physically on the site now, he said, “everything’s on track there.” The VUU project won approval for [a special use permit in September 2025](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7497251&GUID=3FAAE567-3CCD-40DE-A03A-5327B4863B6A&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=north+lombardy) and was endorsed by the civic association, which said it would be “an improvement to existing conditions on Lombardy Street.” “Neighbors are of course concerned with new residents taking street parking spaces from existing residents, and we look forward to working with you and the City to create a parking district throughout the ECCCA boundaries to mitigate this and other new developments,” wrote Darby in an August 2025 letter to City Councilor Kenya Gibson, whose 3rd District includes the project. “Additionally, we encourage the City to improve pedestrian infrastructure in the area to keep existing and future residents safe.” Even more development by the university nearby could be in the pipeline pending officials’ decision on [plans to redevelop the site of Richmond Community Hospital](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-seeking-city-permission-to-develop-richmond-community-hospital-property/) a stone’s throw away on Overbrook Road. VUU [pledged last month to preserve the historic building](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-commits-to-preserve-richmond-community-hospital-building-amid-community-skepticism/) as part of the project if approved. *This story has been updated with additional information about unit sizes.* *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### At audiobook club, a solitary hobby becomes a group connector URL: https://www.richmonder.org/at-audiobook-club-a-solitary-hobby-becomes-a-group-connector/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T20:24:34.000Z On a recent Sunday morning at the base of the pedestrian footbridge on Tredegar Street, there are lycra-wearing runners, families on bikes and couples nursing warm coffees, but a small gathering of people are about to embark on a unique activity. They’re not here to break a sweat on Belle Isle. Instead this group of about 10 regularly meets to listen to audiobooks while walking together and soaking up nature. “There's a big benefit to time spent in nature,” said organizer Breelyn Lester. “You have the opportunity to have conversations. Sometimes grounding ourselves in that physical reality, especially when you're working around book clubs and conversations that put an emphasis on discussion.” The walk is just one page of the world that Lester created, called [RVA Readers + Writers.](https://www.rvareadersandwriters.com/) Like many other book clubs, there are regular meetings at people’s houses, in cafes or virtually. Lester has also brought in authors for readings. And she regularly hosts writing groups around town. “This month, I have a book club at my house about a book called ‘Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife.’ We're gonna do a recipe exchange with that. Then I've got ‘The Last Contract of Isako,’ at Libby Hill Park and discussing that,” she said. Lester, who works as a nurse at VCU, said she researches the outdoor spaces before the walks and will often pose related questions. “If you're talking about Maymont, for example, the book that we're going to be discussing there is called ‘Yesteryear’ – a time travel, psychological thriller,” she said. “What does it mean to think about the land that you sit on in the context of a timeline and to look at a tree and think, okay, someone sat here a hundred years ago and looked at the same tree?” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Taking-a-break-on-the-rocks--the-members-or-RVA-Readers-and-Writers-were-happy-for-low-humidity-and-chance-to-get-outside-to-talk-books.jpeg) ### Bringing people together RVA Readers + Writers started in 2024 when Lester, 27, noticed a lot of online posts about people looking for book clubs. But they were in places like Philadelphia or San Francisco. “I hadn't seen anything about Richmond,” she said. “So I put something up on Threads, which I had never used before, and I was really surprised how many people responded. And then I was more surprised by the diversity of the responses in terms of what people's interests were. I realized I had a very unique opportunity to get a bunch of people who were interested in reading, but interested in reading different things.” Lester said the goal is to try and have at least one nonfiction book and one sci-fi book every three months. “We do our best to read widely and to prioritize Virginia authors where we can, and to prioritize things that are going to bring about conversations that are important to our community.” The audiobook club walks aren’t rigid. There’s no set pace. Breaks are encouraged because they lead to discussions. “I joined the book club before they started the walks,” said Becca Siegel, who was taking part in her sixth walk. “But I love going on walks. And I love listening to books and I love being with people. When they started, it raised my mental health so much because I get to be around people. I get to be listening to a book and exercising. That's just really nice.” Theo Mastio, another participant, took a break to watch the kayakers navigate the rocks on the James River, waiting for the group to swing back around. This was Mastio’s first walk with the club, though the 23-year-old student at VCU has been part of both the writer’s group and the regular book club for more than a year. They said the group was really welcoming. “They accepted me instantly without having a ton of knowledge about something,” they said, adding why the group is special. “I think (it’s) the ability to have a conversation about something controversial and come at it from different sides and (to) be able to respect each other's opinions, dissect where we were coming from, and also feel empathetically for the person who wrote the book.” This is Sarah Mason’s second time taking the audiobook walk. After five years of living in the city, she still considers herself a newbie. She, too, is listening to “Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife.” “Being someone who moved here in her 30s, it's hard to make friends, meet people,” she said. “Also I've actually never walked around the whole isle. So this is a great way for me to find new places, but walk with a community of people, feel safe, and also connect with people that I've been building friendships with.” For Lester, being able to talk about books with friends is something she’s been doing since middle school, where she was reading the “Warriors” series. “I was at a school with a bunch of really nerdy kids and the fun thing about being in a school with a bunch of nerdy kids is that no one has any shame and there's very little self-awareness about what is cool or not cool,” Lester said. “One of the things we would do was role play ‘Warrior Cats’ at recess. “I think that's the first one I remember being like, ‘I have to talk to someone about this. I've gotta discuss this with someone.’” ### Folk Fest is back for its 22nd year. Here's what you need to know. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/folk-fest-is-back-for-its-22nd-year-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T20:19:01.000Z A Richmond tradition, the three-day Folk Festival will return this weekend to the riverfront, drawing an estimated 200,000 people over its three days. The festival is free to attend but a donation of $10 per person, per day is requested. For the second year, the festival's footprint will include the Allianz Amphitheater, though the venue's clear bag policy continues to apply throughout the weekend. Brown's Island also returns to the mix. Its refurbishment isn't completely finished, but Richmonders can get a sneak peek at what it will look like before it closes again after the festival for the finishing touches. [Brown’s Island will be open for Folk Festival, says Venture RichmondThe park has been closed since December 2025 for a $30 million overhaul.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4575aa0d-cd5b-483d-ab68-a4080dee34e1.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/9C39698E-209B-4A6F-A906-A08C0C0720A6_1_201_a-e706c78b-6065-4a44-87a9-9bb5554023b0.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/browns-island-will-be-open-for-folk-festival-says-venture-richmond/) The festival will run from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday night before a noon start time on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night's performances will end at 6 p.m. [**A full schedule is available here.**](https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/schedule) ### **In the spotlight** The headlining event on Saturday will take place at 5 p.m. at the amphitheater, and will be a tribute to the late R&B singer D'Angelo. About 45 members of his family are scheduled to be on state for the presentation and performances, which will include a number of musicians who knew him personally. ### Road closures The Richmond Police will oversee a number of road closures in and around the downtown area. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-11.png)](google.com/url?q=https://xwdogkhbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f%3D0014uQt8kGeUeQWgJQ0X6xAimrardKFYdcKNZRuYqFZlWDuTY9279RPFClgHrLgEy0QgC4AGti-qKUHRbsq3tkR9H%5FazyUu53DrvR2Ebv3j28vZN2Ti%5FwFoIL3aQYuyXLTskXin1IquSmFkp3XgMP9xHA%3D%3D%26c%3DVTawr69sG8aVzMToPeAIfnAWuRv72tNnmpeD-1GP2cPidF2eFhH%5FEQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DLhkgS5WhYkLZ088R%5Ft1gPzTVgBXvEOqo4kXzy-qBYe7NcQ0TZQjzcQ%3D%3D%26%5Futm%5Fmedium%3Demail%26%5Futm%5Fsource%3Dctct&source=gmail&ust=1791576790478000&usg=AOvVaw1JPCYL1afy7QY6EP1rgPIw) ### Festival swag Hardywood is making this year's official festival beer, which will pay tribute to German Oktoberfest feers. The official poster was created [**by Richmond artist Christian Taylor.**](https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/rff-news/2026/8/18/meet-christian-taylor-2026-poster-artist) ### Rain or shine The festival will go on rain or shine, and Sunday is forecast to be a rainy day as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move through. ### Eleanor Ipson, wife of Holocaust survivor and museum founder Jay Ipson, dies at 87 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/eleanor-ipson-wife-of-holocaust-survivor-and-museum-founder-jay-ipson-dies-at-87/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T16:54:04.000Z Eleanor Gaffen Ipson, the wife of Virginia Holocaust Museum founder Jay Ipson and a longtime Richmond-area resident, died on Oct. 5, her family said this week. Ipson’s daughter Esther told The Richmonder that the 87-year-old had been “a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.” She and Ipson had been married for 67 years at the time of her death, Esther said. Born Nov. 1, 1938, in Montreal, Eleanor Gaffen worked from a young age as a bookkeeper at the watchmaking company run by her father, who had fled Europe ahead of the Holocaust. She also worked as a fitness instructor at the Y. Esther said her parents first met when Jay — himself a Lithuanian native who survived the Holocaust before immigrating to Richmond — visited Canada to briefly work in a cousin’s hosiery factory. At a party during the visit, “he saw her dancing, and he said to his friend, ‘That’s the woman I’m going to marry,’” Esther said. His friend responded: “That’s a Gaffen girl, you’ll never get close to her.” “Watch this,” Jay replied. Esther said that her father began courting Eleanor; at one point he became so distracted while talking to her on the phone while working in the hosiery factory he inadvertently made “the longest hose ever.” Yet he soon had to return to the United States to serve in the Armed Forces; as a result he proposed to Eleanor and asked her to return to the U.S. with him. “Her dad said no, she said yes, her dad said no, she said yes, and she left,” Esther said. They were married in Worcester, Massachusetts, after just a few months of knowing each other. “My dad met her in May, they came to the states in June, and married in July,” she said. “And she got pregnant with my sister in August,” she added. “That’s a typical Jewish thing — on your honeymoon you’re supposed to get pregnant.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/unnamed--1-.jpg) (Family photo) In the U.S., the Ipsons for years ran American Auto Parts in Hopewell. Eleanor served as the company’s bookkeeper and controller. She was very active in Jewish organizations in the region as well. In a Facebook post written by his daughter on his behalf, Jay Ipson described Eleanor as “the love of his life.” The family said it would be holding a traditional shiva minyan for Eleanor. She is survived by her husband, Jay, her three children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. ### ‘This is going to be life-changing’: Chesterfield to open the area’s first publicly run domestic violence shelter URL: https://www.richmonder.org/this-is-going-to-be-life-changing-chesterfield-to-open-the-areas-first-publicly-run-domestic-violence-shelter/ Last updated: 2026-10-08T14:27:07.000Z When someone in Chesterfield needs to leave an abusive relationship, finding a safe place to go can be nearly as difficult as making the decision. That’s the gap the county hopes to close with its first publicly operated domestic violence shelter, a roughly 16-bed facility expected to open in early 2028. It’s been a passion project for Clover Hill Supervisor Jessica Schneider, who said she got the ball rolling after a budget surplus offered opportunity. “It’s been a priority because I’m a survivor from my first marriage,” Schneider said. “A lot of times if you don't have a place to go, that’s one of the biggest reasons why people stay in relationships that are violent or abusive.” The shelter will be inside a refurbished building the county already owns (the location won’t be made public for safety reasons). The design phase is wrapping up, and with construction on the horizon, Schneider said the team is aiming for a January 2028 opening. The shelter will be completely county-run with volunteer help. Helping lead the operation are Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center Coordinator Lindsay Cassada and Director of Juvenile Justice Services Michelle Smith. Cassada has expertise in assisting those impacted by domestic violence, and Smith has years' worth of experience building shelters for in-need groups — a combination Cassada dubbed “a lovely marriage.” “I’m so grateful that Chesterfield has put this dedication to building this facility because it is so needed and that is not something that all localities have the capacity to do,” Smith said. To the duo’s knowledge, this is the first publicly run shelter in the region. Since the idea was conceived, they’ve traveled to different facilities and talked with their operators, learning from mistakes and successes alike. “The people on this team want to see it done well and done right,” Cassada said. “This isn’t a checkbox. This is really people who have been on the front lines and seen what the needs are.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_3002-1.jpg) "Go Purple!" attendees pose in front of Chesterfield's historic courthouse on Monday. For Cassada, one of the most difficult parts of her job is meeting someone who needs to leave their situation, but there’s nowhere to go. In worst-of-the-worst scenarios, people have been using hotels as temporary safe spaces — Schneider said she’s heard that some police officers have paid for rooms out of their own pocket. “Folks are seeking shelter,” Cassada said. “It’s a matter of being able to fulfill the need that already exists.” The county has a preexisting network of support services (which is a combination of public and private partners). But having a domestic violence shelter within the county’s borders will revolutionize Chesterfield’s ability to help those in need, Cassada believes. “Shelter is going to be the biggest puzzle piece by far. It has been the biggest gap,” she said. “This is going to be life-changing.” It’s become a labor of love for everyone involved. The county wants to do things right, Smith said, and will make more information available to the public as the shelter’s official date approaches. “I, through the years, just find a lot of reward in making sure that we are paying attention to those folks because they do not have a lot of folks around them paying attention to them,” Smith said. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### In internal memo, Squirrels COO says team had permission to use Diamond for storage URL: https://www.richmonder.org/in-internal-memo-squirrels-coo-says-team-had-permission-to-use-diamond-for-storage/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T22:16:01.000Z The chief operating officer of the Richmond Flying Squirrels said Wednesday that the team had permission from the city’s Economic Development Authority to use The Diamond for storage, despite the EDA’s recent directive to clear everything out of the former baseball stadium. In an internal memo obtained by The Richmonder, COO Ben Rothrock pushed back on what he described as “misinformation” by the EDA, saying the notion the team was surreptitiously continuing to use The Diamond was “categorically false.” “The Flying Squirrels had an understanding with an EDA representative that the club could temporarily store items at The Diamond and that the city/EDA would notify the Flying Squirrels if/when this arrangement had changed,” Rothrock wrote in the memo sent Wednesday afternoon. Rothrock identified the EDA staffer who approved the arrangement as Senior Development Manager Douglas “DJ” Mulkey. City officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday evening. [Richmond EDA tells Squirrels to clear out of The Diamond or be treated as trespassersIn addition, the lawyer for the EDA gave DiBella 30 days to resume talks with VCU over letting the team use the new stadium.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c831efd5-5fe7-4928-890e-ddc38b721260.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_9748-725d7f8a-b591-40ed-9b1a-7d1d7d3ed9dd.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-tells-squirrels-to-clear-out-of-the-diamond-or-be-treated-as-trespassers/) The Squirrels just completed their first season in the newly built CarMax Park, a long-awaited replacement stadium that sits right next to The Diamond. On Sept. 21, EDA Director Angie Rodgers told the Squirrels to remove any team equipment or merchandise remaining in The Diamond by Oct. 16\. She indicated the locks on the facility were being changed, and any Squirrels staffers entering the facility after Oct. 16 would be treated as trespassing. The harsh exchange over the use of The Diamond comes after the Squirrels ownership group sued the city in early September over the direction of the ballpark-anchored Diamond District development project. Squirrels owner Lou DiBella has accused the city of failing to live up to its promises in the deal, while the city has accused DiBella himself of being the cause of some of the delays that have left the project behind schedule. Because the new ballpark is publicly financed and owned, the EDA is essentially the team’s long-term landlord, despite the apparently souring relationship between city and team leaders. Rothrock’s memo indicated the team would comply with the EDA’s order to vacate The Diamond. Reiterating instructions he said were already given at an all-staff meeting, Rothrock said anything still at The Diamond should be removed by this Friday. “The operations team will do a sweep of the building afterward and discard anything that is left,” Rothrock wrote. Rothrock said the EDA’s directive was “clearly retaliatory for legal steps the organization has taken to protect its business interests and to seek transparency around the Diamond District.” “It is important that you know that we would never put you in harm’s way by instructing you to trespass or enter a premises on which you were not permitted,” Rothrock wrote. The Squirrels COO also sought to reassure his staff the team is unlikely to be evicted from CarMax Park, despite the EDA floating that as a possibility if the team’s owners can’t reach an agreement with VCU to allow the university’s baseball team to also use the new facility. Rothrock said threats to end the team’s lease at CarMax Park were “similarly retaliatory and have no legal standing.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Oct. 7 Newsletter: Rising taxes won't ease fiscal crunch URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-7-newsletter-rising-taxes-wont-ease-fiscal-crunch/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T10:00:58.000Z **Weather:** High of 75, another beautiful fall day. **On this date** in 2008, the Richmond City Democratic Committee is advised to retract its mayoral endorsement for Dwight Jones because the vote was not properly conducted. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/RFF2026-Digital-728x90-0826.png)](https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by the** **Richmond Folk Festival:** Celebrate American culture with live music, dance, traditional crafts, and more – all for FREE – as the Richmond Folk Festival returns to Downtown Richmond’s riverfront, this Friday-Sunday. [**More info here.**](https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-property-tax-bills-will-keep-rising-report-says-but-city-will-still-face-fiscal-constraints/) ### Richmond property tax bills will keep rising, report says, but city will still face ‘fiscal constraints’ Even if Richmond property tax bills continue to rise over the next three years, it won’t be enough to fund City Hall’s spending, according to a new financial analysis. 💸 That’s largely because the city’s spending is rising faster than the tax bills that are supposed to pay for government services, according to the consultants hired to do the latest fiscal projections. CAO Odie Donald II said city officials are exploring “targeted cost avoidance” options, including a possible hiring freeze. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-property-tax-bills-will-keep-rising-report-says-but-city-will-still-face-fiscal-constraints/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-7.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/6-rps-schools-no-longer-among-lowest-performing-in-latest-vdoe-school-ratings/) ### 6 RPS schools no longer among lowest performing in latest VDOE school ratings Six Richmond Public Schools are no longer federally identified as low-performing schools in need of comprehensive support and improvement, according to newly released school ratings from the Virginia Department of Education. 🎒 Henderson Middle Principal Allen Vernon credited culture-building work at the school. “Parents are buying into it, that this is a place that’s inclusive and a place that’s safe, and parents are believing in our vision,” he said.[**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/6-rps-schools-no-longer-among-lowest-performing-in-latest-vdoe-school-ratings/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-10.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/redevelopment-of-near-west-end-church-into-33-townhomes-gets-ok-from-planning-commission/) ### Redevelopment of Near West End church into 33 townhomes gets OK from Planning Commission After months of negotiation with neighbors, plans are moving forward for the redevelopment of Richmond’s Seventh Street Christian Church on Grove Avenue into 33 townhomes. The project was first pitched last year after the shrinking congregation determined upkeep on the building and property was too great of a financial strain. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/redevelopment-of-near-west-end-church-into-33-townhomes-gets-ok-from-planning-commission/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-8.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-tells-squirrels-to-clear-out-of-the-diamond-or-be-treated-as-trespassers/) ### Richmond EDA tells Squirrels to clear out of The Diamond or be treated as trespassers Last month, Richmond’s Economic Development Authority told the Richmond Flying Squirrels to gather up any equipment still being stored at The Diamond and take it somewhere else. In a separate letter from a few days later, a lawyer representing the EDA reminded the Squirrels the city also has the ability to evict the team from the new baseball stadium if it doesn't begin "good-faith negotiations" with VCU over allowing its baseball team to play at CarMax Park. “Please immediately commence negotiations with VCU,” the lawyer wrote. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-tells-squirrels-to-clear-out-of-the-diamond-or-be-treated-as-trespassers/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/RFF-2025.png)](https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/) The Richmond Folk Festival returns to Downtown Richmond’s riverfront this Friday-Sunday to celebrate American culture with live music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and incredible food. With six stages and more than 30 genres of music, there’s something for everyone—and it’s all FREE! [**Read more.**](https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Mayos-Bridge-Website-Photo-1-1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-mayo-bridge-is-being-put-on-a-road-diet-lanes-will-be-reduced-after-repaving/) ### The Mayo Bridge is being put on a 'road diet.' Lanes will be reduced after repaving The city will repave the Mayo Bridge beginning next week, a process that is expected to take about 10 days. 🛣️ Resurfacing is needed now because the road currently has a Pavement Condition Index of zero out of 100. When that work is finished, the road will be painted with one lane in each direction, instead of the current two lanes. The city will collect data to inform future decisions regarding the planned rebuilding of the bridge. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-mayo-bridge-is-being-put-on-a-road-diet-lanes-will-be-reduced-after-repaving/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/sports-section-divider-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/sports/) - [**At Richmond’s pro golf tournament, it’s out with the old and in with the youth**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-richmonds-pro-golf-tournament-its-out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-youth/) - “People’s dreams are literally being realized in real-time,” one golfer said of this weekend's Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by Virginia's Richmond Region. - [**Victory for Thomas Jefferson over Armstrong is 32 days in the making**](https://www.richmonder.org/victory-for-thomas-jefferson-over-armstrong-is-32-days-in-the-making/) - The game had been delayed due to excessive heat, and TJ made a second-half comeback after its resumption. --- ### In other news - [**Henrico County decides to eliminate Flock cameras**](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-county-votes-to-eliminate-flock-cameras/) - Police data showed Henrico had 112 active cameras under its current contract, which was scheduled to renew in November. - [**Old Grace Street is Richmond history. Let’s recognize it.**](https://rvamag.com/community/old-grace-street-is-richmond-history-lets-recognize-it.html) (RVAMag) - The area became a meeting point for three things that now define Richmond: food, music and creativity. - [**RVA Street Art Festival is headed to the Valentine**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/06/richmond-street-art-festival-exhibit-photo-submissions) (Axios Richmond) - Organizers are looking for locals' high-quality photos and videos of the murals, the works in progress and/or crowds during past festivals. --- ### The editor's desk What a wild story [**from WHRO about the Winchester Gazette**](https://www.whro.org/virginia-center-for-investigative-journalism/2026-10-06/in-winchester-the-truth-about-a-local-news-website-is-the-citys-best-kept-secret), a "news site" that potentially has connections with a personal injury lawyer and allegedly paid reporters to get contact information from traffic accident victims. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### 6 RPS schools no longer among lowest performing in latest VDOE school ratings URL: https://www.richmonder.org/6-rps-schools-no-longer-among-lowest-performing-in-latest-vdoe-school-ratings/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T09:54:50.000Z Six Richmond Public Schools serving high numbers of low-income students are no longer federally identified as low-performing schools in need of comprehensive support and improvement, according to newly released school ratings from the Virginia Department of Education. On Tuesday morning, Superintendent Jason Kamras and administrators visited Henry L. Marsh III Elementary, Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle, Thomas C. Boushall Middle, Thomas H. Henderson Middle and Armstrong High to tell school leaders the news. Henderson Middle Principal Allen Vernon told The Richmonder that he and the school’s assistant principals work with school staff to look at student academic data to help “align our instruction with student success.” It led to the school implementing daily tutoring for students who need additional help during the school day. The administration also brought changes to school culture, Vernon said, adding that the school population has grown by over 100 students over the last two years along with increased membership to the school’s PTA, meaning that there are more parents who are buying in and sending their children to the school. “My goal when I first came here – and I shared this with my administrative staff – I wanted all the students who are zoned for Henderson Middle School to feel welcome to want to come to Henderson Middle School,” Vernon said. “Parents are buying into it, that this is a place that’s inclusive and a place that’s safe, and parents are believing in our vision.” Title I schools – public schools receiving extra federal funding because they serve a higher population of economically disadvantaged students – are identified for federal support [based on student performance](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DN3JZQ4E9C76/$file/New%20State%20Accountability%20System%20Update%20for%2011-10-25%20Board%20Work%20Session.pdf) by three ratings: “targeted support and improvement,” “additional targeted support and improvement,” and “comprehensive support and improvement.” Schools labeled as needing comprehensive support are schools that are the lowest-performing 5% of Title I schools. Those ratings also contribute to whether the division can exit an academic performance agreement [it entered into with the Virginia Board of Education back in 2017](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-requests-to-be-removed-from-state-performance-agreement/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/csi-schools-2.jpg) Chief Wellness Officer Renesha Parks, Superintendent Jason Kamras, Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary Principal LaToya Draper, Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Blackwell and 6th District School Board Member Anne Holton at a Tuesday ceremony celebrating the school's progress. Wednesday’s news leaves 13 schools within RPS still needing comprehensive support and improvement this school year, according to the VDOE. Chesterfield County Public Schools has 3 schools federally identified in that category, Henrico County Public Schools has 8 and Hanover County Public Schools has none. Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary Principal LaToya Draper shared similar sentiments to Vernon, specifically in “creating a culture of excellence with staff, which would then translate to student excellence.” “I did not necessarily know the culture of the school, but I was charged with, ‘Hey, we want to see some great things happen over at Oak Grove, we want it to be a welcoming place,’” said Draper, who started leading the school in 2023\. “I think we have turned that around tremendously.” The Southside school is one of the 200-day schools in RPS, serving nearly 200 English Learners. The school originally had only three multilingual teachers before RPS hired 55 for the division, as required by the state last year. The school now has six. “That has been a game changer for us to be able to have one teacher attached to one grade level to support one group of students who are on the same curriculum,” she said. Anne Holton, the 6th District School Board representative overseeing Oak Grove-Bellemeade and MLK Middle, said that the changes aren’t a “one-time wonder,” and are rather “sustained growth over time.” SOL passing rates within the division have increased from last year, and are now close to pre-pandemic rates. She also pointed to school leadership as a reason for the schools’ progressing, highlighting leaders like MLK Middle Principal Inett Dabney, who will soon have a 10-year anniversary working at the school. The state also provides ratings for schools based on two other accountability systems. The School Performance and Support Framework, [a system released late last year](https://www.richmonder.org/more-than-60-area-schools-are-off-track-according-to-new-state-accountability-metrics/), ranks schools on a 100-point scale into four ratings – distinguished, meets expectations, approaching expectations and needs intensive support. These points are determined by SOL results, growth in reading and math, high school graduation rates, chronic absenteeism and English learners’ progress. Last year, the system identified five Richmond city schools as “distinguished,” nine as “meets expectations,” 23 as “approaching expectations” and five in need of intensive support. Now RPS has nine distinguished schools, eight meeting expectations, 15 approaching expectations, and nine needing intensive support. Richmond Success Academy and Richmond Career Education Employment Charter School were deemed “too small” to score. Schools are also rated based on accreditation. Results for schools accredited this year have not yet been released, but last year 24 out of 44 Richmond schools were fully accredited. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Redevelopment of Near West End church into 33 townhomes gets OK from Planning Commission URL: https://www.richmonder.org/redevelopment-of-near-west-end-church-into-33-townhomes-gets-ok-from-planning-commission/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T01:39:16.000Z After months of negotiation with neighbors, plans are moving forward for the redevelopment of Richmond’s Seventh Street Christian Church on Grove Avenue into 33 townhomes. On Tuesday, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a special use permit for the project, which Chair Rodney Poole called “a perfect example of a developer, an architect, city staff, this neighborhood and a councilperson all working together to come to the best conclusion.” The only commissioner to vote against the plan was Rebecca Rowe, on the grounds of historic preservation concerns related to the demolition of the circa 1950 church to make way for the townhomes. Still, she said, “as a project it’s lovely.” She further urged developer Macfarlane Partners, led by Charles Macfarlane, to consider salvaging some pieces of the sanctuary for use in a planned pocket park at the corner of Grove Avenue and Malvern Avenue. The project at 4101 Grove Ave. was first pitched last year after the shrinking congregation determined upkeep on the building and property was too great of a financial strain. “One of the things from the church's perspective is, as they're considering their future, they wanted to leverage their biggest asset and provide funds to their congregation and be able to keep fulfilling their mission as they move forward with their next chapter,” said Brian Prater, one of several attorneys with Williams Mullen representing the developer in its SUP application. More than 30 entities responded to a request for proposals to redevelop the site, which contains not only the sanctuary but a large parking lot that has [long been used by the neighboring Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral for the popular annual Greek Festival](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/greek-festival-housing-development-may-28-2026). Hollie Woodruff, Seventh Street Christian Church’s pastor, [told The Richmonder last year](https://www.richmonder.org/near-west-end-church-is-under-contract-to-be-turned-into-72-housing-units-developer-selected-from-dozens-of-bids/) that Marfarlane’s group had not offered the highest bid, but the church believed his proposal was “really, deeply thoughtful.” Nevertheless, the initial plan to construct 24 townhomes and a 48-unit, four-story condominium building raised concerns among neighbors over density, traffic, access to the site and the project’s scale. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-9.png) An early rendering of the project. Those worries led to major revisions over the past year that eliminated the apartment building in favor of more townhomes. The total set of changes presented Tuesday — including the addition of an access point to the development along Grove Avenue and the inclusion of a two-car garage in each townhome — was eventually able to garner the support of the neighbors. Bill Atkinson, a resident of the adjacent Kingcrest neighborhood, said he and his wife “reluctantly have come to the point where we are now supporting the proposal.” “We took a long time to get there,” he said. “But the developer has done a great job responding to our concerns and getting to the proposal that’s in front of you tonight. … It’s a beautiful project, we trust they’re going to do a good job with it, and it’s in keeping with the neighborhood.” Bo Fairlamb, speaking on behalf of the Kingcrest neighborhood, called the planned demolition of the church “heartbreaking” and said he wished it could have been repurposed. But, he told the Planning Commission, Macfarlane Partners “have worked extensively with us and worked in good faith.” “We are confident of success,” he said. ### **Development access** The greatest issue of debate Tuesday night was whether the plans should include a second access point to the site midway through the block along Grove Avenue or midway on Malvern Avenue. (One uncontested access point would be through the existing alleyway off Antrim Avenue.) Neighbors firmly backed the Grove Avenue option, which would allow drivers to turn right into and out of the site at an existing entry to the parking lot. The city’s Department of Public Works, however, said allowing access along Grove would be dangerous due to cars slowing down to enter the site or unexpectedly turning onto the well-trafficked road from it. “Our primary concern is safety of users of the right of way,” said Doug Mawby with the department. “Any new contact points between cars and other cars and cars and people present risk for personal injury or death. So our policy has always been … you have to access properties from alleys where you can.” Several members of the Planning Commission rejected that explanation. “I’m confused by the safety concern a bit because Grove would be right in, right out only, and the side streets have no median, so you're going to have (people turning) right and left on the side streets,” said Commissioner Brian White. “To me, that seems more dangerous.” Poole similarly told Mawby that “given the topography, the layout, the speeds, I’m hard pressed to support your findings with respect to this.” Mawby said that “the arguments that I’m hearing are valid.” The Planning Commission ultimately backed the plan with the Grove Avenue access point, although a final decision will be up to the City Council. City Councilor Andrew Breton, whose 1st District includes the site, has already voiced his support for the plan, including the Grove Avenue access. “Without that driveway, the project would no longer address the needs and concerns of the adjacent community,” he wrote in a letter to the Planning Commission. “Despite the differing recommendation by staff, I am comfortable approving the proposal with the 2nd entrance on Grove, and furthermore I feel it is a critical component for community compatibility. The applicant has done a tremendous amount of engagement and concessions, and the Grove driveway is an important feature for retaining the community’s support.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Richmond EDA tells Squirrels to clear out of The Diamond or be treated as trespassers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-tells-squirrels-to-clear-out-of-the-diamond-or-be-treated-as-trespassers/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T01:18:13.000Z Last month, Richmond’s Economic Development Authority told the Richmond Flying Squirrels to gather up any equipment still being stored at The Diamond and take it somewhere else. The EDA was changing the locks on Richmond’s former baseball stadium, the letter said, and any effort by team personnel to enter the facility after Oct. 16 would be “treated as trespassing.” The authority told the team to hand over all keys, access cards and “any other means of entry to the building.” In a separate letter from a few days later, a lawyer representing the EDA reminded the Squirrels the city has the ability to evict the team from the new baseball stadium too. If Navigators Baseball, the business entity that owns the Squirrels, doesn’t try to negotiate a deal with VCU allowing the college baseball team to play at CarMax Park, the second letter said, it could amount to a “breach” of the stadium lease. The EDA said it has the option of terminating the lease “and/or excluding Navigators from the leased premises.” “The EDA does not wish to exercise these remedies, and it is in the interest of all parties for Navigators to perform its obligations under the Stadium Lease and get the business relationship between the parties back on track,” McGuireWoods attorney Matthew D. Fender wrote on the EDA’s behalf. “Please immediately commence negotiations with VCU.” The new exchange of letters — which The Richmonder obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request — is the latest escalation in a long-running battle over a high-profile city development project. Navigators Baseball, led by owner Lou DiBella, has already filed lawsuits related to the project. The first was a defamation lawsuit against Thalhimer Realty Partners developer Jason Guillot over a heated exchange the two men had at the new ballpark during opening night. [Lou DiBella’s dog bit Diamond District developer on Flying Squirrels opening night, according to account from Thalhimer execsTwo of the top leaders behind Richmond’s Diamond District project gave their account of a confrontation with Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, portraying the baseball team’s owner as “out of line” as he threatened to put the developers “out of business.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e59af239-9867-43ec-a33b-eba06de1952e.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay27-1-7e430bd6-a654-4839-999c-da1222885a9c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/) The second was a suit against the EDA itself, alleging city officials concealed how flimsily the project had been assembled and allowed the Squirrels to end up playing in a new stadium without the mixed-use development that was supposed to revitalize the surrounding area. “As a result, the people of Richmond have been lied to and have suffered,” attorneys for Navigators Baseball wrote in the suit brought against the EDA in early September. Guillot, who’s leading the private development side of the project, and the EDA have both denied DiBella’s allegations, essentially accusing the Squirrels owner of creating the trouble himself through aggressive behavior and refusing to work well with others. Many of the delays, the EDA insists, were caused by DiBella not working things out with VCU, which needed to part ways with Sports Backers Stadium in order for the development to proceed. [Richmond EDA approves deal allowing VCU to play at CarMax Park, but agreement with Squirrels is still requiredEDA officials said the VCU lease would be conditioned on the university and the Squirrels reaching a use agreement.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9ebd36ec-1743-4d95-89cf-df6069c57a13.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7109-5545b8da-7bb2-4607-b19a-b6f6f2baf3ae.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eda-approves-deal-allowing-vcu-to-play-at-carmax-park-but-agreement-with-squirrels-is-still-required/) As those lawsuits play out in the courts, new battle lines in the dispute are emerging. The lawyer for the EDA gave DiBella 30 days to resume talks with VCU over letting the team use the new stadium built mainly for the Squirrels. If that deadline isn’t met, the Sept. 23 letter said, the Squirrels would be in “default” under the lease. A spokesman for DiBella didn’t immediately return a request for comment Tuesday afternoon. DiBella’s attorneys, meanwhile, have accused the city of allowing disruptive construction to start outside CarMax Park’s front entrance with little notice as soon as the team’s season ended. DiBella had previously voiced opposition to that plan, saying it could jeopardize the team’s ability to host large offseason events at the stadium tied to Halloween and Christmas. [Letter: Squirrels’ plan for winter holiday event at risk over roadwork planned near ballpark entranceThe Squirrels said they are planning a “WinterWorld” attraction around the holidays.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-6756d9da-aa66-493f-9da6-e33639d56544.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8723-d898090b-80f2-4274-8115-083900e765be.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-squirrels-plan-for-winter-holiday-event-at-risk-over-roadwork-planned-near-ballpark-entrance/) In a Sept. 21 email, EDA Director Angie Rodgers said the public infrastructure work would be starting “tomorrow.” She encouraged DiBella to coordinate with Thalhimer-led Diamond District Partners and contractor Whiting-Turner on logistics for how to get crowds in and out of the facility while the construction work impacts the entrance. “While I can’t guarantee the 50 percent access during Squirrel-O-Ween requested in your team’s last communication, I think this coordination can get us closer to it,” Rodgers wrote. “For example, we can arrange for greater access during the times when foot traffic will be greatest. We can plan for greater access on evenings and weekends as opposed to weekday daytime hours.” That letter didn’t go over well with DiBella and his legal team. In a reply the next day, Kelli Scheid Smith, an attorney representing Navigators Baseball, strongly objected to the short notice, noting that it came on Yom Kippur, “one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.” The team had rejected the proposed construction access plan in July, the response letter said, then heard nothing more from the EDA. “Providing less than 24 hours’ notice before commencing construction that will render the main entrance to CarMax Park completely inaccessible is wholly inadequate and inconsistent with any reasonable standard of landlord conduct,” Smith wrote. The communication from the EDA, she continued, did little to address larger issues raised about access to the stadium for the Squirrel-O-Ween event at the end of the month, and the setup for the 39-day WinterWorld attraction that’s set to begin in mid-November. [‘Turn this ballpark into Christmastown’: Squirrels unveil plan for 39-day WinterWorld attraction at CarMax ParkThe offseason event will feature more than a million lights, a 12,500 square foot ice rink for skating, a six-lane ice slide, a tree maze, a Ferris wheel and what organizers promise will be the tallest live Christmas tree in Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d9dc59a8-b7dd-41e6-a934-cca28ed5c98f.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/ICERINK4-7f9c6038-bd0a-48b4-9db3-4f39e08d9684.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/turn-this-ballpark-into-christmastown-squirrels-unveil-plan-for-39-day-winterworld-attraction-at-carmax-park/) As part of the lawsuit against the EDA, Navigators Baseball has signaled it intends to seek a court order preventing the construction from blocking access to the ballpark during the planned holiday events. On the same day the EDA told DiBella the construction work was starting, Rodgers sent the second letter saying the Squirrels and any affiliates needed to clear out of The Diamond. The team’s lease for the old stadium, that latter said, automatically ended when the new ballpark was completed. “We understand that Navigators continues to use portions of The Diamond, including for the storage of team store merchandise, kitchen and concessions equipment, concessions stock, for vendor storage and operations, and for the storage of two utility vehicles,” Rodgers wrote. [Photo retrospective: The Diamond’s final seasonPhotographer Ryan M. Kelly was on hand for the 40th and final season of baseball at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia. A new stadium is being built in The Diamond’s parking lot, and will open next summer when the Richmond Flying Squirrels return.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-21a39a57-b197-4af4-8d94-6c24aef70712.png)The RichmonderRyan M. Kelly![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RMK_Diamond_FlyingSquirrels35-1-3583235f-7e27-49e2-97ec-06f44756545e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/photo-retrospective-the-diamonds-final-season/) The EDA gave the team until 5 p.m. next Friday to get everything cleared out. “The EDA expects The Diamond to be emptied of Navigators' property in its entirety,” Rodgers wrote. “Should any property remain at the facility after October 16, 2026, the EDA may remove and dispose of it as it sees fit, and Navigators will remain responsible for the EDA's costs of doing so together with the cost of repairing any damage.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Richmond property tax bills will keep rising, report says, but city will still face ‘fiscal constraints’ URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-property-tax-bills-will-keep-rising-report-says-but-city-will-still-face-fiscal-constraints/ Last updated: 2026-10-07T00:03:51.000Z Even if Richmond property tax bills continue to rise over the next three years, it won’t be enough to fund City Hall’s spending, according to a [new financial analysis](https://richmondva.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15971857&GUID=B6A05C4F-1EE0-4830-A911-27F3667D6F6A) presented to the City Council Monday. Heading into the next budget cycle, Richmond officials are considering rolling back the city’s real estate tax rate for the first time since 2008\. However, the city is already looking at a projected budget deficit, the analysis showed, even if the tax rate is left unchanged at $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value. The deficit projected for fiscal year 2028 if the rate is left unchanged, according to the report, is about $17.3 million. Taking one cent off the tax rate — as Mayor Danny Avula has proposed — would grow the size of the projected FY28 deficit to almost $21.9 million, the report says. Dropping it by four cents, as some City Council members want, could lead to a $35.6 million shortfall, according to the math presented to the Council. That’s largely because the city’s spending is rising faster than the tax bills that are supposed to pay for government services, according to the consultants hired to do the latest fiscal projections. “Revenue growth has been outpaced by your expenditure obligations,” Danielle Scott Parker, a director with PFM Financial Advisors, told the Council at a briefing Monday afternoon. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond’s general fund budget grew substantially, rising from about $780 million in fiscal year 2021 to around $1.09 billion in fiscal year 2025\. That growth was funded largely by rising property taxes. In fiscal 2022 and 2023, the city saw its real estate tax base grow by more than 13% each year. For those two years, the city saw budget surpluses of $44.1 million and $56.3 million, respectively. That doesn’t mean the city budget is in great shape, the consultants said, because fiscal pressure is being created by rising personnel and pension costs, growing transfers to Richmond Public Schools and increasing debt service obligations. Collective bargaining negotiations that are currently underway are also an unknown factor that could add to budget pressure going forward, the consultants said. Those budget pressures have meant smaller surpluses, the report said, and could soon put the city in the red. The analysis projected deficits for the next three years, even assuming the city’s tax base will grow by 4.5%, 6% and 6% over those three budget cycles. Speaking to the Council Monday, Avula said he’d gone over the fiscal outlook on his own several times. “And every time it sits heavy,” the mayor said. The consultants’ analysis said the city has “reached the limits of its organic revenue-growth capacity at the same moment expenditure pressures are accelerating.” Because of that, the report said, Richmond is entering a period of “greater fiscal constraints.” Even though the city revenues should continue to grow, said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II, it’s not going to be the same “land of milk and honey” growth like the city has seen in the last few years. “You still got Kool-Aid, just no sugar,” Donald said. “Still got ham, no burger.” Donald said city officials are exploring “targeted cost avoidance” options, including a possible hiring freeze. ### **No ‘double bump’?** Some Council members seemed taken aback by the projection of only modest tax base growth when they were preparing for steep tax assessment increases next year. Because officials skipped a reassessment cycle to better sync up its own financial processes, Richmonders haven’t had their property values reassessed since September 2025. Because the next reassessments won’t go out until next spring, Council members said they were expecting bigger growth from almost two years’ worth of change to property values instead of the usual one year. The 4.5% growth projection over that longer period is lower than the 6% tax base growth the city saw in its last normal reassessment cycle. “It would be very helpful to see the modeling behind the four and a half,” said Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District). “It seems low given the fact that we’re talking about a period of two years.” Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) said he too was surprised. “This was supposed to be the double bump,” Breton said. “So rather than being larger, it’s smaller.” City Assessor Richie McKeithen said that was his forecast based on local real estate market conditions and a national economy he described as “struggling really bad” due to higher inflation, higher interest rates and higher gas prices. Higher costs of living, he said, weigh on people who are considering buying a home for “abundantly more than what they would have paid a while ago.” “Our market has been slowing down like most markets across the country,” McKeithen said. Avula is asking Richmond voters to approve a new 1% sales tax to help fund major school construction and renovation projects. He has said he’ll work to reduce both the meals and real estate tax rate by one cent in the budget he’ll propose next spring. “The cost of government goes up every year,” Avula told the Council. “So if we’re not going to raise taxes — which none of us want to do — then we have got to make sure that we are growing, that we are developing, that we are focusing on economic development so that we can develop other revenue streams as a city.” Council Vice President Katherine Jordan (2nd District) urged the administration to consider lowering the business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax to help Richmond stay economically competitive with nearby counties. “I know that’s hard to talk about lowering yet another category of taxes and revenue,” Jordan said. “But when the threat is that we are going to lose that tenant, that business, that employee base to the counties, I think it’s a discussion we have to have.” ### **Diamond District questions** Gibson and Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) both asked about the status of the Diamond District economic development project and whether the nearly $130 million in bonds for that initiative have contributed to the debt service pressure. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration Tanikia Jackson said she couldn’t answer that question, indicating debt related to the Diamond District was a matter for the city’s Economic Development Authority. Gibson then noted that the monthly financial reports the Council receives list the nearly $130 million in baseball stadium bonds as debt to be paid from the city’s general fund. “This is the city,” Gibson said, apparently responding to the assertion that the EDA is responsible for paying off the stadium bonds. Because the Diamond District project appears to be behind schedule and not yet generating substantial tax revenue, Gibson asked if that would add to the fiscal pressure in the upcoming budget year. “We told residents that this project would fund itself,” Gibson said. “So if that is not true… if we have to raise taxes or keep taxes as is to fund the Diamond District… I will not do it without making it abundantly clear that this is the position that we’re in.” Donald, the CAO, seemed to take issue with Gibson’s line of questioning, saying she had made “some very strong mischaracterizations.” “What is probably best for us to do is you give us a list of your questions. We’ll respond to those within about 30 days and help you kind of right-size your questions,” Donald said. “Because I think you’re asking and doing an apples to tomatoes comparison. And we want to do apples to apples.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### The Mayo Bridge is being put on a 'road diet.' Lanes will be reduced after repaving URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-mayo-bridge-is-being-put-on-a-road-diet-lanes-will-be-reduced-after-repaving/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T18:15:30.000Z The city will repave the Mayo Bridge beginning next week, a process that is expected to take about 10 days. When that work is finished, the road will be painted with one lane in each direction, instead of the current two lanes. In a press release, Richmond Director of Transportation Andy Boenau referred to that decision as a "pilot road diet." The city expects to do a full replacement of the bridge in the coming years, and has discussed reducing to two lanes, with additional space for pedestrians and bicyclists, as part of that effort. [Here’s Richmond’s first crack at designing a new Mayo Bridge“We shouldn’t even call these bike lanes.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7c6e46d8-df81-47cc-987d-847a3fe61994.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/UDC-2026-01-Perspective-Rendering--1--b93c135f-428f-490b-84c1-ef0c9c7016c8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/heres-richmonds-first-crack-at-designing-a-new-mayo-bridge/) The city will collect data from the pilot program to inform its decisions about the rebuild. Resurfacing is needed now because the road currently has a Pavement Condition Index of zero out of 100. “Resurfacing the Mayo Bridge provides a smoother, safer ride today while allowing us to test operational changes that will help manage traffic for upcoming construction projects,” Boenau wrote. “It also creates a more comfortable experience for people walking and rolling across the bridge as Richmond continues investing in better connections to the riverfront and Mayo Island Park.” [New Mayo Island park ‘on track’ to open in fall of 2026A plan to turn Richmond’s Mayo Island into a mostly natural park is still on schedule to be completed by the fall of 2026.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-bd9673bb-8f10-40cc-9138-5f05b59d9a9b.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-3.36.08-PM-7f075c2b-dfe2-488e-84ff-5aa25382ce77.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-mayo-island-park-on-track-to-open-in-fall-of-2026/) *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### At Richmond’s pro golf tournament, it’s out with the old and in with the youth URL: https://www.richmonder.org/at-richmonds-pro-golf-tournament-its-out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-youth/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T17:53:53.000Z This could be the greatest weekend of Davis Lamb's life. It could also be one of the worst. Lamb is a golfer on the Korn Ferry Tour, which is the minor-league circuit of the PGA Tour. Each year, the 20 best golfers on the Korn Ferry Tour get promoted to the big leagues for the following season. Lamb, who played collegiately at Notre Dame, sits in 23rd entering the tour’s final event, this weekend in Richmond. “People’s dreams are literally being realized in real-time,” Lamb said of the weekend, which will conclude with a ceremony presenting the top 20 golfers with their PGA Tour card. It’s a new concept for Richmond, which has spent the past decade hosting the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, a senior-tour event where the top golfers from past years competed. That event carried star power, but Golf Channel analyst James Nitties, who will call the event this weekend, said the Korn Ferry Tour can’t be beat for pure emotion. [DECC golf tourney prepares for new sponsor, course after this weekend’s editionA new title sponsor and hosting golf course will be announced in Richmond on Monday, following the tournament.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-599333a3-f0e1-4770-b452-a6be3ae132b1.png)The RichmonderPayton Kifus![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/champs-preview-a1d669ee-d94d-4132-9720-1148ef5d130c.webp)](https://www.richmonder.org/decc-golf-tourney-prepares-for-new-sponsor-course-after-this-weekends-edition/) “I still remember the day I got my PGA Tour card, 17 years ago,” he said. “It was the greatest feeling of my life. “It’s the event where you’ll see the most grown men cry – good or bad.” Tickets [are still available](https://am.ticketmaster.com/pgnt/buy/2026TICKETS) for the tournament, which runs from Thursday to Sunday at The Federal Club in Hanover. A day pass is $40, with discounts for multi-day or multi-ticket purchases. Dominion is out as lead sponsor, and the event will be known as ​​The Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by Virginia's Richmond Region, a partnership between the Henrico Economic Development Authority, Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority, Richmond Region Tourism and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Korn Ferry, the tour’s title sponsor, describes itself as “a global organizational consulting firm.” [He’s a global internet star, but golfer ‘Fat Perez’ will always be a Richmonder“I play probably more golf off camera than I do on. I just love the game so much.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a3ed3d50-7815-4adf-8509-cb027163f3f3.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/fatperez-83f37c8b-65b3-4e2c-9795-bf3f8f7377d9.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hes-a-global-internet-star-but-golfer-fat-perez-will-always-be-a-richmonder/) While the senior-tour golfers lived a glamorous life, it’s the opposite for the young golfers trying to break through. The average golfer spends about $100,000 in expenses over the course of the season on the Korn Ferry Tour, and makes about $118,000 in prize money during that time. “Obviously it’s a lot to manage mentally,” Lamb said of the pressure that comes from knowing how much is on the line this weekend. He said he tunes it out by reminding himself he didn’t know if he’d ever be in this spot to begin with, wondering if a strong showing at the U.S. Amateur a few years ago was the peak of his career. While the names won’t be familiar to the average fan, there are plenty of storylines heading into the weekend of play, as 42 golfers can qualify on points, while the other 18 in the field can get their tour card with a win. Blades Brown currently sits No. 14 on the points list, and if he stays in that position, the 19-year-old will become the youngest player in history to “graduate” from the Korn Ferry Tour, passing Jason Day. The event is coming to Richmond on a four-year contract. The original intent was to have the event at The Crossings Golf Club, but renovation work at that course didn’t finish in time for this year’s event. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Henrico County decides to eliminate Flock cameras URL: https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-county-votes-to-eliminate-flock-cameras/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T15:00:01.000Z Henrico County has become the latest Virginia locality to end its agreement with Flock Safety, the makers of popular automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. “As a county, we have listened as our residents have shared legitimate concerns about Flock Safety, the proliferation of its cameras across the nation and whether the data collected is sufficiently safeguarded to protect the privacy of individuals in our community,” Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III wrote in a news release. “While we are confident that Henrico Police has used ALPR data appropriately for legitimate law-enforcement purposes only, we cannot ignore the potential for misuse of system data by others. Ending this contract is the right thing to do for our residents and community.” The county said it will review other options as it unwinds the Flock contract. Henrico's Flock usage was in the news [earlier this summer](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/20/henrico-pulls-flock-camera-access-10-fire-marshals/), when 10 fire investigators had their access revoked because they were not allowed to access the system under state law. Neighboring Goochland County [ended its contract with Flock](https://www.richmonder.org/goochland-county-ends-usage-of-flock-license-plate-readers/) at the end of August. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, a Republican who represents most of Midlothian and southern Chesterfield, has called for a complete ban at the state level, citing safety and privacy concerns. Last week, a Chesterfield County Police Department employee was arrested for misusing the county’s system. [Chesterfield police employee arrested for misusing Flock camerasA police department spokesperson said they wouldn’t discuss an ongoing case.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d99aef7f-6086-4841-a675-78344e9b43d8.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8073--2--dc786dca-ce73-49ad-af7c-491ed01fa569.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-police-employee-arrested-for-misusing-flock-cameras/) On Sept. 30, [a James City County](https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/former-james-city-county-police-officer-charged-with-misusing-flock-cameras-jccpd) police officer was similarly charged with five felony counts of computer invasion of privacy, three misdemeanor counts of computer invasion of privacy and five misdemeanor counts of improper use of the license plate readers by law enforcement. Police data showed Henrico had 112 of the cameras [under its current contract](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/09/2363A---Contract--Executed---Compiled-.pdf), which was scheduled to renew in November. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said two weeks ago that he will open a listening session about the technology. "I've been really consistent about saying that our choice to use this technology is because I believe in the benefits to public safety, and I believe those benefits outweigh the risks they pose to our community," Avula said. "But I've also been very consistent about saying that this is not a closed issue, and that I will always remain open to hearing from the people of Richmond on it. "I think that the shift in public sentiment around Flock, which has been particularly acute in the last couple of months, is a sign we need to reevaluate our relationship with Flock." *This has been a breaking news update. Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Victory for Thomas Jefferson over Armstrong is 32 days in the making URL: https://www.richmonder.org/victory-for-thomas-jefferson-over-armstrong-is-32-days-in-the-making/ Last updated: 2026-10-06T12:58:21.000Z The wait didn’t faze them at all. Not the 32-day halftime. In fact, during what could have been an unsettling interlude, the Thomas Jefferson Vikings actually came of age. They certainly were not bothered by the creeping, bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-64/95 late Monday afternoon as the Vikings headed east toward Armstrong to complete their game that had been halted after two quarters on Sept. 3 because of the stifling heat and resulting injuries. Coach Eric Harris’s guys, you see, were way too locked in to be bothered by trifles. Down 17-14 at the long-ago intermission, TJ flowed excitedly from its buses as twilight began to descend, quickly completed the warmup it had begun earlier on its West Grace Street campus, then, as if on a mission, overpowered the Wildcats en route to a 34-17 victory. “When it got put off, we had to continue with our schedule,” Harris said. “Then, we had that horrible game at Hopewell (a 47-7 loss on Sept. 18). That’s when we had to get together as a coaching staff and realize what we needed to do to get this thing back on track. “We knew what we were capable of, so that’s what we did.” Which was take down three consecutive previously undefeated teams: Booker T. Washington, Heritage (Lynchburg) and now the Wildcats (5-1). “At the end of the day, it’s been about one game at a time, putting our nose to the ground and getting it done,” Harris continued. “The first thing is to concentrate on what we need to do to make us better. “Our guys are playing much more disciplined. We weren’t tackling well at the beginning of the season, so we’ve emphasized that. Armstrong just happened to be the team in front of us today, but we’ve shown the last several games that anybody you put in front of us, we’re going to play.” In the first half, Tyler Meade scored twice for the Vikings on 1- and 2-yard runs. James Catts followed each with point-afters. For the Wildcats, Kemari Cherry caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Jahkee Cotman, who later caught a 25-yard TD pass from Shadarus Pickett. Mac Noland followed each TD with the extra point and ended the half with a 39-yard field goal. This time, with a gentle breeze wafting across the Wildcats’ stadium on Cool Lane, Tyler Meade bulled into the end zone from a yard out at 7:33 of the third quarter to complete a nine-play, 75-yard drive, and, following Catts’ point-after, the Vikings (5-1) took a lead they never relinquished. With quarterback Cotman running the show, the Wildcats responded with a passing game focused on working the sides (mixed with an occasional run), but the Vikings answered with four quarterback sacks, numerous hurries and a fourth quarter pick-six that made the outcome a fait accompli. “This was a team effort,” said Kar’Juan Holman, a 6-4, 235-pound senior defensive end who was a nuisance in Armstrong’s backfield. “We showed who we really are as Vikings.” An errant snap on a punting situation late in the fourth quarter almost caused TJ’s undoing, but Meade chased down the bounding football in the red zone and pooched a kick under great duress that went out of bounds on the Armstrong 47. The Wildcats couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity. Holman’s fourth-down sack 10 yards behind the original line of scrimmage ended the threat. After an exchange of possessions and with three minutes remaining, Cotman & Co. made yet another attempt to wrest the momentum and lead from the Vikings. Alas, an attempted hook-and-lateral resulted in a red-zone fumble, which Robert Brown recovered on the 10 and returned to the 2\. The Wildcats’ defense stiffened for a few plays, but Meade scored on a 14-yard run at 1:31 to put the Vikings up 27-17. “Fake handoff (to Reginald Weston-Johnson), then power up the middle,” said Meade, a 5-9, 185-pound junior. “The O-line is definitely a lot better than the first time we played them. They opened up the hole, and I worked for the extra yards.” Though their hopes were dwindling, the Wildcats were not ready to capitulate. Their next series, though, ended abruptly and without remedy when Weston-Johnson intercepted a pass in the flat near the line of scrimmage and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown 1:10 from the end. “Their quarterback took a two-step read going into the bubble route,” said Weston-Johnson, a 6-0, 215-pound senior. “I went ahead and read it and dropped back in coverage like my coaches told me to do. The ball came right to me. It all comes down to watching film.” ### Oct. 5 Newsletter: The 212-year-old tree URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-5-newsletter-the-212-year-old-tree/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T10:00:19.000Z **Weather:** Fall is here. High of 66 today, and it'll stay in the 70s all week. **On this date** in 1925, the Virginia State Fair opens, with nightly fireworks displays. Railroads offer special rates to Richmond. **Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU Health** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Leaderboard-Ad_2184x270.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-4.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/at-212-years-old-its-chesterfields-most-famous-tree-but-its-time-to-say-goodbye/) ### At 212 years old, it’s Chesterfield’s most famous tree. But it’s time to say goodbye. Planted during the War of 1812, the Nunnally Oak has watched generations of history unfold, towering over lawmakers and visitors alike. But this fall, after years of parasites and fungi that have compromised its structure, the county will remove the oak from its post. 🪵 Once the tree is removed, its wood will also be transformed into desks, benches, commemorative items and historical artifacts. “It’s an icon. It’s a Chesterfield icon,” General Services Director John Neal said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-212-years-old-its-chesterfields-most-famous-tree-but-its-time-to-say-goodbye/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/at-regional-water-meeting-vdh-lauds-extraordinary-improvements-at-richmond-facility/) ### At regional water meeting, VDH lauds ‘extraordinary’ improvements at Richmond facility The latest Richmond Regional Water Workgroup was full of good feelings, as officials from the Virginia Department of Health congratulated the city’s Department of Public Utilities on progress made since the Jan. 2025 water crisis. The city is already moving on a filter improvement project funded with state money, with a contractor in place and the goal of finishing next year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-regional-water-meeting-vdh-lauds-extraordinary-improvements-at-richmond-facility/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0881.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/judge-restricts-picketing-at-lewis-ginter-but-stops-short-of-banning-it/) ### Judge restricts picketing at Lewis Ginter, but stops short of banning it The workers, who have been on strike since Sept. 2, have been distributing literature and picketing on the sidewalk outside the garden each day. Lewis Ginter officials alleged that picketers had disrupted ingress and egress from the facility and were responsible for a car accident that took place outside the gates on Sept. 7. New rules will limit the union to no more than 20 picketers, and clearly establish where Ginter's property rights begin. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/judge-restricts-picketing-at-lewis-ginter-but-stops-short-of-banning-it/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/DSCF8073--2--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-police-employee-arrested-for-misusing-flock-cameras/) ### Chesterfield police employee arrested for misusing Flock cameras A Chesterfield County Police Department employee has been arrested for misusing the county’s Automatic License Plate Reader System contracted through Flock Safety. 🎥 A county press release didn’t provide details about the misuse. A police department spokesperson said they wouldn’t discuss an ongoing case. On Sept. 30, a James City County police officer was similarly charged with five felony counts of computer invasion of privacy. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-police-employee-arrested-for-misusing-flock-cameras/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-6.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/pierce-midlothian-good-as-gold-after-upending-manchester/) ### High school football: Midlothian hands Manchester its first loss of the season In 2025, Midlothian was blown out by Huguenot 57-7 and then lost the next week to Manchester 43-0\. This year, the Trojans turned the tables on both opponents. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/pierce-midlothian-good-as-gold-after-upending-manchester/) **ALSO:** [**James River's Bridgeforth puts forth dominant effort in 50-23 win over Powhatan**](https://www.richmonder.org/bridgeforth-puts-forth-dominant-effort-in-james-rivers-victory/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Image.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) ### U.S. News & World Report names VCU Medical Center No. 1 hospital in Virginia Virginia's best, and among the nation’s best. VCU Medical Center has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. U.S. News also recognized the medical center among the Top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery at No. 29, and orthopedics at No. 44\. The publication also ranked VCU Medical Center No. 1 in the Richmond metro area for the 16th consecutive year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- ### In other news - [**Google data center project in Chesterfield cited for environmental violations**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-10-01/project-peanut-google-data-center-chesterfield-deq-violations-mcgarry-bernhardt/) (VPM) - Many of the violations referenced in the notice stem from the discharge of sediment into local waterways. - [**Navy Hill Redux? Plans for a new convention center hotel raise more questions than answers**](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/news/convention-center-hotel/) (Richmond magazine) - The city plans to solicit bids for the Coliseum teardown by the end of this year or early next. - [**Emails show Richmond paused scheduled air filter changes before mold closed 2 schools**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/air-filter-changes-paused-before-mold-at-richmond-schools-oct-2-2026) (CBS 6) - An email dated Feb. 10 shows an RPS fiscal associate telling TCMS the school division was “working through some budget issues.” --- ### The editor's desk Do you follow our [**Instagram page**](https://www.instagram.com/richmondernews/?hl=en)? What are you waiting for? We've got videos up right now with our writers sharing their [**favorite restaurants**](https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd6mk1dMRb6/?hl=en) and [**favorite stories written by co-workers**](https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddq74oXMtS%5F/?hl=en), with more to come! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### High school football: Trojans' turnaround is picking up steam URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-trojans-turnaround-is-picking-up-steam/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T02:02:06.000Z Last year, Midlothian lost to Huguenot and Manchester by a combined score of 100-7\. This year, the Trojans circled these games for playoffs preparation. They seem very ready. Another week, another win over a previously unbeaten team as Midlo bested Manchester 34-30 in the most exciting game of a very entertaining Week 6 of the high school football season. The Trojans were coming off a 17-7 win over Huguenot the previous week to hand the Falcons their first loss. In Eastern Henrico, Highland Springs destroyed Phoebus, while Varina went into overtime with two-time defending 4A North Carolina state champion Grimsley before the Whirlies survived 24-17\. Meanwhile Thomas Dale outslugged Meadowbrook 7-3 to stay unbeaten, Thomas Jefferson exacted revenge on Heritage-Lynchburg, Armstrong improved to 5-0 by defeating Henrico, and Trinity Episcopal throttled Blue Ridge 34-14 to continue its winning ways. Check out the complete Week 6 scoreboard and the latest RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll below. [RVA Sports Network![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-8a43bfab-665b-493e-8326-e916ff439ffe.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-62fc03f7-e9a7-4bc5-b9a0-0216030e36aa.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/) ### Week 6 standouts **Gibson Gross, Midlothian:** The Trojans’ quarterback ran for four scores and threw for another, collecting 328 total yards while breathing a sigh of relief as the Midlo defense stopped Manchester late to seal the 34-30 triumph. **Dior Barnes, Manchester:** Against a Midlothian defense that shut out Huguenot a week earlier, Barnes carried the rock 27 times for 221 yards and three touchdowns for the Lancers. **Aadyn Allen, Armstrong:** The Wildcats’ rushing attack is bruising, but their defense is quietly speaking volumes. Allen registered nine tackles, one sack and an interception in Armstrong’s 24-6 win at Henrico. **Ar’King Holloway, Hopewell:** A freshman quarterback who plays like a grown man, Holloway tore through Dinwiddie for 256 rushing yards and three touchdowns, adding 96 yards through the air as the Blue Devils tallied 40 or more points for the fourth straight game in routing the Generals 47-14. **Dustin Nelson, Louisa:** Savion who? The post-Hiter era is in good hands in The Jungle as Nelson scored three of his four rushing touchdowns in the first quarter to lead the Lions past Charlottesville 51-7\. Nelson has 797 yards and nine scores as Louisa (5-0) is the lone remaining unbeaten in Region 4B. ### Unsung heroes **Terrell Bailey Jr., Rasean Jones Jr., and Teriq Drew, Petersburg:** Early in the Crimson Wave’s 46-8 win over Matoaca, all three defenders were relentless in forcing a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown by Tymarion Pope that set the tone for the night. **Nathaniel Jackson and Joseph Carter, Glen Allen:** Midway through the fourth quarter up 21-7, Jackson ended a Deep Run comeback threat with an interception near midfield, while Carter sped past Jackson and executed a key block to spring his teammate to the end zone and seal the eventual 28-14 victory. ### Game of the week **Hanover (4-1) at Mechanicsville (4-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** It’s the biggest game to be played in Mustang Country this decade. Both teams are just behind Louisa, Varina and Huguenot in Region 4B, so, not only is this battle for playoff hopes, it could decide whether a team hosts a quarterfinal in November or has to travel. The quarterbacks, Camden Metzger of Mechanicsville and Joel Nicholson of Hanover, can generate a ton of offense. Metzger has his top receiving weapon in Damarion Wiggins while Nicholson is missing his as Kayden Hughes continues to rehab an injury suffered against Atlee. ### Other games we’re watching **No. 11 Douglas Freeman (4-1) at Thomas Jefferson, Friday, 7 p.m., Hovey Field, Virginia Union:** The Vikings will be coming off the finish of their game with Armstrong on Monday that was suspended Sept. 3 at halftime due to heat issues. The Mavericks got to rest some starters in their win over J.R. Tucker. TeeJay’s defense has come alive after giving up 47 points to Hopewell in their lone loss thus far. **L.C. Bird (3-3) at No. 7 Manchester (5-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Lancers will try to bounce back from their loss to Midlothian while keeping their eye on Thomas Dale, who sit atop Region 6A. But with a win, the Skyhawks would vault into the conversation for at least third place in the region, and they’ll only have three games remaining after this one. ### Game under the radar **Collegiate (5-0) at Benedictine (2-3), Friday, 4 p.m.:** This is the biggest test yet for the Cougars. It’s always a tough environment for the visitors at Bobby Ross Stadium, and this will be no different as the Cadets, who are coming off their bye week needing wins to secure a return to the VISAA postseason. ### Beyond the headlines **– The young guns:** You can excuse No. 12 Hopewell for coming out of the gate sluggish. After all, scheduling perennial power Highland Springs for your opening game presents a daunting task. The lessons learned from that late August night have served Blue Devils coach Ricky Irby and his talented squad well. Hopewell is fronted by freshman quarterback Ar’King Holloway and has piled up 183 points in four straight wins ahead of Friday’s home game with Colonial Heights. “It really started in January,” Irby told The Richmonder on Friday. “Our kids just did an awesome job. We revamped our weight training program, installed a new offense, and the kids have just really worked their tails off.” That’s quite a bit of change for a truly community high school football team with a coach entering his 17th season. What was the driving factor? “One of our biggest takeaways from last year, being a (Class) 3 school, we play a lot of kids both ways,” Irby explained. “We felt like we needed to be obviously more conditioned, but we needed to be physically stronger. Not only that, we needed to generate more mental toughness.” With a Central District schedule that features Class 6 teams Thomas Dale, Meadowbrook and Prince George and Matoaca from Class 5, those elements are a must. Hopewell is conditioning, through the body and the brain, for every fourth quarter they play. Irby slyly realizes that Holloway, whom he described as not well known outside their circle before the season, is on everyone’s radar now. “Throwing the ball and running the ball, he’s special,” Irby noted. “We’ve had some good players come through here. He’s got a chance to be right there with those guys.” At 5-7 last season, the Blue Devils are coming off a rare losing season, and they are poised to complete a turnaround. “They’re just focused,” Irby said. “We just finished watching film and to have their attention so dialed in, and it helps when you’re winning games and they see the results of all the hard work. A lot of hours go into a Friday night, just being prepared for it. To see the results paying off for our guys, it makes them a little more focused.” **– Playoff races:** If the VHSL follows the lead of last year, we should see official standings from the 24 state regions early this week. In 2025, the league stopped releasing football standings, handing the responsibility to region directors. Until then, it was the only sport where the VHSL handled standings and power point calculations. The headlines to expect? No. 3 Thomas Dale will top Region 6A with No. 7 Manchester and, yes, Oscar Smith, closely behind. No. 2 Highland Springs and No. 5 Midlothian have emerged as the top two teams in Region 5C, but Patrick Henry-Roanoke and James River are also 5-1 with weaker schedules thus far, No. 11 Douglas Freeman is 4-1, with Glen Allen and No. 10 Hermitage, who square off next Friday, at 4-2. As mentioned earlier, Louisa sits atop Region 4B as the lone unbeaten. After No. 1 Varina, No. 9 Huguenot, Mechanicsville and Hanover, it’s a jumbled mess. Six teams, including Dinwiddie, Patrick Henry and Monacan, are fighting for the final three slots, with four additional teams, including Atlee and Caroline, ready to pounce. No. 6 Petersburg, No. 12 Hopewell and Tabb are separating themselves in Region 3A. Colonial Heights and Booker T. Washington are falling after consecutive losses. The outlook in Region 2A will change Monday night on Cool Lane with the conclusion of Armstrong-Thomas Jefferson. A win by the eighth-ranked Wildcats would make them 6-0 and with a great shot to be atop the rankings. Central Lunenburg also is unbeaten in the region. **– Dodging the bullet:** Imagine this. You’re ahead by four points late in a game and, as the quarterback, you’re trying to slam the door shut. Midlothian’s Gibson Gross faced that scenario against Manchester on Friday. Your top priority? Ball control. So what happens? As our Ben Cates reported, the Lancers’ defense forced Gross to cough up the football at his own 18\. Now you’re helplessly watching, praying your defense bails you out. What goes through your mind? We asked Gross. “I’m not going to lie, I was terrified. We had fought so hard to come back, and the last thing I wanted was for it to be all for naught,” Gross recalled, adding an interesting pivot. “However, when I think of it, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! Year after year, our defense has shut down stellar offenses, and really our motto for this game was bend, don’t break. I trusted my brothers to make a play with all my heart.” More on the moment of elation for Midlothian, and relief for Gross personally, in a moment. ### They said it “We’ve had some really good moments, but we know we have to eliminate mistakes, stay disciplined, and continue to get better each week. We know the second half of the season is going to be a big challenge, so we have to stay hungry.” – Mechanicsville senior quarterback Camden Metzger, discussing bye-week priorities ahead of hosting Hanover on Friday. The Mustangs haven’t made the playoffs since 2017 “At some point in a game you just have to stop thinking and be an athlete. The touchdown was exactly that.” – Midlothian quarterback Gibson Gross, analyzing his 46-yard scamper that gave the Trojans the lead for good against Manchester “I’m biased, but I think it’s the toughest district in the state.” – Hopewell coach Ricky Irby discussing the gauntlet that is the Central District ### Our final play On a fifth-grade field trip to Washington, D.C., in 1978, my social studies teacher handed me a really nice camera, sending me on my first photography adventure. I always tell people that I’m a picture taker, not a photographer, and I have an incredible respect for those who have earned the latter tag. While enjoying our coverage of Friday’s games here at The Richmonder, a picture caught my eye. At the conclusion of Ben Cates’ wonderful chronicling of the Midlothian-Manchester game, Ryan M. Kelly perfectly encompassed the emotion that exploded along the sideline at Midlothian’s Poates Stadium as the clock reached 0:00. Two students mob a Trojans player. But in the age of the selfie and the influencer-planned “photograph”, this picture breaks through. You look at the smile on the player’s face. It says everything. I love the story of a team, and a program, breaking through to new heights. Midlothian is certainly such a story in 2026\. It carries me back to two other breakthrough memories for high school football programs that I witnessed. The first, in December 2015, was when my daughter shot the moment coach Loren Johnson brought his Highland Springs Springers onto the field at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. There, after years of disappointment, Highland Springs finally won its first on-field state championship. The confidence shown in that moment, in hindsight, proved the Springers wouldn’t be denied that day. The picture not taken but seared into my mind’s eye, took place outside the Springers’ locker room after the game as quarterback Juwan “Pootie” Carter sat in the middle of the tunnel, overcome with emotion at what was just accomplished. The other time travel took me to November 1982\. On the cover of the now-defunct Hanover Herald-Progress was a picture of first-year Patrick Henry coach Ray Long being carried off the field after completing a 7-3 season with a victory over Douglas Freeman. The Patriots had been also-rans for more than a decade before Long’s arrival. He previously had been the coach across the road at Liberty Junior High School. And, in the autumn of 1982, I moved schools, too, becoming a Patriots sophomore. I wouldn’t become a broadcaster for another year, so I got to enjoy this renaissance season as just a fan. I vividly remember storming the field when Patrick Henry upset the then-consolidated power Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe 3-0. Longtime high school football fans know the rest of the story. Long reached the playoffs in Year 2 and won a state championship in 1994, retiring in 2009 with 228 career victories. But it was the first seven wins, encapsulated in that one photograph, that were the foundation of all that was to come. For the young men in Kelly’s wonderful shot from Friday night, I only hope that, decades from now, you’ll remember the elation and the emotion of that moment. You are etched forever in Midlothian history. ### At 212 years old, it’s Chesterfield’s most famous tree. But it’s time to say goodbye. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/at-212-years-old-its-chesterfields-most-famous-tree-but-its-time-to-say-goodbye/ Last updated: 2026-10-05T11:34:42.000Z For 212 years, a canopy of branches has swayed above some of Chesterfield’s most historic buildings, creaking in the breeze. They belong to the Nunnally Oak, a fixture of the [Chesterfield Government Complex’s arboretum](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5353/Arboretum). Planted during the War of 1812, the tree has watched generations of history unfold, towering over lawmakers and visitors alike. But this fall, after years of parasites and fungi that have compromised its structure, the county will remove the oak from its post. The tree is named for Lawson Nunnally — an assistant deputy clerk of the court who planted it in 1814\. Beginning in 1916, the Nunnally Oak was measured every decade. That year, its circumference was 11 feet, 11 inches. In 2023, it had grown to 18 feet, 3 inches around. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2828.jpg) The tree is expected to be removed in the next couple months. Chesterfield began testing the tree in 2019 to monitor its health. The tests allowed arborists to map the oak from the inside out, while the county installed a support system designed to absorb shock as the tree continued to grow. But after years of efforts to preserve it, Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Miller said the oak has reached a point where it poses a danger to people and nearby buildings. By May, there was significant enough decay both inside and outside the tree to warrant removal. “It has its own energy, its own life,” Miller said. “Unfortunately, we’re coming to the point now where we need to bring things back into balance.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2829.jpg) A recent measurement showed the tree had a circumference of more than 18 feet. But the Nunnally Oak’s history won’t end when it comes down. General Services Director John Neal said three or four of the oak’s saplings will be planted in the arboretum to carry on its legacy. Once the tree is removed, its wood will also be transformed into desks, benches, commemorative items and historical artifacts. Neal said the county plans to donate a cross section of the tree to the Chesterfield Historical Society, with significant dates marked on their corresponding rings. Branches will be turned into commemorative “wood cookies” embossed with an image of the oak. Some of the wood will also become benches, each adorned with a plaque acknowledging its roots. “It’s an icon. It’s a Chesterfield icon,” Neal said. “It’s been through a lot of historical events in the county, and it’s a significant moment for us. We want to treat this with the respect that it deserves.” The tree is expected to be removed sometime in October or November. Because of its size, the work will have to be done with spectators kept at a safe distance. Until then, visitors are welcome to see the Nunnally Oak and pay their respects. “It’s important to honor a truth, which is it’s a loss,” Miller said. “To ignore it would be to avoid the recognition that we are experiencing a loss.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated to correct a photo caption.* ### At regional water meeting, VDH lauds ‘extraordinary’ improvements at Richmond facility URL: https://www.richmonder.org/at-regional-water-meeting-vdh-lauds-extraordinary-improvements-at-richmond-facility/ Last updated: 2026-10-04T16:47:43.000Z The latest Richmond Regional Water Workgroup was full of good feelings, as officials from the Virginia Department of Health congratulated the city’s Department of Public Utilities on progress made since the Jan. 2025 water crisis. “From the VDH perspective, we believe the city has taken all of the necessary actions to prevent (another water crisis),” said Dwayne Roadcap, who directs the Office of Drinking Water. “The key to making sure it all works and is sustainable is with leadership and culture, and that’s where we’ve seen a striking difference between what we saw before the water crisis and after.” The workgroup was mandated by state law to determine the best way to use state funding intended to improve operations at Richmond’s water treatment plant, and ensure regional input into those decisions. At the previous meeting, the group authorized the use of $32.8 million in state money to overhaul the water plant’s filters. During that meeting, officials from Henrico County wanted assurances that the money would not just replace the city’s intended investments into the plant. Last Tuesday, Roadcap shared a memo VDH wrote after looking into the matter. “We are confident there was no supplanting of (local) funds,” he said in summary. The document noted that the city’s budget had always planned on using state money for the repairs. Richmond officials shared that the state money is unlikely to be enough to fully cover the repairs, and it is likely the additional needed funds will have to be recovered from customers in the form of higher water bills in future years. The city is already moving on the filter improvement project, with a contractor in place and the goal of finishing next year. Richmond’s DPU and VDH jointly presented an update on corrective actions being taken at the plant, noting that 219 of the 233 needed corrections have been completed to VDH’s satisfaction, with a plan in place for the other 14 as funds become available. A facilitator asked for feedback or objections, but none were presented by the neighboring counties. Roadcap told DPU Director Scott Morris that he was impressed with the progress. “A lot of the concerns we had at the Virginia Department of Health have been resolved by a change in culture, a strong leadership team and a mindset where people are moving to a preventative maintenance mindset rather than a reactive mindset,” Roadcap said. “There’s been a lot of change that’s been positive in a short amount of time. It’s truly been extraordinary.” The remainder of the meeting was largely focused on logistics. The group must finish a state-mandated report on its work by the end of October, and scheduling the various officials has proved challenging. At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the group will vote to change its bylaws to allow virtual meetings going forward. The workgroup will continue to meet for at least another year, something Morris made light of as the meeting wrapped up. “It’s a long way to go,” he said. “So stay hydrated.” *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Pierce, Midlothian good as gold after upending Manchester 34-30 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/pierce-midlothian-good-as-gold-after-upending-manchester/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T19:27:17.000Z Dannen Pierce was describing his game-altering defensive play Friday night when a Midlothian teammate ran out of the locker room with a faux gold chain and drooped it around the defensive tackle’s neck. Pierce broke out in a wide smile. For helping his Trojans, ranked sixth in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll, to a tense 34-30 victory over No. 4 Manchester, he’d earned the team’s coveted award: a necklace that hung down the front of his jersey, emblazoned with four letters: GOAT. “Feels great,” Pierce said. “Nothing better.” There was cause for celebration. The junior intercepted a pass early in the fourth quarter that led to the host Trojans’ come-from-behind victory, and Midlothian’s defense shined down the stretch to hand Manchester its first loss of the season. Midlothian quarterback Gibson Gross threw for 206 yards and accounted for five touchdowns — four on the ground and one through the air — and the Trojans shocked a previously undefeated opponent for the second straight week. Midlothian (5-1) ended September on a high note by holding off Huguenot and its bevy of Division I recruits. It began October by taking down another Dominion District opponent in Manchester, which had won all five of its games by double digits and had yet to be seriously challenged. “It was an all-in effort,” Trojans coach Phil Gross said. Manchester (5-1) put up nearly 400 yards of offense behind quarterback Jacory Moore-Carr and running back Dior Barnes and led by as many as 10 points on two occasions in the second half. But the Lancers came away empty on their final three possessions. Barnes scored three times — on runs of 8, 2 and 35 yards. Manchester, which took a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter and led 30-20 with less than eight minutes remaining, never could deliver the knockout punch. “We definitely expected them to be put away by the fourth quarter,” Barnes said, “but we knew they were going to fight back.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/100226_Midlothian_Manchester_football_RMK03--1--1.JPG) Manchester's Dior Barnes breaks into the clear against Midlothian. Barnes scored three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Lancers from suffering their first loss of the season. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) Manchester earned runaway victories over Monacan, James River and Clover Hill before Friday’s showdown. But Midlothian capitalized on every mistake Friday, especially in the back-and-forth fourth quarter. Pierce picked the most opportune time for his first career interception. With 8:20 remaining, he listened as linebacker Mac Smith called out a play. The Trojans were gambling that Moore-Carr would toss a screen pass. They bet right. As Moore-Carr, a sophomore who completed 11 of 16 passes for 96 yards — dropped back and looked short, Pierce crashed in. All Pierce had to do was leap and secure the pass. Seconds earlier, Midlothian had narrowed the deficit to 23-20, when Gibson Gross fired off an 80-yard scoring strike to Kaleb Melvin down the left sideline. Then, one play after Pierce’s interception, Gross broke loose up the middle for a 46-yard rushing touchdown that gave Midlothian a 34-30 lead it never relinquished. “They’re a heck of a team,” Gross said. “We knew we were going to be in a dogfight, but it’s going to be who’s in better shape and who’s going to lean on each other the most and lock arms.” Manchester charged to the 6-yard line with 3:33 remaining before a high snap sailed over Moore-Carr’s head. Midlothian pounced on it. But the Trojans turned the ball right back over on their next possession as the ball popped out of Gross’ arms while he struggled to break free from a swarming Lancers defense. That play gave Manchester the ball on the Midlo 18-yard line with 1:27 remaining. But the Trojans clamped down, stopping Barnes short on his runs and defending a pass into the end zone. “Next game,” Manchester coach Jason Harrell said, when asked about his message to his players after the game. “I mean, it’s only Week 6.” Manchester is armed with 6-foot-3 edge Camden Chalkley, a UVA commit, and another Division I recruit in tight end/linebacker Antwann Paige, It also showcases a tough runner in Barnes, who is averaging better than 100 yards per game. “I used to put a lot of expectations and limitations on myself,” Barnes said. “But now I know that I play better when I don’t think about how many points I try to score and how many yards I’m going to go for. … Just play more free.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/100226_Midlothian_Manchester_football_RMK07.JPG) Midlothian players celebrate with students after rallying to beat visiting Manchester on Friday night. The Trojans are ranked sixth in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll, and the Lancers are fourth. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) Midlothian focused all week on being disciplined. Now, by midseason, it has endured the toughest part of its regular-season schedule. In 2025, Midlothian was blown out by Huguenot 57-7 and then lost the next week to Manchester 43-0\. This year, the Trojans turned the tables on both opponents. “We’re talking constantly about sharpening ourselves for the playoffs,” Phil Gross said. “And we knew Huguenot and Manchester were probably going to be the best two teams to do that with this year.” ### James River's Bridgeforth puts forth dominant effort in 50-23 win over Powhatan URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bridgeforth-puts-forth-dominant-effort-in-james-rivers-victory/ Last updated: 2026-10-03T10:18:33.000Z They’re rolling. By defeating visiting Powhatan 50-23 at The Swamp on Friday, the James River Rapids are sitting at 5-1 with a bye week on the horizon to catch their collective breath, rest their bodies after a breakneck sprint through August and the first half of their season and, hopefully, get some of their injured guys back in uniform. Make no mistake, though. Slowing the pace a bit after their furious start doesn’t mean the Rapids are drifting into complacency or deviating from the mindset that has them eyeing a season unlike any that this current roster of players has experienced. “You have to get back to the grind,” James River coach Bryan Jennings said. “We’ll watch some film. We’ll see some good stuff. We’ll see some bad stuff. We’ll talk about how we can continue to get better. “We’ll keep ‘em in the moment. Keep ‘em focused on one day at a time, one week at a time. Don’t look too far ahead. The next big game we have is the next game: Richmond School for the Arts. That’s how we’ll approach it.” The Rapids’ homecoming victory on this pleasant, breezy, mid-70’s evening did not come as easily as the point differential might suggest. “Anytime you play Powhatan, you know you’re going to get a tough, hard-nosed team,” Jennings said. “Despite their record (0-5), don’t even look at that. This is a well-coached team. We knew they were going to give us a fight. They did. Hats off to them.” The Indians’ first drive ended with Colin Sullivan’s 10-yard touchdown run and Hunter Shupp’s point-after at 8:30 of the first quarter. The Rapids responded with a 14-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with Shamar Bridgeforth’s 5-yard TD run and the first of Grayson Schmidt’s six points-after at 2:08 of the first. Cooper Hammitt’s 27-yard interception return on the first play of Powhatan’s next drive gave Jennings’ crew a lead it never relinquished. “I saw the ball thrown across the middle,” said Hammitt, a 6-0, 205-pound senior linebacker. “Praying I caught it, and I did. Almost fell over. Glad I didn’t do that. Made it into the end zone safely.” Unfazed, Powhatan, with Sullivan (22 carries, 112 yards) pulling yeoman’s duty, constructed a drive that reached the 9\. The Rapids’ defense held fast, and Shupp’s 26-yard field goal cut the difference to 14-10. The defensive stop was one of several that held the Indians at bay as they ran 64 plays for 290 yards to James River’s 43 plays for 277 yards. “We struggled with the run at first,” Hammitt said, “but then we learned how to stop it, and our secondary really locked down. They run a funny offense with a lot of blockers, but we adjusted our defense to fill the gaps and make plays.” Donovan Mayfield’s 28-yard TD pass to Ryan Turner at 1:24 of the second quarter enabled the Rapids to take a 21-10 lead into halftime. James River’s initial third-quarter drive ended with a fumble (recovered by Kaleb Hill) on the Rapids’ 33, but Powhatan’s drive stalled at the 10. Ever resilient, the Indians turned their bad fortune into a touchdown when Matthew Taylor deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage and into the arms of Gage Green, who took the interception 3 yards into the end zone. With his team holding a tenuous 21-16 lead late in the third quarter, Mayfield engineered an 11-play, 60-yard drive that ended with Turner’s 7-yard TD run. Bridgeforth’s run off the left side for the 2-point conversion put the Rapids up 29-16 entering the fourth, and though the Indians were still in the game, Bridgeforth was just beginning his assault on their defense. After an adroitly orchestrated, timely quarterback sack on fourth-and-5 gave the Rapids the ball on their 30, they needed just one play, Bridgeforth’s 70-yard sprint off the right side, to increase their lead to 36-16. “It was more of a read-option than a give-off-to-me,” said Bridgeforth, a 6-2, 185-pound senior who rushed 10 times for 156 yards. “As soon as I cut up behind my right guard, William Darby, I just saw green grass and took off. It was amazing.” True to its nature, Powhatan refused to capitulate. At 7:17 of the fourth quarter, quarterback Russell Heinkie teamed with Chris DeShazo for a 33-yard TD, and Shupp’s PAT cut the difference to 36-23 and gave the visitors a ray of hope. There would be no miracle finish, however. Following an unsuccessful onside kick, Bridgeforth converted a third-and-11 into a 45-yard touchdown. “It was another read-option,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to get the ball. Then, I didn’t think I’d make any progress on the play, but as soon as I cut it back, I saw one opponent beside me. He tried to grab me with his arms. I stiff-armed him, powered his hands down so he wouldn’t be able to catch me and cut it up the sideline.” The Rapids’ final score came 10 seconds from the end when Taylor Cline skirted left end from 4 yards out. “This definitely wasn’t easy,” said Mayfield, the quarterback who is a 6-1, 190-pound senior. “They had some guys who were making some plays. We’d make a stop and go down and score, but they’d come back and score. “Then, our defense made some stops, and Shamar made some big runs, broke some tackles, and got things going.” ### Judge restricts picketing at Lewis Ginter, but stops short of banning it URL: https://www.richmonder.org/judge-restricts-picketing-at-lewis-ginter-but-stops-short-of-banning-it/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T19:20:19.000Z Striking workers will be allowed to continue picketing outside the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, but new restrictions will be placed on their activity. The garden had asked for a temporary injunction against what it called “unlawful conduct” by the picketers, while the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers argued that workers were asserting their First Amendment rights to free speech. In the end, both sides received an admonition from Judge Rondelle D. Herman, who said many of the issues at hand could have been resolved with better communication. “I don’t think there was a good-faith effort to have a conversation,” she told the parties as she issued her ruling. “I understand emotions are high, but we need to use common sense.” The workers, who have been on strike since Sept. 2, have been distributing literature and picketing on the sidewalk outside the garden each day. Lewis Ginter officials alleged that picketers had disrupted ingress and egress from the facility and were responsible for a car accident that took place outside the gates on Sept. 7. The car’s driver testified that he stopped in the middle of Lakeside Avenue because there was a picketer in the crosswalk in front of the garden’s entrance, at which point his car was hit by a truck. In response, a worker for the IAM union testified that he had seen the crash and there were no people in the crosswalk at the time. (The crash remains under investigation by police.) Ginter also alleged that the picketers were setting up on garden property, including a grassy field and flower beds out front, instead of staying on the public right-of-way. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/IMG_0884.jpeg) Discussions centered around where picketers are allowed to stand. The judge ultimately banned them from being in the grassy area behind the sidewalk, and said they may not attempt to get cars to stop. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) Charles Mann, who identified himself as the head negotiator for IAM, testified that he did not know where the boundaries of Ginter’s property began and where public property ended. Herman cited that testimony as one of the many frustrating moments as she gave her ruling. “Demarcation should have been done,” the judge said. “But common sense says you should have asked.” Noting that there is limited sidewalk space available to protest, Herman imposed the following restrictions: - No more than 20 picketers at a time, with no more than 10 on each side of the entrance. - Lewis Ginter is to clearly mark where its property line begins, and that line is to be respected. - Usage of banners and large tents must be done farther down the street, so they are not in the way of drivers attempting to see as they make turns into and out of the facility. - Picketers may not stop cars or attempt to stop cars to distribute literature. Herman acknowledged that if a car stops voluntarily, that would be out of the control of the picketers, but they cannot make any motions that would encourage it. - The crosswalk between the two picketing areas is only to be used as a crosswalk, not a space for marching or demonstrating. Herman asked for both sides to return in two weeks and warned that she would impose a full injunction if her terms are not met. As of Friday morning, there did not appear to be any resolution to the strike in sight, as the two sides remain considerably far apart on wages. [Striking Lewis Ginter employees removed from the nonprofit’s healthcare plan“All active employees are still receiving the employer-paid portion of their benefits, as will striking workers as soon as they return to work.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-b6d3a424-e7ac-488e-9622-50e40a8a0e2e.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2MFGHPT--2--e478a975-792c-45ba-b15a-559bfc4c5ced.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/striking-lewis-ginter-employees-removed-from-the-nonprofits-healthcare-plan/) The union has said employees are currently paid an average wage of $17.52 per hour. In a Thursday press release, the group noted that MIT's Living Wage Calculator defines a living wage in Richmond as $23.36 per hour for a single person with no children. Both sides said after the hearing there has not been any exchange of proposals in recent days. The economic harm to the garden was introduced by Lewis Ginter in its arguments. They alleged that IAM workers kept a counter of how many cars turned away from the garden because of their picketing activity. Mann acknowledged a counter was being used but did not directly confirm what workers were counting. Attorney Jacob Karabell, representing IAM, said the presence of economic harm is not itself enough to issue an injunction stopping the picketing. “Economic harm is the purpose of a strike,” he said. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Chesterfield police employee arrested for misusing Flock cameras URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-police-employee-arrested-for-misusing-flock-cameras/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T14:48:48.000Z A Chesterfield County Police Department employee has been arrested for misusing the county’s Automatic License Plate Reader System contracted through Flock Safety — which has made headlines throughout 2026 following privacy concerns and questions over the security of its data. A county press release didn’t provide details about the misuse. A police department spokesperson said they wouldn’t discuss an ongoing case. The employee in question is Rebekkah Robinson. She’s not a police officer, but rather a professional staff Intelligence Investigator. She has been charged with two counts of computer invasion of privacy and two counts of improper use of the cameras by law enforcement. According to a county press release, Robinson’s colleagues expressed concerns about her behavior to department leadership on Aug. 27\. An ensuing audit uncovered suspicious enough activity to warrant her being placed on administrative leave without pay. “We remain committed to transparency and will provide additional information as allowed by law once the internal investigation is completed,” the release reads. Virginia code [prohibits using](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter55.6/section2.2-5517/) these automatic license plate reader cameras for reasons outside of investigations and finding missing persons. In Chesterfield County, the cameras can’t be used to “conduct unjustifiable or unaudited searches,” per [an Aug. 18 YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyBEPiFulVo). [CCPD guidelines](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5630/Department-Policies) say the department’s Investigations Support Unit carries oversight responsibilities. ### **Flock in the news** On Sept. 30, [a James City County](https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/former-james-city-county-police-officer-charged-with-misusing-flock-cameras-jccpd) police officer was similarly charged with five felony counts of computer invasion of privacy, three misdemeanor counts of computer invasion of privacy and five misdemeanor counts of improper use of the license plate readers by law enforcement. Chesterfield’s $225,000 [contract with Flock Safety](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-flock-cameras-are-generating-controversy-but-chesterfields-contract-runs-through-2029/) runs from 2023 to 2029, and covers 88 cameras, though there may be ways for the county to remove itself from the contract through the budget process if the Board of Supervisors withholds funding from the contract. Flock cameras are also currently used in Richmond, Henrico and Hanover. However, [Richmond Mayor Danny Avula recently called](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-we-need-to-reevaluate-our-relationship-with-flock/) on the city to “reevaluate our relationship with Flock.” [Several Virginia localities](https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/03/at-least-a-dozen-virginia-localities-have-pulled-away-from-flock-safety-devices-since-july-lynchburg-could-be-next/) — such as neighboring Goochland County — have indicated they will end their contract with Flock. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Oct. 2 Newsletter: Keyless car thefts URL: https://www.richmonder.org/oct-2-newsletter-keyless-car-thefts/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T10:00:14.000Z **Weather:** High of 91\. Cool temperatures, and rain, move in starting tomorrow. **On this date** in 1980, Ethyl Corporation announces a major expansion in Richmond, bringing 100 out-of-state workers into the city. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px--1-.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-1-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/10-hondas-have-been-stolen-in-richmond-since-last-week-heres-what-to-know-about-the-relay-attack-thefts/) ### 10 Hondas have been stolen in Richmond since last week. Here's what to know about the 'relay attack' thefts CRV cars have been a particular target, and five of the thefts were in Woodland Heights. According to AAA, a "relay attack" involves thieves using an antenna to pick up the signal from a remote key, then amplify it and start the vehicle from a distance where the key wouldn't traditionally work. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/10-hondas-have-been-stolen-in-richmond-since-last-week-heres-what-to-know-about-the-relay-attack-thefts/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image-2-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/teen-sues-richmond-sheriff-after-being-pepper-sprayed-at-turnstile-concert/) ### Teen sues Richmond sheriff after being pepper sprayed at Turnstile concert The suit seeks a judgment of at least $100,000, alleging the defendants showed “gross negligence.” Last year, Sheriff Antionette Irving said she was opening an internal investigation into the incident. However, the sheriff never publicly released the results of that investigation, and blocked a FOIA request from CBS 6 seeking it. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/teen-sues-richmond-sheriff-after-being-pepper-sprayed-at-turnstile-concert/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/2MFGHPT--2--1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/striking-lewis-ginter-employees-removed-from-the-nonprofits-healthcare-plan/) ### Striking Lewis Ginter employees removed from the nonprofit's healthcare plan As an employee strike at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden enters its second month, the nonprofit is removing striking employees from its healthcare plan. "The law does not require employers to continue paying wages or unaccrued benefits to striking workers who are not actively working," a spokesperson wrote. On Thursday, the union said that the public has "resoundingly sided with strikers," writing that garden attendance has dropped sharply since the strike began. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/striking-lewis-ginter-employees-removed-from-the-nonprofits-healthcare-plan/) --- ### Also today in The Richmonder [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-06-28-at-1.24.01---PM-1-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-picks-developer-to-convert-city-owned-parking-lot-in-shockoe-into-mixed-income-housing/) - [**Richmond picks developer to convert city-owned parking lot in Shockoe into mixed-income housing**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-picks-developer-to-convert-city-owned-parking-lot-in-shockoe-into-mixed-income-housing/) - The initial plans call for 190 residential units, as well as a rooftop outdoor space and a pool. The building will be named “Seabrook,” after the tobacco warehouse that once stood there. - [**‘Threatening and racially charged’ image of Huguenot football player made by a Midlothian student sparks outrage**](https://www.richmonder.org/threatening-and-racially-charged-image-of-huguenot-football-player-made-by-a-midlothian-student-sparks-outrage/) - The account the image was posted from was named “Midlo Barstool,” a reference to the Barstool Sports website, which often embraces a crude comedy style. - [**Former DPU worker stole $17K of copper and aluminum wire, inspector general found**](https://www.richmonder.org/former-dpu-worker-stole-17k-of-copper-and-aluminum-wire-inspector-general-found/) - While he stole $17,689 worth of materials, he was only paid $5,231 at a recycling facility. The IG said new policies will prevent future incidents. --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/210513_595_aj900--1-.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **How VCU and the community work together to bring about positive change** “Community engagement is the pathway through which we connect the work that we do at an academic institution to real community impact, to making a difference,” said Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., VCU vice provost, [**community engagement**](https://community.vcu.edu/). “We do this through engagement with our partners and communities and through the relationships embedded in that engagement.” “VCU brings research, students, expertise and resources into our partnerships,” she said. “Our communities also bring tremendous knowledge, strengths, resources and opportunities that benefit VCU and our students.” [Read more](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting). --- ### In other news - [**City, EDA file responses to Flying Squirrels owners’ Diamond District lawsuit**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/10/01/city-eda-ask-court-to-toss-flying-squirrels-owners-diamond-district-lawsuit/) (Richmond BizSense) - The filing says the EDA “has fully complied with all of its contractual obligations to the (Squirrels). Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of your client.” - [**Richmond Marathon weekend completely sells out**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/10/01/richmond-marathon-weekend-completely-sells-out/) (12 On Your Side) - A total of 21,000 runners and walkers will race in the Allianz Richmond Marathon, CarMax Half Marathon and the Capital One 8k on Saturday, Nov. 14. - [**Your Dominion bill is going up. Regulators approve plan to recover $1B in fuel costs**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/regulators-approved-dominion-energys-plan-to-recover-1b-in-fuel-costs) (CBS 6) - Instead of an average increase of $22 a month, Dominion will borrow money to allow it to gradually phase in the increase, starting with an average increase of $10.23 per month. --- ### The editor's desk One quick correction from Wednesday's newsletter: The Baldacci Institute is a partnership of VCU and the Library of Virginia. We have a fondness for the Library because its cafe serves a sandwich named "[**The Richmonder.**](https://www.whiskrva.com/librarymenu)" *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Striking Lewis Ginter employees removed from the nonprofit's healthcare plan URL: https://www.richmonder.org/striking-lewis-ginter-employees-removed-from-the-nonprofits-healthcare-plan/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T23:34:55.000Z As an employee strike at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden enters its second month, the nonprofit is removing striking employees from its healthcare plan. In a statement on Thursday night, the garden said that the decision does not affect employees who have continued reporting to work during the strike. "The law does not require employers to continue paying wages or unaccrued benefits to striking workers who are not actively working," a spokesperson wrote. "Earlier this summer, the Garden informed employees on multiple occasions that medical benefits could be affected by a strike. "The Garden was hopeful the strike would end before suspending the employer-paid portion of inactive employees’ benefits." It continued: "While they are on strike, employees may elect to continue coverage through COBRA. All active employees are still receiving the employer-paid portion of their benefits, as will striking workers as soon as they return to work." The workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Employees voted to unionize in November 2024, but negotiations since that time have not resulted in an agreement. The union has said employees are currently paid an average wage of $17.52 per hour. In a Thursday press release, the group noted that MIT's Living Wage Calculator defines a living wage in Richmond as $23.36 per hour for a single person with no children. Striking employees have kept a picket line in front of the garden for the past month. Lewis Ginter has asked for an injunction prohibiting the protestors from engaging in “unlawful conduct,” which[ has not yet been ruled on](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/lewis-ginter-injunction-unlawful-picketing-strike/). In the press release, garden employee Laura Lee Folman said the garden is not negotiating in good faith. “Lewis Ginter pays us poverty wages so low we cannot afford basic necessities, and nearly all of us have or currently do face food and housing insecurity,” she wrote. “Responding to Lewis Ginter’s highly skilled and committed employees asking that our jobs pay us enough to live on by ripping away our ability to get life-saving prescriptions and daily medications we and our families rely on flies in the face of every value Lewis Ginter and our larger Richmond community stands for.” On Thursday, the union said that the public has "resoundingly sided with strikers," saying garden attendance has dropped sharply since the strike began. Lewis Ginter CEO Brian Trader said in an August email to supporters that the conflict has been costly. He said the organization had lost "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue" at that point in time. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Previous coverage: [Lewis Ginter workers will strike starting Wednesday, garden says it will remain openIn a statement, garden officials said they will operate on a normal schedule.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-cc442959-b3de-48d9-9d09-d99ad76ea79c.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2MFGHPT--1--e03e9c1b-50d0-4e80-9b40-7b409407ff93.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-workers-will-strike-starting-wednesday-garden-says-it-will-remain-open/) [Lewis Ginter employees reject final contract offer, will vote on strikingHere’s what comes next for both sides.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-df47e94d-f3ee-4db8-b0d3-e6971805e263.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2MFGHPT-73089ae3-3594-40a9-b17c-a26e67a60f77.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-union-rejects-final-offer-another-pe-cancels/) ### Richmond picks developer to convert city-owned parking lot in Shockoe into mixed-income housing URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-picks-developer-to-convert-city-owned-parking-lot-in-shockoe-into-mixed-income-housing/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:07:41.000Z Richmond officials announced Thursday that they have chosen Shockoe Shines RVA LLC, a company affiliated with local developer Historic Housing, to redevelop a municipal parking lot in Shockoe Bottom into a mixed-income residential building. The project at 212 North 18th St. “is a great example of how we can take an underutilized city-owned property and turn it into new housing, economic opportunity, and long-term value for Richmond,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “The interest in this site shows its potential to provide housing that is close to jobs, education, healthcare, transit, and recreation — an opportunity that all Richmonders deserve to have.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/10/image.png) David White, with Historic Housing LLC, presents Shockoe Shines' proposal, titled "Seabrook," at a community forum. (Julianne Tripp Hillian for The Richmonder) The proposal put forward by Shockoe Shines would include 190 residential units, at least 57 of which would be reserved for households whose income is less than 80% of the area median income. While area median income limits are adjusted by the federal government annually, 80% AMI in Richmond in 2026 is $63,600 for one person, $72,650 for two people and $90,800 for four people. [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-13f6f7c5-1846-44a3-a3f4-f002202ddb9b.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-d56fbd99-e3e7-4df5-ac2d-d1c8858d2266.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) The building would be named “Seabrook,” after the Seabrook tobacco warehouse that once stood there. The deal is not yet complete. City officials said contract negotiations with Shockoe Shines are still ongoing, and the City Council will also have to approve disposition of the land because the property is publicly owned. The city release said construction could begin as early as August 2027\. Eight developers submitted ideas to revamp the site after Richmond issued a request for proposals in November 2025 as part of [a broader push to begin repurposing city-owned lots as a way to address shortages of affordable housing](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-vow-to-begin-using-surplus-city-properties-to-spur-affordable-housing-development/). Three finalists, including Shockoe Shines, [publicly presented their proposals this June](https://www.richmonder.org/three-finalists-share-how-theyd-turn-a-shockoe-parking-lot-into-affordable-housing/). [Richmond to seek proposals to redevelop city-owned parking lots in Shockoe, Manchester into affordable housingThe plans are part of a broader push by the city to repurpose properties Richmond owns but isn’t using for housing amid an affordability crisis.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8d122f91-4b64-4dd3-a28f-5c2007924d25.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/FC0BWX-57c345bc-8af2-4784-96ac-a3602e8b9408.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-to-seek-proposals-to-redevelop-city-owned-parking-lots-in-shockoe-manchester-into-affordable-housing/) Richmond’s Department of Housing and Community Development said it chose Shockoe Shines “based off an assessment of the project’s ability to bring residential growth to Shockoe Bottom, as well as the strengths of the team’s experience with development in the Richmond market, the financial feasibility of the project, the expected delivery date, and the project design.” Historic Housing LLC, which is affiliated with Shockoe Shines, has been an active player in the Richmond market for many years and [recently constructed The Bakery apartment building next door to the 18th Street site](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/real-estate/article%5F3275d81f-0455-4c8a-b459-967025caa078.html). It is led by local developers Daniel Salomonsky and David White. Besides the Shockoe Bottom parking lot, Richmond has put forward three other city-owned parcels as candidates for redevelopment: [another parking lot in Manchester](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-to-seek-proposals-to-redevelop-city-owned-parking-lots-in-shockoe-manchester-into-affordable-housing/), the Richmond Police Department’s former First District Precinct headquarters on Q Street in Church Hill and [a former school on Chamberlayne Avenue once envisioned as a new Planned Parenthood clinic](https://www.richmonder.org/two-more-city-properties-including-former-school-once-earmarked-for-planned-parenthood-could-be-surplused-for-affordable-housing/). *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### ‘Threatening and racially charged’ image of Huguenot football player made by a Midlothian student sparks outrage URL: https://www.richmonder.org/threatening-and-racially-charged-image-of-huguenot-football-player-made-by-a-midlothian-student-sparks-outrage/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T20:04:56.000Z A Midlothian High School student created an altered, AI-generated image showing a Huguenot High School football player’s face on the body of Nolan Wells after a rival game between the two schools last week, school officials said. Wells’ death received national attention this summer, amid speculation as to whether it may have been racially motivated. The image [circulated online on social media](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10104115706798042&set=a.542879982662), and was addressed by Midlothian High Principal Shawn Abel. “The post … does not align with the values of Midlothian High School or its football team. Its content is unacceptable to Midlothian High School and Chesterfield County Public Schools,” he wrote to the school community. Abel said that the student made the post off campus using a personal device. He emphasized that the student was not a football player, and that student privacy laws prevent the district from releasing information about any disciplinary actions. He continued: “Situations such as this underscore the importance of ongoing conversations with students about the serious consequences of inappropriate and harmful social media use. We ask families to reinforce with their students the expectation that they use social media responsibly, respectfully and in a manner consistent with the values of our school community.” The account the image was posted from was named “Midlo Barstool,” a reference to the Barstool Sports website, which often embraces a crude comedy style. Both the image and account that it was posted on have since been taken down. Wells died while on a trip with friends on Horn Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast this past summer. His death received national attention, and a recent autopsy report released by the Wells’ family listed the cause of his death as “undetermined”, [although a grand jury found his death to be “consistent with drowning](https://www.mississippifreepress.org/crump-releases-full-independent-autopsy-of-nolan-wells-says-questions-of-wells-death-remain/).” Suspicions around his death also made headlines, including from his own family, like the possibility that his death was racially motivated being that he was the only Black person in the group. When The Richmonder reached out to Chesterfield County School Board Chair Lisa Hudgins for comment, CCPS spokesperson Shawn Smith responded, asking The Richmonder to accept Abel’s response to the school community on behalf of school members. Hudgins represents the district Midlothian High School sits in. Mike McCall, communications director for the Virginia High School League, said the league “does not oversee individual student conduct that occurs outside of League-sanctioned activities, including activity on social media,” when asked for comment. “Those matters fall under the authority of local school divisions, which are best positioned to address them under their own policies,” he wrote in an email to The Richmonder. Richmond Public Schools [also issued a statement this week](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1515214253985517&set=pcb.1515215307318745), calling the post a “threatening and racially charged” image that “understandably caused pain and concern among students, families and members of the school community.” “We want to be clear that RPS does not take matters like this lightly,” the district wrote, adding that administrators at Huguenot High are communicating with students that support is available for those affected, while reinforcing with students the importance of responsible social media use. The act has also so far received condemnation from parents in both school districts, as seen in social media posts online and as [reported by WRIC](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/nolan-wells-deepfake-chesterfield-richmond-schools/) and [WTVR](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/huguenot-football-post-sept-29-2026). “I just can’t believe we’re in 2026 and this is what we’re still dealing with,” Chesterfield parent Gabrielle Coleman said to WRIC. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org)*. Reporter Eleanor Shaw contributed to this report.* ### 10 Hondas have been stolen in Richmond since last week. Here's what to know about the 'relay attack' thefts URL: https://www.richmonder.org/10-hondas-have-been-stolen-in-richmond-since-last-week-heres-what-to-know-about-the-relay-attack-thefts/ Last updated: 2026-10-01T16:57:20.000Z A new wave of motor vehicle theft is targeting owners of Honda vehicles in Richmond. Police said that in the last 10 days, they have documented 10 cases of a Honda car being stolen. - Seven of those cars were CRVs, and three were the Accord. - Five of the thefts were in Woodland Heights, while four were in the city's Third Precinct in Northside. "Detectives are investigating the possibility an electronic device is being used to gain entry to the vehicles," a Richmond Police spokesperson said. According to AAA, a "relay attack" involves thieves using an antenna to pick up the signal from a remote key, then amplify it and start the vehicle from a distance where the key wouldn't traditionally work. The motor club said that many newer cars have key fobs that emit a signal at all times. "This method can take less than 60 seconds to execute and is most effective when the car's key fob is left in closer proximity to the vehicle, such as near an exterior door," [according to the AAA website](https://www.ace.aaa.com/insurance/advocacy/keyless-car-theft.html). Police are encouraging Honda owners to use a steering wheel lock to discourage potential theft. AAA also [suggests a Faraday box](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday%5Fcage), which can store keys and protects the signal from being read by outside devices. Anyone with knowledge of the thefts is encouraged to contact an RPD detective at 804-646-8167. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Teen sues Richmond sheriff after being pepper sprayed at Turnstile concert URL: https://www.richmonder.org/teen-sues-richmond-sheriff-after-being-pepper-sprayed-at-turnstile-concert/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T20:27:38.000Z A teenager who was pepper sprayed by a Richmond sheriff’s deputy during a raucous concert on Brown’s Island is suing the sheriff’s office and the music promoters who organized the event. The teen — who was 15 when he was pepper sprayed directly in the face during a performance by the hardcore band Turnstile — filed the suit in Richmond Circuit Court on Sept. 23, about a year after the concert that occurred on Sept. 24, 2025\. The Richmonder is not naming the plaintiff due to his age. Because he’s still a minor, the suit was filed through his mother. The suit claims the use of pepper spray was a “grossly disproportionate” response to the young man attempting to climb onto the stage. At previous shows, Turnstile was known to invite fans onstage when a particular song played. The pepper spray incident occurred during that song, and several other people climbed onstage without being sprayed. The suit names “Deputy M. Ames” as the sheriff’s office employee who did the spraying. “At no time did Deputy Ames instruct Plaintiff to remove himself from the area or get off the stage,” the lawsuit says. “Deputy Ames administered the OC spray into Plaintiff’s face without giving him any indication he was about to do so. Plaintiff thus did not have any opportunity to remove himself from the area or avoid having OC deployed into his face.” [WATCH: Body cam footage shows backstage fury after Turnstile pepper spray incidentOne month later, the sheriff’s office is staying mostly silent on the matter.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-255e5836-8dff-405d-abd1-1873399db89a.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/image--2--0465c184-0ce2-42a9-a4ef-f891cc5fa4f7.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/body-cam-footage-shows-backstage-fury-after-turnstile-pepper-spray-incident/) OC, or oleoresin capsicum, is an acronym for pepper spray. Sheriff’s office documents previously obtained by The Richmonder indicated Major Michael Ames was involved in the incident, but didn’t specify what his role was. The suit seeks a judgment of at least $100,000, alleging the defendants showed “gross negligence.” 0:00 /0:23 1× The litigation names Sheriff Antionette Irving as a defendant, saying Ames was acting under the authority of her office. Last year, Irving said she was opening an internal investigation into the incident. However, the sheriff never publicly released the results of that investigation. The sheriff’s office also [blocked a Freedom of Information Act request from local news station WTVR](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond-pepper-spray-incident-july-31-2026) seeking its release, indicating 14 pages of records were being kept secret. Irving didn’t respond to requests for comment Wednesday. The lawsuit also names Broadberry Entertainment Group and Broadberry Holdings LLC as defendants, claiming Broadberry failed to inform sheriff’s deputies that Turnstile had a tradition of welcoming fans onstage during the high-energy song “Birds.” The Turnstile concert was part of Broadberry’s Live Loud concert series. Broadberry also didn’t respond to a request for comment. [Body camera footage](https://www.richmonder.org/body-cam-footage-shows-backstage-fury-after-turnstile-pepper-spray-incident/) released after the incident showed concert organizers saying their security plan never called for law enforcement to be positioned between fans and the stage. In that footage, several people said the deputy “lied” in the immediate aftermath by claiming he had accidentally shot the spray. Organizers of large events in Richmond are required to have off-duty law enforcement present for security and crowd control purposes. With the Richmond Police Department stretched thin, sheriff’s deputies can also fulfill that function. Because their duties primarily involve securing the courthouse and the city jail, Richmond sheriff’s deputies don’t typically interact with the public as much as police officers. More than a dozen sheriff’s deputies were working security at the Turnstile concert, according to the suit, all with uniforms and weapons issued by the sheriff’s office. Sheriff’s office personnel are not under the purview of the city’s Civilian Review Board, which exists to provide outside oversight into allegations of excessive force by police. Deploying pepper spray in a crowded area filled with bystanders and other security personnel, the lawsuit says, was another sign of “recklessness.” The suit alleges Ames “had a duty to use ordinary care in carrying out his duties as a deputy of the Richmond City Sheriff's Office, providing security services at public events, and utilizing chemical agents such as OC spray.” “Deputy Ames breached those duties when he recklessly discharged OC spray at Plaintiff, a fifteen-year-old boy who was not acting in any manner that warranted the deployment of a chemical agent,” the suit says. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Former DPU worker stole $17K of copper and aluminum wire, inspector general found URL: https://www.richmonder.org/former-dpu-worker-stole-17k-of-copper-and-aluminum-wire-inspector-general-found/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T17:10:28.000Z Almost 19 months after a former Richmond city employee was indicted for grand larceny and misusing public assets, more details of what happened have emerged. According to a [report from Richmond’s Office of the Inspector General](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/Abuse%20of%20Authority%20and%20Waste%20of%20Government%20Resources%20DPU%2010.24.24.pdf), John LaBossiere, a power line specialist supervisor with the Department of Public Utilities, stole more than $17,000 worth of copper and aluminum wire from the city over a roughly six-month period in 2024. LaBossiere pled guilty last year to misuse of public funds and agreed to pay restitution to the city. [Former Richmond city employee charged with misusing public assetsJohn LaBossiere was charged with grand larceny and misusing public assets worth more than $1,000, but officials aren’t providing any details about what happened.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a695040a-f1b0-4b13-96fc-f93696a319e6.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/City_Hall_MP-7f9d0041-aca1-45fa-86b9-2a326830c33b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/former-richmond-city-employee-charged-with-misusing-public-assets/) The OIG investigation found that LaBossiere had been taking wire from the department and selling it for scrap at two recycling facilities in Richmond and Fredericksburg. “Although LaBossiere received a total of $5,231.41 for the wire sold to the two recycling facilities, the actual value of materials taken by … LaBossiere is $17,689.33,” the report from Inspector General Foster Curtiss found. The inspector general’s valuation of the wire was based on the “lowest-dollar \[city of Richmond\] purchase price per foot” of the materials that were sold. In addition to the criminal prosecution of LaBossiere, the inspector general investigation led to changes in how the utilities department secures “high-value materials,” the report said. Previously, copper and aluminum wire “were easily accessible, and vehicle keys were also accessible without sufficient oversight,” according to the OIG investigation. Following the case, DPU now secures those materials behind a locked gate, “with additional security methods in place to restrict and monitor access. “Supervision has increased oversight of both materials and vehicle keys to ensure proper control and accountability,” the report concluded. ### **Gas card abuse** [A separate report](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/Unauthorized%20Purchases%20PRD%207.10.24.pdf) from the Office of the Inspector General found that a former temporary Parks and Recreation employee defrauded the city of at least $3,000 through unauthorized use of a city gas card to fuel personal vehicles. Richmond, like many other governments, issues purchasing cards to employees who drive municipal vehicles to pay for gas at pumps run by the city’s fuel vendor, Quarles. An internal audit of Richmond’s program in summer 2025, however, found lax oversight of the cards and [identified at least $44,000 in “questionable transactions](https://www.richmonder.org/audit-of-city-fuel-cards-finds-at-least-44k-in-questionable-spending/).” [Audit of city fuel cards finds at least $44K in ‘questionable’ spendingAn internal audit of the city of Richmond’s fuel purchasing cards found lax oversight of how employees were using them.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a9fb5e82-c777-4f29-856a-89b2b4e7c78e.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF7774-6c8106d7-0178-4a72-a145-2dbfb3f70cfa.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/audit-of-city-fuel-cards-finds-at-least-44k-in-questionable-spending/) Among those were what the OIG called “excessive fuel charges” on one card held by George Hicks-Ward, a temporary worker with Richmond’s Parks and Recreation Department who was later fired. An investigation turned up 23 video images showing Hicks-Ward fueling his personal vehicle using a city gas card for a vehicle he had previously been assigned, as well as the personal identification number for his former supervisor. Hicks-Ward later pled guilty to credit card fraud, credit card theft and identity fraud and has been ordered to pay almost $3,000 to the city in restitution for fraudulent transactions that occurred between May 1 and June 5, 2024. The OIG report said Parks and Recreation also identified 239 unauthorized gas card transactions worth more than $15,700 in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 that occurred after work hours or on weekends. However, the inspector general’s office continued, no video or security images are available for those transactions because Quarles does not retain its footage that long. “Increased oversight of fuel card distribution, PIN issuance, and usage are recommended to ensure compliance and accountability,” Curtiss wrote in his report. Parks and Recreation, he continued, “has already begun implementing corrective actions to improve controls in this area.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Sept. 30 Newsletter: Woman's Club makeover URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-30-newsletter-womans-club-makeover/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T10:00:10.000Z **Weather:** High of 83 on a beautiful fall day. **On this date** in 1980, the Salisbury Country Club is told by a federal judge it cannot refuse to admit Black members. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2ndStreet-2026-Digital-728x90-0825.png)](https://venturerichmond.com/our-events/2nd-street-festival/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by the** **2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward:** Enjoy live music on three stages, great food, shopping, a kids’ zone, and more – all for FREE – at the 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward, this Saturday and Sunday.[**Learn more.**](https://venturerichmond.com/our-events/2nd-street-festival/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-31.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/still-classy-but-very-modern-historic-womans-club-home-gets-a-2-4-million-makeover/) # ‘Still classy but very modern’: Historic Woman’s Club home gets a $2.4 million makeover For over a century, the beating heart of the Bolling Haxall House has been its auditorium — a place where women could gather to hear and discuss new ideas about art, culture, politics and the world. 💅 Because Richmond bankers were initially hesitant about backing such a major purchase by a group of women, the Woman's Club had to get a loan out of Baltimore when it was founded more than 100 years ago. Last week, the 1,200-member club unveiled a major renovation that leaders say will bring the auditorium into the 21st century while still honoring its legacy as a mainstay of intellectual life in the city’s downtown. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/still-classy-but-very-modern-historic-womans-club-home-gets-a-2-4-million-makeover/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-32.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/amelia-street-school-will-embrace-nature-with-new-trail/) ### Amelia Street School will embrace nature with new trail The school, located near Maymont, serves students ages 5 to 21 with intellectual, behavioral or complex health needs. In addition to its education purpose, the installation will help capture 25,000 gallons of stormwater annually to conserve and protect the nearby James River. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/amelia-street-school-will-embrace-nature-with-new-trail/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/section-divider-city-hall.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/city-government/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-33.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-solar-energy-proposal-fails-to-pass-as-council-meeting-turns-chaotic/) ### Richmond solar energy proposal fails to pass as Council meeting turns chaotic A proposed deal to put solar panels on dozens of Richmond’s city-owned rooftops might be dead. Or it might be brought back to life in a few days. At the end of a chaotic City Council meeting Monday night, no one seemed sure what had just happened. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-solar-energy-proposal-fails-to-pass-as-council-meeting-turns-chaotic/) - [**With little fanfare, City Council adopts Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan**](https://www.richmonder.org/with-little-fanfare-city-council-adopts-cultural-heritage-stewardship-plan/) - The plan lays out four priorities, or “big moves,” that Richmond should pursue to protect its historically and culturally significant buildings. - [**City will resume tax auctions on delinquent properties, part of an overall ramping up of collection efforts**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-resume-tax-auctions-on-delinquent-properties-part-of-an-overall-ramping-up-of-collection-efforts/) - The administration touted the move as a step towards building public trust in the basics of government. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/section-divider-culture.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/local-news/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-34.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-midlothian-delivers-statement-in-week-5-victory-over-huguenot/) ### High school football games of the week Varina plays its third game this season against a state champ, this time from North Carolina. Plus, Huguenot looks to bounce back against L.C. Bird, and Manchester's defense has yet to allow double-digit points but faces a tough test. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-midlothian-delivers-statement-in-week-5-victory-over-huguenot/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-36.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/sunday-bagel-is-the-latest-entrant-in-richmonds-bagel-wars/) ### Sunday Bagel is the latest entrant in Richmond's bagel wars The popular pop-up just opened in Jackson Ward, but is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 🥯 The shop continuously bakes its bagels throughout the morning, so customers are always getting a fresh bagel. The Richmonder crew unanimously agreed that the bagels were delicious, and we would return, though the cost was a little steep. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sunday-bagel-is-the-latest-entrant-in-richmonds-bagel-wars/) ### By the numbers [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-35.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/sunday-bagel-is-the-latest-entrant-in-richmonds-bagel-wars/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/DJI_0651.jpg)](https://venturerichmond.com/our-events/2nd-street-festival/) ### 2nd Street Festival See acclaimed R&B artist Stokley headlining the Main Stage on Saturday, and Plunky & Oneness on Sunday – all for FREE – along with 30 other performers at the 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward. [**Learn more.**](https://venturerichmond.com/our-events/2nd-street-festival/) --- ### In other news - [**City Council takes first step toward immigration ‘trust policy’**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-08-20/richmond-city-council-to-discuss-immigration-trust-policy/) (VPM) - The policy would build on the city’s public stance that it does not cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. - [**Starbucks shutters Fan, Short Pump locations as part of mass closure**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/28/starbucks-shutters-fan-short-pump-locations-as-part-of-mass-closure/) (Richmond BizSense) - The building’s owner said he’s already been talking to some prospective new users to take over the space. - [**State attorney general launches investigation of cellphone-tracking firm used by City Hall**](https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article%5F8951005f-be03-49eb-ae53-571a383a8fd1.html) (Times-Dispatch) - The city contracted Placer AI to determine how many people have visited Richmond parks and to build profiles for those visitors. --- ### The editor's desk Thanks to VCU's Baldacci Institute for hosting David Brooks on Monday night at the Library of Virginia. He encouraged the audience to seek out conversations, particularly with people you don't think you have much in common with, to build common ground and community. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### With little fanfare, City Council adopts Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan URL: https://www.richmonder.org/with-little-fanfare-city-council-adopts-cultural-heritage-stewardship-plan/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T23:18:28.000Z Ten months after the Planning Commission gave its blessing, the City Council has also embraced a roadmap for preserving historically and culturally significant buildings, neighborhoods and sites around Richmond, voting to formally include the document as part of the city’s master plan. The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, which sailed through the City Council with a unanimous vote Sept. 28, is intended to set Richmond’s key priorities for identifying and conserving notable features of the city. The document “will become a part of how we evaluate whether policies, city projects, or zoning changes align with the master plan,” Planning Commissioner Burt Pinnock said in a statement after the vote. “We have abundant historic and cultural resources in Richmond, and the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan will help us identify the cultural resources that we haven't yet documented or recognized for their significance to our community." The 202-page plan was developed throughout 2024 and 2025 and took about 16 months to gain approval after it was first introduced to the Planning Commission in May 2025\. During consideration of the document by the Planning Commission, some housing advocates and commissioners [raised concerns that the plan could negatively impact housing affordability and strain city resources](https://www.richmonder.org/citywide-cultural-heritage-plan-stalls-at-planning-commission-over-money-workability-concerns/). The document was later reworked to emphasize that it offered a set of options to the city rather than directing officials to take specific actions. Nevertheless, Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), who also serves on the Planning Commission, [vowed last November](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cultural-heritage-plan-clears-hurdle-but-robertson-vows-long-list-of-amendments/) to seek “a long list” of changes to the plan before its adoption. “You should expect some very stiff amendments,” she said. After the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval in November 2025, public discussion of the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan went quiet. In June, several city councilors asked Richmond Planning Director Kevin Vonck about the status of the plan [during discussions on the proposed citywide rezoning](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/). “There are some excellent protections, policies that are recommended in \[the CHSP\] that I think will go hand in hand or are a wonderful complement to code refresh,” said Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) at the time. The document was formally introduced to the City Council on Sept. 14 and got unanimous approval at a meeting of the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee last week although Robertson continued to express some concerns about how expansive its impacts might be given that so many properties in Richmond are 50 years or older. A comparison of the version of the plan recommended by the Planning Commission in November and the version approved by the City Council Monday revealed no changes had been made. Robertson’s office did not immediately reply to questions about why her stance on the plan had changed or why she had not formally proposed any amendments to it. ### **Four priorities** The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan ultimately lays out four priorities, or “big moves,” that Richmond should pursue: - Ensure the city has inventoried and is maintaining historically and culturally significant assets it owns, like buildings, parks and sites - Conduct a citywide architectural and archaeological assessment - Pass local legislation to increase penalties for unauthorized demolitions in areas with a formal Old and Historic District designation - Analyze and evaluate real estate tax assessment and abatement policies that could encourage preservation of important assets Vonck emphasized last week that the plan “just sets up options” that the City Council and City Hall could pursue. “It does not change the law in terms of what you can and cannot do with your property,” he said. One of the four recommendations has already been completed: In January, the City Council [passed an ordinance imposing heavy fines](https://www.richmonder.org/council-oks-heavy-penalties-for-unauthorized-demolitions-in-historic-districts/) on anyone who tears down a structure in a designated Old and Historic District without permission. Vonck told the Land Use Committee that some of the provisions in the proposed code refresh such as contextual height limits for new development could further the plan’s goals and that further discussion of the citywide architectural and archaeological assessment could occur during the next budget. “One of the things that I think was made clear throughout the process was the community wanted the city to take the lead on this,” he said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Amelia Street School will embrace nature with new trail URL: https://www.richmonder.org/amelia-street-school-will-embrace-nature-with-new-trail/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T20:11:06.000Z The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, along with Richmond Public Schools, broke ground at Amelia Street School Tuesday morning for a project that will help [create better outdoor access to the green space](https://www.allianceforthebay.org/project/outdoor-access-for-all-at-amelia-street-school/) behind the school for students. Amelia Street School, located near Maymont, serves students ages 5 to 21 with intellectual, behavioral or complex health needs. The outdoor access will help encourage teachers and students to use the space as a learning center. That’s a goal of the [division’s environmental literacy plan](https://d18lev1ok5leia.cloudfront.net/baybackpack/Environmental-Literacy-Plan-240925-Small.pdf), which the Alliance – a regional nonprofit that helps conserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay – helped create. “This trail was designed with students as the primary audience. They will use it as a means to develop their curiosity, make observations, and ask questions about the natural world,” said Meredeth Dash, environmental education specialist for the Alliance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/DSC05956.JPG) The Alliance and local partners aim to build a quarter-mile-long, wheelchair-accessible path, better known as the Amelia Street Nature Trail, from the school into the large space, which is currently on a steep hill. That is particularly helpful to the school’s population. “At Amelia Street … we work intentionally to help \[students\] strengthen self-regulation, build positive relationships, engage academically, and understand that they belong in a learning community,” said school Principal Michael Blount Jr. “Ane of the things that excites me most about this project is that learning takes place here. Uh, we not only stop at the walls of our classroom, we can also expand it outside.” The project will also include 11,000 square feet of green infrastructure, like gardens and pavements, as well as 59 new trees planted along the perimeter of the yard. Some trees can already be seen in other parts of the yard, which was made possible in 2020 by a grant from the Office of Sustainability at VCU. In turn, the installations would help capture 25,000 gallons of stormwater annually to conserve and protect the nearby James River. “The more (students) learn, the more likely they are to advocate for the protection of natural green spaces, for clean air and water initiatives, to protect habitats, and to be general good stewards of our natural resources with a clear focus on sustainability,” said School Board member Stephanie Rizzi (5th District), who represents the district the school sits in. The construction has been five years in the making, and the Alliance during that time worked with teachers to understand what they would need in order for the school to effectively use the space. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/DSC05954.jpg) Work begins on the trail. Teachers told Dash that students enjoyed coming out to the space to run around, but often would jump over the fence that currently wraps around the yard. “So part of the design that we really kept in mind was how do we kind of build a natural way of a structured trail system that allows students to use it and still run and go around, but they don't feel that need to dart off because this is so open,” Dash said, which led to the idea of planting trees. The Alliance has so far raised over $1 million for the project, but the full cost of getting everything wanted for the space is over $2 million, Dash said. Dash said that the project helps the Alliance work more closely with RPS’ facilities team, specifically in conducting assessments of external spaces of schools, as previous school condition assessments have mainly focused on the inside of buildings. “My goal is to continually develop a partnership with RPS facilities, and … as a community partner continually improve and add shade and resilience to all RPS schoolyards,” she said. The project is expected to be completed by spring time next year. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org). *VCU and the Robins Foundation are donors to The Richmonder, but were not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### Richmond solar energy proposal fails to pass as Council meeting turns chaotic URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-solar-energy-proposal-fails-to-pass-as-council-meeting-turns-chaotic/ Last updated: 2026-09-29T14:58:12.000Z A proposed deal to put solar panels on dozens of Richmond’s city-owned rooftops might be dead. Or it might be brought back to life in a few days. At the end of a chaotic City Council meeting Monday night, no one seemed sure what had just happened. What was clear was that a five-member majority of the Council was unwilling to pass the proposal in its existing form, throwing the project into serious doubt because of looming deadlines tied to expiring federal tax credits. The Council had been told the deal had to be approved by Wednesday. Backers of the deal with Staunton-based developer Secure Solar Futures say it will save almost $20 million over 25 years by allowing the city to purchase rooftop solar power at lower rates than what Dominion Energy charges. The developer would install, maintain and own the solar panels at no upfront public cost, then sell the energy back to the city. Mayor Danny Avula’s administration supported the solar power purchase agreement. After Monday’s vote, the mayor’s office issued a statement saying it’s “extremely unfortunate that the majority of Council was not able to find a way to saying yes to this opportunity.” “Actions have consequences, and City Council’s action tonight will make it harder to achieve the City’s sustainability goals,” Avula said. Council members who voted against the deal said they weren’t against solar energy, but were trying to do enough due diligence to get comfortable supporting a complex deal that involved 39 leases for city-owned rooftops. Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) drafted her own amendments to the contract and suggested taking them up at a future meeting. She and four other Council members were essentially told there was no time left to entertain changes, resulting in an up-or-down vote. Richmond officials have had to move fast with their proposal because of changes to solar tax credits under President Donald Trump’s administration. To make the project financially viable, officials explained, the developer has to hit certain deadlines for ordering equipment. “No one likes the timing. We are trying to achieve a goal,” said Laura Thomas, director of the Office of Sustainability, which was leading the solar project. The prospect of installing privately owned solar equipment on dozens of government buildings brought complications over things like insurance, legal liability and termination fees the city could potentially have to pay if a future City Council wants to end the deal early. The solar panels would be added to the city’s insurance policy, but Secure Solar Futures would pay some of that cost. The package of 39 ordinances was formally introduced to Council last Monday, leaving only one week for the body's public review. City staff had been working on the project for months, and Council members had received earlier briefings on some details. At a committee hearing last week, several Council members asked tough questions, saying they didn’t want to commit to a deal that could potentially cost more than it saves if things go wrong. Before Monday’s meeting, several officials had raised concerns internally about whether the solar contract gave the city enough legal and financial protection. Those concerns were reiterated in an Aug. 11 email by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II, a top Avula appointee. Donald said Monday his email was a “snapshot in time” and he was now comfortable supporting the deal. In July, the city’s risk management bureau issued a report advising against the deal, saying it exposed Richmond to “significant financial loss” and should be re-drafted, possibly with another solar company willing to give better terms. The sustainability office strongly disagreed with that assessment, firing back a response that said “the simplest mitigation to risk will always be to say no and do nothing.” Near the end of a meeting that stretched almost to 11 p.m., several Council members asked to go into a closed session to consult with City Attorney Laura Drewry, who they said had expressed her own reservations about the solar deal. Council leadership, which favored the proposal, instead moved forward with a vote to approve. That vote failed 4-5, prompting a confused scramble to figure out what to do. Council members on both sides seemed surprised by the apparent finality of the outcome. Staffers rushed to consult Council rules to see what procedural options might be available to continue the discussion. When a closed session was suggested again, the Council concluded that wasn’t possible because the deal had been voted down and there was nothing to discuss. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/7B968045-6EBB-4D2C-A95C-25E71BF78858_1_201_a.jpeg) Supporters of a proposed solar energy deal held up signs at Monday night's City Council meeting. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) said anyone watching on TV would get the impression “something corrupt” was happening. As the night wore on, the Council clerk admonished the body to stop interrupting roll-call votes with new remarks, a comment seemingly directed at Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District). When the meeting was over, little was clear about what might happen next. Backers of the solar proposal said the Council’s inaction could cause Richmond to miss a window of opportunity to act on a type of clean-energy deal numerous other governments and school divisions have done without major problems. Secure Solar Futures is a leading player in the industry. “I just find it shocking that we are talking about pushing this off the agenda, stifling public comment and pretending like it’s all going to be OK and that this deal can still happen,” Council Vice President Katherine Jordan (2nd District) said as the coalition of deal skeptics moved early in the meeting to have it removed from the agenda entirely. When it appeared that motion was likely to pass, Council leaders stopped the process mid-vote. Abubaker later agreed to rescind that motion to allow the body to debate the proposal after a public hearing. Members who voted against the proposal said they felt they were being pressured to say yes without enough time to reconcile conflicting information from different corners of City Hall. Secure Solar Futures had agreed to several “friendly amendments” to the contract prior to Monday’s meeting. The Council was told it should vote the deal through and trust those amendments would happen later. “If we were closing our eyes and this were any other private company, would we say ‘OK let’s sign the contract — that is legally binding, that puts the city on the hook for a quarter-century — and we’ll work out the details later?’” asked Abubaker. Before the vote, Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District) held up a copy of the city’s risk analysis, saying it contained a clear recommendation to “close the risk.” “The city is encouraged to re-draft Solar Power Purchase Agreement and incorporate a transfer of risk strategy, as a transfer of risk shifts the financial and legal responsibility from the city to the vendor,” the risk analysis said. “The city should also consider pursuing other solar panel vendors that may be inclined to enter into an agreement that is more favorable to the city.” Without hearing why those conclusions no longer apply, Robertson said, she was unswayed. “We do not have our risk management standing before us to retract what is in this report,” Robertson said. “To push us to vote on this would force me to vote against something that I do not want to vote against. I cannot ignore what’s written right here on paper.” The Council then proceeded to vote. Robertson voted against, as did Abubaker and Trammell. With Councilors Nicole Jones (9th District) and Kenya Gibson (3rd District) also voting no, the measure failed. Newbille and Jordan voted yes, along with Councilors Andrew Breton (1st District) and Stephanie Lynch (5th District). ### **Departmental disagreement** The city’s risk management bureau is part of the Department of Finance. Its stated mission is “to protect the employees and assets of the City of Richmond from loss and damage.” The sustainability office describes its mission as improving Richmonders’ quality of life by focusing on “climate action, resilience, and equity.” With the proposed solar deal, those missions apparently came into conflict. Gibson said she has to rely on city departments to weigh in on their area of expertise, including trusting “the risk department to know about risk.” “It appears in this instance that various departments were not in sync,” Gibson said. The tension continued after the vote as Newbille tried to work out a new plan on the fly. The Council was initially advised there was no way to revive the proposal at the same meeting, but was later told someone who voted against it could move to bring it back up. Newbille settled on that as a backup plan, without having any volunteers from the no side to go along with it. “The request to raise it back up… we’re not going to do it,” Abubaker said. “You’re not willing to do it,” Newbille replied. “I’ve not heard that from everyone.” The effort to reverse the vote prompted Trammell to say she’d never experienced anything similar in all her time on the Council. “It looks like corruption right here in this Council chamber. I can feel it tonight,” Trammell said. Newbille said she disagreed. With the meeting going late into the night, Gibson suggested putting off several remaining agenda items and adjourning the meeting. As the Council took a few final votes to do that, Clerk Candice Reid tried to cut through the procedural confusion by telling Newbille further debate was no longer allowed once a vote had begun. She asked the Council president to simply state her vote. Several Council members said statements made by the sustainability office were at odds with what they were hearing. At one point, Thomas, the sustainability director, noted a master contract with Secure Solar Futures had already been signed, including by the city attorney’s office that “represents this body.” The implication the city attorney was on board drew an interruption from Robertson, who spoke up despite Newbille instructing her to let Thomas finish. “I cannot, madam chair,” Robertson said. “I’ve had conversations with the city attorney as well. And I’m not being told the same.” ### **Overwhelming support during public comment** During a public comment period, dozens of speakers, including many representing environmental groups, urged the Council to back the project. “Don’t delay. No amendments. Vote yes today,” said Jacqui Bauer with the nonprofit Community Climate Collaborative. Alex Mejias, a former candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, said it was “shocking” that Abubaker and other Council members initially tried to take the issue off the agenda before hearing public comment. “It’s not just the administration that’s asking for your trust. It’s the entire environmental community,” Mejias said. Some supporters argued there was a broader pattern of resistance to worthy projects in the upper levels of the city bureaucracy. Others said the solar deal causing such angst in Richmond was fairly normal by industry standards. Speaking for the Falls of the James Group within the Virginia Sierra Club chapter, Tavarris Spinks told the Council “a lot of the stuff you heard tonight is because of Trump.” “Don’t let him win,” Spinks said. Virginia Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond, who holds a [new cabinet position](https://virginiamercury.com/2026/03/25/spanberger-creates-new-cabinet-position-appoints-selcs-josephus-allmond-chief-energy-officer/) created by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, sent a letter to Richmond leaders this month urging support for the solar deal. “The project’s scale makes it significant not only for Richmond, but also as a model for other public bodies across the Commonwealth,” Allmond wrote in the Sept. 21 letter. Gibson said it would be “very easy” to vote the way advocates wanted. But, she argued, the Council had to look at the bigger, long-term picture. “For my colleagues that are expressing concerns tonight, this is a courageous thing to do,” Gibson said. Similarly, Abubaker said the Council’s job is to “think holistically.” While doing her own research, Abubaker said, she learned the inspector general’s office has opened an inquiry into “allegations of ethics violations” related to the solar proposal. She didn’t elaborate. “We are entering into something with a rushed deadline that is not ours, with questions that we are going to be asking long after Sept. 30,” Abubaker said. ### **What next?** In a letter sent to city officials after last week’s committee hearing, Secure Solar Futures offered three “friendly amendments” to the deal in line with what Council members wanted. Two of the amendments would clarify that if any roof or building is later deemed unsuitable for solar panel installation, the city could remove them from the project without any financial penalty. In perhaps the most significant amendment, the developer agreed to change the termination fees, which added up to about $28 million across 39 buildings in the seemingly unlikely event the deal were to fall through completely in the first year of the contract. Under the proposed change, the termination fees would only apply to the first five years of the contract to help the developer cover any tax credit-related penalties the company would suffer from having the panels taken offline. If the city wants to remove some solar panels after five years, the termination fee would no longer apply. Instead, the city would owe a smaller “obstruction charge.” The contract envisions obstruction charges if the city does anything to cast shadows over a solar array, which would reduce the energy output and, by extension, the developer’s ability to collect fees. In an eleventh-hour addition to the amendments made just Monday, Secure Solar Futures agreed to deposit $230,000 per year in the final five years of the contract into an escrow account meant to fund removal of the solar panels once the deal has run its course. That amendment seemed aimed at alleviating Council concern about the lack of a decommissioning bond, a type of financial guarantee that the developer would cover equipment removal costs. If the Council insisted on formalizing those amendments before approval, a smaller-scale version of the deal involving just 17 rooftops and up to $15 million in savings could still be doable by Oct. 13, Secure Solar Futures indicated in a memo sent Monday. If the Council went beyond the “friendly” changes and wanted to add a decommissioning bond and require the solar vendor to provide its own insurance, the company said, the financing would no longer work. The Council discussed the possibility of having a special meeting Wednesday to reconsider the solar deal. Monday’s meeting ended with no decision on whether that would happen or not. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org)*. Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story. Read our editorial policy* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*, learn about The Richmonder's funding* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/)*or learn more about The Richmonder and our mission* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/)*.* ### Sunday Bagel is the latest entrant in Richmond's bagel wars URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sunday-bagel-is-the-latest-entrant-in-richmonds-bagel-wars/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T14:51:04.000Z Richmond, you may have heard, is a bagel town now. The latest entrant to the party is Sunday Bagel, a popular pop-up that just opened a brick-and-mortar location at 210 W. Marshall St. in Jackson Ward. The Richmonder paid a visit to see what all the fuss was about. ### Are they good? Absolutely. The shop continuously bakes its bagels throughout the morning, so customers are always getting a fresh bagel. They're crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside, and quite hefty. During our Monday visit, the everything bagels were generously coated in seasoning on both sides. The whipped cream cheese hit the spot, and the "pickled pepper" variety was an office hit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0803.jpeg) The location is across the street from the Richmond Dairy Building. ### Are they expensive? Absolutely. Quality comes at a price. Sunday Bagel sells a bagel with cream cheese for $6, though it doesn't upcharge for specialty bagels or cream cheeses. Bulk orders come with a discount. *Update: Sunday Bagel said in an email that it does not allow customers to tip, instead paying its workers at a higher rate, which is one reason the cost may appear higher.* A quick look at the cost of an everything bagel with specialty cream cheese at Richmond's top bagel locations, according to their current online menus: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/bagelchart2.jpg) ### Are they open on Sundays? Absolutely. Just don't show up on Tuesday or Wednesday. The shop is owned by husband-and-wife team [Jesse and Julie Roberts](https://richmondmagazine.com/restaurants-in-richmond/sunday-bagel-jackson-ward/); Julie is known for her innovative restaurant designs across the city. ### What's the verdict? The Richmonder crew unanimously agreed it would return. For me, the experience was reminiscent of the red-hot PopUp Bagels chain, which [is growing](https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise%5Ftimes%5Fcover%5Fstories/from-pandemic-hobby-to-national-franchise-popup-bagels-says-it-has-staying-power/article%5F2f933b40-98f1-49c7-bad5-7259d304df2e.html) with freshly cooked bagels dipped in specialty cream cheeses. Sunday Bagel also serves sandwiches at lunch, and coffee from the Recluse Roasting Project, as well as rotating specials, which it will post [to its social media pages](https://www.instagram.com/sundaybagelrva/?hl=en). *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*. This story has been updated since publication.* ### City will resume tax auctions on delinquent properties, part of an overall ramping up of collection efforts URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-resume-tax-auctions-on-delinquent-properties-part-of-an-overall-ramping-up-of-collection-efforts/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T20:57:28.000Z Calling it “enforcement with compassion,” Richmond officials announced they will resume auctioning tax-delinquent properties next year, a program that was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a news conference Monday, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said the city has identified 85 properties that will be notified in November they must pay back taxes or risk having their properties auctioned. He said the first notices will prioritize blighted and vacant lots, as well as properties owned by LLCs. Mayor Danny Avula joined Donald and other officials for the announcement, and said the program’s reinstatement is also a message more broadly that the city will use its authority to collect unpaid taxes. “We’re not talking about tax sales being the lone solution, but enforcement is,” Avula said. “The simple act of enforcement, we have seen historically, moves a lot more people into payment plans and generates a lot more paid tax revenue.” [Monthly report shows spike in delinquent taxes, but history says the money is on the wayAvula hinted at a resumption of delinquent property sales.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2aaa8212-5a04-4551-933d-23870a52fdaf.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-2-40453c64-b758-4d08-88d3-53601505157e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/monthly-report-shows-spike-in-delinquent-taxes-but-history-says-the-money-is-on-the-way/) The auctions won’t happen immediately, because there is a lengthy legal process that must take place under state law. Donald said they’re hopeful the first properties will either settle up their debts or go to auction by next summer. Adding the program was one of the priorities in a 100-day report that Donald issued after his first weeks on the job, but he said there was much work to do getting different city departments to coordinate, and making sure there was communication and outreach around the initiative. [How Richmond’s tax sale fund swelled to $9M, with no clear use for the moneyThe revelation of the sum has raised questions about why a supposedly cash-strapped city had that amount of money available and apparently uncommitted to any particular purpose.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-45a2000f-7693-4e05-8b0b-b1c966f5e158.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-2f98afee-439c-41ba-bc93-f569218fe9c7.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/how-richmonds-tax-sale-fund-swelled-to-9m-with-no-clear-use-for-the-money/) In a memo on Monday, he said having a clear process for these properties is crucial. “Good governance in relation to municipal taxation means applying the City's tax laws consistently, transparently, and fairly to every property owner,” he wrote. “It also means Council and the public should be able to trust that enforcement will take place, when it becomes necessary, following a clear and well-documented process.” The 85 properties being reviewed initially are a subset of 7,626 delinquent accounts that the city has identified for review because they meet the tax sale criteria. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0824-1.jpeg) Richmond officials Monte Evans, Odie Donald II, Danny Avula and Greg Lukanuski discuss the city's resumption of auctions for properties with unpaid taxes. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) Donald and Avula said that the system will grow over time as the city builds its capacity. Between fiscal years 2014 and 2023, there were 981 delinquent properties sold at auction, according to data provided by the city. The officials emphasized that they will work with homeowners who are just behind on their taxes. “Our focus is compliance, not displacement,” Donald said. “Those are two very different things.” For Avula, he said the resumption of the auctions is a step towards fulfilling his campaign promises. “So much of what I heard on the campaign trail was, ‘We’ve just got to get back to basics,’” the mayor said. “That does take a lot of work, and it’s taken a lot of rebuilding … We haven’t finished the rebuilding of some of these basic functions, but I do think this is evidence of building the capacity in our Finance Department and bringing back the expertise to be able to handle some of these really basic functions of local government well.” *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### ‘Still classy but very modern’: Historic Woman’s Club home gets a $2.4 million makeover URL: https://www.richmonder.org/still-classy-but-very-modern-historic-womans-club-home-gets-a-2-4-million-makeover/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T13:49:38.000Z For over a century, the beating heart of Richmond’s Bolling Haxall House has been its auditorium — a place where women could gather to hear and discuss new ideas about art, culture, politics and the world. “An open mind,” reads the website of the Woman’s Club of Richmond, which since 1900 has called the historic building its home, “is a fulfilled mind.” This week, the 1,200-member club unveiled a major renovation of the space that leaders say will bring the auditorium into the 21st century while still honoring its legacy as a mainstay of intellectual life in the city’s downtown. “I believe that the 14 wise women who founded the Woman's Club back in 1894 would love this renovation,” said Sylvia Buffington-Lester, the club’s president. “And they would be glad to know that the house that they bought in 1900 is still being so well cared for.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/7E4ACC51-6244-4D15-85A7-E4F1EEE3C6D8_1_201_a.jpeg) Founded in an era when a woman’s place was narrowly circumscribed, the Woman’s Club was an instant success, outgrowing a handful of gathering spaces before its members settled at the 1858 Italianate Bolling Haxall House at 211 East Franklin St. Because Richmond bankers were hesitant about backing such a major purchase by a group of women, the club had to get a loan out of Baltimore. In 1915, [Richmond architecture firm Carneal & Johnston](https://architecturerichmond.com/architects-of-richmond-carneal-johnston/) added the original auditorium to the house, which ever since has been used for regular lectures, theater performances, weddings and other special events. The house as a whole is now listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Today, speakers come to the club to give talks in the auditorium almost weekly. But before the current renovation, the space hadn’t been redone since 1988\. “Ronald Reagan was president,” said Nita Enoch of Nita Enoch Interiors, which did the interior design of the latest revamp. In line with the fashions of the time, the wood used was dark; the colors were heavy on mauve with faux-classical detailing. “It was kind of dated,” said Buffington-Lester. “Now it’s still classy but very modern.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/7B6049B8-BBBE-40F4-A999-BE77D1993D8A_1_201_a-1.jpeg) The newest design takes a lighter, more neutral palette and, crucially, not only includes acoustic upgrades to fix long-running sound problems but opens up long stretches of clerestory windows with a Union Jack design that allow in light from above but had previously been cloaked by painted shades. For further “architectural interest,” Enoch added rows of pilasters on the east and west walls and framed panels on each side of the stage. “We rent this space out for weddings and parties, so it had to appeal to brides and people having parties,” she said. “So that’s why I chose a neutral palette.” Of the $2.4 million needed for the renovation, $2.2 million has been raised. “We are close, but not yet there,” Susan Brewer, chair of the Bolling Haxall House Foundation, told members during a preview of the new auditorium. For the leaders of the Woman’s Club, the renovation is consequential not just because of the improvements it offers to the space where so many of its programs occur, but because it represents an ongoing commitment to staying downtown even while other groups and companies have decamped to the suburbs. “It's so much of our tradition and our history. It's preserving history. It's our investment in downtown Richmond. It's our continued commitment to educating women,” said Sally G. Schwitters, the club’s executive director. “That's what we do here. We open up this space and these women fill this room.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Sept. 28 Newsletter: Remembering Jim Ukrop URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-28-newsletter-remembering-jim-ukrop/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T10:00:31.000Z **Weather:** High of 76 kicks off a pleasant week ahead. **On this date** in 1965, a report says that Richmond and Henrico need to improve cooperation in several areas, including storm drainage and sewers. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/ukrop-3.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonders-remember-the-life-and-legacy-of-jim-ukrop/) ### Richmonders remember the life and legacy of Jim Ukrop We asked for your memories of Jim Ukrop, who died Friday evening at the age of 89\. ([**Read Graham Moomaw's obituary here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/jim-ukrop-grocery-chain-leader-and-richmond-civic-booster-dies-at-89/)) - **Eric Walters, co-founder, Ellwood Thompson's:** "Jim always took my call and was incredibly helpful with his time and advice. He could have just blown me off since I was sort of a competitor, but he never did." - **Laura Markley, general partner, New Richmond Ventures:** "We threw him an 80th birthday party at the office. When we called for a toast he said, 'I pray to God every night to have one more day. I think I can make a difference if I have one more day.' Boy, did he make a difference with every day he had. - **Sarah Abubaker, city councilor:** "Jim believed in me when others hesitated. He invested in me financially and spiritually. It is no overstatement to say I am where I am today because of him. What’s remarkable is that I know hundreds, if not thousands, of others feel the same way." - **Laura Lafayette, Richmond Association of Realtors:** "The Ukrops paid for my grandmother's health insurance from the time of her mandatory retirement at 65 until she died at 105\. Both James (as he was known in our family) and Bobby came to my grandmother's 100th birthday party and her funeral." [**Read more remembrances here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonders-remember-the-life-and-legacy-of-jim-ukrop/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-30.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/bobby-wadkins-out-of-the-rough-after-2022-kidney-transplant/) ### Bobby Wadkins, kidney transplant donor have a bond that goes beyond golf Wadkins, a 2018 inductee into the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune kidney disease in early 2022. ⛳ Trevor Hedgepeth, the golf course superintendent at Kinloch, overheard Wadkins speaking on the phone about it. He asked about the possibility of donating. “I trusted the doctors and trusted the science and medicine. I also trusted the fact that lots of people live with only one kidney, and I was committed to a lifestyle that wouldn’t torpedo being a donor,” he said. This morning, they'll share their story before the National Kidney Foundation Golf Classic in Moseley. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/bobby-wadkins-out-of-the-rough-after-2022-kidney-transplant/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/waterbills-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/emails-amid-public-celebration-data-glitches-were-piling-up-during-dpu-billing-system-transition/) ### Emails: Amid public celebration, data glitches were piling up during DPU billing system transition On the morning of May 26, Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities announced it had successfully launched two new systems meant to track customer accounts and improve service in the field. Around the same time that news release went out at 10 a.m., DPU Senior Deputy Director Jamie Porter noticed some problems. “Team,” Porter wrote in a 9:53 a.m. email. “I am getting error messages from Kubra.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/emails-amid-public-celebration-data-glitches-were-piling-up-during-dpu-billing-system-transition/) **GO BEHIND THE REPORTING:** [**The Richmonder tried to dig deep on DPU billing issues. The city sent a $14.7K FOIA bill**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-tried-to-dig-deep-on-dpu-billing-issues-the-city-sent-a-14-7k-foia-bill/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-29.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-rolling-with-the-punches-richmond-hosts-roller-derby-invitational/) ### PHOTOS: Rolling with the punches: Richmond hosts roller derby invitational Members of the River City River Rats hosted teams from around the country at the People's Battle of Richmond. [**See more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-rolling-with-the-punches-richmond-hosts-roller-derby-invitational/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/RPS_generic_t750x550_d885fc46c41745b3b5de550c70336c1b382931d2-2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-school-activity-provider-says-group-is-facing-a-funding-cliff-asks-for-money-from-upcoming-marijuana-tax/) ### After-school activity provider says group is facing a funding ‘cliff,’ asks for money from upcoming marijuana tax When cannabis sales become legal in Virginia next July, Richmond and other localities will have the option to add a 1% to 3.5% tax to fund four priority areas – K-12 education, public health, economic opportunity and substance abuse and prevention. NextUp, which provides after-school programming for RPS, asked the district to advocate for that local tax to go towards its programming. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-school-activity-provider-says-group-is-facing-a-funding-cliff-asks-for-money-from-upcoming-marijuana-tax/) --- ### In other news - [**Richmond-inspired literary magazine publishes final anthology after celebrated run**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-inspired-literary-magazine-publishes-final-anthology-after-celebrated-run/) - The concept for Makeout Creek came about 20 years ago. Andrew Blossom, a VCU student, pitched the idea of creating a journal to his friends. - [**University of Richmond announces historic $150 million gift at kickoff of a $600 million philanthropic campaign**](https://news.richmond.edu/releases/article/-/28682/university-of-richmond-announces-historic-150-million-gift-at-kickoff-of-a-600-million-philanthropic-campaign.html) (Press release) - The anonymous gift is the largest in the school's history. - [**Chuck Varga, 'one of a kind' founding member of Richmond's GWAR, dead at 68**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/gwar-co-founder-chuck-varga-dead-sept-26-2026) (CBS 6) - Varga co-founded Slave Pit Studios in Richmond, where he helped develop GWAR into one of the most distinctive acts in rock history. - [**Hit-and-run kills Henrico firefighter; police searching for suspect**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/09/26/police-hit-and-run-kills-28-year-old-motorcyclist/) (12 On Your Side) - The firefighter was riding a motorcycle when he was hit by an SUV. He was wearing a helmet at the time. - [**Identical twin doctors who grew up in poverty returned to their Virginia hometown to co-run an ER**](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/identical-twin-doctors-travan-travis-jasper-richmond-virginia-hospital/) (CBS Evening News) - Steve Hartman profiled doctors at Chippenham Hospital. --- ### The editor's desk When I was first pitching the idea of The Richmonder, one thing I heard often was, "Oh, Jim Ukrop is going to love this." Thankfully, he did. It was an incredible honor to have him as one of our early donors. We will carry his memory forward in our work each day to make Richmond a better place. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### High school football: Midlothian delivers statement in Week 5 victory over Huguenot URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-midlothian-delivers-statement-in-week-5-victory-over-huguenot/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T19:18:08.000Z One month into the 2026 high school football season, there are as many what-ifs as sureties. Week 5’s action punctuated the point, nowhere bigger than at Huguenot High School, where the high-powered Falcons offense was shut out (yes, shut out) by a stingy Midlothian defense as the Trojans pulled off a stunning 17-7 win, knocking another team from the ranks of the unbeaten. Who is still without a loss? Thomas Dale, Manchester, Petersburg, Armstrong, Collegiate and Louisa fit the bill. Varina, which handled Henrico on Friday, has a tie. Highland Springs has a loss to now one-loss Huguenot. Dinwiddie has lost three straight as injuries have decimated this perennial power. Even Benedictine fell to 2-3 after a 21-14 loss to Gonzaga. Besides Midlothian’s masterpiece, other Week 5 results of note included: Matoaca defeating Dinwiddie at home for the first time in 20 years 20-16; Hopewell’s offensive rise continuing as the Blue Devils handed Meadowbrook its first loss 40-32; Glen Allen scoring with 8 seconds left to survive Hampton 48-41; and Thomas Jefferson righting the ship by knocking off unbeaten Booker T. Washington on the road 25-12. Check out the complete Week 5 scoreboard and the latest RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll below. [RVA Sports Network![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-1a98a75d-c453-4f89-aa35-d981169501a3.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-27d36da9-b1d2-41d7-8737-12cdc9b62449.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/) ### Week 5 standouts **Midlothian’s defense:** Consider this: Huguenot had scored 130 points in three victories prior to welcoming the Trojans on Friday. The Trojans’ defense held the Falcons scoreless, with Huguenot’s only score coming on an interception return. The Falcons were 1 of 6 on third down and 0 of 4 on fourth down, and Midlo allowed just six earned first downs all game. More on the Trojans’ stellar effort below. **Jakeem Dandridge, Glen Allen:** An insane night for the Jaguars’ running back, who rushed 40 times for 347 yards and three scores, including the late game-winner. Dandridge added 71 receiving yards and a touchdown reception as Glen Allen bested Hampton. **Damarion Wiggins, Mechanicsville:** After returning the opening kickoff 70 yards for a score, Wiggins caught touchdown passes of 12, 46 and 27 yards as the Mustangs moved to 4-1 with a 48-14 triumph over Richmond High School For the Arts. **Shamar Bridgeforth, James River:** On just 11 carries, Bridgeforth churned out 179 rushing yards, including scoring runs of 79 and 38, as the Rapids moved to 4-1, 35-10 winners over Clover Hill. **ShaDarus Pickett, Armstrong:** The bruising back went for 192 yards on the ground, then added four tackles and two pass breakups for good measure as the Wildcats handed King William its first loss 49-14. ### Unsung heroes **Armstrong’s offensive line:** While your defense is containing a star performer such as King William’s K’Sean Hill, you lean on the big beef up front to grind out 305 rushing yards. Tackles Braxton Belin and Jemoine Terry, guards Chris Frazier and Kenneth Thompson and center Mosiah Vaughn were the catalysts of the 49-14 Wildcats victory. **Cannon White, Hanover:** After the Hawks lost their best receiver to injury in the second half, White, a sophomore, got just enough of a block to spring J.K. Daniel, who turned a simple swing pass into an 80-yard pitch and catch to extend the Hawks’ lead to the eventual final of 21-7 over archrival Atlee to move to 3-1. ### Game of the week **Grimsley, N.C. (5-0) at No. 1 Varina (4-0-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The final of three games against defending state champions, the Blue Devils, ranked No. 1 in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 poll, seek revenge after falling just short in a 21-14 battle last October in Greensboro, N.C. The Whirlies have outscored their opponents 196-16. ### Other games we’re watching **No. 4 Manchester (5-0) at No. 6 Midlothian (4-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** No one has scored more than eight points against the Lancers’ defense. Cosby did hold the Manchester offense to just 18 points last week. Can the Midlothian defense lock down Jacory Moore-Carr similar to the way they did Huguenot’s Charles Scott? Can the Trojans also avoid an emotional letdown after such a big win? **No. 9 Huguenot (3-1) at L.C. Bird (3-2), Friday, 7 p.m.:** Purely ironic that this week features the only team to beat Midlothian facing the team that just lost to them. The Skyhawks are coming off a 38-0 loss at Highland Springs. The loser of this contest will have to safeguard themselves psychologically lest their season begins to go sideways. Star Bird defender Chris Whitehead needs to disrupt Falcons QB Charles Scott Jr. early and often. **Phoebus (3-1) at No. 4 Highland Springs (4-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The fourth of six home games for the Springers, who have been getting better week after week. The Phantoms are now led by one-time offensive coordinator Alonzo Coley, and though they aren’t the same team who saw a 51-game winning streak end in 2025, they are still a dangerous opponent. ### Game under the radar **Heritage-Lynchburg (4-0) vs. Thomas Jefferson (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m., Hovey Field, Virginia Union:** The Pioneers held the Vikings scoreless in the second half a season ago in a 25-7 win in Lynchburg. TeeJay shook off the rust and then some from its woeful showing at Hopewell to hand Booker T. Washington its first loss. The tricky part? Forget that you have the second half of the Armstrong game to play Monday evening. ### Beyond the headlines –**The Trojan horse:** The biggest question from fans this weekend is how did Midlothian keep Huguenot from scoring on offense in a 17-7 win? “We actually have been talking for quite a bit with our kids about being able to play against anyone who steps on the field with us,” Midlothian coach Phil Gross told The Richmonder and connected that point to his team’s opening 32-8 loss at L.C. Bird and how they hit the delete button. “We’re a highly capable team here, with potential to be highly successful, and our approach matters,” Gross said. The reboot produced an impressive 28-14 win at Douglas Freeman, then victories over Powhatan and RHSA, setting up the showdown with the Falcons. The gameplan began with defensive coordinator John Fout. “John’s been running a real stingy defense for quite a few years, so honestly, that type of defense for us, at least I hope, is nothing new,” Gross opined. Sure, schemes, fake looks and individual defensive play all were a part of the Trojans success. But the offense did their part, scoring twice in the first half, including a Gibson Gross touchdown run right before the break. And, after Gross threw a pick-six to give Huguenot its only points of the night, that could have opened the floodgates. It did not. Midlothian responded with a drive that ended with a 30-yard field goal by Henry Pittman, a former soccer goalie. Then, a gamble paid off for the Trojans, as the recovered an onside kick to keep the ball out of Scott’s hands. “We looked at film and thought, if (Huguenot) is averaging returning the ball to the 35, 40, 45 because they’re that good on specials with their return team, if we onside the ball, there’s not much difference.” Huguenot had the ball with a first down at the Midlo 7 midway through the fourth but penalties, and more Trojans magic ended that drive on downs. A final Falcons drive ended with a turnover. Gross now has an important win in his drive to move Midlothian from a good to an elite program, and the Trojans can make another statement when they host unbeaten Manchester on Friday. Not bad for a man who stepped away from coaching and was part of the Trojans fanbase that was disappointed when Matt Hutchings resigned after a 9-2 record in 2022. “I was asked to help cover the weight room to help some coaches until they could make some decisions,” Gross recalled. “A lot of people in my life started coming up to me to say. ‘Hey, you need to put yourself out there, return to ball, and do this head coaching thing again.’ ” Saying his return is going well in its fourth season would be, yes, a gross understatement. –**Shakeup in Region 4B:** After five weeks, the lone unbeaten and untied team in this usually rugged region is Louisa at 4-0\. Varina is 4-0-1\. Upstart Mechanicsville turns the corner at 4-1, while Huguenot and Hanover are 3-1\. The other 13 teams in the region have two or more losses. Louisa’s wins are all by one-score margins. Are the Lions persevering, lucky or a bit of both? Former region stalwart King George is having a bounce-back season at 2-2\. The biggest surprise? Dinwiddie, decimated by injuries, has lost three straight after a 2-0 start. Their next three games? At Hopewell, at Petersburg and at Thomas Dale. –**Region 6A check-in:** With Oscar Smith struggling after losing its star quarterback to injury in preseason, Region 6A is looking like a two-horse race. They’re still in the backstretch, but Thomas Dale and Manchester may finally have a season where, if they continue their winning ways, they both can avoid a Thanksgiving playoffs trip to Chesapeake and, maybe, play each other for the region title. The Tigers are 1-2-1 but are certainly not done with a rugged schedule toughening this crew as they head towards November. What if L.C. Bird beats Huguenot on Friday? The Skyhawks suddenly would be in the conversation as well. ### They said it “Let’s give all the credit to the O-line. You know we work hard, we work tirelessly with those guys because they’re young. The coaches? We remind them that we were once ‘you guys’ and we played lights out football, but they say, ‘No, we don’t believe that’, then we put YouTube up and showed them and they’re like, ‘Wow!’ ” – Armstrong coach Jeremy Pruitt on the growth of not just his offensive line but his team, even when the players are skeptical of his “back-in-the-day” discussions “I just do me. The linemen try their best, then I just play football.” – Hopewell freshman quarterback Ar’King Holloway to Danny Lewis of Virginia Preps after the Blue Devils won a 40-32 shootout over Meadowbrook ### Our final play Many times we conclude this column with news about the sport, sometimes controversial. But this week gave us a moment to hold our breath, then reflect about why high school football on a Friday night is unlike anything else in American sport. Midway through the third period of Hanover’s 21-7 win over Atlee, Raiders quarterback Scotty Tompkins was trying to turn the corner to get a first down near midfield. Kayden Hughes, who has made headlines weekly for his offensive prowess, made the tackle along the Hanover sideline. What could not be seen, with a team filled with players standing between the play and the huge crowd in the stands, was how the play concluded. Seconds turned into minutes. Tompkins returned to his huddle. Hughes remained on the field. Moments later, as trainers attended, then Hanover Fire and EMS, on scene for the game, came onto the field, all the disdain between the teams, the student sections and the fan bases immediately dissolved. The Hawks knelt as a team in prayer. The Raiders did, too, then jogged over to the Hanover sideline in a show of unity, concern and support. An Atlee assistant coach and Hanover head coach Sam Rogers embraced. The medical professionals did their work, and, 15 minutes after a seemingly innocuous play, Hughes was taken to a waiting ambulance, flashing the thumbs-up sign to everyone as he began his ride on the stretcher. Only two and a quarter miles separate these two campuses in the heart of Hanover County. And, in that scary moment Friday, the two tribes became one community. It’s a good life reminder to love thy neighbor, even when they’re wearing the other team’s jersey. ### After-school activity coordinator says group is facing a funding ‘cliff,’ asks for money from upcoming marijuana tax URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-school-activity-provider-says-group-is-facing-a-funding-cliff-asks-for-money-from-upcoming-marijuana-tax/ Last updated: 2026-09-30T13:06:44.000Z When cannabis sales become legal in Virginia next July, Richmond and other localities will have the option to add a 1% to 3.5% tax to fund four priority areas – K-12 education, public health, economic opportunity and substance abuse and prevention. At a recent Richmond School Board Legislative Committee meeting, Traymanesha Lamy, CEO of out-of-school time intermediary NextUp, asked RPS to join the organization in advocating for that local tax to go towards after-school programming. Lamy told members that after-school programming hits each of the priority buckets, and addresses a growing funding need. The passage of the extra tax would ultimately require City Council approval, but RPS produces a legislative “wish list” each year ahead of state budget deliberations. Without local funds, the city could apply for funding from the state’s tax, which is estimated to initially produce roughly $10 million annually, said Matthew Stanley, senior policy and advocacy advisor for Richmond Public Schools. But that would put the city "in competition with everyone across the state," Lamy said. "We don't know how much we would receive that way," she said. Lamy pointed to findings from [a recent study conducted by the national nonprofit Afterschool Alliance](https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/VA-richmond/demand) as her reason in asking for the funds. The study showed that only one in five Greater Richmond students are in out-of-school programs, leaving more than 64,000 out. “We have a large wait list. Programs fill up very, very quickly within the out-of-school time space,” Lamy told members, adding that families also face barriers like costs and transportation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2771--1-.jpg) School Board members discuss the proposal at a recent meeting. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) The gaps in access to out-of-school time programs are also present within [pockets of the city’s East End and Southside](https://nextuprva.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Landscape-Study-Part-2-1.pdf), she told The Richmonder in an interview. She added that those gaps can only really be filled with funding. While funding within the out-of-school space has increased, it has not kept up with the demand for programs, she told the RPS committee. NextUp operates on a $4.2 million budget, with 60% of it going towards programming from 177 organizations serving over 2,000 Richmond kids. Just last year, the organization received nearly 200 applications from youth program providers that asked for roughly $3 million, she said. Lamy particularly painted a somewhat grim picture as it pertains to high school students in the city. While programming exists for Richmond high schoolers, they are the most underserved in out-of-school time opportunities, she said. Lamy added that there’s a need for more slots for high school students, and it costs $1,800 per student to fund that, depending on the type of program. “The need is astronomical,” she told The Richmonder. Most of the existing after-school programs for high schools are funded [by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant](https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/federal-programs/essa/title-iv/title-iv-part-b-21st-century-community-learning-centers), she said, funding that comes from the federal government to the state and is funneled down to recipients. The grant has changed its requirements to prioritize applications that serve elementary school students, putting high school programs at risk. That change occurred sometime between 2023 and 2024. “Those programs are on the verge of possibly being cut if their funding is not continued beyond this year,” she told board members. “There's a lot of programming shortfalls on the rise, and we don't want to hit a cliff and then not have enough programming funds.” On the bright side, the number of after-school program slots needed for middle schoolers has decreased due to the organization’s Middle School Alliance – a collaboration between local youth organizations and the city to provide after school and summer programs in all seven Richmond Public middle schools. Using funds from cannabis sales towards supporting youth is not a new concept, as states like California, Colorado, New Jersey and Alaska have done the same thing. Lamy’s pitch seemed to reach the hearts of 1st and 2nd District School Board representatives Matthew Percival and Katie Ricard. “I do love the point of – this is going to increase access, and so let's at least offer programming after school that will hopefully keep them busy and maybe wind up with an adult, wind up with a mentorship,” Ricard said. But there were some initial concerns from School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District), who believes that “schools shouldn’t be in the cannabis business.” “I just want to make sure there's a line of delineation between how we're advocating for what's happening on the back end versus us promoting such efforts on the front end,” she told Lamy. Lamy said she would argue that young people are typically exposed and impacted by substance abuse, making this a potentially valuable program. “If there was an opportunity to take what's already going to happen and pour it into prevention and positive youth development so that our youth have positive spaces to be in and healthier environments with carrying adults … why not use the dollars towards youth that are actually potentially impacted in a negative way by flipping it and making it positive?” Lamy told The Richmonder that the out-of-school time programs help keep students in school, have better grades, graduate and thus have careers. Not having access to these programs can stifle that progress, specifically for high schoolers. “I am deeply, deeply disturbed, because that is our future, that's our future workforce,” she said. *This story and headline has been updated to clarify that NextUp is an out-of-school intermediary, not a provider, clarify that RPS' wish list is for the state budget, and to correctly attribute comments about competition for state funding. Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Bobby Wadkins out of the rough after 2022 kidney transplant URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bobby-wadkins-out-of-the-rough-after-2022-kidney-transplant/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T14:59:38.000Z Throughout his successful, 42-year career as a professional golfer, Bobby Wadkins proved to be quite adept at digging his way out of even the most challenging of lies. An apt student of the game, he possessed the patience, confidence and expertise developed through myriad practice hours to determine and execute just the right shot to overcome those precarious situations that his oft-times fickle game of choice thrust upon him. He never could have imagined, though, that his years of training combined with his fierce competitive spirit actually were preparing him to play the toughest round of his life. A Richmond native and Meadowbrook High School graduate who spent 25 years on the PGA circuit and another 17 on the Champions Tour, Wadkins, a 2018 inductee into the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune kidney disease in early 2022. The symptoms combined with other health issues forced this active, energetic septuagenarian to alter his lifestyle and ultimately created the need for a kidney transplant, the reality of which caught him by surprise. He had no control, he knew, over the way his body was working against itself. As was the case throughout his golf career, he had total control over the way he managed the cheap shot that fate delivered. A lifetime ago, Wadkins, now 75, earned All-America honors at East Tennessee State and won the VSGA Amateur Championship in 1972\. In the ensuing years, he won the VPGA Open – one of two state opens held in Virginia at the time – in 1981, '82, and '83 as well as four Champions Tour events and seven other international competitions. Though he stepped away from tour-level golf a decade ago, rarely a day has passed that he’s not on the course or practice range at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot. “The reason I retired was that I developed diabetes,” he said. “It took away my strength and ability to beat most of those guys (on the circuit). “Golf will always be part of my life. I still hit golf balls. I still love practicing. I still compete against myself. I still don’t like to hit bad shots. I’m very much trying to beat my age, which I do most of the time. “Sometimes, there’re days when I hit the golf ball somewhat like I used to. That’s very rewarding. Then there’re other days where it seems like I never played before, and that makes you want to sell your clubs.” He’s kidding about the latter, of course, for Wadkins isn’t a quitter, a mindset that served him well when life grew challenging. In late 2021, his health took a turn for the worse, and in early January 2022 following a trip to the emergency room, he began a regimen of hemodialysis four times per week. Three months later, he began peritoneal dialysis, which he did 12 hours per day at home. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/3BYFNXH-1.jpg) Richmonder Bobby Wadkins shows off the trophy after winning the 2006 Ford Senior Players Championship in Dearborn, Mich. The major title was the biggest victory of Wadkins' career. (Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press) Just as golf is very much a mental game, dealing with potentially catastrophic health issues is as well. True to his nature, Wadkins refused to wallow in self-pity or go to dark places in his head. “I don’t think that way,” he said. “Nobody else is going to feel sorry for me, so why should I? I don’t think I was ever worried. I mean, I didn’t like it, but I couldn’t do anything about it. I’d always done what I wanted as far as hunting or playing golf or fishing, so just sitting on the couch was the hard part.” He persevered, though, and he competed, just as he always had. “Everything the doctors told me to do, I did,” Wadkins said. “That was from so many hours of practicing (golf). For me to beat people on the tour, I had to outwork them. For me to live, I had to do what my doctor said.” One day in the early spring of 2022, Wadkins was on his phone in the club room at Kinloch talking to his doctor about the possibility of a living donor transplant when Trevor Hedgepeth, the golf course superintendent since 2014, happened by and overheard a snippet of the conversation. ⛳ Wadkins will play in the National Kidney Foundation Golf Classic on Monday at the Magnolia Green Golf Club in Moseley. It is one of several tournaments held locally throughout the country that serve as NKF fundraisers. Before the golfers tee off at 8:30 a.m., Wadkins and Hedgepeth will share their story. Hedgepeth, then 42, had little understanding of the donation process, but he was intrigued by the possibility of helping his friend and readily volunteered to undergo testing to determine compatibility. One thing led to another, and he received a call in April of 2022 when he was on the sixth green with the news that he was a dead-solid perfect match. He remembers that moment vividly. Though he knew this was a distinct possibility, he was stunned. “I called my wife (Meaghann) to tell her,” Hedgepeth said. “I’ll never forget what she said: ‘Do you trust the Lord?’ I said, ‘I do.’ Then she said, ‘Do you trust the doctors?’ I said, ‘I do.’ Then she said, ‘Do you want to help?’ I said, ‘I do.’ Then she said, ‘OK, then do it.’” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Bobby-Trevor-1.JPEG) Bobby Wadkins and Trevor Hedgepeth reunite at Henrico Doctors Hospital after Wadkins received a kidney from Hedgepeth in November 2022\. Hedgepeth followed his faith to guide him through the transplant process. (Linda Wadkins) After further medical and psychological screening, all of which is part of the intense and thorough protocol for living donation, robotic surgery to remove Hedgepeth’s left kidney and implant it in Wadkins occurred Nov. 9, 2022, at the Virginia Transplant Center at Henrico Doctors Hospital. “I jokingly tell people that if my wife and Jesus hadn’t been in my hospital room, I would have bolted from the hospital, and they might have found me on Broad Street with my IV drip,” Hedgepeth said. “But I trusted the doctors and trusted the science and medicine. I also trusted the fact that lots of people live with only one kidney, and I was committed to a lifestyle that wouldn’t torpedo being a donor.” There’s more, which speaks to his ultimate motivation. “I have faith in Christ,” Hedgepeth said. “I have faith in the eternal. I care about my life here on Earth, but I have much more faith in what happens after we die, so I thought, *Hey, if I can help a friend of mine get off dialysis, then I want to do whatever I can*.” Hedgepeth spent two nights in the hospital. Within three weeks, he was back in action. While he’s proud of his altruistic act, he stops well short of acknowledging that he’s a hero. “I’m thrilled for Bobby,” he said. “I certainly want God Himself to get the glory. I struggle to this day to see it as a sacrifice. I’m back to who I was, and Bobby gets to live a normal life. So, glory to God and really happy for life.” Wadkins, who returned to the gym for light workouts about a month post-surgery, is enjoying much improved health, borne out by his renewed energy and positive lab values. That said, he’s grateful beyond words and takes nothing for granted. Each day, he focuses on proper nutrition and hydration. He’s diligent about taking his anti-rejection medications on schedule and keeping his medical appointments. He’s extremely mindful about avoiding the hazards that can befall an immunocompromised organ transplant survivor. Is he really back to normal, though? That depends on your definition of “normal.” After all, how can one truly return to his previous normal after receiving the greatest gift? “It’s a different normal than before,” he said. “I do everything I want to do. I do everything the doctors tell me to do. Every time I go to the golf course and see Trevor, I say, ‘Hey, kidney brother, how’re you doing?’ “But when I go to the beach with my family, I might sit there and say, ‘Oooh, that’s a really nice sunset. Thank you, Trevor.’” 🏥 In 2022 (the year of Wadkins' transplant), 25,500 kidney transplants were performed in the United States: 5,864 were from living donors. Of those, 698 kidney transplants were done in Virginia, with 134 from living donors. At Henrico Doctors Hospital, they did 34 kidney transplants that year, of which 12 were from living donors. There are more than 110,000 people listed for an organ transplant on the national waiting list. Most of them - more than 96,000 - need a kidney. Of the more than 3,400 listed at hospitals in Virginia, more than 3,000 are waiting for a kidney. ### Richmonders remember the life and legacy of Jim Ukrop URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonders-remember-the-life-and-legacy-of-jim-ukrop/ Last updated: 2026-09-28T13:50:59.000Z Richmonders from all walks of life shared their memories of Jim Ukrop, who died Friday evening at the age of 89. The Richmonder invites those who knew him or were impacted by him to share their stories at [**news@richmonder.org**](mailto:news@richmonder.org). [Jim Ukrop, grocery chain leader and Richmond civic booster, dies at 89He was “one of Richmond’s most consequential business and civic leaders in our lifetime,” according to former Venture Richmond leader Jack Berry.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a677d453-b67e-4ce4-baa5-eff82e7e4d92.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/ukrop-34c6b7a0-d187-479f-b17d-9bd875309804.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/jim-ukrop-grocery-chain-leader-and-richmond-civic-booster-dies-at-89/) ### Mayor Danny Avula "This weekend, Richmond lost an incredible leader, laborer and friend. Jim Ukrop's influence on the greater Richmond community has been profound. "At a time when many business leaders found it easier to disengage from the city and its issues, Jim believed deeply in the importance of Richmond, and poured his time, energy and resources into charting its course for the future." ### Eric Walters, co-founder, Ellwood Thompson's "Jim always took my call and was incredibly helpful with his time and advice. He could have just blown me off since I was sort of a competitor, but he never did. "I called once with a vexing situation and he confirmed we were doing the right things and to just keep moving forward. I will always remember his kindness and helpfulness." ### Laura Markley, General Partner, New Richmond Ventures "I had the privilege for working with Jim for more than 10 years at New Richmond Ventures. About a week after I started, he took me to lunch, looked me in the eyes and said, 'There won't be a trailer behind my hearse.' "I did a confused deer-in-the-headlights stare back and he explained, 'I won't be one of those people that tries to take it all with them. I want to give it away now, to people who need it. That's what this firm is about, finding people and ideas and helping them.' "He was such a generous and warm-hearted person, who continually found ways to give to both big organizations and individual needs. One of my other favorite memories was when we threw him an 80th birthday party at the office. When we called for a toast he said, 'I pray to God every night to have one more day. I think I can make a difference if I have one more day.' Boy, did he make a difference with every day he had. ### Barbara Couto Sipe, CEO, United Way of Greater Richmond "Jim was a trusted advisor to so many of us in the nonprofit community. His passion and philanthropy for education and helping all children thrive has helped countless numbers of young people. We all owe Jim a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. "Love and prayers to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Jim." ### Sen. Tim Kaine "Jim Ukrop played an irreplaceable role in Richmond’s renaissance and also served as one of my first and most consistent supporters as I entered public life. I visited him recently to tell him how much he meant to me and will miss him deeply." ### Gov. Abigail Spanberger "Jim Ukrop leaves behind a large legacy of civic leadership and business acumen, and I know he will be profoundly missed by many in Richmond and across Virginia. He was a steadfast believer in investing in community and public education, and worked for many years on revitalizing Richmond. I join so many Virginians in sending thoughts to his family, friends, and the extensive community he leaves behind." ### A.J. Hostetler "In the run-up to Christmas, I was in a long checkout line at Ukrops. Jim Ukrop was bagging customer groceries. "Ahead of me in that long line was a young man with a package of shucked corn on the cob. When he finally got to the cashier, he was told that no, he couldn't pay with a credit card (this was the late 90s). He lost his temper, threw down the corn and stalked off in disgust. "Jim saw what happened and grabbed the corn and ran after the guy. Through the store windows, I could see that he caught up to the guy and gave him the corn. When he returned, he told me that the guy deserved to have a happy holiday dinner." ### Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi "An iconic figure, a true business and civic leader, Jim has long been one of the most compelling visionaries in Richmond and Virginia. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, innumerable friends, and all his colleagues." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Me-and-Jim-Folk-Festival.jpeg) Sarah Abubaker and Jim Ukrop (Contributed photo) ### Sarah Abubaker, City Councilor "Richmond was more interesting, more fun, and more fair because of Jim Ukrop. When I think about the arc of my life and career, Jim or his influence was there at every critical turn. He supported me when I moved from politics into Richmond’s nonprofit world, advocated for my education and let me bounce ideas off him. We shared a love for this city, frustration with its shortcomings and a belief that it could always do better. "Jim believed in me when others hesitated. He invested in me financially and spiritually. It is no overstatement to say I am where I am today because of him. What’s remarkable is that I know hundreds, if not thousands, of others feel the same way. I hope we can honor him by carrying his vision forward and continuing to make Richmond better." ### Laura Lafayette, CEO, Richmond Association of Realtors "My parents, who are 90 and 88, met and fell in love while working at the first Ukrops "store" in Southside. My grandmother and two great aunts worked as cashiers at the store for their entire working life. "The Ukrops paid for my grandmother's health insurance from the time of her mandatory retirement at 65 until she died at 105\. Both James (as he was known in our family) and Bobby came to my grandmother's 100th birthday party and her funeral. "All of the Dillard cousins worked at Ukrops. I can still remember my orientation: Bobby preached the Golden Rule. Jim asked each of us what we liked best about our job. We all said this and that; Jim said, not true. The best thing is the paycheck. My uncle spent his entire career working with Jim and Bobby. For me to work at Ukrops as a teenager and then to be mentored by and serve alongside Jim in so many different civic endeavors over the last 30 years has been such an incredible, humbling privilege. I will miss him. Godspeed." ### Jennifer McClellan, U.S. Congress "Jim’s passion for closing the racial divides in the former Capital of the Confederacy knew no limits. A self-described 'dot connector,' he loved identifying young talent and connecting them to people who could help them reach their full potential. I am honored to be one of the dots he helped connect over the years, and to have called him a friend." ### Scott Garka "Jim Ukrop was one of several people I was encouraged to meet when I first joined CultureWorks in my first role leading a nonprofit organization. ... Frankly, I was intimidated to think about meeting him. "When we finally met, he made me feel so welcome and all that intimidation washed away. He was so humble, and welcoming, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know each other. I treasure the many coffees we had over the years when I sought his advice and we got to know each other a bit. He was a believer in the power of arts and culture to build a stronger community." ### Tom Silvestri "Jim Ukrop is a legend, leaving a huge void in the Richmond Region. He was always thinking of better ways – to operate businesses, to improve our communities’ qualify of life and, in particular, to raise up education. He did it collaboratively, pulling everyone along so the whole was stronger than the parts. "I lost count how many times I would sit near him at some meeting or event and leave with a pocketful of notes — ideas, what ifs, solutions, projects, names to contact, actions to take, things to do. He wanted the best for all of us. Jim Ukrop was Richmond’s ultimate, charismatic Big Brother. "Heartfelt condolences to his family." ### Glenwood Burley "Jim Ukrop's wealth was his kindness, and a sincere interest in his Richmond Community. His wealth was the reality of his contributions to so many worthy causes that enhanced citizens of all ages. His politics was the betterment for everyone. A lifelong supporter of the law enforcement family, Jim will always be cherished and appreciated." ### William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe "Jim Ukrop was a lifelong innovator: pragmatic, savvy, and farsighted, and joyfully committed to the prosperity of his communities. His alma mater was the grateful beneficiary of his loyal leadership. We send our deepest sympathy to Bobbie, their children, grandchildren, and extended family. We will miss Jim’s friendship and his spirited presence at Tribe Athletics events. With great affection, we will continue to steward his legacy of excellence at William & Mary." ### Scott Hammer “About 20 years ago, I mentioned that I lived on Floyd Avenue. “When I got into the grocery business, Jim said, ‘My father said to me, 'never take a check from anyone who lives on Floyd Avenue.’ He said it with a smile and a wink, so I knew he was just needling me. “At least half a dozen times over the next decade or so, I'd run into Jim at one networking event or another. Every time, Jim would say ‘You're that consultant who lives on Floyd Avenue, aren't you? You know when I got into the grocery business…’ “Even though I had moved off Floyd Avenue, I'd always say ‘that's right, Jim, but my checks are good.’ “Jim was a great force for good in our community, and I feel blessed and honored to have known him, if only casually. He will be missed. RIP, Jim.” 📝 Send your memories of Jim Ukrop to [****news@richmonder.org**](mailto:news@richmonder.org), and we'll publish a selection in Monday's newsletter. ### Jim Ukrop, grocery chain leader and Richmond civic booster, dies at 89 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/jim-ukrop-grocery-chain-leader-and-richmond-civic-booster-dies-at-89/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T15:55:54.000Z Ukrop’s Super Markets started with a single tiny store in South Richmond, a Great Depression-era business venture made possible by mortgaging the family farm for $1,000. After Jim Ukrop joined the family business in 1960 as a fresh college graduate, he convinced his father to open a second store. That was the first of many expansions that turned Ukrop’s into Richmond’s leading grocery chain with dozens of locations across the region. It also set Ukrop on the path to an influential role in the civic life of his hometown, giving him the resources and connections to shape Richmond’s economic and cultural growth for decades. Ukrop died Friday evening at age 89, according to his family. His health had been declining for some time, and his passing was not unexpected. He was “one of Richmond’s most consequential business and civic leaders in our lifetime,” according to former Venture Richmond leader Jack Berry, who asked Ukrop to co-chair his 2016 campaign for mayor. “He didn’t just write checks. He showed up,” Berry said. “He was personally involved in community initiatives all over town. And he did it with kindness, humility and love for this city.” A graduate of John Marshall High School and William & Mary, Ukrop became the grocery chain’s president in 1974, a title he kept for two decades until it was passed to his younger brother, Bobby, who also had an active role in running and growing the business. When asked to explain their grocery success over the years, the Ukrops often pointed to the Golden Rule, friendliness and a commitment to customer service. In a 1991 interview, Jim Ukrop said the goal was to make people “feel better when they leave than when they come in.” [Richmonders remember the life and legacy of Jim Ukrop“At a time when many business leaders found it easier to disengage from the city and its issues, Jim believed deeply in the importance of Richmond.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c507c066-58b0-4b82-8d29-6aa2edc01f2c.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/ukrop-2-6ce1c0f2-4c57-4151-92b5-0d910f85cf53.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonders-remember-the-life-and-legacy-of-jim-ukrop/) Food Lion gradually gained a bigger share of the Richmond area’s grocery business. Ukrop’s sold its 25 stores to Giant-Carlisle in 2010 for about $140 million. The stores transitioned to the Martin’s brand after the sale, but Ukrop’s continued on as a smaller food manufacturing operation. Ukrop’s products are still sold today by other retailers and at the Ukrop’s Market Hall in Henrico County. It wasn’t just the supermarkets’ famous rainbow cookies, chicken salad and White House rolls that made the Ukrops one of Richmond’s most prominent families. Jim and Bobby’s parents, Joseph and Jacquelin Ldevia Ukrop, were among the first businesspeople chosen for induction in the Richmond Business Hall of Fame. Jim Ukrop also served as chairman of First Market Bank, a supermarket banking offshoot that started inside Ukrop’s stores. In his post-grocery career, he went on to co-found New Richmond Ventures, which looked to invest in promising local startups. “He was a do-er. He was a risk-taker,” said Ted Ukrop, one of Jim’s sons. One of his mantras was “actions speak louder than words,” according to Scott Ukrop, another son. Outside of his business and civic work, his main hobby was golf. “He used to say, ‘I work for fun and I play golf for tension,’” said Ted Ukrop. Jim met his wife, Bobbie, at William & Mary. A member of the class of 1960, he was deeply involved at his alma mater, serving two terms on the school’s Board of Visitors. Jim Ukrop played several other influential roles promoting Richmond’s business community and charitable causes, including support for the city’s public schools and the education-focused nonprofit Communities in Schools. He was particularly focused on efforts to recruit talented teachers to work for Richmond Public Schools. “Jim’s passion was helping other people pursue their passion, particularly urban entrepreneurs, public school kids and community builders,” said Berry. “He believed in diversity and inclusion before it was generally adopted in the corporate sector… He believed in wealth creation. That was a key to the future of many people who had been left behind.” One Richmonder who credits Ukrop for playing a major role in her life is Zarina Fazaldin, who was born in Kenya, educated in India and now has a real estate career with a focus on restoring historic city homes. She worked waitressing jobs after graduating from VCU, but dreamed of starting her own business. Getting advice and loans from Ukrop, she said, helped her do that. Fazaldin still keeps a handwritten note on Ukrop’s stationary that she received in 1995\. In it, Ukrop urged her to “remember to keep focused on your dream.” “He did a lot not only for me, he did a lot with others,” Fazaldin said. “But he never talked about it.” One of his major civic interests was the revitalization of downtown Richmond. In the early 1980s, he was involved in the formation of the downtown booster group Richmond Renaissance. He helped with the creation of the Richmond Folk Festival, one of the city’s most popular annual traditions. He was also a founding director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, which led an effort to fundraise for what is now the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts. That wasn’t an easy project, said John W. Bates III, a longtime friend of Ukrop’s who worked closely with him on the theater effort. As many volunteer-led efforts do, Bates said, it could’ve collapsed when things got rough. Because of Ukrop, he said, it didn’t. “He kind of has a sense for wanting to help the underdog,” Bates said. “In the 70s and 80s, the city was an underdog.” His forays into city issues occasionally drew pushback from critics who characterized him as a member of the white business elite seeking to use wealth to get his way. Despite that criticism, he insisted he was just trying to make Richmond a better place. “I want to do whatever we can do to help the city to reach its full potential – economically, socially and politically. That benefits our business," Ukrop told a Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter in 1993, explaining why he had helped upstart David Hicks defeat controversial incumbent Joe Morrissey in that year’s Democratic primary for commonwealth’s attorney. With a Baptist streak, the Ukrops were known for their morals and values. The family-owned grocery stores were closed on Sundays and didn’t sell alcohol. In the mid-1990s, Jim Ukrop got into a feud with shock jock Howard Stern after he urged advertisers to boycott Stern’s radio show due to its sexually explicit content. “He had the courage of his convictions, maybe without always thinking about consequences,” said Scott Ukrop. “It was always the hard right over the easy wrong.” One of his more recent civic endeavors was helping lead opposition to proposals to bring a casino to Richmond. He argued gambling wouldn’t bring the promised economic benefits casino supporters said it would. In a 2009 interview with the RTD, both brothers said they didn’t particularly enjoy the public scrutiny that came with being a Ukrop. The perception that the Ukrops were influence-wielding power brokers, Jim Ukrop said at the time, was “troublesome.” “Would the community be better off if I just went fishing?” he said. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org)*.* 📝 Send your memories of Jim Ukrop to [****news@richmonder.org**](mailto:news@richmonder.org), and we'll publish a selection in Monday's newsletter. *VCU, Venture Richmond and the Ukrop family, all mentioned in this story, are donors to The Richmonder, which is community funded. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Read our editorial policy* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*, learn about The Richmonder's funding* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/)*or learn more about The Richmonder and our mission* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/)*.* ### Richmond-inspired literary magazine publishes final anthology after celebrated run URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-inspired-literary-magazine-publishes-final-anthology-after-celebrated-run/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T20:44:10.000Z Bart Simpson is a faith healer. In the season 11 episode “Faith Off” of “The Simpsons,” Bart “cures” the poor eyesight of his friend Milhouse, among other “miracles.” No longer wearing his glasses, Milhouse mistakes an oncoming truck for a dog and is struck. He then utters what he believes will be his last words on Earth: “Bury me at Makeout Creek.” This scene served as the inspiration for the name of Makeout Creek, a literary journal and book publisher with deep roots in Richmond. On Sunday, Makeout Creek will hold an event at Brave Captain as part of the book tour for the recently [published “Everything’s Coming Up Makeout: A Retrospective.”](https://makeoutcreek.com/product/everythings-coming-up-makeout-a-retrospective/) The concept for Makeout Creek came about over drinks and conversation 20 years ago at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference in Austin. Andrew Blossom, who was in the midst of completing his MFA in creative writing at VCU at the time, pitched the idea of creating a journal to his friends. “We found the stuff that really felt like it gelled with the sense of what we like to read, but also with what we wanted the magazine to put out into the world,” Blossom said. “We were always open to strange and weird stuff. We were open to stuff that was a little out there.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Blossom-at-a-reading-in-Pittsburgh-in-2023.-1.jpeg) Andrew Blossom at a reading in Pittsburgh. (Contributed photo) At the publication’s core was an editorial board that often included Blossom, his fellow VCU MFA classmates Lauren Maas and Cynthia Grier Lotze, and Greg Koehler, among others. “The range of stories is really broad, so there’s lots of fiction, poetry and criticism, and found material too,” said Maas, who is now brand manager for the Rhode Island School of Design. “It definitely has a zine quality to it that we are happy to embrace. It’s more casual, but the quality of the fiction and poetry is high.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2867.jpeg) The anthology, which is available to purchase at World of Mirth, comes in at 580 pages. Though none of the four lives in Richmond at the moment, Blossom says the River City is undoubtedly part of Makeout Creek’s DNA. “It is born of Richmond in a lot of ways, though not only of Richmond,” Blossom said. “It’s something that has always been shaped by and influenced by Richmond and by contributors from Richmond, or people who have spiritual connections to Richmond, or are expatriates.” Indeed, though Blossom moved to Washington state in 2022, he was involved with some of Richmond’s more interesting cultural happenings during his 18 years here. Not only did Blossom work at Chop Suey Books and video rental store Video Fan, but he tried to save the latter before it ultimately closed in 2017\. He co-founded Movie Club, an organization that hosted monthly movie screenings, co-created the “Twin Peaks” festival “The Great Southern,” and helped bring director John Waters to the Byrd Theatre in 2022. As Makeout Creek’s editorial board moved farther apart from each other over the years, the journal became a reason for its editors and contributors to stay in touch. Maas, who worked at VCU’s Qatar campus after finishing grad school, says the journal kept her connected to Richmond. “For me, personally, it was a great way to stay in touch with my friends and keep working on something that was based in the states,” said Maas. “Andy is the engine and the heart and soul of this project.” The journal’s eighth and final issue took years to pull together. “We really went all out,” said Koehler, who holds an MFA in poetry and now lives in San Antonio. “We printed in color. We got everybody that we had wanted to be in the magazine who hadn’t been in the magazine yet. We had kids do drawings, nephews and all of that, and put together this big extravaganza issue.” The process of reaching out to people for the final issue ultimately inspired the anthology, which is available for purchase online and at World of Mirth. “It was really this extensive process of reconnecting with people and revisiting all these phases of our lives,” Blossom said. “It came together in this really lovely collection that’s also very giant.” “Everything’s Coming Up Makeout” — another “Simpsons” reference — weighs in at a whopping 580 pages; its dedication is “for Milhouse, who pointed the way.” The collection features cover art by Steve Keene, the artist who created work for music acts like Silver Jews, Pavement, The Apples in Stereo and Dave Matthews Band. Contributors include Silver Jews’ David Berman, novelist Brian Castleberry, writer Clay McLeod Chapman, novelist and retired VCU creative writing professor Tom De Haven, and poet Tarfia Faizullah, among many others. One of Blossom’s favorite pieces in the anthology is “Dorchester Diary” by Muki Mahan. “It’s a diary of living in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and going to all its dive bars and all the people he encountered there,” Blossom said. “It’s very bleak and funny and tough at times.” Another is Keith Montesano’s “The Author As Student Who Has a Crush on Tina and Watches Outside Her Window As She’s Murdered by Freddy in ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street,’” which depicts exactly what the title makes it sound like. “It’s an invented character that Keith created who is not someone who is actually onscreen in ‘Nightmare on Elm Street,’ but is of the world of the movie,” Blossom explained. “Keith builds this sense of loss for the character, but also this whole imagined world, and, particularly, a world of sorrow, that is so incredibly and concisely expressed.” There’s also a journal that was donated among other books to Chop Suey circa 2010\. Longtime Chop Suey owner Ward Tefft found the diary and gave it to Blossom after realizing they couldn’t track down its owner. Makeout Creek published the entire diary in both its fifth issue and in the anthology. “It’s the diary of a kid who graduates from high school in Rhode Island in 1975, but then he goes to work on Block Island for the summer,” Blossom said. “He’s working in vacation bars and he’s feeling all the big feelings of being a teenager and feeling things for certain girls.” In the book’s intro, Lotze writes that few of them realized that “Makeout Creek” would evolve “from sweaty readings at Chop Suey Books and a thousand vegan Caesar salads at Ipanema” into a sort of yearbook for those involved. “This magazine loves cats and checking in on friends,” writes Lotze, a former St. Catherine’s School teacher who now lives in Minneapolis. “This magazine adores a dive bar. This magazine quit smoking and started saying ‘I love you’ at the end of phone calls. This magazine has had so many mailing addresses but always kept its headquarters in creator Andrew Blossom’s steadfast (also tender) heart. “Here are these words, these people, this place, this time, this collective incantation whose meaning will be revealed only in the end, whenever that may be. Not soon, reader.” *Readings from “Everything’s Coming Up Makeout” will take place Sunday, Sept. 27, at Brave Captain, 729 W. Cary St. For more information visit* [*makeoutcreek.com*](https://makeoutcreek.com/)*.* ### PHOTOS: Rolling with the punches: Richmond hosts roller derby invitational URL: https://www.richmonder.org/photos-rolling-with-the-punches-richmond-hosts-roller-derby-invitational/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T18:29:14.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK04.JPG) Deadly Long Legs of the River City River Rats spins around Roller Gator of the Kill Devil Derby Brigade. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK09.JPG) Thai-GRRR of API Fury comes to a stop during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on September 19\. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK14.JPG) The Little Swole Maid of the River City Riot and Re-Flux of the Orlando Ozone Slayers skate ahead of the pack during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK01.JPG) Winona RideHer of the River City River Rats (right) skates past Mobsta of the Kill Devil Derby Brigade. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK11.JPG) AP Fury and Patuxent Roller Derby face off. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK19.JPG) Raven Darkhold of River City Riot smiles during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK02.JPG) Winona RideHer of the River City River Rats (left) skates ahead of Moxie Oxenfree of the Kill Devil Derby Brigade. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK03.JPG) Deadly Long Legs of the River City River Rats tries to push between Dissonant Darling and Nut & Jam of the Kill Devil Derby Brigade. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK05.JPG) Bad Lass of the River City River Rats gives fans high fives during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK06.JPG) Fern Skully of the Kill Devil Derby Brigade laughs as she tumbles to the ground. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK08.JPG) Whiplash of the Patuxent Roller Derby skates during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on September 19\. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK10.JPG) Olive A. Sudden of API Fury collides with Ah!Laska of Patuxent Roller Derby. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK12.JPG) Fans cheer during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK13.JPG) River City Roller Riot teammates cheer during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on September 19\. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK15.JPG) A look at one skater's design during The People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK16.JPG) Pixel Whip of River City Riot breaks away from the pack. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK17.JPG) Fans cheer for Tonya Farting of the River City Riot. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK18.JPG) Tonya Farting of River City Riot tries to get around Donuts of the Orlando Ozone Slayers. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/091926_RollerDerby_RMK20.JPG) Fans high five River City Riot players during the People’s Battle of Richmond roller derby tournament at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on September 19\. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ### Emails: Amid public celebration, data glitches were piling up during DPU billing system transition URL: https://www.richmonder.org/emails-amid-public-celebration-data-glitches-were-piling-up-during-dpu-billing-system-transition/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T17:07:30.000Z On the morning of May 26, Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities announced it had successfully launched two new systems meant to track customer accounts and improve service in the field. An “abundance of testing, training, dress rehearsals and validations” had laid the groundwork for a successful rollout, DPU said, but officials would continue to watch for issues that might impact customers. Around the same time that news release went out at 10 a.m., DPU Senior Deputy Director Jamie Porter noticed some problems. “Team,” Porter wrote in a 9:53 a.m. email. “I am getting error messages from Kubra.” A data connection between the KUBRA payment platform and DPU’s new Oracle Customer Cloud Service, which held customer account info, seemed off. A data integration process called “CCSKubra\_GetBill” was repeatedly throwing up error notifications. “I’ve received about 80 of these emails,” Porter wrote seven minutes later, just as DPU’s celebratory news release was going out. The data issues were causing several problems, according to internal emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The FOIA request sought records between May 26, the day DPU announced it had successfully launched the new system, and June 1, the first time DPU sent a news release acknowledging there’d been a “system glitch.” Customer service agents were unable to pull up bill information in the new system, and couldn’t schedule service appointments. Some service orders weren’t going through at all. “Until these issues are resolved; to have documentation of the issue and the customer's needs, we are submitting tickets,” wrote contractor Tiffany Blackaby. There also seemed to be issues with meter read data coming in from the field. “I imported the file. The main route is only showing 588 meters. Last month there were 8515 meters,” DPU business systems specialist Sherri Porter wrote on May 26. The problems seemed particularly serious for data involving PromisePay plans, which allow customers to pay off past due balances by splitting them up into monthly installments. According to the emails, some PromisePay accounts were showing no balances, no service address or no due dates. In data terms, those fields were “null.” “I wanted to check in again on the null due dates: Instead of leaving them as null, can we please set the due date to the next date a bill will be issued?” wrote a contractor for the PromisePay vendor. At one point, more than 1,000 accounts were showing up with a null service address. At least one account was showing late charges, which isn’t supposed to happen with PromisePay customers who are trying to get caught up. That forced the programming team to try to find a fix in the Oracle system to detach late charges from PromisePay accounts. On June 1, there seemed to be confusion about which aspects of the system were going live when. A DPU employee informed the Kubra team the city wasn’t receiving some payments through its online billing platforms because the systems weren’t connecting right. “We were receiving transactions from your test system to our production prior to go live,” wrote DPU’s Max Pop. “Would you kindly have a look and see if you are attempting to send us transactions.” Faisal Alvi, a senior project manager at KUBRA, indicated the connection at issue wasn’t up and running yet. “It is part of the MyHQ/EZPAY changes that will Go live at a later date,” Alvi wrote. Some staffers seemed to have trouble using the live customer system instead of the test version. One email sought help for someone whose system kept going back to the testing status. “Can you assist or advise what she needs to do to get in the production screen,” a DPU customer care specialist wrote. “She has reset her password, log out the system and logged back in. I\[t\] goes back to test.” The emails offer a narrow window into some of the issues, not a complete picture. The Richmonder attempted to file a broader FOIA request to capture emails across a wider time period. The city said the broader requests would return thousands of emails and cost thousands of dollars. [The Richmonder tried to dig deep on DPU billing issues. The city sent a $14.7K FOIA billIf the fee was paid, officials warned, it would probably only lead to “highly redacted” documents.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e8901aad-7c4e-4549-a20f-f43a1eed51cf.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-1-ba073f02-0ad2-446f-8524-98037f773f1a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-tried-to-dig-deep-on-dpu-billing-issues-the-city-sent-a-14-7k-foia-bill/) At a news conference this month, Mayor Danny Avula and other officials acknowledged the city hadn’t done the greatest job of communicating with the public about the DPU billing problems. “This is one of many technology deployments that we've done over the past year and a half or so,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “But we've had some challenges.” Despite the issues, DPU Director Scott Morris said the overall data integrity of customer accounts “has remained intact the entirety of the transition.” “So if a customer does have concern with any of the accuracy of their account, we can happily give them an audit of their account and show that there is an accurate accounting of any type of metering or consumption on their bill,” Morris said. City officials said this month that the billing issues seem to be stabilizing, a trend reflected in declining call volumes to DPU’s customer service center. Once the transition issues have been worked, DPU has said, the new systems will help city residents by making bills clearer and improving the efficiency of DPU work being done in the field. System and coding hiccups are fairly common in large-scale software projects. Given the extent of the problems, the mayor said this month the city will own it “when we miss the mark on something.” Officials have acknowledged there were premature declarations of the project’s success, some of which also shows up in the internal emails. On May 28, a few days before DPU acknowledged the glitch an email went out with the heading “Extraordinary thank you to an extraordinary Team!” Porter, the DPU deputy director, thanked the Oracle project team for "successfully implementing our new cloud-based Customer Information System in just 22 months.” “Congratulations to everyone involved in the significant accomplishment,” Porter wrote. “Project Synergy!” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### The Richmonder tried to dig deep on DPU billing issues. The city sent a $14.7K FOIA bill URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-tried-to-dig-deep-on-dpu-billing-issues-the-city-sent-a-14-7k-foia-bill/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T17:07:48.000Z As thousands of city residents were having trouble with utility bills this summer, The Richmonder filed a public records request to try to find out what went wrong with a planned overhaul of the customer account system that generates monthly bills. The city said the information would cost $14,784\. If the fee was paid, officials warned, it would probably only lead to “highly redacted” documents. The Freedom of Information Act request was broad, seeking emails between the Department of Public Utilities and two prominent IT vendors, Oracle and KUBRA, about the billing system project over roughly three months. The date range for the request was May through Aug. 5, a window that covered the immediate run up to DPU’s “Project Synergy” system transition and the time when residents were having the most problems with bills. According to the city’s FOIA office, more than 10,000 emails fell within that scope. Reviewing them for public release, the city said, would cost $44.80 per hour. Public bodies are allowed to charge for time spent processing FOIA requests, but it’s not required. Efforts to narrow the FOIA request cut the bill some, but not much. Limiting it only to DPU officials with “director” in their job title lowered the cost to $8,960 for around 6,000 emails, the city said. Cutting out the entire month of May only dropped the cost to $7,884. [Emails: Amid public celebration, data glitches were piling up during DPU billing system transitionThe data issues were causing several problems, according to internal emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ec60dbcc-cb23-42e0-b194-765dc31406b9.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/waterbills-a0d4af2f-b2da-4353-9b6f-61b2800d7562.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/emails-amid-public-celebration-data-glitches-were-piling-up-during-dpu-billing-system-transition/) The Richmonder asked if emails were being counted several times because they might be duplicated across multiple inboxes and repeated with each new reply to an email thread. Duplicates are a common issue that can drive up costs for FOIA requests involving emails. Officials can reduce processing times by de-duplicating records, allowing each email to only be reviewed once. The city said “clearly identifiable” duplicates had been excluded from the count, but there could be more. Asked if there was a way to weed out routine troubleshooting messages, the city said it had to go through each individual email. The counts represented “actual emails,” the FOIA office said, not “system generated notifications.” Reducing the scope to only the week of the new system’s launch in late May and early June had a more dramatic cost impact. The final estimate was $585, based on 392 emails. That worked out to about $1.50 per email. After the fee was paid, the city released 635 pages filled with duplicate copies of the same emails. One email from the morning of May 26 flagging “a few issues” with the new system shows up 21 times. A significant portion of the records were automated Oracle error messages that were filling inboxes as DPU’s systems malfunctioned. The phrase “This is an automated mail. Do not reply to this message” appears on nearly a third of the pages the city released. Those emails came from the same sender, “OIC Mail Service,” and had the same subject line saying an error had occurred. An AI-assisted review of the 635-page document indicates most of the emails were automated error notifications, with somewhere around 150 messages written by humans. The city also overestimated the cost, guessing it would take 13 hours to review 392 emails. The actual time was nine hours, officials said, which means the city owes a 30% refund of nearly $180. It’s unclear if the original estimate of nearly $15,000 was similarly inflated. Ross Catrow, the city’s communications director, said he couldn’t answer specific questions this week about how the FOIA request was processed, because the DPU employee who handled it was out of the office. “Generally, the City’s FOIA Officers try to balance de-duplicating responsive records, keeping review costs down, and ensuring all unique responsive records are produced,” Catrow said in an email. Catrow said he could not say if DPU attempted to de-duplicate the emails before giving the first cost estimate, and could not describe any steps taken to identify and exclude auto-generated error messages. The city didn’t use an email de-duplication feature included in its new FOIA software, JustFOIA, Catrow said. The software company advertises that feature as a way to avoid “reviewing the same emails multiple times.” “Just four months in, the City’s FOIA Officers are still getting comfortable with the platform. We will definitely look into this feature to see if it can help us improve both the efficiency in how we handle requests and the costs of those requests to residents,” Catrow said. During the process, The Richmonder asked if the city would consider waiving the charges due to the high public interest in the DPU billing issue. The city didn’t grant that request. At a press conference about the DPU billing problems this month, Mayor Danny Avula stood by the decision to charge for the records. He said his team is continually trying to improve the FOIA process and work with the media to make requests manageable. “We’re not trying to make money off of it,” Avula said. “We don’t want to have to charge you for it. But it does take a significant amount of time that ultimately we're accountable to the taxpayers for.” Before the city gave the first cost estimate, the FOIA office indicated the requested records would be filled with sensitive or confidential information that would require extensive review. FOIA Officer Julia Holmes said the resulting emails would be “highly redacted to protect proprietary and/or confidential information.” “The redactions would be taken to protect information that would jeopardize the safety or security of a government facility or operations,” Holmes wrote. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/redactions.png) The smaller set of emails the city eventually released — about a month and a half after the request was filed Aug. 5 — had fairly light redactions. During the nine-hour review, officials blacked out a few customer account numbers and relatively basic IT information like the names of servers, files and data formats, invoking a FOIA exemption related to “cybersecurity threats.” That exemption covers “information not lawfully available to the public regarding specific cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities.” The emails contained no discussion of cybersecurity threats. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Sept. 25 Newsletter: Spooky season begins URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-25-newsletter-spooky-season-begins/ Last updated: 2026-09-25T10:00:06.000Z **Weather:** A beautiful weekend in the mid-70s here, but beachgoers beware as heavy rains pummel the coast all weekend. **On this date** in 1985, a national poll finds that teachers believe schools are not doing enough to develop ethical character in students. 🎭 ****LAST CHANCE:** Our silent auction to support local news ends at 7 p.m. tonight. [****Bid here!**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/auctions/silent-auction) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2J0M3WP--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-haunted-houses-are-a-year-round-effort-for-their-owners/) ### Richmond's haunted houses are a year-round effort for their owners Richmond's haunted houses will put a scare into people all October long. But for the owners, September is truly frightening. “You will probably not sleep more than three hours any given night. You will eat poorly,” said one operator, who has been working to prepare for tonight's opening night. Just like a movie, haunted houses go through pre-production too, figuring out new characters, sets, logistics, and a whole new story each year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-haunted-houses-are-a-year-round-effort-for-their-owners/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_3372-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-council-vets-major-solar-deal-cao-says-hes-extremely-comfortable-with-it/) ### As Council vets major solar deal, CAO says he’s ‘extremely comfortable’ with it The pending contract to put solar panels on dozens of city buildings has been in the planning stages for months. Along the way, there’s been tension as various departments worked out details of how Richmond could reap the savings and climate benefits of solar energy while minimizing the legal and financial risk of a multi-decade commitment. “I’m satisfied that we have mitigated the risk to an acceptable level where the reward far outweighs it,” CAO Odie Donald II said, adding that he didn’t want to give the “false impression that there will be absolutely zero risk.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-council-vets-major-solar-deal-cao-says-hes-extremely-comfortable-with-it/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-27.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/from-collegiate-to-cartoons-mike-henry-brings-a-bit-of-richmond-to-family-guy-and-the-cleveland-show/) ### From Collegiate to cartoons: Mike Henry brings a bit of Richmond to ‘Family Guy’ and ‘The Cleveland Show’ Thanks to Mike Henry, some of TV’s funniest cartoon characters have their roots in Richmond. Today, Henry will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from Collegiate School, his alma mater. It comes the day after Quirk opened an exhibit of artwork by his late mother, Barbara Sullivan. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/from-collegiate-to-cartoons-mike-henry-brings-a-bit-of-richmond-to-family-guy-and-the-cleveland-show/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Chesterfield-BoC_meeting_8.27-36.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-a-second-straight-meeting-chesterfield-officials-have-ideas-but-no-consensus-on-how-to-use-data-center-dollars/) ### For a second-straight meeting, Chesterfield officials have ideas, but no consensus, on how to use data center dollars As Chesterfield’s Board of Supervisors again delayed a vote on using data center revenue to lower the car tax Wednesday, others lobbied for alternate uses for the money, including school maintenance and improving the county’s fire department. 🤖 The county said the data center money should not replace a proposed 1% sales tax increase, because it won't be available until the facilities come online, which could take several years. Other amenities that the supervisors mentioned included sidewalks, recreation centers, parks and libraries. The discussion will continue next month. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/for-a-second-straight-meeting-chesterfield-officials-have-ideas-but-no-consensus-on-how-to-use-data-center-dollars/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-28.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/east-end-festival-continues-to-inspire-with-a-variety-of-well-known-musical-acts-students/) ### East End Festival continues to inspire with a variety of well-known musical acts, students The RVA East End Festival is celebrating its eighth edition on Saturday, but marking a milestone 20 years since Richmond School Board member Cheryl Burke and others started producing an arts festival to give back to East End schools. In years past, the proceeds from the festival allowed schools to purchase musical instruments, and formed a marching band that now leads off the event. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/east-end-festival-continues-to-inspire-with-a-variety-of-well-known-musical-acts-students/) --- ### Richmond, by the numbers ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/ric-airline-market-share-aug-2026-1.png) --- ### In other news - [**Block of Auburn Ave. next to Babe’s could be named for late owner Vicky Hester**](https://www.richmonder.org/block-of-auburn-ave-next-to-babes-could-be-named-for-late-owner-vicky-hester/) - “She brought light everywhere, and she still brings it because she created a space where everyone can be loved.” - [**Criminal investigation at Trinity Episcopal after possible ‘unlawful activity’ kept students home for a day**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/possible-unlawful-student-conduct-trinity-episcopal/) (8News) - The school said it would be shifting its cellphone approach starting on Thursday. Students will be asked to keep their cellphones in their backpacks throughout the school day. - [**City to review work-in-street permit process amid rise in lane, sidewalk closures**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/24/city-to-review-work-in-street-permit-process-amid-rise-in-lane-sidewalk-closures/?utm%5Fcampaign=RBS%20Newsfeed&utm%5Fmedium=email&%5Fhsenc=p2ANqtz-%5Fe%5FMvwTd%5Fauo1mizPs1bucJ9f99ZLBi7TlZ6sUONGkNTMu4O7OczWjM4YTh6ymSo6FoX7ePrfDzFjeJPiWSxCU439LzQ&%5Fhsmi=440653841&utm%5Fcontent=440653841&utm%5Fsource=hs%5Femail#newsletter) (Richmond BizSense) - While lane and sidewalk closures are a sign of progress in a growing city, they’re also a growing frustration for many in the community when their movements through the city are impeded. --- ### The editor's desk Poor Kanawha Plaza. The city keeps trying to make it happen. And it never does. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Richmond's haunted houses are a year-round effort for their owners URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-haunted-houses-are-a-year-round-effort-for-their-owners/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T23:37:22.000Z 📝 This article was written by Jolene Smith, a student at Randolph-Macon. Richmond's haunted houses will put a scare into people all October long. But for the owners, September is truly frightening. “You have no social life. You have no day off,” said Kitty Barnes, COO of Red Vein haunted house in Hanover. “You will probably not sleep more than three hours any given night. You will eat poorly. You’ll be very cranky and you wonder why you are doing this. “But you know once you get through opening night, a big, big weight lifts off your shoulders.” Friday is opening night for Red Vein, but it's the culmination of a full year of work since Red Vein packed up last November. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/486317990_10106974439853733_1866030140964995044_n.jpg) Crews work on a haunted house in Hanover. (Jolene Smith for The Richmonder) ### **A never-ending cycle** The work for next Halloween begins almost immediately after the last season ends. “We have a lot of boring stuff, a lot of paperwork that we have to do on the business side,” said Red Vein CEO Ryan Sligh, referencing taxes, ticket systems and insurance policies. Just like a movie, haunted houses go through pre-production too, figuring out new characters, sets, logistics, and a whole new story. Barnes and Sligh attend trade shows in February and March to prepare for the upcoming season. The biggest of these shows is TransWorld’s Halloween and Attractions Show, held in St. Louis. “We’re part of the Haunted Attraction Associations, which is a fantastic resource for haunted houses because you do have this connection with other owners and creators,” Barnes said. Most haunters have a full-time job outside of scaring, which makes the web of expertise tied to this Halloween niche extremely vast. There are lawyers, HR professionals and others who participate in the trade group. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2J0M3WM.jpg) A woman enjoys her lunch near a display of guts while managing a booth during the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show. (Bill Greenblatt/UPI) ### **Rising costs create tough decisions** Like most Americans today, the haunt industry is feeling the effects of rising prices. Being a seasonal business, revenue arrives between September and November. So the rest of the year is an uphill battle on making what little is left stretch until opening night. “Just something as simple as a two by four, which is the base of every wall that we’re building, is like doubled or tripled in price.” Barnes said. While the haunt is constantly changing, it’s not financially or physically practical to make everything from scratch every year. But because of the relationships, Red Vein is able to trade props with other owners from season to season. “We can say, ‘We have these werewolf props we’re not going to use. Can you trade them for vampires?’” Sligh said. “Haunters are very resourceful,” Barnes added. “We’re great at repurposing things.” In the offseason, Red Vein has days for returning cast to come out and help clean up, build, or make art. “We had 100 foam pumpkins that we had for our staff to carve, and that is an insane amount, but we were able to use them all,” said Barnes. The cast is full of horror lovers, artists, and creators that all believe in the community that haunts have built. These aren’t places built by one mind, but by a collection of ideas, experiences, and lives. “Luckily we have such an amazing team,” Sligh said. ### **Crunch time** The last few weeks, which have led up to opening night, is the most harrowing season of a haunt. Most guests don’t see the work that goes into putting on a good show, something that’s more than cheap masks in a blackout maze yelling boo. “It’s a whole experience,” said Sligh. Prying craft store workers ask why they're purchasing 10 yards of creepy cloth and a basketful of bones in August, then guffaw about how “early” it is. Meanwhile, the team feels it is weeks behind schedule, and stressing about what can get done in time. “It just goes back to the standard mentality that haunted houses exist in October and there’s nothing beforehand,” Barnes said. “It’s just kind of like a magical thing that appears out of nowhere.” When the curtain rises on Friday night, it will have been the result of months of hard work beforehand. ### For a second-straight meeting, Chesterfield officials have ideas, but no consensus, on how to use data center dollars URL: https://www.richmonder.org/for-a-second-straight-meeting-chesterfield-officials-have-ideas-but-no-consensus-on-how-to-use-data-center-dollars/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T23:35:00.000Z As Chesterfield’s Board of Supervisors again delayed a vote on using data center revenue to lower the car tax Wednesday, others lobbied for alternate uses for the money, including school maintenance and improving the county’s fire department. The [original proposal](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-proposes-using-data-center-revenue-to-lower-car-taxes/) — which will now be voted on Nov. 18 — claims the county’s current car tax rate of $3.25 per $100 of assessed value could be reduced to as low as $1.79 following a full build-out of three Google data center campuses. One potential issue with allocating the money to immediate needs is that the data center money isn’t immediate — and in the eyes of Matoaca Supervisor Kevin Carroll, it may not arrive any time soon. “Those data centers are not going to come out of the ground for a long time, because Dominion doesn’t have the energy to power them,” Carroll said Wednesday. In response on Thursday, Dominion officials said that any new facilities [requiring power](https://www.richmonder.org/power-grid-auction-falls-short-of-meeting-2028-29-energy-needs-organizing-group-cites-data-centers/) must wait their turn to receive electricity, and their spot in line largely depends on how immediate their need is. “This approach allows the company to connect data centers in Virginia responsibly without sacrificing reliability or growth for other customers,” a Dominion spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. “Chesterfield County, like many localities, has some data center projects with target energization dates and others in the queue.” Considering only one of Chesterfield’s three data center campuses has broken ground, it’ll likely be some time before they rise on the priority list. ### **School maintenance over car tax relief?** Meanwhile, Chesterfield is also [weighing a 1% sales tax increase](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) — all of which would be shuffled to the school division for construction and maintenance. CCPS said it needs $185 million to maintain its current facilities over the next decade, on top of constructing new schools to reduce overcrowding. This has raised the question: Why can’t the county use data center dollars for school-related needs? [Chesterfield argues](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/7553) this isn’t a practical solution because the campuses won’t come online for several years. The schools’ needs are immediate, and a sales tax increase allows the county to borrow against the $1 billion in revenue it expects the tax to generate over its 20-year lifetime. That’s why the county originally favored the car tax reduction, because it would take effect gradually, as the data centers come online. ### **Other proposals** So, what could data centers pay for? Each supervisor had a slightly different take. “After speaking with the board, there’s one thing that we can all agree on, which is that we’re in process, and that process needs to be honored,” said Mark Miller, Midlothian’s supervisor and the board’s chair. Earlier Wednesday, the county’s emergency services and fire department provided its annual update to the board and raised eyebrows over reported understaffing and overworking. Chesterfield usually has three firefighters per shift, but Fire Chief Loy Senter said the standard is four ([which is the case in Richmond City](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Richmond-Fire-Department-Announces-Returns-to-Standard-Staffing-Model.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=ji-d5S0VU80)). On top of this, the county’s first responders usually work 56 hours a week plus overtime. But there’s a national push to reduce that time down to 42 hours — [Virginia Beach and Norfolk](https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-beach/vb-city-council-approves-48-hour-work-week-for-city-firefighters/) recently cut their firefighters’ hours. While jumping on the bandwagon would limit burnout and increase retention, Senter said Chesterfield would need to hire and train more people to make up the difference. Carroll said the option to reduce the county’s car tax appealed to him because it applies to everyone who owns a vehicle. But he said the county is also staring down collective bargaining [as pressure mounts in neighboring localities](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-votes-yes-on-changes-to-collective-bargaining-procedures/). During its Sept. 8 meeting, the county’s School Board public comment period included multiple representatives from the Chesterfield Education Association urging the county to prioritize negotiating with unions. “We do know that even if we bargained entirely for changes in policy and procedure that did not affect pay, collective bargaining would still come with some cost,” association president Rob Hammel said. “CEA would love any opportunity to partner with members of this body on lobbying for more funding from the general assembly or the Board of Supervisors.” On Wednesday, the Dale District’s supervisor, LeQuan Hylton, nodded to affordable housing as a potential route — Henrico County [routed its data center tax money](https://henrico.gov/revit/affordable-housing-trust-fund/) into a fund that reduces the price of newly constructed homes. Clover Hill Supervisor Jessica Schneider mentioned using the funds to construct a homeless shelter (which Chesterfield doesn’t have). Reducing the car tax rate may more significantly impact those with multiple vehicles rather than “the ones that need it the most,” she added. Other amenities that the supervisors mentioned included sidewalks, recreation centers, parks and libraries. “Ultimately, though, what I am committed to is making sure that we give some relief to our citizens with that revenue,” Bermuda Supervisor Jim Ingle said. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this report.* ### Tom Allen: Pull an all-nighter? Ain’t happening. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/tom-allen-all-nighter/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T23:31:55.000Z In a high school history class one day, our teacher explained how some prisoners of war have been badly treated by their captors and tortured by, among other things, sleep deprivation. I remember thinking that losing sleep didn’t really sound like torture to me and that if I ever got to pick the method by which I’d be tortured, I’d opt for that. Years later, we had kids and I gained a whole new respect for sleep deprivation. It is, most certainly, torture. We had regular episodes of walking the halls in the wee hours, a bellowing infant in our arms, softly singing sweet lullabies whose lyrics prominently featured mild obscenities. (That wasn’t in any of the parenting books we read but, in those moments, presentation was paramount and we didn’t quibble about vocabulary.) I complained loudly and often, usually to the offending child him or herself, and felt quite justified in doing so. And why not? If we’re doing it right, we spend about a third of our time on this planet asleep. We were, most definitely, *not* doing it right during those days – and while our kids are all now in their 30s, I still hold a bit of a grudge. I’m attempting to make up for this harmful deficit by taking frequent daily naps, which I attempt to sync with my phone conversations with our kids. What follows are some important things I learned about how much we need sleep, from no less an authority than the Cleveland Clinic (CC), usually ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the world and holding the distinction of having done the “first near-total face transplant in the United States.” I learned this, obviously, on the internet, which also told me, quote: “One of our biggest sleep distractions is 24-hour internet access.” Well, I can’t remember ever being online for 24 hours, so this clearly is not one of my issues. We are, according to CC, the only mammals that sometimes delay sleep on purpose. Now, I wholeheartedly support this policy if you’re, say, behind the wheel, but can see just about no other circumstances where this is necessary. And even driving is a bit suspect, as being awake for 16 hours straight decreases your performance as much as if you’d had enough to drink to make your blood alcohol level .05% (the legal limit in Virginia is .08%). I’ve shared the road with some drivers who would actually have been *better* at it if they were asleep. Sea otters hold hands while sleeping to make sure they don’t get carried away from each other by currents, tsunamis, cyclones, killer whales, and the like. I may suggest this to my wife, Cathy, as I have awakened some mornings to find that she’s left the state. Further, not getting enough sleep could land me on the fast track to obesity. The CC says that less-than-proper sleep can make you hungry by lowering your levels of something called leptin, which it claims is an “appetite-regulating hormone.” My insatiable need for brownies seems to me now to be plainly the result of too many sleepless nights. Another bit of possible advice from CC: It may be helpful to develop a reputation at work for being super-committed and super-productive. And then maybe move to Japan: Being asleep on the job there is sometimes seen as almost a badge of honor, viewed as legitimate exhaustion from working too hard. The occasional snoring coming from my office here in the U.S., however, did little to boost my career. In the 1600s, apparently it was normal to sleep in two phases at night, reserving an hour or two in the middle for things like reading and socializing. This is likely why those people had a life expectancy of “maybe living shortly beyond their teen years before they intentionally contracted the bubonic plague.” But enough from the medical experts. I’ll cast my lot with the real wisdom-dealers in this world: fiction writers. One of the most famous of them all, Ernest Hemingway, may have nailed the real value of shut-eye when he said, “I love sleep. My life has a tendency to fall apart when I'm awake, you know?" 📝 Tom Allen previously wrote a "Faith and Values" column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is the retired editor of the Virginia Journal of Education and the author of two books, "Grace Happens" and "Roll With It." Contact him at tomed1@hotmail.com. ### East End Festival continues to inspire with a variety of well-known musical acts, students URL: https://www.richmonder.org/east-end-festival-continues-to-inspire-with-a-variety-of-well-known-musical-acts-students/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T15:42:25.000Z The RVA East End Festival is celebrating its eighth edition on Saturday, but marking a milestone 20 years since Richmond School Board member Cheryl Burke and others starting producing an arts festival to give back to East End schools. The festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the 17th Street Market in Shockoe Bottom. The event is free, with donations requested. In years past, the proceeds from the festival have allowed schools to purchase musical instruments, and form a marching band that leads off the event, according to co-chair Marilyn Heckstall. Heckstall also emphasized that, for elementary school students, “honoring the gift of music helps to embrace other disciplines like science and math.” The all-day festival will also fund choir robes, pianos, pottery kilns and art supplies. With the purchase of various musical instruments, schools in turn recruit students to follow musical paths. In addition to the Richmond Symphony and the marching band, other musical acts at the East End Festival will include the No BS! Brass Band, who fuse New Orleans sound with funk, jazz and rock, Lenny Holmes & The Forever Band (Holmes is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer, and producer), The Dap Mallory Band, James “Saxsmo” Gates, (a Grammy-nominated musician), and the Sounds Funny Band, a modern R&B, soul and hip-hop band. Sara Hunt, who runs public relations for the East End Festival, is especially excited about Gates, an acclaimed jazz saxophonist, recording artist, and educator from Richmond. “Saxsmo has shared with me many times that the big benefit to having the festival in the East End is to show children the possibilities,” she said, adding that giving children the opportunity to perform is one of the best things about the festival. “He felt that having the opportunity to play the saxophone in front of people when he was growing up was invaluable to creating a pathway to his career as a professional musician … the festival is providing that same opportunity to the students who perform.” Alongside the music, the festival will also include a diversity of food vendors, including Temptations by Teresa, The Soul-Shaker Cart, and Blessed Meals on Wheels, as well as 20 other vendors and exhibitors, as well as games for children. While there is no charge to attend the RVA East End Festival, donations can be made online at the festival’s [website](https://rvaeastendfest.wixsite.com/rva-east-end-festiva) or by making contributions to the Bucket Brigade on the day of the Festival. ### Schedule of events 11-11:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. RPS Students 1 p.m. -1:45 p.m. Richmond Symphony 2 p.m.- 2:45 p.m. NO BS! Brass Band 3 p.m - 3:45 p.m. Lenny Holmes 4 p.m - 4:45 p.m. Dennis "Dap" Mallory Band 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. James "Saxsmo" Gates 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Sounds Funny Band ### As Council vets major solar deal, CAO says he’s ‘extremely comfortable’ with it URL: https://www.richmonder.org/as-council-vets-major-solar-deal-cao-says-hes-extremely-comfortable-with-it/ Last updated: 2026-09-24T14:48:19.000Z City Hall’s top administrator said Wednesday that he’s “extremely comfortable” with the terms of a 25-year deal to put solar panels on dozens of city buildings. The pending solar contract has been in the planning stages for months. Along the way, there’s been tension as various departments worked out details of how Richmond could reap the savings and climate benefits of solar energy while minimizing the legal and financial risk of a multi-decade commitment. At a lengthy City Council committee meeting Wednesday afternoon, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said the process has been “interesting and complex.” Last month, Donald [said in an email](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-is-rushing-to-do-a-solar-energy-deal-some-officials-see-a-lot-of-risk/) there were concerns about “a lot of risk” associated with the project, which is being led by the city’s Office of Sustainability. This week, he told Council members he felt good about the final product. The “clunkiness” of the process, he said, made it better and gave him confidence “we’ve gotten it right.” “I’m satisfied that we have mitigated the risk to an acceptable level where the reward far outweighs it,” Donald said, adding that he didn’t want to give the “false impression that there will be absolutely zero risk.” It’s not clear if Donald’s comments will be enough to guarantee the solar deal’s smooth passage in a fast-turnaround vote set to occur Monday. At the committee hearing, Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) said it’s well known that homeowners can get “scammed” by residential solar contracts that don’t live up to the sales pitch or leave customers in limbo after a bankruptcy. She said she wasn’t calling the Richmond contract a scam, but saw similar high-pressure sales tactics and aspects of the deal she found “alarming.” Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) said she has nothing against clean energy, but was taking a “trust but verify” approach to ensure the city is protected if the deal doesn’t go as planned. Councilor Katherine Jordan (2nd District) said she supports the project, because there’s also a “risk of not doing anything.” “There is not another solar deal out there,” Jordan said. At the end of the nearly two-hour hearing, Jordan made a motion to send the deal to the full Council with a recommendation to approve. It failed, because neither Abubaker nor Gibson seconded the move. Jordan then motioned to send the deal to the full body with no recommendation. That passed 3-0. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-26.png) ### **The proposal** Under the power purchase agreement, which Mayor Danny Avula supports, a private developer would install and own solar panel arrays on up to 39 rooftops of government buildings. The upfront equipment and installation costs would be paid by the developer. The city would purchase at least 5 megawatts of solar energy from the company — Staunton-based Secure Solar Futures — at a lower rate than what it currently pays Dominion Energy for electricity. Over 25 years, proponents of the project say, the panels could generate almost $20 million in savings for the city, in addition to helping Richmond meet its environmental sustainability goals. Solar power purchase agreements have been used widely in Virginia, and Secure Solar Futures has done numerous deals like the large-scale project proposed for Richmond. [As electricity costs rise and federal tax credits wind down, Richmond hopes to move fast on solarCurrently, Richmond’s annual electricity costs are about $18.7 million.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3fcccf94-74b5-45a3-8f36-3367f333c862.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/EPMW11-7534b9ed-8933-4a29-a5a7-cbc4385500a8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-electricity-costs-rise-and-federal-tax-credits-wind-down-richmond-hopes-to-move-fast-on-solar/) While vetting the deal, officials have sought to ensure it will deliver the promised savings, won’t come with hidden costs and doesn’t lock the city into something it has little ability to revisit later. The Council is under a time crunch to approve 39 separate leases for rooftop space. Because of timelines tied to federal solar tax credits that are expiring, the Council has been told it must vote by Sept. 30 in order for the deal to be financially viable. The solar developer gets those tax credits, according to officials, but would pass the savings to the city through lower energy rates. Council members received an overview of the project in July. Wednesday’s meeting of the Governmental Operations Committee was the first time the governing body reviewed precise details in an open meeting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/34C16623-F6B4-4911-B183-DDE9C0576BD3-69442-000007C0924ECE78.jpg) Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II told City Council members he’s comfortable with the terms a solar energy contract set for a vote next week. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) ### **Contract details** The way the deal is structured, the city would pay an annual fee in advance for each solar site, depending on the expected energy output. If the panels need to be taken out of service so the city can perform roof maintenance, the city would pay the removal and storage costs. The city would also continue paying as if the removed panels were still producing energy. If the city wants to purchase the systems outright or decides to stop paying for the solar energy, the deal lays out termination fees meant to help the developer recoup its upfront investment and avoid penalties related to the tax credits. Those fees vary based on the size of each solar installation, and decrease over time. The first-year termination fee for the biggest planned solar setup at the city’s wastewater treatment plant is roughly $3.3 million. Across all 39 sites, the first-year termination fees add up to more than $28 million. The city would pay the same rate for the solar energy across the life of the contract, with no yearly increases. That means the projected savings would depend partly on how much the city would be paying for Dominion power in the future. With Dominion’s rates rising, backers of the project say it allows the city to lock in lower prices for a cleaner energy source. [Richmond eyes closed landfill as potential solar farm and pollinator meadow siteMore than half a dozen developers responded to a public request issued by the city to see what might be possible.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-da0756d2-38b5-4d24-9016-901fac4d0978.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/E04037DF-9A3C-49FC-B44D-111924D94DDD_1_201_a-18e486a8-dfbf-4857-9a17-6e8a8ffdc718.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-eyes-closed-landfill-as-potential-solar-farm-and-pollinator-meadow-site/) ### **Council discussion** Most of the Council’s questions came from Abubaker and Gibson, who serve on the three-member committee that reviewed the deal along with Jordan. Gibson expressed unease that the leases would be with seven newly created, generically named LLCs. The contract indicates those LLCs would be co-owned by Secure Solar Futures and unidentified third-party investors. “That’s who we’re actually doing business with,” Gibson said. “And I don’t really know who they are.” A spokesman for Secure Solar Futures told The Richmonder information about investors is “confidential until it becomes official.” The company later said it’s currently the sole investor, but others could be announced after the deal is approved. Laura Thomas, director of the city’s sustainability office, said it’s standard for power purchase agreements to involve LLCs. She assured the Council extensive staff work has already gone into the project to ensure it works for Richmond. “Folks from all parts of this organization have been a part of this process and their technical expertise has gotten us to this point,” Thomas said. During public comment, several speakers urged the Council to support the project. “If the city misses this opportunity, they will be depriving Richmonders of a chance to have lower DPU bills, more funding available for essential city programs, and all the additional benefits that come with clean and resilient energy systems in their communities,” said Carolyn Pugh, climate policy director with the nonprofit Community Climate Collaborative. Backers of the deal characterized the risk concerns as overblown, saying the feared financial losses could only occur in an unlikely scenario where the city stops paying for energy it agreed to buy. “Essentially, we assume all the risk,” said Tony Smith, the CEO of Secure Solar Futures. Abubaker disputed that, noting the privately owned solar panels would be added to the city’s property insurance. Secure Solar Futures would cover the costs of any rider added to the city’s insurance, as well as the first $5,000 of any deductible in the event of an insured loss. Abubaker read aloud from a written comment she said the city had received from its insurance broker. The broker called the contract “extremely one-sided” and “not in the city of Richmond’s favor.” “My advice would be to push back and try to get the contract revised accordingly,” Abubaker said, still quoting the insurance broker’s words. Sarah Carpenter, a policy advisor to Avula who has been involved in the solar negotiation, said it was her understanding those insurance terms made the project cheaper. “I just want to push back a little bit on that characterization from the insurance broker,” Carpenter said. “I don’t think that’s supported in the contract, the way I read it.” Abubaker said Carpenter’s role as a policy aide to the mayor doesn’t put her in a position to give formal legal advice. Carpenter agreed. The office of City Attorney Laura Drewry has also registered concern about the contract, but didn’t weigh in during the meeting. The city attorney’s office serves both the mayoral administration and the Council, occasionally putting lawyers in the position of having to advise two branches of government that may have opposing views. The legal concerns were significant enough that the city attorney’s office resisted having the solar deal introduced earlier this month at the Council’s Sept. 13 meeting, according to city officials. To speed up the process and take advantage of tax credits, the city didn’t do its own competitive bidding process. Instead, officials piggybacked off an existing contract the Prince William County Public Schools awarded to Secure Solar Futures. There were competing claims Wednesday about the contract’s indemnification clause, which specifies who pays whom for losses and damages. Some Council members said Richmond seems to be getting worse indemnification terms than Prince William, but Secure Solar Futures said Richmond’s indemnification is better than the original contract. Several Council members asked what would happen if it turns out the designated rooftops aren’t suitable for solar arrays, a concern they said was particularly relevant in a city with old buildings and a somewhat lax approach to maintenance. If some rooftops won’t work, supporters said, sites can be dropped with no financial hit to the city. Council members asked if that could be spelled out in a written amendment. Smith, the solar company CEO, said he was open to “friendly” amendments. He asked that they wait until after the Council votes. “You have our word on record that we will do that,” Smith said. Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) asked if the Avula administration would return to Council asking for funds to prep rooftops for solar or solve unanticipated solar issues. It would be “classic city of Richmond,” she said, to try a “great, well-meaning, beautiful thing” but overlook how much money is needed to make it work. Donald, the CAO, assured the Council that wouldn’t happen. ### **‘A great conversation’** Jordan and Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) both indicated they’ll be voting for the deal. Breton said he’s been discussing details with the Avula administration for months. “Every question that we’ve had is getting back an answer that is positive and responsible,” he said. Breton also said it would be helpful if Council could get a full rundown of possible risks and how the city resolved each one. Jordan said the lengthy hearing may have set a new record for the committee. “It’s a great conversation,” Jordan said. “This is an exciting moment for the city.” Speaking with reporters afterward, the solar company CEO said he felt Council members had been “misinformed.” “I think there's been a lot of misinformation about the terms of the contract and the risks,” Smith said. “And it's unfortunate that these Council members were misinformed by whatever source it might have been.” Smith said he was referring to a [recent articl](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-is-rushing-to-do-a-solar-energy-deal-some-officials-see-a-lot-of-risk/)e by The Richmonder that was based largely on direct quotes from Avula’s CAO and a senior city attorney, both of whom expressed concerns about risk in internal emails last month. Smith later said he wished to retract his comment about “misinformation,” clarifying that he only felt the article lacked context about how the risk concerns had been resolved. Because the contract was just introduced Monday, Wednesday’s meeting was the first time the Avula administration discussed those concerns at length in a public setting. Abubaker asked if the Council could receive full documentation on the city’s risk assessment of the deal. The CAO indicated he would explore the possibility of sharing it, but said it could invoke issues with attorney-client privilege. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org). *Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this report.* ### From Collegiate to cartoons: Mike Henry brings a bit of Richmond to ‘Family Guy’ and ‘The Cleveland Show’ URL: https://www.richmonder.org/from-collegiate-to-cartoons-mike-henry-brings-a-bit-of-richmond-to-family-guy-and-the-cleveland-show/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T21:13:51.000Z Thanks to Mike Henry, some of TV’s funniest cartoon characters have their roots in Richmond. There’s Cleveland Brown, the mild-mannered neighbor and friend of Peter Griffin on “Family Guy.” There’s Herbert the Pervert, the elderly pedophile who harbors an unrequited love for Peter Griffin’s son Chris. And there’s Bruce Straight, the mustachioed minor character known for his catchphrase “Oh noooooooo!” All these characters can be traced back to Henry’s time in Richmond. On Friday, Henry will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from Collegiate School, his alma mater. Ahead of the award, The Richmonder reached out to the “Family Guy” writer, producer and voice actor by phone to discuss his life and upbringing in Richmond. ### ‘A wonderful place to grow up’ Though Henry was born in Pontiac, Michigan, he and his younger brother were raised in Richmond – first in the Fan, then in the West End. “It was just a wonderful place to grow up in the ’70s and ’80s,” said Henry, whose boyhood jobs included delivering the Richmond Times-Dispatch and bagging groceries at Ukrop’s. His mother, Barbara Sullivan, was a local portrait artist. His father, Chuck Henry, taught sculpture at VCU for 35 years. “My parents were sort of starving artists,” Henry recalled, adding that he attended Collegiate on financial aid. “The school really embraced us. It was an interesting time, but a wonderful time.” When it came time for college, Henry attended Washington and Lee University, serving as class president his sophomore, junior and senior years. After graduating in W&L’s the last all-male admitted class in 1988, Henry scored a job as a junior account executive at The Martin Agency. “It was really cool to be in that mix, but I realized almost immediately that that’s not what I wanted to do with my life,” he recalled. Inspired by David Lynch’s individualistic artistic vision while watching a screening of “Wild at Heart” at the since-demolished Westhampton Theatre, Henry decided to quit his job and pursue his passion: comedy. He packed his belongings into his Jetta and headed for Hollywood. In Los Angeles, Henry performed stand-up, did improv with The Groundlings, and took screenwriting classes at UCLA and the American Film Institute. He soon realized that his goal was to appear on “Saturday Night Live.” Henry returned to Richmond and produced commercials for small local advertising agencies. After a shoot was finished, Henry would use the film equipment to shoot sketches and short films with his friends. His 1996 commercial for The Texas-Wisconsin Border Café left a, uh, lingering presence. The Tex-Mex café, which was owned by future VCUarts dean Joe Seipel, was located at Main and Plum streets where Beauvine now stands. In the black-and-white commercial, Henry and a woman awkwardly stand on a porch after a first date. When Henry goes in for a kiss, the woman lets out a small fart and Henry quickly runs away. The commercial ends with the tagline: “The Texas Wisconsin Border Café: It truly is an unforgettable meal.” “We won best of show at the Richmond advertising awards that year,” Henry said. “That was a little $5,000 commercial competing against the million-dollar budgets of The Martin Agency, etc., and we walked away with the top prize.” ### ‘SNL’ or ‘Family Guy’ Around this time, Henry visited his brother Patrick to act in his brother’s student films at the Rhode Island School of Design. It was then that Henry met Patrick’s roommate, future “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, and the two hit it off. When MacFarlane created his network pitch for “Family Guy,” Henry contributed jokes. In 1997, Henry moved up to New York City to pursue roles in commercials and enmesh himself with the “SNL” gang. “Just as I was getting fairly close to a real look at ‘SNL,’ Seth called from L.A. and said that he had sold the show,” Henry said. “He asked if I wanted to come and create characters and write jokes.” It was a tough decision, but Henry decided to pursue “Family Guy.” “I’ve been working on it for 28 years now,” Henry said. “I’m so grateful for this journey.” The character Cleveland Brown came about while the “Family Guy” writers were conceptualizing the show in 1998\. MacFarlane had already figured out Peter, Stewie and Quagmire, but needed more characters to flesh out the cartoon’s fictional world. Henry remembered a recent encounter he’d had while playing basketball at Richmond’s Humphrey Calder Community Center. “I met this African American man from Maryland, who said he was from ’Meraland,” said Henry. The man’s accent served as the inspiration for Cleveland Brown. “The cadence or the rhythm of Peter and Quagmire is very rat-tat-tat-tat-tat. Cleveland just sort of slows it all down, and that’s how the character was born.” Herbert the Pervert similarly has Richmond roots. “Herbert was sort of based on an old man I worked with at Ukrop’s when I was in high school,” Henry said. “Also, a bit of \[chicken magnate\] Frank Purdue: ‘It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken.’” Bruce Straight, an effeminate character who wears an earring and frequently changes jobs, was also inspired by Richmond. “He’s based on probably 10 different small shop owners I met in Richmond,” Henry said. “He’s just a very peculiar, funny guy.” “The Cleveland Show” took place in a town called Stoolbend, which was a riff on Richmond. In preparation for the show, Henry’s brother Patrick took pictures around the River City to inspire the neocolonial look of Stoolbend. The town’s name came from a fishing trip on the Chickahominy River that Henry took with his high school buddies. “We were making our way down a tributary that had a bend in it, and my friend took a crap off the boat, so we named it ‘Stool’s Bend,’” Henry recalled. “Twenty years later, I’m creating ‘The Cleveland Show,’ so we named the town ‘Stoolbend.’ I’m a big proponent and advocate of bathroom jokes.” Though the show, which ran from 2009 to 2013 on Fox, rarely directly referenced Richmond, Henry says the gym in the show is modeled after Collegiate’s. Because of “The Cleveland Show,” Henry was able to record a song with Earth, Wind & Fire called “Get Your Hump on This Christmas.” He also got to work with David Lynch, the surrealist American director whose film motivated Henry to pursue his passion in his 20s; Lynch voiced Gus the Bartender in 22 episodes of “The Cleveland Show.” “David was so inspiring,” Henry said. “Just such a kind, genuine man with such a complex worldview, and he’s so funny. David Lynch is a big life hero for me.” In June 2020, with the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Henry decided to step down from voicing Cleveland, posting on Twitter that “persons of color should play characters of color.” The character has been voiced since by Arif Zahir, who is African American. ### Back in Richmond These days, Henry says he gets back to Richmond once or twice per year. His son Jack is currently working on a master’s in sports leadership at VCU. His wife Sara is a graduate of Thomas Dale High School in Chester, and their daughter Josie is currently a high school senior in Los Angeles. “We spend our time working out, eating healthy, being Californians, just reaping the blessing of 28 years on ‘Family Guy,’” Henry said. Presently, Henry is at work on an upcoming “Family Guy” spinoff called “Stewie” in which he’ll be a regular performer. He also plans to reboot his podcast “The Mike Henry Show.” On Thursday, he’ll attend the opening reception for an exhibition of his late mother’s paintings. “Barbara Sullivan: A Retrospective” will be open to the public starting Thursday [at Quirk Gallery](https://www.quirkgallery.com/show/quirk-gallery-barbara-sullivan-a-retrospective). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/BSH_054.JPG) One of the works that will be on display at Quirk Gallery. (Quirk Gallery) As “Family Guy” approaches its 500th episode, Henry has a bit of advice for people trying to figure out their careers. “Don’t get caught up in what you think you should be doing,” Henry said. “Do what gives you energy and makes you feel alive.” ### Block of Auburn Ave. next to Babe’s could be named for late owner Vicky Hester URL: https://www.richmonder.org/block-of-auburn-ave-next-to-babes-could-be-named-for-late-owner-vicky-hester/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T19:22:18.000Z The block of South Auburn Avenue that lies between Ellwood Avenue and West Cary Street could soon also be known as “Vicky Hester Way,” in honor of the longtime owner of famed lesbian bar Babe’s of Carytown, who died last year. Nearly every member of Richmond’s City Council is backing [an ordinance](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8211010&GUID=FBB49A95-2747-47B5-AE3A-0628752E652B&Options=&Search=) that would bestow the designation on the block. The measure sailed through a council committee earlier this week. “There’s no words for Vicky Hester,” said Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District), who choked up while speaking. “She brought light everywhere, and she still brings it because she created a space where everyone can be loved.” [Hester died of cancer last September at age 71](https://rvamag.com/community/vicky-hester-owner-of-babes-of-carytown-and-lgbtq-advocate-dies-at-71.html) after decades of running a business that proudly proclaimed itself “the oldest lesbian bar on the East Coast.” She was also a steadfast contributor to the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond’s food pantry and a supporter of other local groups and LGBTQ+ initiatives. For many LGBTQ+ Richmonders, the Carytown establishment became a haven and a community. “For me, Babe’s was more than a bar. It was a safe space,” wrote Denny Henson in one letter of support for the honorary designation. “Coming from a small town in North Carolina, I had experienced enough hostility to know that being able to walk into a place where I could simply be myself and not fear bullying, harassment, or physical danger — was something precious.” Travis Warren told the council that Hester “was more than a business owner.” “Through Babe’s of Carytown, she created a place for generations of people to experience life and find home and family,” he said Tuesday. Designating the block of South Auburn for her would “preserve her legacy in the neighborhood she helped shape,” he concluded. The honor has also garnered the support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, which wrote to the City Council to note the recent decline in lesbian bars nationwide and the unique role that Babe’s has played in the city. “Richmond has long recognized pre-colonial, colonial, Civil War, revolutionary, civil rights and natural preservation for other parts of its history — Monument Avenue, Church Hill and St. John's Church, the Virginia State Capitol, and the list goes on,” wrote Wirt Confroy, director of business development and LGBTQ+ marketing for the tourism group. “I hope the city will now include that same recognition extended to the city's LGBTQ+ history as well — and to Vicky (and Babe’s of Carytown), whose passion, work and legacy for community has made such a big difference in so many people's lives,” he continued. Honorary street designations do not replace existing street names but exist alongside them. The ordinance is expected to come before the full City Council for a final vote Sept. 28\. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Sept. 23 Newsletter: Mystery million URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-23-newsletter-mystery-mil/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T10:00:40.000Z **Weather:** Scattered showers move out, and fall moves in, this time for good. High of 65. **On this date** in 1993, a developer exercises an option to buy the Hotel John Marshall. A brief reopening later in the decade followed, before it closed again in 2004. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px--1-.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-23.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-mystery-million-anonymous-donors-gift-may-help-chesterfield-brace-for-projected-midlothian-growth/) ### The mystery million: Anonymous donor’s gift may help Chesterfield brace for projected Midlothian growth At a community meeting last week, Chesterfield officials made a surprising reveal — an anonymousdonor has offered $1 million to the county. While no checks have been signed yet, officials want to put it toward a 40-acre, $10.5 million property on Coalfield Road for future development of Midlothian High School. One of the owners of the property has been attempting to sell it for years, and welcomed the development. “I don’t care what the county does with the property at this point. Either buy it or let us sell it to somebody else,” he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-mystery-million-anonymous-donors-gift-may-help-chesterfield-brace-for-projected-midlothian-growth/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-22.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/these-buildings-have-become-infamous-henrico-buys-vacant-properties-near-airport-with-intent-to-redevelop/) ### 'These buildings have become infamous': Henrico buys vacant properties near airport with intent to redevelop The county has closed on the former All Day Inn, purchasing the site for $3 million, and will close next week on the former Bowl America, purchasing it for $2.9 million. Tyrone Nelson, who represents the Varina District, said Henrico will be cracking down on blight in the area. "We believe with this jump-start, we hope that other property owners and investors will see similar opportunities up and down the corridor," he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/these-buildings-have-become-infamous-henrico-buys-vacant-properties-near-airport-with-intent-to-redevelop/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-25.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-2028-budget-process-begins-with-a-focus-on-affordability-workforce-investment-and-collaboration/) ### Richmond’s 2028 budget process begins with a focus on affordability, workforce investment and collaboration At a kickoff event, Mayor Danny Avula said officials plan to commit 2.5% of real estate tax revenue to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, a year ahead of the legal requirement, and pointed to the state of public housing and infrastructure as concerns that must be addressed in next spring's budget. 🤑 The mayor also stressed the need to ensure residents can afford to stay in the city by tackling the cost of living. With assessments expected to rise significantly, Avula offered his previously suggested one-cent reduction of the real estate tax, in addition to the tax deferral program approved by the City Council, as potential solutions for homeowners facing higher prices. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-2028-budget-process-begins-with-a-focus-on-affordability-workforce-investment-and-collaboration/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-24.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/branch-museum-celebrates-two-creators-who-turn-trash-into-art-treasures/) ### Branch Museum celebrates two creators who turn trash into art treasures Born and raised into a sharecropping family in rural Alabama at the beginning of the Great Depression, Thornton Dial experienced both Jim Crow segregation and the civil rights movement. Influenced by Martin Luther King Jr., Dial used “found art” to confront issues of racial oppression. Tomorrow, he'll share the spotlight with Sanford Kogan in the Branch Museum of Design's newest exhibit, “Becoming.” The exhibit brings together two artists who transform discarded materials into something entirely new. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/branch-museum-celebrates-two-creators-who-turn-trash-into-art-treasures/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Midlo-v-Freeman_9.3_TheRichmonder_JTH-11.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-we/) ### High school football games of the week Petersburg and Colonial Heights highlight a thrilling Friday of action, and **Rob Witham** calls it "the most-anticipated game in Colonial Heights in years" as both teams are off to strong starts. 🏴‍☠️ In other action, Atlee takes on Hanover in a series that has featured plenty of fireworks in recent years. Meanwhile, John Marshall plans a return after not having enough players to field a roster last week due to injuries. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-we/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/210513_595_aj900--1-.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **How VCU and the community work together to bring about positive change** “Community engagement is the pathway through which we connect the work that we do at an academic institution to real community impact, to making a difference,” said Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., VCU vice provost, [**community engagement**](https://community.vcu.edu/). “We do this through engagement with our partners and communities and through the relationships embedded in that engagement.” “VCU brings research, students, expertise and resources into our partnerships,” she said. “Our communities also bring tremendous knowledge, strengths, resources and opportunities that benefit VCU and our students.” [Read more](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting). --- ### In other news - [**Richmond's video store revival is here**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/22/chesterfield-dvd-blu-ray-rentals-blue-rose-richmond) (Axios Richmond) - Three have opened recently, renting or selling DVDs and other video formats. - [**CarMax lays off 145 corporate employees, nearly half of them based in Richmond area**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/21/carmax-lays-off-145-corporate-employees-nearly-half-of-them-based-in-richmond-area/) (Richmond BizSense) - About 60 of the affected employees worked in the technology department. - [**State suggests changes, finds no violations after some Richmond residents lost water pressure for 36 hours**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/state-suggests-changes-finds-no-violations-after-some-richmond-residents-lost-water-pressure-for-36-hours) (CBS 6) - The report concluded no boil water advisory was ever necessary, and the city did not violate any waterworks regulations in the incident. The report also recommended improvements to how the city communicates with the public. --- ### The editor's desk So many great items in our [**silent auction to support local news**](https://www.richmonder.org/bid-on-unique-richmond-experiences-and-support-local-news/)! Get your bids in by Friday at 7 p.m.! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Richmond’s 2028 budget process begins with a focus on affordability, workforce investment and collaboration URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-2028-budget-process-begins-with-a-focus-on-affordability-workforce-investment-and-collaboration/ Last updated: 2026-09-23T09:56:19.000Z City officials outlined their approach to the upcoming budget process on Tuesday at the Boys and Girls Clubs' Teen and Community Center, where they were joined by community leaders and members for a kickoff event. “We will approach this year's budget planning with both the vision and the discipline that Richmonders expect,” Mayor Danny Avula said, “and I really look forward to working with all of you as we get underway.” Affordability will be central to the budget discussions and development. Avula said officials plan to commit 2.5% of real estate tax revenue to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, [a year ahead of the legal requirement](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-six-city-councilors-strike-compromise-on-funding-affordable-housing-trust-fund/), and pointed to the state of public housing and infrastructure as concerns that must be addressed. The mayor also stressed the need to ensure residents can afford to stay in the city by tackling the cost of living. [Data: Housing is more out of reach and homeownership is down for younger RichmondersNew data from UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center shows housing prices have risen three times faster than younger workers’ wages in Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-abc732a6-6062-4a19-9dcf-bc68cd034c89.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Randolph-houses-5650c7e9-1be9-4f9b-8ce9-1879a98db9ba.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/data-housing-is-more-out-of-reach-and-homeownership-is-down-for-younger-richmonders/) The budget process will begin during a City Council work session on Oct. 5. The budget for fiscal year 2028 will be developed at the same time as the latest assessments are released for Richmond property owners, a change from past years. With assessments expected to rise significantly, Avula offered his previously suggested one-cent reduction of the real estate tax, in addition to [the tax deferral program approved by the City Council](https://www.richmonder.org/council-oks-new-tax-deferral-program-letting-homeowners-delay-impact-of-higher-assessments/), as potential solutions for homeowners facing higher prices. “I think it's things like that that are going to have an impact on this year's budget, and that we've got to make sure that we're considering,” Avula said when asked about any planned commitments for assessment relief. [After Avula proposes ‘modest’ real estate tax relief, 3 Council members push for moreThe city’s real estate tax rate hasn’t been lowered since 2008.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2607826b-d3aa-43e5-bbec-3ec9e28b3b4c.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-3933d070-4800-434b-86a0-c0495d13afb0.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-avula-proposes-modest-real-estate-tax-relief-3-council-members-push-for-more/) Continued investment in a skilled and effective city workforce was also labeled a priority for officials, to ensure quality, responsive government operations for residents, alongside other aspects of the city's Mayoral Action Plan that will continue to be part of the budget process. The kickoff event came four months after the budget for Richmond’s current fiscal year was approved. That process was shaped by the recommendations of the Budget Task Force, composed of council members, staff and administration officials, who developed further improvements during the summer that will be integrated into the FY28 budget process. The recommendations the Task Force provided include an earlier start to the budget work session, more efficient work sessions, sharing budget developments and financial forecasting, more public discussions, and an organized system for collecting and delivering councilors’ questions to the city administration. City officials, pleased with the task force's changes to the process and its results last year, celebrated the work done so far and eagerly anticipated further improvements to the process. “I had not seen that level of collaboration in quite some time,” City Council President Cynthia Newbille said of the task force’s previous work, “and I'm excited that we are reconvening.” [Ahead of final budget vote, Council members praise overhauled processBudget season is set to finish Monday night, when the Council will hold the last of several public hearings and a final vote.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8a31d822-a229-4543-ad79-85381118fb9a.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1-c7b79f0b-5410-4405-9c0b-e09a6125ec48.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/ahead-of-final-budget-vote-council-members-praise-overhauled-process/) City officials are also eager to hear the public’s perspective on the budget. While community discussions will likely be held from January to February next year, according to the budget timeline shared by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II, officials used the kickoff event to begin gathering input on what priorities the public wanted to see addressed during the process. Community members present for the kickoff event were encouraged to share their thoughts on which parts of the Mayoral Action Plan they saw as essential to the city's future. Donald also said more opportunities for public input could be possible in the months ahead. “Together is the only way we get things done, and it's probably more important for this effort than any other,” Donald said. “Because the budget is our plan. It's not the city's plan, it's not the residents' plan, it's not the union's plan. It's all of our plan, it’s the plan that we’re all using to deliver for our community.” ### The mystery million: Anonymous donor’s gift may help Chesterfield brace for projected Midlothian growth URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-mystery-million-anonymous-donors-gift-may-help-chesterfield-brace-for-projected-midlothian-growth/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T22:44:47.000Z At a community meeting last week, Chesterfield officials made a surprising reveal — an anonymousdonor has offered $1 million to the county. While no checks have been signed yet, officials want to put it toward a 40-acre, $10.5 million property on Coalfield Road for future development of Midlothian High School. That donation would be stretched over three years, and its provider requested anonymity. They don’t want recognition and didn’t leave stipulations for how the money should be used. The county has been trying to adapt to population increases before they happen. Chesterfield [welcomed nearly 30,000](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/chesterfieldcountyvirginia/PST045225) newcomers between 2020 and 2025 — triple the increase in [Henrico County](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/henricocountyvirginia/PST045225) and [Richmond City](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/richmondcityvirginia/PST045225). Midlothian’s predicted growth has also played a major role in deciding where the [new West Ridge High School](https://www.richmonder.org/three-proposed-redistricting-maps-would-send-cosby-midlothian-high-school-students-to-west-ridge/) sources its student body. If Chesterfield doesn’t soon purchase the land near Midlothian High, it may be virtually impossible later on without extensive condemnation. The Coalfield Road site was previously considered for Midlothian Middle School’s on-again, off-again development — which would be accelerated if voters pass [a 1% sales tax increase](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) in November. But it’s now likely off the table as two other locations have taken the lead. “I’ve been seeing it as being good ancestors,” Midlothian Supervisor Mark Miller said during a Tuesday interview. “I wish people had been thinking 30 years ago about Midlothian Middle School. They weren’t. And so let’s think ahead in regard to the high school.” ### **Property owners eager to sell** For one of the 12 plots’ owners, Joseph Beauchamp, this will hopefully end a seven-year back-and-forth. “Initially, when we got involved, we thought it was the best site for Midlothian Middle,” he said. “I don’t care what the county does with the property at this point. Either buy it or let us sell it to somebody else.” Beauchamp’s plot was home to the [Spiritos School for Autism Spectrum Disorder](https://thespiritosschool.com/), and in 2019, he and the neighboring plots’ owners looked to sell. Between 2021 and 2022, it was considered for a new middle school. [The 2022 bond referendum](https://www.richmonder.org/inflation-deferred-maintenance-contribute-to-850-million-in-needs-chesterfield-school-officials-say/) originally financed the project, but cost inflation and hesitation kept things in the waiting room. Having three schools so close together raised concerns over excess traffic in the area, Beauchamp said. Come 2023, Coalfield Road negotiations officially fell through. The county’s comprehensive plan recommended the plots be developed into housing. So, the plots’ owners contracted with Stanley Martin Homes. The company crafted plans for a senior community — which, compared to a middle school, would invite less traffic. During its April 21 meeting, the Chesterfield Planning Commission considered a proposal to transform the site into [157 senior living dwellings](https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1972/files/attachment/14725). This was unanimously recommended for denial because the development’s age limits didn’t make it an ideal neighbor to Midlothian High and Watkins Elementary. “How much longer do we have to wait before we can sell our property?” Beauchamp asked. “A housing development is what the comprehensive plan suggests for the area. There's housing developments all around it, and yet we’re being held back.” The last step in the senior community’s rezoning process is a final vote from the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors. It was originally on the agenda for the board’s May meeting, but [was unanimously pushed to August](https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2026/files/agenda/4137#docaccess-eb358fe61a4c2064b62f74314d4e7ca5). The supervisors said they needed more time to consider the case before a decision. But during that August board meeting, Miller moved to postpone the vote again — this time [to Nov. 18](https://www.chesterfield.gov/982/Active-Development-and-Zoning-Cases#/details/24SN1115). His fellow board members again unanimously approved. “The 55-plus (neighborhood) is needed in the community, no doubt about it,” Miller said Tuesday. “I’m not sure that’s the right place for it.” If the county were to buy up Beauchamp and his fellow property owners’ land, it would have to go through Stanley Martin. ### **New Midlothian Middle School seeking a site** The two sites being considered for the new Midlothian Middle School are [500 Old Hundred Road (which is 3.5 miles from the current middle school) and 1101 Otterdale Road](https://www.chesterfield.gov/1240/Midlothian-District---Miller#docaccess-e1343400317fb136aef427c24b227e96). In an Aug. 10 interview, Miller indicated that, of the three options, he was most interested in the Otterdale Road location. He said it would make the middle school more accessible to the Salisbury neighborhood, and planned road construction would connect it even further. “It’s really going to be much more convenient to be able to get to the middle school than it was,” Miller said in August. But Otterdale Road is within a mile of a data center, [which sparked concern](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-weighs-sites-for-new-midlothian-middle-school-amid-data-center-concerns/) from parents following the Sept. 16 community meeting. Janet Lachowsky, Beauchamp’s wife, attended that meeting — which marked the first time the couple learned of the anonymous $1 million. When asked about the donation, Beauchamp said he has “no idea what that’s about.” On Tuesday, Miller said the 100-acre Otterdale Road site remains the front-runner for the future Midlothian Middle. A reasonable price plus expansive greenspace are giving it an edge — especially since Chesterfield wants to buy the Coalfield Road plots as well. “We need to make sure we have the funds available to purchase both properties,” Miller said. “That’s a conversation that needs to be handled on another level. I feel pretty confident that those dollars are there to do that, but everything is always shifting and changing.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Branch Museum celebrates two creators who turn trash into art treasures URL: https://www.richmonder.org/branch-museum-celebrates-two-creators-who-turn-trash-into-art-treasures/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T21:12:26.000Z For Thornton Dial, art is about survival. Born and raised into a sharecropping family in rural Alabama at the beginning of the Great Depression, Dial experienced both Jim Crow segregation and the civil rights movement. Influenced by Martin Luther King Jr., Dial used “found art” to confront issues of racial oppression. On Thursday, he'll share the spotlight with Sanford Kogan in [the Branch Museum of Design's newest exhibit](https://branchmuseum.org/exhibitions), “Becoming.” The exhibit brings together two artists who transform discarded materials into something entirely new. As Ezie Junkala, co-curator of the exhibit, notes of the pairing of the two artists, “Both of their work embodies a sense of whimsy and survival.” Kogan coined the term “FroiDesign” for his work, partially a play on the French word for “cold.” “It’s a term I came up with about 15 years ago,” he said. “The conceptual idea is that the materials I find are dead. They’re cold, not alive, and when I incorporate them into a sculpture, I’m giving them life.” Kogan’s most notable use of “life-giving material” is light, and he fashions himself as a sculptor of light. “I use light like an artist might use paint by incorporating light into a sculpture — how I place it, and how it’s reflected or refracted,” he said. This is one of the notable differences between his and Dial’s work. Moreover, this particular form of artistic expression could not have been done 30 or 40 years ago when LEDs were not as popular (Dial was prominent in the 1980s and died 10 years ago). Kogan added, “LEDs are very small, so you can place them within the context of materials. Like a painter with a brush, I incorporate LEDs, and I’m very careful about where I place them, how I place them.” Kogan has a respect for Dial's work. “The input to his sensibility about the world came from rural Alabama….and how he created these absolute masterpieces,” Kogan said. “Many can be compared to the abstract expressionists, even though abstract expressionism was a completely different school, and he was doing this on his own as a self-taught artist.” Kogan emphasized that Dial’s curating took a different approach in the found art movement and tied into his life, what Kogan called “industrial scenarios,” finding pieces that were going to the trash anyway. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Upside-Down-In-The-Cotton-Field_Thornton-Dial.jpg) "Upside Down in the Cotton Field," by Thornton Dial (Contributed photo) Dial would deliberately seek out specific discarded materials, such as the pieces that comprise his work “Contaminated Drifting Blues” that is part of the exhibit. The title of the piece is a reference to the catastrophic flood that happened in Dial’s hometown. “He went out of his way to seek out materials, actual debris from the flood,” Kogan said. The resulting piece is a large-scale multimedia assemblage and painting using heavy layers of found debris, along with oils and enamels that protrude from the surface. “Part of his art process was trying to find the humanity in the inhumane,” Katie Foster, the museum's acting executive director, added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/from-left-to-right--Katie-Foster--Acting-Executive-Director--Sanford-Kogan--artist--Ezie-Junkala--Co-curator-of-Becoming--Katie-Hoak--Marketing-Director--Kyle-Sargent--Exhibit-Manager.jpg) From left, Katie Foster, the Branch's acting executive director, Sanford Kogan, artist, Ezie Junkala, co-curator of Becoming, Katie Hoak, marketing director, and Kyle Sargent, exhibit manager. As Kogan notes of both his art and Dial’s work, “There’s a real sense of lightness and whimsy, to take something that’s discarded and transform it into something new. “We start with the reclaimed. We both found materials. That is a common point in terms of how we started, but if you look at where we go with it, it’s really different.” Kogan is much more concerned than Dial with the structural form of objects, stripping them of their original utility and then reimagining them, often curating materials from flea markets and estate sales, emphasizing that he might buy an object and have it for five years or more before realizing two or more pieces from his gathered objects that suddenly come together. For example, one of his aesthetic frameworks that became fashioned into an art piece is a lobster trap. “I didn’t really have a clear vision of what the idea was, and it evolved over time,” he said. Junkala, the co-curator, notes that both of these artists are in the business of transformation. “They transform these objects into something entirely new. At The Branch Museum, we really try to ask people to shift their perspectives, to look at something in a new way. Both of these artists do that beautifully.” After Thursday's opening night, the exhibit will run through Dec. 16. ### 'These buildings have become infamous': Henrico buys vacant properties near airport with intent to redevelop URL: https://www.richmonder.org/these-buildings-have-become-infamous-henrico-buys-vacant-properties-near-airport-with-intent-to-redevelop/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T21:46:29.000Z Henrico officials [announced a new initiative](https://www.youtube.com/live/KSajWLTwTcw) called "Rebuild Henrico" on Tuesday, declaring their intent to purchase several parcels of land along Williamsburg Road near Richmond International Airport. The county has closed on the former All Day Inn, purchasing the site for $3 million, and will close next week on the former Bowl America, purchasing it for $2.9 million. Tyrone Nelson, who represents the Varina District, said the county will be cracking down on blight in the area. "These buildings have become infamous," Nelson said, noting that the two sites have had 30 code violation cases opened since 2022. "These strategically located sites will be cleared and marketed as prime redevelopment opportunities," Nelson said. "We believe with this jump-start, we hope that other property owners and investors will see similar opportunities up and down the corridor." He said in initial discussions, some property owners have been resistant to sell. He also said the county will have to lobby VDOT, which maintains the road, for the right to install planned sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and other amenities. Perry Miller, CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission, said the timing is intentional as the Richmond airport prepares for a major milestone – it will turn 100 years old next October. "We've been working to ensure that we create a true sense of place as people enter this community," he said. "There is something great happening at the airport. We are transforming the airport to be a true international airport that is the gateway not only to this community, but also a gateway for the Richmond region to reach the world." [Richmond officials are courting a nonstop flight to Europe. It won’t be cheap.“We are losing projects because of a lack of direct flights.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1b505dd4-90df-4f49-aaea-0d8a8709e62c.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0805--2--1-619f3f5b-0db1-4ad8-ba4d-94f5248ef69e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-are-courting-a-nonstop-flight-to-europe-it-wont-be-cheap/) Officials said nearby residents had been complaining about the state of the buildings on Williamsburg Road, and that officials found homeless people living there this summer. "We will continue to advocate for making Williamsburg Road safer for motorists and pedestrians," Nelson said. *This article has been updated with purchase amounts.* ### Bid on unique Richmond experiences and support local news! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bid-on-unique-richmond-experiences-and-support-local-news/ Last updated: 2026-09-27T15:44:03.000Z 🛑 This auction has already ended. Thank you for your support! The Richmonder is proud to present its second silent auction in support of [**The Richmonder 25**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)! The auction will end on Friday at 7 p.m. Here's some of what you'll find: - Art pieces from **Amanda Ryan Tucker**, **Frankie Slaughter** and **Greg Holzgrefe**. - Dine at **L'Opossum** or **Lafayette Tavern**, or stay at **Linden Row**. - Find tickets to **VCU and UR basketball**, or join the fun as an on-field contestant at a **Flying Squirrels** game. - Snag VIP parking at the **Richmond Folk Festival**, or enjoy a **private yoga session** or family museum membership. The auction will support our efforts to tell stories like **The Richmonder 25**, which celebrates the people who make Richmond a great place to live! We also still have [**a limited number of tickets available**](https://www.richmonder.org/r/6b7aa6c8?m=52c164a0-e0d6-48f9-af64-855034855db3) for Friday night's event at the Hippodrome, featuring guest speaker Perris Jones, a former UVA football player and author. Thank you to our many generous donors, as The Richmonder is 100% reliant on community support. And good luck winning these unique Richmond experiences! --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Sept. 21 Newsletter: Solar showdown URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-21-newsletter-solar-showdown/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T10:00:49.000Z **Weather:** Temperatures cool into the 70s but rain is expected to arrive late in the evening. **On this date** in 1987, record high river levels cause copperhead snakes to seek new homes in residential areas of the city. **Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU Health** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Leaderboard-Ad_2184x270.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/JM2DXY--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-is-rushing-to-do-a-solar-energy-deal-some-officials-see-a-lot-of-risk/) ### Richmond is rushing to do a solar energy deal. Some officials see ‘a lot of risk’ The deal, which will be fast-tracked starting at a special meeting this morning, could come across as a political win for city leaders, making Richmond appear more environmentally friendly and willing to take local action against climate change. But as the solar proposal nears the finish line, top City Hall officials reviewing the finer details have privately raised concerns about whether the benefits are worth the financial and legal risk that could come with a 25-year contract involving dozens of city buildings. “Simply put, there is a lot of risk that has been clearly expressed,” Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said in an early August email obtained by The Richmonder. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-is-rushing-to-do-a-solar-energy-deal-some-officials-see-a-lot-of-risk/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-balks-at-plan-to-convert-affordable-west-end-apartments-into-high-end-townhouses/) ### Planning Commission balks at plan to convert affordable West End apartments into high-end townhouses “This is not what the city of Richmond needs,” one commissioner said of the plan to tear down an 18-unit apartment building and build eight luxury townhouses. 🏘️ Among the concerns raised was whether the project aligns with the city’s master plan, which among its many goals aims to expand housing opportunities and prevent displacement. The developer’s chief operating officer pitched the project as a necessary replacement of a 1960s-era building that he said had reached the end of its life. “It’s not somewhere you would want your friend, your mother or your child to live currently,” he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-balks-at-plan-to-convert-affordable-west-end-apartments-into-high-end-townhouses/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-21.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/no-evidence-proving-tip-richmond-workers-were-buying-baggies-full-of-fresh-weed/) ### IG: No evidence proving tip Richmond workers were buying ‘baggies full of fresh weed’ Richmond’s inspector general recently looked into an anonymous tip that city workers were buying “huge zip-lock freezer baggies full of fresh weed” during work hours from a “hemp food truck” parked on Mayo Island. 🧑‍⚖️ Investigators found no evidence proving it was true, but could make no definitive conclusion it was false. The inspector general’s office did find a blue box truck advertising “Holistic Remedies, Cannabis Education, Smoke Accessories and More…” at the specified parking lot in the middle of the Mayo Bridge. However, no city vehicles were seen pulling up to the truck while it was under surveillance by the inspector general’s office and the police. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/no-evidence-proving-tip-richmond-workers-were-buying-baggies-full-of-fresh-weed/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/DSCF8069--1--1--2---1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-we-need-to-reevaluate-our-relationship-with-flock/) ### Avula: 'We need to reevaluate our relationship with Flock' Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said Saturday that he will spend time thinking about the use of Automatic License Plate Reader technology in the city, particularly cameras the city uses that are made by Flock Safety. "I've been really consistent about saying that our choice to use this technology is because I believe in the benefits to public safety, and I believe those benefits outweigh the risks they pose to our community," Avula said. "But I've also been very consistent about saying that this is not a closed issue, and that I will always remain open to hearing from the people of Richmond on it," he said, committing to a four-part plan. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-we-need-to-reevaluate-our-relationship-with-flock/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/sports-divider-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/sports/) - [**High school football: Week 4 featured several surprising results**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-we/) - [**Highland Springs dominates a NoVa foe**](https://www.richmonder.org/answered-prayer-highlight-of-springers-domination-of-nova-foe/) - [**Improved offensive flow for James River comes to pass against Monacan**](https://www.richmonder.org/improved-offensive-flow-for-james-river-comes-to-pass/) - [**Thomas Dale flexes offensive muscle in road rout of Glen Allen**](https://www.richmonder.org/thomas-dale-flexes-offensive-muscle-in-road-rout-of-glen-allen/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Image.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) ### U.S. News & World Report names VCU Medical Center No. 1 hospital in Virginia Virginia's best, and among the nation’s best. VCU Medical Center has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. U.S. News also recognized the medical center among the Top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery at No. 29, and orthopedics at No. 44\. The publication also ranked VCU Medical Center No. 1 in the Richmond metro area for the 16th consecutive year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- ### In other news - [**Facing high levels of benefit theft, Richmond and Chesterfield among first to get new, more secure EBT cards**](https://www.richmonder.org/facing-high-levels-of-benefit-theft-richmond-and-chesterfield-among-first-to-get-new-more-secure-ebt-cards/) - While magnetic stripes transmit account information directly to a card reader, meaning it can be duplicated and stolen, the chips create unique, encrypted codes for each transaction. - [**Longtime film industry champion Andy Edmunds mortgaged his home to produce his own film, which debuts tomorrow in Richmond**](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-film-industry-champion-andy-edmunds-mortgaged-his-home-to-produce-his-own-film-which-debuts-tuesday-in-richmond/) - “The Cashier” is a dark comedy set in Richmond and centered on Glenda (Daphne Maxwell Reid), a humble cashier who stumbles upon a winning lottery ticket. - [**One Year In: Rebuilding Trust in Richmond City Hall | Guest column by Odie Donald II**](https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article%5Fcca546e4-64b5-4ef1-9ce7-8632efb06096.html?utm%5Fcampaign=snd-autopilot&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fsource=twitter%5FRTDNEWS) (Times-Dispatch) - "Over the last year, the city has faced two federal government shutdowns, back-to-back winter storms, a train derailment, a significant water main break, and complex stadium negotiations. We’ve addressed them all." --- ### The editor's desk Our silent auction launches tomorrow as part of our celebration of [**The Richmonder 25**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/). We've got an outstanding mix of new Richmond experiences and some classic favorites. Keep an eye on your inbox! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Planning Commission balks at plan to convert affordable West End apartments into high-end townhouses URL: https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-balks-at-plan-to-convert-affordable-west-end-apartments-into-high-end-townhouses/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T09:50:39.000Z A plan to demolish an 18-unit apartment building with “naturally occurring” affordable housing in the Westhampton neighborhood and replace it with eight high-end townhouses that could include accessory units provoked unease and some outright opposition from Richmond’s Planning Commission Tuesday. “This is not what the city of Richmond needs,” said Commissioner Rebecca Rowe. Among the concerns raised was whether the project aligns with the city’s master plan, which among its many goals aims to expand housing opportunities and prevent displacement. Richmond’s Planning Department staff had recommended approval of a special use permit for the project, concluding it was consistent with the land use the master plan envisions for the area. But Bo Fairlamb, an architect who has been active in a number of West End zoning cases and was the sole citizen to speak out against the proposal, questioned that determination: “Why, in a time when we’ve said we need more housing units and affordable housing in all neighborhoods, would Planning recommend this SUP when it does neither?” he asked in a conversation with The Richmonder. With several members expressing their intent to recommend denial of the project, the commission offered developer Center Creek Homes more time to rework the plans. Consideration of the project will be deferred to the body’s Oct. 20 meeting. Greg Shron, Center Creek’s chief operating officer, pitched the project at 5706 York Rd. as a necessary replacement of a 1960s-era building that he said had reached the end of its life. While the structure has 18 units, he said the owner has been letting leases expire in anticipation of selling the property, with about a dozen residents remaining six months ago. He acknowledged that the company’s plans would remove existing affordable units and replace them with more expensive housing. “You can’t deny that,” he said, pointing out the surrounding neighborhood is one of Richmond’s most expensive and redevelopment is likely to occur. “But,” he continued, “I would sort of encourage anyone who is concerned about that building to walk through it and see the caliber of housing that is currently being provided in that building. It’s not somewhere you would want your friend, your mother or your child to live currently.” Planning Director Kevin Vonck said he had only one record of a code violation at the building, involving a leaky valve for a gas range. After the displacement concern was raised several months ago, Center Creek revised its plans to allow homeowners in six of the eight townhomes the option of converting part of the first floor of the house to a 360 square foot accessory dwelling unit. The small size of those apartments — which Shron said was consistent with “a New York micro-unit” — would all but guarantee affordability, Shron contended. “My understanding of the market is that a studio size unit like that would be naturally affordable,” he said. “The kind of strategy that has been successful in bringing naturally affordable housing to expensive real estate submarkets is make them compact and therefore it naturally drives down price.” But Commissioners Victor McKenzie, Dakia Knight and Ellen Robertson, who also represents Richmond’s 6th District on City Council, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the ADUs actually being built, given that the special use permit under consideration would only allow but not require the construction of the smaller units. “At the end of the day it’s very much dependent on a homeowner to opt in and then decide that is the best use compared to something else,” said McKenzie. Others questioned whether even those homeowners who did choose to have an ADU on their ground floor would rent it out for long-term occupancy or opt to run it as a short-term rental. “Without it being a condition of the ordinance, I just don’t want us to give illusions of affordability versus actual affordability built in,” said Robertson. [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7c70cb4f-dc90-477d-8b5e-adfca4e1810d.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-f1df8970-bee6-4ceb-9951-68236eda51c0.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) ### **Master plan** The lot under consideration is currently zoned “urban business,” a designation that doesn’t allow single family attached homes by right. As a result, Center Creek has to get a special use permit to go ahead with its plans. Under the planned citywide rezoning being considered by the City Council, the York Road property would be designated MX-3, a district that would permit mixed-use buildings up to three stories high. While aimed at encouraging a combination of commercial and multifamily uses, that district would allow single family townhomes by right. Shron argued it would be preferable for the Planning Commission to move the project forward now rather than delay it until the rezoning potentially went into effect. (While the Planning Commission only makes recommendations to the City Council, which makes the final decision on special use permits, those recommendations carry significant weight with councilors.) If denied now, “the chances of getting any measure of affordability effectively go to zero” in the future, Shron said. “I’m not sure what the motivation would be for just letting this sort of go to market next year when the zoning will allow someone to put 12 million-dollar houses without asking anyone for permission,” he said. The remarks appeared to rub at least one commissioner the wrong way, with Rowe telling the developer shortly after, “I didn’t love the attitude of some of your comments.” Fairlamb insisted the proposal “is totally contrary to the goals of Richmond 300,” and to goals repeatedly stated by city officials including Mayor Danny Avula to produce more affordable apartments and discourage displacement of existing residents. Throughout almost two years’ of meetings on the proposed code refresh, he told the Planning Commission, “not once have I heard anybody say we need more million-dollar homes. Haven’t heard it. And not once have I heard anybody say we need fewer dwelling units in the city.” While the third draft of the code refresh would permit the townhomes to be built by right, numerous commissioners appeared uncomfortable with the idea of greenlighting a project that would displace residents and reduce affordable stock. Rowe said she “fully agree(d) that no one is saying we need more $1.5 million homes.” Saying he meant to vote against the proposal, Commissioner Burt Pinnock concluded that “the intent of everything we’ve put forth with Richmond 300 and beyond is what is on this site today.” He pointed in particular to a comment left by someone identifying as a current resident of the building on [a Richmond BizSense article](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/01/14/infill-homebuilder-to-replace-libbie-grove-apartment-building-with-new-1m-townhouses/) about an earlier version of the proposal. “I currently live in this building and work at one of the bars on Grove,” read the comment by “Wally Smith.” “Many people who live here work in this Westhampton area and do not have cars to transport ourselves elsewhere. I imagine most of us will lose our jobs. I’ve lived here for 3 years and it’s devastating to remember all the memories made here, only to realize my basement apartment will turn into a 2 car garage.” That statement “spoke volumes,” said Pinnock. Reached several days after the vote to delay consideration of the proposal until Oct. 20, Shron said he intends to “go back to the drawing board and continue to consult with the community” in light of the commission’s feedback. “I’m going to put my creative hat back on and proverbially roll up my sleeves … and try to come up with something that’s going to get through the SUP process,” he said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### High school football: Week 4 featured several surprising results URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-we/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T12:17:21.000Z Occasionally, you experience a football Friday night with results that can leave you scratching your head. Week 4 was just that. It was also lightning-free, and for that we rejoice. As results were pinging on phones across the region, eyebrows were raised. Yes, there was the expected, such as Varina, ranked No. 1 in the RVA Sports Network Super 12 poll, handling Hermitage at home, No. 2 Huguenot and Midlothian posting big shutout victories, and fifth-ranked Manchester easily besting Clover Hill. But, wait. Hanover scored 46 points at Mills Godwin? In the first half? Did Hopewell really hand Thomas Jefferson its first loss by 40 points? How did winless Patrick Henry find a way to keep the Tomato Bowl trophy for the 10th straight year, handing archrival Mechanicsville its first loss? All of the above is true, with the Hawks winning 53-7, the Blue Devils taking a 47-7 homecoming triumph and the Patriots holding off a late Mustangs rally for a 24-18 win. Throw in No. 3 Thomas Dale’s 41-7 thrashing of a good Glen Allen team on the road, No. 6 Trinity Episcopal handing Woodberry Forest its first defeat 45-7 and No. 10 Armstrong pulling away from Goochland to stay unblemished, and it was, indeed, a unique week on the gridiron. You can review the full Week 4 area scoreboard and the latest Super 12 Poll below. [RVA Sports Network![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-0738b531-5fd3-43bd-aba6-1d1427219283.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-0f4b69d6-87ac-4132-98c3-6004ffe6e395.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/) ### Week 4 standouts **Arking Holloway and Antonio Monroe, Jr., Hopewell:** The Blue Devils’ 47-7 win over Thomas Jefferson was done the old-fashioned way. Quarterback Holloway, a freshman, ran for 201 yards, two touchdowns, including a 95-yard score, while the senior Monroe churned out 194 yards and two more TDs. **Ricari Enoch-Bailey, Meadowbrook:** Scoring a rushing touchdown was the icing on the cake. The senior had 10 tackles, four for loss, two and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception as Meadowbrook stayed unbeaten, 41-13 winners at Deep Run. **Joel Nicholson and Kayden Hughes, Hanover:** We may rename this feature after this dynamic Hawks duo soon. How can we ignore these numbers? Nicholson goes 19 of 23 for 308 yards and five passing scores, runs for another, then, for good measure, has a touchdown reception. And Hughes? Try 231 total yards and accounting for four TDs, including a 56-yard punt return for a score in Hanover’s 46-point first-half explosion. **Donovan Mayfield, James River:** Efficiency and effectiveness are the calling cards of the Rapids’ quarterback. Mayfield completed nine of 11 throws for 295 yards and four touchdowns as James River moved to 3-1 with a 35-14 victory over Monacan. ### Unsung heroes **L.C. Bird’s defense:** Down 12-6 in the third quarter, the Skyhawks came back with a pair of scores to survive Powhatan 18-12\. It was Bird’s defense that kept it in the contest. The Skyhawks held the Indians to 5 rushing yards, and Powhatan converted just one third down and earned only nine first downs on the night. **Meadowbrook’s defensive line:** Ben Baker, Gerald Blackmon, Bruce Hill and Cayden Thompson do much more than anchor the line of scrimmage. Read about them from coach Quinn Tobias below. ### Game of the week **No. 7 Petersburg (2-0) at Colonial Heights (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** This will be the most-anticipated game in Colonial Heights in years. The Colonials are winners of three straight and arguably are one quarter away from a 4-0 start. The Crimson Wave are unbeaten but haven’t played since Sept. 3 after their scheduled contest against John Marshall last Friday was canceled. The Colonials will need to play at their most proficient offensively, hoping there may be some rust on the Petersburg machine. ### Other games we’re watching **Hopewell (2-1) at Meadowbrook (3-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.:** Another Central District showdown, this time on Cogbill Road. Can the Monarchs slow down the dynamic duo of Holloway and Monroe? One way to do it is to win the time-of-possession battle. A low-scoring slugfest favors Meadowbrook. **L.C. Bird (3-1) at No. 4 Highland Springs (3-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** On paper, this looks a lot like the Springers’ matchup with South County last Thursday, which they won 28-7\. Can the Skyhawks’ defense rattle, or at least slow down, Springers quarterback Deshaun Chisem? Turnovers and penalties may play a larger than usual role in this one. **Atlee (1-3) at No. 12 Hanover (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The oldest rivalry in Hanover County, the Tomato Bowl, was last week. The hottest rivalry is next. There is no love lost between the Raiders and Hawks. Atlee, after a gut-wrenching 0-3 start, losing 37-35, 3-2, and 23-21, pounded J.R. Tucker 49-0\. Scotty Tompkins and the Atlee offense can put up points. But can the Raiders do something no one else has yet, slow down the Nicholson/Hughes machine that has powered the Hawks to 135 points in just three games? ### Game under the radar **Thomas Jefferson (2-1) at Booker T. Washington (3-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:** Don’t look now, but with all of the chatter in the 804 concerning Region 3A members Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell, there may be a new king of the hill from the east. The Fighting Bookers are unbeaten and coming off a 39-14 win over defending Class 3 state champion Lake Taylor. The Vikings must shake off their poor performance at Hopewell, quickly. ### Beyond the headlines **–Bonus showdown:** John Marshall’s decision to cancel its game at Petersburg on Friday night came down to roster safety. The Justices did not have enough healthy bodies to play. That leaves Petersburg with a nine-game schedule. The Crimson Wave didn’t have to look far for a replacement opponent as Highland Springs had been searching for someone to play in mid-October for months after not one, but two schools pulled out of scheduled games with the Springers. The eye-raising announcement that the Crimson Wave will host Highland Springs on Oct. 13 left fans giddy over this matchup. But it also means Petersburg will play four games in a 16-day span, hosting Matoaca on Oct. 1, Dinwiddie on Oct. 9, then, after the Highland Springs contest, a trip to Meadowbrook on Oct. 16\. **–Class 2 separation:** There are four unbeaten teams left in Region 2A, and two of them play Friday night. Armstrong will travel up Route 360 to face K’Sean Hill and the King William Cavaliers. Hill has accounted for nearly 900 yards overall and 14 touchdowns in the Cavs’ three victories. It’ll be the toughest test yet for the Wildcats defensively. With four-time defending region champion Poquoson and Thomas Jefferson having lost a game early, this region is suddenly wide open. **–Building the Monarchs:** After a breakthrough 6-4 season and barely missing the playoffs, Meadowbrook watched its seniors graduate, their coach move to a district rival and their star quarterback transfer to Highland Springs. So how does new coach Quinn Tobias, the Monarchs’ former defensive coordinator, have his team at 3-0 ahead of Friday’s showdown with Hopewell? The process began long ago. “I think it began with our JV staff. … They came in a couple of years ago,” Tobias told The Richmonder. “We hadn’t had (JV football), so getting those young guys involved and as coaches, being around, being committed, being involved with eighth-graders, freshmen, sophomores, on a day-to-day basis and not casting them off to the side, I think, helped to get the buy-in.” It’s about building a foundation and, in Tobias’ case, doing so even though he couldn’t have envisioned the role he’d play today. While he praises his team individually and collectively, there’s one group of which he is so proud. “I would put our front seven up against anyone on our schedule. It’s a thankless job, but (the line) really sets the tone by taking up so many double teams and allowing our linebackers to run free,” Tobias explained. “Our defense is definitely a staple, something we pride ourselves on, in the building, in the locker room, and I think it shows on the field.” After the disheartening news of a fight at Meadowbrook last Monday that sent a student to the hospital, this team has what it takes to not only compete on the field but to represent a school base that has far more positives than what was seen last week. ### They said it “We have to play well in everything that we do. A couple of weeks ago, we played a great team but did not play well, and it showed. We have to be in a situation where we take care of ourselves and do the things that we need to do so we can be good later on.” – Highland Springs coach Loren Johnson telling our Weldon Bradshaw of the benefits of playing a rugged regular-season schedule to prepare for postseason play “When you cross the 50, cross the 40, it’s four-down territory at that point, because we’re going to trust our defense to go out and get us the ball back.” – Thomas Dale coach Kevin Tucker discussing his trust in the Knights’ “Dark Zone” defense to give his offense more opportunities while speaking to BallInVa’s Chase Myers after Friday’s win at Glen Allen “It takes consistency and being there every day, not just when they miss a rep or screw up, getting on them, but celebrating their accomplishments on the field and off the field.” – Meadowbrook coach Quinn Tobias on building a program that treats everyone equally, from eighth-grade newbies to senior leaders ### Our final play We haven’t broached the “T” word subject yet, but now is a good time. On last Thursday’s weekly hour of high school football talk on ESPN Richmond (106.1), a caller asked us about the state of the Hermitage program and why it hasn’t returned to what he thought was an elite level. Our colleague, CBS6’s Sean Robertson, mentioned the transfer portal, which is certainly part of the equation. There are other factors as well, mostly the disappointing tenures of Derrick Johnson and David Bedwell, leaving current coach Timothy Jean-Pierre to pick up the pieces coming out of COVID. He’s been doing a fantastic rebuilding job. But let’s be serious. While there is no official “transfer portal” in Virginia high school football, the existence of transfers for perceived athletic or future college benefit goes back decades. As a media lifer, I am fascinated by the history of broadcasting. I listen to some weird YouTube videos while working, writing and planning. Recently, while listening to a local television news broadcast on KNBC-TV in Los Angeles from 1980, I heard the following opening: “Pat Sajak weather, Stu Nahan sports … and the start of our special series on high school sports recruiting.” I did a double take at my screen, rewinded it and listened again. Research showed this series exposed, according to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), what was described as “rampant, unauthorized athletic recruiting among high schools.” More recently, the CIF revised its rules in 2018 to clamp down on recruiting for athletic purposes only. But let’s bring this home. The Virginia High School League strengthened its guidelines on transferring this past spring, greatly affecting the Class of 2031 and beyond. A student currently in eighth grade must attend the middle school that feeds into the high school they plan to attend. Previously, there was no restriction on where an eighth-grader attended school. Exceptions also are granted if the student is attending an academy or specialty center located at another high school in the district. But we’re reminded that, when it comes to actual cases of alleged transfer-rule violations, the VHSL cedes the decision-making process to the school-district level. So when it comes to this issue, the organization sets rules and enforces penalties but does not have a committee to make such decisions on eligibility. For example, it was up to Henrico County to, in 2025, deny Darren Williams eligibility at Varina, pulling him off the team during the season. He transferred to St. James Academy in Northern Virginia last winter. The county also reviewed and granted Zion Boisseau’s transfer request from Dinwiddie, which began in the spring and wasn’t concluded until the preseason. The main issue, at its core, has always been to keep competitive balance in high school sports (not just football) by, in large part, not allowing successful programs to improve by cherry-picking the best players from other, less successful programs. But this has been the quiet practice of some coaches and programs for many years, some less obvious than others. It does no good to name names now, but I’ve seen players switch uniforms in midseason. As fortunes have ebbed and flowed at certain schools, programs that once seemed to benefit by transfer infusion found themselves losing players to other rising teams. Some argue, for example, players who spend years together on community youth football teams desire to play together in high school. While understandable, the boundary lines for school population are there for a reason and not based on where your son played 10U. Yes, everyone wants to win. But truly successful student-athletes spend their time committing to the classroom and to their school team. They learn to overcome adversity, that nothing in life will, or should be, handed to you, that you truly don’t “win them all.” I fear we are teetering on the brink of an age where stories such as Meadowbrook’s (above) will fade away, and we’ll be left with a few “super teams,” and the rest, well, to forge on with who is left. Hopefully, this won’t happen. Because, in the age of Hudl, it doesn’t matter where you play. If you are talented enough for the next level, opportunities will come. Quicker, we argue, if you are found to be a pillar of your community high school’s program, providing leadership and stability, rather than choosing to be the 10th person to transfer to a super school and be a follower instead. ### Richmond is rushing to do a solar energy deal. Some officials see ‘a lot of risk’ URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-is-rushing-to-do-a-solar-energy-deal-some-officials-see-a-lot-of-risk/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T19:32:50.000Z The Richmond City Council will hold a brief special meeting Monday morning to introduce a planned solar-energy deal to install privately owned solar panels on the roofs of public buildings. The deal, which is being fast-tracked to a Council vote in the span of about a week, could come across as a political win for city leaders, making Richmond appear more environmentally friendly and willing to take local action against climate change. But as the solar proposal nears the finish line, top City Hall officials reviewing the finer details have privately raised concerns about whether the benefits are worth the financial and legal risk that could come with a 25-year contract involving dozens of city buildings. “Simply put, there is a lot of risk that has been clearly expressed,” Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said in an early August email obtained by The Richmonder. In the email, Donald said he had communicated those concerns to Mayor Danny Avula, but was prepared to execute the solar plan in accordance with the mayor’s wishes. The idea behind the proposed power purchase agreement with developer Secure Solar Futures is that the city would capture the cost savings of solar power without having to pay to install and maintain the equipment itself. The city would buy the electricity generated by the panels at a rate lower than what it currently pays Dominion Energy. [As electricity costs rise and federal tax credits wind down, Richmond hopes to move fast on solarCurrently, Richmond’s annual electricity costs are about $18.7 million.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-05f4a416-ef7a-4cc8-b3f2-de97d5712e49.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/EPMW11-9fd54266-fb90-41fc-b8d7-f1768a8d964c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-electricity-costs-rise-and-federal-tax-credits-wind-down-richmond-hopes-to-move-fast-on-solar/) Numerous other local governments and school divisions, including Richmond Public Schools, have made similar solar arrangements. Over 25 years, Richmond’s Office of Sustainability projects, the deal could save the city at least $12 million in electricity costs, with about $260,000 in savings the first year. The deal envisions solar panels on 39 city buildings such as fire stations, community centers, police precincts and the police headquarters, warehouses and the wastewater treatment plant. Avula appears fully behind the solar initiative. The mayor’s office said he’s “excited” for the proposal to be formally introduced and will have more to say in a forthcoming news release. “The solar power initiative brings extensive benefits to the Richmond community such as reducing Richmond’s carbon footprint, developing clean energy jobs, and doing our part to reduce reliance on conventional energy,” said Avula spokesperson Mira Signer. “The city’s been working on this for a long time and has done extensive research and diligence, and the team feels great about moving forward.” As of about a month ago, emails show, the team’s feelings were mixed. Among the concerns for the CAO, according to his email, were questions about “potential negative outcomes” if the solar partners go out of business or run into money trouble, as well as infrastructure issues that could arise with rooftops that weren’t built to hold solar arrays. The deal involves termination fees — believed to be hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances — that could potentially fall on the city. If things don’t go as planned, those fees could eat into the $12 million in projected savings, a relatively modest amount in the context of a billion-dollar municipal budget. According to Donald’s email, city officials in charge of legal, insurance and procurement matters had all raised concerns about the deal’s specifics. “These risks, while not easily mitigated, have been the focus of various departments and stakeholders working to mitigate potential challenges,” Donald wrote. “The risks have also been acknowledged by the Mayor and after his office’s review, he has expressed comfort in the resolution to these issues, as well as a clear understanding of all expressed risk categories and associated concerns.” It’s not clear if Council members are fully aware of the concerns raised internally, but they won’t have much time to discuss them in public before being expected to vote. Monday’s special meeting was necessary in order to get the proposal to a vote during the Council’s Sept. 28 meeting. Because the legislation hasn’t been formally introduced, documents outlining the full specifics of the agreement were not yet public as of Friday. That leaves the city’s governing body with about a week for its formal review of the proposal in open meetings. The Council has several committee meetings before Sept. 28 where the proposal could be vetted in more detail, but the tight timeline will make it difficult, if not impossible, for the Council to make any changes. Supporters of the deal have said the speed is necessary in order for the project to take advantage of expiring federal tax credits that could cut the installation costs by almost half. The city appears to be trying to get the deal approved by Sept. 30. “The date is connected to project timelines (like construction) and pricing considerations that are important, said Signer, Avula’s spokesperson. “The panels that are part of the program have to be installed by 2030 to benefit from the program.” The Council will have to approve a total of [39 individual ordinances](https://richmondva.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1444969&GUID=5D2D21AB-DCF2-4336-A14D-BC80080351E1) involving several limited liability companies being established for the solar partnership. There are dozens of ordinances because the deal requires the city to lease space and buy back solar power for each individual rooftop. Concerns about how the proposed solar deal is being handled have started to spill into public view. “I just don't understand why this Mayor is rushing things through,” Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) said in a [Facebook post](https://www.facebook.com/reva.trammell.9/posts/pfbid05qJp9CLBsGHhUd5Kc6KB7YHtxpkkFeQEcvf6rKQE3U2c3Pc1HMCwfAEcXvHDVSsel) Tuesday. “Why is he now bullying our City Attorney to introduce Solar Panels?” Because the solar developer is covering the upfront installation expenses at no cost to the city, the developer presumably wants a deal that guarantees the investment will pay off over 25 years. The city’s concerns are primarily centered on ensuring there won’t be substantial public losses if things go awry. Richmond avoided competitive bidding on the solar proposal by piggybacking off an existing solar contract established by Prince William County Public Schools, a common practice known as cooperative procurement. Taking a full year to put the concept out to bid, according to a city document, would make the project “unable to qualify for the federal solar tax credit’s safe harbor deadline this summer.” “Riding an already completed contract is a well-established legal shortcut under Virginia law,” a [city document](https://richmondva.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15664492&GUID=AEE5FFB9-692E-4F11-9067-D89BDB84B5C7) on the solar proposal says. Richmond doesn’t appear to be getting the exact same terms negotiated under the Prince William contract. An email from the city attorney’s office references a document laying out “exceptions” to the terms Secure Solar Futures negotiated with the Prince William schools. What those exceptions are isn’t clear. In the email to the mayor, CAO and several other city officials, Senior Assistant City Attorney Susan M. McKenney said the solar developer “rejected” the city’s standard contract language spelling out that any long-term obligation to spend public funds is subject to future City Councils choosing to budget money for that purpose. That put the proposal in tension with a section of the city charter that says public funds can only be spent with a duly authorized budget appropriation, McKenney said. Multi-year contracts and leases are allowed, the charter says, but payments made without a budget appropriation are “void” and “illegal.” Just because the city attorney’s office deemed the proposal legal enough to be sent to the Council for a vote, McKenney added, didn’t mean the office of City Attorney Laura Drewry was giving it a full endorsement. “I will also note that our office’s ‘approval as to form’ does not mean there are no risks or that this is a low-risk transaction,” McKenney wrote. “There are risks here — risk of a future legal challenge and financial risk due to the subject matter of the agreement (ex. limited scope of indemnity by solar developer; lack of decommissioning bond; and several other issues that I saw were identified by Risk Management in their risk assessment). This office cannot guarantee the City would prevail if challenged.” The scope of indemnity refers to how much protection the city has against financial losses if the contract goes wrong. A decommissioning bond is a type of financial guarantee that would presumably make the developer responsible for dismantling and removing the solar equipment if the agreement is cancelled or when the panels reach the end of their useful life. McKenney said the CAO and Procurement Director Rene Almarez should be “comfortable with the risks” if they choose to move forward and put their signatures on the deal as presented. The solar proposal is expected to be vetted [Wednesday afternoon](https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1346128&GUID=CD6AB749-C674-4D52-9155-BCE7F6BDD65B&Search=) by the Council’s Governmental Operations Committee. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Longtime film industry champion Andy Edmunds mortgaged his home to produce his own film, which debuts Tuesday in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-film-industry-champion-andy-edmunds-mortgaged-his-home-to-produce-his-own-film-which-debuts-tuesday-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-09-20T19:18:19.000Z After nearly 30 years of championing Virginia’s film industry, Andy Edmunds will launch the 2026 Richmond International Film Festival with “The Cashier,” his feature film debut as a writer and director. “The Cashier” is a dark comedy set in Richmond and centered on Glenda (Daphne Maxwell Reid), a humble cashier who stumbles upon a winning lottery ticket. Rather than considering what she could do to improve her life with this sudden windfall, however, Glenda is more concerned about who lost the ticket. “The lead character doesn’t have an arc,” said Edmunds, who is director of the Virginia Film Office. “She came into this wealth and, because of who she is, she doesn’t change, but the people around her change. Then we see at the end what she does with this.” In addition to Daphne Maxwell Reid, the film also stars accomplished actors Michael Marundé, Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen, Tim Reid, and Paul Wilson, and Izaak Bellis as a boy named Rush (a character named after the band, not the talk show host). While “The Cashier” explores political extremism, morality, and integrity, often heavy subjects, the film uses humor throughout to lighten these issues; ultimately, “The Cashier” settles in as a “feel-good” film. 0:00 /0:30 1× The film's trailer. Edmunds took a financial risk to fund “The Cashier” by taking out a second mortgage on his home. “In order to get this thing going, I had to leverage myself….it’s not a huge budget movie, but it’s a significant amount of money,” adding, “my wife and I haven’t been averse to taking wild, crazy risks in our lives.” While Edmunds emphasized the amount of solitary time that writing the script consumed, he also noted that the process then transformed into a completely collaborative effort once the filming began. “That’s when the beauty comes in. You have to trust your partners in going on this quest together,” he said. The story for the film, essentially about the message that giving is more gratifying than receiving, came to him in 2018\. Once he completed the script, he was confident the story would attract a great cast. “Actors really respond to good writing and good dialogue,” he said. While Edmunds initially sought the services of a top director for the film (he initially wanted Vince Gilligan or Jordan Peele), he ultimately chose himself, realizing his wealth of experience in working on over 80 other films with the likes of Steven Spielberg, Terence Malick, Ben Affleck and Ethan Hawke, among many others. Ultimately, he credited his work with all of these directors, actors and crews in obtaining the vision to complete the film. “I was in the trenches,” he said. “I’ve seen how other directors handle the pressure.” As he moved through the experience of writing and directing his first feature-length film, he emphasized trust, “to listen to everyone, whether you’re bringing breakfast or rolling in the lights. Hear what they have to say and know that the decisions you make at the top of the food chain can affect everyone, all the way down to the locations person trying to get parking on the street.” As Edmunds also anticipated from his experience, the days are long, which is why this trust is crucial. “You work 14-16 hours a day for 20 days straight and then you collapse. And then two weeks later, you do it again,” he said. For his cinematographer, Edmunds chose Kunitaro Ohi, who studied film and photography at VCU and who had worked on many commercials and film projects. “I just loved his work that I had seen,” Edmunds said. “He has a sense for composition, framing and light that I wanted to capture.” Along with the human actors in the film, “The Cashier” also includes animals, including a dog and a cat, both of whom had to be trained for specific scenes in the film. Edmunds was particularly excited about the cat, a “very long” Maine Coon. There is even a specific scene in the film with a fly, an insect that Edmunds explained represented karma. “It was shocking and I wanted it,” he said. In addition to the choice of director, Edmunds also emphasized he wanted to make the film with a crew entirely from Virginia. “I knew we had the skills here in Virginia,” he said. “When a big movie comes to the state (Terrence Malick’s film “The New World,” for example, on which he worked), they bring all their personnel. I wanted a Virginia crew with high positions of authority and creativity.” “The Cashier” will open The 16th Annual [Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF)](https://www.richmondfilmfestival.com/), on Tuesday at The Byrd Theatre. The RIFF screens more than 160 film premieres, plus six full days of panels, events, mixers, conferences and music, making it one of the East Coast's largest and most sought after international competitive festivals. “The Cashier” will also screen at the Virginia Film Festival (Oct. 21-25) in Charlottesville and the Washington West Film Festival on Oct. 10 in D.C. “The Washington West festival has a great mission of giving and philanthropy,” Edmunds noted. “All the proceeds go to supporting children’s charities around Virginia. It’s all about charity, man.” Indeed, so is the message of “The Cashier.” ### Avula: 'We need to reevaluate our relationship with Flock' URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-we-need-to-reevaluate-our-relationship-with-flock/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T18:11:19.000Z Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said Saturday that he will spend time thinking about the use of Automatic License Plate Reader technology in the city, particularly cameras the city uses that are made by Flock Safety. "I've been really consistent about saying that our choice to use this technology is because I believe in the benefits to public safety, and I believe those benefits outweigh the risks they pose to our community," Avula said. "But I've also been very consistent about saying that this is not a closed issue, and that I will always remain open to hearing from the people of Richmond on it. "I think that the shift in public sentiment around Flock, which has been particularly acute in the last couple of months, is a sign we need to reevaluate our relationship with Flock." Flock's technology has increasingly come under criticism in recent for privacy violations. [At least 20 Virginia localities](https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/03/at-least-a-dozen-virginia-localities-have-pulled-away-from-flock-safety-devices-since-july-lynchburg-could-be-next/) have indicated they will stop using the technology, including Goochland County. Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield all have active contracts with Flock. Avula made the statement in [a nearly 4-minute video](https://www.instagram.com/p/DdeZ1c3BdXr/?hl=en) posted to the city's Instagram page on Saturday afternoon. [Watch the full video here](https://www.instagram.com/p/DdeZ1c3BdXr/?hl=en) In it, he committed to four action items: - **"We are going to review the technology itself and our relationship with Flock."** Avula said the city will examine whether other vendors can provide public safety benefits while addressing potential concerns. He added: "We have another year or so on the contract, so I'm going to need some time on that." - **"We are going to listen and learn."** The mayor said he will "gather resident feedback in a variety of forms." - **"We're going to take another look at our oversight and transparency."** He said one question is whether an independent third party should take a look at the city's policies and procedures. - **Reduction of data retention.** The mayor said he has directed the Richmond Police Department, "effective immediately," to reduce the amount of time it keeps license-plate data stored from 21 days to seven days. Avula said he will also work with the state legislature during this process. Some lawmakers have called for an outright ban in recent weeks. Avula said that while there are "real privacy concerns," he also believes that "the communities who actually benefit the most from this technology are often those who are disproportionately impacted by violent crime." *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### More Flock coverage from The Richmonder: [After anti-Flock protest, Richmond police chief defends use of license plate readers: ‘It works’Speakers argued the cameras are a dangerous step toward mass surveillance.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4ea7488b-5c08-4f7f-bc38-6a66b2c22a70.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8069-90f82805-69f7-4ef0-8c1b-12564ba1976b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-anti-flock-protest-richmond-police-chief-defends-use-of-license-plate-readers-it-works/) [RPD has spent $1 million on Flock. With those contracts up for renewal, anti-surveillance activists call for cancellation while Mayor, Council demurThe Mayor wrote that he “continues to be both supportive of RPD’s use of Flock as a tool to solve crimes and also continues to take the privacy and auditing seriously.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2bef90e4-572e-4bfe-87de-db2ebe1e6787.png)The RichmonderDave Infante![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8069--1--1-a13b0b86-431b-4001-b9d0-e916b470cd32.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-has-spent-1-million-on-flock-license-plate-readers-with-those-contracts-up-for-renewal-anti-surveillance-activists-call-for-cancellation-while-mayor-council-demur/) [As Richmond’s FOIA foibles persist, city claims it has no ‘Flock’ contractIn at least three cases in the past nine months, the city said it had no records relevant to a FOIA request, then changed its answer after getting a slightly reworded version of the same request.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-845e5254-3ccc-48d4-b4cd-5321500bd34b.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/city-hall-df639d1b-6fd3-42e9-ba9b-7276aaf74c0d.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-foia-foibles-persist-city-claims-it-has-no-flock-contract/) [RPD discloses sergeant violated Flock camera policy by sharing info with federal agentAn FBI special agent contacted Richmond police asking for an image of a vehicle believed to be connected to a homicide investigation in Washington, D.C.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d11cc2b1-7252-4b37-aa6c-4f5a247b7c02.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8073-5d4741ff-c6f2-4a26-8427-ccb4c18e6c64.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-discloses-sergeant-violated-flock-camera-policy-by-sharing-info-with-federal-agent/) [Catching up: Flock cameras are generating controversy, but Chesterfield’s contract runs through 2029As of its 2023 contract with Flock Safety, Chesterfield County is currently home to 88 of the cameras.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-cd31cb34-c998-4c30-bfc2-941ca27f55f1.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8073-4f6c041a-f1de-4f08-9392-7d04991c5a9d.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-flock-cameras-are-generating-controversy-but-chesterfields-contract-runs-through-2029/) ### Thomas Dale flexes offensive muscle in road rout of Glen Allen URL: https://www.richmonder.org/thomas-dale-flexes-offensive-muscle-in-road-rout-of-glen-allen/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T05:33:08.000Z They have no catchy nickname. After all, the guys who line up on offense for the Thomas Dale Knights would be hard-pressed to match the “Dark Zone” sobriquet that for years has been the fearsome descriptor of their relentless, lights-out, 11-hats-to-the-football counterparts on defense. Make no mistake, though. Nickname or not, the experienced, athletic Wyatt Jessup-led crew charged with executing the attack that coach Kevin Tucker and his staff have devised has become a formidable force in its own right. Dale showed that Friday night when it scored early and often and rolled to a 41-7 victory over Glen Allen on the Jaguars’ home turf. “I can’t say we have a funky name, but we’re stepping it up,” said Jaxson Austin, a 5-9, 215-pound senior and three-year starter at center. “We’re becoming a threat. Our offense is going to put numbers up this year. Our defense always keeps us in games, but we’re going to dominate now. “We’re there, we have a common goal, and we celebrate with our guys.” The Knights (3-0) amassed 381 yards (214 rushing, 167 passing) and 15 first downs on 59 plays. They recorded six quarterback sacks and limited the Jaguars (2-2) to 165 yards (99 rushing, 66 passing) and five first downs on 42 plays. Sixty-three of the home team’s yards came on Jakeem Dandridge’s touchdown run at 4:07 of the fourth quarter when the outcome had long since been determined. “We saw everything we expected coming into the week,” said Jessup, a junior and second-year starter at quarterback who completed 10 of 18 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns. “Our coaching staff put a great game plan together. Everybody executed. The receivers and running backs did awesome. The offensive line stepped it up. I’m proud of them. Without those guys up front, I’m nothing. Everyone did their job.” The Knights scored their first touchdown at 10:37 of the first quarter when Jessup, scrambling to his left, found Mykell Bryant alone in the end zone. Sophomore Alex Cullins delivered the first of his five extra points to put Dale up 7-0. After the Dark Zone stopped Glen Allen three-and-out, Hayden Dunphy boomed an unreturnable 59-yard punt-and-roll to the Knights’ 11. Jessup and Co. were undeterred. Ten nimbly called and executed plays later, senior running back Donald Quicke followed his blocking off the left side for a 4-yard TD to end a five-minute drive that set the tone for the Dale offense. “The short (passing) game was working,” Jessup said. “I was taking the easy money, like my coach says. Getting the ball out of my hands quick and easy.” The Knights’ third touchdown, at 3:30 of the first quarter, came on Daviontae Davis’ 35-yard interception return. It was the first of three forced turnovers – Vinny Chavarria’s two fumble recoveries were the others – that stymied Glen Allen drives and typified the intensity and opportunistic nature of the Thomas Dale defense. “Tonight, we came in with a great scheme for our defensive line,” said Azavion Brown, a 6-1, 170-pound senior who plays end when his guys line up in a four-man front and linebacker when they line up with three down. “We’re kind of stingy. We like to make all the tackles and all the sacks. You can ask anybody on the defense. We always do that. I feel like that’s a great part of us being dominant, because that makes our linebackers, our safeties and even our outside linebackers even more hungry to attack the football. “We all thrive off each other.” Leading 21-0 after a quarter, the Knights added their fourth touchdown 58 seconds before halftime when Jessup connected with Bryant from 10 yards out on a play set up by Chavarria’s fumble recovery at the Jags’ 10. “We have some depth on (the offensive) side of the ball,” Tucker said. “That allows us to rotate in and stay fresh. “And we play against the best defense in practice every day. Coach Bruce (Perkinson, the defensive coordinator) is one of the most competitive guys you’ll ever meet. He doesn’t want the offense to score, even. “For our offense to have to face that every single day, that makes us better on these Friday nights. It’s a blessing to have that ability on offense to keep pushing the ball.” The Knights’ next two scores came on a pair of 29-yard field goals by Cullins, the first at 4:50 of the third quarter (to end a drive that began when Brown blocked a punt and Marcus Byrd recovered) and the second at 4:57 of the fourth. An offensive series after Dandridge’s scoring sprint up the visitors’ sideline, Nehemiah Harris, a 5-11, 185-pound senior, delivered Dale’s final TD with a 46-yard run 1:14 before the final horn. “We’re still a work in progress,” Tucker said. “We got behind the sticks, and we did not do well in the red zone. “Are we satisfied? No. But we’re going to get better. We’re getting there.” ### Improved offensive flow for James River comes to pass against Monacan URL: https://www.richmonder.org/improved-offensive-flow-for-james-river-comes-to-pass/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T10:23:23.000Z For two weeks, James River sputtered and struggled to find its footing on offense. The Rapids scored just six points in a win over Cosby two weeks ago and was shut out by Manchester last week. “A game like last week where you don’t score, you go back to the basics,” James River head coach Bryan Jennings said. “You try to figure out what you didn’t do well and try to figure out how we can make it better.” Friday night against visiting Monacan, Jennings’ team figured it out. Senior quarterback Donovan Mayfield threw for a career-high 295 yards and four touchdowns to lead James River to a 35-14 victory. Three of those touchdown passes were to Ryan Turner, who finished with four catches for 167 yards. “Last week – we just had to turn our heads from that,” Mayfield said. “We had a bad week. We got to work at practice, it was a new week, and we came out here and showed it.” The Rapids’ passing game was the highlight, but the contest began with both teams trying to establish themselves on the ground. James River (3-1) relied on Shamar Bridgeforth heavily in its first two drives in an attempt to soften up the defense of Monacan (0-4). The running back had six carries in James River’s first two drives before the playcalling began to shift and Mayfield got to work. A 20-yard slant to Nate Broocke set up the Rapids close to the Chiefs’ red zone with the first quarter winding down. Two plays later, Mayfield found Turner open down the right sideline for a 21-yard strike in the front corner of the end zone to put James River ahead 7-0. “It just makes it 100 times easier when I can just catch the ball and just stride out for a touchdown. I love Don. He throws good balls, good placement, all that,” Turner said. After Monacan’s defense forced a three-and-out, Mayfield immediately got back to work, finding Broocke streaking down the sideline for a 38-yard gain into the Chiefs’ red zone. The Rapids then took a step back as back-to-back penalties and a long sack left the home team with a third and 42\. Unfazed, Mayfield found Broocke for a screen pass that the senior took 48 yards into the end zone to put James River up 14-0\. Broocke, who finished with three catches for 106 yards, was happy with his ability to connect with Mayfield on multiple occasions on the night. “This entire year I’ve had a lot of targets, but I haven’t been able to bring them in because the defense is good or getting good pressure,” Broocke said. “I’m glad I finally got an opportunity today to go get that ball.” Mayfield found Turner one more time before the half, connecting with his receiver on a deep slant in which Turner found himself open by several steps. The result was a 75-yard touchdown and a 21-0 lead heading into halftime. After the break, James River kept the pressure on, turning a bad punt snap from Monacan into Turner’s third touchdown reception, a 14-yard slant. And while the Chiefs finally answered with a score of their own – a 95-yard kickoff return from senior running back Jeremiah Singleton, the Rapids slammed the door on any building momentum with a touchdown run from Reed Creech and an interception by Landon Shaffer. “It was all we talked about (in the locker room),” Mayfield said. “We didn’t want to lay down, think the score was good enough and let them get going to get any sort of momentum to score and come back. We set the tone early.” Monacan tacked on a rushing touchdown just before time expired to bring the game to its final score. Mayfield’s impressive performance came while completing just nine passes in 11 attempts. Jennings felt it was only a matter of time before his quarterback broke out with a solid showing. “The kid already had confidence. He’s learning how to play quarterback. His decision making is getting better,” Jennings said. “It was already in him, it was just a matter of grasping some things, understanding what teams are trying to do and taking advantage of what they give you, and that’s what he did.” Singleton paced Monacan’s offensive attack, finishing with 62 yards rushing as well as a reception for 11 yards in addition to his kick return for a TD. The game was the first as head coach for Monacan's Dylan Culpen, who stepped in on an interim basis for previous coach Justin Akers. Monacan forfeited last week's game against L.C. Bird while the coaching situation was resolved. ### Sept. 18 Newsletter: 'We mess up, we fess up' URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-18-newsletter-we-mess-up-we-fess-up/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T10:00:21.000Z **Weather:** High of 86, scattered showers will linger into next week. **On this date** in 2003, Hurricane Isabel makes landfall in Richmond with winds of more than 70 miles per hour. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-16.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/we-mess-up-we-fess-up-richmond-officials-acknowledge-summer-of-problems-with-dpu-bills/) ### ‘We mess up, we fess up’: Richmond officials acknowledge summer of problems with DPU bills At a news conference Monday afternoon, Mayor Danny Avula and his team said they now realize the city could have done a better job communicating what was going on with the Department of Public Utilities systems. ⏱️ In a memo, CAO Odie Donald II said the city would “add one additional service hour at least two days a week to call center operations until the current issue is resolved.” Officials said the situation seems to be stabilizing as problems have been found and addressed. Avula characterized it as an example of the “deep and hard work” to change government culture and technology, a process he said “takes time.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/we-mess-up-we-fess-up-richmond-officials-acknowledge-summer-of-problems-with-dpu-bills/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-17.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/browns-island-will-be-open-for-folk-festival-says-venture-richmond/) ### Brown’s Island will be open for Folk Festival, says Venture Richmond The riverfront park, which is owned by the city and managed by Venture Richmond, has been closed since December 2025 for a $30 million overhaul that will add a new pavilion, public restrooms, an entrance accessible for people with disabilities, a splash pad and thousands of native trees and plants. Construction will continue after the Folk Festival, when the island will again be closed. The park will also be briefly reopened to host the Richmond Marathon’s “finish line festival” on Nov. 14\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/browns-island-will-be-open-for-folk-festival-says-venture-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/education-divider.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/education/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-19.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/holton-mcdonnough-stress-importance-of-teachers-but-differ-on-details-at-debate/) ### Holton, McDonnough stress importance of teachers, but differ on details at debate At the 6th District school board debate, Anne Holton painted a picture of a school system that has room for improvement, but one that has been actively making progress since she joined in February. Opponent Jackie McDonnough was more critical of the district's direction, at one point stating that students in RPS are "not being adequately prepared" for either college or the workforce. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/holton-mcdonnough-stress-importance-of-teachers-but-differ-on-details-at-debate/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/vcuarts-dean-to-step-down-after-tenure-filled-with-achievements-controversies/) ### VCUarts dean to step down after tenure filled with achievements, controversies Carmenita Higginbotham, the dean of the internationally recognized VCUarts program, will step down at the end of the 2026-27 academic year. Higginbotham helped secure funding for the upcoming CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation, and oversaw the early years of the Institute for Contemporary Art. But she also oversaw what ICA employees described to the school newspaper as a “deteriorating work environment marked by ethics complaints, restrictions on expression, a fear of retaliation among staff and a high turnover rate.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/vcuarts-dean-to-step-down-after-tenure-filled-with-achievements-controversies/) **ALSO IN EDUCATION:** - [**Chesterfield’s lone school board race pits a political veteran against a newcomer**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfields-lone-school-board-race-pits-a-political-veteran-against-a-newcomer/) - [**After mold issues, RPS outlines initial plan to prevent future school building problems**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-mold-issues-rps-outlines-initial-plan-to-prevent-future-school-building-problems/) --- ### In other news - [**City Council approves redevelopment of Virginia Home into apartments**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-approves-redevelopment-of-virginia-home-into-apartments/) - A separate proposal to build townhomes on the vacant South Meadow Street lot owned by the Virginia Home remains unresolved. - [**Lewis Ginter strike enters day 15 as garden files for injunction to remove picketers from entrance**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/lewis-ginter-botanical-garden-strike-injunction-to-remove-picketers-sept-17-2026)(CBS 6) - The garden alleges that union workers have yelled at or intimidated employees and visitors, used abusive language, and created a public safety hazard by interrupting traffic flow on Lakeside Avenue. - [**Family says student is back at home after Meadowbrook High School altercation**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/09/16/family-says-student-is-back-home-after-meadowbrook-high-school-altercation/) (12 On Your Side) - Irvin Rodriguez Gaitan, identified by family members, has returned home but suffered brain injuries from the altercation. - [**Flying Squirrels set franchise attendance record at CarMax Park**](https://www.wric.com/flying-squirrels/flying-squirrels-franchise-attendance-records/) (8News) - The Squirrels' season came to an end last night with a playoff loss to Erie. --- ### The editor's desk A quick correction from Wednesday's newsletter: Richmond's first bike lane was actually installed on Floyd Avenue in 1974, but was later removed. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Answered prayer highlight of Springers' domination of NOVA foe URL: https://www.richmonder.org/answered-prayer-highlight-of-springers-domination-of-nova-foe/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T06:27:56.000Z It was a play, if not for the ages, then at least for the postseason highlight reel. The Dashaun Chisem-to-Jonathan Carter Hail Mary pass as time expired in the first half of Highland Springs’ 28-7 victory over visiting South County on Thursday was more a momentum-sustainer and crowd-pleaser than a game-winner, but it was, nonetheless, spectacular and, without a doubt, uber-exciting. Leading 14-0 after dominating the first two quarters on this cool, breezy evening punctuated by light, intermittent showers, the Springers (3-1) took possession at their 48 with 34.5 seconds remaining. After five plays of working the clock and using their timeouts judiciously, they held forth on the Stallions’ 37, but a mere 2 seconds remained so the call from the sideline was obvious: let ‘er rip. On the snap, Chisem dropped back, deftly sidestepped a would-be tackle and launched a well-tuned spiral deep into the end zone where Devlin Davis, Carter and the South County defenders were converging. As the ball descended into the mosh pit, Davis managed to tip it as he was jostled, and, in an instant, it bounded into Carter’s outstretched hands. Then, with consummate poise, presence of mind, and athleticism, he kept his feet inbounds even though they landed literally inches from the back line and he was falling as they touched the turf. “I saw my quarterback, he threw the ball, and I saw the ball in the air,” Carter said. “When I see ball, I’ve got to go get ball. “I dragged my feet. I’m not going to lie. When I caught the ball, I thought I was out of bounds. At halftime, they showed me (on an iPad). I was in bounds.” The TD pass to Carter was the third of three that Chisem delivered. “It was a dream,” said Chisem, a 6-0, 180-pound junior who went 13 for 26 for 190 yards and rushed 11 times for 41 yards and a second-half TD. “Just throw it up. Let the guys make a play on the ball. I was thinking, ‘My guy will come down with it and nobody else.’We practice it. It’s either our guy or nobody.” The Springers’ first TD, which ended a five-play, 84-yard drive, was a 24-yard connection from Chisem to Montell Richardson, who had found a wide-open spot in the middle of the secondary. The first of Angel Alegria’s four extra points put the home team up 7-0 at 4:55 of the first quarter. Highland Springs’ second score came at 6:50 of the second quarter when Chisem teamed with Jeremiah White (seven catches, 110 yards) for a 41-yard catch-and-run on the first play after the Springers took possession following a defensive stop. “We threw a lot of hitches last week against Dinwiddie,” Chisem said. “I knew (the Stallions) would see that on film, so our quick game wouldn’t be there, so I knew we’d have a shot down the field.” At 3:53 of the third quarter, Chisem delivered his guys’ fourth touchdown on a 15-yard run that concluded a 15-play, 77-yard drive that consumed 8:07 of clock time. Following Marquise Bullock’s interception on the first play of the final quarter, the Springers launched a similar drive (with backup Isaiah Crews running the offense) that kept the Stallions’ defense on the field for another eight minutes. “That (the long drives) solidify what we’re trying to do,” Springers coach Loren Johnson said. “We want to execute as well as we can and play at our level. When we do those things, we’ll be all right. “We have to compete and play well in everything that we do.” The Springers amassed 330 yards (131 rushing, 199 passing) on 76 plays. Using an aggressive, relentless four-man front defense, they limited the Stallions from Fairfax County (2-1) to 129 yards (145 passing, minus 16 rushing) on 58 plays. Eighty-one of the visitors’ yards (all through the air) came in the fourth quarter as South County scrambled to score, which it ultimately did when quarterback Dylan Miller and receiver Chaz Samuel teamed for a 7-yard TD pass 2:49 from the end. “We’d watched a lot of film,” said Bullock, a 5-11, 190-pound senior strong safety. “They like to throw the hitch, so we just stepped up a little bit and forced them to throw the deep ball, but they couldn’t throw it. “We practice hard every day, so this was nothing to us. We just get back and get them to the ground.” ### Holton, McDonnough stress importance of teachers, but differ on details at debate URL: https://www.richmonder.org/holton-mcdonnough-stress-importance-of-teachers-but-differ-on-details-at-debate/ Last updated: 2026-09-21T14:10:58.000Z Richmond School Board candidates Anne Holton and Jackie McDonnough made their case to voters Thursday night during a debate held at the Ann Hardy Community Center. Holton painted a picture of a school system that has room for improvement, but one that has been actively making progress since she joined in February. McDonnough was more critical of the district's direction, at one point stating that students in RPS are "not being adequately prepared" for either college or the workforce. McDonnough played up her ties to Richmond's 6th District, noting that she has lived and taught within its borders and maintains strong relationships with residents. Holton, meanwhile, cited her experience managing large budgets at the state level, first as the secretary of education and later president of George Mason, and her experience as a lawyer and judge. The candidates found common ground on a handful of issues. Both would like to see screen time sharply reduced for students, particularly younger ones. They also both voiced their support for collective bargaining at a time when the teachers' union is at a contract impasse with the district. Finding and retaining strong teachers was a point of emphasis, but the candidates differed on current success levels. "We have been bleeding staff," McDonnough said. "We hire well, then lose them. There's something wrong." Holton said this year's annual survey of teachers and staff showed "an overwhelming majority of our teachers and staff are satisfied, and that metric has been improving." "It's not easy, and we need to keep working at it," she said. "But we are making progress." The budget was another topic, as the school system faced several cuts this year in order to balance its finances. McDonnough took aim at central office positions when asked where she'd look to cut. "$200,000 salaries for people in director positions is not necessary," she said. "That's one of the places we could be making cuts." Holton said even cutting the entire leadership team would only be "a drop in the bucket," but added, "I think our leadership team is worth what we pay them." She cited a centralized reading curriculum which has led to testing gains, especially among English learners. Holton also said she's pleased with the district's new auditor, Ziauddin Ahmed, and believes that in his role reporting to the school board he can help find waste and fraud. McDonnough called for a full forensic audit into RPS finances, done by an outside financial firm. "A forensic audit is really for criminal matters in court," Holton countered, adding that "it's much cheaper to do in-house, and much more appropriate." While McDonnough was critical of Superintendent Jason Kamras, she stopped short of saying she would vote to remove him when his contract expires. "I would have to vote based on the results of a more thorough evaluation that involved multiple stakeholders," she said. McDonnough said a lack of oversight was a contributing factor in the alleged embezzlement by former facilities director Bobby Hathaway. "The issues should have been picked up with proper evaluation," McDonnough said. "I think there's a problem there with accountability. Are division managers on their own to do what they want to do? I think there's a problem with oversight." Holton noted that since she joined the board in February, Hathaway has been removed. She also said that as a former lawyer, she hopes she can push the district's lawyers to be more forthcoming in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. The Richmonder sued the school district for the release of the investigation into Hathaway, ultimately [winning its disclosure](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/). "As a lawyer, I can help challenge the legal advice we get, which is sometimes on the very cautious side, and balance that against the public interest and the right to know," she said. Voter interest was high, with about 100 people packing into the community center on a rainy evening to watch the debate. The debate was filmed by VPM, which posted the full hour on its YouTube page. Early voting starts on Friday, with Election Day set for Nov. 3. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*. This article has been updated with the YouTube video.* ### Help us celebrate these amazing 25 people! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/help-us-celebrate-these-amazing-25-people/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T20:00:49.000Z It's a party for the people who make Richmond great! Join us for our second edition of The Richmonder 25, next Friday at the Hippodrome Theater, and support local news! 🛶 We'll also have a silent auction with some of Richmond's most sought-after experiences! [Get your tickets here!](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) Have you met our 25 honorees yet? Make sure to read their stories.... - [Firewood volunteer **Steve Allen** delivers warmth to Richmonders who need it](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/) - [**Sherrie McKeithan's** impact reaches every corner of Westover Hills](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sherrie-mckeithans-impact-reaches-every-corner-of-westover-hills/) - [**Joe Kelleher** went back to school in his 80s to help veterans with PTSD](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-joe-kelleher-went-back-to-school-in-his-80s-to-help-veterans-with-ptsd/) - [**Megan Shockley** hosts evenings of music and human connection](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-megan-shockley-hosts-evenings-of-music-and-human-connection/) - [**Keys Pattie** is the glue holding Richmond's ultimate frisbee scene together](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-keys-pattie-is-the-glue-holding-richmonds-ultimate-frisbee-scene-together/) - [Whether it's archery or baking, **Amanda Robinson** makes space for others](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-whether-its-archery-or-baking-amanda-robinson-makes-space-for-others/) - [**Jim Bailey** helps prisoners make the most of their fresh start](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-jim-bailey-helps-prisoners-make-the-most-of-their-fresh-start/) - [**‘Silly Genius’** is creating a city where everyone can be a creator](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-silly-genius-is-creating-a-city-where-everyone-can-be-a-creator/) - [**LaDonna Lewis** ensures no young woman feels alone while battling breast cancer](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-ladonna-lewis-ensures-no-young-woman-feels-alone-while-battling-breast-cancer/) - [**Gabriela León-Pérez** does research to offer real-world solutions](https://www.richmonder.org/the-ri-gabriela-leon-perez-is-bringing-the-academy-to-the-community/) - [Coach **Loretta Watson** has been cheering on Richmond's girls for 30 years](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-coach-loretta-watson-has-been-cheering-on-richmonds-girls-for-30-years/) - [Shuttle driver **Sean Hackney** makes visits memorable](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shuttle-driver-sean-hackney-makes-visits-memorable/) - [**Lea Whitehurst-Gibson** works to amplify Southside's voice](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmond-25-lea-whitehurst-gibson-works-to-amplify-southside-richmonds-voice/) - [**Christie Chipps Peters** leads Richmond Animal Care and Control with optimism](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-christie-chipps-peters-leads-richmond-animal-care-and-control-with-optimism/) - [**Nikkia Young** keeps Richmond running](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-nikkia-young-keeps-richmond-running/) - [**Sarah Matalavage** drives to improve literary access in the Enchanting Bookmobile](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sarah-matalavage-drives-to-improve-literary-access-in-the-enchanting-bookmobile/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT6eEhwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7NyTRBWx975vQjLCTLhZGn8O6DuRQ%5FTP1NISYMi0XqBuDc3K9O4t7wxiW7Tg%5Faem%5F46W2GsvedygLnchusPwASg) - [**Shawntee Wynn** stands by victims of domestic violence](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shawntee-wynn-stands-by-victims-of-domestic-violence/) - [**Regina Chaney** fights for fairness in housing](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-regina-chaney-fights-for-fairness-in-housing/) - [Retirement won't stop **Dr. Joann Henry's** passion for education](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-retirement-wont-stop-dr-joann-henrys-passion-for-education/) - [**Mollie Reinhart** fosters connection through compassion](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-mollie-reinhart-fosters-connection-through-compassion/) - [**Dr. Jeff Mapp** goes the distance to provide pediatric care](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-dr-jeff-mapp-goes-the-distance-to-provide-pediatric-care/) - [At 85, **Franck Boynton** has delivered meals to Richmond’s neediest for almost two decades](https://www.richmonder.org/at-85-franck-boynton-has-delivered-meals-to-richmonds-neediest-for-almost-two-decades/) - [**Larkin Garbee** contributes to Jackson Ward's thriving](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-larkin-garbee-contributes-to-jackson-wards-thriving/) - [**Junior Martin** dances in the median to inspire you](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-junior-martin-dances-in-the-median-to-inspire-you/) We're also honored to welcome **Perris Jones**, former UVA football player and author of *Ashes to End Zone*, as our keynote speaker. Perris will share his inspiring story of resilience, reflecting on how a life-altering injury on the football field transformed his purpose and led him to a life of service to others. ### The party: **When:** Friday, September 25\. Doors at 5 p.m, program at 6:15 p.m. **Where:** The Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd Street **What:** Heavy hors d'oeuvres, full bar, music, free parking **Dress:** Cocktail festive! **Cost:** [**$115 for the public, $85 for Richmonder donors**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) (use code Richmonder1 for one ticket, or Richmonder2 for a couples ticket) Interested in a table for you and your friends or colleagues? [**Find those here.**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) We look forward to seeing you there! --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Chesterfield’s lone school board race pits a political veteran against a newcomer URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfields-lone-school-board-race-pits-a-political-veteran-against-a-newcomer/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T18:05:31.000Z With early voting opening Friday, two candidates are running in Chesterfield County’s Clover Hill District — one has years of elected school board experience under her belt, while the other is a first-time candidate and mom to current Chesterfield students. The Clover Hill seat became vacant last year after former school board representative Dot Heffron resigned following backlash over a post she made [after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-school-board-member-asked-to-resign-by-peers-youngkin-after-social-media-post/). Jenna Darby has served as the district’s interim representative since January, but did not seek the seat in the special election. The winner will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2027, and will represent the Brandermill and Woodlake neighborhoods, among others. The district is one of five in the county, and has consistently voted for liberal candidates in recent years. Each of the district’s precincts voted for Gov. Abigail Spanberger by at least a 10-point margin last year, and 16 of the 17 precincts chose Kamala Harris in the most recent presidential election. In Chesterfield, school board candidates don’t run under a party affiliation. ### **Political newcomer leans on parental experience** Christina Brady said she’s had an eye on this race for a while, but wasn’t expecting the seat to open up when it did. While she wasn’t expecting the chance to open up so soon, she said she felt it was important to throw her hat in the ring. This is her first time running for an elected office. “I think a lot of school boards get distracted by culture war topics. Our kids need us to be focused on how they’re using technology and how they are getting … mental health support and are they getting to and from school safely,” Brady said. “The only way I can guarantee that is if I’m on the school board.” She’s the mom to four daughters. After moving to Chesterfield County in 2021, she saw her kids navigate a COVID-era school system firsthand and how parents struggled to keep up. Particularly, she said parents may have a difficult time trying to help their special needs students receive the in-school care they required — such as [504 plans](https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504) or [Individualized Education Programs](https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/special-education/iep-instruction/individualized-education-program-iep) (otherwise known as IEPs). Not only is this a tricky process to navigate, but not knowing the right questions to ask also proved to be a massive roadblock, she said. If elected, she hopes to bridge that gap between understanding and action. “We know that kids who aren’t doing well, who are unhappy, who are tired, who aren’t fed, aren’t going to learn as well as a kid who is getting those needs met. So I think it’s really important that we figure out how to meet as many needs as possible.” Besides in-school support, technology is another major topic on her radar. Brady, who works in IT, said she recognizes the importance of technology but believes students do not retain information as well when learning is delegated to computers rather than activities such as writing by hand. “My goal is to significantly reduce screen time for elementary school and figure out where we could pull it back in middle school and high school and give them time to interact and be humans,” Brady said. ### **Elizabeth Schultz returns to politics** Elizabeth Schultz said she entered the race just a few days before the filing deadline, but her experience serving on Fairfax County’s school board has helped her put her foot on the gas. She was elected to represent the county’s Springfield District in 2012, and occupied the seat until 2019\. Her initial motivation for running was a sense that the county hadn’t been transparent with its parents, and “it ended up being the finger pointing, and there are three fingers pointing back.” She later worked on education policy at the federal and state levels, including in the U.S. Department of Education during the Trump administration and in the Youngkin administration. Her federal work included serving as deputy director of the Office of Educational Technology. She settled in Chesterfield County, with her youngest of four sons having just graduated from Clover Hill High School. She said Heffron’s social media comments and resulting resignation shook her, and she once more felt called to run for office. “I am about parents, students and taxpayers,” Schultz said. “Each one has a different need from elected representatives, and if we aren’t focusing on that then we are focusing on the wrong thing, which is why we got here in the first place.” That philosophy also extends to how Schultz would approach the school board itself. She said her biggest priority, if elected, would be to listen directly to parents and students and give them a more direct role in decisions about their education. While serving in Fairfax, Schultz said she held student town halls at high schools in her district and asked students what they wanted from their schools. She said those conversations informed her education-focused work and that she would like to establish similar forums in Clover Hill. Schultz said Chesterfield students should receive a fulfilling, meaningful education — one that prepares them for a range of paths after graduation, not just college. She wants students to be aware of alternatives, including the trades and military. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### IG: No evidence proving tip Richmond workers were buying ‘baggies full of fresh weed’ URL: https://www.richmonder.org/no-evidence-proving-tip-richmond-workers-were-buying-baggies-full-of-fresh-weed/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T16:34:24.000Z Richmond’s inspector general recently looked into an anonymous tip that city workers were buying “huge zip-lock freezer baggies full of fresh weed” during work hours from a “hemp food truck” parked on Mayo Island. After conducting on-foot surveillance, getting Richmond police involved and reviewing GPS tracking data for city vehicles, the inspector general’s office ruled the allegation “unsubstantiated,” according to a [recently published report](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/Misuse%20of%20City%20Vehicles%20DPU%20PRD%20DPW%204.24.26.pdf). That means investigators found no evidence proving it was true, but could make no definitive conclusion it was false. “Based on the information reviewed and the surveillance conducted, the OIG did not identify evidence to support the allegation that COR employees were using City-owned vehicles to purchase or possess illegal narcotics,” reads a June 9 report from the office of Inspector General Foster Curtiss. [Legalizing marijuana could produce tax windfall for Richmond“Legalization can play a huge role in reducing unnecessary criminalization that has disproportionately affected some communities.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-186c4b9c-ff50-4016-8597-da556781285f.png)The RichmonderMark Newton![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2JK3X1C-f941dd2f-8de7-47fb-8d06-359d0edf7f84.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/legalizing-marijuana-could-produce-tax-windfall-for-richmond/) The complaint alleged Richmond workers were making purchases from the truck “throughout the day” in official city vehicles. The inspector general’s office did find a blue box truck advertising “Holistic Remedies, Cannabis Education, Smoke Accessories and More…” at the specified parking lot in the middle of the Mayo Bridge. However, no city vehicles were seen pulling up to the truck while it was under surveillance by the inspector general’s office and the police. “No suspicious activity was observed, nor was any conduct witnessed that indicated COR-owned vehicles or COR employees were purchasing any items from that Location,” the inspector general’s report says. [With 9 months until legal marijuana sales, a lottery drawing may determine who can set up shop in RichmondAnother set number of licenses will be set aside for “impact” licensees.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9f3794b2-3797-488f-8eed-fb385f18dace.png)The RichmonderMolly Manning![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0179-1a7ad0c1-1044-431b-a5dc-f475b0c0735b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/with-9-months-until-legal-marijuana-sales-a-lottery-drawing-may-determine-who-can-set-up-shop-in-richmond/) The review of GPS tracking data showed several city vehicles crossed the bridge between April 15 and May 19\. But the data indicated none of them stopped at the hemp truck. “The OIG will continue to monitor relevant complaints and will coordinate with partner agencies as necessary should new information arise,” Curtiss wrote in his report. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### After mold issues, RPS outlines initial plan to prevent future school building problems URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-mold-issues-rps-outlines-initial-plan-to-prevent-future-school-building-problems/ Last updated: 2026-09-17T14:34:47.000Z After the brief closure of Barack Obama and Bellevue elementary schools at the start of the school year due to a presence of mold in both buildings, Richmond School Board members have called for more awareness of school building conditions. “Regarding the continuous feedback we’ve heard regarding our facilities … my ask is that we just continue to make sure that \[a facilities update\] is on our agenda every month, school by school,” said 7th District Representative Cheryl Burke at a September Board meeting. Katie Ricard (2nd District) agreed, adding that the administration should present lessons learned from the series of events and measures put in place as a result. At a recent School Board Facilities Committee meeting about a week later, Chief Operating Officer Patrick Herrel and Interim Facilities Director Harry Chargois presented an early view of just that. The facilities team has so far identified three main takeaways from the year’s first week of school that will be implemented as part of a preventative plan: - active monitoring of each HVAC system for every school to ensure systems can monitor temperature and humidity, and potentially dehumidify if humidity levels are high, - detailed protocols, inspections and checklists over the summer that will not only check for cleanliness, but also moisture, which would later be communicated with school-based staff, and - more intentional search of sources for moisture, like in windows and ceilings pipes. Herrel said that the new procedures will help administrators identify gaps that would cost significant money for the division to address, but also be more proactive with potential HVAC issues before things go awry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_2780.jpg) The Richmond School Board's Facilities Committee wants steps put in place to ensure better maintenance. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) Another byproduct of the aftermath will be dashboards showing updates like mold monitoring within the buildings, a request made by Superintendent Jason Kamras, Herrel said. Dashboards will also exist for “general preparedness to open” for departments across the division. It is unclear if the dashboards will be available to the public. Just a few weeks before, Director of Internal Audits Ziauddin Ahmed told Board members that the facilities team has “zero preventative maintenance activities” – a comprehensive list of all facilities within the division detailing the status of every aspect of a school building and conducting a routine check of those things. Matthew Percival (1st District) asked that the facility’s plan be aligned with the auditor’s findings. [Facilities Department had ‘haphazard’ processes and lacked work order controls, RPS audit findsThe department failed to use the maintenance management platform that was implemented about four years ago.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-92733967-1a3b-405d-80ae-f79360eaf5e4.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/facilities-audit-1--1--df010c32-fcb4-4373-a8a8-970fb85facac.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/facilities-department-had-haphazard-processes-and-lacked-work-order-controls-rps-audit-finds/) Committee Chair Stephanie Rizzi (5th District) said that while she acknowledges that the division is in need of more funding to address the division’s aging buildings, she’s frustrated that the division “is always reactive” to school facility mishaps. “As a way of trying to create a system here, it might be best to think about things we may want and when we may want to see them,” she said. She added that the Board should create a master calendar that would contain scheduled reports for certain months, like a mold report in July before school begins or a heat report in November before the winter time, which other members agreed to. Board members came to the meeting filled with questions – some of which came directly from their constituents in messages and phone calls – for Herrel and Chargois, varying from whether teachers should continue to use air scrubbers bought during the pandemic to staffing within the facilities department. The facilities team currently has a total of 10 open positions. Four of them are custodian positions, and another three are HVAC technicians, Chargois told Board members. He said he has been working all summer to recruit employees, especially HVAC technicians. But a big barrier to that is that the department is also competing against private-sector companies for the same individuals. Understanding funding and budgetary constraints, the facilities team has so far implemented some inexpensive tools that could help make preventative maintenance more achievable. For example, Chargois said each classroom in Barack Obama Elementary School has humidity and temperature sensors that will allow teachers to self-report any potential concerns. The division has also so far applied for a government grant that would provide $3 million each for G.H. Reid and Elizabeth D. Redd elementary schools – which had mold issues at the start of the last school year – that would give them each a dedicated outside air unit that would balance humidity and other air problems inside the buildings. Long-term, Herrel said that the department will need to “slowly and consistently be strategic about the changes to our HVAC systems,” which will be dependent on capital funding. “I think short of those sorts of larger investments, we are going to have to be incredibly proactively diligent about human-focused monitoring,” he said. The facilities team will provide a more comprehensive update for the full School Board within the upcoming months. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Brown’s Island will be open for Folk Festival, says Venture Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/browns-island-will-be-open-for-folk-festival-says-venture-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T20:04:13.000Z Brown’s Island “will be open for the Folk Festival,” Venture Richmond CEO and President Lisa Sims promised Wednesday. “Certainly it is a tight turn. It's a big ask,” she acknowledged. “But we are on track to make it happen, so I don't have any doubts that it will.” The riverfront park, which is owned by the city and managed by Venture Richmond, has been closed since December 2025 for a $30 million overhaul that will add a new pavilion, public restrooms, an entrance accessible for people with disabilities, a splash pad and thousands of native trees and plants. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/4BD566B8-F90A-40D1-B41E-6F148D2EFBD2_1_201_a.jpeg) Lisa Sims said the park will also temporarily open for the Richmond Marathon later this year. Not everything will be complete by the time the Richmond Folk Festival starts on Oct. 9\. Parts of the island including the new terraces along the James River, the new buildings and planned gardens on the northern side of the island will be fenced off. Stages will have to be squeezed around a trailer used by general contractor Whiting-Turner. And much of the planned planting will be delayed until after the festival to avoid young plants from being trampled. Otherwise, the show will go on. “We don’t want fears about this space not being ready or not being accessible to keep people from the Folk Festival,” said Sims. “We also, though, want them to know it’s not finished yet.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/9F8964D8-E1DC-4059-87A5-78D3C1326A82_1_201_a.jpeg) Hookups will allow food trucks and vendors on the island. On Wednesday morning, the site was buzzing with dozens of workers getting ready to pour concrete on the rebuilt steps down from the arched 7th Street pedestrian bridge across the canal, laying paving stones on the “Breezeway” area beneath the Manchester Bridge and driving heavy machinery. New infrastructure that’s already complete includes circular structures on the southern side of the island that will provide permanent electricity and water hookups for vendors and food trucks. “We’ve never had that before. We were running cables from all across the island, water lines,” said Sims. “What we’re trying to do is make this a more robust park year-round, but also a better event space.” Also finished: a new wheelchair-accessible ramp down from the 7th Street Bridge that will provide better access for people with disabilities. So too is remediation of the island’s soil, which had seen contamination from many years of heavy industry on the site. [As design committee OKs revised Brown’s Island plan, members weigh corporate vibe vs. ‘wildness’What started as a push to plant more trees on the man-made island has evolved into a bigger project.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-67f96d8d-c569-4918-99f3-ecef096bae44.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Browns-Island-Plan-Update-01-30-2025-20-9eb3cc50-d4db-41c3-b4f3-f9ea5f350da2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-design-committee-oks-revised-browns-island-plan-members-weigh-corporate-vibe-vs-wildness/) Construction will continue after the Folk Festival, when the island will again be closed. The park will also be briefly reopened to host the Richmond Marathon’s “finish line festival” on Nov. 14\. Planting is expected to occur from September to November, when 220 trees and 11,700 perennials and shrubs will be put in the ground. “Most are native,” said Lucy Meade, Venture Richmond’s director of economic development and community relations. “We’ll be bringing back the pollinators and the birds.” One exception: 14 cherry blossom trees included in the landscape design because, said Meade, “Richmond loves their cherry blossoms.” All of the work is on track to wrap up at the start of the first quarter of 2027\. While this summer’s heat waves were “miserable,” said Sims, they didn’t slow down the project: “Rain would have been worse.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/CCC28D0D-D7D2-4257-BEC7-13DE52719E2B_1_201_a.jpeg) The Folk Festival reopening marks a special milestone in a longer transformation of Brown’s Island into a popular gathering space for Richmonders. “When we started the Folk Festival, there wasn't a whole lot happening down here,” said Sims. “The Folk Festival really sort of changed how people saw the riverfront. They saw it as something that was more accessible, something that could be fun.” The sweeping project’s $30 million price tag is being split between the city and Venture Richmond, which has been raising its half from the private sector, including donations from companies like Dominion Energy, CoStar and NewMarket Corporation. Venture Richmond plans to open up the public phase of its fundraising campaign after the Folk Festival. Sims would not provide a specific amount of money that still needs to be raised but said, “We are not worried at all. We are very confident.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Facing high levels of benefit theft, Richmond and Chesterfield among first to get new, more secure EBT cards URL: https://www.richmonder.org/facing-high-levels-of-benefit-theft-richmond-and-chesterfield-among-first-to-get-new-more-secure-ebt-cards/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T19:04:00.000Z Richmond and Chesterfield County are among the first 22 places in Virginia where the state is rolling out new chip cards for people to access SNAP benefits in an effort to thwart criminals from draining food assistance accounts. The new electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards aim “to make sure families have secure, accessible support — and are protected from bad actors,” Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in an announcement last week of the rollout. Both the city and the county were chosen for the first round of card distribution because they experience some of the highest levels of benefit theft. All Virginia residents who receive SNAP benefits will ultimately receive the new cards by the end of December. The “skimming” that the new technology is designed to combat occurs when a criminal places an illegal device on a credit card machine that copies card information, allowing thieves to steal the account’s benefits. The addition of microchips to cards help prevent this kind of theft. While magnetic stripes transmit account information directly to a card reader, meaning it can be duplicated and stolen, chips create unique, encrypted codes for each transaction. According to data from the Virginia Department of Social Services, Chesterfield — which is grouped along with the adjacent city of Colonial Heights — had the seventh-highest amount of benefit theft, totaling almost $220,000\. Richmond had the 10th-highest amount of theft at just shy of $164,000\. By far the largest amount of theft occurred in Fairfax County, which at more than 1.1 million people is Virginia’s most populated jurisdiction. The county recorded about $905,000 of losses in 2025\. Cletisha Lovelace, director of public affairs for VDSS, warned that those figures “may not reflect the full scope of benefit theft across the Commonwealth” because the amounts are voluntarily reported by local departments of social services. “SNAP benefits are often what stands between the families we serve and an empty table, and no one should have to worry about going hungry because a criminal targeted the help they depend on,” said VDSS Commissioner Duke Storen. “The threat of benefit theft is real, and this modernization strengthens the security of the benefits Virginians count on.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### VCUarts dean to step down after tenure filled with achievements, controversies URL: https://www.richmonder.org/vcuarts-dean-to-step-down-after-tenure-filled-with-achievements-controversies/ Last updated: 2026-09-22T17:15:12.000Z Carmenita Higginbotham, the dean of the internationally recognized VCUarts program, will step down at the end of the 2026-27 academic year, the university announced on Friday. VCU lauded Higginbotham’s tenure, during which U.S. News & World Report recently had VCUarts tied for the No. 1 public fine arts graduate program in the country, and in second place for its overall program. Higginbotham also helped secure funding for the upcoming [CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation](https://www.styleweekly.com/centerstaged/), and oversaw the early years of the Institute for Contemporary Art, both located at Broad and Belvidere streets. But Higginbotham’s tenure was not without discontent, according to [multiple reports](https://commonwealthtimes.org/?s=higginbotham&id=84085) from The Commonwealth Times, VCU’s student newspaper. In June, employees of the Institute for Contemporary Art [spoke out against](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/06/28/some-ica-staff-describe-ethics-violations-toxic-work-culture/) a “deteriorating work environment marked by ethics complaints, restrictions on expression, a fear of retaliation among staff and a high turnover rate.” Earlier this year, a student said [“VCUarts Fashion has made my work into a minstrelsy”](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/04/29/student-calls-out-fashion-department-for-denying-request-for-black-model/) after the department denied her request for a Black model to wear an outfit she designed depicting an “angry Black woman” stereotype for the annual fashion show. One current VCUarts employee, who was granted anonymity to speak about their employer, said the school’s last six years have been less about innovation or retaining talented staff, and more about “maintaining administrative salaries.” “Building a building doesn’t create innovation,” the current employee said, referring to the upcoming CoStar center and the eight-years-young Institute for Contemporary Art. “What you do in the building creates innovation.” They suggested Higginbotham was potentially pushed toward her decision to step down. “I don’t know too many people that would leave a job that pays over $300,000 on their own,” the employee added. Higginbotham earned nearly $340,000 in tax year 2025, according to a [payroll published by The Commonwealth Times](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QKy6J5R1itXlScoFJclv6Ne-3u2zSVnF4quHCAebUGU/edit?pli=1&gid=1485308845#gid=1485308845). Shawn Brixey — her predecessor who [stepped down in 2019](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2019/08/05/vcuarts-dean-shawn-brixey-steps-down/) — earns a nearly $300,000 salary while still working as a professor. VCU’s Friday press release announcing the decision came after The Richmonder reached out to ask about Higginbotham’s job status. Higginbotham will take a leave before returning to the faculty to focus on her research and scholarship, the release said. “Leading this school alongside our faculty, staff and students has been one of the great privileges of my career,” she wrote. “Together, we’ve positioned VCUarts as a global leader in arts education, and I leave this role more confident than ever in where the school is headed.” The Office of the Provost declined to elaborate on Higginbotham’s stepping down, due to it being a “personnel matter.” Higginbotham herself did not respond to a request for comment by The Richmonder. “She has established transformative initiatives that will positively impact this university for many years to come,” wrote [VCU Provost Arturo Saavedra](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/04/29/vcus-new-provost-on-tenure-policies-research-academic-freedom/), who became the new chief academic officer himself last April. “Thank you to Dean Higginbotham for her service to the institution and for her willingness to continue in this role until a successor is named.” ### **Decision comes after departmental changes, job security concerns** Students and faculty spoke out throughout the 2025-26 academic year against the results of a university-wide “academic repositioning” that saw [arts departments consolidated](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/02/05/vcu-consolidates-arts-departments-despite-dean-initially-saying-otherwise/) and some faculty let go of. Higginbotham reportedly initially assured faculty the repositioning would only bring changes on the administrative level, and that nobody would lose their job. Through the initiative, the dance and theatre departments were merged into one. The craft and material studies, painting and printmaking and sculpture departments were joined into a single Department of Fine Arts. VCUarts [paused accepting students into its furniture design graduate program](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/01/21/vcu-quietly-axes-furniture-design-program-amid-consolidation/) for the 2026-27 academic year after not renewing the contract for the only full-time woodworking professor in the fine arts program. In February, [faculty held a lecture in protest](https://commonwealthtimes.org/2026/03/04/vcuarts-faculty-call-out-job-cuts-low-morale/) of their colleagues losing their jobs amid the rollout of a new post-tenure review policy — piling on to years-long concerns over dwindling job security in higher education as a whole. ### **Students weigh in** Zora Weir-Gertzog, a recent graduate and former president of the Communication Arts Student Advisory Board, said her five years at VCUarts were “frustrating” at first. The scientific illustration program she came to the university for was shuttered in 2022\. “For the first two years I was in communication arts there weren’t any guest talks, there were no art shows. Everything that was organized was entirely student-run. There were no scholarships. There was nothing,” Weir-Gertzog said. But after her department within the arts school got a new chair, Weir-Gertzog came out of VCU with a more positive outlook — mostly due to the “incredible” faculty, many of whom work as adjuncts with low pay, she said. “Some of my best professors are adjuncts who make less than, like, $12,000 a year from VCU,” Weir-Gertzog said. Leigh Johnston, president of the Concept Design Club at VCU, said her experience has mostly lived up to VCU’s claim of being one of the top art schools in the country, despite some early frustrations with how long it took to get through the prerequisite course load required for all art students. “I know that there were issues before I was a student,” Johnston said. “One of my professors was a student here, and he was talking about how it used to be a lot more of a mess. My time has been relatively OK.” *VCU and CoStar are sponsors of The Richmonder, but were not allowed to influence or review this report. This article has been updated to reflect the circumstances around Shawn Brixey's departure.* ### Sept. 16 Newsletter: Connecting Manchester to the river URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-16-newsletter-co/ Last updated: 2026-09-16T10:00:08.000Z **Weather:** High of 85\. Warmth returns gradually as the week continues. **On this date** in 2017, a pro-Confederacy rally on Monument Avenue ends early when counterprotestors vastly outnumber the protestors. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-1113-1120-112724-900x150px--1--1.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-13.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/move-over-scotts-addition-manchester-could-be-getting-its-own-urban-trail-and-park/) ### Move over, Scott’s Addition. Manchester could be getting its own urban trail and park. Plans are moving forward to connect the neighborhood with the river by transforming a string of parcels into an urban trail for bikers and pedestrians, as well as a brand-new public park. 🚴‍♀️ The trail will eventually allow bikers and walkers to go from the Mayo Bridge to the planned Fall Line Trail across the Manchester Bridge. When complete, “it will create bike-walk access and the kind of livability you want to see” in Manchester, Mayor Danny Avula said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/move-over-scotts-addition-manchester-could-be-getting-its-own-urban-trail-and-park/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/city-hall.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-foia-foibles-persist-city-claims-it-has-no-flock-contract/) ### As Richmond’s FOIA foibles persist, city claims it has no ‘Flock’ contract Last month, The Richmonder asked for each locality's contract with Flock Safety. Henrico and Chesterfield sent theirs, but Richmond said they didn't have one. 💼 Technically, the contract is with Flock Group Inc., the company’s legal, corporate name. Our FOIA request referred to Flock Safety, the same company’s more public-facing brand name. It wasn’t the first time the city has sent a puzzling FOIA response that seemed to block or delay access to public records over minor wording issues. There have been similar brush-offs related to the Diamond District redevelopment project and efforts to revamp the city water system after 2025’s catastrophic failure. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-foia-foibles-persist-city-claims-it-has-no-flock-contract/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-14.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/nextera-promises-new-richmond-office-tower-if-merger-with-dominion-goes-through/) ### NextEra promises new Richmond office tower if merger with Dominion goes through In a joint news release Monday, the two companies said the merger would come with a “Virginia-first” benefits package, including 1,000 new jobs. The proposed office tower would be built at shareholder expense beside the existing Dominion headquarters downtown, the release said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/nextera-promises-new-richmond-office-tower-if-merger-with-dominion-goes-through/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-15.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-schools-browns-impact-has-been-felt-across-the-region/) ### He coached the area's biggest prep teams. Now he's giving back at a small Christian school Over the years, Stu Brown, with his congenial, down-home manner and fierce competitive spirit, became well known on the local high school sports scene as a successful coach who instilled in his athletes the values with which he was raised. In June, Brown retired from the Henrico County school system. Four days later, he accepted the job as athletic director at Grove Christian School. “I’ve worked so much, worked so hard, but I’ve never lost communication with my faith. Here, I’m giving back to the Christian community and getting to practice my faith every day,” he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-schools-browns-impact-has-been-felt-across-the-region/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/260204_1248_jm_MR900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-offers-dozens-of-new-degrees-minors-and-more-this-fall?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU offers dozens of new degrees, minors and more** Virginia Commonwealth University students have dozens of new options to consider when pursuing degrees, certificates, concentrations, minors and more. The new programs come from across VCU’s colleges and schools and represent numerous academic disciplines. From robotics and AI to healthcare and business, the academic programs reflect the evolving workforce and promote experiential learning for students. Many of the new offerings are designed to help students keep up with fast-moving technologies or fill job market gaps, while others, such as accelerated programs, allow students to earn degrees in less time. [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-offers-dozens-of-new-degrees-minors-and-more-this-fall?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) --- ### In other news - [**Meadowbrook High School student left with life-threatening injuries after in-school altercation**](https://www.richmonder.org/meadowbrook-high-school-student-left-with-life-threatening-injuries-after-in-school-altercation/) - A police spokesperson said a fellow student caused the assault and has since been taken into custody. The student remains hospitalized in critical condition. - [**Bottoms Up Pizza’s new owner plans improvements, aims to ‘maintain the legacy’**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/15/bottoms-up-pizza-gets-new-owner-who-plans-improvements-aims-to-maintain-the-legacy/?utm%5Fcampaign=RBS%20Newsfeed&utm%5Fmedium=email&%5Fhsenc=p2ANqtz-8RyrzZ2j6Yg5PafXI13GG7ej1fq8XaGKpvzBmSvrQTBtp7fBp0pAwy1rRZhaRW7Zh%5FlOcJGWZXvIoAviWAAkwGpzY-xg&%5Fhsmi=439077721&utm%5Fcontent=439077721&utm%5Fsource=hs%5Femail#newsletter) (Richmond BizSense) - He purchased it earlier this year, and plans to add more specialty pizzas in homage to the restaurant’s past of more adventurous pies, such as one that featured alligator meat. - [**What was the first bike lane in Richmond?**](https://useful.bike/post/827499127890935808/what-was-the-first-bike-lane-in-richmond) (Useful.bike) - It was built in 1982, years before they became commonplace around town. --- ### The editor's desk We celebrated The Richmonder's second birthday as a staff last night. Amid the good times was also a desire to continue growing our work, tackling bigger issues and telling more positive stories from the community. Also, they met our two new hires – I can't wait to introduce you to them! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### ‘We mess up, we fess up’: Richmond officials acknowledge summer of problems with DPU bills URL: https://www.richmonder.org/we-mess-up-we-fess-up-richmond-officials-acknowledge-summer-of-problems-with-dpu-bills/ Last updated: 2026-09-18T13:25:09.000Z After a series of problems with a summertime overhaul of Richmond’s utility billing system, city officials say they’re planning to extend customer service hours to help more residents struggling to understand their bills. Mayor Danny Avula’s administration says it has brought in extra staffing to help deal with a summertime spike in calls from residents, an increase they said was a result of the flawed system rollout that happened in late May and early June. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Avula and his team said they now realize the city could have done a better job communicating what was going on with the Department of Public Utilities systems. “We mess up, we fess up,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. In a memo to the mayor and City Council sent Friday evening, Donald said the city would “add one additional service hour at least two days a week to call center operations until the current issue is resolved.” The city is also beefing up staffing levels and planning monthly customer service open houses and “feedback sessions” to hear from residents about how utility bills could be better understood. “When we miss the mark on something, we are going to own it and we’re going to fix it,” Avula said. “And that’s taken some time here.” Inquiries to DPU’s call center nearly tripled after the late May rollout, rising from 13,686 in May to 39,744 in June and 39,065 in July, according to city data. In August, the number drifted back down to 22,689. The top five issues reported to the call center, according to the city, were higher-than-normal bills, missing bills, missing payments, confusion about old account numbers being switched for new ones and utility service not being turned on by “the desired time.” DPU Director Scott Morris said there have been “a lot of challenges with the implementation,” but stressed that the city’s data remained largely accurate. “The data in the core system has remained intact the entirety of the transition,” Morris said. City officials identified four primary things that went wrong during the billing system overhaul, which DPU dubbed “Project Synergy.” Customers’ account numbers had to be changed due to limitations with the software, which led to confusion despite some attempts by DPU to publicize the change in advance. The city’s payment processing vendor also switched servers just as the new system launched, according to the city, which caused issues with data verification. Bills were also formatted incorrectly because data wasn’t being pulled properly, officials said, a problem that primarily affected customers using automated payment methods. Officials said the situation seems to be stabilizing as problems have been found and addressed. Avula characterized it as an example of the “deep and hard work” to change government culture and technology, a process he said “takes time.” “Obviously, we want to be sensitive to what residents were feeling in the midst of this, but also to remind residents that doing this work well is going to take time,” Avula said. In the CAO’s memo to city leadership, Donald said the administration has made “great strides in improving utility services” since the 2025 water crisis. “Acquiring and maintaining the public’s trust, especially after a catastrophic emergency, is not easy,” Donald wrote. “The consistency that our customers expect in exchange for their trust must be delivered in a manner that continuously instills confidence in service, a standard where issues are corrected in both public and private, and consistent responsiveness. I am confident that DPU’s executive leadership, supervisory leaders, and frontline staff are committed to delivering on your vision for a thriving City Hall and Council’s expectations related to best-in-class service delivery.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### City Council approves redevelopment of Virginia Home into apartments URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-approves-redevelopment-of-virginia-home-into-apartments/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T19:04:11.000Z Richmond’s City Council on Monday approved the redevelopment of the 95-year-old Virginia Home on the edge of Byrd Park into apartments. The decision, which was part of the package of uncontroversial legislation known as the consent agenda that the council considers every meeting, got the backing of all eight members present. Councilor Stephanie Lynch, whose 5th District includes the site, was absent. The Virginia Home currently houses 130 adults with irreversible physical disabilities at the building between South Meadow and Hampton streets where the Byrd Park neighborhood borders Randolph. Last year, the organization [began building a new facility in Hanover County](https://richmondbizsense.com/2025/11/19/the-virginia-home-breaks-ground-on-128m-facility-in-hanover/) where it plans to move all of its residents and operations and consequently sought buyers for both the Byrd Park building and another vacant property on South Meadow Street. Developer Audeo Partners proposed converting the facility into 131 apartments, of which 28 would be studios, 79 would be one-bedroom units and 24 would be two-bedroom units. [The plan got the unanimous backing of the Planning Commission](https://www.richmonder.org/conversion-of-95-year-old-virginia-home-in-byrd-park-to-apartments-gets-thumbs-up-from-planning-commission/) earlier this summer. The redevelopment drew both concern and praise from the public Monday. Randolph residents Claire Guthrie Gastañaga and Toni Mounce urged the City Council to delay the vote another month. While both said they were not opposed to the redevelopment of the building, they argued significant questions remained about the impact of the project as planned on parking, traffic and city infrastructure like water and sewer. “I believe there is a better solution than the current proposal,” said Mounce. Charlie Trochlil, another Randolph resident, spoke in favor of the plan, which he said would offer needed housing to 131 individuals and families. “Folks are worried that there is not enough parking, not enough space in Randolph. … I think that Randolph does have space for new neighbors,” he said. “Welcoming them in will only make our neighborhood and city stronger.” While the Byrd Park redevelopment is now cleared to move ahead, [a separate proposal by Audeo to build townhomes](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-backs-31-townhouse-development-in-randolph/) on the vacant South Meadow Street lot owned by the Virginia Home remains unresolved. Audeo’s initial plan for that 0.75-acre parcel called for the construction of 31 townhomes. That number has since been revised down to 21 in response to concerns from neighbors about putting too much pressure on an older neighborhood with narrow streets. City Council is scheduled to take up that proposal Sept. 28\. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### He coached the area's biggest prep teams. Now he's giving back at a small Christian school URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-schools-browns-impact-has-been-felt-across-the-region/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T12:40:16.000Z He was a small town kid, a country boy at heart, trying his best to get his bearings in the big city. Stu Brown’s initiation began one December day in 1994 when, as a 21-year-old senior at Concord College in West Virginia, he arrived in Richmond to interview for a position as a health and physical education teacher and multi-sport coach at Varina High School. As he headed into the outskirts of town from the west via Hull Street Road, he became overwhelmed by the volume of traffic and the enormity of Central Virginia. “I was born and raised in Hurt, Virginia, with 1,000 people,” Brown, now 53, said recently. “I went to college in Athens, West Virginia, with maybe 500 people if it weren’t for the college. “I’d never seen anything like this, so I called Blanda (Wolfe, a childhood friend and Altavista High School teammate who was then working in the athletic department at VCU). “I said, ‘Blanda, I’m at a 7-Eleven. I have no idea where I’m at.’ Back then, you look in the white pages or yellow pages. He said, ‘Stu, I’m staring at 82 7-Elevens.’” Despite his somewhat inauspicious introduction to the area, Brown reached his destination that day, landed the job, and, before long, learned his way around. He also made his mark. Over the years, Brown, with his congenial, down-home manner and fierce competitive spirit, became well known on the local high school sports scene as a successful coach who instilled in his athletes the values with which he was raised. After 14 years as a football assistant at Varina (and, later, Deep Run), he served from 2008 until 2019 as head football coach at Varina, where his teams amassed a 93-44 record and won two regional titles. Along the way, he also coached baseball and basketball at Varina and softball at Deep Run. The past two years, he coached softball at Glen Allen, where the Jaguars went 28-16 and won the 2025 VHSL Group 6 state championship with a 7-4 victory over Western Branch, a team that defeated them 2-0 a week earlier in the Region 6A title game. This past June, Brown retired from the Henrico County School System. Four days later, he accepted the job as athletic director at Grove Christian School, which is located at the intersection of Parham and Ridge roads in the West End. “There’s no one who’s met Stu who doesn’t like him,” said Stu Richardson, his high school basketball and baseball coach who moved to Varina in 1994 and enticed his young protégé to join him. “He’s the coach you should want your son or daughter to play for. **“**He knows what it takes to win. He’s really well organized, he communicates well with people, and he’ll be successful (as an AD), just like he’s been at everything else he’s done.” Though Brown has spent most of his life in Central Virginia, his journey began rural Pittsylvania County. At Altavista, he played football, basketball and baseball and earned numerous Seminole District honorable mention citations. His earliest mentor was his dad, Bud Brown, and, soon after, Richardson, whose basketball camp he began attending when he was 9 years old and with whom he’s maintained a close friendship ever since. From them, he learned invaluable lessons that transcended the X’s and O’s and would define his coaching career. “I’m big on culture,” Brown said. “I’m no-excuses. Look in the mirror for self-accountability. Do your job to the best of your ability. Short memory. Bring the best version of yourself. Treat others how you want to be treated. If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it.” Whether it was as offensive coordinator at Deep Run (under Lenny Pritchard) or Varina (under Ed Bulheller and Gary Chilcoat) or as head coach at Varina, Brown put heart and soul into each assignment. Football, though, can be all-consuming, and his wake-up call came in 2019 when he visited Varina coaching icon Glenn Rudacille several weeks before he passed away. “He said, ‘Stu, you work too much,’” Brown recalled. “I knew I was spending a lot of time with everybody else’s children and not my own. That hit home. I felt like it was a good time (to step down).” He then taught for three years at the Henrico Virtual Academy followed by two at Pocahontas Middle School before moving to Glen Allen, where he served as assistant activities director and, on short notice in 2025, began coaching softball. There he was able to coach his daughter Caroline Jessee and lead the Jaguars, who were not projected as a championship contender, to their state title. It was one of many highlights of his coaching career. “We caught fire at the right time,” Brown said. “People remember them on the field, but I always want to raise my hand and say, ‘You should see them in the weight room.’” Now, he’s moved from teacher-coach at a large VHSL affiliate to full-time AD at a small VISAA school with 390 students pre-K through 12th grade. It’s a role he relishes, although a couple of months in, he’s still learning the ropes as he tends to details (among them transportation, scheduling, and making decisions on practice in extreme weather) that were never part of his previous job descriptions. “There’s been a learning curve, but the athletic directors at other schools have been so gracious with me being new,” he added. “They’re the nicest, most giving people. I’m grateful for that.” Why Grove Christian? “It goes back to my faith,” Brown said. “I’ve worked so much, worked so hard, but I’ve never lost communication with my faith. Here, I’m giving back to the Christian community and getting to practice my faith every day.” Though he’s drinking from the fire hose (figuratively speaking, of course), he’s finding immense joy in the challenge. “I’m having a blast, an absolute blast,” he said. “It’s blown my mind how talented our student-athletes are. I’m watching them compete at a high level. I’m making new friends. I’m working with people in the private school sector that I’ve heard of all my life. It’s been amazing.” ### Move over, Scott’s Addition. Manchester could be getting its own urban trail and park. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/move-over-scotts-addition-manchester-could-be-getting-its-own-urban-trail-and-park/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T13:42:07.000Z For some years, the most distinctive landmark of the scrubby, car-filled stretch of land that lies just south of the Norfolk Southern lines in Manchester was an abandoned boat, emblazoned with graffiti and cozied up next to a punching bag. The boat “is a perfect personification of the hiddenness of Manchester’s waterfront,” said Tyler Silvestro, a partner at landscape architecture firm Marvel. The whole area “looks like the back-of-house for a lot of buildings,” said Silvestro. “But if we open it up, it will become something that is highly useful for people to get to and from the James River.” Now, plans are moving forward to do just that by transforming a string of parcels and right of way between roughly Perry and Hull streets into an urban trail for bikers and pedestrians and a brand-new public park. “We started thinking: We’ve already got this kind of magnet over here with the T-Pot Bridge and the Fall Line Trail,” said Drew Wiltshire, a principal at Thalhimer Realty Partners, referring to the popular T. Tyler Potterfield pedestrian bridge. “We’ve got this other magnet over here with the Mayo Bridge. How do we connect them?” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-14-at-12.34.22---PM.png) While the project is in its early stages, the public-private collaboration between Thalhimer, the city of Richmond, the Manchester Alliance neighborhood association and Venture Richmond aims to rework underused city-owned land at 311 Bainbridge St. into a roughly half-acre public park and transform the surrounding area into a formal urban trail that will eventually allow bikers and walkers to go from the Mayo Bridge to [the planned Fall Line Trail](https://www.richmonder.org/126-million-segment-of-fall-line-trail-could-rewire-southsides-transportation/) across the Manchester Bridge. Brantley Tyndall, director of Bike Walk RVA at Sports Backers, said he was “thrilled” to see plans for more bike and pedestrian infrastructure in “a part of Richmond that particularly needs it.” “It will be a natural connection between the future Fall Line and the Capital Trail via the Mayo Bridge,” he said. “It’s going to get a ton of use and be really popular.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/F61BE488-A9E2-487D-8F38-149A9E5C000F_1_105_c.jpeg) An abandoned boat sits in Manchester. Janet Woodka, president of the Manchester Alliance and one of the key figures spearheading the effort, said the project “is what can happen when the neighborhood, developers and the city all work together.” While the Richmond City Council will need to sign off on several parts of the project, including a long-term lease of the Bainbridge land and the abandonment of some stretches of right of way, the plans have already gained the enthusiastic support of Mayor Danny Avula’s administration. “This is a really great example of where the city owned land and we had an inquiry from a private sector person who owned land around it and were actually willing to step forward and say, ‘We will build the trail, we will maintain the lot,’” the mayor told The Richmonder. When complete, “it will create bike-walk access and the kind of livability you want to see” in Manchester, he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/111F9B45-D1C1-4162-9287-A8D2E7819601_1_201_a.jpeg) The proposed site of the new park, pending City Council approval. ### **‘Underutilized’ assets** Like Scott’s Addition, Manchester has seen explosive growth over the past decade as its once-industrial blocks were redeveloped into densely arranged high-rises with thousands of residents and ground-floor retail. An October 2025 analysis of the neighborhood by Marvel commissioned by Venture Richmond and the Manchester Task Force calculated that 4,700 residential units had been built in the past 20 years, with an additional 2,800 in the pipeline. Many of them were drawn to the neighborhood by its proximity to the James River and the natural resources it offers, said Wiltshire. But, he added, those assets are “underutilitized.” Right now, the primary recreation area for Manchester is the Floodwall Walk, a narrow elevated walkway that overlooks the James River from the top of the floodwall. While the trail is popular, it is cut off from much of Manchester and is not accessible to many people with disabilities. Overall, the October 2025 report concluded that “existing park spaces are few and some difficult to access” and made an impassioned case for building out the neighborhood’s urban trail network. “To live or work within walking distance to the James is an incredible thing and therefore, access to it must remain a priority for the Manchester community,” the analysis found. “A connected and uninterrupted pedestrian experience that spans the James River through public parks, shared-use paths, pedestrian bridges, and retail-heavy urban areas is one that will attract millions of visitors and be of value to businesses, residents, and others.” Development in Manchester, as in Scott’s Addition north of the river, “happened so quickly and without enough of a planning focus on what do people actually want in these communities,” said Avula. “Thankfully, we have really activated neighborhood associations in both.” [Manchester makes a big investment in public art“More foot traffic would mean more investment in the community and infrastructure.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-24572cae-94fb-4479-a141-8a8f5d28df11.png)The RichmonderPayton Kifus![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/murals-1-c7d6f00a-ce7c-4b36-b045-7b44c6bf3210.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-makes-a-big-investment-in-public-art/) Unlike some of the [trail investments envisioned for Scott’s Addition](https://www.richmonder.org/coming-to-scotts-addition-bike-ped-paths-and-a-little-more-green/), the Manchester plans will rely on the collaboration of a developer. Thalhimer, which has about 750 residential units and 15,000 square feet of retail in Manchester, is not only putting forward land it owns for the project but has pledged to improve and maintain the Bainbridge park through a long-term lease it is seeking with the city. Right now, the developer has begun some cleanup of the land through a short-term agreement signed this August with the city, although the longer lease will require City Council approval and is expected to come before that body later this fall. A copy of the short-term lease shared with The Richmonder explicitly states that Thalhimer would be permitted to use the property “for the design, development, and maintenance of a public park.” But while Thalhimer will be on the hook to make the park happen and keep it in good working order, Wiltshire said the company will work closely with Richmond’s Parks and Recreation Department for planning and programming. Marvel, which is also involved in the city’s Dock Street, Mayo Island and Belle Isle parks, will do the landscape design. “With leadership from Mayor Avula and Thalhimer, we are taking an area that is blighted and derelict, with trash, abandoned vehicles and boats, and turning it into a linear park where people can walk their dogs, stroll with their children, ride their bikes and connect” to all of the area’s current and future destinations, said Woodka. The urban trail along which the park will sit will be a more complicated exercise, requiring the city to cobble together different parcels and right of way to produce a corridor that will allow pedestrians and bikers not only a safer path through the neighborhood but a pleasanter, leafier one. When complete, the route will be clearly marked and signed, with plantings and places for people to sit and gather. The intended path is “kind of building on what people already do. If you’re here on a Wednesday night or a Thursday night, you see bikers coming this way already,” Woodka said, gesturing toward the maze of parking areas, city blocks and plain unused land that they currently ride through. “It’s maybe a great bike ride for somebody who’s a true urban biker or warrior trail rider, but it’s not great for a dad and his 6-year-old.” Among the plots of land that will be converted along the route are two owned by Thalhimer: a small dog park and “Skyline Park,” a small triangle of land with repurposed presses from the former Reynolds South plant that sits next door. Wiltshire hopes that when complete, the new park and trail will become a draw for both residents and visitors, with a small stage for concerts and potentially even some small-scale businesses to serve users. Right now, “there’s really nothing that signifies Manchester,” he said. “What can we do on our side of the river to kind of serve as a place for people to gather, that would attract folks that live here and people that are coming from different parts of the city?” Once the infrastructure is in place, he said, “people are going to actually just come and I believe kind of take it over and figure it out themselves. I think there’ll be some organic growth that just happens after we create this nexus point.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org). *Venture Richmond is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### Meadowbrook High School student left with life-threatening injuries after in-school altercation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/meadowbrook-high-school-student-left-with-life-threatening-injuries-after-in-school-altercation/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T19:58:37.000Z A Meadowbrook High School student was left unconscious and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an on-campus fight Monday morning prompted a police response and a now-lifted lockdown. Chesterfield County Public Schools has not provided additional updates on the student’s condition. A police spokesperson said a fellow student caused the assault and has since been taken into custody. Starting shortly after 10 a.m., CCPS sent Meadowbrook parents a series of messages about an incident and imposed a lockdown. Around 11:30 a.m., the updates’ recipients were told the situation was safe and could optionally pick up their students. Police stayed at the school “out of an abundance of caution,” per the messages sent to parents, and will remain for the rest of the week. The high school’s back-to-school night was postponed and will be rescheduled. Meadowbrook’s principal, Craig Reed, authored the latest message to parents, which was sent at 12:31 p.m. “As principal, I am proud of the calm, responsible way our students and staff followed directions throughout the situation,” the message reads. “As was shared previously, police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat at the school. Officers will remain present at Meadowbrook for the rest of the day as an added precaution.” Police later said that their increased presence will be for at least the remainder of the week, and that the school is offering additional student support services as well as assistance for staff members. *This has been a breaking news update.* *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### As Richmond’s FOIA foibles persist, city claims it has no ‘Flock’ contract URL: https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-foia-foibles-persist-city-claims-it-has-no-flock-contract/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T18:32:26.000Z Last month, The Richmonder filed records requests with several localities asking for contracts with Flock Safety, the company whose automated surveillance cameras have caused blowback across the country. The three Freedom of Information Act requests had almost identical wording. Henrico County [sent its contract](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/09/2363A---Contract--Executed---Compiled-.pdf) the next day. Chesterfield County [sent its contract](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/09/Flock%5FSafety%5FContract%5F%5F1%5F--2-.pdf) the next week. The city of Richmond said it had no contract. The Richmond Police Department said it found no relevant documents and referred The Richmonder to the city’s procurement office. The city’s FOIA officer said procurement didn’t have any Flock contracts either. She suggested trying the police. Those responses were at odds with observable reality. The city’s Flock deal has drawn a highly visible protest campaign at City Hall from activists who see the license plate readers as an invasion of privacy. Richmond officials have publicly defended their use of the technology as a valuable crime-fighting tool. The nearly 100 Flock cameras in use along city streets stand as proof the city is indeed doing business with Flock. [After anti-Flock protest, Richmond police chief defends use of license plate readers: ‘It works’Speakers argued the cameras are a dangerous step toward mass surveillance.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-030fca69-28f4-4f32-ab56-bbed442e8e84.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8069-b0569cd8-1bec-4203-83b7-4dbfbfaa18a9.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-anti-flock-protest-richmond-police-chief-defends-use-of-license-plate-readers-it-works/) Why did the city say two departments doing two searches for the contract had turned up nothing? Officials either didn’t know how to find one of their buzziest and most controversial documents, or were taking an unusually finicky approach to the meaning of words. Technically, the contract is with Flock Group Inc., the company’s legal, corporate name. The FOIA request referred to Flock Safety, the same company’s more public-facing brand name. The transaction was also routed through a more obscure company called Insight Public Sector, a middleman contractor that served to streamline the Flock purchase. But Flock Group is a clearly identified party to Richmond’s current contract, which Flock’s chief legal officer signed. Within the contract is an end user agreement with “Flock Safety” that lays out rules for how the cameras can and can’t be used by the police, who denied having their own copy of those rules. It wasn’t the first time the city has sent a puzzling FOIA response that seemed to block or delay access to public records over minor wording issues. There have been similar FOIA brush-offs related to other high-interest topics like the Diamond District redevelopment project and efforts to revamp the city water system after 2025’s catastrophic failure. Two months before the Flock denial, the city rejected a FOIA request related to the Richmond Flying Squirrels because the request used the baseball team’s commonly known brand name, not the precise legal name of the business entity that owns the franchise, Navigators Baseball LP. In at least three cases in the past nine months, the city said it had no records relevant to a FOIA request, then changed its answer after getting a slightly reworded version of the same request. That practice can erode trust in the FOIA process, according to a Virginia transparency expert, by leaving requesters wondering if a no-records response truly means there are no records. The city [released the Flock contract](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/09/Contract-25000012048.pdf) after The Richmonder sent a third FOIA request that named the middleman company, not Flock. Officials offered behind-the-scenes assistance, but only after The Richmonder protested that the formal FOIA responses were clearly false. A police spokesman later acknowledged RPD had the ability to pull the Flock records all along, despite saying it had “thoroughly reviewed and researched” the request and found nothing to release. That was “boilerplate” denial language, officials said, that could have more clearly explained RPD had the Flock contract but preferred to have it released by procurement (which also denied having it). In his 2024 campaign, Mayor Danny Avula vowed to “transform City Hall into an effective, responsive and accountable organization that residents can trust.” At a leadership retreat shortly after he took office, Avula said the city shouldn’t be “so afraid of FOIA.” After learning of the Flock situation, the mayor said he believes employees made an honest effort to find the contract and weren’t intentionally playing semantics to justify a misleading response or avoid releasing it. When the procurement office looked for the Flock contract, according to the mayor, its search process wasn’t comprehensive enough to find it. The search came up empty, Avula said, because city data listed Insight Public Sector as the supplier. “Our FOIA Officers work really hard to identify responsive records the requester is asking for, and we definitely encourage FOIA Officers to ask clarifying questions to help scope the request, but there are undoubtedly times where they just do a search for the words that were asked for,” Avula said. A [contract search tool](https://data.richmondgov.com/Well-Managed-Government/City-Contracts/xqn7-jvv2/data%5Fpreview) available to the general public through Richmond’s open data portal is more powerful than the internal one Avula described. Anyone entering the term “Flock” in the public search tool — which uses procurement office data — can pull up identifying details about the contract within seconds. A search for “Flock” in the city’s online payment register also brings up Flock expenditures made through Insight Public Sector, as well as payments directly to Flock. It’s not clear why the communications office that oversees FOIA initially went along with the conclusion the city had no Flock contract. City Hall has put out several press releases on Richmond’s use of Flock, and has worked with news outlets on numerous Flock stories. [A previous FOIA request](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fd6fd4ac3-2796-4dae-a08d-e361fcf24b4c.html) by the Richmond Times-Dispatch produced records showing Avula strategized with his communications team about ways to improve public perception of Flock. The Avula administration was given two weeks to prepare a response for this article, but didn’t directly answer when asked who made the decision to say there was no Flock contract. The mayor said things could’ve gone better on several fronts. He said FOIA officers will be coached to “really think about what the customer needs” and ask questions such as “are there any contracts that could be similar to what the requester was asking for but called something else.” “There were definitely some missed opportunities to provide better customer service, and clearly there’s continued work we need to do to change the customer service culture across the organization,” Avula said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/DSCF8069--1--1--1-.jpg) Flock Safety cameras have become a contentious topic across Virginia, with Goochland County recently opting to remove its cameras. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) ### **‘A diligent search for records is required’** Virginia’s [FOIA law](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodepopularnames/virginia-freedom-of-information-act/) encourages officials to err on the side of transparency. It only requires requests to be worded with “reasonable specificity,” not pinpoint accuracy. Richmond’s own FOIA regulation instructs employees to follow not just the letter of the law, but the “spirit” of transparency it’s meant to instill. A city FOIA training says “a diligent search for records is required.” The reason FOIA law gives leeway in how requests are worded, according to Virginia Coalition for Open Government Executive Director Megan Rhyne, is that the public often doesn’t know exactly what records the government has on any given topic. Because officials know those details, Rhyne said, FOIA officers should ask for clarity if there’s any uncertainty — valid or not — about what a requester wants. Not doing that, she said, “wastes everybody’s time.” “Flat out rejecting without seeking any kind of clarification doesn’t seem very productive or helpful,” Rhyne said, adding it’s hard to believe Richmond officials didn’t understand what the Flock request was about. Denying FOIA requests over wording quibbles, Rhyne said, “can lead to all kinds of misunderstanding and mistrust.” “It makes you wonder about your next request and whether or not a record actually doesn’t exist or whether they are just holding it back because you didn’t say the magic words,” Rhyne said. [Richmond officials deny FOIA request for water bill projectionsAvula said he’s not in favor of releasing information that might lack context, saying it “doesn’t help the public conversation.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-47849a55-ed25-40ea-bf1f-56a5d77e12be.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF9255-1e23d0ca-25e5-45e1-a826-2aaabd2eec2f.JPEG)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-deny-foia-request-for-water-bill-projections/) The mayor and his team say they’ve acted to improve transparency and reform how the city handles FOIA, perhaps most notably by creating an online library of documents the city has released. The city processes hundreds of FOIA requests per month, many without major complications or issues. On several occasions, Avula has chosen to release mayoral documents that probably could’ve been kept private under executive privilege, such as his own ChatGPT inquiries and text messages he sent and received during the water crisis. “I regularly talk to my cabinet (which includes all of our dept directors) about my philosophy and my expectations for leading transparently,” Avula said in an email. Recent criticisms of City Hall’s approach to transparency have focused more on broad institutional culture, and the perception that some officials view FOIA requests as an annoyance or an attack. At a public meeting last month about the city’s water infrastructure, Avula’s Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said FOIA is “weaponized” against Richmond. The city’s former FOIA officer, Connie Clay, sued the city two years ago, alleging Richmond officials often tried to deny or avoid FOIA requests on grounds so flimsy it was putting her in legal jeopardy. After she pushed back, Clay claimed, higher-ranking officials fired her in early 2024, about a year before Avula took office. Clay argued that amounted to illegal retaliation against a whistleblower. The city denied wrongdoing and said Clay was unfit for the job, but paid $549,000 to settle her case. [Richmond’s lawyers told a judge a phone was lost in an airport. City documents show it might have been foundThe newly released records show other officials asked multiple times if Burks had gotten the phone back.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-65f2a87c-e616-4250-9a5b-2c6d57d33f1c.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-889bccbb-1f92-44cd-9fd6-9d151cacdd0a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-lawyers-told-a-judge-a-phone-was-lost-in-an-airport-city-documents-show-it-might-have-been-found/) In the lawsuit, the city argued it wasn’t the FOIA officer’s job to exercise independent judgment about the validity of FOIA responses or question decisions made by city attorneys. The city’s FOIA officers are instructed to seek legal input if they’re unsure whether a document should be released. The Avula administration didn’t give a direct answer when asked if the Flock FOIA request was elevated to the city attorney’s office for review. The recent requests for Flock contracts were filed by Chesterfield County reporter Eleanor Shaw. Her [resulting article](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-flock-cameras-are-generating-controversy-but-chesterfields-contract-runs-through-2029/) was mostly about Chesterfield, not Richmond. Richmond’s Flock records are [now available](https://rva.justfoia.com/publicportal/requests/FOIA-2026-959/view?recaptchaResponse=0cAFcWeA4D2tr2agSdMmN3q3ICHGRWMZQgq%5FX0KXWsfQ1ANNGWHIrzOsJDuffyWtZPeZO97O4t0XRoqC%5FeG4VI1uBd%5FZS5iUhdwJLUb8VPz5Rbyh4sLih6JiHRuDtg-eCuO8pciw-bAISawWQp8XPet5VFxOAZKs5CX-ew6fAI%5FgP3GXJ-OIwFgorR5XyZoUN7wXGwgtoqhyg6zOGFYF-3VbptcoTw20hq%5FW2WI-0%5FqhhuYtX-PkxjHlPFOIngAE6HAo-jOAQqyAlXXpNsQpwOxi8RVD4e9tLY74JCLqkG-x2lmBXebo-V%5FJsGDYt8mAr-Tmpa50E%5FUtwRpp7LG5Lf8GUFhJ2qB1YpMEvR263bq0VNVtr7nYtrPKmMtVOMhEJ5GT%5FrFSvedqFSIbrGK8iC7%5FUQ3GB1JCWdiLl9gseb%5FQ3v2Oq2Ax1%5FUyLje41UohJsA8XBmKSLfiF7i3mf31NShWfF%5FrnwqCbiIRbBIx0J-dHSfjunSY%5FWH1PocYJscHAg1d72y1qkxBVR5GM0xNkSUVTj5mG4qJm41tsoWKzwBeBvrlhorZ6MNqoS-cXdsnpjaBy5fCtUuPxSdtEFTZUXxV0Fy8X8mpivrFCyJKRNkatpWG29YiZzn6hTTST8rW7V0Zow-knUJxaN1IRMzeAT4lezLMYL-NHmvR-SynKPJE4jtKTxt7PCLeVfXzFI8BO-Xq1x2unoRS0lr32TBrGk8zy2KguK3mmRbAlF5l21yJb-mNqHWtMD5sFOWJcscRzVNQLDSRn%5FK0-GJUVqVEdkTRvGhTd1rYZz5FarVdhWj55A62Cfsye1we8Y4kgy5wv5VT9ewTzuEHw9fnKVfG0uaBh46hdg9%5FbtDMduZJ4JMTNxRymMdFCDciWbny2%5FyWbIGfE2iErOx8MFU1fQyLwZ1y5v42Wwzy1arOyS99X2nKEhSDxjP-YwvNZe2rI90mQABRS2Tk9HaiUwu3a%5Fp27W-Ma2u7udxe2dMqCu-7y5Xdt5FKPdl4bQtF-UbsrF9KJMdV0jQWqVTcRzHSwYOcELUQTIK1srASeiGnhF17x20p9uvYEQttQx5oXtT%5FG1K-bU1vZ6MDZ8W0eHQ9cxfpg%5FQT9dNZ-Rxyw0xzO0iPlFLZ3OGjf0lsjNVfQjmsOwW12yZ%5F78N-iv6Rte7K451EQU7AJjDzoTZISUkUUsiyPQF5AX3JOm4CIJjWTdXMBTsz-RbWDC5kFNEkJIQcFahWjrtZanD94f8J0VTT1n4GJOQ8ZFTRYyovEuVhUAdLsfgU3b%5F8yrhby7-j1FHmx2pKQdu%5FZ6UHCfzlT0y9H05RW%5FaPvVIWoyhlDV4GA524D9kiehKyXvpxcp2iblllYuGKGJRdxKMl21aEBFMtFBKdXmzU69ArKQU3e0COSq6wnz3F33LLXX4LKQ7WDsQ-czT3WGtRokEOvQtncHD5ru3dOreY1rNYqA2OYdca23NG31GKUp0R-n5IirZW0z3uwX0fB4ndW13lNzy6LTxGmaHouSiqSsMEUgARzKdDUAUSJ9NrSVzwJmE2mFA0w%5F4MOicV3dXCcStAi6N5FodBRe2-Xnh87dAWAG7q5SvddOifLFxmyb9-fRbgN6cmSyjJHUPivstB33wBxCpoinL87nII6cfRZOqZRb29xIBrBUGftRjGzZSG2pxcjgBwZEroJfLqPQWTvI1ZmWFZTwy%5FWUtlohdsmhQzDW97G4eCqGnUran36zrJpOVxB53QecqZVo21C48DFDW%5F64HGLMucTFTnTDvajKHmm9EawHRZO%5FeyL4hcWfttzOm%5FDWsraE4wgPxLHZSjbtGYjyaqRcGffbLyUbckz4aI9iAYxynOt5H1iYp0T8ryGAWuCHD4DGC8DyuZh5sijW8UXA8A6ZWNTiKWFTgXDcs1NTnfa3DzQfQj3Rnag4UFyJZbdkBGpXR6uOibKRfwDmI2GqT7P0Htuw6Mh72dMyi2xTRYlEc2YRtEsM1323UV8sAsoclHmXlJktemZUU4jEhbdTN%5FQCljVn9Zrwo77P-ZHdKxNmA%5FhOvd%5FzHtIIhWaCahuXvu1zoenT7PsMDXKCeT27Y9prv8FOp7CWjjD0f7qGGSDIuALnK3d766jeFp4WyEQi2nNXXlFLmh90EQtY9m2teHEWSLnYvz-EFvDxjTHBWjZIJ9wIGI1L99c0tnz-eaxw7P-yTXDdXUcz5rRxKzuKUwaGc-irxAHw9CPjQWuBSWi6Y25wzGHSLpEWbOWS51JKdcGMWWFhqEBfrP7VA0xX4gBtICkhqUv8YIWqR2zEMJcT6pPHwUpav%5FUa0dV-TV8K99LtP5C1hL-LUttfR4XPJEUlZFf3aPkqkrAcixFevWjhwBA4RxbxHvDy9n%5FR11bDAZunAuDAL2LzQ-Gb1oB160lNaw) in the city’s FOIA library. Because the city denied the FOIA requests that mentioned Flock, the public can’t find the Flock contract in the library by searching for the word “Flock.” [Lou DiBella’s dog bit Diamond District developer on Flying Squirrels opening night, according to account from Thalhimer execsTwo of the top leaders behind Richmond’s Diamond District project gave their account of a confrontation with Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, portraying the baseball team’s owner as “out of line” as he threatened to put the developers “out of business.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-efde14a6-80a0-461a-8db2-47f5f3fb7c0c.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay27-1-3b6c4f6c-33fa-4e81-b290-fb2b526e9526.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/) ### **Squirrels vs. Navigators** Locals know the city’s minor-league baseball team as the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The lesser-known legal entity that owns the Squirrels is Navigators Baseball LP. That may be a trivial distinction in most contexts. For FOIA purposes, officials seem to think it makes all the difference. In June, The Richmonder was seeking letters sent to the city by Squirrels owner Lou DiBella as part of an ongoing feud over the handling of the Diamond District development project. A FOIA request sought “correspondence exchanged between the Economic Development Authority and representatives of the Richmond Flying Squirrels” from June 8 to June 12. On June 17, the city said it had no such letters. But a lawyer for DiBella had in fact sent a letter to EDA Director Angie Rodgers on June 11, during the specified timeframe. That attorney was writing on behalf of Navigators Baseball and warned of “potentially severe consequences to the Richmond Flying Squirrels” if DiBella’s concerns weren’t addressed. After a follow-up FOIA request using the phrase “Navigators Baseball/the Richmond Flying Squirrels,” the city released the letter, 17 days after the original request. Avula didn’t comment on whether he thinks that FOIA denial was inadvertent or a case of intentional nitpickiness. At the time, officials stood by their first response saying there was no Squirrels letter. The digital file they eventually uploaded to the FOIA library was titled “DiBella - Squirrels - FINAL Letter to Richmond.” ### **A water funding typo** While reporting late last year for a story on the one-year anniversary of the water crisis, The Richmonder learned the city’s Department of Public Utilities had prepared a spreadsheet showing various scenarios on how much Richmond water bills might have to rise to fund infrastructure upgrades planned for the water treatment plant. The document reportedly included information about the fiscal ramifications for Richmond if the city was or wasn’t successful in getting state lawmakers to kick in extra money. The Richmonder filed a request for the spreadsheet in early December. After asking for a time extension, the FOIA office said 20 days later it had found nothing to release. That response was based on a largely tangential numerical typo. In a two-part request for state money, the city had asked for $80 million for its water system and $200 million for its combined sewer overflow project. The FOIA request mixed up those numbers, but clearly stated the request was about water infrastructure funding. The city didn’t mention the typo, but apparently couldn’t overlook it or deduce that the phrase “state water funding request” probably meant the state water funding request the mayor’s office had sent to the governor and publicized two months prior. Instead, after a search that spanned weeks, the city said there was no spreadsheet, at least not one that matched the FOIA request. During conversations with the city during that timeframe, a high-ranking official in the communications office disputed the idea that the city denied FOIA requests based on technicalities. When The Richmonder reworded the request by correcting the typo, the city acknowledged it had the spreadsheet, but said it would be [kept confidential](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-deny-foia-request-for-water-bill-projections/) as mayoral working papers. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### NextEra promises new Richmond office tower if merger with Dominion goes through URL: https://www.richmonder.org/nextera-promises-new-richmond-office-tower-if-merger-with-dominion-goes-through/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T20:29:55.000Z Making a new pitch that its proposed energy mega-merger would be good for Virginia, Florida-based NextEra Energy said it plans to build a new office tower in downtown Richmond if its pending acquisition of Dominion Energy goes through. In a [joint news release](https://www.dominionnexterafuture.com/customers/virginia) Monday, the two companies said the merger would come with a “Virginia-first” benefits package, including 1,000 new jobs. The proposed office tower would be built at shareholder expense beside the existing Dominion headquarters downtown, the release said. “The new Richmond presence would support work in renewable energy development and supply chain management, battery storage operations, nuclear and small modular reactor innovation, enterprise technology and cybersecurity, among others,” the announcement said. The companies also said there would be stronger protections for existing Dominion employees in the Richmond area, saying current headcount will be maintained for five years. The new office tower could support 600 new NextEra jobs, as well as existing Dominion jobs, according to the announcement. Dominion owns a large vacant lot downtown at 700 E. Canal St., where a former office building was torn down in 2020\. The block is currently fenced off and unused. The company’s original plans envisioned a possible second building on the site, with a skybridge connector to the other tower, but [those plans were scrapped](https://apnews.com/article/richmond-virginia-caf9b7b9b672ec9c6c783f7b7aec5881) during COVID. In addition to the proposed building in Richmond, the company would also maintain a Florida headquarters in Juno Beach. In a news release, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called the news “encouraging” and reiterated the Richmond impacts are exactly why the city has [opted to formally participate](https://www.richmonder.org/council-votes-to-intervene-in-dominion-nextera-merger-review/) in the State Corporation Commission’s review of the merger. “If delivered on, these are important potential next steps — a new downtown tower, a commitment to preserve jobs and add new jobs here, large investments in the workforce development pipeline and a greater rebate commitment to the residential ratepayers of Virginia,” Avula said. “Ratepayers, especially vulnerable ratepayers, our local workforce and our capital city need to be represented in the process.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org). *Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to review or influence this story.* ### Sept. 14 Newsletter: RPS viral video investigation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-14-newsletter-rps-viral-video-investigation/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T10:00:25.000Z **Weather:** A beautiful week starts with a high of 83. **On this date** in 1972, Gov. Linwood Holton announces plans to build the road ultimately known as Interstate 295, which bypasses Richmond to the east. **Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU Health** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Leaderboard-Ad_2184x270.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/RPS_generic_t750x550_d885fc46c41745b3b5de550c70336c1b382931d2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/investigation-into-rps-bite-video-found-employee-had-no-teeth/) ### Investigation into RPS ‘bite’ video found employee had no teeth Richmond Public Schools’ internal investigators found no evidence that an instructional assistant at Fairfield Court Elementary School bit the hand of a student while escorting her and another child back into the building in April, in an incident that received widespread attention. - Security cameras showed the instructional assistant wiping sweat off her face with the hand that was holding the student’s hand. - Additionally, “the accused instructional assistant has no teeth,” investigators wrote. The video quickly went viral, garnering news reports and thousands of reactions, including from Superintendent Jason Kamras, who condemned the alleged act. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/investigation-into-rps-bite-video-found-employee-had-no-teeth/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/RCH-building-side-view-2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-commits-to-preserve-richmond-community-hospital-building-amid-community-skepticism/) ### VUU commits to preserve Richmond Community Hospital building amid community skepticism Virginia Union University said it will put its commitment to preserve the Richmond Community Hospital building in writing, as school officials sought to address community concerns over their vision for housing around their campus. The Planning Commission is set to consider VUU’s permit request for up to 100 new housing units during tomorrow night's meeting, though they also have the option to defer discussion for another month if they feel more time is needed. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-commits-to-preserve-richmond-community-hospital-building-amid-community-skepticism/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2D9443FE-2F9D-481E-B122-8D3EA5398C17_1_201_a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-happens-if-you-skip-jury-duty-in-richmond-we-went-to-court-to-find-out/) ### What happens if you skip jury duty in Richmond? We went to court to find out On a recent Friday, a few dozen people who allegedly failed to show up for jury duty got a firsthand look at how Richmond’s courts work, whether they wanted to or not. 🧑‍⚖️ In the past 12 months, there were 300 cases of no-show jurors, according to data provided by the court. Dealing with a group of no-show jurors at once meant the court could handle it speedily, but the exercise also came with a slice of the monotony that leads many to groan at the thought of having to spend a day (or several) at the courthouse. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/what-happens-if-you-skip-jury-duty-in-richmond-we-went-to-court-to-find-out/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-12.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-week-3-trinity-makes-statement-in-win/) ### High school football wrap-up: Trinity Episcopal makes statement in Week 3 victory - [**The Titans scored a win for private schools as they defeated Hermitage. Read full coverage of that game here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/special-teams-surprise-helps-trinity-upend-hermitage-20-12/) - Other Week 3 headlines included a rare tie between state powers Varina and Oscar Smith, Highland Springs pulling away at Dinwiddie after the Generals lost their quarterback to injury, and Douglas Freeman finally besting Hanover. [**Read a full recap, including our players of the week, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-week-3-trinity-makes-statement-in-win/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Image.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) ### U.S. News & World Report names VCU Medical Center No. 1 hospital in Virginia Virginia's best, and among the nation’s best. VCU Medical Center has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. U.S. News also recognized the medical center among the Top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery at No. 29, and orthopedics at No. 44\. The publication also ranked VCU Medical Center No. 1 in the Richmond metro area for the 16th consecutive year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- ### In other news - [**Visitor spending in Richmond region hits $4.1 billion**](https://www.chamberrva.com/another-record-setting-year-visitor-spending-in-richmond-region-hits-4-1-billion/) (Press release) - Sports represents 77% of Richmond Region Tourism’s event bookings, with soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball and lacrosse representing the top sports types. - [**Powhite Parkway extension construction set to begin this winter, Chesterfield officials say**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/powhite-parkway-extension-update-sept-9-2026) (CBS 6) - The overall project would lengthen the Powhite about nine miles, to connect with Hull Street Road near Grange Hall Elementary School and the Richmond Metro Zoo. - [**Henrico Schools officials outline new preventative maintenance plan to tackle ongoing HVAC issues**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henrico-schools-officoutlines-new-preventative-maintenance-plan-to-tackle-ongoing-hvac-issues/) (Henrico Citizen) - The division is now enacting a more “proactive, data-informed” approach to HVAC maintenance, which involves a restructuring of the Department of Facilities leadership. --- ### The editor's desk Loved [**this 9/11 tribute story**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/09/11/photographer-behind-iconic-bush-911-photo-reflects-that-day-25-years-later/) by 12 On Your Side's Madison McNamee, whose dad took the iconic photo of President George W. Bush being informed that a second plane had hit the World Trade Center. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Investigation into RPS ‘bite’ video found employee had no teeth URL: https://www.richmonder.org/investigation-into-rps-bite-video-found-employee-had-no-teeth/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T09:45:56.000Z Richmond Public Schools’ internal investigators found no evidence that an instructional assistant at Fairfield Court Elementary School bit the hand of a student while escorting her and another child back into the building in April, in an incident [that received widespread attention](https://www.richmonder.org/video-shows-rps-employee-allegedly-biting-fairfield-elementary-student/). Instead, security cameras showed the instructional assistant wiping an area of her face with the hand that was holding the student’s hand, as both of the aide’s hands were used to hold the two kids, investigators said, adding that it was hot outside and the aide was sweating. Additionally, “the accused instructional assistant has no teeth,” they wrote. The investigation occurred after [a video circulated online](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXJwNEfkYoT/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) showing the employee with the students walking around the school’s marquee. When the employee begins to walk back into the school building, one of the children begins to cry. In the online video angle, it appears the employee brings the child’s hand up to their mouth. The child’s cries intensify as the employee and two children enter the building. The aide could not be reached for comment by The Richmonder, which is choosing to withhold their name to protect their privacy. Investigators wrote that the aide has since retired from RPS at the end of the last school year. The video quickly went viral, garnering news reports and thousands of reactions, including from Superintendent Jason Kamras, who condemned the alleged act. “I am aware of a disturbing video circulating on social media that shows an RPS employee apparently biting a child in their care,” he [wrote in April](https://www.facebook.com/RichmondPublicSchools/posts/pfbid0iBCBQKbY743W2gx1SbjeCdW51JeQFScAdVKXmzbZAQuKyf7gFAsnL6jcVHH88ACPl#). “I am absolutely horrified by this, as superintendent and as a parent.” Investigators later reviewed RPS surveillance footage of the incident and said that it did not show a reaction from the child that would be consistent with someone receiving a bite on the hand. Investigators’ final recommendations following the review were “on hold,” but the reason why was redacted in documents provided to The Richmonder under the Freedom of Information Act. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/rps-foia.jpg) The executive summary of the investigation, as obtained by The Richmonder. ### **What happened** The aide and students were playing a game of cornhole which was located adjacent to the school’s marquee, seen in both the surveillance footage and the uploaded video. “This was a source of contention on social media, as the uploaded video appeared to conceal the activity going on behind the sign, leading to speculative conclusions of nefarious intent,” investigators wrote. Investigators interviewed the poster of the video, who believed that the “‘unknown’ activity going on behind the sign” led the poster to believe the aide bit the student. In the video, before taking the student into the building, the aide was met at the entrance of the building by another employee who the poster believed was questioning the aide’s actions, leading the poster to publish the video. That employee, another instructional assistant at the school, told investigators that the aide in question was simply telling the assistant that they were taking the kids into the building. The other assistant said “that the student in question did not want to go back in the building and that is why she was acting out,” investigators noted. An activity truck was also located outside the school, and the owner of the truck also confirmed to investigators that the aide’s supervision seemed appropriate and not aggressive or questionable. The owner further confirmed that the student became upset when the aide took them away from the activity truck. Principal Wright said that the aide in question “has a stellar reputation working with the student, noting the student’s attachment” to the aide. Wright added that the aide has not had any infractions related to the child or any infractions in the aide’s history with RPS. Another support teacher within the school said the student seeks out the aid “when she needs support.” ### **Mother’s response** The video also spurred a reaction from the student’s mother, who took to Facebook Live to share that her daughter has autism and is nonverbal. The Live video has since been taken down. “I was upset, obviously, at first, seeing that my daughter could have been abused on Facebook,” said Aspen Carter in an interview with The Richmonder. Investigators wrote that the mother did not see anything wrong with her daughter the day of the incident, and told the school’s principal, Angela Wright, that the child did not have any bite marks. The mother “noted she did not want to ‘gaslight’ the investigation by alleging anything different than what she originally concluded in her observation of her daughter,” investigators wrote. Carter confirmed that she initially said there were no bite marks on her daughter, but she saw scratches instead, which she said she took photos of. “It was on the same arm that was lifted up, so I’m not sure if maybe she scratched herself or if it was a bite,” she said. After the incident, Carter said she spoke with school administrators, filed a report with the Richmond Police Department, spoke with officials from Child Protective Services and got in touch with Kamras. Kamras gave her his personal number, she said, and offered to put Carter’s daughter in a different school. “I tried to call him back multiple times, left text messages – he never responded to me,” she said. In a statement to The Richmonder, Kamras said, "per my commitment, I am happy to enroll Ms. Carter's student at a school of her choosing." She said that she also requested the surveillance footage to see herself, but hasn’t heard back from anyone of the agencies mentioned. “I’m not getting answers that I need,” she said. She took her child out of the school before the start of this school year, telling The Richmonder that she will be in an applied behavior analysis therapy program for children with autism at a clinic starting next month. When asked about her daughter’s relationship with the aide as mentioned by Principal Wright, Carter said the relationship was good when her daughter first joined the school in 2024\. But she added that her daughter struggles with transition, and having an aide that goes from taking care of one child to two can be difficult for her daughter. “I’m not saying that they didn’t have a good relationship from the beginning, I just don’t know what goes on in the school unless someone tells me exactly what’s going on,” she said. Carter said she is still searching for answers and is concerned for students in the school who can’t speak up for themselves. “I don’t know exactly what happened. I only know what it looks like and all I know is that I can’t get access to the information that I asked for,” she said. “And for those reasons I don’t feel my daughter is safe in their school because they’re not being transparent with me.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### VUU commits to preserve Richmond Community Hospital building amid community skepticism URL: https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-commits-to-preserve-richmond-community-hospital-building-amid-community-skepticism/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T13:48:43.000Z Virginia Union University restated its commitment to preserve the Richmond Community Hospital building last Wednesday as they sought to address community concerns over their vision for housing around their campus. A special use permit to develop up to 100 multifamily housing units at 1209 Overbrook Road, where the building is located, will be changed to explicitly prevent its demolition, according to VUU officials and their associates during two meetings held at the university. “The special use permit will be amended to include (language preventing the demolition), and VUU is willing to put that commitment in writing to bind successor owners of the property,” Assistant Vice President of External Relations Felicia Cosby said during the Wednesday afternoon meeting. A request for the special use permit’s approval by Richmond officials had been continued weeks earlier by the Richmond Planning Commission. VUU officials also outlined their plans for housing in the Northside area. They shared how they would restore and utilize the Community Hospital building, which opened in the 1930s as a location for the hospital established in 1907, and served the needs of African American residents and medical workers for decades. Initial ideas for the hospital building itself include serving as a community health hub, as well as a site for workforce development and training for health services. VUU is seeking community input on the proposals, as well as an oral history of those who experienced or were part of the building’s operations before the hospital moved to a new location. VUU first announced its intent to preserve the building in late 2024, changing its plan to demolish most of the building and integrate the rest as an apartment facade in response to community pushback and conversation. The lack of a written commitment to preservation in the permit, however, was a major concern for the community members that attended the discussions. “A promise that is not specifically written in the ordinance, the special use permit, means nothing,” said Viola Baskerville, co-founder of the Save Community Hospital group that has advocated for the building’s adaptive reuse. “We have to see it written in that ordinance.” The amended permit is currently in development through collaboration with the city attorney's office to determine “what language they would find acceptable to evidence” VUU's commitment, according to Williams Mullen attorney and legal counsel T. Preston Lloyd, Jr. “We don't have that to put on the table this evening because we don't want to give you something that would later be amended,” Lloyd said during the Wednesday evening meeting, “but we have every intention of working diligently.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Cosby-and-Lloyd.jpg) VUU's Felicia Cosby and attorney T. Preston Lloyd, Jr. (George Copeland Jr. for The Richmonder) Other community advocates, residents, and preservation and housing experts in attendance voiced their concerns over the development’s impact on parking and the local environment, the proposed buildings’ appearance, and VUU’s engagement with local residents. While Cosby and other officials sought to assure attendees that their concerns could or would be resolved, many were dissatisfied with the details shared, answers provided, and the development’s implications. “I don't want to see it,” said Kathryn Reid, a longtime resident of Dubois Avenue in Frederick Douglass Court. She taught African-American art history at VUU, and said she had serious concerns about the effect the new housing could have on parking and the community. “Have some respect for the neighborhood,” she added. Questions were also raised by attendees about possible issues with the Fall Line Trail’s development, the approach to rent pricing for apartments, potential renters, and the absence of top VUU leaders like Hakim J. Lucas from these discussions. Several ultimately left determined to continue examining and questioning VUU’s housing development efforts and to see the university follow through on its commitment to preserve the hospital building. “We still need to hear the specific language,” Baskerville said. “I'm hoping that on Tuesday they will introduce that language, that the City Planning Commission would have had an opportunity to develop that language in conjunction with the applicant, and that we can see that language.” The Planning Commission is set to consider VUU’s permit request during their Sept. 15 meeting, though they also have the option to defer discussion for another month if they feel more time is needed. *This article has been updated to correct information about Kathryn Reid.* ### High school football: Trinity Episcopal makes statement in Week 3 victory URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-week-3-trinity-makes-statement-in-win/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T01:11:23.000Z One of the better decisions from the Virginia High School League in recent years was to begin awarding power points when a public school faced a private school. More public-versus-private games have dotted the schedule, perhaps none bigger in its magnitude than this past Friday night’s clash at Hermitage. The Panthers welcomed Trinity Episcopal and held a second-half advantage. But after the Titans scored a touchdown to take the lead, they took a huge gamble, successfully executing an onside kick as part of a 20-12 victory for a second statement made after besting archrival Benedictine a week earlier. Other Week 3 headlines include complete dissatisfaction for Varina and Oscar Smith, as the two defending state champions waited more than 90 minutes to play, saw the Blue Devils lead 7-0 at intermission, only to see the Tigers tie the game just before mother nature intervened. Again. For good. The tie game, called near the midway mark of the third quarter, is the first for Varina in more than 40 years. But for both teams, it ends the hope for something teams don’t discuss, but, honestly, would love to pair with a state title: a 15-0 record. Highland Springs pulled away at Dinwiddie after the Generals lost their quarterback to injury, while Douglas Freeman finally bested Hanover and Armstrong and Thomas Jefferson steamrolled opponents. Check out [the full Week 3 scoreboard here](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/09/week-three-high-school-football-schedule.html) and [the latest Super 12 Poll here](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/09/super-12-high-school-football-rankings%5F0285907147.html). ### Standout performances **Luke Perini, Glen Allen:** A career night for the senior, who completed 21 of 26 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns as the Jaguars improved to 2-1 with a 33-7 triumph over Patrick Henry. **Gibson Gross, Midlothian:** A proficient 8 of 10 for 164 yards and four passing scores, plus 77 rushing yards with two touchdowns in a 49-13 win at Powhatan. **Julian Gambrel, Douglas Freeman:** Churning out 172 of the Mavericks’ 339 rushing yards, Gambrel scored twice, including a 26-yard backbreaker late in the fourth to send Douglas Freeman past Hanover 36-27. **Dashaun Chisem, Highland Springs:** After a frustrating Week 2 performance versus Huguenot, Chisem responded with six total touchdowns, including four through the air, and 294 total yards in the Springers’ victory at Dinwiddie. ### Unsung heroes **Mechanicsville’s defense:** How about a safety, four sacks, two interceptions and holding J.R. Tucker to less than 100 yards of offense as the Mustangs move to 3-0, 23-7 victors over the Tigers. **Armstrong’s offensive line:** The Wildcats’ big men blew open holes for 305 rushing yards in less than three quarters as Armstrong shut out John Marshall in a storm-shortened contest to stay unbeaten. ### Game of the week **Prince George (1-1) at Douglas Freeman (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** We know this choice raises eyebrows, but hear us out. The Royals and Mavericks are playoff contenders in Class 5, Region C. Thus, it’s a huge opportunity for the winner to earn a signature win in their postseason quest. Prince George has scored 98 points in two games, while Douglas Freeman has topped 35 points in both of its wins. Add in two of the area's best rushing attacks, and this has the makings of a classic whose result will echo into November. ### Other games we’re watching **#7 Hermitage (2-1) at #1 Varina (2-0-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** Unless calamity strikes, both of these teams will play in the postseason. Mindset will be everything in this one, with Hermitage trying to shake off its loss to Trinity Episcopal, and Varina flat-out mad it wasn’t given the chance to pull the double down east against the defending state titlists. **#3 Thomas Dale (2-0) at Glen Allen (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** Jaguars QB Luke Perini must match wits with the Dark Zone defense of the Knights, coming off a bye after surrendering just six points in their first two games. The teams have split two previous meetings, with Glen Allen winning 28-3 in 2024 and Thomas Dale 14-8 last season. **#11 Thomas Jefferson (2-0) at Hopewell (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Blue Devils celebrate homecoming, two weeks removed from a good road win versus Mecklenburg. They’re already behind the curve with rivals Petersburg and Colonial Heights in Class 3, Region A. The Vikings are trying to keep steady with rival Armstrong until they play the second half of their game on Oct. 5\. With Poquoson being upset this week, could a 10-0 record earn the top seed in Class 2, Region A? ### Game under the radar **Monacan (0-2) at James River (2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.:** The Chiefs restart practice Monday after nearly a week without a head coach, unbeknownst to most fans until late last week (more below). The Rapids come off a tough loss to Manchester, needing to stack victories in the highly competitive Class 5, Region C. ### Beyond the numbers –New Chief At Monacan: After having to postpone a home game last Friday against L.C. Bird, Monacan activities director Wyatt Hicks told us the following: “Defensive Coordinator Dylan Culpen will serve as interim head coach as the program moves forward with its season. Our focus remains on supporting our student-athletes and providing them with a positive, safe and competitive experience.” There’s no word on why Justin Akers is no longer at the helm in Smoketree. –History in Hanover? Tomato Bowl 68 is on tap in Ashland on Friday night as 0-3 Patrick Henry welcomes 3-0 Mechanicsville. The Mustangs never have beaten the Patriots in their current incarnation. You’ll recall the school formerly was named Lee-Davis from 1958 to 2020\. Patrick Henry last lost the Tomato Bowl in 2017, holding a nine-game winning streak in the series and a 36-30-1 all-time record. With Camden Metzger playing well at quarterback for Mechanicsville and the defense pouring pressure on opponents, will the trophy finally return to Route 360? –If Hanover’s quarterback-receiver tandem of Joel Nicholson and Kayden Hughes can continue their torrid start, we could see history made. Through two games, Nicholson has 482 passing yards and nine touchdowns, with Hughes accounting for 343 of those yards and seven scores. The Hawks’ duo, however, would give back some stats to be 2-0 rather than 1-1 as they travel to 2-1 Mills Godwin on Friday. –The highlights of Saturday’s girls flag football jamboree at Huguenot High School included the first win in program history for Highland Springs, which defeating Richmond Community 30-24\. The Falcons bested Petersburg 28-8, Cristo Rey won 21-6 over Franklin Military, and John Marshall handled Varina 30-6\. Tuesday night’s slate includes Thomas Jefferson hosting Richmond High School for the Arts, Huguenot traveling to Armstrong and Franklin Military going to John Marshall. ### They said it “I just told the team we need to score and put the game away instead of playing to run the clock. (On the) next play, the line did their assignments, and we scored. The offense feels very confident heading into Prince George.” – Douglas Freeman running back Julian Gambrel revealing the conversation in the huddle before his late touchdown run on the play sealed a Mavericks win “When we came in here, we weren’t thinking public school-private school. We were thinking this is the next team, and we’re going to win.” – Trinity Episcopal quarterback Deke Skogen to our Weldon Bradshaw after the Titans’ victory at Hermitage “But look, this is what I do, this is what we do, so I’m standing on that. Everybody wants to talk about public, private, this, that … St. Chris went and beat Huguenot last year. We beat Glen Allen. Benedictine beat Matoaca. Now we have this, we have Glen Allen later this year. People need to know the type of bump and the type of game we play around here. I’m standing on that right now. If that sounds a little bit out there, I’ll stand on it.” – Trinity Episcopal coach Sam Mickens to the on-field media scrum after the Titans upended Hermitage, giving credit to the Panthers for scheduling the game while proudly defending the honor of his program and private school football ### Our final play(s) A few thoughts after a busy week … –There was another game postponed last week, for a reason that has become all too common. The showdown between Class 1 Essex and Class 2 King William, which we previewed in our Game Under The Radar, was called off after a threat to Essex County Public Schools forced early dismissal in the county Friday. While threats to schools are nothing new (the 1970’s had phoned-in bomb threats galore), it’s different in the digital age. Columbine changed everything in 1999\. Now add Instagram, TikTok and the like, and all it takes is one social media post to send fear into a community. We wish we had a solution that would put it all behind us. The teams have rescheduled the game for Oct. 2\. Let’s hope it comes to fruition. –We know there’s been a lot of frustration in the first three weeks of the 2026 campaign with regards to the weather. But we’ve been down this road before. Hurricane Isabel wiped out an entire week of games in 2003\. Then there was the insane season of 2018. Hurricane Florence affected games up to as early as Wednesday in the second week in September. Then, a month later, Tropical Storm Michael rolled through Central Virginia on a Thursday night, leaving many schools without power. One of the only games played was a classic between Petersburg and Thomas Dale, won by the Knights at home 28-24. How did that year conclude? On a bone-chilling, frigid Saturday in Hampton, Highland Springs and Manchester won state championships. Those were two of the best teams, we would argue, in Richmond high school football history. Lightning delays are considered by some a nuisance. But they’re so critical to public safety and worth a trek to your car and back. More stormy weather is possible this Friday, so pack your patience into your clear bag. –In Southwest Florida, an 0-3 start prompted a high school to make a head coaching change. [Coastal Breeze News reported](https://www.coastalbreezenews.com/sports/lely-fires-new-coach/article%5Ffb5d79a6-a5fc-4e01-b558-5542db48fe26.html) Lely High School dismissed Dan Nieboer after the team lost its first three contests by a combined score of 166-0\. But there’s much more to the story. Lely’s principal announced in a communique to parents that the change was made “after careful consideration.” Nieboer essentially had lost the program after introducing what the article labeled a “strict disciplinarian approach,” including penalties for profanity and dress-code violations. Many players, and even some coaches, literally, left the field. It wasn’t merely about the scoreboard. We’re hopeful that area coaches don’t have to fear for their jobs after a tough on-field start. The moral of this story is the delicate balance coaching staffs constantly seek between feeding the love of the game by creating a positive environment and using necessary discipline that ensures fairness, open competition and, at the end of the day, the successful molding of teenage boys into young men. For that is the ultimate goal of this sport we love so much, specifically at the high school level. [WEEK FOUR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULEGIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15: Huguenot at Armstrong, 6pm RHSA at Thomas Jefferson, 6pm Franklin Military at John Marshall, 6p…![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-1e1ac133-431c-4cc4-b2c8-158d7222986f.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-0c84c046-0cd7-4eb8-9388-caed18a05947.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/09/week-four-high-school-football-schedule.html) ### What happens if you skip jury duty in Richmond? We went to court to find out URL: https://www.richmonder.org/what-happens-if-you-skip-jury-duty-in-richmond-we-went-to-court-to-find-out/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T18:32:29.000Z On a recent Friday, a few dozen people who allegedly failed to show up for jury duty got a firsthand look at how Richmond’s courts work, whether they wanted to or not. They had been summoned to appear before a judge at 11 a.m. to answer for their failure to respond to jury duty notices sent out in the mail. Dealing with a group of no-show jurors at once meant the court could handle it speedily, but the exercise also came with a slice of the monotony that leads many to groan at the thought of having to spend a day (or several) at the courthouse. Because there were several criminal matters to deal with involving more serious disregard for society’s rules, the delinquent jurors had a long wait before it was their turn with the judge. Over nearly three hours, the citizens who had been summoned got a glimpse of the real-life stakes involved in courtroom judgement calls. There was a gut-wrenching sentencing hearing for a Richmond man who had grown up in an atmosphere of poverty and abuse. After spending most of his adulthood locked up for a crime shortly after he graduated high school, he was trying to get a fresh start in life as a new father. But after seriously injuring a teenager in a fight described as a group brawl, he was back in trouble. He protested that he was only trying to protect the mother of his young child in a chaotic situation and isn’t the “monster” he was made out to be. The judge remembered the defendant well from the last time he was in front of her, and said she was disappointed to see a second chance squandered so quickly. When it became clear the man was going back to incarceration for a long while, his supporters wept. When a weapons case came up, the judge had to decide whether to grant bond to a man accused of fleeing police and stashing a gun in an apartment he allegedly barged into, even though the defendant’s attorneys argued there was no evidence the firearm was his. In an example of how bureaucratic errors can and do happen in the criminal justice system, the judge had to sort out why one defendant didn’t show for a hearing even though he was in law enforcement custody. After a closer look at the transport paperwork sent to the sheriff’s office, the judge realized the form didn’t spell out which jail the man was in. When all those matters were settled, Judge Devika A. Davis descended from the bench to speak to the people called for jury duty on a more personal level. “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I had hoped to say ‘good morning’ to you,” the judge said, explaining she had ended up with a fuller docket than normal that day, which had delayed the 11 a.m. jury service issue to about 1:30 p.m. Addressing nearly 20 people, Davis said that failing to appear for jury service can bring a contempt of court finding and a fine of up to $250\. “We have many trials,” she said. “And there are so few jurors available.” Between July 2025 and June 2026, there were 300 cases of no-show jurors, according to data provided by Circuit Court Clerk Ed Jewett. The judge said the punishment would be waived for everyone who agreed to sign up for a new jury duty date after missing the first one. “Some or all of you may have very good excuses,” Davis said, after reminding the attendees they had a right to a lawyer if they wanted to formally contest the proceedings. Most in the group stood to accept the judge’s offer and walked out to sign up for another round of duty. But some stayed behind to press their case. As the judge expected, many had excuses that sounded valid. “I’m an emergency room provider,” said one young woman. “So I can’t exactly call out.” Another woman said she had an out-of-town conference for work on the date she was supposed to serve. She explained she had called the listed jury-service phone number to leave a voice mail saying as much. “They still wrote me down for a no-show,” the woman said. One prospective juror said she had indeed showed up in her scheduled day, despite the court paperwork showing she didn’t. The judge verified the juror was right, dismissed her from the proceedings and instructed court staff to ensure the juror got the $50 pay she was entitled to for responding when called. Multiple older Richmonders brought proof of medical issues that they said made it impractical for them to serve on juries. One man said he had never been summoned for jury duty when he was young, and didn’t understand why he was being called for the first time at 70 years old when his memory is getting “real bad.” “I just forgot,” the man said. “And I’ve got a whole lot of health stuff going on with my heart. I don’t think they should impose a fine.” The judge said she didn’t need to see anyone’s proof of medical hardship, but reminded the group that the proper time to make that case was when they received the first jury summons. “It’s the court’s determination whether or not someone is suitable for jury service,” Davis said. No matter the outcome of that day’s proceedings, Davis said, anyone in the room could be called for jury duty again. “I can impose a fine of $250,” the judge said. “But you can get a jury summons the next week.” One young man said he had just gotten married in May and was in the process of moving when he got a jury summons. He wasn’t sure if he was eligible to serve on a Richmond jury if he wasn’t living in Richmond. “I’d be happy to serve,” he said. He left the courtroom, but later returned to ask the judge if he could get some sort of formal paperwork to prove he had shown up to resolve his jury service issue. “I guess I’m just scared,” he said. The judge reassured him it wasn’t meant to be a scary process. “This is not attached to you, really, in any way,” Davis said. The delinquent jurors who didn’t show up to the hearing to make amends for their first no-show were put in a list of people who would be summoned again. The possibility of a $250 fine was not wiped clean for them. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Birthday week: We’re different. Here’s why. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/birthday-week-were-different-heres-why/ Last updated: 2026-09-13T11:35:52.000Z If you spend time online, you’re probably getting asked to “support” or “donate to” several online news sites. We think it’s important to clarify: Many of those are for-profit companies. A donation to one of those companies is not tax-deductible, and there is no independent board ensuring the work fills a community need. 🫰 The owners of the RIC Today newsletter recently asked readers to “support our mission” by donating.[\*](https://givebutter.com/supportlocalmedia/rictoday1) But their parent company, 6amcity, is a for-profit company that recently [began using AI tools](https://www.niemanlab.org/2025/07/good-dailys-network-of-more-than-350-ai-generated-local-newsletters-finds-a-buyer/) to generate some of its newsletters, and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. ### **Why it matters** When important decisions get made for the Richmond region, we are often the only media outlet in attendance. We represent you in the rooms where decisions are made. Not because it’s cheap, or because it gets the most clicks, but because it’s important. We fundraise not to pad our pockets, but because this work is expensive, and for-profit models for local news have proven [**unsustainable at best**](https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2026/mcclatchy-media-newspapers-layoffs/) or [**downright dangerous at worst.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-hall-is-making-its-own-news-and-paying-the-rtd-to-distribute-it/) **As a 501(c)(3), your donations are tax-deductible, and we will always be held accountable to the mission by our** [**independent Board of Directors**](https://www.richmonder.org/meet-our-board-of-directors/)**, made up of Richmonders like you.** ### **The bottom line** We hope [**you’ll donate this fall to The Richmonder**](https://richmonder.org/donate) and its mission to provide unbiased news to all, regardless of their ability to pay. But we also want you to be aware that not all local news sites are created equal, and some “donations” leave the state as soon as they’re made, without creating any impact in your community. [Learn more about donating to The Richmonder](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) Michael Phillips, Founder mphillips@richmonder.org P.S. – Our [Donor List](https://www.richmonder.org/donor-list/) of more than 1,500 supporters is almost exclusively made up of real, live Richmonders. We promise that 100% of your donation will stay in the community, keeping an eye on the stories you care about the most. [**Please join us today.**](https://richmonder.org/donate) ### Birthday week: The importance of putting our money where our mouth is URL: https://www.richmonder.org/birthday-week-the-importance-of-putting-our-money-where-our-mouth-is/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T11:09:48.000Z 🎂 The Richmonder turns two this week! We're reflecting on the impact your support has made possible. Something happened this year that made me proud to be part of The Richmonder team, and I hope made you proud to be a supporter. I’m not talking about the Startup of the Year award, although that was certainly a proud moment. I’m talking about the [email Michael sent you on June 12](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-is-taking-legal-action-against-the-richmond-school-board-heres-why/) explaining why we were suing the school board, and then the subsequent [email on June 24](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/) announcing that we’d won. Public money went missing and The Richmonder, on behalf of all of us, is the brave organization that used the legal system to get answers. Letting an unlawfully redacted document torpedo the story would have been easy. **Lawsuits are scary, expensive, time-consuming and are always a last resort.** You’re not guaranteed a win, and it feels uncomfortable for an organization devoted to building community to be suing anyone at all. - But because our leadership and reporters believe in the critical role local news plays in well-functioning governance, the board and the team pressed on. To not do so would be to turn our eyes away from what we believed to belong to Richmond citizens – the truth about what happened to their tax dollars. [Donate to The Richmonder](https://richmonder.org/donate) Delivering local news sounds simple enough. But it is hard and sometimes agonizing work to tell an impactful story that improves our community. It takes courage from beginning to end, especially when it involves having to pry the truth from hands that don’t think the public deserves to know it. The Richmonder made a promise to you to hold our leaders accountable through honest storytelling. And I couldn't be prouder of the decision to swim through stormy waters on this one. --- ### Supporting The Richmonder In the past 12 months, we've spent $7,335 on legal fees, FOIA costs and liability insurance. We consider that money well spent. Having the backing of our donors allows us to make those investments. But just as importantly, it shows the government that we are backed by everyday citizens who support transparency and accountability. Would you consider joining us as [****a monthly member**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) or [****one-time donor**](https://richmonder.org/donate), and show your support for local news? As a bonus, new tax laws allow filers who use the standard deduction to claim an additional $1,000 in charitable giving. As a 501(c)(3), we meet that criteria! [****Make a donation here**](https://richmonder.org/donate)****,** or [****learn more**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/)****.** *Beth Weisbrod, Director of Growth* *bweisbrod@richmonder.org* ### Special-teams surprise helps Trinity Episcopal upend Hermitage 20-12 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/special-teams-surprise-helps-trinity-upend-hermitage-20-12/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T05:22:34.000Z As the scoreboard clock at Hermitage’s Chester E. Fritz Stadium ticked to zero Friday night, Trinity Episcopal quarterback Deke Skogen, waiting patiently but excitedly 3 yards behind center, received the snap and immediately took a knee. For the visiting Titans, executing the victory formation never felt so good, for it brought to conclusion their well-earned 20-12 victory over Hermitage and ignited an uproarious celebration on the field and among the assemblage of Trinity faithful that had spent 48 minutes cheering them on from the bleachers. “When we came in here, we weren’t thinking public school-private school,” Skogen said. “We were thinking, ‘This is the next team, and we’re going to win.’ ” Coach Sam Mickens’ guys improved to 2-1 thanks to a staunch, bend-but-not-break defensive effort, a mixture of grind-it-out ball control and quick strikes at opportune moments and an adroit special teams play that proved to be the turning point in this hard-fought game. “I told the guys at halftime that this why you come to Trinity,” Mickens said. “You’re here for these big games. These are the moments we love.” Hermitage (2-1) and Trinity engaged in a ruggedly contested, back-and-forth first half and went into the break tied 6-6. The Panthers’ TD came on a 27-yard pass from quarterback Myles Brooks to Henry Patterson at 2:47 of the second quarter and concluded a nine-play, 83-yard drive that began after a clutch defensive stop in the red zone. The Titans responded in kind when Skogen engineered an eight-play, 71-yard drive, the final play of which was his 22-yard TD pass to K.J. Harris on the final play of the half. Skogen & Co. emerged from halftime with a more deliberate scheme that enabled them to mount time-consuming drives that kept the explosive Hermitage offense off the field. Their first drive consumed 10:55 of the third quarter, and, while it didn’t result in points, it set the tone that they were able to sustain. “Coming out in the second half, we knew we could take just what we had,” Skogen said. “There’s no need for any deep shots. If we had the little 5-yard out, we took that, and it turned out we marched all the way down the field. “We couldn’t have done that without the O-line. Great props to them. They gave up no sacks. I barely had any pressure the entire game and had as much time as I needed back there in the pocket.” After stopping Trinity on their 3-yard-line, the Panthers launched a six-play, 97-yard drive that ended with Brooks’s 30-yard broken-field touchdown run at 10:30 of the fourth quarter after the Trinity defense flushed him from the pocket. With the Titans trailing 12-6, Skogen continued the pick-away-at-the-defense-and-wait-for-a-break scheme that he’d executed so deftly and calmly on the initial drive of the half. With running back C.J. Gray pounding the ball inside and Skogen connecting with four different receivers (Josiah Walker, Trey Cherry, Landon Hicks, and Aidan Holland), the Titans responded to their deficit with a seven-play, 78-yard drive that ended with a 30-yard pass from Skogen to Holland, who had slipped into the open behind the Hermitage secondary. Evan Goldschmidt delivered the point-after that gave the visitors a 13-12 lead 6:40 from the end. Goldschmidt wasn’t finished, though. He pooched the ensuing kickoff just into Hermitage territory, a scrum ensued, and, when the referees unraveled the mass of bodies, Harris had the ball, and the Titans’ offense returned to the field. “That was a game changer,” said Cherry of the onside-kick recovery. “It definitely gave us our momentum that gave us the big win.” This time, Skogen took his guys 46 yards in three plays, the last of which was another 30-yard touchdown pass, this time to Hicks, who made a diving, over-the-shoulder catch despite tight coverage. Goldschmidt’s PAT provided Trinity its final points. “A big part of those plays was really our slot receivers running on bubble,” said Skogen, a 6-2, 180-pound junior. “K.J. and Josiah had to fake the bubble really well to get the DBs to crash down on it. “Our receivers, Aidan Holland and Landon Hicks … they were the ones who made the great grabs for the touchdowns.” Try as they might, the Panthers couldn’t respond. Twice, they mounted drives. Twice, the Titans’ defense held fast. “Hermitage has a really good quarterback,” said Cherry, a 6-0, 195-pound senior linebacker. “We knew we had to contain him. They also have a good running back (Jahson Allums). We had to keep him in the box and not let him bust plays. “We condition a lot in practice. We’re built for this.” Trinity amassed 354 yards on 46 plays. Skogen completed 16 of 23 passes for 198 yards. Gray carried 20 times for 154 yards. Hermitage compiled 312 yards on 42 plays. Brooks completed 10 of 17 passes for 145 yards and carried seven times for 54 yards. Allums rushed for 63 yards on eight carries. “This feels great,” said Harris, a 5-10, 180-pound senior, of the Titans’ victory. “But we’re not done yet.” ### Lockdown lifted at Monacan High, Gordon Elementary URL: https://www.richmonder.org/monacan-high-gordon-elementary-go-on-lockdown-after-notification-of-potential-threat/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T13:52:57.000Z Chesterfield lifted its lockdown at Monacan High School and neighboring Gordon Elementary after it secured the area following a phone call about a threat to Monacan this morning. The schools’ parents received a notification to stay away from the building this morning, and not drop their kids off. Buses heading to Gordon were rerouted. “We take every threat seriously, and are investigating the source of the phone call,” a Chesterfield Police spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. *This has been a breaking news update.* *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Sept. 11 Newsletter: A day of remembrance URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-11-newsletter-a-day-of-remembrance/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T10:00:18.000Z **Weather:** Cooler weather moves in. High of 84 with a chance of rain. **On this date** in 2001, National Guard members in Richmond are called into emergency duty as news spread of the attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-9.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-quarter-century-later-richmonders-remember-9-11/) ### A quarter century later, Richmonders remember 9/11 Twenty-five years ago today, the world as many Americans knew it changed. The terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, ushered in two wars, new government powers and a sense that no longer was the United States an untouchable beacon of safety. Almost 3,000 people died in the events of that day. Thousands more have since been lost to health-related illnesses incurred as a result of the attacks. “You have not been forgotten, and I have not forgotten,” pledged Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley Meador in a memorial event held at Dominion Energy’s Richmond headquarters yesterday. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-quarter-century-later-richmonders-remember-9-11/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-4.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-school-board-approves-selling-naming-rights-inside-buildings-but-not-for-entire-schools/) ### Richmond School Board approves selling naming rights inside buildings, but not for entire schools Under a newly adopted policy, interested corporations and individuals can ask for rooms or other areas in schools to be named in exchange for philanthropic contributions that cover unfunded school priorities. The policy sets out a process of due diligence when opportunities arise, including a “morals and termination clause” that will allow the district to remove problematic names later. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-school-board-approves-selling-naming-rights-inside-buildings-but-not-for-entire-schools/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-10.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-proposed-redistricting-maps-would-send-cosby-midlothian-high-school-students-to-west-ridge/) **ALSO IN EDUCATION:** [**Three proposed redistricting maps would send Cosby, Midlothian High School students to Chesterfield's new West Ridge**](https://www.richmonder.org/three-proposed-redistricting-maps-would-send-cosby-midlothian-high-school-students-to-west-ridge/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-11.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/downtowns-new-homeless-outreach-workers-have-been-there-themselves/) ### Downtown’s new homeless outreach workers have been there themselves People who work in homeless services often observe that by the time someone is sleeping on the street, dozens of systems have already failed them. That experience can make it hard to accept help, they say. Leon Dangerfield sees his job as rebuilding trust, however long it takes. "The main reason why I do what I do is because in my situation, nobody showed up for me. Nobody,” he said. “And it made me distrust a lot of the way the system worked." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/downtowns-new-homeless-outreach-workers-have-been-there-themselves/) *This article is the first in a monthly series examining regional issues, and spotlighting people working to make a difference. The series is presented by VCU.* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_0179.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/with-9-months-until-legal-marijuana-sales-a-lottery-drawing-may-determine-who-can-set-up-shop-in-richmond/) ### With 9 months until legal marijuana sales, a lottery drawing may determine who can set up shop in Richmond Lottery players buy their ticket in the hopes of a large financial windfall, and the state will be offering up a huge prize early next year: The right to one of 350 new marijuana dispensaries that will be allowed across Virginia. 🪴 In Richmond, the guaranteed winners will be the medical marijuana dispensaries that are already operating, which will be allowed to convert to retail sales. With legal sales set to start on July 1, 2027, the state’s Cannabis Control Authority is putting the final touches on how those licenses will be awarded. They expect more than 350 qualified applicants, which will trigger a random drawing. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/with-9-months-until-legal-marijuana-sales-a-lottery-drawing-may-determine-who-can-set-up-shop-in-richmond/) --- ### In other news - [**Council votes to intervene in Dominion-NextEra merger review**](https://www.richmonder.org/council-votes-to-intervene-in-dominion-nextera-merger-review/) - “This is being brought forward because of our city’s absolute, unequivocal interest in the outcome of this proceeding,” said Council President Cynthia Newbille. - [**Collegiate shakes off blip, rolls to 41-21 victory over STAB**](https://www.richmonder.org/collegiate-shakes-off-blip-rolls-to-victory-over-stab/) - The Cougars used a fake punt to help regain momentum. - [**Corn now growing where train derailment left grain seed in Kanawha Canal**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/train-derailment-corn-update/) (8News) - “It wouldn’t hurt ... to chew on it,” an expert said. “Nothing about it would taste good, that’s for sure.” - [**Byrd Theatre faces boycott calls over "Harry Potter" and RIFF**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/10/byrd-theatre-boycott-harry-potter-richmond-film) (Axios Richmond) - The online criticism has turned into real-world fallout for the historic nonprofit theater, with nearly 20 Carytown businesses withdrawing from one of its annual events. - [**Henrico Schools makes facilities leadership changes amid HVAC concerns**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/leadership-changes-amid-hvac-concerns-sept-10-2026) (CBS 6) - The third-party mechanical facilities assessment found the division only replaces some equipment upon failure, which results in many systems operating beyond their useful life. --- ### The editor's desk Excited to start [**our new monthly series**](https://www.richmonder.org/downtowns-new-homeless-outreach-workers-have-been-there-themselves/) featuring deep-dive reporting into regional issues. Let us know what you'd like us to explore for the series. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Richmond School Board approves selling naming rights inside buildings, but not for entire schools URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-school-board-approves-selling-naming-rights-inside-buildings-but-not-for-entire-schools/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T09:44:43.000Z The Richmond School Board [finalized a policy](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DXNHGZ48805C/$file/6-2.9%20Naming%20and%20Dedication%20of%20Schools%20and%20Facilities%20-%20Second%20Read.pdf) on Wednesday night that will allow the district to accept philanthropic contributions in exchange for the naming rights to school spaces. The policy will not allow entire schools to be named or renamed for donors, though, and sets out a process of due diligence when opportunities arise, including a “morals and termination clause” that will allow the district to remove problematic names later. The discussion began in April, when Richmond Ed Fund CEO Taikein Cooper told Board members that he was approached by an individual who offered to provide equipment for the new podcast studio at the Richmond High School for the Arts. In return, the individual asked for the studio to be named after their parents. [RPS will consider selling naming rights to school facilities“Does it give us any guidance around a ‘CarMax Stadium at Huguenot High School?’”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-766f95b5-ac6f-4de4-b262-8ef028bd2e88.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rhsa-tour-7-fca22e13-b70d-4848-b0d3-a6d74cc8bb64.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-will-consider-selling-naming-rights-to-school-facilities/) The Ed Fund is a nonprofit created to fundraise for RPS. That exchange would be allowed under the new rules, but only after a period of community engagement. “The School Board will consult the community for input, and consider all public comments and requests before any final decisions are made on philanthropic naming agreements,” the new policy reads. It adds: “If at any time the School Board determines that the Donor does not align with the values of Richmond Public Schools, the name reflects negatively on the reputation of the community, or any other unforeseen or unusual circumstances arise, the School Board has the full power to remove the name from its facilities.” The Ed Fund will be tasked with preparing a due diligence report on potential naming opportunities. ### **Altering the school renaming policy** While amending its rules, the Board also changed its policy on renaming schools. Currently, if a school is renamed, that new name must remain for a period of 30 years until it can be altered again. Now, a renaming can take place earlier with a two-thirds vote by the Board. School board member Emmett Jafari (8th District) has raised the possibility of returning Richmond High School for The Arts back to its original name, George Wythe High, noting that while Wythe was a slaveholder, he worked in his later years to end the institution. [Three years after renaming, School Board member seeks to honor George Wythe againThe School Board meets on Monday night, but it’s unclear how much support Jafari has for his motion.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-19b76ccf-a2b1-4c82-8218-f46a8b356dd5.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6930-2-67789e3a-1785-4380-b81a-b8efcbee1f71.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-after-renaming-school-board-member-seeks-to-honor-george-wythe-again/) The board previously worked off of a three-pronged rubric when naming a school, asking if the proposed name aligned geographically, whether it matched the physical features of the community, and whether it honored a particular individual. The new criteria adds that names must align “with RPS mission, values, and equity commitments,” and have “historical and cultural significance.” *Contact The Richmonder's newsroom at* [*news@richmonder.org*](mailto:news@richmonder.org)*.* ### Collegiate shakes off blip, rolls to 41-21 victory over STAB URL: https://www.richmonder.org/collegiate-shakes-off-blip-rolls-to-victory-over-stab/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T09:43:53.000Z They were riding high and totally in control. Everything the Collegiate Cougars touched late Thursday afternoon seemingly turned to gold. Facing visiting St. Anne’s-Belfield on the turf at Grover Jones Field, coach Collin McConaghy’s guys had built a commanding 28-0 lead and, with halftime approaching, exuded spirit, intensity and an abundance of confidence. The momentum was theirs. Victory appeared certain. Or so they thought. Unfazed by the abyss in which they found themselves, the Heath Miller-coached Saints from Charlottesville reeled off three touchdowns in a dizzying 2:23 of clock time to cut their deficit to 28-21 at 9:37 of the third quarter. Then, were it not for the Cougars’ staunch defensive effort from that point, a gutsy fake punt call and a grind-it-out, ball-control offensive effort over the game’s final 7:05, the outcome, a 41-21 Collegiate victory, likely would have been different. “Football’s a hard game,” McConaghy said. “That’s the reality of it. We’ve talked about playing for 48 minutes every time we step on the field. “We knew STAB was a really good football team. We executed early, but we knew they’d make plays. We let them back in the game, but our kids settled in and responded well.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/_AT18524.jpg) Collegiate's Ben Crowl scores the Cougars' final TD on a 7-yard run to the left pylon. (Photo by Ashley Zelenak) The Cougars scored twice in the first quarter and, availing themselves of two STAB turnovers, twice more in the second. Their first came on a 48-yard pass from quarterback Sam Settar to wideout Ty Stanley two minutes into the game, and Alex Groome’s point-after, his first of five, put the home team up 7-0. The Cougars’ second came at 3:58 of the first when, after a defensive stop, Settar led them on a five-play, 45-yard drive that ended when he connected with William Reale from 18 yards out. Fumble recoveries (the first by Reale, the second by Emery Williamson) set up the Cougars’ next two scores. The first came on Settar’s 3-yard run at 7:34 and the next on a 31-yard connection on fourth-and-1 from Settar to Corey Elliott 13 seconds before halftime. “The O-line up front really got us going,” said Settar, a 6-0, 195-pound senior who completed 16 of 18 passes for 257 yards and rushed 11 times for 60 yards. “They were the motor all game. STAB has some big linemen. We went into the game (thinking) it doesn’t matter how big you are. Whoever’s out there, the O-line’s going to get ‘em all. That’s what we’re about.” The Saints (1-1) used the remaining ticks of clock in the first half deftly and wisely. As time expired, quarterback Haden Morris connected with A.J. Wiltshire on a 32-yard TD pass, and the first of Jones Kestner’s three extra points cut the difference to 28-7 at the break. STAB opened the second half with a 63-yard Morris-to-Nafeese Summers touchdown strike at 11:31 of the third quarter, then, after a Collegiate three-and-out, needed just two plays to go 70 yards, the last 52 on Wiltshire’s TD run up the home sideline at 9:37. “We talk about overcoming adversity every day,” Settar said. “Everyone on the sideline believes in the 11 guys that are in the game. They believe that they can go out and maul whoever’s out there on the field.” Clinging to a suddenly tenuous lead, the Cougars (3-0) quickly steadied the ship. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Reale found a gap in the middle of the STAB secondary, and Settar delivered a laser into his outstretched hands en route to a 54-yard TD at 8:54 of the third quarter. The excitement was just beginning. On the Saints’ next possession, Morris engineered a drive deep into Collegiate territory. Facing a fourth-and-1 from their 5-yard line, the Cougars’ defense answered when middle linebacker Crawford Shield fought off a block and dropped Jonah Brent for a 2-yard loss. “We got back to our game plan,” Shield said. “It was bend-don’t-break. We got the guys together when they got near the goal line and had a really serious talk. “We knew we had to reset the limits. We knew we had to make a play. We had to stop ‘em. No points.” Shield’s stop was a game-maker. “They’d been calling counter really heavy to start the second half,” Shield said. “I’d been away from it every time, so it was a little difficult to get to the pullers. “D-line did a great job of destroying the pullers. Coach called a blitz. Got me through the gap. I was able to make a play.” The drama continued. The Saints held fast, and Elliott, a 6-0, 170-pound sophomore, lined up to punt from the Cougars’ 5-yard line. Counterintuitive as it might seem, he read the rush, tucked the ball and sprinted to the 28 for a first down. The fake punt was a mighty gamble called from the sideline. “You hold the ball for a second,” Elliott said. “I see how quick the wingers get down or if the DBs turn their backs quickly or if the D-ends are off the line. “Coach gave me the green light. It felt amazing that Coach trusted me.” Eleven plays and 72 yards after Elliott’s dramatics, backup quarterback Ben Crowl scored the Cougars’ final TD on a 7-yard run to the left pylon at 7:59. After a hit by Collegiate’s Cole Frye forced a fumble that Shield recovered at 7:05, the Cougars worked the clock until the final horn. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/_AT17832.jpg) Collegiate's William Reale hauls in an 18-yard TD pass from Sam Settar in the second quarter. (Photo by Ashley Zelenak) The Prep League signatories combined for 748 yards of offense. The Cougars amassed 390 (257 passing, 133 rushing) and 11 first downs on 56 plays. Stanley’s receiving ledger read eight catches for 108 yards and Reale’s four receptions for 90. STAB compiled 358 yards (117 rushing, 241 passing) and eight first downs on 37 plays. Morris completed 8 of 13 passes for 178 yards. “We tell our guys (that) it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you respond,” McConaghy said. “The goal is to get better tomorrow, but this is a heck of a win for us and a great learning experience.” ### A quarter century later, Richmonders remember 9/11 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/a-quarter-century-later-richmonders-remember-9-11/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T01:00:12.000Z Twenty-five years ago Friday, the world as many Americans knew it changed. The terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, ushered in two wars, new government powers and a sense that no longer was the United States an untouchable beacon of safety. Almost 3,000 people died in the events of that day. Thousands more have since been lost to health-related illnesses incurred as a result of the attacks. “You have not been forgotten, and I have not forgotten,” pledged Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley Meador in a memorial event held at Dominion Energy’s Richmond headquarters Thursday. A quarter century after 9/11, many Richmonders are pausing late this week to reflect on the single deadliest foreign attack to ever occur on American soil. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/35899DBD-A825-4072-AED7-EC53EBD6A645_1_105_c.jpeg) Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley Meador spent eight days digging through rubble at the Pentagon after the attacks. Dominion, which employs over 5,000 people in the region, [including many veterans](https://careers.dominionenergy.com/content/Military-and-Veterans/?locale=en%5FUS), held its commemoration Sept. 10\. The city of Richmond will hold [its own ceremony Friday morning at City Hall](https://www.rva.gov/index.php/press-releases-and-announcements/news/city-richmond-hold-911-ceremony-ceremonial-stair-climb-and). Both events were scheduled to honor the timeline of the attacks and include ceremonial stair climbs, and the City Hall observance will be followed by a blood drive. “Twenty‑five years later, the memories of 9/11 remain close to our hearts,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “We remember the lives cut short, the families changed forever, and the first responders and service members who showed a level of courage that continues to move us today.” No Richmonders were recorded in the lists of the dead from Sept. 11, although news reports in the following weeks would record ties to the region and near-misses. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/02D3F6EB-1689-4551-9EEF-8EB5E7B2A600_1_201_a.jpeg) Sgt. Scott Kennedy of the Metro Richmond Police Emerald Society Pipers plays Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. [Four alumni of the University of Richmond were killed](https://urnow.richmond.edu/features/article/-/20273/remembering-richmond-alumni-who-lost-their-lives-on-9/11.html). Others from the Richmond region [lost children, relatives](https://richmond.com/news/article%5Fe48a28c8-93f6-5b72-bb57-c20834230aa1.html) and friends. Four employees of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which is headquartered in Richmond, likely narrowly escaped death at the World Trade Center when a planned 8:30 a.m. meeting there was rescheduled to 9 a.m. Like elsewhere in the U.S., the Richmond area grieved and then sought to help. First responders announced they were available to mobilize if needed. Donations were collected. A national day of mourning was observed. During Thursday’s Dominion memorial, Meador and other speakers acknowledged the changes swept in by the tragedy. “There is DNA from the lessons learned after 9/11 by the U.S. intelligence community and all the agents that make up the U.S. intelligence community,” said Adam Lee, a former Federal Bureau of Investigations agent who is now Dominion’s chief security officer. “There's DNA in the things that you do and see every day. There's DNA in our military response. There's DNA in our first responders, our law enforcement that was informed by those events.” For Meador, some of the impacts proved profoundly personal. On Sept. 11, the secretary, then a special agent with Virginia ABC in Northern Virginia, was among those who responded to the Pentagon. He spent eight days at the site, sifting through rubble to find evidence of what had occurred. “‘We're all going to get sick from this,’” he remembered telling colleagues. Twelve years later, as his wife was pregnant with twins, he was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer that would eventually progress to stage 4\. “It was in 2016 that I was sitting in my chair at home and wondering, ‘How did this happen to me?’” he said. “I began to research 9/11 and the World Trade Centers and Shanksville and the Pentagon, and I came upon the World Trade Center Health Organization and at that time found that 58 cancers had been identified for first responders on 9/11.” Earlier this week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released [over 170,000 pages of documents related to hazardous air quality produced by the attacks](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/nyregion/mamdani-air-quality-liars.html). “A quarter century has passed,” said Commander Kaelan Clay, the chaplain for the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group, in a prayer Thursday. “Yet time does not diminish the loss incurred and the sacrifice spent.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*. Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to review or influence this story.* ### Council votes to intervene in Dominion-NextEra merger review URL: https://www.richmonder.org/council-votes-to-intervene-in-dominion-nextera-merger-review/ Last updated: 2026-09-11T01:00:20.000Z The Richmond City Council has approved the city’s formal intervention in the state-level regulatory review of the pending utility merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy. It took two special meetings to execute the vote after an earlier attempt failed Tuesday due to several members being absent and others abstaining from what they saw as a rushed vote. But the measure passed 5-0 Thursday afternoon, even with four members not present for the hastily called session. “This is being brought forward because of our city’s absolute, unequivocal interest in the outcome of this proceeding,” said Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District). The ultimate decision on whether the merger goes through is up to the State Corporation Commission, which regulates electric utilities. Richmond’s status as an intervenor will allow the city to formally participate in the process and advocate for its interests as both an electricity buyer and home to many Dominion customers and employees. “When people speak up, you can have an impact,” said Council Vice President Katherine Jordan (2nd District). “And I think that’s what we are hoping for here.” Jordan said she recently heard from an employee of Dominion, which is headquartered in downtown Richmond, who was “deeply worried” about their future. Several other local governments have also moved to intervene in the SCC process, as have major corporations, environmental groups and Gov. Abigail Spanberger. The positions Richmond might take on the merger are not yet clear. Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) expressed her own view Thursday, saying the merger raises major affordability concerns and “has the potential to be a disaster for the average Virginian.” “I do not think it’s enough to want to intervene, personally,” Gibson said. “I think the governor and the SCC should fully stop this merger from happening.” Gibson had abstained from Tuesday’s vote. On Thursday, she said she wished the full body could have been present, but was thankful that the slight delay had “provided the public with notice so they have an opportunity to participate.” [Dominion’s presence has defined Richmond for years. What happens after NextEra’s acquisition?NextEra doesn’t allow most employees to work remotely, which could drive additional demand for office space in Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ca398c4b-95b5-469b-aefc-db7779ccda04.png)The RichmonderNed Oliver![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8526-1-eb23625f-c5e2-48ad-8243-8ff28ec338b9.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/dominions-presence-has-defined-richmond-for-years-what-happens-after-nexteras-acquisition/) The four members not present for Thursday’s meeting, which was just scheduled Tuesday evening, were Councilors Reva Trammell (8th District), Ellen Robertson (6th District), Sarah Abubaker (4th District) and Stephanie Lynch (5th District). The Council was under pressure to act quickly. The SCC had set a Friday deadline for outside parties to intervene in the proceedings. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org)*. Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to review or influence this story.* ### REGIONAL ISSUES: Downtown’s new homeless outreach workers have been there themselves URL: https://www.richmonder.org/regional-issues-downtowns-new-homeless-outreach-workers-have-been-there-themselves/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T15:33:15.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change) ****Our "Regional Issues" series is sponsored by** [****Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.richmonder.org/r/f8d509a6?m=0c149afe-bb55-4252-ae98-1e2c36cb2cfd)****.** 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. *During our Birthday Week, we're proud to debut a new series titled "Regional Issues." Each month, we'll take a deep-dive look into an issue impacting the Richmond region, and look at the people developing solutions. Today, reporter Ned Oliver looks into homelessness.* --- The man starts trembling as Leon Dangerfield walks up. He’s sitting on a stack of blankets in the back corner of a small, empty parking garage downtown. It’s dark and smells strongly of urine. Dangerfield assures the man, a 20-something with long hair, that he’s not in trouble but he is going to need to clear out. The building is for sale and the owner has been complaining about people living here. And by the way, has he been connected to any homeless services in Richmond? It used to be that a business owner’s primary recourse when a person was sleeping on their property, blocking the door or otherwise impeding the flow of commerce downtown would be to call the police. These days, Dangerfield — who was once homeless himself — is far more likely to get the call. He’s Venture Richmond’s social services outreach coordinator, tasked with connecting homeless people who find themselves downtown to whatever services might be available to help them off the street. Sometimes that looks like getting them registered with the local shelter system, pointing them to the nearest church serving a free meal, or buying them a bus ticket to get them back to a family member’s house. Today, it looks like handing a man two cigarettes and giving him a day to pack up his stuff in hopes that it leads to a longer conversation about getting help tomorrow. [**READ THE FULL STORY HERE**](https://www.richmonder.org/downtowns-new-homeless-outreach-workers-have-been-there-themselves/) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/210513_595_aj900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change) ### **How VCU and the community work together to bring about positive change** “Community engagement is the pathway through which we connect the work that we do at an academic institution to real community impact, to making a difference,” said Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., VCU vice provost, [community engagement](https://community.vcu.edu/). “We do this through engagement with our partners and communities and through the relationships embedded in that engagement.” “VCU brings research, students, expertise and resources into our partnerships,” she said. “Our communities also bring tremendous knowledge, strengths, resources and opportunities that benefit VCU and our students.” [Read more](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change). --- *VCU is sponsoring this series, but not its content. We are grateful for their support and their commitment to having no editorial control, reflecting our shared belief that journalism should be free from outside influences. Read our editorial policy* [*here*](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*.* ### Downtown’s new homeless outreach workers have been there themselves URL: https://www.richmonder.org/downtowns-new-homeless-outreach-workers-have-been-there-themselves/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T10:00:31.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change) ****Our "Regional Issues" series is sponsored by** [****Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.richmonder.org/r/f8d509a6?m=0c149afe-bb55-4252-ae98-1e2c36cb2cfd)****.** 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. The man starts trembling as Leon Dangerfield walks up. He’s sitting on a stack of blankets in the back corner of a small, empty parking garage downtown. It’s dark and smells strongly of urine. Dangerfield assures the man, a 20-something with long hair, that he’s not in trouble but he is going to need to clear out. The building is for sale and the owner has been complaining about people living here. And by the way, has he been connected to any homeless services in Richmond? It used to be that a business owner’s primary recourse when a person was sleeping on their property, blocking the door or otherwise impeding the flow of commerce downtown would be to call the police. These days, Dangerfield — who was once homeless himself — is far more likely to get the call. He’s Venture Richmond’s social services outreach coordinator, tasked with connecting homeless people who find themselves downtown to whatever services might be available to help them off the street. Sometimes that looks like getting them registered with the local shelter system, pointing them to the nearest church serving a free meal, or buying them a bus ticket to get them back to a family member’s house. Today, it looks like handing a man two cigarettes and giving him a day to pack up his stuff in hopes that it leads to a longer conversation about getting help tomorrow. Dangerfield has been working for Venture Richmond for two years now as part of the nonprofit’s Clean and Safe Program, which is funded by a special tax assessment on downtown properties that pays for extra trash collection, landscaping and other services aimed at generally keeping the district tidy. The program expanded into social services after Venture Richmond hired a new contractor to operate it, New York-based Streetplus. “One of the programs they educated us on was a social outreach effort that they had worked with other cities to institute, and the more we learned about it, the more we thought it was worth trying here,” said Anedra Wiseman-Bourne, Venture Richmond’s deputy director. The downtown area had seen a sharp increase in people living on the street since the pandemic, and the issue had grown as a concern among downtown businesses, Wiseman-Bourne said. She immediately thought of Dangerfield, whom she had met through the police department, where he was working as a peer recovery specialist, responding to overdose calls alongside police as part of an initiative called Project Recover. --- For Dangerfield, it was a long road to his current job. He grew up in Richmond, the son of two parents he describes as drug-addicted and often absent. “The lights kept getting cut off,” he said. “My mom was stuck in, I don’t want to say a Section 8 mindset, but that’s where we were at.” Work felt out of reach, and he was selling cocaine and heroin by age 19, he said. Soon, he was addicted, too. Things went on like that until he was arrested at age 26 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Incarcerated, he got clean and embraced work training programs. When he was released at age 40, he had certifications in welding, plumbing, boiler maintenance, business software, and technical drafting. Despite all that preparation, his post-release life went haywire almost immediately, he said. He had found work with a painting crew, but the hours were irregular and a lull in work left him unable to pay rent at the halfway house where he was staying. Three months after getting out of prison, he was homeless. He bounced around between friends’ couches and slept on the street. He said he sought help from the various resources and programs offered around the city, but found them bureaucratic and difficult to navigate. One, he said, was willing to give him bus passes, which he needed, but only if he took classes to write a résumé, which he already had. One day, he was in the Wawa off Chamberlayne Avenue, thinking about trying to steal a cup of coffee, when he said he heard one man encouraging another to apply for a job. It involved pouring epoxy floors and required lots of travel, so hotel stays and a daily stipend for food were included. And the owner was willing to work with people who had served time. When he overheard the business’s location, he beelined out the door and started walking across the city to apply. It was a four-hour walk to Old Warwick Road, he said, but he got there, and he left with a job. --- People who work in homeless services often observe that by the time someone is sleeping on the street, dozens of systems have already failed them. That experience can make it hard to accept help, they say. Dangerfield sees his job as rebuilding trust, however long it takes. "The main reason why I do what I do is because in my situation, nobody showed up for me. Nobody,” he said. “And it made me distrust a lot of the way the system worked." In practice, that looks like walking around downtown, greeting people on the street, asking them if they need anything, offering them a cigarette if they smoke, or buying them a coffee if they’ll accept it. If someone does want help, Dangerfield connects them with whatever services best fit their needs. He can help get people phones, connect them to a caseworker for drug treatment or mental health treatment. He has a small budget he can use to buy people bus tickets if they have family elsewhere who can take them in. If they don't want help, he said being in the neighborhood daily allows him to build trust the slow way. “When they see somebody showing up every day, checking on them,” he said, “it allows them to know that this person is here to help and doesn't want anything at all.” He told the story of a woman named Brenda, whom he greeted every morning for two months. “She would never speak back,” he said — until one morning last month he asked her if she was hungry. Yes, she said. He got her a sandwich and some water and they talked for an hour. “Just getting that little foot in the door,” he said, “it makes a big difference.” --- Dangerfield also gets calls from businesses, responding to help defuse conflicts between unhoused people and shops, restaurants and offices. Svetlana Green said that when she opened her flower shop, Rushing Blooms Floral Studio, on Broad Street four years ago, she was unprepared for the chaotic scenes that would unfold outside her door. Her business was in front of the Maggie Walker statue, where the surrounding plaza had become a hangout for homeless people. “I was like, ‘I’m going to sell flowers, this is great,’” she said. “And then there are people overdosing outside or somebody having a mental breakdown or psychosis, screaming, needing help.” She’d call 911 when there was a clear medical emergency. But beyond that, she said, she felt lost. It didn’t feel right, for example, to call the police every time she couldn’t wake up someone who had fallen asleep in her doorway. “They don’t need to be arrested, they need help, but there were no resources — no one to tell a new business owner like me, here’s who you can call.” After Dangerfield was hired, she said, she suddenly had someone to call. “He’s like a magician. He appears and talks to people. He knows most of them by name, knows their situations and helps a lot of them get housing, if they’re willing,” she said. --- One of the people Dangerfield helped navigate out of homelessness is now a coworker. Lena Suffal arrived at Richmond International Airport in January 2025 with “absolutely nothing and looking for a fresh start,” she said. She had flown from Phoenix, escaping an abusive relationship. She wanted distance from her ex, and, at $140, the flight to Richmond was the cheapest fare available. After spending three nights at the airport, she ventured downtown, where she stayed at the city’s emergency cold-weather shelter. Because the shelter closes during the day if temperatures are above 40 degrees, she wasn’t sure where to go. “So I Googled, what do you do when you’re in the city and you don’t know where to go. The response was, find a police officer,” she said. The first officer she saw was standing on a corner talking to Dangerfield. The two men immediately took her to enroll in health coverage and get set up with a caseworker at Daily Planet Health Services. The relationship snowballed from there. “I would see Leon, and he would just be this happy face I was glad to see.” Soon, Suffal found more permanent housing. And as she found her footing, she took to helping other homeless women she encountered. Dangerfield noticed. And when Venture Richmond’s social services program decided to add a second part-time outreach worker, he urged the organization to consider Suffal, arguing her personal experience outweighed her lack of formal training. “She understands the needs people have now,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing when people see her, people who were sleeping in the shelter next to her, and it makes them ask the question, how did you do this?” --- Back in the parking garage, Dangerfield’s light touch pays off. Dangerfield suspects the man seemed so nervous at first because he had drugs on him, and by the end of their encounter, the man admitted he is addicted to fentanyl and that it has gotten bad. He said he can barely sleep anymore. Dangerfield gently broaches the possibility of entering a recovery program. Medicaid will pay for it, he says. “Listen, I’ve been where you’re at,” Dangerfield tells him. “Trust me, it’s a lot better on the other side.” The man, who says he is a welder but hasn’t worked since he was released from jail six months ago in Rockingham County, isn’t sure. Dangerfield doesn’t press it. He reminds the man he has until tomorrow to clear out and tells him he’ll be back in the morning to check on him. The next morning, Dangerfield arrives. The man tells him he’s ready to try rehab, and Dangerfield has him enrolled in a detox program by lunchtime. *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org)*.* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/210513_595_aj900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change) ### **How VCU and the community work together to bring about positive change** “Community engagement is the pathway through which we connect the work that we do at an academic institution to real community impact, to making a difference,” said Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., VCU vice provost, [community engagement](https://community.vcu.edu/). “We do this through engagement with our partners and communities and through the relationships embedded in that engagement.” “VCU brings research, students, expertise and resources into our partnerships,” she said. “Our communities also bring tremendous knowledge, strengths, resources and opportunities that benefit VCU and our students.” [Read more](https://news.vcu.edu/article/how-vcu-and-the-community-work-together-to-bring-about-positive-change). --- *VCU is sponsoring this series, but not its content. We are grateful for their support and their commitment to having no editorial control, reflecting our shared belief that journalism should be free from outside influences. Read our editorial policy* [*here*](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*.* ### Three proposed redistricting maps would send Cosby, Midlothian High School students to West Ridge URL: https://www.richmonder.org/three-proposed-redistricting-maps-would-send-cosby-midlothian-high-school-students-to-west-ridge/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T19:30:20.000Z In three proposed redistricting plans, Cosby and Midlothian High School students are being reshuffled to populate Chesterfield’s 2,400-student West Ridge High School, which is set to open August 2027. CCPS’s Chief Operations Officer Reid Wodicka presented these proposed boundaries to the county’s school board Tuesday evening, and the board will decide which one will be used during its Oct. 13 meeting. Rising high school seniors won’t have to attend a different school for the 2027-28 academic year. The new school is just over a three-mile drive northwest of Cosby High School, which Chesterfield says is at 125% capacity that’s supported by several exterior trailer-style classrooms. Midlothian High School is in second place at 97% capacity and is a nine-mile drive northeast of West Ridge. “West Ridge and Cosby High School are really close in geography,” Wodicka said, “so that creates some challenges in terms of drawing lines that make sense for everyone.” Cosby and Midlothian were both highlighted as being located in high-development areas, meaning there’s an increased likelihood that additional students will enroll in these schools as more people move into the area. Parallel to this is another, smaller-scale redistricting process which looks to adapt boundaries to predicted development. For the 2027-28 academic year, Cosby would welcome 53 and 75 new students from Clover Hill and Manchester high schools, respectively. Rising seniors can choose to switch schools. The board won’t vote on this redistricting, only on the three proposed plans focused on West Ridge High School. Instead, the superintendent will handle the administrative side. There will be an information session open to the public Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Cosby High School. The three plans get rid of all of Cosby’s trailers, were crafted with this administrative redistricting in mind, and focus on specific neighborhoods (whose names were taken verbatim from Wodicka’s presentation). Throughout all three, 449 Magnolia Green students and 293 Westerleigh/Summer Lake students will be placed in the new school. Here are the proposals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/data-src-image-8e0d1e8a-8555-478a-96a8-0fd41bead009.png) **Screengrab from CCPS’s Chief Operations Officer Reid Wodicka’s presentation to the school board.* **Option one:** This plan makes the capacity at Cosby, Midlothian and West Ridge roughly the same at an average of 73% — 82% in five years. Besides the students from Magnolia Green and Westerleigh/Summer Lake, it would move… - 293 students from Westerleigh/Summer Lake - 343 from Watermill/RounTrey peninsula - and 173 from Wynwood at FoxCreek/Foxfield to the new school. Matoaca’s representative, Steve Paranto, said this is the choice he’s seen the most support for, to which Midlothian’s Lisa Hudgins agreed. “I’d like to echo what Mr. Paranto said about what we’ve been hearing from the community as soon as this went live, and I don’t disagree with what they’re saying,” Hudgins said. **Option two:** Among the three, option two is the one that’ll use up the most of West Ridge’s capacity straight out of the gate at 80.3%, whereas Cosby would be 73.6% and Midlothian 63.7%. The number of other impacted students and their neighborhoods are: - 293 from Westerleigh/Summer Lake - 246 from RounTrey peninsula - 282 from Hallsley/Newmarket - and 246 from West of Woolridge Road. **Option three:** Wodicka described this as a mix between the first two options. Under this plan, West Ridge’s capacity would immediately be 78.3%, Cosby’s is 75.8% and Midlothian’s is 63.7%. It would see… - 293 from Westerleigh/Summer Lake - 343 from Watermill/RounTrey peninsula - and 173 from Wynwood at FoxCreek/Foxfield to the new high school. A public information session on these three redistricting proposals will happen Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Deep Creek Middle School’s auditorium. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Sept. 9 Newsletter: Celebrating two years of impact! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-9-newsletter-two-years-of-impact/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T11:23:55.000Z **Weather:** High of 88 as humidity begins to return. **On this date** in 2024, The Richmonder launches with its first headline: “[**In unpredictable contest, Richmond mayoral candidates pitch City Hall reset.**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-unpredictable-contest-richmond-mayoral-candidates-pitch-city-hall-reset/)” [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-1113-1120-112724-900x150px--1--1.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- ### The editor's desk The Richmonder turns two years old today. We launched in response to a need for local news that reflected the concerns of the community. That need continues to grow. This year saw more layoffs at the Times-Dispatch, the shuttering of the Free Press and the launch of multiple sites written by AI bots. Our work isn't perfect, and it's far from done, but we wanted to take today's newsletter to reflect on how far we've come in filling that gap. (If you're looking for today's headlines, you'll find them at the bottom of this email.) Here's to many more years, *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924.jpg) ### Local news Many of you found us during the [**water crisis**](https://www.richmonder.org/texts-show-dpu-officials-believed-backup-generators-were-on-during-early-hours-of-water-crisis/), but local news isn't an "on demand" service. We do the daily work of representing you in meetings and building trust so that we can get it right when it matters. We stand up for Richmonders. We asked about the bike-lane sweeper, and [**it reappeared**](https://www.richmonder.org/cycling-advocates-take-bike-lane-cleaning-into-their-own-hands/). We asked about the Belle Isle parking lot, and officials [**stopped renting it out**](https://www.richmonder.org/amphitheaters-use-of-belle-isle-parking-lot-is-raising-questions-from-nearby-residents/). Our reporting [**was cited by the judge**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-lawyers-told-a-judge-a-phone-was-lost-in-an-airport-city-documents-show-it-might-have-been-found/) in the Connie Clay case. We know being in the community matters. Whether it's [**Rosedale**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-love-hate-relationship-managing-rosedales-aging-trees-is-a-tricky-balance-for-northside-residents/), [**Cherokee Road**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-planning-to-redo-crumbling-cherokee-road/), [**Westwood**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-historic-westwood-neighborhood-has-beaten-the-odds-for-years-can-it-survive-rezoning/) or [**Midlothian**](https://www.richmonder.org/we-are-not-digital-chesterfield-bookstore-celebrates-40-years-of-not-keeping-up-with-the-times/), we want to tell the stories that matter to you. But one of our proudest impacts is the ripple effect as we watch others take an interest in local news. Whether it's traditional media returning to City Hall or influencers weighing in on Instagram, we're all better off when there are more voices at the table. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924.jpg) ### Education The Richmonder's regular appearances at School Board meetings allowed us to notice that the division [**had secretly been without an auditor**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-been-without-an-auditor-since-may-when-the-previous-one-departed-quietly/) for four months last year. It also allowed us to build trust and tell the story of [**literacy gains**](https://www.richmonder.org/brilliant-at-the-basics-how-one-elementary-school-is-beating-the-trends-and-boosting-literacy-rates/) in a way that brought you inside the schools. Our [**FOIA lawsuit**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/) was a major step to ensuring taxpayer money is accounted for, and we'll continue to fight for the public's right to know. 🟢 The Richmonder has a [****platinum transparency rating**](https://app.candid.org/profile/15673215/the-richmonder-inc-99-3286029) from Candid, a sign of trust in the nonprofit world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825.jpg) ### Housing Code refresh has been a major topic, and our coverage has drawn rave reviews for sticking to the facts around a sensationalized topic. From our first primer [**17 months ago**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-next-50-years-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-envisions-a-denser-city-what-will-that-look-like/) to in-depth looks into [**small businesses**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-code-refresh-proposal-to-allow-small-businesses-in-neighborhoods-draws-mixed-reviews/) and [**tree canopies**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-rezoning-allows-more-development-should-it-also-require-more-trees/), we've been the go-to source. But we've also demystified the development process with in-depth looks at [**how affordable housing is created**](https://www.richmonder.org/amid-affordable-housing-push-homes-for-the-lowest-incomes-are-a-tough-nut-to-crack/) and the [**special use permit process**](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/). Our intent is to represent everyone, and when the Free Press folded we pivoted to ensure those stories wouldn't go untold, whether they involved [**Black cemeteries**](https://www.richmonder.org/slow-but-steady-restoration-efforts-continue-for-century-old-black-cemeteries/) or [**historic preservation**](https://www.richmonder.org/granite-community-festival-reviving-memory-black-neighborhood/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Richmonder_AroundTown_Texture_040825.jpg) ### Culture and people Our series naming [**The Richmonder 25**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) is now up to 50 under-the-radar heroes (and [**two great parties**](https://www.richmonder.org/join-us-for-an-evening-of-good-people-good-stories-and-good-energy/)), but we spotlight the best of the community all year long. - [**Bill Martin was known as the Valentine's leader. He was also a quiet champion for Richmond's LGBTQ+ community.**](https://www.richmonder.org/bill-martin-was-known-as-the-valentines-leader-he-was-also-a-quiet-champion-for-richmonds-lgbtq-community/) - [**These 11 store designs shook up the world of retail – and started in Richmond**](https://www.richmonder.org/these-11-store-designs-shook-up-the-world-of-retail-and-started-in-richmond/) - [**Richmond has a soil problem. Here’s what is being done about it.**](https://www.richmonder.org/photo-essay-richmond-has-a-soil-problem-heres-what-is-being-done-about-it/) One of my favorite things is when people are discussing something they read in The Richmonder with their friends at happy hour. Connecting over our shared love for the city makes us closer and builds the bonds that allow us to tackle tougher topics. --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/260204_1248_jm_MR900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-offers-dozens-of-new-degrees-minors-and-more-this-fall?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU offers dozens of new degrees, minors and more** Virginia Commonwealth University students have dozens of new options to consider when pursuing degrees, certificates, concentrations, minors and more. The new programs come from across VCU’s colleges and schools and represent numerous academic disciplines. From robotics and AI to healthcare and business, the academic programs reflect the evolving workforce and promote experiential learning for students. Many of the new offerings are designed to help students keep up with fast-moving technologies or fill job market gaps, while others, such as accelerated programs, allow students to earn degrees in less time. [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-offers-dozens-of-new-degrees-minors-and-more-this-fall?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) --- ### Today's news - [**With 9 months until legal marijuana sales, a lottery drawing may determine who can set up shop in Richmond**](https://www.richmonder.org/with-9-months-until-legal-marijuana-sales-a-lottery-drawing-may-determine-who-can-set-up-shop-in-richmond/) - In Richmond, the guaranteed winners will be the medical marijuana dispensaries that are already operating. - [**Richmond wants to intervene in the Dominion merger. But the Council needs a do-over vote**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-wants-to-intervene-in-the-dominion-merger-but-the-council-needs-a-do-over-vote/) - Even if the city misses the deadline for intervenor status, Richmond officials could still file less-formal public comments later in the process. - [**University of Richmond completes $66M library project**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/08/university-of-richmond-completes-66m-library-project/) (Richmond BizSense) - Improvements include new study spaces, renovated rare books and special collections spaces, reconfigured outdoor terraces and a relocated and expanded 8:15 Boatwright cafe. --- ### Supporting The Richmonder We are grateful for your support during our first two years! Community contributions have allowed us to grow from three full-time staff to a team of seven, on the way to our goal of double-digit reporters looking out for you. Would you consider joining us as [****a monthly member**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) or [****one-time donor**](https://richmonder.org/donate), and show your support for local news? As a bonus, new tax laws allow filers who use the standard deduction to claim an additional $1,000 in charitable giving. As a 501(c)(3), we meet that criteria! [****Make a donation here**](https://richmonder.org/donate)****,** or [****learn more**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/)****.** --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### With 9 months until legal marijuana sales, a lottery drawing may determine who can set up shop in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/with-9-months-until-legal-marijuana-sales-a-lottery-drawing-may-determine-who-can-set-up-shop-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T01:03:49.000Z Lottery players buy their ticket in the hopes of a large financial windfall, and the state will be offering up a huge prize early next year: The right to one of 350 new marijuana dispensaries that will be allowed across Virginia. With legal sales set to start on July 1, 2027, the state’s Cannabis Control Authority is putting the final touches on how those licenses will be awarded. In Richmond, the guaranteed winners will be the medical marijuana dispensaries that are already operating. The Ayr Cannabis Dispensary operates two locations in the city (Carytown and Manchester), as well as stores in Henrico and Colonial Heights. CCA Acting Head and Chief Administrative Officer Jamie Patten said those stores must convert to add retail use or will have to close. She expects that the medical parent companies in the state will all choose to convert. “I think they will. You know, of course it's at their discretion. There's also a significant fee associated with that, but I believe that they probably will all convert,” she said. “They either have to convert and become a dual use, where they sell medical and retail, or they can no longer continue in business.” Another set number of licenses will be set aside for “impact” licensees, who live in economically disadvantaged areas and have been impacted by marijuana enforcement, are a veteran, or meet other criteria. Remaining applicants who pay a to-be-determined fee and qualify under the state’s criteria will be placed into a lottery for the remaining spots. [Cannaspire](https://cannaspire.com/about/) is a consulting firm that helps operators acquire licenses, pass inspections and build profitable businesses. Its chief compliance officer, Warren Harasz, said the lottery system was “relatively well rolled out” when it was used in Minnesota. However, he said zoning and real estate are what may hinder the lottery winners –– Virginia’s winners will then have 18 months to find a “home” and establish their license. Localities are not allowed to prohibit the sale of marijuana, though they are allowed to tax it. [Legalizing marijuana could produce tax windfall for Richmond“Legalization can play a huge role in reducing unnecessary criminalization that has disproportionately affected some communities.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-eb191ce0-1403-4525-9bbe-32a099b682be.png)The RichmonderMark Newton![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2JK3X1C-4e22a91c-505a-4a44-ac3d-8d1d177f87ff.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/legalizing-marijuana-could-produce-tax-windfall-for-richmond/) “It is good that the state law has sort of prevented any of the municipalities from saying ‘not in my backyard’ and opting out like New Jersey,” Harasz said. “But that said, the zoning is ultimately the way that they (could) control these businesses coming in.” Harasz said from what he understands, stores may have to be 1,000 feet from residential areas, other hemp or vape shops, places of worship, schools and daycares. “In a big city like Richmond, that actually really limits the amount of areas that might be in that 1,000-foot buffer,” he said, emphasizing that the code is not yet final and things could still change. ### **How we got here** After initial back and forth with lawmakers and advocates, [vetoes](https://www.virginiascope.com/gov-spanberger-vetoed-legislation-that-would-have-established-a-retail-market-for-marijuana/) and [amendments](https://www.virginiascope.com/spanberger-wants-to-delay-recreational-marijuana-sales-start-date/), Gov. Abigail Spanberger approved legislation to introduce a retail marijuana market inside the state’s [biennial budget bill](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB30). Medical cannabis sales have been legal in Virginia in various forms since 2017; The General Assembly expanded the medical market to allow additional off-site dispensaries in 2020 in conjunction with the state’s decriminalization of recreational or non-medical marijuana use. Virginians 21 and older have legally been able to possess up to an ounce since the passage of 2021 [legislation](https://legacylis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?212+sum+HB2312), which also created the CCA and other regulatory agencies for the cannabis retail industry. The CCA has created a [timeline](https://cca.virginia.gov/retailmarijuanamarket) up to the retail market’s introduction in July 2027 — regulations will begin to be reviewed in October and be finalized and effective by January, conversion applications for pharmaceutical processors and industrial hemp growers open by February and initial retail licenses will be issued by May. Medical marijuana sales are currently vertically integrated, meaning the stores, cultivation and processing facilities are all owned by the same company. Permits for each of those roles could be awarded separately under the new model. As for the new retail licenses, Patten said they are working on determining what the best way is to distribute them geographically. The 350 licenses are for new retail locations, excluding existing medical dispensaries. “I'm assuming that there will be way more applications than there are licenses,” Patten said. “And if that's the case, then everyone that applies and with a qualified application will go to the lottery.” Other license types include cultivation facility, processing facility, testing laboratory, transporter, delivery operator, retail store, dual use and microbusiness. Patten said she wants people to remember that the process has many steps, and the CCA board has to review and approve drafted regulations before certain specifics can be announced. “I hear a lot of feedback where people want all the information right now, but there are steps that have to happen first before other things come behind it,” Patten said. “And so I just encourage people to continue to [check our website](https://cca.virginia.gov/) for information, monitor because we're going to pump out information as quickly as it is final.” Harasz, at Cannaspire, said the current medical retailers will be starting out ahead. “These existing medical licensees, they'll pay the one-time conversion fee and they've already got a supply chain, they can basically get going. Whereas all of these independent licensees, they have to then contact these existing medical licensees and say, ‘Hey, do you have product that I can sell?’” Harasz said. “So we know that right off the bat, those individuals are going to make a really great buck when the switch flips.” He said the best ways for new businesses to get ahead is to begin working on the licensing process and looking for real estate, and even having a conversation with local governments to work towards the first steps of municipal approval. ### Richmond wants to intervene in the Dominion merger. But the Council needs a do-over vote URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-wants-to-intervene-in-the-dominion-merger-but-the-council-needs-a-do-over-vote/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T00:01:18.000Z The Richmond City Council held a special meeting Tuesday to fast-track a vote on having the city formally intervene in the pending merger between Dominion and Florida-based NextEra Energy. The special meeting didn’t go as planned. The Council introduced a resolution to have Richmond intervene in the complex energy regulatory decision pending at the State Corporation Commission. But the proposal didn’t advance to a vote for procedural reasons, casting doubt over whether the body will be able to hit a looming deadline for outside parties to file notice with the SCC saying they want to formally weigh in. Three Council members weren’t in their seats for a vote on whether the body should take up the proposal on an expedited basis. Two others abstained, apparently due to concerns about bringing the topic on short notice coming out of Labor Day weekend. That left only four votes in favor of fast-tracking the resolution, which wasn’t enough for it to advance to a final, same-day vote on Tuesday. There was no public discussion by the Council after the move failed, and no discussion on what might happen next. The Council proceeded as if the resolution would be taken up at a future meeting. However, the SCC’s deadline to intervene is Friday. The resolution was initially sponsored by Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) and Mayor Danny Avula. After Tuesday’s meeting, Newbille said there’s still a window for the Council to act and that she was working on a plan to do just that. That could include the calling of an emergency meeting later this week that would give the Council a chance for a do-over. The Council has a committee meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, and Council leaders appear to be planning to have their second special meeting of the week at that time. Even if the city misses the deadline for intervenor status, Richmond officials could still file less-formal public comments later in the process. Councilors Reva Trammell (8th District) and Kenya Gibson (3rd District) were the two members who abstained. Trammell told The Richmonder she wanted more time to consider what the Council was being asked to vote on, as well as an opportunity to potentially ask Dominion representatives about it. “I didn’t see anybody there,” Trammell said. Councilors Ellen Robertson (6th District), Sarah Abubaker (4th District) and Stephanie Lynch (5th District) weren’t present for the procedural vote. The pending resolution wouldn’t give Richmond any binding authority over whether the merger goes through. Instead, it creates a more formal process for Richmond officials to gather information and advocate for the city’s interests as both a major electricity customer and the home of Dominion’s headquarters. The Council’s resolution states “the City of Richmond has a critical interest in the outcome of this proceeding because this acquisition would create the world’s largest regulated electric utility, with one of two headquarters in the City, potentially impacting rates and service to all Richmond residents and to the City itself.” It’s not yet clear what Richmond would say if city officials intervene in the matter. Joining the case is an initial step allowing the city to opine later as the review progresses. “This action is the formal mechanism for having a seat at the table so that we can best advocate for Richmond residents and ratepayers,” Avula said in a statement issued before Tuesday’s Council meeting where the resolution failed to advance. “I look forward to engaging in the process and learning more.” After Tuesday's meeting, the mayor's office said it was awaiting next steps from the Council. Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria are already listed as participants in the SCC case. Arlington County has [also voted](https://www.arlingtonva.us/About-Arlington/Newsroom/Articles/2026/Arlington-County-Board-votes-to-Intervene-in-DominionNextEra-Merger) to intervene. The localities are among a long list of other participants with an interest in the outcome, such as Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Google, the attorney general’s office, Walmart and several environmental groups such as Clean Virginia, Appalachian Voices and the Sierra Club. Richmond’s annual electricity costs currently stand at around $18.7 million. Dominion is one of the region’s largest employers, with about 5,500 Richmond employees. NextEra has signaled Richmond-based workers will have about 18 months of job security if the deal goes through. After that, it’s unclear how big the local footprint might be for the combined company. The SCC has until January 2027 to review the case. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) *Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story. Read our policies* [***here***](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*.* ### Sept. 7 Newsletter: Keeping Richmond great URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-7-newsletter-keeping-richmond-great/ Last updated: 2026-09-07T10:00:37.000Z **Weather:** It should be a gorgeous Labor Day, with a high of 84. **On this date** in 2015, Virginia Tech loses to No. 1-ranked Ohio State in a college football season opener. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) Today's newsletter celebrates the final three honorees in our list of The Richmonder 25, our annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [**Read all of their stories here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) Also, please remember to [**book your tickets for our celebration on Sept. 25**](https://www.richmonder.org/join-us-for-an-evening-of-good-people-good-stories-and-good-energy/), where we'll celebrate all 25! --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-junior-martin-dances-in-the-median-to-inspire-you/) ### Junior Martin dances in the median to inspire you Keithvell "Junior" Martin has become locally famous for his nightly dancing in the median along Belvidere Street. He’s been at it almost three years. 🪩 “I just really love dancing. It's in my spirit — I have to get out there and do it,” he said. Martin was diagnosed with ADHD when he was younger and discovered a love for dancing that became an outlet for him. He said he'll keep dancing as long as his career allows. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-junior-martin-dances-in-the-median-to-inspire-you/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-larkin-garbee-contributes-to-jackson-wards-thriving/) ### Larkin Garbee contributes to Jackson Ward's thriving Garbee, a 20-year resident of the district, has seen the ebbs and flow of an ever-evolving neighborhood – one that fiercely defends and fights to retain its deep roots to Richmond’s Black history, while at the same time making sure it stays high on the list of the city’s ongoing renovation and revitalization projects. “The beautiful thing about Jackson Ward is that you can kind of feel a little New York City because you have the hustle and bustle of Broad,” she said. “But you can go two blocks away to Clay Street and you have these beautiful tree canopies and gorgeous wrought-iron historic homes.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-larkin-garbee-contributes-to-jackson-wards-thriving/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-2.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/at-85-franck-boynton-has-delivered-meals-to-richmonds-neediest-for-almost-two-decades/) ### At 85, Franck Boynton has delivered meals to Richmond’s neediest for almost two decades The longer he works as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, the more Franck Boynton ends up delivering food to people younger than he is. 🛞 The white van he uses to make deliveries across the Richmond region has logged over 400,000 miles and counting. Now 85 years old, Boynton said he intends to keep doing the meal drop-offs as long as he can. And there’s not much slowing him down yet. When he was doing a delivery a few years back in a high-rise building with a broken elevator, he climbed nine stories — three flights at a time with rest in between — to get food to a blind man who needed it. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-85-franck-boynton-has-delivered-meals-to-richmonds-neediest-for-almost-two-decades/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/), or buy a table and invite your friends! --- ### The Richmonder 25 series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) --- ### Also today [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/3E1RN89--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/power-grid-auction-falls-short-of-meeting-2028-29-energy-needs-organizing-group-cites-data-centers/) ### Power grid auction falls short of meeting 2028-29 energy needs, organizing group cites data centers Chesterfield County became a data center destination in Central Virginia with the arrival of three Google campuses, but a looming electricity shortfall is raising questions about whether the region’s power grid can keep up. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/power-grid-auction-falls-short-of-meeting-2028-29-energy-needs-organizing-group-cites-data-centers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-8.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/was-that-one-of-richmonds-greatest-weeks-of-high-school-football-ever/) ### Was that one of Richmond's greatest weeks of high school football ever? It would not be hyperbole to say that Week 2 of the regular season for high school football ranks among the greatest ever throughout the Richmond area. Consider the headline wins by Varina, Huguenot, Thomas Dale and Trinity Episcopal. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/was-that-one-of-richmonds-greatest-weeks-of-high-school-football-ever/) --- ### In other news - [**Artificial intelligence is making inroads into Richmond’s arts, museums and music communities, but at what cost?**](https://www.styleweekly.com/state-of-the-prompt) (Style Weekly) - “The 55-and-up group is actually super supportive, not only of the AI usage in this exhibition, but of museums using AI in general. It’s the 35-and-under audience that has been vehemently opposed to the usage of AI in any way, shape or form.” - [**Flying Squirrels file lawsuit against city, citing Diamond District delays**](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/article%5F26ef7b4e-8cef-46ae-b29f-eca1b1d7c2ca.html) (Richmond Times-Dispatch) - The action is a separate case from the defamation lawsuit filed earlier this year by the Squirrels' lead owner, Lou DiBella. - [**Man hit by car, injured while riding electric scooter in downtown Richmond**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/man-hit-injured-electric-scooter-downtown/) (8News) - The man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. --- ### The editor's desk Last year's celebration of The Richmonder 25 was one of my favorite events we've ever done. This year promises to be even better, and I'm thrilled to welcome guest speaker Perris Jones, a former UVA football player. [**Get your tickets now!**](https://www.richmonder.org/join-us-for-an-evening-of-good-people-good-stories-and-good-energy/) *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Was that one of Richmond's greatest weeks of high school football ever? URL: https://www.richmonder.org/was-that-one-of-richmonds-greatest-weeks-of-high-school-football-ever/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T22:38:49.000Z It would not be hyperbole to say that Week 2 of the regular season for high school football ranks among the greatest ever throughout the Richmond area. Consider this: Class 4 state champion Varina went to Class 5 state champion Maury, took the lead, waited out a weather delay, watched the Commodores come back to force overtime, then answered a Maury touchdown with one of their own, capped off by a game-winning two-point conversion from Kaleb Wyche to avenge a 2025 loss in a 35-34 classic. A year after starting their season flat in a home loss to St. Christopher’s, Huguenot went to Highland Springs and delivered a masterful performance, winning 28-7 with the only Springer points coming in the fourth quarter. L.C. Bird looked primed to end a losing streak in the Battle of Chester dating back to 2018, but the Dark Zone defense of Thomas Dale announced their presence in a 24-6 victory. Trinity Episcopal made an even bigger statement by shutting down, and shutting out, defending Division I private school champion and bitter rival Benedictine 7-0 to send both teams to 1-1 starts. Then there was the scary situation which unfolded in the stifling heat and humidity at Armstrong, where the Wildcats took a 17-14 lead thanks to a late field goal into the locker room. And that’s where the game stands. Both teams had players be treated for medical concerns due to the weather, and officials of both schools decided it would be best for everyone’s safety to wait to play the second half. The Wildcats and Vikings will finish the game on Monday October 5th. Fans at Thursday’s game can use their ticket receipt for admission. With other games ending with scores from 55-33 to 3-2 (yes, 3-2!) Week 2 was certainly one for the record books. There’s movement in our latest Super 12 Poll, which can be seen here. [SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Week ThreeOne of the best weeks of regular season high school football created nail-biting finishes, many weather delays, and some surprises! As more…![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-e5e28f4d-3e65-4209-8ae4-04d7decda8e5.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-37726ae0-9794-44eb-bad7-37e356e57272.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/09/super-12-high-school-football-rankings.html) ### Standout performances **Lawrence Hewlett, Prince George:** After a 177-yard performance against Glen Allen, the East Carolina commit rushed for 231 yards in a single quarter in the Royals’ 62-20 win over J.R. Tucker. **K’Sean Hill, King William:** After accounting for five touchdowns in the Cavaliers’ opening win over Amelia, Hill rushed for 189 yards and three touchdowns of 28, 37, and 45 yards, and threw two touchdown passes to Julius Schools, and returned a kickoff 80 yards for a score as King William bested Westmoreland to move to 2-0. **Joel Nicholson and Kayden Hughes, Hanover:** This dynamic duo paired for four touchdowns through the air in the Hawks’ 55-33 win at Monacan. Nicholson ended the game with 246 passing yards on just seven completions and five scores, the other to JK Daniel. **The Midlothian Offense:** A balanced attack churned out 433 total yards, bouncing back from their struggles at L.C. Bird to get a key road win in Class 5, Region C, 28-14 over Douglas Freeman. **William Sterling, St. Christopher’s:** Broke the school record with a 48-yard field goal, one of two made in the Saints’ 27-14 triumph over Christchurch. **Charles Scott Jr. and Iveon Lewis, Huguenot:** It would be impossible not to laud this pair, who led the charge at Highland Springs, Scott throwing for 339 yards and three touchdowns, Lewis catching four balls for 184 yards and two scores, including a 92-yard touchdown that set the pace in the Falcon victory. ### Unsung hero **Ben Choffel, Louisa:** Another weather-related game came down to a 35-yard field goal attempt by the Lions senior to put Louisa at 2-0 in Class 4, Region B, besting region mate Courtland 17-14. ### Eye opener **The Colonial Heights Offensive Line:** There were many raised eyebrows after the Colonials opened a 26-0 lead on a talented Caroline squad, eventually winning by a 42-18 count. Junior tackle Colby English, freshman guard Braden Williams, senior center Noah Doughty, junior guard Declan Clevenger and junior tackle Richard Duke may not comprise the biggest offensive line in the area, but they make up for it in technique and heart. Even when down one running back, they led the Colonial Heights rushing attack to a 374-yard, five-rushing-touchdown performance. “This offense is unique,” noted Colonials head coach Justin Keeler. “The kids this year, they’re really smart, and they just know their roles. Caroline showed a defense we had not seen at all in our scout film, and it didn’t bother them at all.” Keeler knows just how tough the road will be as a Central District team, with Petersburg, Prince George, Hopewell and Meadowbrook all on the horizon. But in year two of this new, to him, offensive approach, the traction is there. “The last two games surprised me as well,” Keeler admitted. “We did well in our scrimmages but didn’t know what to expect.” Now he does. ### Game of the week #1 Varina (2-0) at Oscar Smith (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m. What do you do for an encore if you’re the Blue Devils? Get back on the bus, return to Interstate 64 and face your second defending state champion in as many weeks in Class 6 winner Oscar Smith. Without their star quarterback Lonnie Andrews III (injured), the Tigers turn to Justice Culler, a freshman. Their rushing attack led the way in a 29-6 lightning-shortened win over Warwick over the weekend. If the Varina defense can stop the run and rattle Culler, they could hit the buses home as happy as they were Friday night. ### Games we're watching **#12 Trinity Episcopal (1-1) at #5 Hermitage (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:** It’s amazing how a week can change the perspective of an upcoming matchup. Hermitage bested Henrico but didn’t have the first half performance they were hoping for. The Titans could have sulked over their overtime loss in their opener, but instead clamped down on the Benedictine offense, taking a 7-0 victory. This game is a major step up in opponent strength for the Panthers. **#4 Highland Springs (1-1) at #6 Dinwiddie (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:** A third straight home game for Navy Nation as they brace for impact against a Springer team coming off a disappointing loss to Huguenot while bearing the marks of revenge after falling at home to the Generals in overtime last season. This may be a case of the proverbial bear coming in having been poked, multiple times. The first twelve minutes will be key for Dinwiddie, for it would be harder to have to overcome another 14-0 first half deficit as was the case a year ago. **Douglas Freeman (1-1) at Hanover (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:** It will be an emotional night as the Hawks plan an evening-long commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. On the field, Kevin Symonds’ Mavericks will look to bounce back after struggling on offense during a 28-14 loss to Midlothian. The defense must contend with Hanover quarterback Joel Nicholson, who played out of his mind in the Hawks’ opener with five touchdown twirls. Hanover has high hopes in Class 4, Region B, and needs wins in games like this to pile up points in the standings. ### Under the radar Essex (1-1) at King William (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.: The Trojans become the latest team to try to stop the K’Sean Hill express. The senior has 545 yards of total offense in two games. But Essex, having uncharacteristically fallen in their opener to Sussex Central, could, in Class 1, really use a win over a quality Class 2 opponent. Thus, both teams have a lot to play for even in early September. The Trojans can pile up yardage as well. ### Beyond the headlines –Keep an eye on a pair of “M”’s! Mechanicsville won a slugfest at Goochland Thursday night, using a halfback option play for a touchdown en route to a 28-21 victory. The Mustangs look for their first 3-0 start this decade at J.R. Tucker Friday. Meanwhile, Quinn Tobias’ Meadowbrook Monarchs built a sizable lead, then held off a Kecoughtan charge for a 29-20 win to also improve to 2-0\. After a bye, Meadowbrook travels to Deep Run September 18th. –Joining Tobias in the 2-0 Club for a new head coach was Bryan Jennings at James River, who has yet to yield a point in two games, handling rival Cosby 6-0\. Next, though, is a Thursday evening trip to #7 Manchester, who are off to a hot start after wins over Monacan and Glen Allen. –Kudos to all of the officials involved in the decision to postpone the second half of the Armstrong-TeeJay game. With players from both teams, as well as a Viking coach, needing medical assistance, and with no relief in sight from the combination of heat and humidity, it was best to not jeopardize anyone. It’s the second straight season this game was suspended due to weather. –If you were searching for scores for the opening night of flag football, the games were postponed to later in the season at the request of some teams, and, we suspect, due to the heat and humidity. This Saturday now marks the kickoff for 2026 with four games at Huguenot High School. ### They said it “We probably don’t have a superstar, but we have a lot of kids that can do different things, position versatility…the good thing is the fan base is really excited.” – Colonial Heights head coach Justin Keeler. “Kayden and I have been playing together all of our high school career. I’d say we really started connecting during the offseason going into our junior year. Our numbers are just the result of our offensive execution, with the big guys up front giving me enough time to go through my reads and deliver good passes.” – Hanover quarterback Joel Nicholson reflecting on a five-touchdown performance, four of which were to fellow senior Kaden Hughes. “It was an audible. We saw the linebacker creeping up, so we checked to a slant. Me being a playmaker caught the ball. Went for 90\. Touchdown.” – Huguenot wideout Iveon Lewis speaking with our Weldon Bradshaw about the opening touchdown pass after the Falcons dominated Highland Springs Friday night. ### Our final play The latest issue giving school activities directors and principals headaches concerns something not occurring on the football field, but along the boundary. Since the return of fall high school football in 2021 after the pandemic, we began to see a steady rise in the number of people on the sidelines, many proclaiming themselves members of the “media.” Front Office Sports [reported this week](http://frontofficesports.com/article/high-school-football-sidelines-clogged-with-creators/) that a recent Texas game that usually garners 10 to 15 members of local and regional media was beset by 70 to 80 other people labeled as photographers or videographers. They also said these “private content creators” are, in Texas, sometimes there because they were hired by players or their parents. Is this happening here? We do not know. We do know this phenomenon has exploded since 2024, to the point where AD’s are now using two methods in order to keep order on the part of the field where there’s not to be any action. The same is true at high school basketball events. Many schools now have media members request and be granted access with passes, and only allow a certain number of “media” on the field. Other schools, both here in the Richmond area and in other states, have begun charging a fee for media access. But let’s separate the wheat from the tares. No one, for example, should ever consider making Lane Casadonte or Sean Robertson have to pay to cover football games for Final Score Friday on CBS 6, nor any other traditional media. We hedge at using the term “traditional” since many use it as a moniker for “old” media (print, television, radio, etc.). Today’s traditional media, how it’s produced and consumed, is not the same as even 20 years ago. Remember, the media are at an event to cover it. That means game stories, highlights, interviews, and other angles of coverage for the purpose of telling the story of said event. We do not come to create videos for Instagram for a certain student-athlete or to build a TikTok portfolio for ourselves. My daughter, Rachel, has been chief photographer for the RVA Sports Network since she was in high school in 2013\. Last year at a game, a so-called “media” member left an equipment bag directly in the way of an official, who, preparing for the next down, promptly picked it up, and threw it out of the “no press zone”, and rightfully so. She has witnessed, as have I from many a press box, people spending as much time rooting for a certain team or goofing off rather than focusing their equipment on the next play. We suggest that, going forward, the term “media” be exclusively given to entities that follow the long-held standards that earn that moniker. We don’t root for a certain team, we follow the rules of school and in-game officials, and maintain professional protocol at all times. That is what earns the receiving, and keeping of, a media pass. Schools with A/V technology departments and classes should certainly allow eligible students to be there as part of their class grade, and part of growing the next generation. But whether it is “private content creators” or “influencers”, it’s time to find a term to label this very different group of people using the latest technology for these other reasons and more. Create a different kind of pass for their purposes so school and game officials know the difference. For it’s not the technology that allows one to proclaim one’s self a media member. It’s how, and what, you do with it. [WEEK THREE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULEWEEK THREE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10: St. Anne’s-Belfield at Collegiate, 4pm Thomas Jefferson at Amelia, 7pm James River at Manchester, 7pm…![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/favicon-31d1d2a1-1c5d-4385-a279-f2e9d83bcf96.ico)robwitham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RVA-logo_opt-1fd54bf2-83ba-4cf2-9d81-2d9b86dbea01.png)](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/09/week-three-high-school-football-schedule.html) ### Power grid auction falls short of meeting 2028-29 energy needs, organizing group cites data centers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/power-grid-auction-falls-short-of-meeting-2028-29-energy-needs-organizing-group-cites-data-centers/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T22:29:00.000Z Chesterfield County became a data center destination in Central Virginia with the arrival of three Google campuses, but a looming electricity shortfall is raising questions about whether the region’s power grid can keep up. PJM Interconnection coordinates [electricity distribution](https://www.pjm.com/about-pjm) for 67 million people throughout 13 states (including Virginia) and Washington, D.C. — [Dominion Energy](https://www.dominionenergy.com/about/delivering-energy/electric-transmission-access), which serves Richmond, is one of the participating organizations. Every year, PJM holds an auction in which energy providers, such as Dominion Energy, purchase commitments for the electricity capacity they’ll need to serve their customers at peak times three years from now. Shannon Heckt is an energy and environment reporter for The Virginia Mercury and [reports on PJM](https://virginiamercury.com/2026/08/27/new-proposal-from-grid-operator-pjm-would-require-data-centers-to-bring-their-own-power/). She said when costs rise at auction, they are ultimately passed on to ratepayers through electricity bills. “Dominion then has to buy that power at the capacity auction, and then if there's not enough power being generated, it leads to higher prices,” Heckt said. “It means Dominion has to pay more, which means that we all have to pay more.” On July 14, this year’s PJM auction for the 2028/2029 distribution year (June 2028 to May 2029) [fell short of PJM’s standard](https://insidelines.pjm.com/pjm-capacity-auction-procures-138318-mw-of-generation-resources-as-work-continues-to-address-growing-electricity-demand/) by nearly 6.8 gigawatts — [enough to power at least 2.3 million homes and businesses](https://oceantic.org/press-releases/offshore-wind-expands-to-the-gulf-of-maine-with-latest-lease-sale/#:~:text=enough%20to%20power%202.3%20million%20U.S.%20homes%20and%20businesses). So, why the deficit? PJM says the short answer is data centers. “The results of the latest capacity auction show continuing trends of rapid large load growth driven by data centers, while generation is coming online at a much slower pace,” a PJM spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. Between 2024 and 2030, PJM predicts electricity demand will increase 32 gigawatts — 30 of which are from data centers “primarily in Virginia but also throughout the PJM footprint.” PJM’s independent watchdog, Monitoring Analytics, [said 38.2% of the market change was due to data centers](https://www.monitoringanalytics.com/reports/presentations/2026/IMM%5FMC%5FMarket%5FMonitor%5FReport%5F20260728.pdf), and recommended removing them from the auction entirely and making them buy power separately. Other major power sucks — or as the industry calls them, “large loads” — include semiconductor plants and electricity-powered factories. Heckt said many of these are waiting for Dominion to offer them energy, so the company will likely have to build more power to meet demand. “If they don’t start building more, whether it's gas plants or wind or solar, then there’s going to be more of a reliability crisis,” Heckt said. Dominion is well aware of the issue. While it agrees data centers are a major component of increased demand, other major contributors are “the retirement of fossil-fuel, dispatchable generation resources and constraints on the transmission system,” a Dominion spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. Dominion says base rates are locked until its next biennial review in 2027, and PJM capacity costs will be a component. The auction’s impacts on customers’ bills won’t be known until this review. However, Dominion is confident data-center-driven costs won’t impact residential customers. “We created [a new rate class (GS-5) for high-energy customers](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/about-the-scc/newsreleases/release/scc-issues-order-on-dev-biennial-review-2025/scc-rules-in-dev-biennial-review-case.html), like data centers, as part of our 2025 biennial review and legislation from this year directs the SCC to assure during future biennial reviews that GS-5 customers are not being subsidized by other customers or otherwise causing adverse rate impacts,” Dominion’s emailed statement reads. Demand for PJM’s resources reached an estimated all-time peak on July 2 at 168,158 megawatts — summer [is typically when the most electricity is consumed](https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42915) throughout the year. If nothing changes and demand increases faster than supply, this problem will likely compound. To curb the trend, PJM said it is using a price cap and floor for auctions until May 2030 to make sure consumers and suppliers don’t bear the brunt of increased costs. “Reliability is PJM’s North Star. PJM is working on many fronts to rapidly and reliably integrate data centers and other so-called ‘large loads’ without impacting reliability to other customers,” PJM’s emailed statement reads. “Part of this includes constantly improving our forecasting for data center demand, because that information is used to procure generation capacity and plan for high voltage transmission.” Heckt noted PJM also can kick large load data users — particularly data centers — off the electricity grid and onto backup generators. This option has usually entered the conversation during these super hot times of year. However, PJM has yet to do that. This particularly affects Virginians. The commonwealth is home to the world’s [highest concentration of data centers](https://virginiamercury.com/2026/07/06/how-virginia-became-the-worlds-data-center-capital-and-how-its-going/). Increased demand makes supply more expensive. Besides this, [WMRA reported that](https://www.wmra.org/2026-05-06/rising-electric-bills-tied-to-grid-updates-demand-fuel-weather-and-more) expansions, repairs and replacements made to the electricity grid could also drive up costs for consumers. “You just can’t take (data centers) out of the equation when we talk about why we need more power, because largely, in Virginia, it’s because of them,” Heckt said. “Obviously, there are more residents and there’s more electrification of things. Certainly that would increase things, but it’s going up by so much because of the data centers.” These concerns are reflected in public opinion. [A May Gallup poll](https://news.gallup.com/poll/709772/americans-oppose-data-centers-area.aspx) found that cost-related worries are a major driver behind opposition to data centers, second only to these facilities’ environmental impact. But development isn’t likely to slow down any time soon. In 2025, [Google announced a $9 billion investment](https://www.richmonder.org/google-announces-9-billion-investment-in-virginia-including-a-chesterfield-data-center/#:~:text=Neighboring%20Henrico%20recently,raise%20the%20rate.) in Virginia to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, including [three data center campuses](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/) planned for Chesterfield. Currently, the county’s Board of Supervisors [isn’t interested in inviting more data centers](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-indicates-it-wont-approve-any-more-data-centers-in-the-county/). Gov. Abigail Spanberger has defended the commonwealth’s commitment to making itself attractive to data center development. [In an interview](https://www.politico.com/podcasts/energy) with Politico, Spanberger said data centers have long been a part of Virginia’s economy and support public goods such as schools, libraries and fire stations. Spanberger also noted that data centers will be constructed one way or another. She argued that if Virginia turned away the industry, it would lose the chance to help set the standard for how data centers are built and operated, including environmental safeguards and technological investments. “If we were to end that in one fell swoop, that has a major impact on jobs in Virginia, union jobs, electrical jobs, certainly the building trades,” Spanberger told Politico. “It has a major impact on many of our communities.” Currently, the average wait time to become connected to Dominion’s grid is as many as seven years, Heckt said. What that means for data centers — like the ones setting up shop in Chesterfield — is that they’re securing their permits and starting construction while waiting in the wings. “What you’re seeing in Chesterfield with these other data centers is that they’re going through the process,” Heckt said. “Obviously they won’t be able to be connected until much later, unless they decide to do behind-the-meter power, where they build their own power — usually gas turbines on site to power themselves — which supposedly shortens that time. But it still takes years to get that kind of infrastructure up.” As for Dominion, the company says it’s planning for increased demand. The spokesperson said Dominion is looking to keep “building the infrastructure that is needed and at the pace that’s required” to continue meeting customers’ needs. The Richmonder contacted Google for comment, but didn’t receive a response before publication. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### At 85, Franck Boynton has delivered meals to Richmond’s neediest for almost two decades URL: https://www.richmonder.org/at-85-franck-boynton-has-delivered-meals-to-richmonds-neediest-for-almost-two-decades/ Last updated: 2026-09-07T13:48:15.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* The longer he works as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, the more Franck Boynton ends up delivering food to people younger than he is. Now 85 years old, Boynton said he intends to keep doing the meal drop-offs as long as he can. And there’s not much slowing him down yet. When he was doing a delivery a few years back in a high-rise building with a broken elevator, he climbed nine stories — three flights at a time with rest in between — to get food to a blind man who needed it. A Chesterfield County resident, Boynton got involved with Meals on Wheels 18 years ago after retiring from a career selling high-voltage electrical equipment. The white van he uses to make deliveries across the Richmond region has logged over 400,000 miles and counting. “It’s important work,” Boynton explained. “So I said I’ll just stick with it.” To Boynton, the work is about more than just making sure elderly or infirm people who can’t cook for themselves don’t go hungry. “If they don’t have people delivering meals, then they can’t stay in the house,” he said. “The other thing is we check on them. When we show up and somebody doesn’t come to the door, we immediately start calling.” Boynton’s wife, Mary, said her husband has always been “a giver.” “You’re giving people self-respect, that they can stand on their own two feet,” she said. “And that’s the thing that’s important.” It’s rare for Boynton to stumble across a medical emergency, but it has happened. At an apartment complex in Northside, Boynton found a recipient who had fallen and couldn’t reach an alert button to call someone. The man had been on the floor for hours, and Boynton stayed until help arrived. Since 1967, the Richmond region’s Meals on Wheels program has been operated by Feed More, a nonprofit that works to combat food insecurity across a wide swathe of Central Virginia. To qualify, recipients must be at least 60 years old, homebound and have no other reliable way to get meals on a daily basis. More than 600 seniors receive meals each week, according to the organization. Boynton has volunteered for a total of 3,972 hours, according to Feed More, and did 110 delivery routes last year. “He’s always willing to help wherever he’s needed, and he never hesitates to step in and make sure our Meals on Wheels delivery routes are covered,” said Feed More Client Services Navigator Monica Coleman, who has known Boynton for 15 years. “That same flexibility and positive attitude carry over to the way he interacts with the neighbors we serve. Franck understands that everyone may be facing different challenges, and he treats each person with patience and respect.” Boynton tries to do Meals on Wheels routes three days a week. It takes him about two hours to deliver meals to eight to 10 people per trip. Mary Boynton said she enjoys hearing the stories her husband has accumulated from so much time on the road and so many interactions around Richmond. Once, Boynton was delivering food with a partner, Harry, who was wearing a suit and also delivering a bouquet of flowers donated by a local florist. A sharp-witted man came to the door, looked at the pair, then yelled back into the house. "He says, 'Mabel come here. You’re not going to believe this. We just won the Publishers Clearing House,'" Boynton recalled the man saying, referring to the famous sweepstakes and its televised prize patrol. "It didn’t dawn on me until I looked at Harry. That’s exactly what it looked like." 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Other stories were more eye-opening than amusing. There was also the time a group of young men in Gilpin Court — the public housing complex many outsiders avoid because it’s perceived as unsafe — helped push his van when it got stuck. Boynton said he distinctly remembers making a delivery to a woman who was over 100 years old. She told him she couldn’t drive anymore, but felt fortunate to have someone else willing to give her rides to visit her son in a nursing home. “Can you imagine that?” he said. “I’ll never forget that.” When asked how long he plans to keep doing Meals on Wheels, Boynton’s answer was simple. “Until I can’t do it anymore,” he said. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### The Richmonder 25: Larkin Garbee contributes to Jackson Ward's thriving URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-larkin-garbee-contributes-to-jackson-wards-thriving/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T17:15:14.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Standing near the Maggie Walker statue, Larkin Garbee shared what she appreciates about her neighborhood. “The beautiful thing about Jackson Ward is that you can kind of feel a little New York City because you have the hustle and bustle of Broad,” she said. “But you can go two blocks away to Clay Street and you have these beautiful tree canopies and gorgeous wrought-iron historic homes. So you can get the quiet and neighborhood feel that some people might love in the Fan.” Jackson Ward became [a historic landmark](https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/historic-registers/127-0237/) in the late 1970s. The area was well known as a beacon for Black businesses in the early 1900s, but was sliced in half when the [federal government forced hundreds](https://vpm.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/interstate-destruction-jackson-ward-video/how-monuments-came-down/) of residents out so Interstate 95 could be built in the 1950s. Garbee, a 20-year resident of the district, has seen the ebbs and flow of an ever-evolving neighborhood – one that fiercely defends and fights to retain its deep roots to Richmond’s Black history, while at the same time making sure it stays high on the list of the city’s ongoing renovation and revitalization projects. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/JACKSON_GILES_B_DAY_JXN_PRROJECT_BHM__041721_RHB8_t620_fbf2daa044e08a86b24c9c38cd7501865a0e2373.jpg) The JXN Project celebrated the 150th anniversary of Jackson Ward in 2021\. (Richmond Free Press file photo) After graduating from VCU in the early 2000s with a business degree, Garbee initially moved to Virginia Beach. But after getting laid off working as an apartment manager, she couldn’t decide where to land next – in Lynchburg, where she grew up, or head back to Richmond. “Coming back here felt like just I would have more access to things,” she said. “So I crashed on my aunt's couch and did some bookkeeping for a couple of different companies. One was a tile business, one was a granite company and then also a concrete company. I was very interested in construction and had tried to get a job in construction, which is actually how I got fired, because they found out I was looking for a job.” That didn’t stop Garbee from pursuing her goals. She ended up buying the tile business she was working for while at the same time trying to figure out a place to call home. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket, or purchase a table and invite your friends! “I have lived in Church Hill, Jackson Ward, the Fan, Scott’s Addition,” she said, eventually settling in Jackson Ward. “I bought my first property there in 2007\. So next year will be 20 years. I've had properties here and seen it transform a lot within that time frame.” In those two decades, Garbee watched as the business landscape in Jackson Ward began to change, from shops and restaurants like Comfort and Popkin Tavern (now both closed) which set the stage for others to follow. “We had these little seedlings of things that were happening. It was still an exciting time because you had Gallery 5, ART 180 came after that. So these little kinds of hubs were popping up,” she said. One of the hubs that’s still popping is the food scene. Elizabeth Kincaid is an owner of Tarrant’s Cafe. She met Garbee almost two years ago when Garbee persuaded her to come to one of the historic association meetings, where she’s now a co-chair of the safety committee. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/-L-R--Liz-Kincaid-Ashley-Ray-Larkin-Garbee-at-Oops-Wrong-Party-Photo-Liz-Kincaid.jpeg) Elizabeth Kincaid, Ashley Ray and Larkin Garbee (Contributed photo) “Her passion for the community and for the arts is what really stood out to me. And the more time I spent with her, the more I realized that she herself is just such a connector,” said Kincaid. “She's just like a cheerleader for the Jackson Ward community. And the business community, not just for the residents.” Garbee also noticed something else happening with the residents of Jackson Ward. “There was a point I remember when, just from a leasing perspective, tenants started staying,” she said. “That's one of the things that struck me, people are staying in place. And there's just more density happening, more developments, more restaurants, more attractions coming back into the area.” It’s because of these changes and of her desire to make Jackson Ward more than a headline in the news, that she became involved with the Jackson Ward Historic Association. “I'm a natural community builder. It's something I care deeply about. Initially, I was kind of like, I'm not going to get involved,” said Garbee. “I'm just going to let things be. But it's not in my nature to do that, as much as I was trying to fool myself. I wanted to be connected more to the people around me.” One resident she connected with was Ashley Ray, who has known Garbee for more than 12 years, having once worked in one of Garbee’s earlier ventures, the coworking space 804RVA. Ray now lives two blocks away from Garbee, and both are involved in the safety and beautification committees for the historic association. “We used to organize a pickle festival together and we used to host pickle club meetings and I've done some startup events with her,” said Ray. “Larkin is a connector. And when she wants you to be in her orbit, she just kind of pulls you in and brings you into the fold and makes sure you know the people that you should know.” Ray said they’ve been collaborating on all kinds of projects in Jackson Ward. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Abner-Clay-Park-Clean-up-photo-Liz-Kincaid.jpeg) A cleanup event at Abner Clay Park. (Contributed photo) Garbee said businesses like CoStar have come out to do trash pick-ups in neighborhood spots, which has been a great way to engage with people in the neighborhood. “(VCU) would send us 20, 30 students. Which, as an alumni, was exciting,” she said. “And then I talked to these kids and they don't know about Jackson Ward. They live (and) go to school blocks away. And most of them have never even been to the neighborhood. They don't go to First Friday. They've never heard of the Black History Museum. They didn't know about Gallery 5\. So that's where I get excited. This is not just cleanup, this is how you build community, build connections.” Garbee, who’s already planning neighborhood events for the fall, said Richmonders should be on the lookout for the return of the pickle party, which was canceled during the pandemic, as she continues to find ways to welcome people into the neighborhood. --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### The Richmonder 25: Junior Martin dances in the median to inspire you URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-junior-martin-dances-in-the-median-to-inspire-you/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T17:14:11.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* You’re in your car, driving home during your evening commute. As you sit at the red light, waiting for it to turn green, the weight of your day sits with you: the stress from work, the traffic around you, the dinner that needs to be made. It buzzes in the background of your mind. Then you see him. A lone figure, [dancing](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DY2nPZNzMIb/) to the thumping sound of his boombox, at the edge of the intersection — arms popping, head bobbing, his [feet tapping](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DMgKjEUuep6/) out a rhythm on the hard brick sidewalk. This intersection is his studio, his canvas, his dojo. It’s his sanctuary and stage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/unnamed.gif) Keithvell Martin is his name. His friends call him “Junior” and music isn’t just something he hears, it’s something he inhabits. Martin sets up his one-man, outdoor dance studio at the intersection of Belvidere and West Leigh. You can often catch him during the evening commute. He’s been at it almost three years, since the fall of 2023, putting in work for hours at a time, even in the dead heat of the summer. He accepts support via [Cash App](https://cash.app/$JR2Blessed19) in exchange for this valuable public service, using the contributions to upgrade his setup. “I just really love dancing. It's in my spirit — I have to get out there and do it,” he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-71bb31fe-1c62-490d-ae02-8225204726ac.jpeg) Keithvell “Junior” Martin, right, loves to dance and he’s not afraid to show it. (Contributed photo) Martin is a Richmond native and graduated from L.C. Bird High School in 2025\. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was younger and discovered a love for dancing that became an outlet for him. Martin has established a bit of a following, and I count myself among those followers. I fully recognize that telling you so compromises my journalistic objectivity. But I’m not the only one vibing in my car to his footwork. People on Reddit [chat about him](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1vhiq37/what%5Fever%5Fhappened%5Fto%5Fthe%5Fdancing%5Fkid%5Fat%5Fleigh/?solution=33501651e901503d33501651e901503d&js%5Fchallenge=1&token=7afd7253fec22262ff1c52b1703fe9ecf13e7d1ed474b84af778a62d1399523a&jsc%5Forig%5Fr=&solution=8665099c2511b0648665099c2511b064&js%5Fchallenge=1&token=7afd7253fec22262ff1c52b1703fe9ec3493986827ee7c3470a3ca45d815e6be&jsc%5Forig%5Fr=). Or here’s a [comment](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQclSuDjkjZ/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) from a mom on Instagram: *“I drive by you all the time!! My kids are in the back seat yelling it's the dancing guy! Honk Mom Honk!! It definitely brightens our day!”* People love what he does, and when you stand next to him on the corner, that love is made clear. Cars honk and people wave — the sheer number of horn-blasts and hellos in just a few minutes is striking. In the early days, he was surprised. “When people started honking their horns, I was confused at first. But then people started waving, pulling over, or stopping at the light to tell me I was doing an amazing job,” said Martin. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket, or purchase a table and invite your friends! Martin comes from a big family and he’s the oldest of seven. On some days, they make it a family affair and he’s joined by a very special guest: [his auntie](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZOEGZVzZ7V/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) — holding a giant colorful sign that reads, “Honk for peace and love.” Martin said his family loves what he’s doing. “They love it because it's something special I've become known for, something I'm great at. It's motivating people and keeps me out there doing something great instead of something bad.” Dancing remains his main passion, but Martin recognizes that it may not be forever, and he’s open to a career doing something else. While he’s not out there dancing every single day, he gets out as much as he can, and his plan is to keep doing it for the foreseeable future. So what’s the point here? Martin had an *idea* to do something a little different. That’s where the story ends for most people. Lots of things get in the way of acting on an idea: Self-consciousness. Fear. Being worn down by the things life throws your way. But Martin moved from idea to action. He got up off the couch and, like, actually did the thing. What makes his dancing compelling lies in the simple act of doing it. Martin keeps making the decision to dance, in spite of what might get in the way, and that lights people up. When he’s out there doing *his* thing, it gives you a little more energy to go do *your* thing. Whatever that thing may be. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Median-man-2.gif) And what does Junior Martin want people to feel when they drive by and see him dancing? He wants them to feel something that “pushes them to do what they believe in, what they're supposed to do, without carrying negativity through their day. Something that makes their day feel better, more loving and caring.” 📝 Blaine Lay chairs The Richmonder's Board of Directors. You can find his writing [here](https://blainelay.substack.com/). --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Huguenot announces its arrival by beating Highland Springs URL: https://www.richmonder.org/huguenot-announces-its-arrival-with-win-at-highland-springs/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T20:35:23.000Z At long last, the storm finally passed, but the lightning and thunder remained. It wasn’t the lightning and thunder, mind you, that delayed the start of the long-anticipated Southeast Classic matchup between Central Virginia powers Huguenot and Highland Springs until 9 p.m. Friday, a full two hours after the original starting time. Instead, it was lightning in the form of the visiting Falcons’ explosive offense and the thunder delivered by their inspired, take-no-prisoners, lock-down defense, the combination of which resulted in a convincing 28-7 victory over the Springers before an enthusiastic, high-decibel packed house at Victor W. Kreiter Stadium. “We just came out here and played football,” said Iveon Lewis, Huguenot’s South Carolina-bound wide receiver *par excellence*. “We practice hard. Tonight, we did what we knew we could do.” What the Falcons (1-0) did was amass 396 yards (65 rushing, 331 passing) on 50 plays and limit the home team to 155 yards (45 rushing, 110 passing) on 40 attempts. They were so overpowering that they allowed just 56 total yards through the first three quarters before surrendering the other 99 after they scored their final touchdown, a 65-yard pass from Charles Scott Jr. to Kaidyn Bailey two-and-a-half minutes into the final quarter. How did the Falcons, well known for their high-octane offensive attack, deliver a defensive blitzkrieg that stymied the usually potent Springers with their four-man-front alignment? “Our preparation and just wrapping up and getting them on the ground,” said 6-foot-0, 195-pound senior linebacker Ro’melo Perry as he stood amidst his ecstatic teammates as the clock approached midnight. “The game was delayed. We couldn’t control some things. We knew there was going to be adversity. That got us more amped up.” On this refreshingly cool evening, the first quarter was marred by penalties (a combined 100 yards worth in the first five minutes) and highlighted by the Springers’ two opportunistic takeaways: Marquise Bullock’s fumble recovery and Mario Cutler’s interception. Just when it seemed that the Highland Springs defense was in a bend-but-not-break mode, Scott, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior and recent Alabama commit, found Lewis streaking across the middle and put a laser in his hands, the upshot of which was a 92-yard touchdown. Cristopher Martinez then delivered the first of four extra points to put Huguenot up 7-0 at 1:10 of the first quarter. “It was an audible,” said Lewis, a fearless, athletic, true-handed 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior. “We saw the linebacker creeping up, so we checked to a slant. Me being a playmaker caught the ball. Went for 90\. Touchdown.” Midway through the second period, the Scott-to-Lewis connection struck again. This time, Scott spotted his favorite target streaking down the home sideline and, though Lewis was well defended, placed a well-directed spiral into his outstretched hands near the back line of the end zone. The TD covered 19 yards and concluded a six-play, 64-yard drive 36 seconds before halftime. “I watched the defense,” Lewis said. “I ran out. My quarterback trusts me. He threw it up. Touchdown.” At the break, the Falcons, now brimming with confidence, had firm, if not absolute, command of the momentum. They had 230 yards of offense. The Springers had mustered just 27. “When we came out and heard we were playing, we were all juiced up,” said Jayce Bigalow, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior outside linebacker. “When we came out hot, that turned us up another notch. “It was 11 hats to the ball all game. Everybody had tackles. We knew they were run-heavy, but they couldn’t get the running game going, and they were just done.” The Falcons emerged in the second half as they had finished the first. They stopped the first Highland Springs drive for no gain, then fell victim to an inspired effort by the Springers that ended with Scott’s punt. The Springers (1-1) mishandled it, though, and Jhaman Cain recovered it on the home team’s 28. Five plays later, Lewis made an acrobatic catch of a Scott pass at the 1, and two plays later Philip Bowling scored up the middle through a gaping hole created by his offensive linemen. It’s their mission, you see, to control the line of scrimmage and protect Scott, even if they do so in anonymity. “We trusted each other,” said center Andrew Gary, a 6-foot-0, 250-pound senior. “We did our jobs. I’ve been blocking for him (Scott) for about five years. Can’t let him get hurt.” After the Scott-to-Bailey connection gave put Huguenot up 28-0, the Springers mounted a drive that resulted in a 35-yard TD pass from Dashaun Chisem to Emmanuel Hathaway (followed by Angel Alegria’s PAT) at 7:31 of the fourth quarter. Try as they might, the Springers could not cut further into the Falcons’ lead. Scott completed 16-of-23 passes for 331 yards. Lewis was on the receiving end of four of them for 176 yards. “We knew they were a well-coached team,” Perry, the linebacker, said. “We just had to come in here and dominate.” ### Robins Foundation, city support commercial beautification projects URL: https://www.richmonder.org/robins-foundation-city-support-commercial-beautification-projects/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T17:25:49.000Z A total of 25 commercial sites around the city were chosen to receive grants in a program administered by Richmond's Economic Development Authority. "The ABC Grant Program provides funding for projects that activate and beautify designated Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) areas while helping improve the environment for retail, service, and other businesses," the city wrote in a press release. The Robins Foundation provided matching support for projects along the Broad Street corridor, which was recently bolstered by the arrival of VPM's headquarters. Richmond EDA Grant Activations Tap a pin to see what's happening at that address i Activation types ✕ “Activation and beautification are important economic development tools because even targeted investments can change how people experience a commercial corridor,” EDA DirectorAngie Rodgers said in a statement. “These projects will help create more inviting spaces, strengthen connections between businesses and their surrounding communities, and encourage additional investment. Through this pilot, we’re also creating a pathway for community ideas to move from concepts to visible, impactful projects.” *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* *The Robins Foundation is a Richmonder donor but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* *The interactive map included with this article was made with the use of artificial intelligence technology. The Richmonder does not allow its reporters and writers to use artificial intelligence in the crafting of the articles themselves.* ### Sept. 4 Newsletter: A slimming strategy URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-4-newsletter-a-slimming-strategy/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T10:02:36.000Z **Weather:** High of 96, watch out for scattered afternoon storms. **On this date** in 1998, Busch Gardens announces the “Apollo’s Chariot” roller coaster, whose debut the next year is marred when model Fabio is [hit by a goose](https://people.com/fabio-looks-back-at-rollercoaster-goose-incident-25-years-ago-exclusive-8622713) on the initial ride. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2X66DW0--1--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/nearly-8-of-chesterfield-employees-are-on-ozempic-style-drugs-the-county-says-they-prevent-costlier-issues-later/) ### Nearly 8% of Chesterfield employees are on Ozempic-style drugs. The county says they prevent costlier issues later Both government and school employees use Chesterfield’s insurance, which covers about 20,600 people. “The thought process was we were seeing a lot of chronic conditions tied to diabetes and other related illnesses, so we really set out just on that sort of simple basis of trying to curtail some of those things in the early stages,” the county's finance director said. 💊 Medical premiums rose on average 22% this year nationally, as costs go up across the board. Chesterfield officials said there isn't a direct correlation between GLP-1 use and skyrocketing premiums, as other factors are also driving the increase. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/nearly-8-of-chesterfield-employees-are-on-ozempic-style-drugs-the-county-says-they-prevent-costlier-issues-later/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-7-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-to-squirrels-owner-stop-suing-and-start-negotiating/) ### Avula to Squirrels’ owner: Stop suing and start negotiating The Richmond Flying Squirrels and VCU missed a deadline to resolve a contract issue over the Rams’ baseball team playing at CarMax Park, leading the EDA to set a new deadline of Dec. 31. The dispute is one of many things that has angered Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella during a tumultuous first season at the new baseball stadium. - DiBella added more material to his defamation lawsuit against Diamond District developers this week. - Mayor Danny Avula responded in [a BizSense article](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/03/squirrels-owner-accuses-diamond-district-developer-of-leaking-opening-night-memo-to-press-in-latest-defamation-complaint/): “I wish the (Squirrels) would focus their energy on engaging VCU in good faith to get an agreement done, so that we can all see both the Squirrels and VCU playing baseball at CarMax Park next season,” he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-to-squirrels-owner-stop-suing-and-start-negotiating/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/IMG_8073--1--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-councilor-wants-third-party-inquiry-into-alleged-sexual-misconduct-rrha-board-chair-says-investigation-was-handled-appropriately/) ### City councilor wants third-party inquiry into alleged sexual misconduct; RRHA board chair says investigation was handled appropriately The claims, [**which were reported by The Richmond Times-Dispatch on Aug. 25**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fc09657ef-03ab-4832-b2c1-fab9ab298659.html), stem from complaints made by two different public housing residents in fall 2025 that maintenance workers were seeking sexual favors in exchange for fulfilling work orders. Asked if RRHA had brought in any third-party investigator to look into misconduct cases in the past five years, a spokesperson said RRHA “has utilized a third-party investigator in the form of outside legal counsel.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-councilor-wants-third-party-inquiry-into-alleged-sexual-misconduct-rrha-board-chair-says-investigation-was-handled-appropriately/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Midlo-v-Freeman_9.3_TheRichmonder_JTH-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/midlo-bounces-back-with-win-at-freeman/) ### Midlo bounces back; city rivalry game called due to heat on busy football evening - Midlothian defeated Douglas Freeman 28-14 (above) as the weekend’s action began. [**Read more and see photos from that game.**](https://www.richmonder.org/midlo-bounces-back-with-win-at-freeman/) - The rivalry matchup between Armstrong and Thomas Jefferson was postponed in the third quarter after multiple players had to be stretchered off the field due to extreme heat. [**Read more from 8News.**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/extreme-heat-thomas-jefferson-armstrong-game/) - Thomas Dale prevailed 24-6 in the Battle of Chester. [**More on the rivalry.**](https://www.richmonder.org/thats-what-high-school-football-is-about-the-battle-of-chester-celebrates-its-55th-year/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-6.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-dr-jeff-mapp-goes-the-distance-to-provide-pediatric-care/) ### Dr. Jeff Mapp goes the distance to provide pediatric care His organization is a medical mission that travels to small, out-of-the-way villages in El Salvador and Guatemala to provide repeated pediatric care to communities that don’t have access to treatment. “I found myself saying, ‘Man, it's really hard for me to actually reassure these moms or these dads. And what would make it much more effective is if I could see you again in six months.’ And so that kind of became the basis for Extra Mile Pediatrics,” he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-dr-jeff-mapp-goes-the-distance-to-provide-pediatric-care/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Virginia law requires school districts to submit a mold plan. Only 15 have.**](https://www.richmonder.org/virginia-law-requires-school-districts-to-submit-a-mold-plan-only-15-have/) - The law does not give the department enforcing authority, the VDH spokesperson said. - [**Hadad’s Lake reimagined: Plans filed to bring Varina swim spot back to life as ‘Oasis Point’**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/03/hadads-lake-reimagined-plans-filed-to-bring-varina-swim-spot-back-to-life-as-oasis-point/) (Richmond BizSense) - The new concept would bring back many of Hadad’s Lake’s former mainstays, like pools, sand volleyball courts, a fishing pier, banquet hall and outdoor patio, and add a restaurant. - [**Flying Squirrels mascot Nutasha has date to celebrate at New York's Citi Field Saturday**](https://richmond.com/sports/professional/article%5Fc60158ff-e341-4878-8edb-4249bbf4960c.html) (Richmond Times-Dispatch) - She is among 11 female mascots invited to join the New York Mets’ Saturday celebration of Mrs. Met’s induction to the Mascot Hall of Fame. - [**First Friday goes big in September**](https://www.styleweekly.com/first-friday-goes-big-in-september/) (Style Weekly) - “About two years ago businesses began developing external programming utilizing the sidewalks, parking areas and alleyways, and we’ve seen a steady growth in attendance.” - [**At least 20 Virginia localities have pulled away from Flock Safety devices since July**](https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/03/at-least-a-dozen-virginia-localities-have-pulled-away-from-flock-safety-devices-since-july-lynchburg-could-be-next/) (Cardinal News) - On Thursday night, the Lynchburg City Council voted to initiate a process to end the city’s contract with Flock. --- ### The editor's desk I'll take Kings Dominion over Busch Gardens, but the footage of Fabio is undeniably the funniest video to ever emerge from a Virginia theme park. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Midlo bounces back with win at Freeman URL: https://www.richmonder.org/midlo-bounces-back-with-win-at-freeman/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T09:56:41.000Z Man, did the thumping hurt! Dropping their opener 32-8 to L.C. Bird was no way part of the Midlothian Trojans’ plan. In the painful aftermath, though, Coach Phil Gross’s guys had two distinct choices: wallow in self-pity or reset, regroup, and return to action with eye-of-the-tiger intensity. Their 28-14 victory over Douglas Freeman Thursday on the turf at William E. Long Stadium attests to the immutable fact that they chose the latter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Midlo-v-Freeman_9.3_TheRichmonder_JTH-2.JPG) Midlothian QB Gibson Gross led the Trojans to their first win of the season, throwing for three touchdowns. “We weren’t playing as a team,” said Midlo quarterback Gibson Gross of the Trojans’ performance a week ago. “That (loss) humbled us. Our big talk this week was (that) we need to play as a team. We need to buck up and play together. That’s exactly what we did tonight.” By executing their offensive schemes, the visitors amassed 501 yards on 56 plays. Gross, a 6-0, 205-pound senior, completed 14-of-20 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Of the Trojans’ 230 rushing yards, 87 came in the fourth quarter when they controlled the ball to the tune of 20 plays to the Mavericks’ three. Positive mindset, as much as X’s and O’s, was the difference. “As a football player, you have to hate losing more than you like winning. Right?” said Gross, the quarterback. “If we didn’t lose that game like we did, we would have been on the same track not playing as a team and trying to play solo ball. That loss made us lean on each other. “It was an awful feeling losing to Bird, but I think we needed it to propel us for the rest of the season.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Midlo-v-Freeman_9.3_TheRichmonder_JTH-3.JPG) Midlothian Trojans QB Gibson Gross hands off the ball to Jamel Howard for a 4-yard touchdown. Defensively, the visiting Trojans allowed Freeman 254 yards (190 rushing, 64 passing) on 39 plays. With the outcome weighing in the balance in the third quarter, they (with Carter Morin making initial contact) made two big-time defensive stops, once on a fourth and inches on the Mavericks’ 38 and, a series later, on a fourth-and-two on the home team’s 17. Then in the fourth, interceptions by Jayshaun Anderson and Jarrod Smalls put to rest any dimming hope the Mavericks held for a comeback. “We’ve been trying to get effort between our guys all year long,” said Anderson, a 5-8, 160-pound sophomore defensive back. “It finally showed. We played our hearts out. We banded together and showed what we’re about.” Midlo (1-1) struck first when Gross connected with Kaleb Melvin for a 34-yard touchdown on the final play of the first quarter. Henry Pittman then delivered his first of four points-after. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Midlo-v-Freeman_9.3_TheRichmonder_JTH-4.JPG) Freeman running back Julian Gambrel dodges a tackle from Midlo's Nathaniel Coppedge. Freeman (1-1) answered with a quick, four-play, 58-yard drive that ended when quarterback Will Thouron bulled in from three yards out behind his offensive line a play after Julian Gambrel’s 50-yard run from scrimmage. Jude Martin nailed the first of two extra points to forge a 7-7 tie at 10:21 of the second period. The Trojans responded with a 14-play, 78-yard drive, the final play of which was Jamel Howard’s 4-yard TD run 4:49 before halftime. Freeman came back with a six-play, 72-yard drive culminating two minutes later with an 8-yard Thouron-to-John Moran TD pass set up by a 30-yard Thouron-to-Gambrel connection. With the score tied and the clock running, Gross, a play after being sacked, found Dyson Coleman in left flat, and the crafty, nimble-footed wide receiver juke-stepped, dodged, reversed field, and outsprinted the pursuit to complete a momentum-grabbing 78-yard touchdown at 1:40 that send the Trojans into halftime up 21-14. As the Trojans repaired to the east end zone to rehydrate and re-energize, the salience of the moment was not just their one-touchdown lead but their rejuvenation following their defeat. “Bird is a great team,” said Gross, the coach. “The team that came off the bus last week was not the team that I’d seen all camp and in the scrimmages against Atlee and Louisa. That wasn’t the team that showed up last week. “We had a terrible taste in our mouth after that game. The coaching staff spent hours in the film room, designing practices, and talking to our kids. (We said), ‘Look, you have to pull this thing together and play together. If we have good player leadership, we’ll be highly successful. If the coaches have to lead, you’re not going to be as successful as you could be.’ “We had to throw punches early, get them on the ropes and finish them.” Though the Trojans scored just once (a 60-yard TD pass from Gross to Anderson at 6:29 of the third quarter), they owned the line of scrimmage after the break. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/Midlo-v-Freeman_9.3_TheRichmonder_JTH-5.JPG) Freeman quarterback Will Thouron runs the ball during Thursday's game. “We just knew that we had to do our jobs,” said Parker Brooks, a 6-3, 270-pound senior left offensive tackle. “As soon as we came out in the second half, we brought another level of intensity. “It was hot (85 degrees with negligible breeze at game time) today. We had to push through that and keep going. You saw that in the fourth quarter. What was it? Ten yards a play. “We have a standard. Being tired is not acceptable. Just block it out and win the next play, every single time.” ### Virginia law requires school districts to submit a mold plan. Only 15 have. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/virginia-law-requires-school-districts-to-submit-a-mold-plan-only-15-have/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T02:11:49.000Z At an October meeting in 2023, the union representing Richmond Public Schools teachers asked the Richmond School Board to adopt a resolution it wrote acknowledging a mold problem within the district. The resolution was created after numerous complaints from school staff and parents detailed the presence and impact of mold in various schools, particularly Clark Springs Elementary School – which was used as a swing space for William Fox Elementary students at the time – and Thomas C. Boushall Middle School. It thus called for the superintendent to “create protocols … to identify and immediately remediate excessive temperatures, mold, humidity, and other indoor air quality conditions that can pose a threat to public health.” The resolution was never made public or posted online, as advised by the division’s attorneys, who called the resolution “inflammatory” in emails because it could be perceived as an admission of liability, according to a [VPM News article from the time](https://www.vpm.org/news/2023-10-19/attorney-for-richmond-public-schools-called-resolutions-from-teachers-union-inflammatory/). “Many of the directives in the resolution are already enshrined in Virginia code,” said Anne Forrester, at the time the vice president of the Richmond Education Association. [The Virginia code she was referring](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/school-mold-reporting/) to requires local school boards to “develop and implement a plan to test and, if necessary, a plan to remediate mold in public school buildings in accordance with guidance issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.” That plan, along with test results if needed, should then be submitted to the Virginia Department of Health. But on Tuesday this year, a spokesperson for the VDH told The Richmonder that RPS had not submitted a plan or test results to the department since the law went into effect in 2021\. The same goes for Henrico County Public Schools, Hanover County Public Schools, and 115 other school divisions around the state who are subject to the requirement. The law does not give the department enforcing authority, the VDH spokesperson said, adding that only 15 school divisions, including Chesterfield County Public Schools, had sent a mold sampling plan to the department. A spokesperson for RPS [shared the division does have a plan](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/CWJH7J471858/$file/RPS%20MOLD%20AND%20AIR%20QUALITY%20GUIDELINES%20AND%20POLICY%20rough%20draft.docx.pdf), which was created by former Chief Operating Officer Dana Fox in October 2023. When asked about the discrepancy between the VDH’s lack of a plan from the division, the RPS spokesperson responded Thursday, saying that RPS has “been in contact with the VDH and this has been rectified.” The VDH confirmed to The Richmonder that RPS sent over a plan that meets the requirements the same day. The VDH spokesperson said the department has not yet received any test results from RPS. “However, the school system has been in contact with VDH and said we should be receiving them shortly,” they said. RPS has been plagued with the issue of mold for years, largely due to faulty and declining HVAC systems in century-old buildings, which teachers and parents say has been detrimental to student and teacher health. [As RPS battles maintenance backlog on a shoestring budget, long-term solutions continue to prove elusive“Decades of neglect can’t be fixed in five years or ten years.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9d7aa8c0-ddf4-49b6-88ee-ccc309864dde.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0033-adacec20-714a-4765-9a59-2625a11fd8ac.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/) “My co-workers are getting sick, my students are getting sick, and I am getting sick,” said Chloe Tremper, a teacher at Boushall Middle, speaking of the impacts of the mold in the building at an October 2023 meeting. Back in 2015, the old Elkhardt Middle School, previously located near Huguenot High School on the city’s Southside, shut down due to toxic mold present in the school building. RPS had conducted mold testing between 2023 and 2024 following complaints from school community members about mold in various schools. Last year, teachers found mold in the school auditorium at Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary, right before it was set to open for students. And most recently, two schools – Barack Obama Elementary and Bellevue Elementary School – closed just days before and into the start of this school year following definite and suspected reports of mold in their buildings. [Barack Obama Elementary will close indefinitely after mold is found in art room and on computersThe school’s reopening is uncertain.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7a1f6bb8-9ced-4337-a13d-69ef103645f5.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-11.21.54---AM-4ae2cad9-2f33-420f-8599-bb4b69129760.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/mold-found-on-laptops-music-equipment-at-barack-obama-elementary-as-school-prepares-to-reopen/) A mold plan had been requested by former school board members in 2023, following concerns at the time. “Is it possible for you to provide us with a true sustainability plan on what this looks like? Because remediation is one thing,” said former School Board member Nicole Jones at a September 2023 meeting. She currently represents the 9th District on City Council. She continued: “Is there any way that you could maybe provide us with a plan of what this is going to look like in the future? Because we have so many schools that are experiencing so much of this and just the testing and the remediation is not sustainable. And it’s not sustainable financially either.” The requests led to the mold policy written by Fox. But Fox’s policy didn’t quench REA’s thirst for the Board to adopt their resolution, which was almost solely upheld by 3rd District Councilor Kenya Gibson, the former district school board representative. The majority of the School Board voted it down each time Gibson brought it up, though, which was the attorney’s advice. Instead, the attorney suggested that Superintendent Jason Kamras meet with REA to discuss the resolution and come up with amendments both parties can agree to. That meeting occurred on Nov. 10, 2023 with the administration preparing a proposal for further discussion with REA and the Board at the time. It is unclear what happened to that proposal. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### The Richmonder 25: Dr. Jeff Mapp goes the distance to provide pediatric care URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-dr-jeff-mapp-goes-the-distance-to-provide-pediatric-care/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T17:19:55.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Ever since Dr. Jeff Mapp decided on medicine as a career as a freshman in college, his goals were laser focused on one area. “I have always only been interested in doing the pediatric version.” he said. “If I ended up a surgeon, I would have wanted to do pediatric surgery. If I ended up as a cardiologist, I would have wanted to be a pediatric cardiologist.” Mapp’s area is that of a general practitioner, more specifically an outpatient pediatrician. “I really love getting to know kids and their families over the course of time, as opposed to seeing them once,” said Mapp, who attended the VCU School of Medicine. “In an ER or in a hospital, you may only have that one limited interaction with a family and bring them through whatever they're currently facing, but then you don't see them again. I am the flip side of that. I really want to have that longer-term relationship.” The goal of his work is to intervene early and guide the parents to make sure the children have a trajectory throughout their development that allows them to have a healthy and resilient life. Mapp, who grew up in Midlothian, has been able to do this in his practice at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. But he and his wife Kimball, who is also a pediatric nurse, also founded a nonprofit in 2018, Extra Mile Pediatrics. The organization is a medical mission that travels to small, out-of-the-way villages in El Salvador and Guatemala to provide repeated pediatric care to communities that don’t have access to treatment. “I found myself seeing these families and having discussions about their kids' eating habits and their parents' concerns over their size and those kinds of things,” Mapp said. “And I found myself saying, ‘Man, it's really hard for me to actually reassure these moms or these dads. And what would make it much more effective is if I could see you again in six months.’ And so that kind of became the basis for Extra Mile Pediatrics.” The organization first started in El Salvador through family and friend connections with another nonprofit, and it grew organically from there. Since launching, more than 13 clinics have opened, helping more than 40 communities and more than 5,500 children, according to their [website](https://www.extramilepediatrics.com/about-1). “Dr. Jeff Mapp is exactly the kind of Richmond leader this nomination is meant to honor,” said Christina Barille, board president of Extra Mile Pediatrics. “Someone who quietly takes it upon himself to make his community better every day! He improves lives through sustained, hands-on work in Richmond and through Extra Mile Pediatrics, while also doing it with humility rather than for recognition.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket, or purchase a table and invite your friends! Rebecca Moss has been with the organization since the beginning. Moss, who is the director of education for an organization called Global Surgical Expedition, is also the vice president of the board for Extra Mile Pediatrics. She first met the Mapps because both of their daughters were good friends. “I wasn't working in global health prior to this,” she said. “It's something I wanted to do, but my experience with the Mapps and with the organization actually pushed me to complete my master's in public health with a focus on global health.” The trips to Central America roughly happen every six months. “We were going to Guatemala every January, then El Salvador in April, then back to Guatemala in July, then back to El Salvador in October,” Mapps said. “We had clinical teams going out every couple months, but they were revisiting these same communities every six months at a minimum,” said Mapps. “One of our focuses from a very early stage is how can we start to identify local practitioners, local nurses, local docs who we can work with consistently while we're here and start to build a local resource that over the course of five years or 10 years will be the sustainable solution.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/20250423_205738_1FDA8D.jpeg) Dr. Jeff Mapp on one of his visits to Central America. (Contributed photo) Mapp, who is also a long-distance runner and can be found on the trails at Pony Pasture, said his goal is to be able to walk away but leave a solid structure in place for families to have access to care on a regular basis and to not be the sole providers. Moss said they always return to the same clinics they helped set up years ago. “You meet the family, the children, and then take height and weight, which is a big component \[since\] we measure growth over time,” she said. They go see a triage nurse where they take vitals \[and\] they talk to them about any issues they might be having. Then they move on to the provider stage.” The provider stage is where medications, glasses or menstrual kits are handed out. “We have stock glasses on hand, so they're able to get glasses. If they need specific prescriptions, then we bring those prescriptions back on the next trip,” Moss said. “We do dental care and \[hand out\] water filters, depending on the community.” Jackie Lineberry, a pediatric hospitalist at VCU, has worked with the Mapps during their global outreach trips. She said seeing what they do firsthand has been an eye-opening experience. “It was very different from any other kind of global health work I had done previously,” said Lineberry. “It was really evident that the community leaders trusted the group (and) Dr. Jeff over time. And that the families really knew they could continue to ask extra questions. Dr. Jeff and Kimball are just phenomenal people all around. Their love for the people that they serve and for the work that they do is evident in every single one of their interactions.” Mapp's decision to help children in Central America grew from heading there while at VCU. “I volunteered with a medical mission organization. It was a pediatric neurosurgeon from MCV who took his residents down to Guatemala every six months,” he said. “I went with them just to gain some experience and I fell in love with it immediately. It was the place, the people, the type of work we were doing, everything appealed to me. I knew once I was through my own training and was in practice and had the skill set to offer, I knew I wanted to get back to that kind of work.” *VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story. This story has been updated to correct Mapp's college.* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Avula to Squirrels’ owner: Stop suing and start negotiating URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-to-squirrels-owner-stop-suing-and-start-negotiating/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T21:27:57.000Z The Richmond Flying Squirrels and VCU missed a deadline set in May to resolve a contract issue over the Rams’ baseball team playing at CarMax Park. Last week, the Richmond Economic Development Authority sent VCU [a new contract](https://richmondeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026.08.27-EDA-Board-Meeting-Agenda-Packet.pdf) that changes the deadline from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, “to allow more time for the execution of the Use Agreement” with the Squirrels. The extension means that VCU will likely not conduct its fall baseball practices and “fall ball” games at the stadium, though the extension reaffirms that the Rams wish to play their games next spring at CarMax Park. The dispute is one of many things that has angered Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella during a tumultuous first season at the new baseball stadium. DiBella added to his previous defamation lawsuit against Diamond District developer Thalhimer Realty Partners, accusing the project’s lead developer, Jason Guillot, of intentionally leaking a memo about a heated exchange with DiBella in order to damage DiBella’s reputation. The amended complaint, [as reported Thursday morning by Richmond BizSense](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/09/03/squirrels-owner-accuses-diamond-district-developer-of-leaking-opening-night-memo-to-press-in-latest-defamation-complaint/), also adds Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to the proceedings. Avula gave a pointed comment to BizSense for the article. “I’m not sure why I’m getting pulled into this lawsuit,” he said. “I wish the (Squirrels) would focus their energy on engaging VCU in good faith to get an agreement done, so that we can all see both the Squirrels and VCU playing baseball at CarMax Park next season.” The comments mark a shift in tone for Avula, who had previously taken the posture that things would eventually work out for all three parties. The three leaders – Avula, DiBella and VCU Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin – appeared at a ceremonial press conference in Oct. 2025 to announce they had agreed to terms over VCU and the Squirrels sharing the stadium. But those agreements were never executed, and VCU and the city ended up in a side dispute over the transfer of VCU-owned Sports Backers Stadium. Ultimately, the stadium opened without VCU as a tenant. “I think a lot of this just needs to happen between the lawyers,” Avula [told The Richmonder](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-says-hes-not-concerned-about-future-of-new-baseball-stadium/) in February. “So I’m not concerned about the future of this.” Thursday’s comments appear to mark an acknowledgement that DiBella doesn’t appear to be budging, and the that the litigation threatens to derail the larger Diamond District project if VCU is unable to vacate The Diamond, which is slated to be torn down to make way for the larger development project that will ultimately fund the baseball stadium. DiBella declined to comment when reached on Thursday. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story. Read our editorial policy* [*here*](https://www.richmonder.org/our-policies/)*.* ### Nearly 8% of Chesterfield employees are on Ozempic-style drugs. The county says they prevent costlier issues later URL: https://www.richmonder.org/nearly-8-of-chesterfield-employees-are-on-ozempic-style-drugs-the-county-says-they-prevent-costlier-issues-later/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T21:19:15.000Z With increased use of GLP-1 medications and climbing insurance rates putting pressure on employers nationwide, Chesterfield County is betting that covering the costly drugs now could help prevent even costlier health problems later. GLP-1s are commonly known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. The FDA originally approved GLP-1s as a medication for type 2 diabetes. [Their use has expanded](https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/glp-1-statistics/#:~:text=%E2%80%A2%20About%2012%25%20of%20U.S.%20adults%20report%20using%20GLP%2D1%20medications%20for%20weight%20loss) into treating cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, sleep apnea and, most infamously, weight loss. [Between 2019 and 2024](https://www.fairhealth.org/press-release/use-of-glp-1-drugs-to-treat-overweight-or-obesity-increased-587-percent-from-2019-to-2024-according-to-new-fair-health-study), GLP-1 prescriptions for obesity increased nearly 600%. Deputy County Administrator of Finance and Administration Matt Harris and the county are in the midst of approving the specifics of their employees’ insurance coverage for 2027, and it’ll go up to the Board of Supervisors for a final vote sometime in the next few months. This year is especially challenging, [with premium prices](https://www.urban.org/research/publication/understanding-extraordinary-increase-aca-premiums-2026#:~:text=We%20show%20that%20the%20extraordinary%2021.7%20percent%20premium%20growth%20between%202025%20and%202026%20was%20in%20sharp%20contrast%20to%20the%20average%202.0%20percent%20growth%20between%202020%20and%202025.) nationwide climbing nearly 22% between 2025 and 2026. “It’s a national trend; it’s not a Chesterfield thing,” Harris said. “Public, private employers, it doesn’t matter. Everybody’s wrestling with this topic.” Since it’s a self-funded operation, the county decides what its plan will and won’t cover. Both government and school employees use Chesterfield’s insurance, and, as of the beginning of September, the county’s insurance plan covers 20,600 people. Eight percent, or about 1,650, are prescribed GLP-1s. These drugs have only been included in the county’s offerings during the past couple of years. In Chesterfield, users of the county’s plan need to get physician authorization for GLP-1 coverage. For comparison, Henrico’s self-financed plan also includes GLP-1s, but only after meeting “specific clinical criteria,” a spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. A patient’s type 2 diabetes treatment would be covered, but not someone seeking weight management. Richmond's plan is similar to Henrico, with coverage only for diabetes. During Chesterfield’s [Audit and Finance Committee meeting](https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3103/files/agenda/5236) on Aug. 26, Matoaca Supervisor Kevin Carroll mentioned the county’s GLP-1 benefits. Others in attendance — specifically school board members Steven Paranto and Lisa Hudgins — asked: Are these prescriptions impacting premiums? GLP-1 drugs demand a hefty price tag (a dose of Wegovy [has a list price of well over $1,000](https://www.novopricing.com/wegovy.html) without insurance). In a Wednesday interview, Harris said the cost has increased while the county has covered it, but not more significantly than other drugs. “Drug costs just continue to go up across the board,” Harris said, adding that the price of GLP-1s hasn’t significantly increased the overall cost for insuring county employees. “It’s tied to a wide array of forces. I don’t want to give the sense that GLP-1s are the primary driver. “We would like to continue to include them as part of our offering. It’s been well received by the workforce. Even though maybe calendar year ‘27 has a more challenging renewal, I think long-term it still holds that possibility of helping people avoid those chronic conditions which could be so costly.” Seth Friedman is a pharmacy and health plan services leader at Gallagher, an insurance consultant. He agrees that GLP-1s, while expensive, aren’t to blame for premium price hikes. “Growing GLP-1 use is adding meaningful pressure to pharmacy costs and ultimately to the total amount that must be financed through employer and employee premium contributions,” Friedman wrote in an email to The Richmonder. “However, it would be misleading to attribute an entire premium increase to GLP-1 medications because hospital costs, provider prices, specialty drugs and broader medical utilization also affect premiums.” It’s been a balancing act to maintain a competitive premium while also not placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, Harris said. GLP-1s were first integrated before their weight-loss associations. With this, the county hopes to keep covering GLP-1s under certain circumstances because of the wide-reaching benefits they promise. “The thought process was we were seeing a lot of chronic conditions tied to diabetes and other related illnesses, so we really set out just on that sort of simple basis of trying to curtail some of those things in the early stages,” Harris said. The decision was effective from a cost perspective, too. Harris added that GLP-1s could prune what could’ve developed into expensive long-term issues. This isn’t an uncommon practice. Friedman has found that overall insurance coverage for GLP-1s is common when prescribed for diabetes, but there’s a lot of variation between different governments. “Federal employee plans have a coverage pathway for obesity treatment, while state and local plans make their own decisions,” Friedman said. “In 2025, at least 15 states included anti-obesity medications in their state employee plans, frequently with strict prior-authorization and eligibility requirements.” It’s not like public employees’ plans are stricter than their private-sector counterparts. Friedman said both generally cover GLP-1s more often for diabetes than obesity. These plans can include guardrails that prevent using GLP-1s specifically for weight loss. “Plans commonly distinguish among FDA-approved indications and require diagnosis-specific prior authorization,” Friedman’s email reads. “The exact level of discretion depends on whether the plan is self-funded, fully insured or part of a government program, as well as applicable federal and state requirements.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated with information on Richmond's policy that arrived after initial publication.* ### City councilor wants third-party inquiry into alleged sexual misconduct; RRHA board chair says investigation was handled appropriately URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-councilor-wants-third-party-inquiry-into-alleged-sexual-misconduct-rrha-board-chair-says-investigation-was-handled-appropriately/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T18:29:48.000Z City Councilor Kenya Gibson has asked the city’s top public housing officials to launch a third-party investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by maintenance staff with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The claims, [which were reported by The Richmond Times-Dispatch Aug. 25](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fc09657ef-03ab-4832-b2c1-fab9ab298659.html), stem from complaints made by two different public housing residents in fall 2025 that maintenance workers were seeking sexual favors in exchange for fulfilling work orders. The Times-Dispatch reported that one of the workers was fired, while the other was transferred to a different worksite. In a Sept. 1 letter to RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith and the authority’s board of commissioners, Gibson called the situation “appalling” and requested that the board both initiate a third-party investigation and assure the public that the complaints had been sent to law enforcement. “We have spoken to residents in Gilpin Court since this came to light who believe this type of sexual misconduct has persisted for some time and continues,” she wrote. Gibson was particularly critical of how the housing authority handled the allegations, citing “delays in response by the authority; an apparent inability to enforce a zero-tolerance policy; and allegations of resident retaliation.” “It appears that RRHA felt that calling a team meeting to *remind employees not to have inappropriate contact with residents was the appropriate response*,” wrote Gibson. “From my perspective complaints about work delays or sloppy work might merit a verbal reminder in a team meeting. This goes well beyond that.” In a response to Gibson dated the same day, RRHA Board Chair Eddie Jackson said the board of commissioners and authority shared the councilor’s concerns about the allegations but called her criticisms “entirely untrue.” “The authority responded in a timely fashion to the allegations, did enforce its zero-tolerance policy regarding any and all allegations of resident retaliation,” he wrote. “Also, your perspective/opinion that ‘RRHA felt that calling a team meeting *to remind employees not to have inappropriate contact with residents was the appropriate response*’ – does not align with the facts, because RRHA conducted a thorough and impartial investigation, including interviews with the parties involved, to determine the appropriate course of action to be taken,” he continued. Jackson said the authority had consulted outside legal counsel on the allegations and “was advised that the agency followed the appropriate policy and procedures.” Gibson characterized the board chair’s response as “defensive” and said “it underscores the need for change.” She acknowledged that the City Council has only a limited role in the governance of RRHA, which is a political subdivision of the state rather than a city department, but noted that “I do have a say in who serves on the board of commissioners.” Richmond’s charter gives the council to appoint the authority’s board, which can be made up of five to nine members under state law. The RRHA board currently has eight members after [the resignation of Commissioner Barrett Hardiman this July](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/rrha-board-member-resigns-cites-loss-of-confidence-in-leadership/). Three other commissioners, including Jackson, [have terms that have either ended or will end this year](https://www.rrha.com/about/board/). “The chair of the commissioners is exactly the person I would hope and expect to make a public call for a comprehensive outside investigation,” Gibson told The Richmonder. “Mr. Jackson openly acknowledges hiring legal counsel which protects the authority. The question I’m asking is who is protecting the residents?” Angela Fountain, a spokesperson for RRHA, said that while the authority generally does not share specific details of investigations because they involve confidential employee and resident information, it consults outside legal counsel or other external individuals “when circumstances warrant additional expertise or independent review.” “In matters where alleged conduct may involve potential criminal activity, RRHA would evaluate whether referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency is warranted or required,” she said. “In this case, RRHA did refer the matter to outside legal counsel who has specific expertise in employee matters involving potential criminal activity.” Asked if RRHA had brought in any third-party investigator to look into misconduct cases in the past five years, Fountain said RRHA “has utilized a third-party investigator in the form of outside legal counsel.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Tom Allen: People are people —and ain’t it great? URL: https://www.richmonder.org/tom-allen-people-are-people-and-aint-it-great/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T23:11:50.000Z 📝 Tom Allen previously wrote a "Faith and Values" column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is the retired editor of the Virginia Journal of Education and the author of two books, "Grace Happens" and "Roll With It." Contact him at tomed1@hotmail.com. While laboring through a recent session on the elliptical, Depeche Mode jumped into my earbud rotation, belting out, “People are people, so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully?” People are people. I had to smile because all I needed to do was look around the gym to see that the band was singing truth. There were elderly folks plugging away on various machines, still boldly fighting the good fight against advancing age; younger folks hoisting weights and pausing every few reps to check themselves out in the mirror (in my experience, a mirror is often the most-used piece of equipment in a gym); and folks sporting everything from neon spandex to street clothes. One of my favorite all-time “people are people” moments: A few years back, I was stopped at a red light in front of a retirement community when a pedestrian on the nearby sidewalk caught my eye. She was a striking, elderly Asian woman I assumed lived in the retirement area, impeccably dressed and carrying herself with an unmistakable stately dignity. She was intriguing. But, just before the light changed, I heard some vigorous throat-clearing sounds coming from her direction and, just as I turned, she quite unceremoniously (and impressively) spat on the sidewalk. As I drove off, I’m pretty sure I saw the beginnings of a smile. People are people, and sometimes just need a good expectoration. Eating in a local diner, I once saw a family of four eating and celebrating the birthday of one of the children. Two customers seated nearby paid their bill and left, only to return a few minutes later with a small birthday cake they’d purchased from a nearby grocery store. The birthday boy was thrilled, and I’m betting it made the day for both groups involved. People can do some pretty cool stuff. On the other hand, in another local restaurant, my wife had ordered her burger cooked medium rare and when it came, it had overstayed its time on the grill and was closer to medium well. We asked for another, so the first burger was whisked away and replaced surprisingly quickly. It was, however, no closer to medium rare. We raised no further protest, finished, and left. It wasn’t until later that it dawned on us that they had probably just waited a bit in the kitchen and then brought the same burger back out. People are going to pull some stuff. In a nursing home once, a patient I know got angry and defensive with a nurse who was just trying to care for her, treating her quite poorly. Had I been the nurse, I would have probably left the room to let things cool down. Instead, in middle of the patient’s rant, she walked over to the woman and planted a kiss on her cheek. The woman, initially stunned, couldn’t help but laugh, defusing the situation almost immediately. You never know what people might do. And that’s part of the beauty of being a “people.” Interactions with the other peoples in our worlds are really what makes this ride we’re on worth the fare we sometimes pay. The unpredictable stuff, the cool stuff, even sometimes the not-so cool stuff is, in the end, the stuff of life. We spend a lot of time trying to show the world how unique we are—and we are undeniably and beautifully different. It struck me, though, as Depeche Mode wrapped up, that I wished we could spend more time focused on the ways we’re the same. ### Sept. 2 Newsletter: Soaking up knowledge (and runoff) URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sept-2-newsletter-soaking-up-knowledge-and-runoff/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T10:00:57.000Z **Weather:** High of 96 as the heat wave is on. **On this date** in 1988, the Virginia Lottery announces a $2.4 million advertising campaign to promote scratch-off lottery tickets. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-1113-1120-112724-900x150px--1--1.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-4.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-libraries-have-long-been-a-place-for-soaking-up-knowledge-now-theyre-soaking-up-runoff-too/) ### Richmond’s libraries have long been a place for soaking up knowledge. Now they’re soaking up runoff too. Richmond’s public libraries have slowly been going greener. Retention basins, rain gardens and runoff channels now capture and filter stormwater, while new trees cast shade in neighborhoods where temperatures are high. 🌧️ The new infrastructure is also able to help reduce the volume of stormwater runoff entering the combined sewer system. “People love libraries,” the system's director said. “And the libraries that look good from the street they love even more.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-libraries-have-long-been-a-place-for-soaking-up-knowledge-now-theyre-soaking-up-runoff-too/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2MFGHPT--1--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-workers-will-strike-starting-wednesday-garden-says-it-will-remain-open/) ### Lewis Ginter workers will strike starting today, garden says it will remain open Lewis Ginter CEO Brian Trader said in an email to garden supporters earlier this summer that the conflict has been costly. He said the organization has lost "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue." The IAM union said the strike vote was conducted Tuesday, with an "overwhelming majority" in favor. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-workers-will-strike-starting-wednesday-garden-says-it-will-remain-open/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/DSCF8073--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-flock-cameras-are-generating-controversy-but-chesterfields-contract-runs-through-2029/) ### Catching up: Flock cameras are generating controversy, but Chesterfield’s contract runs through 2029 Last week, Goochland County became the first Richmond-area locality to end its use of Flock’s Automatic License Plate Reader cameras. - While Henrico's contract is up for renewal this year, and Richmond is close behind, Chesterfield signed a six-year contract with Flock in 2023. - This year, the county said Chesterfield’s license plate readers have led to roughly 300 arrests. But privacy advocates are growing concerned. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, a Republican who represents most of Midlothian and southern Chesterfield, took to social media Monday to call for a complete ban. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-flock-cameras-are-generating-controversy-but-chesterfields-contract-runs-through-2029/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/facilities-department-had-haphazard-processes-and-lacked-work-order-controls-rps-audit-finds/) ### Facilities Department had ‘haphazard’ processes and lacked work order controls, RPS audit finds An internal audit into the Facilities Department at Richmond Public Schools discovered seven deficiencies within the work order system, including manual approval of work orders by the facilities director rather than using a maintenance management platform. The department was run by former Director Bobby Hathaway, who recently left the division following an internal investigation that alleged he misappropriated school funds. “The director was buying things, approving things, processing the invoices, no one else was involved … No one individual should do everything,” the new auditor said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/facilities-department-had-haphazard-processes-and-lacked-work-order-controls-rps-audit-finds/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/sports-section-divider.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/sports/) - [**‘That’s what high school football is about’: The Battle of Chester celebrates its 55th installment**](https://www.richmonder.org/thats-what-high-school-football-is-about-the-battle-of-chester-celebrates-its-55th-year/) - “I couldn’t wait to be a part of the history. I couldn’t sleep some nights. I would picture myself playing in the rivalry while watching the highlights.” --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/image-3.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-mollie-reinhart-fosters-connection-through-compassion/) ### Mollie Reinhart fosters connection through compassion Events organized by Reinhart's group, Befriend, include cleanups at Jefferson Park, sunset walks, farmer’s market trips and visits to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, among others. Often prompted with a guiding question and encouraged to chat with someone they do not already know, attendees find a point of connection with those they are surrounded by, no matter the event. “Everyone belongs with us,” Reinhart emphasized. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-mollie-reinhart-fosters-connection-through-compassion/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/), or buy a table and invite your friends! --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/260204_1248_jm_MR900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-offers-dozens-of-new-degrees-minors-and-more-this-fall?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU offers dozens of new degrees, minors and more** Virginia Commonwealth University students have dozens of new options to consider when pursuing degrees, certificates, concentrations, minors and more. The new programs come from across VCU’s colleges and schools and represent numerous academic disciplines. From robotics and AI to healthcare and business, the academic programs reflect the evolving workforce and promote experiential learning for students. Many of the new offerings are designed to help students keep up with fast-moving technologies or fill job market gaps, while others, such as accelerated programs, allow students to earn degrees in less time. [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-offers-dozens-of-new-degrees-minors-and-more-this-fall?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) --- ### In other news - [**RPS closes Bellevue Elementary 'out of an abundance of caution' due to potential mold**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-closes-bellevue-elementary-out-of-an-abundance-of-caution-due-to-potential-mold/) - Students at Obama Elementary are expected to return tomorrow. - [**Two-alarm fire shuts down multiple blocks in downtown Richmond**](https://www.richmonder.org/building-fire-shuts-down-multiple-blocks-in-downtown-richmond/) - The building's occupants were evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. - [**Special prosecutor named in SwimRVA drowning case**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/31/special-prosecutor-named-swim-rva-drowning-case/) (12 On Your Side) - Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor said there was a potential conflict of interest involving an attorney in her office who was also employed at SwimRVA. - [**Driver pleads guilty in crash that killed Valentine Museum Director Bill Martin**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/harry-mccray-pleads-guilty-bill-martin-death-aug-28-2026) (CBS 6) - Sentencing takes place on December 1\. He faces up to three years in prison. - [**Male arrested after 90 vehicles damaged in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/90-vehicles-damaged-shockoe-bottom/) (8 News) - Investigators are working with VCU Police to find the owners of damaged vehicles. --- ### The editor's desk Not sure why they sell cookies in a variety pack when all anybody wants is chocolate chip. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Facilities Department had ‘haphazard’ processes and lacked work order controls, RPS audit finds URL: https://www.richmonder.org/facilities-department-had-haphazard-processes-and-lacked-work-order-controls-rps-audit-finds/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T02:32:17.000Z An internal audit into the Facilities Department at Richmond Public Schools [discovered seven deficiencies within the work order system](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DX4Q296727D5/$file/Facilities%20Workorder%20Mgmt%20Audit%20Report%20for%208-25-26%20Finance%20%26%20Audit%20Committee%20Meeting.pdf), including manual approval of work orders by the facilities director rather than using a maintenance management platform. Director of Internal Audit Ziauddin Ahmed told members of the Richmond School Board’s Finance and Audit Committee that practices within the department were not consistent across the team, saying that employees were “doing different things in different areas.” “In reality, it's actually not a very good picture,” he said, referring to his first findings within the division and the state of the department’s operations. The department was run by former Director Bobby Hathaway, who recently left the division following an internal investigation that alleged he misappropriated school funds. [Hathaway report: RPS director asked subordinates to help him disable security cameras; dozens of purchases remain unaccounted for“This constitutes a gross abuse of authority.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-918ff73a-d071-4ba7-98cb-c37fb37ebdd7.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-1-1--3--9c03e49f-b759-4124-98f3-f55147ef12d7.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) The seven findings are as follows: - The department failed to use the maintenance management platform – also known as the FMX system – that was implemented about four years ago and the director manually and unilaterally approved invoices and work orders. - Employees purchased items with the department’s procurement card with “no control over how much they can buy or who can buy.” - The department rarely received acknowledgement that the service was completed by the requester. - The department did not prioritize work orders, conducting projects on a first come first serve basis. - Employees were performing the work without identifying who was tasked with doing it, or whether it was an internal or external job. - The department often did not document whether equipment was replaced in the inventory due to not verifying the needs of the work order. - Work orders are often reapproved by the foreperson if the project was readjusted by the technician, leading to duplicate work orders and lack of priority. Ahmed said that the gaps can lead to duplicative work orders, performance of incorrect maintenance, delayed maintenance on critical projects and possible unnecessary additional costs from the division. He said he also noticed a trend where offices across the division, like the facilities and finance departments, do not communicate with each other. A complete audit into the facilities department is not yet complete, as Ahmed plans to review the management of inventory and procurement card use, and preventive maintenance. He said that this audit gave him an early view into noticing that the department has “zero preventive maintenance activities” – a comprehensive list of all the facilities within RPS detailing the status of every aspect of a school building and conducting a routine check of those things. He pointed to the “newsworthy shortfall” at Barack Obama Elementary School, saying that the issue could have been avoided. School administrators found mold rampant in the building just days before students were set to come back from summer vacation. [‘I’m frustrated’: Parents confront Kamras over mold at Barack Obama ElementaryThe target reopening date is now likely going to be next Wednesday.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-bece9f7d-6a39-4271-88a0-2bddf5ad348e.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSC05741-09832060-edf3-4811-b788-87ac86d1f350.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/im-frustrated-parents-confront-kamras-over-mold-at-barack-obama-elementary/) The closest thing to such preventive maintenance is the 2024 lengthy assessment of RPS’ buildings, which Anne Holton (6th District) brought up during the meeting. She also mentioned that the school is over 100 years old and the division is working on a tight budget. [As RPS battles maintenance backlog on a shoestring budget, long-term solutions continue to prove elusive“Decades of neglect can’t be fixed in five years or ten years.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ccf21083-bc99-4991-a9e7-0481554cca43.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0033-8e7b8531-e9b0-4a4c-8545-c503bd96d301.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/data-src-image-c953ac35-b7b1-4c4c-b440-f8b40ae66db6.png) Old internal work order management system ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/data-src-image-3dd2011a-2f04-4570-ae23-d217cdbc28a2.png) Proposed new internal work order management system. “What could a new facility maintenance work order management system working within the constraints of a very limited capital improvement budget (do)? What could have been different or would have been different?” she asked. “If we had preventive maintenance, we would have known the situation at the school. We can actually prepare ourselves on how to handle it. It wouldn’t be a surprise,” he responded. “Not knowing is dangerous. Not knowing is – we are playing Russian roulette, God forbid something serious happens.” The discussion from the audit also touched upon the division’s budget issues and the misconduct of Hathaway, the former director of the facilities department. The department is operating with a $5 million budget this school year. Holton asked Ahmed about the scope of financial loss to RPS due to Hathaway’s actions, saying that there is some perception from the public that the division has lost “so many millions” as a result. Ahmed responded saying that he and the newly hired junior auditor – Justin Carr – is working to collect all invoices for the last three years from the finance department. Carr will also be tasked with auditing the division’s Student Activity Fund for this school year, bringing the audit back in-house and saving the division $100,000 yearly. “The idea of having sort of a fully staffed audit team seemed like some sort of distant fantasy,” said Board member Ali Faruk (3rd District). “And here we are, living the dream.” Some of the findings listed in Ahmed’s audit were also discoveries internal investigators noted in their probe into Hathaway. He emphasized that the work order system that the department was working under allowed him to flourish without oversight, adding that the director is tasked with overseeing the department, not manually approving invoices and work orders. “When you have a haphazard process, documentation doesn't exist,” he said. “The director was buying things, approving things, processing the invoices, no one else was involved … No one individual should do everything.” As a result, Ahmed created a new work order management system that addressed the deficiencies, a system that employees have begun working under since June. Ahmed said that the new system he is implementing would have prevented or made the misconduct of Hathaway “very difficult to do.” He said he plans to revisit and audit that system after a few months to ensure that the revised process is working. “It should be clean,” he said. Ahmed also reviewed the process for work orders conducted by external contractors, found that system to be working well and simply fine tuned the process to include that a school’s principal or custodian acknowledges completion of the project from the work order. Board member Emmett Jafari asked if the auditor would incorporate similar procedures in other departments. “Foreseeably, there were losses and continued losses in all of these departments,” he said. Ahmed said he plans to do so across the division, adding that the audits will help with public transparency, especially around RPS’ budget. “Once they start seeing the reports, I believe they will see the actual implementation, actual improvements,” he said. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Richmond’s libraries have long been a place for soaking up knowledge. Now they’re soaking up runoff too. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-libraries-have-long-been-a-place-for-soaking-up-knowledge-now-theyre-soaking-up-runoff-too/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T02:16:36.000Z Ever since the sweetspire, the switch grass, the sea oats and the sweetbay magnolias went in, the birds have been flocking back to the East End Library. “We’ve always had them to a certain extent,” said Adam Zimmerli, who manages the branch off North 25th Street in Church Hill. “But since the project, they’ve really enjoyed having a home.” At the Westover Hills Library south of the river, the story is much the same. There, so many birds now flutter around the rain garden that staff hung a row of bird photos in the window of the children’s area so that kids can identify each feathered friend. Neither situation is an accident. Since 2016, when construction began at Westover Hills, Richmond’s public libraries have slowly been going greener. Retention basins, rain gardens and runoff channels now capture and filter stormwater. New trees cast shade in neighborhoods where temperatures are high. Native plants have replaced imported species, drawing in pollinators, native insects and, in turn, all of those birds and other wildlife. The citywide initiative, known as [Greening Richmond Public Libraries](https://thejamesriver.org/greening-richmond-public-libraries/), “serves two big purposes,” said RPL Director Scott Firestine. “It makes our libraries more welcoming and inviting. And it helps the James River. And the James River is our most important resource in the city of Richmond.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/F86F64C9-9DE6-4698-A9E4-72F7D195C106_1_105_c.jpeg) Bird spotting is common from the window at the Westover Hills branch. So far, six of RPL’s neighborhood branches have been outfitted with green infrastructure. When work at the Hull Street and Belmont libraries concludes next year, all eight will be part of the city’s network of stormwater management, capturing and cleaning runoff before it flows into the James. Justin Doyle of the James River Association, one of the libraries’ key partners in the initiative along with the Department of Public Utilities, said the installations catch not only nitrogen and phosphorus — the primary nutrients that pollute the Chesapeake Bay — but also “anything that could potentially make its way into our storm sewers or local waterways,” like dirt, heavy metals and trash. And, in areas of Richmond where stormwater and sewage flow through the same pipes, the new infrastructure is “able to help reduce the volume of stormwater runoff entering the combined sewer system.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/49EACEB9-3AB2-4C8F-8D65-B74FAA05F3D2_1_201_a--1-.jpeg) Adam Zimmerli, East End branch manager In some cases, it has also reduced localized flooding. At Westover Hills, “the drainage setup has really helped prevent standing water, storm drains clogging, mosquitoes, all the things that come with that,” said Danielle Tarullo, the branch’s community services manager. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/B1F22969-EEF8-4DDD-8C75-665DED19A574_1_105_c.jpeg) Danielle Tarullo, Westover Hills community services manager At the East End Library, the slope of the parking lot away from North 25th Street meant that for many years, heavy rains would send water gushing toward the adjacent alleyway and into the yards of the houses that backed up to it. “Any time it would rain, their sump pumps were going overtime,” said Zimmerli. “As soon as (the project) was done, the neighbors over here commented to us that they no longer have flooded basements every time it rains.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/2FAE78BB-11B7-4AE7-8A4F-7349ED78A198_1_105_c.jpeg) With different sites and different problems have come different solutions. Each library plan has been crafted by Drew Harrigan, a landscape architect with Four Winds Design, and has been shaped by feedback from community members. “We all have a little bit of our own flavor and our own flair,” said Zimmerli. At the North Avenue branch, a curving sidewalk mimics the meandering of a river, while a graded rain garden offsets the absence of gutters. The Broad Rock branch repurposed granite slabs that had been artistically arranged into a sort of sundial arrangement — “We were never sure” what it was supposed to be, said Firestine — for stone benches. The large lot where the Ginter Park branch sits allowed the library to incorporate a shaded space for outdoor programs. And at East End, bioretention basins for capturing rainfall double as traffic-calming infrastructure to slow speeds along the well-trafficked 25th Street corridor. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/5EBF4838-1C06-4018-B035-9740A9B8CAFD_1_201_a.jpeg) Broad Rock's outdoor seating The architecture of the branches has also informed their landscape design. At the Westover Hills branch, “we have a very midcentury modern building and midcentury community, and the very defined areas and sculptural way they’ve created the garden helps maintain that look,” said Tarullo. “It’s very sectioned off,” she added. “It’s quite midcentury in that it’s got a lot of half-curves and kidney shapes.” Branch staff said patrons have mostly praised the changes, which have spurred other projects like the planting of additional street trees in the blocks surrounding East End and encouraged residents to start their own native and pollinator gardens. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/09/0EFB96A9-5517-439D-83C9-63971629D50E.jpeg) The Ginter Park branch “We used to have these big green globes, just like row upon row of these green globes, juniper bushes, that really didn't do anything for the beautification, and it definitely didn't do much for trying to really tap into the natural ecology,” said Zimmerli. The beauty of the new landscapes is the real selling point in many cases. Lenora Wesley, a senior library technician at Westover Hills, said she’s become so enamored of the hydrangeas planted in the rain garden that she takes a photo of herself in front of them every year and collects the blooms to beautify the library’s interior. Taken together, Firestine said all the careful design choices are aimed at creating “functional interesting landscapes to invite people into our buildings.” “People love libraries,” he said. “And the libraries that look good from the street they love even more.” [‘A fuller picture’: Library brings preservation tools to residents, filling gaps in Richmond’s historyThe Richmond Public Library’s “Memory Lab” isn’t just converting old photos and videos to digital formats — its librarians see it as helping to better tell the stories of Richmonders.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-afd613f4-a628-4d57-b6f9-2fb43899c098.png)The RichmonderPeggy Stansbery![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2475-991d29c8-3172-4b5f-95c7-29fbd8ac7c53.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-fuller-picture-library-brings-preservation-tools-to-residents-filling-gaps-in-richmonds-history/) *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Catching up: Flock cameras are generating controversy, but Chesterfield’s contract runs through 2029 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-flock-cameras-are-generating-controversy-but-chesterfields-contract-runs-through-2029/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T02:09:35.000Z Automatic License Plate Readers, commonly known by the brand name Flock, have been in the spotlight recently in Central Virginia, as some residents and lawmakers have pushed back against their increased presence. What are they, why are they here and what’s next? ### **The cameras** Flock Safety provides fixed cameras that automatically read the license plates of passing cars. The company — which contracts with businesses and local governments — [has been under scrutiny](https://apnews.com/article/flock-license-plate-cameras-surveillance-deflock-2a93bc075e2f7ffcca9e04a35d75a3fe) throughout 2026 following privacy concerns and questions over the security of its data. In addition to Chesterfield, several other localities in the area use the cameras, including Henrico and Richmond. Last week, Goochland County became the first Richmond-area locality to end its use of Flock’s Automatic License Plate Reader cameras. A look around the region shows a wide range of contracts for the services. [Goochland County ends usage of Flock license-plate readers“This decision is not the result of any identified misuse of the system.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3ae7203b-ae11-4a34-b883-fd5e8f362fc3.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8069--1--1-6a2e5985-949c-4a97-9779-aaaee1731272.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/goochland-county-ends-usage-of-flock-license-plate-readers/) ### **In Chesterfield** As of its 2023 contract with Flock Safety, Chesterfield County is currently home to 88 of these license-plate-reader cameras, and its contract will be up for renewal in June 2029 — six years after it was originally implemented. Those cameras watch over Chesterfield’s nearly 390,000 residents, roughly 4,430 people per one Flock camera. According to the contract, which The Richmonder obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, Chesterfield is paying Flock Safety $2,500 to $3,000 per device, adding up to $225,000 per year. This contract outlines that Chesterfield is responsible for anyone accessing county-related data. The county says that anyone working on Flock cameras must undergo a criminal background check. Camera-collected [data is stored for 21 days](https://www.chesterfield.gov/Police#:~:text=ALPR%20images%20are%20stored%20for%2021%20days%20unless%20saved%20as%20part%20of%20a%20specific%20law%20enforcement%20investigation.) and isn’t accessible through FOIA, [per Virginia law](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter55.6/section2.2-5517/#:~:text=F.%20System%20data,in%20this%20subsection). [According to the county’s website](https://www.chesterfield.gov/Police#:~:text=An%20Automatic%20License,and%20specialized%20units.), these Flock-made cameras work in tandem with those attached to police vehicles, which Motorola Vigilant Solutions manufactures. Both compare their data to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database. [The county also says](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyBEPiFulVo&t=11s) the cameras can’t track passers-by, recognize faces, record audio, issue traffic citations or be used without justification. In 2023, the powers of Richmond and Chesterfield’s Flock systems combined [to locate a man](https://www.richmonder.org/federal-judge-upholds-richmonds-use-of-license-plate-cameras/) linked with a series of armed robberies in the city. A judge had upheld the localities’ use of the cameras in 2024 after the man had argued they invaded his privacy. Chesterfield’s website includes a list of eight similar stories of the cameras’ successes, all dated as having occurred in 2026. [Federal judge upholds Richmond’s use of license plate camerasThe ruling in the Richmond case, one of many Flock-related lawsuits filed in Virginia and elsewhere, could help other courts sort through the legal questions the technology has raised.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-31876b89-ffaa-46d2-aa5d-9a33088c7716.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8073-1789239d-1a54-47f9-9134-a342ccf39793.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/federal-judge-upholds-richmonds-use-of-license-plate-cameras/) This year, Chesterfield’s license plate readers have led to roughly 300 arrests — half felony and half misdemeanor — and led to the recovery of 57 stolen vehicles between Jan. 1 and Aug. 3. “It makes for a quicker, more efficient, safer, more effective response,” Lt. Col. Brad Badgerow said in 2025 during the Chesterfield County Police Department’s [update to the county’s Board of Supervisors](https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1230/media) at that time. ### **Richmond and Henrico** Richmond says [it has 99 Flock cameras](https://www.rva.gov/police/flock-safety#:~:text=There%20are%2099%20fixed%20Flock%20ALPRs%20in%20use%20throughout%20Richmond.%C2%A0RPD%20also%20has%20a%20small%20number%20%28currently%20two%2C%20soon%20to%20be%20four%29%20of%20mobile%20ALPR%20devices%20attached%20to%20trailers%20that%20are%20intermittently%20deployed%20for%20traffic%2Drelated%20issues%20and%20to%20locations%20with%20heightened%20crime%20concerns.). The city’s 233,655 residents live within [60 square miles](https://censusreporter.org/profiles/05000US51760-richmond-city-va/), which means around 3,900 people per square mile and 2,360 per Flock camera. The Richmonder [previously reported](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-has-spent-1-million-on-flock-license-plate-readers-with-those-contracts-up-for-renewal-anti-surveillance-activists-call-for-cancellation-while-mayor-council-demur/) the city paid at least $1,003,674.81 for Flock-related transactions between October 2024 and November 2025 to Insight Public Sector, Inc., the police department’s procurement vendor. This didn’t just cover cameras, but also gunshot detectors. The city still uses these, which makes it unique from Henrico and Chesterfield’s contracts. Multiple contracts between the city and Insight indicate Richmond paid $25,000 to keep its stationary cameras for 2026, and $5,000 for its mobile cameras. Henrico hosts 122 Flock cameras, 116 of which are stationary while the rest are mobile. That county’s nearly 340,000 residents live within [233.7 square miles](https://censusreporter.org/profiles/05000US51087-henrico-county-va/) — nearly 1,450 people per square mile and 3,024 people per Flock camera. While Chesterfield’s contract spans a six-year term, [Henrico’s needs to be renewed annually](https://henrico.gov/police/automatic-license-plate-readers/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20Division%20entered%20into%20a%20contract%20with%20Flock%20Safety%20to%20purchase%20and%20install%20ALPR%20cameras%20in%20the%20county.%20Since%20then%2C%20Henrico%20Police%20has%20renewed%20its%20contract%20annually.). Both pay the same rates per camera, and the latter recently extended its contract into 2027\. For this term, a county spokesperson confirmed Henrico paid $323,574.50 (compared to Chesterfield's $225,000). In its original 2022 contract with Flock Safety, Henrico’s annual payments added up to $125,000 for its 50 original cameras, and, according to the contract, increases are based on Henrico’s needs and budget. Chesterfield is the least dense of these three localities. It spans 423.5 square miles, which divides out to [about 920 people per square mile](https://censusreporter.org/profiles/05000US51041-chesterfield-county-va/). Another nearby city, Emporia, [has fully leaned into Flock’s surveillance armada](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/emporia-flock-safe-city-feb-23-2026) and become a “Flock Safe City.” On the other end of the spectrum [is Goochland](https://www.richmonder.org/goochland-county-ends-usage-of-flock-license-plate-readers/), which ditched its Flock cameras on Thursday. The county nodded to residents’ privacy concerns as the decision’s primary motivator. ### **Why do people care?** A citizen-led group, [DeFlock Chesterfield](https://deflockchesterfieldva.wordpress.com/about/), believes Flock cameras threaten civil liberties, according to the organization’s website. “We share respect and admiration for every public servant of Chesterfield County,” its website reads. “While we may trust the police department and support reasonable efforts to ensure public safety, we have grave concerns about the broad and lasting implications of a privately-operated surveillance system that tracks nearly all citizens’ movements throughout our county.” Its petition, “[End Mass Surveillance in Chesterfield County](https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/end-mass-surveillance-in-chesterfield-county),” has received 551 of its desired 700 signatures, and [its Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/deflockchesterfieldva) has 353 followers. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, a Republican who represents most of Midlothian and southern Chesterfield, [took to social media Monday](https://x.com/GlenSturtevant/status/2093751643271582050?s=20) to call for a complete ban, saying he’d introduce legislation to kick the cameras out of Virginia for good, similarly citing safety concerns. “They don’t just catch criminals, they track everybody,” Sturtevant said in his announcement video. “Catch criminals, stop tracking everybody else.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### ‘That’s what high school football is about’: The Battle of Chester celebrates its 55th installment URL: https://www.richmonder.org/thats-what-high-school-football-is-about-the-battle-of-chester-celebrates-its-55th-year/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T02:36:22.000Z As a two-year starter for L.C. Bird’s football team, Yahkee Johnson was a nightmare for defenses across the Central Region. Many defensive coordinators likely lost sleep trying to figure out how to slow the Skyhawks’ fast and shifty running back down. But, when looking back at his own career, there was only one game that kept Johnson up at night. “I remember going into my 11th grade year, watching old footage of (Thomas) Dale and (L.C.) Bird on YouTube and saying to myself, ‘Wow, this is bigger than a game. This is bragging rights,’” Johnson said. “I couldn’t wait to be a part of the history. I couldn’t sleep some nights. I would picture myself playing in the rivalry while watching the highlights.” Johnson rushed for nearly 5,000 yards and scored 70 touchdowns, starting in 2012 and 2013 and earning a nod as All-Metro Player of the Year as he helped lead his team to a state championship. However, the memories of playing in the Battle of Chester – the not exactly nice, but not exactly nasty – football rivalry between L.C. Bird and Thomas Dale, remain in the forefront of his mind. It’s a common story for former players and residents along Route 10 who have been witnesses to the game’s evolution since the series began in 1980, shortly after L.C. Bird opened to help alleviate the overflowing student population at Thomas Dale. “You had cousins, relatives, best friends who were all growing up and going to the same rec league space and then they split and had two different groups. It was just like a backyard football game, but with pads on,” said Ken Oxendine, a 1994 Thomas Dale graduate who went on to play running back at Virginia Tech and in the NFL. “How the divide of Thomas Dale and Bird is, it’s sometimes neighborhoods or the railroad tracks. Kids go back and forth to play sports with each other. Then they’re all at the high schools and families are going to watch these kids play. It’s almost like a rec league game on a high school level.” Heading into Thursday night’s battle at Thomas Dale’s J. Wilson Crump Stadium, L.C. Bird holds a narrow 27-26-1 series advantage. The teams battled to a 0-0 tie in the rivalry’s first game. The Knights have won seven straight, starting with a 28-0 victory in 2019\. Before that, the Skyhawks had taken 14 of the previous 16 contests. Regardless of winning streaks, the game has traditionally been competitive. “It’s the logo against the logo, the colors versus the colors. It’s one end of Route 10 against the other end of Route 10,” said Gary Hess, the play-by-play voice of 910 The Fan’s high school football coverage. “It’s the Battle of Chester and it is gripping theater whenever they play. That transcends the nuts and bolts of a year’s particular team.” Thomas Dale head coach Kevin Tucker grew up in the rivalry. As a kid he grew up going to games and described the yearly matchup with L.C. Bird as a community event. “You didn’t have to do a lot of talking or hyping it up. It was what it was,” he said. From years of watching, playing and coaching in the game, the coach has seen plenty of talent and electric play. From Oxendine, Rudi Johnson and William Henderson running over defenders in Thomas Dale maroon and gray to the likes of Johnson, Paul Robertson, Doug Chapman and Jason Snelling doing the same in blue and white, there have been plenty of plays and moments that make the rivalry a year-in, year-out talking point. In a rivalry game where anything can happen, Tucker recalled his Knights coming out on the losing end of a Hail Mary in 2014\. With Thomas Dale leading 15-14 in the closing seconds, L.C. Bird quarterback – and future Notre Dame and NFL defensive back – Jalen Elliott fired a last-second shot at the end zone, where it found the hands of Daijuane Dorsey, sealing a comeback win. It was Dorsey’s first catch of the year. “I didn’t play offense at all. We had one of our guys at wide receiver get hurt the play before, so Coach Bedwell needed someone to go in,” Dorsey, now a defensive backs coach at Huguenot, recalled. “I immediately jumped up and asked him to put me in the game. I was having a bad game, and I really wanted to make it up to my team … When I got in, I just ran and tracked the ball the entire way and jumped and grabbed it. I couldn’t believe I actually caught it.” In a rivalry steeped in tradition, this year’s edition of the rivalry features something new. Gerard Johnson is in his first year as head coach at L.C. Bird and brings a more balanced offensive philosophy than Skyhawks fans may be used to. While running back Larry Cherry rushed for 120 yards and three touchdowns in L.C. Bird’s 32-8 win over Midlothian in Week 1, starting quarterback Brysen Lewis also stood out – completing 10 of 12 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. Johnson, who starred at quarterback for Meadowbrook, grew up with a lot of L.C. Bird kids, sharing the opposite border from Thomas Dale. While he was focused on his own team, the rivalry happening just up the road wasn’t lost on him. [High school football: Week 2 features a loaded schedule across the regionThe stage is now set for what should be a blockbuster Week 2.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a54fa990-9c5a-49d0-94cf-ae2e984a43cd.png)The RichmonderRob Witham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_9833-1-d57871c5-6f66-45e0-8681-40c846a2fb4e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-week-2-features-a-loaded-schedule-across-the-region/) “Over the years you hear about it. You see the game and how competitive they are regardless of the record,” he said. “It’s almost like a Cowboys and Redskins game – the records go out the window. It’s a little bit personal, but it’s always good competition and respected competition on both sides. I’m excited to be a part of it.” For Tucker, whose Knights are also 1-0 after a 28-0 win over Cosby last week, the excitement doesn’t wear off over the years. The 2026 version brings the same level of chills as years past. “It’s the same excitement, hair standing up on the back of your neck,” he said. “Communities, back again, bragging rights for 364 days. That’s what high school football is about.” *Note: This article's headline has been corrected to note that this is the 55th installment of the rivalry, not the 55th year.* ### Lewis Ginter workers will strike starting Wednesday, garden says it will remain open URL: https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-workers-will-strike-starting-wednesday-garden-says-it-will-remain-open/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T22:27:14.000Z The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents gardeners at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, said workers there will go on strike beginning Wednesday morning. The employees voted to unionize in November 2024, but negotiations since that time have not resulted in an agreement. The union has said employees are currently paid an average wage of $17.52 per hour. The group noted that MIT's Living Wage Calculator defines a living wage in the area as about $25 an hour. [Lewis Ginter employees reject final contract offer, will vote on strikingHere’s what comes next for both sides.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f7beeea1-0e64-4e8c-b50d-587189eec16c.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2MFGHPT-6979495d-e7eb-4aaf-80e1-0bb9d3b6318e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-union-rejects-final-offer-another-pe-cancels/) In a statement, garden officials said they will operate on a normal schedule. "Regardless of the Machinists’ actions, the Garden continues to support staff as we operate on our regular schedule, serving our mission to connect people to plants by inspiring the community to explore and conserve nature," they wrote. "We value our staff a great deal, which is why over the last number of years we have continued to increase compensation and benefits. Like other non-profit organizations, our resources and year-to-year variations in donations and visitation make it difficult to do at the volume and speed that some may desire. "We want our staff to thrive, have meaningful work in a collaborative, beautiful environment, but we also must manage the organization responsibly so that it flourishes for years to come." Lewis Ginter CEO Brian Trader said in an email to garden supporters earlier this summer that the conflict has been costly. He said the organization has lost "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue." The IAM union said the strike vote was conducted Tuesday, with an "overwhelming majority" in favor. “These workers have been patient, they have continued showing up for their community, and they have continued doing the work that makes Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden such a special place,” IAM Union Organizer Bridget Fitzgerald wrote in a statement. “But patience does not pay the bills. These workers deserve a contract that recognizes their value and allows them to build a life in the Richmond community.” *This has been a breaking news update.* *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### The Richmonder 25: Mollie Reinhart fosters connection through compassion URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-mollie-reinhart-fosters-connection-through-compassion/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T11:52:28.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [***The Richmonder's newsletter**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**.* Nine years ago, Mollie Reinhart had the simple goal to make a positive difference in the City of Richmond. At the time, she was not sure what that impact would look like in practice, but a single word — “compassion” — guided every step that followed. Little did she know she would soon touch the lives of thousands across the Richmond community, creating a feeling of belonging and connection for those of all different backgrounds. Reinhart began the [Befriend movement](https://befriendmovement.org/) after a meaningful interaction of her own. In Dec. 2017, she was volunteering with the City’s Office of Community Wealth Building when she was presented with the opportunity to help a woman living in Creighton Court give her son a magical Christmas. The office received a letter from a mother named Ciji who had just lost her job, asking for assistance in getting gifts for her son. Together, Reinhart and Ciji went to Walmart, where they picked out presents together. This shared moment moved Reinhart, a mother of three herself, in a way that changed her life going forward. Although they hailed from different areas of the city and different backgrounds, they still easily recognized several commonalities that bonded them — such as a love for their sons. Soon after, Reinhart founded the nonprofit Befriend, which has continually expanded its reach since December 2017\. To this day, Reinhart and Ciji remain great friends. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/befriend-walk-2.jpeg) The mission of the organization revolves around the idea of connection through compassion, forging new relationships, and fostering a sense of unity. Over the years, Reinhart has hosted a wide range of events with Befriend. She also prioritizes accessibility when planning the nonprofit’s free-of-cost activities, holding them in all areas of the city. “When people come, we try to make them feel as welcome as possible and part of our group,” Reinhart said. “Compassion for others is really trying to cultivate the sense that we're all more alike than different.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket, or purchase a table and invite your friends! Befriend events — organized about four times a month — include cleanups at Jefferson Park, sunset walks, farmer’s market trips and visits to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, among others. Often prompted with a guiding question and encouraged to chat with someone they do not already know, attendees find a point of connection with those they are surrounded by, no matter the event. “When I'm talking to (people) and really listening to their story, I literally see their shoulders relax. It's almost like layers come off, and they can really be themselves,” Reinhart said. “Everybody matters, we want to hear your story.” Befriend is not limited by age, gender, socioeconomic status, or any specific identity. “Everyone belongs with us,” Reinhart emphasized. Reinhart’s joyful and welcoming spirit has touched attendees at Befriend events since its founding nine years ago. “I just love how genuine Mollie is,” said Befriend member Katherine Wintsch. “This is so important to her, and you can just feel it. It's very contagious — the goodness feels contagious to me.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/shannahan-karenadixon-photography-2020-500.jpeg) Mollie Reinhart (Karena Dixon photography) Two years ago, Jenn Croft attended her first Befriend walk after moving to Richmond from New York. She found Befriend with the hope of creating meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. Croft then met 86-year-old Steve Bieler, with whom she has now built an untraditional, yet extremely special, friendship. “It's so amazing that we can have an 86-year-old guy who is so involved in our group, and for us to have that connection, that would have never happened if I didn't join Befriend,” Croft said. When they met, Croft and Bieler quickly bonded over their shared New York roots and love of animals. Now, they often meet outside of Befriend events, getting together for coffee or simply chatting over the phone. “Befriend works just like it would be intended to,” Bieler said. “Anybody's welcome, you come and feel welcome right away. It's a great variety of people, but it never feels awkward.” Befriend events draw a wide range of attendees — some who are just becoming familiar with the movement, and some who have participated in events since its founding. Tee Hollowell joined Befriend in 2020, and the connections he has made over the last six years have left a lasting impact on his life. “The thing I love most about the Befriend group is the compassion behind it. That's the idea — to reach curious people and have them come out and share their stories and build a bond with others.” Befriend member Kobe Lynch echoed Hollowell’s sentiment, emphasizing the welcoming culture he feels at all of the events he attends. “The group of people that gathers is always kindhearted, and the vibe is welcoming,” Lynch said. “You find out how much you have in common with people from all different backgrounds.” Moving forward, the nonprofit's footprint continues to grow. Befriend now has touchpoints in 26 different states, and Reinhart hopes the movement will eventually expand globally. “We can have all these connecting dots, all these like-minded people just shining their light,” Reinhart said. “We can all connect the lights eventually, and then the light is brighter than the darkness. --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Two-alarm fire shuts down multiple blocks in downtown Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/building-fire-shuts-down-multiple-blocks-in-downtown-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T17:27:17.000Z Multiple city blocks downtown were closed midday Tuesday as firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at the First National Bank Apartments. According to the active call log maintained by Richmond’s Department of Emergency Communications, dispatchers were [first called to the 800 block of East Main Street](https://apps.richmondgov.com/applications/ActiveCalls#:~:text=Arrived-,09/01/2026%2010%3A32,Arrived,-09/01/2026%2010%3A19) at 10:32 a.m. Tuesday. Bystanders said the massive emergency response was due to a basement fire in the First National Bank Apartments building, where at least a dozen firefighters could be seen congregating around the entrance. The building's occupants were evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. "Upon arrival, crews found smoke conditions in the lower levels of the high-rise structure," the Richmond Fire Department said in a release. "Once units were on scene, they requested additional resources and upgraded the fire to a second alarm at 10:40 a.m. due to smoke conditions in the high-rise." RFD said the source of the fire was "the lower sub-basement." "The fire was extinguished, and units are looking for extensions at this time," the release said. The historic 18-story building at the corner of East Main and 9th streets that was once home to Richmond’s First National Bank was converted into 154 apartments more than a decade ago, with commercial space on the ground floor. The fire department said units are expected to remain on scene for "an extended amount of time as operations continue." A 12:30 p.m. traffic advisory says drivers should expect "significant delays" into this evening as 8th and 9th streets are closed, and the 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of Main Street are impacted. Chesterfield County’s Fire and EMS Department helped clear smoke from the building using its Mobile Ventilation Unit, a truck equipped with a large fan on the back. [According to a social media post](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcwIdd7Cfz2/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==), the county deploys assistance to neighboring jurisdictions when they need support. The fire remains under investigation. *This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information is available.* *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### RPS closes Bellevue Elementary 'out of an abundance of caution' due to potential mold URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rps-closes-bellevue-elementary-out-of-an-abundance-of-caution-due-to-potential-mold/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T16:06:19.000Z Bellevue Elementary School, located in the city’s Church Hill neighborhood, will be closed for a week beginning Tuesday following reports of potential mold in the school building, Richmond Public Schools [Superintendent Jason Kamras said in an announcement Monday afternoon](https://bes.rvaschools.net/index.php?pageID=smartSiteFeed&psqFeed=true&articleID=86326117). The reports – made during the first week of school – led to immediate air quality testing, of which the results are not yet available. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are going to close Bellevue Elementary School beginning tomorrow, September 1, to complete a comprehensive cleaning of the building,” Kamras wrote. Initial remediation was completed over the weekend in four classrooms. Kamras said the facilities team "have been working to improve insulation in the building's attic and at access points from room closets, which we believe is the root cause of the possible moisture issue." Barack Obama Elementary has been closed since mold was found in the building’s art room and on supplies in the lead-up to the new school year. Students have since been schooling at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. Kamras told Barack Obama Elementary families in an [announcement this evening that students can officially return to school on Thursday, Sept. 3](https://boes.rvaschools.net/index.php?pageID=smartSiteFeed&psqFeed=true&articleID=86361496), a day before students are set to start the Labor Day break. Work is still ongoing in the building’s Room 304, and contractors are continuing to monitor humidity levels, provide additional dehumidification and conduct ongoing HVAC maintenance. Reports for potential mold also came around the same time from Frances W. McClenney Elementary. Kamras told families this afternoon that an air quality test conducted in the room where the suspected mold was found confirmed “[that indoor levels are not elevated](https://fwmes.rvaschools.net/index.php?pageID=smartSiteFeed&psqFeed=true&articleID=86329593),” meaning that the room is clear for students and staff. The division will provide educational care for Bellevue students at Lucks Field Community Center beginning Tuesday, and transportation to the center will be provided. Parents will receive updates about the process through ParentSquare at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day starting Tueday. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Aug. 31 Newsletter: Water windfall URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-31-newsletter-water-win/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T10:00:08.000Z **Weather:** The heat is on this week. Lower 90s today but we could touch 100 by Thursday. **On this date** in 1982, an Amtrak train car bound for Florida jumps the tracks while passing through Richmond. No injuries are reported. **Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU Health** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Leaderboard-Ad_2184x270.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-41.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/state-could-give-richmond-32-8m-for-water-upgrades-higher-than-20m-minimum/) ### State could give Richmond $32.8M for water upgrades, higher than $20M minimum The potentially higher funding number was revealed Friday morning at the first meeting of the Richmond Regional Water Workgroup, the state and local panel set up to decide how the funding should be spent to best prevent a repeat of the 2025 water crisis. 🚰 City officials have proposed dedicating the state money to a planned $43.8 million overhaul of the water plant’s filters, as well as moving key electrical equipment to higher ground where it’s less likely to be damaged by flooding. The region's utility directors supported the work, though the meeting wasn't entirely free of tension. Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas said he felt he was being asked to “rubber stamp” a completed plan without an opportunity to dig into the details. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/state-could-give-richmond-32-8m-for-water-upgrades-higher-than-20m-minimum/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-43.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/newly-formed-virginia-crusade-draws-rebuke-from-richmond-crusade-leaders/) ### Newly-formed 'Virginia Crusade' draws rebuke from 'Richmond Crusade' leaders The Richmond Crusade for Voters held a press conference to denounce a new group that it says is drafting off of its decades-long legacy. The new group, named the Virginia Crusade for Voters, was formed in part by Jesse Frierson, a member of the Richmond Crusade. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/newly-formed-virginia-crusade-draws-rebuke-from-richmond-crusade-leaders/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-44.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/during-run-richmond-weekend-city-officials-cite-progress-in-telling-the-citys-unvarnished-past/) ### Ahead of Run Richmond weekend, officials cite progress in telling the city's unvarnished past Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said one of the reasons he chose to stay in the city after getting his medical degree was because of the city’s willingness to reckon with the hardest parts of its history. Avula ticked off a list of initiatives the city has undertaken, including opening the Shockoe Institute at Main Street Station, The JXN Project’s opening of the Skipwith-Roper Cottage and the future plans surrounding the Lumpkin Slave Jail Pavilion. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/during-run-richmond-weekend-city-officials-cite-progress-in-telling-the-citys-unvarnished-past/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-42.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/6th-district-school-board-debate-set-for-sept-17-to-be-co-moderated-by-the-richmonder-and-vpm/) ### 6th District School Board debate set for Sept. 17, to be co-moderated by The Richmonder and VPM The two candidates running for the 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board, Anne Holton and Jackie McDonnough, have agreed to participate in a debate on Sept. 17. The event, which will be open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. and last for one hour. It will take place at the Ann Hardy Community Center in Richmond's Northside. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/6th-district-school-board-debate-set-for-sept-17-to-be-co-moderated-by-the-richmonder-and-vpm/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/sports-section-divider-2.jpg) - [**Benedictine kicks off title defense with emphatic win**](https://www.richmonder.org/benedictine-kicks-off-title-defense-with-emphatic-win/) - The final score was 46-0, and from the time Isaac Cuevas returned the opening kickoff 57 yards, the visitors never had a chance. - [**50 years ago, Tuckahoe reached the Little League World Series**](https://www.richmonder.org/50-years-ago-tuckahoe-reached-the-little-league-world-series/) - That squad from Henrico's West End has been gathering this summer to reminisce about their journey. - [**High school football: Week 2 features a loaded slate across the region**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-week-2-features-a-loaded-schedule-across-the-region/) - Plus, the top performers from the opening weekend and more. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-45.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-retirement-wont-stop-dr-joann-henrys-passion-for-education/) ### Retirement won't stop Dr. Joann Henry's passion for education When Dr. Joann Henry started Dream Academy in 2010, it was the continuation of a promise she had made to herself many years prior. She recalled a conversation years ago with a student who had been in the hall for the majority of the school day, who expressed dislike for school. When she asked him what he dreamed of being one day, he told her, “‘I don’t got a dream.’” “I said, ‘When I retire, I’m gonna open up a school,’” she said. “So, I called it Dream Academy.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-retirement-wont-stop-dr-joann-henrys-passion-for-education/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/), or buy a table and invite your friends! --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Image.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) ### U.S. News & World Report names VCU Medical Center No. 1 hospital in Virginia Virginia's best, and among the nation’s best. VCU Medical Center has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. U.S. News also recognized the medical center among the Top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery at No. 29, and orthopedics at No. 44\. The publication also ranked VCU Medical Center No. 1 in the Richmond metro area for the 16th consecutive year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- ### In other news - [**City adds final intersection to pilot safety program**](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/City-Adds-Final-Intersection-to-Pilot-Safety-Camera-Program.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=T1K%5F7WWBhio) (News release) - 10 of the 13 schools with speed cameras have seen speeds decrease since the cameras were put in place. - [**Driver charged after police chase from Henrico ends with James River jump near Rocketts Landing**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/police-chase-driver-jumps-into-james-river-rocketts-landing-aug-29-2026) (CBS 6) - After sideswiping multiple cars, the suspect jumped into the James River to flee officers, but was caught and arrested. - [**As Ellwood Thompson’s parent company prepares for a merger, local purveyors say they aren’t getting paid**](https://richmondmagazine.com/restaurants-in-richmond/food-news/ellwood-thompsons-acquisition-merger/) (Richmond magazine) - “We have not received a single payment since February,” said Nicole Broder, co-founder of Shine Farms in Mechanicsville. --- ### The editor's desk Put my fantasy football team together yesterday, but we haven't yet added a loser punishment to the league – which honestly seems more fun than a prize for winning. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### State could give Richmond $32.8M for water upgrades, higher than $20M minimum URL: https://www.richmonder.org/state-could-give-richmond-32-8m-for-water-upgrades-higher-than-20m-minimum/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T09:50:44.000Z The city of Richmond’s water system could get a bigger boost of state funding than originally planned. Virginia Department of Health officials deciding how to allocate $50 million for local water projects have recommended about $32.8 million for the Richmond area’s system, more than the $20 million the state budget requires Richmond to get. The potentially higher funding number was revealed Friday morning at the first meeting of the Richmond Regional Water Workgroup, the state and local panel set up to decide how the funding should be spent to best prevent a repeat of the 2025 water crisis. In addition to the city, the work group includes representatives from Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, as well as state officials from VDH’s Office of Drinking Water. Required as a condition of Richmond getting the funds, the new body is meant to give the state and nearby counties that purchase water from the city input into what happens to the money. There were no final decisions made at Friday’s meeting, but Richmond appears to be on track to get the larger funding amount and win the work group’s approval for the projects the city most wants to fund. City officials have proposed dedicating the state money to a planned $43.8 million overhaul of the water plant’s filters, as well as moving key electrical equipment to higher ground where it’s less likely to be damaged by flooding. Water damage was a major problem in January 2025, when a power outage caused equipment malfunctions that led water to pour into a basement-level room. Flooding is an inherent risk in the antiquated design of the facility near the James River, where water flows in via gravity before it’s treated and pumped back out to Richmond homes. Richmond Director of Public Utilities Scott Morris told the work group the proposal was the best way to maximize the state funding and take advantage of a relatively short window to complete the project. “This is the only one I can start today,” Morris said. In addition to replacing the plant’s filters and filter-related equipment, the proposed project also envisions replacing valves and actuators that control the flow of water through the plant. In 2025, valve malfunctions caused by the loss of power led to the uncontrolled flooding that knocked the plant offline for nearly a week. Because the state can only fund 75% of what Richmond proposed, VDH officials said, the not-yet-final plan envisions about $32.8 million in state money matched by roughly $10.9 million in local dollars. At Friday’s meeting, utility directors from neighboring counties spoke in support of Morris’s proposal, saying they had already been meeting him to discuss the project and trusted his recommendations. “The parts and the pieces that broke down in the January 2025 crisis are being addressed,” said Chesterfield DPU Director Matt Rembold. Henrico DPU Director Bentley Chan agreed. “There’s a lot of things that hit on concerns that we had,” Chan said. “This is the project that is most helpful in addressing those concerns and is right at the starting line and ready to go.” Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said he was pleased by the collaboration between regional utility directors. “I think a lot of the legwork has been done by the directors,” Donald said. “To a certain extent you’re kind of guiding us.” The work group meeting, held at a state office building in Mechanicsville, was led by a team from the University of Virginia’s Institute for Engagement and Negotiation. Tanya Denckla Cobb, the institute’s director, began the session by saying the regional leaders were fortunate to have a clearly defined pot of money as a starting point. “So often what we are involved in is helping people haggle and negotiate over limited resources and things that we’re missing,” said Cobb, adding that the work group has “money on the table.” The meeting wasn’t entirely free of cross-government tension. Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas raised several objections about the process, saying he felt he was being asked to “rubber stamp” a completed plan at the work group’s first meeting without an opportunity to dig into the details. “I would’ve appreciated somebody telling me, ‘We’re done. Just vote yes,’” Vithoulkas said. “I just don’t like the way this has been laid out.” Near the end of the four-hour meeting, Vithoulkas asked to visit the facility to better understand the work the city was proposing. “Can we just see the project? That’s all I’m asking,” Vithoulkas asked. “Does it harm anything to wait a couple weeks?” The panel agreed that its next meeting would be a tour of Richmond’s water plant. That site visit will be treated as a closed meeting, officials said, to prevent public access to the water plant and protect details about critical infrastructure. ### ‘**Money that just fell out of the sky’** Though the work group seemed to be broadly in agreement about a path forward, Vithoulkas repeatedly said he took issue with how the process was playing out. When one of the mediators asked that work group members not air any concerns publicly through the press or social media without first consulting the group, Vithoulkas pushed back, saying the regional partners had enough of a rapport they could speak freely. “Don’t worry about what we do, what we say, how we say it,” Vithoulkas told the mediator. “This isn't some bureaucratic cog exercise.” City officials said the proposed filter project was far enough along Richmond had already put some initial work out for bid from contractors, and Vithuolkas asked several questions aimed at whether the state money was or wasn’t replacing local dollars the city already planned to spend. He said he wanted to ensure projects were being added with the addition of state money, and that the group wasn’t looking at the state funding as “$20 million that fell out of the sky.” “I don’t think of it as free money that just fell out of the sky,” said Morris. “I mean, nobody else got $20 million,” Vithoulkas said. The city officials present stressed that the state funding helps the entire region, including the county customers that buy water from Richmond. If the extra money wasn’t there, they said, it would have to be made up some other way, possibly by water rate increases that would impact both Richmond residents and the counties. “These are regional funds,” Morris said. The long-term forecasting models the city uses to set utility bill rates and plan infrastructure spending, Morris said, already assumed some money would be coming from the state. The state budget language allocating the money for Richmond’s water system specifies that it “may not be used to supplant other local, state or federal funds dedicated to capital improvements and repairs” at Richmond’s water plant. During the meeting, the city acknowledged the planned project would have to be completed anyway to bring the facility into full regulatory compliance. In response to the probing from Vithoulkas, the city representatives clarified that the Richmond City Council had already authorized a local budget appropriation for the project the state funding could cover. But, they said, there has not yet been an “encumbrance,” or final commitment by the city to spend a particular amount of money. Richmond being so close to moving forward with the filter project, the city said, would help in a tight timeline for the work group to make a recommendation on how to spend the state funds. The state budget, which was delayed for months due to a disagreement between Democratic leaders on data center taxes, requires the city to sign a deal with drinking water regulators on how the money will be used. The deadline for that deal is today, and it won’t be met. “I’m not anticipating that we’re going to be able to make that deadline because we don’t have a recommendation from the work group yet,” said Dwayne Roadcap, director of VDH’s drinking water office. Missing that deadline was not a major problem, Roadcap said, indicating the work group’s recommendation could wait until after the planned tour at the water plant. The group spent several minutes haggling over the logistical details of how a legally public body could meet at the water plant for a meeting that has to include a public vote to go into closed session and another post-tour vote that the meeting focused only on sensitive infrastructure. Work group members proposed going into a closed session on Friday that could technically last weeks until the tour began, or potentially casting votes without being physically assembled in person. Both ideas seemed to be discarded as unworkable. During the discussion of how to arrange a closed tour of the water plant, Donald urged the group to ensure the plan was fully compliant with open meeting laws, saying Richmond gets “five times the scrutiny of anybody else.” When the panel was getting a brief rundown on how the Virginia Freedom of Information Act requires transparency in the work ahead, Donald also advised work group members to be mindful of what they put in writing, saying “FOIA is weaponized against us.” The work group plans to hold a total of three meetings before issuing a report due by Oct. 30. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### 6th District School Board debate set for Sept. 17, to be co-moderated by The Richmonder and VPM URL: https://www.richmonder.org/6th-district-school-board-debate-set-for-sept-17-to-be-co-moderated-by-the-richmonder-and-vpm/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T15:33:05.000Z The two candidates running for the 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board, Anne Holton and Jackie McDonnough, have agreed to participate in a debate on Sept. 17. The event, which will be open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. and last for one hour. It will take place at the Ann Hardy Community Center in Richmond's Northside. Moderating the debate will be The Richmonder's education reporter, Victoria A. Ifatusin, and VPM News multimedia reporter Keyris Manzanares. Both reporters cover Richmond Public Schools regularly. The event will be taped for later streaming by VPM [on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@VPM). Seating will be first-come, first-served at the event, but the audience will not be permitted to react or applaud while the candidates are speaking. Read The Richmonder's profiles of the two candidates here: [Anne Holton will run for her Richmond School Board seat in November’s special electionAnne Holton has been involved in campaigns since she was 5 years old. But this is the first time she’s on the ballot herself.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e06e5812-c701-4518-b1cc-534a87381eca.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/holton-1-06c3b322-b800-4f85-a6fa-1a8639255d2f.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/anne-holton-will-run-for-her-richmond-school-board-seat-in-novembers-special-election/) [Longtime science educator Jackie McDonnough enters race for 6th District School Board seatSome of the pillars of McDonnough’s campaigns are strong collective bargaining and higher pay for teachers, new and improved school facilities, no new charter schools in the division, and no ICE in schools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3e3ba097-8d0e-4f10-9ca2-9e0e4fd4e8e1.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/mcdonnough-1-7255a7a7-a017-4878-87bf-aa622c0ace35.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-science-educator-jackie-mcdonnough-enters-race-for-6th-district-school-board-seat/) *Contact The Richmonder's news team at news@richmonder.org.* ### High school football: Week 2 features a loaded schedule across the region URL: https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-week-2-features-a-loaded-schedule-across-the-region/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T01:28:51.000Z The opening weekend of the 2026 high school football season was marked by few cliffhangers, many blowouts, and some head-turning performances. The stage is now set for what should be a blockbuster Week 2. While Varina, Benedictine, Highland Springs, Hermitage, Thomas Dale, Manchester, Armstrong and Petersburg all rolled over opponents, Mechanicsville’s defense preserved a 14-7 win over Deep Run, Douglas Freeman survived a back-and-forth battle with Atlee 37-35 thanks to a missed field goal, and Trinity Episcopal lost an overtime heartbreaker to Roanoke Catholic. The [Week 1 scoreboard](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/08/week-one-high-school-football-schedule.html) and new [Super 12 high school football poll](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/08/super-12-high-school-football-rankings%5F0990207019.html) are all available here. Check the end of this column or [this link](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/08/week-two-high-school-football-schedule.html) for the week two schedule and the week one flag football slate for this Tuesday! ### Week 1 standouts **Jahkee Cotman, Armstrong:** 12 of 14, 210 yards, two touchdowns, six carries, 36 yards, two touchdowns in win over RHSA. **Kemonie Peebles, Petersburg:** 15 of 22, 195 yards, three touchdowns in 34-6 win at Henrico. **Julian Gambrel, Douglas Freeman:** 22 carries, 194 yards, one touchdown. **Brysen Lewis, L.C. Bird:** 10 of 12, 173 yards, touchdown in 32-8 win over previously ranked Midlothian. **Dior Barnes, Manchester:** 10 carries, 110 yards, two touchdowns; 40-yard receiving score. **Lawrence Hewlett, Prince George:** 21 carries, 177 yards, two touchdowns, 20 receiving yards. **Griffin Willis, Deep Run:** 10 tackles, three for loss, two forced fumbles in loss to Mechanicsville. ### Unsung heroes **John Kelly III, Dinwiddie:** After an 80-yard touchdown drive by Colonial Heights, cutting the Generals’ lead to 15-12 near the end of the third quarter Friday night, the Colonials launched a high, short kickoff. Kelly leaped into the air to catch the ball, absorbing a huge hit to keep the possession with Dinwiddie. Three plays later, Trevion Mills raced 39 yards to begin a 21-0 run, pulling away from the Colonials 36-12. **Noor Elhouda Lamrhari, Hermitage:** Unsung no more, the female kicker for the Panthers went five for five in her football debut in a 35-7 win at Matoaca. **EYE OPENER:** L.C. Bird – Though ranked 10th to begin the season, there were many questioning how good the Skyhawks might be. A stingy defense and a shockingly (by Skyhawk standards) balanced offense blew Midlothian off the field in a 32-8 win Thursday. Now, let’s get to an amazing slate of games this week: ### Game of the week #1 Varina (1-0) at Maury (0-1), Friday, 7 p.m. The defending Class 4 state champions get tested by an ornery defending Class 5 champ. The Commodores’ 14-game winning streak ended at the hands of Mallard Creek of North Carolina. The Blue Devils, on the other hand, destroyed perennial playoff participant William Fleming 54-0\. This is the first of back-to-back trips to the 757, as Varina goes to defending Class 6 winners Oscar Smith on September 11th. ### Games we're watching **#2 Huguenot (0-0) at #4 Highland Springs (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.:** What an intriguing battle! In their first game since 2009, there are two advantages for the Springers: home field and having played a game. But Huguenot has been salivating to return to play after their comeback effort against Varina fell short in last year’s Class 4, Region B championship. The Springers will have to slow down the connection of Charles Scott, Jr. to Iveon Lewis, two players destined for the SEC when their Falcon days are complete. Dashaun Chisem looked good in his debut as Highland Springs’ signal caller, and we think he’s salivating at the chance to go toe-to-toe with Scott. **#9 L.C. Bird (1-0) at #5 Thomas Dale (1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.:** Suddenly, the 55th Battle of Chester is more interesting, thanks to the impressive Skyhawk performance against Midlothian. The Knights shut out Cosby 28-0 and now prepare to defend their seven-game winning streak in this storied series, six of which were decided by multiple scores. **#12 Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at #10 Armstrong (1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.:** A year ago, this game was marred by a storm, nightfall, and a move to the following Tuesday before the Wildcats prevailed on Grace Street. In November, Armstrong eliminated the Vikings from the Class 2, Region A tournament. Both teams won handily in Week 1, as expected, Thomas Jefferson over I.C. Norcom, and Armstrong over RHSA. **Glen Allen (1-0) at #8 Manchester (1-0):** Graduation losses? No problem. The Lancers rolled 36-0 at Monacan. A new head coach in May? No sweat. Jacob Hodges’ Jaguars won a 48-36 shootout at Prince George to begin 2026 behind quarterback Luke Perini. Everyone knows Jacory Moore-Carr now after a breakout debut for the Lancers. Read about their week one win here. ### Under the radar **Mechanicsville (1-0) at Goochland (1-0), Thursday, 7 p.m.:** Both the Mustangs and Bulldogs are looking to snap playoff droughts this season. Mechanicsville overcame several offense mistakes thanks to defensive prowess in a seven-point win over Deep Run, while Goochland bested Nottoway 29-18\. The Mustangs’ region (4B) is significantly tougher than Goochland’s (3B), so if the Mustangs want to legitimately be in their region’s playoff race, they need to win. The margin for error there is razor thin. ### Beyond the headlines –We saw two teams in person who, in defeat, impressed and showed definite improvement from last season. Atlee saw a game-winning 37-yard field goal try push just wide right as time expired in their 37-35 loss to Douglas Freeman, while Colonial Heights slugged it out for three quarters before falling at Dinwiddie. Both teams have running backs who could have thousand-yard seasons in the Raiders’ Kaden Wright and the Colonials’ Cerelon Ridley. –Gerard Johnson (L.C. Bird) and Jacob Hodges (Glen Allen) weren’t the only head coaches to win their debuts. Quinn Tobias, who was promoted from coordinator to head coach at Meadowbrook, hit the ground running as the Monarchs thrashed Clover Hill 49-9, while Bryan Jennings’ James River debut saw the Rapids shut down Greensville County 40-0. –Kudos to Dakota Reeves, the new head coach at John Marshall, and the Justices administration on their commitment to building a home-field advantage at home. Though they lost their game with Menchville Saturday, the school was alive with fans and activities. Remember, last winter, the varsity program was temporarily put on hiatus, but football is back and Reeves was hired to lead the program. We believe it’s a great call. ### They said it “My heart bleeds for Lance. You talk about a kid who wants to be in that situation. He saw the kid, he banged it. It was just a little wide right. I told him football doesn’t define who you are. He was very emotional, and I told him I’m glad that you are.” –Atlee head coach Matt Gray on kicker Lance Heizer. “This was the first game I’ve ever coached in my life that my dad wasn’t here on earth, so it was a little bittersweet for me. He’s usually the person I get on the phone with after games, sometimes even at halftime or before the game.” –Highland Springs head coach Loren Johnson speaking to Jack Fitzpatrick of ESPN Richmond following their win at Hopewell. Johnson’s father, Lee, passed away last Christmas Eve. ### Our final play The quote we teased last week concerning the current state of high school football, and high school sports as a whole, comes from a coach answering our query to name the biggest lesson learned in the offseason. New Kent’s Scott Girolmo provided the following: “The public vision of the purpose of high school football is changing dramatically in a way that is hostile to the mission and vision of the Virginia High School League. “Societal and cultural dysfunction has infected our arena, and forced a shift to promote high school football solely as a self-aggrandizing vehicle for clout-mining and financial advancement. It has never been more important than now in the sport's history to reorient the focus on fostering character development, unity-building in the locker room and teaching the critical life-lessons that will make our young people the next great generation of leaders. “I have learned painfully that our program needs to be vigilant in the way we combat the influence of social media, media, the snake that is comparison, and help these athletes find the greatness inside of them by taking those small, daily, difficult steps towards self-improvement. “We are fighting a losing battle with our youth as a whole, we cannot overcome what is an insurmountable loss of the value of family units, community building and school loyalty. However, the fight for their hearts and minds and spirits to help them become the best that they are capable of becoming is among the worthiest endeavors left in society. That is worth every swing of the sword.” To this we say: amen. ### Week 2 schedule GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL: WEEK ONE (TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1): Huguenot at Thomas Jefferson, 6pm Armstrong at John Marshall, 6pm Open High vs. Community, 6pm, TB Smith Community Center RHSA vs. Franklin Military, 7:30pm, TB Smith Community Center WEEK TWO: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3: Powhatan vs. RHSA, 6pm, Midtown Green THE BATTLE OF CHESTER: L.C. Bird at Thomas Dale, 7pm Henrico at Hermitage, 7pm Glen Allen at Manchester, 7pm Thomas Jefferson at Armstrong, 7pm Deep Run at Atlee, 7pm Hanover at Monacan, 7pm Patrick Henry at Mills Godwin, 7pm J.R. Tucker at Prince George, 7pm Mechanicsville at Goochland, 7pm Midlothian at Douglas Freeman, 7pm James River at Cosby, 7pm Hopewell at Mecklenburg, 7pm Kecoughtan at Meadowbrook, 7pm Colonial Heights at Caroline, 7pm King William at Westmoreland, 7pm Rappahannock at West Point, 7pm Lancaster at Surry, 7pm Eastern View at Culpeper, 7pm Charlottesville at James Monroe, 7pm Albemarle at William Fleming, 7pm First Colonial at Landstown, 6:30pm Bruton at Tabb, 7pm Briar Woods at Brentsville District, 7pm Skyline at Manassas Park, 7pm Meridian at Kettle Run, 7pm FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4: Trinity Episcopal at Benedictine, 3pm Potomac School at Collegiate, 4:30pm Christ Church Episcopal (SC) at St. Christopher's, 6pm Varina at Maury, 7pm Huguenot at Highland Springs, 7pm Granby at Dinwiddie, 7pm Petersburg at I.C. Norcom, 7pm Louisa at Courtland, 7pm Poquoson at New Kent, 7pm Franklin at Amelia, 7pm Essex at Brunswick, 7pm Northumberland at Middlesex, 7pm King & Queen Central at Colonial Beach, 7pm Lakeland at Sussex Central, 7pm Arcadia at Randolph-Henry, 7pm Greensville at Nottoway, 7pm William Campbell at Cumberland, 7pm William Monroe at Central-Lunenburg, 7pm Albemarle at William Fleming, 7pm Orange at King George, 7pm Massaponax at Spotsylvania, 7pm Madison County at Western Albemarle, 7pm Salem at Franklin County, 7pm Windsor at Prince Edward, 7pm Fluvanna at Buckingham, 7pm E.C. Glass at PH-Roanoke, 7pm Lake Taylor at Hampton, 7pm Menchville at Southampton, 7pm Washington (MD) at Northampton, 7pm Warwick at Oscar Smith, 7pm Booker T. Washington at Heritage-NN, 7pm York at Grafton, 7pm Grassfield at Woodside, 7pm ### The Richmonder 25: Retirement won't stop Dr. Joann Henry's passion for education URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-retirement-wont-stop-dr-joann-henrys-passion-for-education/ Last updated: 2026-08-30T17:18:23.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* When Dr. Joann Henry started Dream Academy in 2010, it was the continuation of a promise she had made to herself many years prior. Henry spent decades working in high school education – first as a teacher and later as an assistant principal for Richmond Public Schools – where she saw students dropping out of school for one reason or another: pregnancy, bullying, family responsibilities, or just falling behind. At the time, she was also working on her doctorate in Education Leadership, but became committed to helping students who had left school early get their diplomas. She recalled one particular conversation with a student who had been in the hall for the majority of the school day, who expressed dislike for school. When she asked him what he dreamed of being one day, he told her, “‘I don’t got a dream.’” “From that conversation, I said, ‘When I retire, I’m gonna open up a school,’” she said. “So, I called it Dream Academy.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Using her retirement savings and money from her in-laws, Henry founded the Richmond-based Dream Academy, an adult high school diploma program designed to help those who were unable to complete their high school education. The academy officially launched in 2012 and now serves students across the state. (Dream Academy is not affiliated with RPS.) When it opened, there were only five students enrolled, including an 81-year-old woman whom Henry described as “working like nobody’s business” to get the diploma she had gone decades without. Since 2012, enrollment has increased considerably; as of June, 920 people have received their high school diploma through Dream Academy. There is no age limit – students must be over the age of 17, though – and anyone who hasn’t received their high school diploma is eligible to apply. Henry said she’s seen all kinds of people, each with their own motivation. “They say, ‘I promised my mama that I was gonna get my high school diploma,’” she said. “‘My kids are graduating, and they're going to college in different places, so I told them it's my turn now.’” ### **Funding** Despite the rise in numbers, Henry has never received a paycheck for her work, as the budget has never been big enough to support that. Instead, tuition goes back into the school to pay for tutors, supplies and overall operating expenses. While Henry said she looks forward to when there’s room in the budget for her to get paid, her ultimate priority is keeping access affordable. She noted that there have been times a student has called her to say they won’t be able to complete the coursework in one year, but couldn't afford to pay for another year. If the student returns to complete their diploma within the following year, she won’t charge them again. “I will let them complete what they started doing, because I understand,” she explained. “These people don't have money. These are people really working little jobs, trying to get somewhere. I'm not out to cheat people, I'm out to help them.” ### **'I want my students to have the best'** This philosophy is what led her to offer a high school diploma program rather than a GED. The coursework’s self-paced format draws from her years as a high school administrator. A key design point that she felt was vital was that students would pick up where they left off and not have to potentially repeat years of coursework. Henry recalled that learning they would have to start over was a big deterrent for the students she worked with before she retired. “They’re not gonna want to come in to school,” she explained. “Most people, the reason they drop out of school is because they don’t want to be sitting in class all day, doing the same thing over and over and over.” ### **Personal motivation** Henry makes it a point to keep up with students even after they’ve graduated. “We get a lot of letters from students saying thank you, and I made a difference in their life,” she said. She has seen graduates go to college – something that many students believed wasn’t possible for them – get better jobs, serve in the military and join the nursing field. These successes are what continue to motivate her more than a decade after starting the program. “It just makes me feel good to know that their dreams are being answered through Dream Academy,” she said. “I know I'm needed in the community, and that's the best way to help, and that's my reward.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Ahead of Run Richmond weekend, city officials cite progress in telling the city's unvarnished past URL: https://www.richmonder.org/during-run-richmond-weekend-city-officials-cite-progress-in-telling-the-citys-unvarnished-past/ Last updated: 2026-08-30T17:00:09.000Z Richmond will hold its fifth [Run Richmond 16.19](https://www.runrichmond1619.org/) event in September, with the goal of bringing more than 400 years of Black history to life through movement, storytelling and culture. Actor Djimon Hounsou, whose foundation sponsors the event, said he's been hearing from people over the years how deeply the run affected them. “It became almost a reality that I'm maybe hitting a note for our people. A note that could sustain this idea of having a place,” he said. “Because no matter where you go in America, you often hear, ‘I'm an Irish-American, I'm an Italian American.’ And you can feel that they are connected to history or to ancestral culture. And I think that's missing for us.” Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said one of the reasons he chose to stay in the city after getting his medical degree was because of the city’s willingness to reckon with the hardest parts of its history. [Shockoe Institute opens, confronting Richmond’s history and role in slavery“It is only in the telling of our whole story, not as we wish it to be, but as it was, that our future can be made better than our past.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-b2e1523d-6ef3-4819-9e7e-4739f7bf901e.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/shockoe-institute-7-798d1601-2f7b-4327-9c27-faaa5802e4a5.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/shockoe-institute-opens-confronting-richmonds-history-and-role-in-slavery/) “The way that our city grapples with the reality of our past, the past of being the capital of the Confederacy, the past of being the birthplace of our domestic slave trade in this country, that is a result of courage and leadership and intentionality,” Avula said. “Since we gathered for Run Richmond 16.19 last year, we've made some really meaningful progress in that work.” Avula ticked off a list of initiatives the city has undertaken, including opening the [Shockoe Institute](https://www.richmonder.org/shockoe-institute-opens-confronting-richmonds-history-and-role-in-slavery/) at Main Street Station, The JXN Project’s [opening of the Skipwith-Roper Cottage](https://www.richmonder.org/jxn-project-unveils-rebuilt-founding-father-home-highlighting-black-history-in-richmond/) and the future plans surrounding the [Lumpkin Slave Jail Pavilion](https://www.richmonder.org/dark-to-light-city-unveils-plans-for-infamous-lumpkins-slave-jail-site/). “Because we've got to know where we have come from if we know where we are going. If we are going to effectively tear down the systems and the structures that have resulted in persistent racial inequities now in 2026, we've got to know how they got here,” said Avula. “And it reminds us that we still have a heck of a lot of work to do. And that's a huge part of why I love Run Richmond 16.19, because it invites people into history in a way that is active, that is accessible, that is inclusive, and you can experience and know our city differently because of it.” The “16.19” are the kilometers (10.1 miles) that runners and walkers will weave through Richmond’s most historic sections of the city over the weekend. [JXN Project unveils rebuilt ‘founding father’ home, highlighting Black history in RichmondWith the help of two sisters, Richmond has discovered a new legend.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-cf85e5d4-e88e-4c35-ac09-bf69cd0473fd.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/jxn-project-1-1-ae595db6-24cc-4e84-8833-c58a0d8506ca.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/jxn-project-unveils-rebuilt-founding-father-home-highlighting-black-history-in-richmond/) These include Historic Jackson Ward, Tredegar Ironworks, Tobacco Row and Ancarrow's Landing, formerly Manchester Docks, which was the major port in the domestic slave trade from 1830 to 1860 and is now part of [Richmond’s Slave Trail](https://www.tclf.org/richmond-slave-trail). The route also highlights where the Black community began to carve out its own narrative. Ahead of its fifth anniversary, organizers of the event said at a Friday press conference that the event continues to grow in importance as well as in its mission to propel the youth to seek out, share and experience the stories of Black Americans and of the African continent. “The real importance here is to instrumentally use this idea of running or walking, as a vehicle to bring people together,” said two-time Academy Award nominated actor Hounsou. “This is a cultural movement. You have people of all ages, including kids, that we're hoping will attend the event and have an experience.” The press event was held Friday at the same time that three Confederate monuments and memorials on Capitol Square [were being taken down](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/28/three-confederate-monuments-taken-down-capitol-square/) by the Department of General Services. [‘Dark to light’: City unveils plans for infamous Lumpkin’s Slave Jail siteLike much of the rest of Shockoe Bottom, the location of the jail lies in a floodplain, with part of its footprint encroaching into a floodway.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8cdb5357-52a1-40b7-bb46-b0620d945cbe.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-07-16-at-3.17.52---PM-1-c4c3faa6-7fea-4009-b5c9-48a80d292973.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/dark-to-light-city-unveils-plans-for-infamous-lumpkins-slave-jail-site/) Addie Richburg, executive director of the 400 Years of African American History Federal Commission, which is also one of the sponsors of the event, said Run Richmond 16.19 gives everyone a chance to stand in places where Black ancestors stood and feel the spirit that “permeates through these streets.” “I think that all of us at some point in time can only imagine what it must have been like 400 years ago,” she said. “And now for us to sit here in this room and recall to the extent \[of\] what that history unfolds. Everyone here is a product of that history. And we are all one.” The ultimate goal of the event, said Hounsou, is to bring an awareness of Black people’s vast troubled and complex African history to the youth. “To open their eyes about the multiple opportunities that the continent may have to offer, since for centuries the continent had this defamed sort of a story in which everybody has some sort of preconceived idea of what Africa is and represents,” he said. “And very few people speak of its beauty. We just want to change that narrative. And this sports event is an instrument to change that narrative.” [Entering its fifth year, Run Richmond 16.19 invites participants to reflect on the city’s slave-trading pastThe route will include information on relevant historical sites, as well as educational events scattered throughout the weekend.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8f709be9-4a5a-4e78-a95a-fc571ae8f9e1.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Run-Richmond-16.19-2025-461-8834bf7c-1ed1-4343-a1f8-f9d35149d33a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/entering-its-fifth-year-run-richmond-16-19-invites-participants-to-reflect-on-the-citys-slave-trading-past/) The anniversary also comes on the heels of the USA’s 250th anniversary, organizers pointed out, and a time of political and social fractures in the country. “It's on us to understand that my history exists because of your history. And what you have done to each other,” he said. Hounsou, who immigrated to the United States more than 30 years ago, was born in Benin, which was [a major port](https://ibw21.org/news/benin-slaves-african-countrys-history-selling-slaves/) in the slave trade. “But I cannot begin speaking about healing unless you understand your own contribution. Every time you refute the idea that you have something to do with this, my traumatic condition, you're repeating that history.” With Run Richmond 16.19, Hounsou said he envisions people from all over the world making a pilgrimage to Richmond for an historic experience. And race organizers want to recreate the experience in other parts of the world, such as Liverpool England and in West Africa, which were all part of the slave trade. “I'm hoping that Richmond, given the fact that Richmond is the capital of the Confederacy, is the cradle of history, American history. It's only right that we start that concept here,” said Hounsou. “That concept is to undo the transatlantic slave trade and to transform that into a triangle of hope. We're heading to Liverpool, which is the second leg and the biggest port in Europe for the transatlantic slave trade. And then the third leg will be heading back home, back to the continent to the gate of no return. This whole foundation is geared for the youth of tomorrow.” *Run Richmond 16.19 runs from September 11-13\.* [*Registration*](https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=129063&%5Fgl=1%2Ab0o9lx%2A%5Fga%2AMTEzNzA4Mjg2MS4xNzg0NTc4MjE2%2A%5Fga%5FG46G68WBXV%2AczE3ODgwMDg0MTQkbzkkZzEkdDE3ODgwMDg0MTUkajU5JGwwJGgw) *is required.* ### The Richmonder 25: Meet the 2026 honorees URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T17:16:18.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard.jpg) Earlier this year we asked our readers to nominate a Richmonder who takes it upon themselves to make Richmond a better place. And you delivered! We narrowed down from more than 100 submissions to arrive at this year's list of The Richmonder 25\. We are profiling each of the honorees in our newsletter, and will celebrate them with a party in September. ### The party: **When:** Friday, September 25\. Doors at 5 p.m, program at 6:15 p.m. **Where:** The Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd Street **What:** Heavy hors d'oeuvres, full bar, music, free parking **Dress:** Cocktail festive! **Cost:** [**$115 for the public, $85 for Richmonder donors**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) (use code Richmonder1 for one ticket, or Richmonder2 for a couples ticket) Interested in a table for you and your friends or colleagues? [**Find those here.**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) We're honored to welcome Perris Jones, former UVA football player and author of *Ashes to End Zone*, as our keynote speaker. Perris will share his inspiring story of resilience, reflecting on how a life-altering injury on the football field transformed his purpose and led him to a life of service to others. [**Buy your tickets here.**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) We hope you'll join us as we bring the community together to recognize these remarkable individuals! Stories honoring this year's honorees will run each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in The Richmonder. Come back from now through September to meet them! ### The honorees: July 20: [**Firewood volunteer Steve Allen delivers warmth to Richmonders who need it**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/) July 22: [**Sherrie McKeithan's impact reaches every corner of Westover Hills**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sherrie-mckeithans-impact-reaches-every-corner-of-westover-hills/) July 24:[**Joe Kelleher went back to school in his 80s to help veterans with PTSD**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-joe-kelleher-went-back-to-school-in-his-80s-to-help-veterans-with-ptsd/) July 27: [**Megan Shockley hosts evenings of music and human connection**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-megan-shockley-hosts-evenings-of-music-and-human-connection/) July 29: [**Keys Pattie is the glue holding Richmond's ultimate frisbee scene together**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-keys-pattie-is-the-glue-holding-richmonds-ultimate-frisbee-scene-together/) July 31: [**Whether it's archery or baking, Amanda Robinson makes space for others**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-whether-its-archery-or-baking-amanda-robinson-makes-space-for-others/) Aug. 3: [**Jim Bailey helps prisoners make the most of their fresh start**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-jim-bailey-helps-prisoners-make-the-most-of-their-fresh-start/) Aug. 5:[**‘Silly Genius’ is creating a city where everyone can be a creator**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-silly-genius-is-creating-a-city-where-everyone-can-be-a-creator/) Aug. 7: [**LaDonna Lewis ensures no young woman feels alone while battling breast cancer**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-ladonna-lewis-ensures-no-young-woman-feels-alone-while-battling-breast-cancer/) Aug. 10:[**Gabriela León-Pérez does research to offer real-world solutions**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-ri-gabriela-leon-perez-is-bringing-the-academy-to-the-community/) Aug. 12: [**Coach Loretta Watson has been cheering on Richmond's girls for 30 years**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-coach-loretta-watson-has-been-cheering-on-richmonds-girls-for-30-years/) Aug. 14: [**Shuttle driver Sean Hackney makes visits memorable**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shuttle-driver-sean-hackney-makes-visits-memorable/) Aug. 17: [**Lea Whitehurst-Gibson works to amplify Southside's voice**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmond-25-lea-whitehurst-gibson-works-to-amplify-southside-richmonds-voice/) Aug. 19: [**Christie Chipps Peters leads Richmond Animal Care and Control with optimism**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-christie-chipps-peters-leads-richmond-animal-care-and-control-with-optimism/) Aug. 21: [**Nikkia Young keeps Richmond running**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-nikkia-young-keeps-richmond-running/) Aug. 24: [**Sarah Matalavage drives to improve literary access in the Enchanting Bookmobile**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sarah-matalavage-drives-to-improve-literary-access-in-the-enchanting-bookmobile/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT6eEhwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7NyTRBWx975vQjLCTLhZGn8O6DuRQ%5FTP1NISYMi0XqBuDc3K9O4t7wxiW7Tg%5Faem%5F46W2GsvedygLnchusPwASg) Aug. 26: [**Shawntee Wynn stands by victims of domestic violence**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shawntee-wynn-stands-by-victims-of-domestic-violence/) Aug. 28: [**Regina Chaney fights for fairness in housing**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-regina-chaney-fights-for-fairness-in-housing/) Aug. 31: [**Retirement won't stop Dr. Joann Henry's passion for education**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-retirement-wont-stop-dr-joann-henrys-passion-for-education/) Sept. 2: [**Mollie Reinhart fosters connection through compassion**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-mollie-reinhart-fosters-connection-through-compassion/) Sept. 4: [**Dr. Jeff Mapp goes the distance to provide pediatric care**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-dr-jeff-mapp-goes-the-distance-to-provide-pediatric-care/) Sept. 7: [**At 85, Franck Boynton has delivered meals to Richmond’s neediest for almost two decades**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-85-franck-boynton-has-delivered-meals-to-richmonds-neediest-for-almost-two-decades/) Sept. 7: [**Larkin Garbee contributes to Jackson Ward's thriving**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-larkin-garbee-contributes-to-jackson-wards-thriving/) Sept. 7: [**Junior Martin dances in the median to inspire you**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-junior-martin-dances-in-the-median-to-inspire-you/) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Benedictine kicks off title defense with emphatic win URL: https://www.richmonder.org/benedictine-kicks-off-title-defense-with-emphatic-win/ Last updated: 2026-08-30T01:43:44.000Z Moments before the Benedictine Cadets took the field to face visiting Blue Ridge Saturday, the crowd that filled Bobby Ross Stadium observed a moment of silence in memory and honor of Barry Gibrall and Troy Shaffer. Then, they went out and played with a level of fire, cohesion, and precision that would make Gibrall, a Benedictine icon, and Shaffer, their special teams coach the past two years, immensely proud. The final score was 46-0, and from the time Isaac Cuevas returned the opening kickoff 57 yards to the Barons’ 32, the visitors from St. George in Greene County never had a chance. For the Cadets, the three-time defending VISAA, Division I champion, the game was their first since Gibrall passed away after a period of declining health on March 23 and Shaffer died unexpectedly on August 5 just after preseason camp began. Playing in remembrance of their mentors, for sure, provided added incentive for Coach Kurt von Bargen’s guys as they began again their quest for competitive excellence. “It starts with passion,” said Harris Mischke, a senior punter par excellence and Stanford commit. “I’ve never had a special teams coordinator who loved the game as much as Coach Shaffer did. His passion for the game was the utmost. “The guys know how much he loved us. They know how important it was for him to come out here and just be perfect in all aspects.” And Gibrall, who played many roles (including teacher, administrator, and “Voice of the Cadets”) during his long association with the school? “It’s not a Benedictine game quite as much as it was when he was around,” Mischke said. “Hearing him announce the game brought a sense of ‘That’s Benedictine.’ The guys just loved hearing him announce the game. [‘Teacher of life’: Benedictine’s Gibrall mentored, guided cadets over the years“He was just such a peaceful, thoughtful, gentle, genuine guy. That’s how I think of him now.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2c426c97-ae29-4582-a55c-1d337e7b44b3.png)The RichmonderWeldon Bradshaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/657675404_18350874526239390_4885290396580684837_n-08f3d054-83d8-446c-aaeb-ee016963f5f1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/teacher-of-life-benedictines-gibrall-mentored-guided-cadets-over-the-years/) On this breezy, overcast, low-80’s afternoon, the Cadets (1-0) shined on both sides of the ball. They amassed 305 yards of offense (174 rushing, 134 passing) on 51 plays, few of which would have been possible without the big guys in the trenches. “It all starts in practice,” said senior David Quist, a 6-1, 266-pound center. “We get a lot of good reps because we have some of the best D-linemen in the state come through here. We take a lot of pride in our practices. “We’re a run-heavy team. We like to dominate in the run, always get yards, and never negative plays. We take pride in that.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6396.JPG) Sean Boyd (52) and Nigel Veney record one of Benedictine's nine sacks. (Andy Garrigue) Facing Benedictine’s talented, athletic, and prodigiously motivated four-man-front defense, Blue Ridge (0-1) was able to scrape together a mere 15 very hard-earned yards of offense. The Cadets sacked the Barons’ two alternating quarterbacks nine times and created a stat line that read 17 carries for minus-26 yards, 5-for-18 passing for 41 yards, two interceptions, one fumble, and two safeties. “We didn’t have any film on Blue Ridge, so we didn’t really know what to expect coming into the game except from (playing them) last year,” said senior Sean Boyd, a 6-0, 280-pound interior lineman who recorded four sacks. “We had to stop the rush first. When they figured out the run wasn’t going anywhere, they started to open up with screen passes, draws, and deep balls, so we just buckled down and adjusted.” Senior running back Fred Dolan put the Cadets up 6-0 with a 4-yard run off the left side at 7:46 of the first quarter to end an 8-play, 33-yard drive. Senior James Gasperini then drilled the first of his six, dead-solid perfect points-after. A safety (when the punter stepped on the back line of the end zone) put Benedictine up 9-0 at 5:39. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6390.JPG) Isaac Cuevas (2) intercepts a pass that became a 14-yard pick-6\. (Andy Garrigue) Jordan Clarke, a junior running back, scored the Cadets’ next two TDs, the first on a 7-yard run at 10:27 of the second quarter and the next on a 1-yard run 7:53 before halftime to end a 5-play, 26-yard drive set up by Andrew Beavers’ fumble recovery. The Barons’ next drive ended unceremoniously when Cuevas intercepted a pass in the right flat and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown. Then, with Blue Ridge in yet another unenviable position deep in its territory, the Cadets notched another safety with a quarterback sack in the end zone at 4:11 to send them into halftime up 32-0. They scored twice after the break, first on a 45-yard pass from Luke Kincaid to Josh Moore at 1:12 of the third quarter and the second on Clarke’s 19-yard run at 7:29 of the fourth. Blue Ridge’s final futile drive ended with Cam Pleasants’ interception on the Cadets’ 28. Starting quarterback Ralphie Puccinelli, a Richmond commit, completed 5-of-8 passes for 66 yards and rushed nine times for 50, all in the first half. Kincaid completed 5-of-6 for 68 yards, and Clarke, a junior transfer from James River, rushed 12 times for 77 yards. The Cadets’ schedule intensifies in Week 2 when they host fellow VISAA power Trinity Episcopal on Friday. “Our schedule is top notch,” von Bargen said. “You get everyone’s best shot. It only gets harder from here. We have to keep getting better, develop our roster, our depth, our younger guys, our older guys, and keep improving every day.” ### Newly-formed 'Virginia Crusade' draws rebuke from 'Richmond Crusade' leaders URL: https://www.richmonder.org/newly-formed-virginia-crusade-draws-rebuke-from-richmond-crusade-leaders/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T14:37:10.000Z The Richmond Crusade for Voters held a press conference to denounce a new group that it says is drafting off of its decades-long legacy. The new group, named the Virginia Crusade for Voters, was formed in part by Jesse Frierson, a member of the Richmond Crusade. “This is a 70-year-old entity that is well known throughout Virginia,” Richmond Crusade First Vice President Robert Lester said Wednesday. “For you to take that name, that legacy, and start another organization, that’s where the problem is.” When reached for a response, Frierson believed there was “miscommunication” about the situation that needed to be resolved by talking with Richmond Crusade leaders, and declined to answer further questions about the Virginia Crusade. "The organization is well-loved by many, including myself," Frierson said. "I look forward to having a conversation directly with leadership before I have anything at all to say." The new Crusade’s name is a major point of criticism for the Richmond Crusade. Richmond Crusade research chair Bernice Travers filed to reserve the entity name “The Virginia Crusade for Voters Inc.” with the State Corporation Commission on June 17. Richmond Crusade President Bryce Robertson registered the entity’s name Tuesday, after the Richmond Crusade learned of the new group. SCC records show a reservation of the name “VA Crusade for Voters” was filed that same day by Frierson. When contacted for insight on the reservations, the SCC clarified that the series of characters in the name "VA Crusade for Voters" is different enough from "The Virginia Crusade for Voters Inc." that it could be filed. Robertson joined other RCV members and supporters at the press conference, where they said they wanted to make clear they weren’t affiliated with or a branch network of the new group. “We believe we have a responsibility to those who built this organization, to our current members and to the public to protect the integrity of the name,” Robertson said, “and to make certain that people understand who speaks for the Richmond Crusade for Voters.” Members were also clear that the Richmond Crusade didn’t authorize, endorse or support the VA Crusade. The [VA Crusade website](https://virginiacrusadeforvoters.org/who-we-are/) says the group was "conceived in 2020 by longtime Richmond Crusade for Voters leaders and members." The group says it has the goal of increasing voter advocacy, education, registration, and mobilization for Black voters statewide. “The primary objective of the Virginia Crusade For Voters is to organize, advocate for, and fully represent the Black Voting Bloc as a cohesive, well-organized entity in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” their website reads. “We exist to ensure that Black voters and families are not merely an afterthought in political calculations, but the central focus of effective leadership and policy.” SCC records also show Frierson filed a certificate Tuesday for the “State of Virginia Crusade for Voters” as a fictitious name, which is used by individuals or businesses instead of their legal name. Richmond Crusade members, worried the group would be mistaken for a local affiliate of the VA Crusade and held responsible for any of its actions like soliciting funds, were skeptical of the group’s stated goals and the motives of its founders. While VA Crusade for Voters is reported to have already launched multiple local chapters, including one in the Metro Richmond area, other details are not clear, including its relationship with similar groups across Virginia. Richmond NAACP leader James “J.J.” Minor said he had no knowledge of the VA Crusade and any of its local activities, and Democratic Party of Virginia Chair and State Senator Lamont Bagby said he had not seen or heard of the group outside of an email and a [Black Virginia News story](https://blackvirginianews.substack.com/p/formation-of-new-virginia-crusade) on their formation. Bagby voiced concern that VA Crusade doesn't appear to have reached out to the state NAACP or any of its local chapters, Urban League chapters and other local and state civic organizations. “I am anxious to find out who is orchestrating this formation of this organization,” Bagby said. “I would expect them to reach out to those organizations, particularly Richmond Crusade for Voters.” Richmond Crusade members hope the VA Crusade will cease and desist any claims of affiliation with their group, but seemed willing to do what they saw as necessary to ensure their reputation and work continued without being compromised. “What I think is important for us is that as we go forward, we protect the legacy of the Crusade,” Robertson said. “We will take whatever measures we need to make sure that that happens.” ### 50 years ago, Tuckahoe reached the Little League World Series URL: https://www.richmonder.org/50-years-ago-tuckahoe-reached-the-little-league-world-series/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T20:45:04.000Z The kids from Tuckahoe gathered on the bleachers after practice one day and listened to their coaches. It was summer 1976, and they had just been selected to form a Little League all-star team. One of the team’s coaches held up a photo of a venue located more than 300 miles to the north: Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “Hey, guys,” the coach said, “this is where we’re going.” On that day, no one could’ve imagined the run that would lead the 14 baseball players on the 11-and-12-year-old Tuckahoe Nationals into the national spotlight. But it was about to become a reality. Now, 50 years after their magical World Series appearance, that squad from the West End of Henrico County is reminiscing about its journey. “The baseball people in the league, they felt like we had a really good team that year,” said Brian Smith, a pitcher and first baseman who batted third on the team. At the time, Tuckahoe was a baseball powerhouse and became home to “one of the most successful and winningest Little Leagues on the planet,” according to Timothy Thompson, author of [a book about the Tuckahoe Little League](https://www.richmonder.org/book-excerpt-the-year-tuckahoe-little-league-became-globally-famous/). The West End produced top-notch high school players, some of whom went on to play college and pro ball. Tuckahoe had already made its mark eight years earlier, in 1968, when it advanced to the Major Division championship game and fell to Japan 1-0\. Now the ’76 team was carrying the torch. They weren’t the only ones from the West End doing so. While the Nationals were winding through district, region and state rounds on their way to Williamsport with players like Smith and standout pitcher and catcher Bob Dement, the Tuckahoe Seniors — comprised of 13-, 14- and 15-year-olds — was making its way toward the Senior League World Series in Gary, Indiana. Two teams destined for the World Series, both from the neighborhoods that lived and breathed baseball. “We were just the latest iteration of the Tuckahoe Little League All-Stars,” said Connor McGehee, an outfielder on the Senior team in ’76 who would go on to a pro career. “There were so many great teams and standout players every year.” So for Major Division coaches to have a feeling their club was capable of greatness, that was saying something. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Tuckahoe.JPG) Players from the Tuckahoe Nationals celebrate following a 4-3 victory over Iowa during the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in August 1976\. (Courtesy of Brian Smith) They believed it so much that they took catchers to a local sporting goods store at the outset of the campaign and bought them new gear, a gamble of a move because the format was single elimination. Lose, and all that effort, and money, would only be for a matter of innings. Smith, now 62, has been pouring over clippings and memorabilia from Tuckahoe’s Major Division run, things his father put together decades ago. He’s been posting some of it [to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078064543178). “I’m not a Facebook guy,” he said, but someone convinced him to start posting about the World Series run. His timeline is filled with pictures and local articles, from district to state and regional championships. One details how Tuckahoe advanced to five World Series in its history. Another article recounts the team’s trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, for the Southern Regional tournament and includes a picture of each boy in the starting lineup: Dement, Smith, Jeff Foster, Sammy Burgess, Mike Bryant, Mike Thornton, Chris Tiller, Oscar Talley and Curtis Boyd. Their hats are pinstriped, with a capital T in cursive between two stars. The boys wear wide grins. The team’s manager, Eddie Blankenship, notes that the team is confident, playing with a loose but serious demeanor. When he speaks, he sounds like he knows something great lies ahead. “They really want to get to Williamsport,” he tells a reporter from Richmond. “That is every kid’s dream. … You set it as your goal from the beginning, and now for us, it’s a reality.” Tuckahoe began its trip at the World Series with a 4-3 win over Des Moines, Iowa. Dement — who a few years later would star at Douglas Freeman before pitching at UVA — struck out 15 (he never lost a game all summer), hit a home run and drove in Talley from second with a sixth-inning single, the game’s deciding run. Talley threw his arms high over his head and leaped for joy after crossing home plate. It was Tuckahoe’s 12th win of the season. The boys had reached the semifinal round, where the final two teams from the U.S. faced off. In Indiana, the Tuckahoe Senior squad had already won a first round game in the Senior World Series, then had fallen into the loser’s bracket of the double-elimination tourney after an 11-4 defeat against Hawaii. The team was led by Mark Meleski — the series MVP who would go on to play at UVA and in the minors before briefly coaching with the Richmond Braves — and Mike Gordon. “They were the studs,” McGehee said. “People all around Richmond knew their names.” McGehee rattled off a list of his teammates. Many of them went on to play baseball and football in college. Guys from both Tuckahoe teams also suited up for talented squads at J.R. Tucker and Douglas Freeman high schools. But in the summer of ’76, all they cared about was Little League. “There wasn’t a big discussion about it,” McGehee said when asked about the area’s baseball tradition. “It was just an assumed thing. You wanted to be like the other teams.” The Senior squad defeated Canada 11-5 but then was eliminated by eventual champion Taiwan, 7-1\. Tuckahoe had made history. Never before had two teams from the same Little League organization advanced to the Majors and Senior World Series in the same year. Tuckahoe held that distinction until last year, when teams from Irmo, South Carolina, accomplished the feat. “It was just fun to be able to go out and put on that uniform and represent Tuckahoe and have the people come out and watch us and admire what we did,” said McGehee, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and enjoyed a minor league career. In Williamsport, the Tuckahoe Nationals were set to face a team from Campbell, California, in the finals. The West End boys were playing with aluminum bats forged locally, at Richmond Metals Company on Broad Street. But the bats were stifled in the semifinals. California won 3-0 on its way to the championship game, where it lost to Japan. The team gathered after the game. “We can’t complain,” Foster told his teammates. Assistant coach Bud Hare embraced Smith, who had taken the loss despite giving up just three hits. Hare then summed things up this way: “They’ll get over it pretty quickly. They’ve had an outstanding season.” Gotten over it, yes. Forgotten it, no. Players from Tuckahoe have stayed in touch over the years or reconnected in recent times. They talk about the old days and catch up on the years. Life has thrown its curves. They can reminisce, too, about the neighborhoods they grew up in, baseball havens every one. “We didn’t play soccer and we didn’t play other sports. We played baseball,” Smith said. “And that makes it more special, too, when its your neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods, right? Like, it’s all about community.” Times have changed. Kids often play with travel baseball organizations in the summer now, leaving many Little League and American Legion squads handicapped. But for years, Little League teams from the Richmond area thrived each summer. “I believe the story had a lot to do with the culture of the West End of Richmond and that period of time,” Smith said. “That culture really produced a lot of very successful baseball that really dominated the state.” *This article has been updated to correct the team that Connor McGehee was on.* ### Goochland County ends usage of Flock license-plate readers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/goochland-county-ends-usage-of-flock-license-plate-readers/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T14:37:52.000Z Goochland County has become the first locality in the area to end the use of Flock's Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras, as the devices come under increased public scrutiny. County Sheriff Steven Creasey shared the news [in a social media post](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17b4b4M5ra/) on Thursday night. “This decision is not the result of any identified misuse of the system,” he wrote. “ALPR technology is a valuable investigative tool that helps law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, missing or endangered persons, wanted individuals, and vehicles connected to criminal activity. “But I also recognize residents' concerns about privacy, data access, and the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. Both public safety and individual liberties are important, and neither should be discounted. “My office will continue to monitor legal, technological, and policy developments related to ALPR systems.” The county said it had 11 of the devices, and ran [a transparency portal](https://transparency.flocksafety.com/goochland-county-va-so) with information on their use and policies. The cameras have been protested by residents in Richmond city, as well as Henrico and Chesterfield Counties. Henrico's contract expires on Nov. 14, [according to VPM](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-08-26/henrico-bos-flock-safety-alpr-ai-newby/), with some residents asking for the program to be discontinued. Police cite the ability to locate criminals more quickly than traditional methods, and in Richmond have touted its ability to solve high-profile crimes. [After anti-Flock protest, Richmond police chief defends use of license plate readers: ‘It works’Speakers argued the cameras are a dangerous step toward mass surveillance.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4eb28663-4892-4236-860e-fe41702eb5af.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8069-28b2a8bd-9227-4e22-9103-8470a2071f58.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-anti-flock-protest-richmond-police-chief-defends-use-of-license-plate-readers-it-works/) *This has been a breaking news update. Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### No longer a suprise story, Meadowbrook dominates in opener URL: https://www.richmonder.org/no-longer-a-suprise-story-meadowbrook-dominates-in-opener/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T10:17:39.000Z The resurgence of 2025 was great. It wasn’t enough, though. Sure, the Meadowbrook Monarchs are immensely proud of their 6-4 finish last fall and first winning season since 2013. Sure, they’re proud that their achievements brought luster to the school’s athletic program and truly energized their Eastern Chesterfield County community. That was then, though. This is now, and Coach Quinn Tobias’s guys want more. Their recent success has raised the competitive bar, you see, and they’re bound and determined to clear it. Friday night, they took an initial step in a positive direction with a 49-9 victory over Clover Hill on the Cavaliers’ home turf. After the Monarchs (1-0) converted three early turnovers into short-field touchdowns, the outcome was a fait accompli. “Last year, we took a lot of people by surprise,” said Tobias, for the past two seasons the defensive coordinator on the staff of Billy Rudd, who during the offseason assumed the coaching reins at Matoaca. “We have to focus on finishing this year. We faltered down the line (going 2-4 after a 4-0 start). “We made some mistakes, and some of those mistakes presented themselves today with some penalties and hiccups. We want to learn from then, so when we’re in a position late in the season to make plays and advance, we’ll be better prepared.” Trenton Bagby’s first-quarter interception set up the Monarchs’ first score, a 46-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Davin McDaniel to Josiah Brassfield. Jeison Rodriguez’s point-after put MBK up 7-0 at 7:18. The Monarchs’ swarming defense (a 3-4 basic set) forced a fumble (recovered by Michael Wesley) to end the Cavaliers’ next drive. Two plays later, Ricari Enoch-Bailey crashed in from two yards out, Rodriguez added his second of three PATs, and at 3:10 of the first the visitors led 14-0. Meadowbrook linebacker Adrian Cheatham recovered a fumble to end the next Clover Hill drive, and in short order Jayvion Oliver scored on a 16-yard run to put the Monarchs up 20-0 at 8:07 of the second quarter. “When they turned the ball over, we had to score,” McDaniel said. “That might not happen again, so we had to take advantage of it.” The Monarchs were nowhere near finished, of course. After their defense stopped Clover Hill (0-1) three-and-out, their offense began a five-play, 41-yard drive that culminated with Enoch-Bailey’s 1-yard TD run and Rodriguez’s point-after 2:27 before halftime. “They weren’t adjusting to any motion, so we continued to (use) motion and adjust to how they were (aligned) and kept hitting holes,” said McDaniel, who completed 4-of-11 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns in his first varsity start. “That got the job done. “We came out with a chip on our shoulder. We were excited (before the game), and that carried onto the field.” A subsequent defensive stop gave the Monarchs a first down on their 35 following Davis Nghiem’s 37-yard punt. On their first play from scrimmage, Oliver broke free up the home sideline for a 65-yard TD, which enabled MBK to take a 33-0 lead into halftime. Oliver scored again at 3:28 of the third quarter on a 3-yard blast up the middle. Enoch-Bailey’s points-after run increased Meadowbrook's lead to 41-0. Clover Hill answered quickly when Jalen Cowan sprinted 87 yards from scrimmage for a TD at 0:54 of the third and added three more points when Nghiem drilled a with-room-to-spare 42-yard field goal. An 18-yard McDaniel-to-Zion Thomas TD pass followed by Enoch-Bailey’s PAT 5:15 from the end concluded the scoring. “Our kids came out and executed,” Tobias said. “We’re very talented. We have confidence in our players. We stake our claim on stopping the run, we forced the ball in the air, and we forced turnovers.” The Monarchs registered 352 yards (194 rushing, 158 passing) of offense on 28 plays and limited Clover Hill to 162 (98 rushing, 64 passing) on 50 plays. “We’re a very aggressive team,” said Enoch-Bailey, a senior middle linebacker. “We blitz almost every play. The goal is to get to the ball. All the hard hits got us hyped up on the sideline. We were keeping each other in the game.” For 48 minutes, the Monarchs played with energy in abundance. As if on a mission, they competed with fire, intensity, unabashed exuberance, and joy. “Last year, we didn’t make the playoffs,” said Wesley, a junior linebacker. “This first game was a statement game because we plan to get to the playoffs.” ### Aug. 28 Newsletter: Greening Scott's Addition URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-28-newsletter-greening/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T10:00:32.000Z **Weather:** Will it rain? With a 40% chance, the answer is, "it might." High of 86. **On this date** in 1964, sixty people were arrested at Cary and Rowland streets in what the Times-Dispatch described as “one of the biggest vice raids in recent years.” Hundreds of bottles of whiskey were found in the home. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-37.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/coming-to-scotts-addition-bike-ped-paths-and-a-little-more-green/) ### Coming to Scott’s Addition: Bike-ped paths and a little more green For a decade, Scott’s Addition has been the closest thing to a concrete jungle Richmond has. Now planners are hoping a set of new projects could soften its edges. - A new bike and pedestrian path will ultimately be paved and connect with the Diamond District and the Pulse bus line. - Longtime residents are selling their land to a conservancy to create a small park. “We’re trying to catch up with infrastructure that is appropriate for the changing mixture of uses,” said Councilor Katherine Jordan. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/coming-to-scotts-addition-bike-ped-paths-and-a-little-more-green/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-40.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/amazon-demonstrates-drone-delivery-as-it-seeks-final-approvals-in-richmond-area/) ### Amazon shares details on drone delivery as it seeks final approvals in Richmond area The company is seeking the final approvals for the service and hopes to launch by the end of the year, with the ability to deliver packages in less than an hour. 📍 The delivery area will be approximately 7.5 miles from the company's facility next to Richmond Raceway. Prime members will pay $2.99 for drone deliveries on purchases of less than $50\. Delivered items have to weigh 5 pounds or less and fit inside of a large shoebox. [**Read more, and see if you're inside the delivery area, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/amazon-demonstrates-drone-delivery-as-it-seeks-final-approvals-in-richmond-area/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-38.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-groups-will-lobby-for-1-sales-tax-increase-as-school-districts-arent-allowed-to-themselves/) ### New groups will lobby for 1% sales tax increase, as school districts aren’t allowed to themselves Increasing the sales tax by 1% to fund school construction and maintenance will be a major issue on ballots across the state in November, as more than 20 localities have opted into a newly-authorized referendum. Richmond, Chesterfield and Powhatan will all have the increase on the ballot, but state laws prohibit the localities from lobbying for its passage with taxpayer money. New groups are stepping into that void, locally and statewide. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/new-groups-will-lobby-for-1-sales-tax-increase-as-school-districts-arent-allowed-to-themselves/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/sports-section-divider-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/tag/sports/) - [**Sophomore QB finds a groove in Manchester's season-opening win**](https://www.richmonder.org/sophomore-qb-finds-a-groove-in-manchesters-season-opening-win/) - The Lancers' defense shut out Monacan on opening night of the season. - [**At Benedictine, a new class prepares to chase a fourth straight football title**](https://www.richmonder.org/at-benedictine-a-new-class-prepares-to-chase-a-fourth-straight-football-title/) - Top players include QB Ralphie Puccinelli, a UR commit, and tight end Sam Faniel, who will play for Virginia Tech. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-39.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-regina-chaney-fights-for-fairness-in-housing/) ### Regina Chaney fights for fairness in housing For 42 years, Regina Chaney has lived and breathed housing advocacy in Virginia. When she retired from Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia last October, she was the organization's longest-tenured employee. Her goal through the decades remained the same: to provide information about legal options, housing rights and more to families in her community and the state. "If I could help somebody understand what their rights are, I'm gonna be there," she said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-regina-chaney-fights-for-fairness-in-housing/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Chesterfield postpones vote on using data center money to lower car tax rate**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-postpones-vote-on-using-data-center-money-to-lower-car-tax-rate/) - Attendees said the county didn’t give residents enough time to learn about the proposal and provide feedback before the board was scheduled to vote. - [**State begins demolition of Pocahontas complex downtown; under contract to sell 26-story Monroe tower**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/08/27/state-begins-demolition-of-pocahontas-complex-downtown-under-contract-to-sell-26-story-monroe-tower/) (Richmond BizSense) - The state is planning a replacement office tower at the corner of East Broad and North 14th streets. - [**Henrico residents decry county’s Flock Safety cameras**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-08-26/henrico-bos-flock-safety-alpr-ai-newby/) (VPM) - The county’s active contract with Flock Safety runs through Nov. 14. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0088.jpeg) Election season is underway in the 6th District after a school board candidate forum last night. The Richmonder and VPM will be co-hosting a debate on Sept. 17; look for details in Monday's newsletter. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Sophomore QB finds a groove in Manchester's season-opening win URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sophomore-qb-finds-a-groove-in-manchesters-season-opening-win/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T09:38:40.000Z Absolutely, there were nerves. After all, Jacory Moore-Carr is just a sophomore, virtually untested in live-game varsity action, who through diligence and athleticism had earned the opportunity to start at quarterback for the Manchester Lancers in their season opener Thursday at Monacan. A transfer from Thomas Dale, he’d had to learn Coach Jason Harrell’s system quickly, and if that weren’t enough, he was succeeding four-year starter Landen Abernethy, who took his talents to Old Dominion University. Was he unduly fazed, though? Hardly. “Big shoes to fill,” he said, “but I had to lead my team as a young quarterback and do what we had to do.” What Moore-Carr and Co. did on this warm, hazy, breezeless evening was avail themselves of three turnovers, amass 312 total yards (162 rushing and 150 passing), and defeat the gritty Chiefs 36-0. “We’re replacing a lot of guys, and these guys were itching to play,” Harrell said. “We’ve got to see what they can do. We made some mistakes, but we’ll them clean up. We’re just trying to get better each week.” Locked in and ready to rock from the opening kickoff, the Lancers scored twice in the first quarter and twice in the second, taking a 29-0 lead into the locker room. Their first score came five plays after Antwann Paige recovered a fumble on the Monacan 35, when Dior Barnes sprinted into the end zone untouched from four yards out. Moore-Carr, who’s 6-foot-1, 185, put his guys up 8-0 when he added the points-after on a deftly executed muddle-huddle play. After the Lancers’ Cam Chalkley-led defense stopped Monacan three-and-out, Moore-Carr engineered a quick drive that ended with Barnes’ 41-yard run in which he started left, cut back, then tightroped his way down the visitors’ sideline into the end zone. “O-line did great today,” Moore-Carr said. “The run game was really working. They (the Chiefs’ defense) were walking ‘em all down in the box, which made it easy for us to run the ball.” Sophomore place kicker Owen Jones delivered the extra point that put the Lancers up 15-0 at 4:22 of the first quarter. While the Lancers’ first two scores ended short drives, their third, a 26-yard run by Sinclair Turner, concluded a five-play, 84-yard drive highlighted by Tristan Bowers’ diving catch of a Moore-Carr laser that covered 36 yards. Preston Hewitt’s successful conversion put Manchester ahead 23-0 at 8:40 of the second quarter. “A sophomore quarterback…we needed to see what he could do,” Harrell said. “We put a couple of plays out there to see what he could do if we got into a bind.” Such as a third-and-21 from the Monacan 42 on the visitors’ ensuing series. Not to worry, though. The Lancers had a plan. Seems they always have a plan and the confidence to execute it. As the Chiefs’ undersized but relentless defenders did their best to wrest control, Moore-Carr delivered a screen pass to Barnes just across the line of scrimmage on the left side, and the 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior outraced the pursuit into the end zone for his third touchdown of the game. “It was a running back middle screen,” Moore-Carr said. “We’ve been working on that in practice. We’ve tried to perfect it. We trusted our guys to make a play. That’s what they did.” The Lancers’ final touchdown came in the third quarter when Paige ended a 10-play, 76-yard dive with a diving catch of a Moore-Carr spiral in the end zone despite tight coverage. Jones then drilled the extra point. Moore-Carr completed 4-of-10 passes for 136 yards. Barnes rushed 10 times for 74 yards. “They ran a 4-2-5 (defensive alignment),” Barnes said. “They put two (line)backers in the box. When they gave us the look we wanted, we made them pay.” Manchester (1-0) allowed Monacan (0-1) just 94 yards of offense, all on the ground. The Chiefs’ lone threat came in the fourth quarter when they reached the Lancers’ 12, but Manchester's defense stood steady, forced losses on consecutive plays, and regained possession when 5-foot-10, 310-pound senior tackle Shawmon Clark emerged from a scrum with a fumble, the visitors’ third takeaway. “They ran a completely different offensive formation than what we saw in their scrimmages,” said Chalkley, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior defensive end. “When they came out in a Wing-T formation, it was a surprise to us all. “A good team has to adjust on the fly. Things like that are going to happen, and the defense did a good job of adjusting. “Defense was definitely fired up. Going into the game, we expect to allow zero points. We had to execute. We had to really buckle down.” ### Amazon shares details on drone delivery as it seeks final approvals in Richmond area URL: https://www.richmonder.org/amazon-demonstrates-drone-delivery-as-it-seeks-final-approvals-in-richmond-area/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T09:25:27.000Z It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … the toilet paper I ordered on Amazon? Coming soon to the skies near you is Amazon Prime Air, the online retail giant’s drone delivery service. On Thursday, Amazon held a press event and community meet-and-greet at Richmond Raceway to discuss its plan to introduce drone delivery to Central Virginia. Launched in 2022, Prime Air currently serves 11 localities in America; Amazon plans to expand the program to 500 American cities and towns by the end of this year. Customers who use this program can expect to receive items by drone in as little as 30 minutes, with most orders arriving within an hour after checkout, Amazon says. If all goes according to plan, Prime Air will soon serve parts of Richmond, Henrico County and Hanover County. The company is currently seeking the needed federal and landlord approvals to launch the program locally. To be eligible for drone service, a property would have to be within a 7.5-mile radius of Amazon’s RIC4 fulfillment center, located just northwest of Richmond Raceway. Certain areas, such as properties located near Richmond International Airport, won’t be eligible for service. Check 📍 Use my current location instead Delivery zone shown is illustrative, based on a straight-line radius from the facility, and may not reflect Amazon's actual live service boundary, which can vary by weather, flight path restrictions and program rollout status. Address lookup provided by OpenStreetMap. Standing in front of a drone in Richmond Raceway’s third-floor Torque Club, Carmen Simboli, an Amazon aerospace integration specialist based out of Seattle, said it was possible that Richmond would be one of the 500 localities to come online by the end of the year. “We are looking to launch the site when we can,” he said. “We have to make sure all the regulations are in place and all the approvals are in place before we actually launch.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_4050.jpeg) Amazon Aerospace Integration Specialist Carmen Simboli (Rich Griset for The Richmonder) To be eligible for drone delivery, the item or items being sent will have to weigh 5 pounds or less and fit inside of a large shoebox. Amazon says that 60% of items that customers most frequently purchase fit this criterion. Prime members get free delivery for shipments that cost more than $50; there is a $2.99 charge for shipments below that threshold. Non-Prime members have to pay a $4.99 delivery fee. Amazon’s drones are authorized to fly up to 400 feet above ground level but will generally cruise at 205-250 feet while delivering packages. Simboli compared the sound of the drone taking off and landing to an electric leaf blower. “When it flies overhead, it’s almost imperceptible,” he said. “An analogy is an electric toothbrush held at arm’s length.” Asked about videos that show Amazon drones [dropping deliveries into pools](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=bl6YMLJCt%5Fs) and making other mistakes, Simboli said “the numbers of those incidents, those anomalies, if you will, are very small,” and that Amazon had learned from the errors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/prime-air-mk30-drone-takes-flight.jpg) A photo distributed by Amazon shows the drones in action. (Amazon) Amazon’s MK30 drone stands 5-and-a-half feet tall and 5-feet wide; an unladen drone weighs 78 pounds. The MK30 comes equipped with a triple-cell battery, six motors and six cameras. Simboli declined to discuss the cost of each drone or how expensive they are to operate, but said they were “highly autonomous,” and that a human remote pilot could take over control if necessary. Asked about privacy concerns, Simboli said the public shouldn’t worry. “With our drones, we do not live monitor anything, we don’t share any data that we collect. It is literally just for flight safety and delivery safety,” Simboli said. “We are not collecting or selling any information, nor are we viewing this live.” Drones are increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. In July, the Chesterfield County Police Department [added drones to its first response operations](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-now-using-drones-to-assist-emergency-response-emphasizes-privacy-measures-are-in-place/) to help assess emergency situations more quickly. As the skies see increased drone activity, should we worry about collisions? “There is no common solution, but we’re working to solve that,” Simboli said. “We are reaching out to first responder agencies. There is a \[drone\] traffic management system … we have to encourage others to join, because it gives a common operating picture.” *This article's headline has been changed since its initial posting. The interactive map included with this article was made with the use of artificial intelligence technology. The Richmonder does not allow its reporters and writers to use artificial intelligence in the crafting of the articles themselves.* ### Coming to Scott’s Addition: Bike-ped paths and a little more green URL: https://www.richmonder.org/coming-to-scotts-addition-bike-ped-paths-and-a-little-more-green/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T23:36:22.000Z On an August Thursday, the temperature at the intersection of Norfolk and Belleville streets on the northeastern edge of Scott’s Addition is already steamy by 9 a.m. Among the collection of formerly industrial buildings that huddle nearby, there is little shade — save that of a willow oak that Jeremy Hoffman said is “probably among the biggest trees remaining in the neighborhood.” “We were just 20 feet away, and it feels so much cooler right here,” said the climate scientist and president of the Greater Scott’s Addition Association. For the past decade, Scott’s Addition has been all about building as developers have scrambled to convert old warehouses into trendy lofts and throw up multistory structures with shops and restaurants on the first floor and hundreds of apartments clustered above. With that flood of construction has come a flood of people. From about 280 residents in 2010, the population more than tripled to 1,000 in 2017\. No formal estimate exists for 2026, but Hoffman said that with around 4,000 apartments now packed into the neighborhood, there could be as many as 7,500 residents within Scott’s Addition. Now, [while building continues apace](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/03/20/developers-hoffman-dibassociates-breaks-ground-on-massive-scotts-addition-apartment-project/), some of the focus is shifting away from bricks and sticks to trees, paths and parks as residents and the city try to make one of Richmond’s concrete jungles a more livable place. “We’re trying to catch up with infrastructure that is appropriate for the changing mixture of uses,” said Councilor Katherine Jordan, whose 2nd District includes Scott’s Addition. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/95283299-B0DA-4671-8D82-49CAAE197916_1_201_a.jpeg) Part of the proposed path for a Scott's Addition Greenway. Earlier this month, the Planning Commission approved a new shared use path that will offer bikers and pedestrians a safer, dedicated connection from the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge to the Pulse station at the Science Museum of Virginia. That path is expected to link to the Scott’s Addition Greenway, another planned corridor that will add greenery and a north-south bike-ped linkage along the neighborhood’s eastern edge. Some $18 million is also earmarked for streetscape improvements along West Clay Street. And, thanks to a generous gift from local business owners Christie and Kevin Barry, [the neighborhood is poised to get its first park](https://capitalregionland.org/2026/04/scotts-addition-greenspace-has-future-at-christies-garden/) — right at that hot corner of Norfolk and Belleville. “We didn’t have public space to begin with,” said Hoffman. “It’s always been an industrial neighborhood, so it’s always been an uphill climb for us to bring back nature into the neighborhood. But every time we’ve done it, people have really liked it.” ### **Connecting Scott’s Addition for bikers and pedestrians** Despite its thousands of residents and walkability, Scott’s Addition has been at times [a risky place for bikers and pedestrians to navigate](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/scotts-addition-residents-worry-about-unsafe-roads-sidewalks-as-area-grows/). Some blocks lacked sidewalks. Parked cars squeezed up to every intersection impeded visibility. And the long, straight roadways that made up its grid could encourage drivers to speed. “In the existing condition, the Scotts Addition neighborhood is a high density area but lacks pedestrian and bike infrastructure and has a limited number of exits from the neighborhood with heavy traffic volumes,” the City Council wrote in a 2023 resolution supporting the creation of the Scott’s Addition Greenway. To improve safety, the city’s Department of Public Works has been installing speed tables, bike lanes and more crosswalks and sidewalks. “A well-connected street grid does not eliminate the need for safe, comfortable infrastructure for people walking and biking,” said Jensen Gavulic, a spokesperson for the Richmond Department of Transportation, which is housed within DPW. “The department continues to prioritize improvements to the built environment that make it safer and easier for people to walk, bike and use fare-free public transit.” Two projects currently in the pipeline, however, could go a step further to add dedicated paths for walkers and bikers. The [Terminal Place shared use path](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8154924&GUID=82CA020D-7439-4941-86F6-065244057CC7&Options=&Search=) would run from West Broad Street up the road between the Cookie Factory Lofts and Children’s Museum of Richmond, skirt the edge of Midtown Green, cross Leigh Street and loop through the Movieland parking lot to the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge, where it will connect with the planned Scott’s Addition Greenway. The entire length will be paved, and construction is expected to start in summer 2028 and finish in fall 2029\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-61674ef8-0261-48fe-8f00-5e3ba3b521d6.png) “This is actually a particularly important path shown on the master plan, because the intention is to connect the future Diamond District to the Pulse station on Broad Street via a protected pedestrian path,” planner Ray Roakes told the Urban Design Committee during a review of the plans Aug. 13\. Significant sections of the path will be totally cut off from car traffic. Plans by engineering firm Kimley Horn call for part of the Terminal Place stretch to be shielded from the vehicle lanes by a landscaped 8-foot-wide buffer. At the Science Museum of Virginia parking lot, the route will follow [an existing “Proto Path”](https://smv.org/learn/blog/welcome-to-the-protopath/) planted with dozens of native trees and dotted with seating. Where the path crosses the busy West Leigh Street, engineers have proposed narrowing the road from four vehicle travel lanes to just one in each direction, with landscaped islands and rectangular rapid flashing beacons to alert drivers. “This is going to choke vehicles down so it requires them to travel at much slower speeds,” Kimley Horn engineer Alysa Baird told the UDC. “Because Leigh Street is kind of a sweeping curve here and people can kind of fly around the turn here.” Keith Van Inwegen, a member of the committee, said he thought the design had “taken about all the precautions you can take” for pedestrian and bike safety. “Now it’s just up to everybody to look both ways and pay attention.” Once across Leigh, the city hopes to acquire a permanent access easement across the Movieland parking lot to extend the path to the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge, where it would eventually connect to the Scott’s Addition Greenway. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/E34B538E-7DB6-4273-805A-063EE6BA3807_1_201_a.jpeg) Space along the existing "Proto Path," which is regularly 4 to 5 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Initially, Roakes said the city had hoped to provide a separate bridge across the railroad tracks for pedestrians but determined it was “cost-prohibitive.” “So the intent became to move them on the Arthur Ashe Bridge, which is why it’s so important to get that connection,” he said. With [the bridge also slated for a complete replacement](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/11/arthur-ashe-bridge-replacement-richmond), planners will have to fit together all of the sections of the corridor as each moves through the development process. Within Scott’s Addition proper — compared to the Greater Scott’s Addition area, which also includes the neighborhoods directly across Arthur Ashe — the Greenway that will stretch along the railroad tracks roughly parallel to the incomplete Patton Avenue is also beginning to take shape in stages. “Private sections have already been constructed from Summit Avenue to Mactavish Avenue and from Roseneath Road to Belleville Street,” said Gavulic in an email. “The section between Mactavish Avenue and Roseneath Road has been roughed in and is passable.” However, she said, “because the Greenway is being delivered through several different projects, there is not a single construction timeline for the entire corridor. Some portions have been completed, some are under design, and others are approaching construction.” Taken together, the two corridors are “extremely important projects,” said Hoffman. “People always want — we consistently hear this — safer places to walk, safer places to cycle, better infrastructure that separates people using active travel from people using car travel. … We’re going to see this really awesome transformation of how people get around when those projects are complete.” Amid a growing neighborhood of dense construction, Jordan said the goal is to provide balance. “We want people walking. We want people biking. We want people easily getting to the bus stop,” she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/41BF0290-5177-4B7E-9541-78BFDA172D0A_1_201_a.jpeg) The land formerly used by Christie’s Fine Gardening & Creative Landscapes has been donated to become a park. ### **Longtime residents leave behind a park** Part of that balance is also adding green spaces — softening the edges of the concrete jungle, as it were. Over the past few years, the Greater Scott’s Addition Association has experimented with small planted spaces in or around the neighborhood, including the Broad Street Pollinator Park where West Broad Street intersects with North Belmont Avenue, and the short-lived RoseMoore Pocket Park. A recent effort by nonprofit Groundwork RVA planted several dozen trees along Scott’s Addition streets. For Hoffman, one of the co-authors of [the groundbreaking 2019 study that found urban heat islands today roughly correspond to areas once redlined](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/08/24/climate/racism-redlining-cities-global-warming.html) by the federal government, that work makes a critical difference. The Proto Path, he pointed out, is regularly 4 to 5 degrees cooler than other parts of the area. “While we acknowledge these really big and grand projects that are really going to improve the livability and connectivity of our neighborhood, we also push for small-scale things that we can do on our own or with the assistance of local partners to really move that needle on the concrete jungle, to reduce the heat island effect as much as we can,” he said. Still, with land in Scott’s Addition commanding sky-high prices, pockets of earth to plant can be scarce. That’s why the decision by the Barrys to transfer their half-acre parcel on Norfolk Street to the Capital Region Land Conservancy for use as a public park was such a windfall for the city, said Hoffman. Previously operated as Christie’s Fine Gardening & Creative Landscapes, the Norfolk Street lot is home to both a building, a planted garden, an old steel feature and some empty space. Although it is valued at almost $1.8 million, the Barrys agreed to transfer it to the conservancy for just $600,000. “The Barrys understand the healing benefits that access to outdoor greenspaces have for us all and have devoted their work and now their land to providing these benefits to the community,” said Conservancy Executive Director Parker Agelasto this spring. “The addition of this half-acre, though small, is an important step in helping address the void of greenspace.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/D3BD7228-5689-41E4-8267-D7C4528EBECA.jpeg) Fundraising continues to allow the land conservancy to buy the space. Not all of the money has been secured: Throughout the summer, the conservancy has been vigorously fundraising to fill the remaining gap, with a final [Plant a Park Fest planned for Sept. 6](https://capitalregionland.org/2026/08/announcing-plant-a-park-fest-benefiting-future-public-park/). The Flying Squirrels devoted a portion of ticket sales this week to the project, and Hoffman said 26 businesses within Scott’s Addition had also made donations. “It really takes working with your neighbors and the people that are residents, as well as the new residents, because we've added so many new people to our neighborhood, to keep talking about what is the vision for what we want to see,” he said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### At Benedictine, a new class prepares to chase a fourth straight football title URL: https://www.richmonder.org/at-benedictine-a-new-class-prepares-to-chase-a-fourth-straight-football-title/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T22:41:44.000Z Benedictine football coach Kurt von Bargen could be excused for potentially dropping his expectation level heading into the 2026 season. After all, the Cadets lost 13 starters to graduation from last year’s 11-win team that ended the season with a shutout win over Trinity Episcopal and a third-straight VISAA Division I title. But that's not how he operates. “While we have a lot of new starters, it’s guys that have been in the program. So even though guys have increased roles, they have been in our program since the sixth grade,” he said. “Their role might increase, but they know the expectations because they’ve been with us for so long.” The Cadets’ road to a historic fourth-straight title begins Saturday with a home game against Blue Ridge and title-game rematch with Trinity Episcopal in Week 2\. When Benedictine takes the field on Saturday, it will be one of von Bargen’s “program players” that will undoubtedly draw a lot of eyes. Six-foot-four quarterback Ralphie Puccinelli, a University of Richmond commit, grew up in the Benedictine program, but transferred to Glen Allen for his junior year. He accounted for over 1,800 yards of total offense and 25 total touchdowns in an injury-shortened season before transferring back to the school he grew up attending. “He’s just so diverse. The biggest thing I’d say is he can play off schedule. It doesn’t have to be a perfect picture for him,” von Bargen said of his signal caller. “He can make things happen because he’s played so much football. I think the ability to improvise when needed but also play within the system at the same time has been one of his biggest strengths.” [After a wild offseason, it’s kickoff week for area high school football teamsThere is no doubt that the 2026 high school football offseason was one of the most consequential ever.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8590236a-7776-4a34-9edf-2d0a47f757bd.png)The RichmonderRob Witham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3495---Copy-57ac7126-2a69-49e2-9602-6a17408c9c6e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-wild-offseason-its-kickoff-week-for-area-high-school-football-teams/) “That’s where it gets fun,” Puccinelli said. “When the pocket collapses and you escape, it’s almost like a new look at the field, and you’ve got a different angle at it and there’s throws that you couldn’t have made in the pocket that you can now make.” Puccinelli has some returning firepower to help the transition back to Benedictine green. Starting running back Fred Dolan was an All-Metro selection after rushing for 1,015 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. It will also be hard to miss Sam Faniel, the 6-foot-5-inch tight end (committed to Virginia Tech) across the middle of the field. “I have always been a sucker for an offense that has a really dynamic pass-catching tight end. You get a big athletic tight end going down the seam – down the middle of the field – I just think it’s really hard to defend,” said Gary Hess, the play-by-play voice of 910 The Fan's high school football coverage. “If you find a way to defend it, it’s going to open up the guys you have on the outside. It is a dynamic that makes your offense next-level, and Sam has that.” Defensively, von Bargen has another star returning in interior lineman Sean Boyd, who racked up 12 sacks, 22 total tackles for loss and 65 total tackles in just nine games as a junior. Known for his bullrush and speed on the interior, Boyd has a goal of 20 sacks in his final year before heading to Princeton. In addition to putting heat on the quarterback, one of his biggest jobs will be to help ease a new set of starting linebackers into the fold. Boyd singled out sophomore Zavie Brandon and junior Andrew Beavers as two players he expects to grow into important roles. “I can speak for myself as taking a lot of pressure off of them – looking at formations helping them out – until they can really get into a flow and they’re all just playing without thinking,” Boyd said. What Benedictine’s coach is perhaps most excited about heading into Saturday’s contest is the play of his outside wide receivers and secondary – which are largely the same unit. “It’s a lot of really talented, really young kids. Some older as well, but it’s a really talented group that has taken on some leadership roles in the program,” von Bargen said. “It’s not just their production on each side of the ball, but it’s their mentality in practice. They’ve had really good offseasons and I expect big things from those guys.” The grouping mentioned includes seniors Malachi Mingo, Issac Cuevas, Eman Moore, and junior Joshua Moore as well as Dolan. While they’ve all been two-way players, the group is more experienced defensively, where the entire secondary returns from a season ago. Mingo recorded three interceptions and 43 tackles a year ago and expects the unit to allow the front seven to operate freely. “All of our DBs have confidence, and we know if we cover as best as we can, we can get our linebackers and the defensive line in to get to the quarterback. With them doing that, they’re able to rely on us whenever they need to,” he said. If Benedictine is to make a historic run to a fourth title, the Cadets will need to transform the offseason work into real-world results. For Dolan, the task might be tough, but it isn’t complicated. “We just really keep working harder and keep pushing to the next level,” the senior running back said. “We always say next week is our priority. Going into Week 1 is where we start, and we just get better from Week 1 up until Week 12, and then the playoffs, and hopefully come out with more wins and keep everything going.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Richmonder 25: Regina Chaney fights for fairness in housing URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-regina-chaney-fights-for-fairness-in-housing/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T20:11:39.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* For 42 years, Regina Chaney has lived and breathed housing advocacy in Virginia. When she [retired](https://homeofva.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025%20ANNUAL%20IMPACT%20REPORT.pdf) from Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia last October, she was the organization's longest-tenured employee. Her goal through the decades remained the same: to provide information about legal options, housing rights and more to families in her community and the state. At HOME of VA, Chaney educated hundreds of families on how to obtain and maintain homes and administered government aid programs. She continues to speak to groups when invited — especially about the housing discrimination rights she said many do not know they have. "I'll come to your organization, I'll come to your house, I'll come to your church, invite me to the barbecue, I'll talk about it then," Chaney said. "If I could help somebody understand what their rights are, I'm gonna be there." ### **From redlining to restitution** With good credit and a full-time job at a local bank, Chaney thought she had everything she needed to fix up her new home in Church Hill. She was unaware that banks in the area were unfairly working against her based on where she lived. Beginning in the 1930s it was common practice for banks to deny loans and other financial services to Black buyers and homeowners and single out Black neighborhoods as "high risk." This practice, known as redlining, was prevalent both in [Richmond](https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5150&context=etd) and [across the country](https://ncrc.org/redlining-score/). After being denied a loan a mere sixth of her home's value, Chaney learned about redlining tactics from a meeting at a local organization, Richmond United Neighborhoods, at the suggestion of her grandmother. "Everything that they talked about that happens when communities are redlined, and what people are told, had been told to me," Chaney said. "And I thought, 'Excuse me, but this is happening to me right now.'" In 1983, Richmond's First & Merchants Bank completed a merger with Virginia National to form Sovran, a precursor to Bank of America. Chaney and RUN used a recently enacted federal law, the [Community Reinvestment Act](https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/cra%5Fabout.htm), to intervene and ensure the merger resulted in funding for a [counseling program](https://www.hudexchange.info/faqs/3075/what-is-homeownership-counseling/) for first-time homebuyers. Theirs was the first such CRA challenge in the South. "We're talking about six or seven of us at the table, okay — who had no 'Dr.' behind our name — but that was the power of the CRA," Chaney said. "When I knew what was happening to me and I understood why I also thought, 'I know it's not just me, it's probably all kinds of people in my neighborhood that this is happening to.'" The ensuing program was initially funded for 18 months by a consortium of 13 financial institutions. Chaney applied to work for it, and has worked in housing ever since. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket, or purchase a table and invite your friends! ### **Chaney makes her mark with HOME** In 1987, Chaney moved the program to HOME, which has continued to operate free one-on-one counseling for buying homes and classes on credit recovery and other subjects. However, Chaney herself went on to have many other roles at HOME. She was the longtime director of its housing program, writing its first grant for down payment assistance on buying homes in 1991\. That program continues to this day. Chaney designed and administered programs on home repair and improvement, as well as foreclosure prevention, and spent many years in further counseling roles — helping individuals through defaults, equity conversions and renting. Chaney said she has directly counseled at least "hundreds of families" during her career. She is particularly fond of her work educating on fair housing, a category of law meant to protect from housing discrimination. "It wasn't until I really joined the Fair Housing team specifically that I realized that's where I should have been a long time ago," Chaney said. ### **On housing rights & today's challenges** Federal fair housing law is meant to include protection from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability, per the [Department of Justice](https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1). "Most people don't know what their fair housing rights are — they don't, and people with disabilities are the hardest hit," Chaney said. "Any organization like DOJ, even with HUD, any case when they look at fair housing complaints, disability complaints are always (at) the top." Many fair housing programs are federally supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Those initiatives face [proposed](https://www.nahb.org/blog/2026/04/2027-budget-release) cuts in this year's [budget](https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/budget%5Ffy2027.pdf). The racial inequality Chaney originally faced also [remains](https://nationalfairhousing.org/housing-discrimination-complaints-continue-to-trend-upward/) in housing today. Chaney said she has seen this herself in her area within the last ten years, describing open houses in which certain people are ignored by the listing agent. "That was done on purpose," Chaney said. "Even if the person who looked like me was more aggressive and asked questions, you're not gonna get a follow-up. Nobody's gonna call." Beyond fair housing rights, Chaney noted the finances of buying a home, or even renting one, are currently hard for anyone – young people in particular. The challenge is made clear through HOME's down payment assistance grants. Despite rising from $1,500 in the 1990s to $25,000 today, Chaney said they are often not enough for first-time homebuyers. "My children can't afford to buy in the community where they grew up, in Church Hill, because the average property is $480, $560, $600 (thousand)," Chaney said. "And Lord knows it's not the quality of housing that we're used to." Chaney hopes the organization she gave much of her life to can work with others in Richmond on affordable housing, the city's [zoning code refresh](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) and other issues. She has been involved with several of these other organizations as a member, offering guidance to state, national and local entities from the affordable housing-focused Better Housing Coalition to the city's Habitat for Humanity chapter. "That's the only way we can get things done really is to work as a team, a collective team," Chaney said. "But as far as the broader picture, it is just making sure that people understand their rights and know whether they're being treated unfairly or illegally — or just outright wrong." --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### New groups will lobby for 1% sales tax increase, as school districts aren’t allowed to themselves URL: https://www.richmonder.org/new-groups-will-lobby-for-1-sales-tax-increase-as-school-districts-arent-allowed-to-themselves/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T23:47:30.000Z Increasing the sales tax by 1% to fund school construction and maintenance will be a major issue on ballots across the state in November, as [more than 20 localities](https://virginiansformodernschools.org/#the-case:~:text=Where%20the%20conversation%20is%20happening.) have opted into a newly-authorized referendum. Richmond, Chesterfield and Powhatan will all have the increase on the ballot, but state laws prohibit the localities from lobbying for its passage with taxpayer money. New groups are stepping into that void, locally and statewide. Former Richmond City Council and School Board member Kristen Nye is helming [Virginians for Modern Schools](https://virginiansformodernschools.org/#the-case) alongside Lincoln Saunders, the city’s former chief administrative officer. Supporters say the measure would give local governments a new source of funding for aging school buildings without requiring them to rely entirely on property taxes or other local revenue. Nye’s organization aims to provide educational materials to the localities that opted into the referendum, she said. While the needs vary from place to place, the goal remains the same: get the word out and tell voters why it’s relevant to them. For Nye, this mission holds personal weight. She’s seen firsthand how schools can become run-down. “My perspective has been very Richmond-centric because that's where I served, that's where my kids went to school,” Nye said. “However, this is not a unique problem to Richmond. This is across the Commonwealth.” Nye called this referendum a “game-changer” for the counties or cities who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this kind of money. Virginia doesn’t guarantee money for school funding and maintenance, Nye said, so localities are tasked with making up the difference. “That is completely up to the locality to figure out how to pay for school building maintenance as well as school building replacement,” Nye said. “For some localities, it's just something that is incredibly hard to achieve.” Nye [told Richmond BizSense](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/08/27/former-city-officials-nye-saunders-co-found-school-sales-tax-referendum-focused-nonprofit/) that the group aims to raise $1 million to $1.5 million in this election cycle. ### **In Richmond, YES4RPS PAC will lobby locally** Richmond city leaders recently announced the launch of Yes4RPS, a political action committee dedicated to supporting the passage of the 1% sales tax referendum for Richmond Public Schools’ buildings. At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Danny Avula, who put his children through RPS, highlighted the state of buildings in RPS, saying that 10 of the division’s schools are over 100 years old, and 72% of schools are over 50 years old. That’s “because of disinvestment over time, where we have not kept up on the investment to keep our school buildings up and to be building new schools at the pace that we need to,” he said. Officials said the meals tax has so far been monumental in helping to build new schools, like Cardinal Elementary, River City Middle, Henry Marsh Elementary, and the recently opened Richmond High School for the Arts. But the referendum would help push those efforts even further, officials said. Richmond School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez said the additional tax would generate $47 million annually and support as much as $850 million in school construction through 2034\. Kevin O’Holleran, campaign manager for Yes4RPS, said that the group is still early in its stages and is focusing on “grassroots efforts” by gathering community members to help canvass and spread the word in attempts to convince voters to vote yes on the referendum. “That’s the most effective way to talk about the importance of this issue,” he said. The group is also aiming to host forums discussing to inform the public on what the 1% additional tax can do. O’Holleran said that RPS will also help in that effort, while not being directly associated with the campaign. It’s too early to know exactly how much money the group has brought in, O’Holleran said. The campaign’s financial reports will be public in September. ### **In Chesterfield, outreach centers on government-allowed information** Chesterfield County has unveiled billboards with its “1 for Schools” slogan lit across them. While the county can’t directly endorse the tax increase, officials say they are allowed to provide factual information on the initiative and what would result. This specific information blast is part of its [1 for Schools](https://www.chesterfield.gov/1forSchools) outreach initiative — which looks to raise awareness of the referendum. If passed, Chesterfield [is looking to accelerate projects](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-proposes-property-tax-cut-if-1-sales-tax-increase-for-schools-passes/) already on the county’s radar, [as well as maintain](https://www.richmonder.org/inflation-deferred-maintenance-contribute-to-850-million-in-needs-chesterfield-school-officials-say/) its 69 operational schools. These billboards are part of a larger partnership between the county and Lamar Advertising. In 2020, the firm made its billboards electronic, and Chesterfield struck an agreement that allows it to display PSAs for free. A county spokesperson said past campaigns have targeted mental health, weather updates and community events. Besides the billboards, Chesterfield is leaning on other in-house outreach to spread the word. This has included social media, blogs, podcasts, community meetings, flyers and a press conference. “Our goal is to provide information as wide as possible so when people go to the polls, they will know what they are voting for,” a county spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. “This is a fast-moving campaign, and we are still evaluating other ways to get the information out.” Nye expects more localities will follow suit next year — many of them likely in Northern Virginia, where the City of Fairfax is currently the only participant. As for Virginians for Modern Schools, Nye said it’ll stick around as long as it’s needed. The group was [**first reported by Axios**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/21/virginia-school-sales-tax-referendum-push-city-hall). “It’s been really interesting and kind of unique to see so many stakeholders — from the business community to government to advocacy organizations — all coming together on this one common issue, and I love that,” she said. “I'm really excited to be doing this work, and I'm really excited to be working with Richmond and Chesterfield and all of the other localities to just help voters understand what they're voting on.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Chesterfield postpones vote on using data center money to lower car tax rate URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-postpones-vote-on-using-data-center-money-to-lower-car-tax-rate/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T15:46:26.000Z The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors unanimously deferred voting on a proposal to use tax revenue from data centers to [lower the county’s car tax rate](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-proposes-using-data-center-revenue-to-lower-car-taxes/) during its Wednesday evening meeting. The board moved the vote to its Sept. 23 meeting at roughly 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. The ordinance was posted with the rest of the meeting’s agenda in mid-August, but the county didn’t [issue a press release](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/7508) or post about the proposal [on social media](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgRXNbIO84/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) until Tuesday afternoon. During the proposal’s public comment period, attendees said the county didn’t give residents enough time to learn about the proposal and provide feedback before the board was scheduled to vote. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-centers_Chesterfield-BoC_meeting_8.27-6.JPG) Board Chair Mark Miller addresses attendees at Wednesday's meeting. “Announcing an agenda item the day before and burying it — we’re looking at almost five hours — into a meeting is not a way to meaningfully engage with your community,” said Katherine McMahon, a member of the coalition Data Center Defiance. Dale Supervisor LeQuan Hylton was the first to suggest postponing the vote, saying that if the board voted that night, “we get ahead of the people.” “I don’t think we’re ready to make a decision about this this evening,” Midlothian Supervisor and Board Chair Mark Miller said before moving to postpone the vote. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-centers_Chesterfield-BoC_meeting_8.27-9.JPG) Deputy County Administrator for Community Development Jesse Smith presents an update on data center development. The county said the decision would give residents a direct financial benefit from the increasingly unpopular facilities. The current car tax rate in the county is $3.25 for every $100 of assessed value. According to a county press release, the data center dollars could reduce it to as low as $1.79 following the full build-out of Google’s three planned campuses. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-centers_Chesterfield-BoC_meeting_8.27-22.JPG) The decision would impact existing data centers – the county has already indicated that it will not permit any new data center development. If approved, the ordinance would kick in Jan. 1, 2027 and would apply to all cars, trucks and motorcycles, regardless of value. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Aug. 26 Newsletter: Mold at Obama Elementary URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-26-newsletter-mold-at-obama-elementary/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T10:00:18.000Z **Weather:** The heat returns with a high of 89. **On this date** in 2002, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover and Richmond all institute mandatory water restrictions amid a worsening three-year drought. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0129-0205-021225-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-33.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/im-frustrated-parents-confront-kamras-over-mold-at-barack-obama-elementary/) ### The latest on Obama Elementary The Richmonder first reported on Monday that mold [**was discovered on computers and music equipment**](https://www.richmonder.org/mold-found-on-laptops-music-equipment-at-barack-obama-elementary-as-school-prepares-to-reopen/) at the Northside school. That led to a pause in efforts to reopen the school to teachers and students. - Superintendent Jason Kamras [**offered to prepare Clark Springs school**](https://www.richmonder.org/im-frustrated-parents-confront-kamras-over-mold-at-barack-obama-elementary/) at a Monday town hall, but after feedback decided to wait for Obama to reopen. - It appears next Wednesday is the earliest date that students will return to the building. - Beginning tomorrow, programming will be available for students at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. The outbreak happens as the district is lobbying for voters to approve a 1% increase to the sales tax to fund school improvements this November. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/im-frustrated-parents-confront-kamras-over-mold-at-barack-obama-elementary/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2574--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-proposes-using-data-center-revenue-to-lower-car-taxes/) ### Chesterfield proposes using data center revenue to lower car taxes The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors votes tonight on a proposal to use tax money collected from data centers to reduce the car tax rate, a move the county says would give residents a direct financial benefit from the increasingly unpopular facilities. 🏡 Neighboring Henrico County has earmarked its data center taxes for affordable housing. Richmond doesn’t have data centers inside city limits. Chesterfield said that if the proposal is approved, the county would have the lowest car tax rate of any major locality in Virginia. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-proposes-using-data-center-revenue-to-lower-car-taxes/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-34.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-airport-will-connect-rental-car-center-to-terminal/) ### Richmond airport will connect Rental Car Center to terminal The construction project, which was estimated last year at $25 milllion, will also build a small park with room for a food truck near the rental car area. Rental car agencies will relocate their kiosks from their current area in the center of the main building to the area next to the rental car garage. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-airport-will-connect-rental-car-center-to-terminal/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-35.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/virginia-union-students-reenact-1960-lunch-counter-protest-in-new-docudrama/) ### Virginia Union students reenact 1960 lunch counter protest in new docudrama “Richmond 34: The Silent Victory” recreates a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement. On February 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested during a peaceful sit-in at the segregated "whites-only" lunch counter inside Thalhimers department store. The film re-imagines the scenes using current VUU students. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/virginia-union-students-reenact-1960-lunch-counter-protest-in-new-docudrama/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-36.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shawntee-wynn-stands-by-victims-of-domestic-violence/) ### Shawntee Wynn stands by victims of domestic violence For 18 years, Wynn supported victims in her role with the YWCA. After being hired as a counselor, she became a director and then a senior director, in charge of her own team and helping craft the organization’s programs. Sometimes, she helped women through grueling moments and never heard from them again. Other times, she developed long-term relationships with those she served. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shawntee-wynn-stands-by-victims-of-domestic-violence/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/)****, or buy a table and invite your friends!** --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/260514_136_aj_ar900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-shines-the-light--and-leads-the-way--on-the-national-challenge-of-gambling-addiction?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU researcher Carolyn Hawley shines the light – and leads the way – on the national challenge of gambling addiction** Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions and director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, helped create one of the nation’s first comprehensive systems for treatment, recovery and prevention of gambling addiction. [**Read more**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-shines-the-light--and-leads-the-way--on-the-national-challenge-of-gambling-addiction?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) about how Carolyn Hawley is creating a lifeline for countless people grappling with gambling addiction – and establishing a framework that has allowed Virginia to emerge as a national model for gambling health infrastructure. --- ### In other news - [**Amtrak service to D.C. will stop in Alexandria for 9 days in October**](https://www.richmonder.org/amtrak-service-to-d-c-will-stop-in-alexandria-for-9-days-in-october/) - Trains running north from Richmond will stop to allow track replacement work at the First Street Tunnel near Union Station. - [**Majority votes to reverse controversial Chimbo Playground pétanque project**](https://www.chlookout.com/p/majority-votes-to-reverse-controversial-chimbo-playground-pe-tanque-project) (Church Hill Lookout) - DPR “will remove the new pétanque courts and engage an on-call design firm to work with ... the community on a site-wide planning effort.” - [**Four years after Dobbs, Richmond’s abortion funds are running shor**t](https://rvamag.com/community/four-years-after-dobbs-richmonds-abortion-funds-are-running-short.html) (RVA Mag) - "Financial support has declined while demand remains high. Public attention has shifted elsewhere.” - [**Several people injured after crash at GRTC’s Downtown Transfer Station in Richmond**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/grtc-downtown-transfer-station-incident-aug-25/) (8News) - A GRTC bus at the Downtown Transfer Station skipped over a median, collided into a covered bench, and then collided into a second bus. --- ### The editor's desk Axios's decision to leave Little Caesars out of [**its pizza bracket**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/24/richmond-pizza-bracket-best-local-restaurants-voting) is personal. Hot and Ready got me through college. (But the correct answer is Zorch. Or maybe Pizza Bones.) *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### The Richmonder 25: Shawntee Wynn stands by victims of domestic violence URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shawntee-wynn-stands-by-victims-of-domestic-violence/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T20:47:30.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Shawntee Wynn met countless times with survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout her 18 years with the Young Women’s Christian Association, but she never forgot her first case. The woman lying in the hospital bed had been physically and sexually assaulted. She was homeless and virtually alone in the world. Wynn walked into that hospital room nearly 20 years ago not knowing what she’d find. She found heartbreak — a woman facing perhaps the most challenging moments of her life. Wynn, a young counselor not far removed from her postgraduate studies at VCU, was overwhelmed by the challenge in front of her that day. She paused. Collected herself and took a deep breath to consider the moment. Then, like a light switching on, she went to work. **\*\*\*\*\*** **That work** became her life. Wynn was in her 20s when she first volunteered at the YWCA. which provides services for needy women, children and families throughout the Greater Richmond area. Less than five years after being hired as a counselor, she became a director and then a senior director, in charge of her own team and helping craft the organization’s programs. Sometimes she sat overnight at an area hospital with victims of violence, then went straight to work for a long shift. Other times she helped suicidal individuals who had called the organization’s hotline, and convinced them to seek help. She has secured funding for marginalized women, pushed for long-term housing and served as an advocate for people dealing with trauma, who perhaps wouldn’t have had one otherwise. After briefly pursuing a career in physical therapy, a passion since childhood, Wynn began making contacts in the counseling world. They led to the social services office on North 5th Street in Richmond. “It felt like home,” Wynn recalled in a recent interview. She thought back to her volunteer days. “I said, ‘I’m just going to go learn more and see where it takes me.’ I didn’t know it would lead to a job. It was just my meant-to-be path.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket, or purchase a table and invite your friends! **\*\*\*\*\*** **Her path** led to women in crisis. Sometimes, she helped them through grueling moments and never heard from them again. Other times, she developed long-term relationships with those she served. “We’ve seen people start careers and do really well,” Wynn said, “We’ve seen people come back because the cycle \[of abuse\] has continued, but we always continue to say, ‘OK, you’re back here and we can help.’ And we know with the cycle of domestic violence, it takes a person on average seven times to leave an abusive situation. And then we know that survivors of sexual assault, it’s such a traumatic experience that the stages \[they go through\], it’s a process. So just being patient around that and understanding — that’s always important when it comes to helping people.” One of the highlights of her career is a project called The Heights, a planned complex in Henrico County of 19 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments billed by the YWCA as “a first-of-its-kind model community in the Commonwealth of Virginia” for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. It’s a place, Wynn said, that will offer single women and families privacy and stable housing, where they can have access on site to counseling, legal advocacy and case management. For years, Wynn pushed the idea of additional housing beyond the YWCA’s emergency shelter. Now, her dream is becoming reality. “Back in the day, we had one house on Chamberlayne Avenue on the edge of Chesterfield,” Wynn said. “And so you’re talking sharing bedrooms and families in one room. And the chaos of that — you don’t want to pack people in that kind of space with a lot of trauma. You do the best you can, and we knew that then. But we realized we needed something different.” One goal of the community is to provide longer-term housing. “What you learn is people need more time,” Wynn said. “If all my documents have been destroyed, if I’ve got to figure out childcare, I’m not gonna do those things in 30 days. Not going to happen. So being able to support people for longer periods, whether that’s 90 days, six months, a little bit longer.” 📖 [****Read the rest of The Richmonder 25 stories here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **\*\*\*\*\*** **Julie Samitt sat in her office** at the YWCA, and she was frustrated. She wasn’t happy with some of the duties the organization was placing on its clinicians. Samitt, who occupied several roles at the YWCA, including clinician alongside and then under Wynn as part of a roughly 15-year career there, needed someone to talk with. Wynn walked in and sat down beside her. “When I’m upset, that’s not an easy place to be — beside me,” said Samitt, who now is clinical director at CEDAR, a firm she co-founded that helps individuals receive anxiety and eating disorder treatment. “With her calm and humor, it just got me to the other side of it, where it helped me realize that \[issue\] was something I had to accept.” For Samitt, that interaction typifies Wynn’s ability to empathize with others. “She could just get on anybody’s level and put her full self into it. … The ability to connect and to care, so much so that in that moment she set aside whatever she was doing to sit down with me. You know, that was not on her agenda for the day,” Samitt said. Another of Wynn’s former colleagues, Dershawn Jefferson, describes Wynn the same way. She recalled times Wynn offered support at work and help her provide for clients. “She’s just remarkable as a human,” Jefferson said. “Shawntee — and I say this to my mom and friends of mine — she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life. Really pure and authentic.” **\*\*\*\*\*** **The cases** — from women who have been physically and sexually assaulted, individuals who are suicidal or seeking to leave an abusive relationship — often arrive to the YWCA through its 24-hour hotline, which serves the Greater Richmond area. The stories often are dark, full of desperation and despair. And they may signal just the beginning of a long process, not only for those seeking help, but for social workers like Wynn, who after becoming a senior director with a pile of duties still managed to keep a list of clients through the years. Clinicians are tasked with finding immediate solutions for those in need while dealing with their own emotions. The job is demanding, and it can take its toll. “It’s a privilege and it’s a lot,” Jefferson, a clinician who worked at the YWCA from 2012 until this year, said. “Some of us have had our own traumas while dealing with people who have had their own traumas. There’s a lot of talk now about work-life balance. It’s very difficult to do in crisis work when you’re prioritizing clients.” Wynn, who is a victim of childhood sexual abuse, always made sure her team members took time out for themselves. At one point early in her career, she sought advice from a colleague. “I told her, ‘My nerves are shot all the time,’” Wynn said. The colleague provided advice Wynn carries to this day. “She said, ‘You know what helps me? If I get called \[to a case\], I take it as it’s meant for me to be there,’” Wynn recalled. “That was so powerful for me.” Then, while telling that story, Wynn paused and nodded. “It’s meant for me to be here,” she added. ☎️ If you are seeking help as a victim of domestic and sexual abuse, reach the YWCA of Richmond through its confidential hotline by calling or texting (804) 612-6126\. If you are thinking about suicide or need emotional support, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988\. **\*\*\*\*\*** **Her work** at the YWCA is finished. Wynn recently left the organization — a decision she called “difficult but necessary” — and is unsure what’s next in her career. But she left her mark on the YWCA, her clients and colleagues. “She has such an extraordinary gift for not only nurturing but leading people,” Samitt said. “She could just get on anyone’s level. … I’ve just seen her as a model and a beacon of hope.” Wynn never had all the answers for her clients. She couldn’t magically transform their lives. But she did have the ability to help in the moment, she said. And in the moment, she gave all she had. Like when the homeless woman in the hospital — the one who represented Wynn’s first case — needed someone by her side. *I’m here, I’m able to support,* Wynn told herself as she walked into that room. The woman was in so much pain she could barely speak. Wynn offered soothing words. She wiped tears from the woman’s eyes. She developed a plan to secure help. Over a span of weeks, Wynn watched as the woman attended group therapy sessions. She was beginning to heal physically; the emotional recovery would take much longer. Wynn connected her with resources for the challenging months to come. And then, as quickly as she’d arrived in Wynn’s life, the woman was gone. “I always wondered what happened to her,” Wynn said. “But I felt good about being the person who was there.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Chesterfield proposes using data center revenue to lower car taxes URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-proposes-using-data-center-revenue-to-lower-car-taxes/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T15:28:28.000Z The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors [will vote Wednesday](https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2029/files/attachment/16505) on a proposal to use tax money collected from data centers to reduce the car tax rate, a move the county says would give residents a direct financial benefit from the facilities. The current car tax rate in the county is $3.25 for every $100 of assessed value. [According to a county press release](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/7508), the data center dollars could reduce it to as low as $1.79 following the full build-out of Google’s three planned campuses. The decision would impact existing data centers – the county has already indicated that it will not permit any new data center development. [Chesterfield Board indicates it won’t approve any more data centers in the county“I don’t want any more. We have enough.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-85b511e6-7378-48ff-b0f9-1526dfd0bf71.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2574-2faccd45-0fed-49ec-9a1a-a1e18e92ac3f.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-indicates-it-wont-approve-any-more-data-centers-in-the-county/) Wednesday’s vote [will come after a public hearing](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/7508) addressing concerns surrounding data centers during the board’s evening session. If approved, the ordinance would kick in Jan. 1, 2027 and would apply to all cars, trucks and motorcycles, regardless of value. Currently, Chesterfield’s tax rate on data centers is 24 cents per $100 of assessed value. For comparison, [Henrico’s was raised](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henrico-supervisors-vote-unanimously-to-require-individual-approval-of-future-hyperscale-data-center-proposals/) from 40 cents to $2.60 per $100 in an effort to slow down the facilities’ development. Henrico has since shuffled this money into a [fund buoying affordable housing](https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/data-centers-affordable-housing-henrico-county/). Richmond doesn’t have data centers inside city limits. [Why is Richmond’s car tax so much higher than the counties’?There are four main reasons.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d6ae1936-79f2-4298-a1fb-7986bfb024ff.png)The RichmonderDavid M. Poole![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-3-ae632f5c-62b4-4c36-86e2-8c7e96e5f8cd.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/why-is-richmonds-car-tax-so-much-higher-than-the-counties/) Chesterfield’s attractive-to-business rate has been guaranteed for the [three Google campuses](https://www.richmonder.org/google-announces-9-billion-investment-in-virginia-including-a-chesterfield-data-center/#:~:text=Neighboring%20Henrico%20recently,raise%20the%20rate.). These facilities, known as hyperscale data centers, are enormous warehouses filled with thousands of computer servers that store data and power cloud computing and AI services. The associated environmental costs have been a lightning rod though, as public opinion has shifted [against data center development](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/). [Google’s Chesterfield data centers arrive amid shifting opinions on the facilities“The current board does not have an appetite for any more data centers.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-08471f3a-daab-4325-a78c-f89ebdb4027f.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_1877-1-30b95d0a-b01a-45d6-a540-1aba8b556675.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/) Here’s how other large localities' car tax rates compare, according to a Chesterfield press release: - Arlington: $5 - Chesapeake: $4.08 - Fairfax: $4.57 - Henrico: $3.35 - Loudoun: $3.09 - Norfolk: $4.33 - Prince William: $3.50 - Richmond: $3.70 - Virginia Beach: $4 *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated to correct Henrico's previous tax rate.* ### Virginia Union students reenact 1960 lunch counter protest in new docudrama URL: https://www.richmonder.org/virginia-union-students-reenact-1960-lunch-counter-protest-in-new-docudrama/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T20:16:24.000Z This Sunday, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture will screen a new docudrama that aims to preserve the memory of one of Richmond's most important Civil Rights Era moments. “Richmond 34: The Silent Victory” will screen at the Museum of History and Culture. It was written and directed by Linnard “LK” Harris, Sr. On February 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested during a peaceful sit-in at the segregated "whites-only" lunch counter inside Thalhimers department store. In all, around 200 students marched from campus to Broad Street to challenge discriminatory business practices. The U.S. Supreme Court later overturned their convictions, paving the way for local integration. Harris said he consulted with living members of the Richmond 34 during production. A large part of the film re-imagines the scenes through actors Harris and his production team auditioned over the last year, with sessions taking place in Virginia Union University's Writing Center last fall. A sneak preview was presented at the Black History Museum in July. Sunday's screening is [sold out](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/richmond-34-the-silent-victory-grand-premiere-tickets-1991740898644), but organizers hope to offer more showings around town in the future. The film offers a unique look at how the students trained for the protect. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited VUU’s campus in January 1960, emphasizing the power of non-violent resistance and the importance of training for potentially violent confrontations “People can’t Google those training scenes,” Harris said. He admitted that it was “a tall task” to replicate how those students trained, the march down Broad Street, and the actual sit-in, which included the student actors slapping and kicking each other and throwing each other down. “They had to train on how not to react,” Harris said. As executive producer and writer of the film, Harris has blended interviews with both historians and several members of the Richmond 34, including Elizabeth Johnson Rice, who told Harris, “If we had not gotten arrested, things might not have changed.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/linnard_harris.jpg) Linnard “LK” Harris, Sr. To replicate the dramatic scenes, Harris supplemented the film with artificial intelligence. “At certain points on the march down Broad, over 200 people protested. We only had 20 to 30 people, so A.I. was necessary to understand the large turnout,” he said. Harris noted that one of the audience members at the Black History Museum screening last month was emotionally impacted by the A.I. crowd scenes. The sit-in on February 22, 1960, was significant not just for Virginia Union and Richmond, but for the country as well. Dr. Raymond P. Hylton, Distinguished Professor of History at VUU and co-author of "The Richmond 34 and the Civil Rights Movement" (along with Dr. Kimberly A. Matthews) notes its significance because it took place in the former capital of the Confederacy, a place filled with monuments to the Lost Cause. “It also marked the first mass arrest of the sit-in movement and was certainly one of the key events that eventually led to dismantling legalized racial segregation, not only in Virginia, but on the national level,” he said. Indeed, the Richmond 34 took their case all the way to the Supreme Court and won in 1963\. However, their arrest records were not expunged until 2019, 59 years later. Harris noted that one member of the Richmond 34 told him she “lost a lot,” along with her family. Her father in particular was hurt by her arrest. “He owned a business and lost 90% of his clientele.” Hylton said the story remains relevant today: “The Richmond 34 event illustrates that liberties and rights are never a given. Sometimes they need to be insisted upon and fought for. The 34 students had no guarantee that their protest would have the effect that it had, or that it would necessarily result in triumph. Their story brings home the fact that courage is often necessary in order to achieve the freedom and justice that all deserve.” ### Richmond airport will connect Rental Car Center to terminal URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-airport-will-connect-rental-car-center-to-terminal/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T20:07:50.000Z Richmond International Airport has opened bidding to connect the facility's Rental Car Center to the main terminal building. The construction project, which was estimated last year at $25 milllion, will also build a small park with room for a food truck near the rental car area. Rental car agencies will relocate their kiosks from their current area in the center of the main building to the area next to the rental car garage. A request for proposals issued by the airport touted the benefits of the move, saying it would provide "more intuitive access" for people renting cars. "At the radial center point of the connector will be an outdoor pocket park with new hardscape and softscape, seating, interactive displays, as well as accommodations for a future food truck," it read. The airport also recently unveiled its first public art, a [sculpture of hummingbirds](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/11/richmond-airport-unveils-giant-hummingbird-sculpture) located between the two daily parking garages. It was made by national artist Matthew Mazzotta, who created a famous [flamingo sculpture](https://www.matthewmazzotta.com/home-tampa) in the Tampa airport. [Richmond’s airport wants to move from two security checkpoints to one. Here’s what it will look likeFunding must be secured, and construction would be estimated to take two years.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-0cfccb62-a3e5-463b-829f-c5cd5506fed2.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Queuing-47f25bdc-63ed-40f6-abb8-45e2e0668950.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-airport-wants-to-move-from-two-security-checkpoints-to-one-heres-what-it-will-look-like/) [Richmond officials are courting a nonstop flight to Europe. It won’t be cheap.“We are losing projects because of a lack of direct flights.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ddf86b7a-b9c7-45f7-b62e-1761a81a4535.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0805--2--1-af7de336-4a13-482a-ac8f-4e2687905618.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-are-courting-a-nonstop-flight-to-europe-it-wont-be-cheap/) *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### ‘I’m frustrated’: Parents confront Kamras over mold at Barack Obama Elementary URL: https://www.richmonder.org/im-frustrated-parents-confront-kamras-over-mold-at-barack-obama-elementary/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:16:36.000Z In front of a group of nearly 100 attendees, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented parents with two options Monday evening – pausing school for students until mold remediation is complete at Barack Obama Elementary School or temporarily moving students into Clark Springs Elementary School. “I am not pushing one way or the other,” he said. “I truly, authentically want to hear from you all about the direction you feel most comfortable with, and then I will push to make that happen.” But before anyone could come to a decision, parents immediately voiced their frustration and concerns with Kamras over the mold and rodents at the Northside school and questioned whether the administration and contractors were truly doing everything to get students through school doors soon. “You say we’re doing everything that we can. No, you’re mandating it. You’re doing everything you can within minimal effort to get the good numbers to get the doors open,” said Desarae Wisnoski, a mother of a student at the elementary school, sharply speaking to Kamras. “I’m frustrated, as a parent, as a member of this community.” Ultimately, Kamras said the school will not immediately move to Clark Springs, while officials continue to monitor the situation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/DSC05655.JPG) Superintendent Jason Kamras addresses parents at the town hall forum. The town hall was scheduled last minute Monday afternoon after parents, staff and school leaders discovered surface mold on laptops and music equipment in the auditorium located on the second floor of the building. School officials initially said that air quality test results revealed that mold levels were only high in the art room which is in the building’s basement. [Barack Obama Elementary will close indefinitely after mold is found in art room and on computersThe school’s reopening is uncertain.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-efd4e6dc-46eb-482d-9be2-ba79b5b831fa.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-11.21.54---AM-69e5a239-1c42-46e4-a0ef-6e85e6617228.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/mold-found-on-laptops-music-equipment-at-barack-obama-elementary-as-school-prepares-to-reopen/) The discovery led to officials announcing that the school would be closed, targeting Monday as the open date. That target date is now likely going to be next Wednesday, as testing at the school would be conducted on Saturday after a week of remediation. If results are negative and parents wanted to stay at Barack Obama Elementary, teachers would use Monday and Tuesday to set up classrooms. Patrick Herrel, chief operating officer for the division, told parents that the increased amount of rain this past summer helped in making the over 100-year-old building more humid, in addition to the faulty HVAC system, leading to mold growth. The building currently has 10 dehumidifiers operating in the school. But Clark Springs isn’t in a great position either. It has been used as a holding space for students in times of emergencies, like when William Fox Elementary students temporarily moved into the school following Fox Elementary’s fire in 2022\. But the school, located about 3 miles away from Barack Obama Elementary in Randolph, has its own HVAC issues, and Kamras said there hasn’t been enough money in the budget to fix any of its issues, along with all issues at other schools. [Citing $4 million in needed repairs, Kamras recommends keeping Clark Springs closed for now. The School Board opposes that idea.“I hope we don’t have this conversation again in November or December and the building is just sitting there.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-bdae7327-24f0-4d2d-8382-fd2ce6ddebc7.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6350--1--d61c44e4-bd66-4bae-bc28-d01147c93a87.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/citing-4-million-in-needed-repairs-kamras-recommends-keeping-clark-springs-closed-for-now-the-school-board-opposes-that-idea/) Moving there would cost more money and be strenuous for teachers to set up classrooms just to move back to Barack Obama two weeks later, Kamras said. In an attempt to provide context, Kamras told the crowd that RPS usually allocates $2.5 million of its approximately $550 million budget annually for school maintenance repairs. Replacing a HVAC system could cost $1.5 million, leaving little behind for other repairs. This year, the division is receiving $10 million for school upgrades from the city budget, but future maintenance funding will be lowered as a result. “So we are forced to make these very, very tough trade-off decisions,” he said. “I don’t say that in any way to share responsibility, I just want you to know the reality.” [Richmond schools get additional money for repairs in new budget, but it will be borrowed from future yearsThe fund, which was $2.5 million last year, is proposed to be $9.3 million this year.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2ee5081e-1a08-41e2-99f4-07a49e237a4b.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-cf9d53dc-5252-4b3e-b990-d45ebb463cbb.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-get-additional-money-for-repairs-in-new-budget-but-it-will-be-borrowed-from-future-years/) But explanations from the administration did not quench parents’ anger, who clearly assigned blame for the delay and mold to the administration. “What I feel like you are trying to coerce us towards is getting back into Obama as fast as possible with no resources, with all of the supplies that had to be trashed,” said Allyson Banks, a parent of a student at the school. “I feel like everything was just completely glossed over.” At one point, Samieh Shalash, a school parent, asked Kamras what the student experience would be if they were to go back to Barack Obama Elementary. “I think the experience at Obama would be a basic one,” he responded, prompting scoffs from some parents in the audience. “I’m being honest with you. I can’t promise that we’re gonna have all the instruments next week. I can't promise you that we're gonna have all the Chromebooks next week. We'll do everything we can to expedite, but I'm not gonna promise that. And so that's why I say basic.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/DSC05703.JPG) Desarae Wisnoski expressed frustrations about the unsafe conditions teachers, staff and students are exposed to with mold at the school. Elected officials for the 3rd District were also present at the meeting. City Councilor Kenya Gibson told the audience that when she served on the School Board, she introduced a resolution acknowledging that there was mold in schools. “We were talking about mold, we’re talking about mold again and again in Richmond Public Schools,” she said, adding that the issue highlights the need for school construction funding. [Richmond voters will decide on 1% sales tax for schools after Council OKs referendumIf enacted, the extra sales tax would generate up to $47 million per year for school system projects.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-105d0a4f-5468-4462-b225-42c1d1043dcb.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/AlbertHillMS-Addison-db693d3b-34a7-47c4-8a0d-5c85353361c8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-voters-will-decide-on-1-sales-tax-for-schools-after-council-oks-referendum/) When asked, teachers leaned toward staying in the school, as they shared that moving to another location and setting up classes would be an uphill task. Carolyn Canty, a fifth-grade teacher at the school, said she felt fine being in the building Monday morning. “Parents, rest assured, we got your babies, and we are going to take good care of your babies, one way or the other,” she said. Without reaching full consensus, Kamras ultimately decided to keep the school as the learning center for students, while keeping it closed for remediation until test results are negative. Even after students come back, he committed to conducting monthly testing of the air quality in the school. Parents can expect to see updates about the efforts through ParentSquare and on [the school’s website](https://boes.rvaschools.net/) twice a day at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The parent teacher organization at Barack Obama Elementary is [accepting donations to help rebuild](http://tinyurl.com/RebuildBOES) the school's classrooms. *This story has been updated to include that the school's parent teacher organization is accepting donations. Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Amtrak service to D.C. will stop in Alexandria for 9 days in October URL: https://www.richmonder.org/amtrak-service-to-d-c-will-stop-in-alexandria-for-9-days-in-october/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T00:28:23.000Z In late October, Amtrak trains running north from Richmond will stop in Alexandria for nine days to allow track replacement work at the First Street Tunnel near Union Station in Washington, D.C. Beginning after service on Friday, October 16, train service will be suspended between Alexandria and Union Station until Monday morning, October 26. "The existing switches and crossovers are beyond their service life, requiring a 10-mph speed restriction that impacts operations," Amtrak wrote in a press release. "'Pause for Progress' is designed to address those limitations and help prevent larger, unplanned service disruptions." The press release said that [bus service will be offered](https://media.amtrak.com/2026/08/amtrak-announces-pause-for-progress-infrastructure-upgrade-in-washington-d-c-for-nine-days-this-october/) to connect passengers between Alexandria and Union Station during that time. The changes are in addition to the longer-term work taking place on Long Bridge until December 2030, which has cut the number of morning trains between Richmond and Union Station. [Fewer Amtrak trains means future progress as a bevy of projects get underway in VirginiaAs a slew of statewide rail projects get underway to speed up and enhance rail, the construction could pose challenges for riders in the coming years.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-487f9bb5-2e74-478f-8698-d74a77e4fd8c.png)The RichmonderBenton Graham![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2WBMCJG-b1bcba3d-a04e-4c4b-bccf-b8d7fa4edf7e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/fewer-amtrak-trains-means-future-progress-as-a-bevy-of-projects-get-underway-in-virginia/) *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Barack Obama Elementary will close indefinitely after mold is found in art room and on computers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/mold-found-on-laptops-music-equipment-at-barack-obama-elementary-as-school-prepares-to-reopen/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T20:47:32.000Z A day after families were told that air quality results came back negative for mold in the school building, parents, teachers and school leaders discovered mold on laptops and music equipment at Barack Obama Elementary a day before the school was set to reopen. Ali Faruk, Richmond School Board representative for the 3rd District, confirmed to The Richmonder Monday morning that mold was found on the items in the auditorium while parents and staff were volunteering to help teachers set up their classrooms. The auditorium is located on the second floor of the building. An hour after The Richmonder posted this story, RPS announced that the school will be closed, with a target opening date of Monday, Aug. 31. "In the interim, we are working to get Clark Springs Elementary School ready as a temporary space," Superintendent Jason Kamras wrote in an email to parents. "We’ll have more information about that by tomorrow. For now, school is closed on Tuesday." More information will be provided at a 5:30 p.m. town hall meeting at Francis McClenney Elementary. He said that it is common to see some surface mold when mold remediation is conducted, especially in an old school like Barack Obama Elementary. “The fact that there was some surface mold is not great, but laptops are something we can quickly clean off and in the meantime bring new laptops,” he said, speaking by phone from inside the building. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-11.22.06---AM.png) Mold on music equipment. (Contributed photo) A source familiar with the matter first shared the issue with The Richmonder. “Right now, it’s a very active environment in terms of figuring out what needs to be done with this stuff,” the source said Monday morning. “We're talking about over 300 laptops and thousands of dollars in equipment.” On Sunday evening, Kamras told families air quality tests came back clear for the entire building excluding the art room. “Our contractor believes this is because the art room is filled with porous materials like construction paper, which can hold onto mold spores for quite a while,” he wrote. Kamras gave the green light for teachers to prepare for a Tuesday school opening while sealing off the art room for continued remediation. The media center, which is in the same hallway as the art room, was also sealed off. Both rooms are located in the basement of the building. [UPDATE: Students at Northside elementary school get delayed start to school year due to mold in buildingStudents at Barack Obama Elementary School will have to start school at least one day late.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-398215ac-3aba-4a5c-8120-6b661bfa9b01.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/10AB9FD4-8BB6-42D6-A719-41F6F910641A_1_105_c-40034f4a-7700-4805-82f6-cab38a277865.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/students-at-northside-elementary-school-get-delayed-start-to-school-year-due-to-mold-in-building/) The issue of mold at the building was first raised when Kamras told families that administrators and contractors found mold growth in the basement and on furniture after an HVAC outage, impacting the school’s air quality. Results initially came back with elevated levels of mold throughout the building. Administrators also found rodents at the school. An exterminator treated the school for pest control last week, Kamras said, and “there have been zero reports of pests since.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org). *This story has been updated with additional details, and to note that the evening meeting is a town hall format*. ### Aug. 24 Newsletter: Football is back URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-24-newsletter-football-is-back/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T10:00:28.000Z **Weather:** A gorgeous August day, with a high of 84 and the humidity dropping. **On this date** in 2004, Americans Misty May and Kerri Walsh win a gold medal in beach volleyball at the Athens Olympics. **Today's newsletter sponsored by VCU Health** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Leaderboard-Ad_2184x270.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-30.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/back-to-school-shoe-event-celebrates-20-years-with-more-than-120-000-pairs-given-out/) ### Back-to-school shoe event celebrates 20 years, with more than 120,000 pairs given out At 4 a.m. on Saturday, Rita Willis arrived at Third Street Bethel AME to set up for the event she spends all year preparing for, the “New Shoes for Back to School Ministry.” Students who participate receive a new pair of shoes for the upcoming school year. 👢 Willis was a Black student in segregated Dinwiddie County and had to walk several miles to school, which inspired the project. “I know it's only one pair of shoes, but to a child, one pair of shoes on the first day of school is what makes them happy, because it made me happy,” she said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/back-to-school-shoe-event-celebrates-20-years-with-more-than-120-000-pairs-given-out/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-3--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/know-your-audits-why-some-rps-watchers-want-more-than-the-district-is-currently-providing/) ### Know your audits: Why some RPS watchers want more than the district is currently providing Between January and July, public commenters told the School Board that the budget needed a forensic audit nearly 20 times. In response to those demands, school officials have said the division’s audits can be found online, showing that the schools are in good fiscal standing. But not all audits are created equal. [**Learn more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/know-your-audits-why-some-rps-watchers-want-more-than-the-district-is-currently-providing/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-31.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/entering-his-80s-dickie-foster-is-still-officiating-high-school-games-across-the-region/) ### Entering his 80s, Dickie Foster is still officiating high school games across the region Foster is a 1964 graduate of Douglas Freeman, where he starred in football and baseball. Money isn’t his motivation. Nor is ego. That isn’t Foster’s way. He’s perfectly happy when the games flow smoothly and he isn’t noticed. His motivation is the challenge. He officiates for the love of the game, any game, and for the opportunity to indulge his passion, support athletics at the grassroots level, and mentor younger officials. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/entering-his-80s-dickie-foster-is-still-officiating-high-school-games-across-the-region/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-32.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-wild-offseason-its-kickoff-week-for-area-high-school-football-teams/) ### After a wild offseason, it's kickoff week for area high school football teams Varina debuts at No. 1 in **Rob Witham's** Super 12 high school football poll, and the Blue Devils will test themselves with a challenging slate early. 🏈 There are new coaches at Mills Godwin, Deep Run, Glen Allen, Matoaca, Meadowbrook and James River as the season kicks off. In the private school division, it’s Benedictine versus the field as they seek a fourth consecutive state championship. Ralphie Pucinelli returns to the Cadets after a stint at Glen Allen at quarterback. [**Read a full season preview here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-wild-offseason-its-kickoff-week-for-area-high-school-football-teams/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-29.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sarah-matalavage-drives-to-improve-literary-access-in-the-enchanting-bookmobile/) ### Sarah Matalavage drives to improve literary access in the Enchanting Bookmobile Matalavage is a full-time therapist, but in her spare time she takes the Enchanting Bookmobile to underserved communities and various literacy events. Her primary motivation for the project was to improve access to literature, especially for those who face barriers in getting to libraries and purchasing books. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sarah-matalavage-drives-to-improve-literary-access-in-the-enchanting-bookmobile/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### Today's sponsor [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/VCU_FY27_Brand-USNWR_The-Richmonder_Image.jpg)](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) ### U.S. News & World Report names VCU Medical Center No. 1 hospital in Virginia Virginia's best, and among the nation’s best. VCU Medical Center has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027. U.S. News also recognized the medical center among the Top 50 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery at No. 29, and orthopedics at No. 44\. The publication also ranked VCU Medical Center No. 1 in the Richmond metro area for the 16th consecutive year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/us-news-world-report-names-vcu-medical-center-no-1-hospital-in-virginia/?utm%5Fsource=richmonder&utm%5Fmedium=sponsored-content&utm%5Fcampaign=USNWR&utm%5Fcontent=VCU%5FFY27%5FBrand-USNWR%5Frichmonder%5Fstaticdisplay%5F728x90) --- ### In other news - [**A look at the recent changes taking place in Richmond’s theater scene**](https://www.styleweekly.com/a-new-stage-4/) (Style Weekly) - Swift Creek Mill Theatre's board will meet today to discuss a potential business plan for reopening. - [**VCU police search for person of interest in assault investigation**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/vcu-police-search-for-person-of-interest-in-assault-investigation) (CBS 6) - According to VCU police, at around 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, a large group of bicyclists was illegally blocking traffic at the intersection of West Cary Street and North Morris Street. - [**HVAC issues persist as Henrico students set to return**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/21/hvac-issues-persist-hcps-students-set-return-monday/) (12 On Your Side) - The county’s Friday estimate shows more than half of the 74 schools in the county are currently dealing with HVAC issues of some kind. --- ### Last week's most read stories - [**Avula administration drops duplex proposal in third draft of code refresh**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-administration-drops-duplex-proposal-in-third-draft-of-code-refresh/) - [**Ellwood Thompson's parent company acquired by data center owner**](https://www.richmonder.org/ellwood-thompsons-parent-company-acquired-by-data-center-owner-as-stock-drops-below-2-cents-a-share/) - [**Data: Housing is more out of reach and homeownershp is down for younger Richmonders**](https://www.richmonder.org/data-housing-is-more-out-of-reach-and-homeownership-is-down-for-younger-richmonders/) - [**Richmond agreed to pay a tax refund after being sued. The city's own lawyer struggled to get the money sent**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-agreed-to-pay-a-tax-refund-after-being-sued-the-citys-own-lawyer-struggled-to-get-the-money-sent/) - [**VUU seeking city permission to develop Richmond Community Hospital property**](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-seeking-city-permission-to-develop-richmond-community-hospital-property/) --- ### The editor's desk Had to explain to one of our young writers what America Online was. If anybody needs me I'll be with my collection of CD-ROMs that get me 500 free hours. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### After a wild offseason, it's kickoff week for area high school football teams URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-wild-offseason-its-kickoff-week-for-area-high-school-football-teams/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T00:05:38.000Z There is no doubt that the 2026 high school football offseason was one of the most consequential ever, with impacts that will be felt all season. But not now. Week one of the 2026 season is here, and it deserves our full attention. Each week, we’ll tell the stories of student-athletes, both on and off the field, from the biggest headlines to the untold stories that make Fridays in the autumn so special. We begin with our debut Super 12 High School Football Poll. Sixteen teams were under consideration, showing the depth of programs in the area, as more than half of the region’s teams have legitimate playoff aspirations. [**VIEW THE FIRST SUPER 12 POLL OF THE SEASON HERE!**](https://rvasportsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/08/super-12-high-school-football-rankings.html) ### Region previews: **Class 6, Region A** is, again, Oscar Smith’s to lose. However, their starting quarterback is out for the season due to injury, thrusting a freshman, Justice Culler, into the spotlight. Remember the name Wyatt Jessup, the returning starter for Thomas Dale, who lost to the Tigers in last year’s region final. Coach Kevin Tucker returns a plethora of talent, but their defense will be hard pressed to replicate last year’s performance. Preston Bradley is a star in the making after missing half of last season due to injury. Expect to see him on both sides of the ball. L.C. Bird returns most of their starters with a new head coach in Gerard Johnson. Perhaps the team most affected by graduation is Manchester, who will need new talent to step up early to establish the Lancers in the region race, while J.R. Tucker continues to search for its footing in the state’s highest classification. Highland Springs is certainly the favorite in **Class 5, Region C**, as the Springers look to return to Championship Saturday but, this time, bring the trophy home. Dashaun Chisem arrives from Meadowbrook, where he completed sixty percent of his passes in 2025 for 2,354 yards. Legendary coach Loren Johnson and his staff poured over film from their championship loss to Maury, eyeing needs to fix in their quest for a sixth title. Hermitage will again be nipping on the Springers’ heels. The Panthers fell by eight points to Highland Springs in the region final last season, but must replace the backfield prowess of Avery Curtis. Myles Brooks steps in as the new signal caller, but the success of Hermitage this season may hinge more on their defense. We’ll have a better grip on last year’s top seed, Patrick Henry-Roanoke, as well as William Fleming, after their opening week games which include Fleming visiting Varina. The region’s dark horse is Midlothian, who are becoming postseason regulars but are still seeking a playoff win in this decade. There are new coaches across the region: Pete Gallagher at Mills Godwin, George Earle at Deep Run, and Jacob Hodges at Glen Allen, which returns Luke Perini at quarterback. Across the river, Billy Rudd moves from Meadowbrook to Matoaca, while Quinn Tobias steps up from coordinator to take over the Monarchs. Bryan Jennings takes the helm at James River. Don’t forget about Douglas Freeman, a perennial playoff hopeful, and Prince George, where Tom Hall, in his third season, draws closer to making the Royals the powerhouse he knows they could be. The region to watch, again, this year is **Class 4, Region B**. Defending state champion Varina has an embarrassment of riches as Kaleb Wyche begins his final season under center. The Blue Devils also benefited from the offseason’s biggest transfer, former Dinwiddie standout Zion Boisseau, who joins the Blue Devils after verbally committing to the University of Richmond. But nipping at their heels is Huguenot, who made big summer headlines when junior quarterback Charles Scott, Jr. committed to the University of Alabama. Undoubtedly a top national prospect, Scott will have South Carolina commit Iveon Lewis (1,046 receiving yards, 12 TD’s in 2025) back for one more year. The Falcons have talent across both lines, and are primed for their best shot at the program’s first state title – they lost the 1988 Group AAA final. Dinwiddie certainly took a hit when Boisseau left for Varina after a 39-touchdown campaign last year. But if anyone can reload with talent, it’s Generals head coach Billy Mills, who has 179 wins at Dinwiddie, 213 in his legendary career. Jordyn Williams will impact both sides of the ball, while Victor Pacheco, a very reliable kicker, could be the difference in close games. With Louisa regrouping after the losses of Savion Hiter (Michigan) and Dyzier Carter (Rutgers), two teams look to jump into the top four of the region. Caroline has sneaky good talent, beginning with sophomore Rashawn Rollins under center. Hanover will turn to Joel Nicholson at quarterback for head coach Sam Rogers, who always gets the most out of his players. The senior was first team all-region in basketball last winter and has undergone a rigorous offseason to prepare. Atlee, Patrick Henry, and Mechanicsville will fight Hanover for county supremacy as all three teams look to return to the postseason. Do not overlook Henrico who, under new head coach Rashaad Harris, will begin a rebuild after going winless a season ago. Outside of the RVA, Spotsylvania looks to build on their 2025 turnaround, while Eastern View and King George each look to return to former glory. **Class 3, Region A** belongs to Lake Taylor until someone can prove them wrong. Jerome Mathis’ Petersburg Crimson Wave gave them plenty before falling 40-26 on Black Friday in the region championship, and will certainly be back for more. Hopewell may have a tough opener hosting Highland Springs, but that, combined with the always difficult Central District schedule, should benefit coach Ricky Irby’s Blue Devils. Circle October 23rd now. That’s when Hopewell travels to face the Wave. New Kent has something to prove, too. Head Coach Scott Girolmo and his returning Trojans look to erase the heartbreak of losing a home playoff game last season, return to the playoffs, and advance. Dylan Bowman, who was the Class 3 Player of The Year for New Kent’s state title baseball team, will hurl the pigskin for the Trojans. Colonial Heights begins the year with two tough road trips, at Dinwiddie and at Caroline. The growth they can muster from that stretch could bode well for them as the season progresses to improve on last year’s 1-10 mark. Over in **Class 3, Region B**, Goochland yearns for a return to glory days, but second year head coach Chase Phillips says a real culture build, showing players that it’s not just a cliché, is as important to him as the x’s and o’s this season. Armstrong and Thomas Jefferson will, again, try to snare the **Class 2, Region A** crown. Standing in their way is four-time defending region champion Poquoson, who eliminated the Wildcats 19-14 in the 2025 region final. Armstrong can run you off the field with Shadarus Pickett returning and Brennan Ball, who transferred from Mechanicsville after a stellar junior campaign. Meanwhile, the Vikings, who lost in the region semifinal to Armstrong, need fine tuning, as four of their five losses last season were one-score affairs. Corey Brown, formerly of Cosby, takes over at quarterback behind a very experienced line. If the defense can gel, it may be TeeJay’s year. But do not forget about King William, who are always tough and remember their loss to the Vikings in last year’s region quarterfinal. In **VISAA Division I**, it’s Benedictine versus the field as they seek a fourth consecutive state championship. Ralphie Pucinelli returns to the Cadets after a stint at Glen Allen at quarterback. Sean Boyd and Damari Hawkins anchor a stingy defense up front with Malachi Mingo and Isaac Cuevas charged with halting opposing pass attacks in the secondary. Trinity Episcopal, St. Christopher’s and Collegiate will all be competitive, but will have to find a way to knock the Cadets off their perch if they want championship glory. ### Week 1 games to watch **Midlothian at L.C. Bird:** The Johnson administration debuts at Dutchman Field with the Whitehead brothers anchoring the lines. The Trojans would love a repeat of last year’s 19-0 triumph over the Skyhawks. **Douglas Freeman at Atlee:** The Mavericks and Raiders always enter Week 1 with playoff aspirations. Douglas Freeman has won their opener five straight seasons, the last three versus the Raiders, who seek their first season opening triumph since 2021. **Highland Springs at Hopewell:** On paper, this looks like a “W” for the Springers as it was when these two played a year ago. But Merner Field is not the easiest place to play, and the Blue Devils will be hungry. ### Under the radar Glen Allen at Prince George: This is, perhaps, the most consequential week one matchup outside of L.C. Bird vs Midlothian. Two Class 5, Region C teams looking to make a statement and gain an early upper hand in the region standings. Jaguar QB Perini versus Royals RB Lawrence Hewlett will be fascinating to watch. ### They said it, coaches' edition We asked area coaches to reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve personally learned during this crazy offseason, and there were some eye opening answers. “You can never take leadership or preparation for granted. We lost a lot of senior leadership from last year’s team, and our playoff loss showed us that the margin for error is really small.” –Caroline head coach Terry Alexander “When I took over in June of last year, we did not have adequate time to fully evaluate our athletes and their individual strengths. Having a full offseason has allowed us to better evaluate and adjust our coaching, schemes and concepts to better fit our athletes.” –Monacan head coach Justin Akers “Essentialism. Squeezing nine months into three months is not possible.” –Glen Allen head coach Jacob Hodges, who took over the program in May. “Got to hate losing more than we love winning.” –Tom Hall, head coach of Prince George. Next week, we’ll share an especially astute answer from an area coach on the new reality of the high school football landscape, especially when it comes to player movement, the rise of specialty academies in our region, and more. ### Flags all over the field September 1st is also opening night as girls flag football returns for its second full fall season in the City of Richmond, joined by returnee Varina and newcomer Highland Springs. Petersburg is slated to play three games with Henrico playing two in the nine-game schedule. Open High is the defending champion, having beaten previously undefeated John Marshall 12-6 in overtime in last year’s championship contest. In Chesterfield County, the sport debuts on the club level in 2026, as the Washington Commanders continue their support of the growth of the game throughout Virginia. With flag football set to be a much publicized part of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, it would behoove the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to get ahead of the curve and add girls flag football as an officially sponsored sport. ### Our final play Our goal continues to be the ability to feature not only top and key performances each week, but also hidden gems. We love to chronicle players who may play positions that do not produce many statistics but are difference makers, a second-teamer pressed into duty and rising up to meet the challenge, or a special teams player who saves the day. We invite you to share your nominees for hidden gems with us anytime at [robwitham1@gmail.com](mailto:robwitham1@gmail.com). You’ll notice we did not discuss upcoming region realignments, the “t” word (transfer), or other big offseason news. We’ll tackle it all in the weeks to come. But, for this first week of the 2026 journey, it’s all about the student-athletes who are about to give fans another memorable season. ### Week 1 Schedule: **THURSDAY AUGUST 27:** Highland Springs at Hopewell, 7pm Douglas Freeman at Atlee, 7pm (LIVE Digital Coverage on X: @hanoversports/@henricosports) Cosby at Thomas Dale, 7pm Midlothian at LC Bird, 7pm Manchester at Monacan, 7pm Greensville at James River, 7pm Essex at Sussex Central, 7pm Lancaster at Charles City, 7pm King George at Brooke Point, 7pm Western Branch at Phoebus, 7pm Lakeland at Windsor, 7pm Tabb at Jamestown, 7pm **FRIDAY AUGUST 28:** Armstrong at Richmond School For The Arts (RHSA), 6pm, Midtown Green (former Washington NFL Training Center) William Fleming at Varina, 7pm Hermitage at Matoaca, 7pm Deep Run at Mechanicsville, 7pm Glen Allen at Prince George, 7pm Meadowbrook at Clover Hill, 7pm Petersburg at Henrico, 7pm Bethel at Patrick Henry, 7pm Caroline at J.R. Tucker, 7pm Colonial Heights at Dinwiddie, 7pm Thomas Jefferson at I.C. Norcom, 7pm Collegiate at Albemarle, 7pm Nottoway at Goochland, 7pm Amelia at King William, 7pm Mills Godwin at Louisa, 7:30pm Orange at Powhatan, 7pm Gloucester at New Kent, 7pm Nandua at Rappahannock, 7pm Surry at Middlesex, 7pm West Point at Colonial Beach, 7pm Northampton at Northumberland, 7pm Charlottesville at Franklin, 7pm James Monroe at Westmoreland, 7pm Cumberland at King & Queen Central, 7pm Western Albemarle at Culpeper, 7pm Courtland at Massaponax, 7pm Spotsylvania at Fluvanna, 7pm Rappahannock County at Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot, 7pm Monticello at William Monroe, 7pm Riverbend at Chancellor, 7pm Bassett at Franklin County, 7pm Southern Alamance (NC) at PH-Roanoke, 7pm Prince Edward at Chatham, 7pm Nelson County at Randolph-Henry, 7pm Central-Lunenburg at Altavista, 7pm Buckingham at Madison County, 7pm Mecklenburg at Brunswick, 7pm Southampton at Grassfield, 7pm Heritage-NN at Lake Taylor, 7pm Kecoughtan at Booker T. Washington, 7pm Landstown at Kellam, 7pm York at Poquoson, 7pm Skyline at Strasburg, 7pm Liberty-Bealeton at Kettle Run, 7pm Justice at Meridian, 7pm Manassas Park at Fauquier, 7pm Warren County at Rock Ridge, 7pm Arcadia at Catholic, 7pm **SATURDAY AUGUST 29:** Menchville at John Marshall, 12pm Blue Ridge at Benedictine, 1pm Eastern View at John Handley, 1pm Roanoke Catholic at Trinity Episcopal, 2pm ### The Richmonder 25: Sarah Matalavage drives to improve literary access in the Enchanting Bookmobile URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sarah-matalavage-drives-to-improve-literary-access-in-the-enchanting-bookmobile/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T20:54:46.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. See all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* On the last Wednesday of every month, Sarah Matalavage drives her multicolored minibus to Hillside Court. Her passengers aren’t people, though; they’re free books. Matalavage is a full-time therapist, but in her spare time – of which she has little, as a mother of a 2-year-old and 5-month-old – she takes the Enchanting Bookmobile to underserved communities and various literacy events. Her primary motivation for the project was to improve access to literature, especially for those who face barriers in getting to libraries and purchasing books. She recalled seeing and speaking with families who would get library fines for overdue books, but had difficulty getting to those libraries due to hour-long commutes by public transportation, or difficulty finding the time between other obligations. Service runs in her family. Her father was a police officer, and her grandmother helped establish the Essex County Public Library, so the Ashland native feels she has followed in her footsteps. “If you have a little bit, you have to leave the door open for others to follow,” she said. “If you have, you give.” That’s exactly the mindset she brings to her work with the Enchanting Bookmobile. Matalavage purchased the minibus in August 2022, and with the help of her husband and artist Pamela Bailey, the bus was renovated with shelves and has four different exterior panels of artwork. In 2025, she raised money to install a small slide in the back of the bus for kids to play on at events. The bus can hold a total of 1,500 books, and she aims to have it as stocked as possible at all times. In 2025, she distributed 2,450 free books, ranging from board books to chapter books. Matalavage recalled several instances where older children have taken board books and easy reader books ostensibly for younger siblings or cousins, then came back the following week and confided that they enjoyed the books. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25! [****Learn more here**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/home/story) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket with code Richmonder1. ### **Funding** Matalavage said the bus’s annual operating costs are $6,000, including books, auto maintenance, and snacks for the kids. At the moment, she noted that the paint needs to be touched up, which will cost between $1,500 and $2,000\. While people have reached out about helping out as a volunteer and donated “gently used kids’ books,” the majority of the expenses come out of her pocket with no financial return on investment. “I don’t make money,” she said. “In fact, I bleed money.” She said there have been weeks when she didn’t have $200 for snacks and drinks to bring to the kids, and she’s had to reach out to the community for donations, which they readily gave. She said that she struggles with asking for help, adding that it's something she’s working on. ### **Creating community** Matalavage emphasized how much the Enchanting Bookmobile has allowed her to connect with the community, especially those neighborhoods she visits regularly, like Hillside and Gilpin Court. She also does pop-up events and school visits. In addition to her 9-to-5 job, she estimates she spends roughly 10 hours a week on bookmobile-related work, and two to four hours driving around and attending events. Matalavage sometimes wonders “what kind of journey” the books – all of which have an Enchanting Bookmobile circle on them – go on. “You know, what if I’m in a thrift store one day and see a Bookmobile book?” she said. “What story can these books tell?” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Know your audits: Why some RPS watchers want more than the district is currently providing URL: https://www.richmonder.org/know-your-audits-why-some-rps-watchers-want-more-than-the-district-is-currently-providing/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T20:44:33.000Z Ever since Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras introduced his proposed budget for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year in January, there has been grumbling from school watchers about the division’s fiscal management. Even the unveiling was rocky. The budget was adjusted at least three times before it even got to School Board feedback, causing [critics to label the process as lacking transparency](https://www.richmonder.org/i-do-not-want-to-make-any-of-these-cuts-kamras-defends-proposed-rps-budget-at-town-hall/). The Richmond Times-Dispatch recently reported that [senior salaries were removed from the division’s public pay schedule](https://richmond.com/news/local/education/article%5Fe9d6f8c3-513d-4872-a6ad-37c301a98139.html?utm%5Fsource=richmond.com&utm%5Fcampaign=breaking-news&utm%5Fmedium=cio&lctg=a2f1070bb25fc3f114&tn%5Femail%5Feh1=a1a759122ba23fd55cee8218fc1b86fdde8b63562251095bb7b24af121b3870c) for the upcoming school year. And a recent investigation into Bobby Hathaway, former director of facilities, alleged that he misappropriated school funds. Between January and July, public commenters told the Board that the budget needed a forensic audit nearly 20 times. City Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) has sought budget language [requiring an outside audit on the school’s budget](https://www.richmonder.org/council-budget-amendments-aim-to-block-avulas-severance-proposal-boost-funding-for-schools/). But in response to those demands, school officials have said the division’s audits can be found online, showing that the schools are in good fiscal standing. “Not only do I commit to it, we already do it,” Kamras told The Richmonder in February. “We get audited every single year by an independent accounting firm and the results are presented to the School Board and the public, and those are available on Board Docs for anyone who would like to see.” But not all audits are created equal. “We have been calling for a forensic audit to closely analyse and assess the mismanagement of funds,” said Roslyn Anderson, vice president of the Richmond Education Association, the union representing many RPS employees – to Board members at a July 7 meeting. It begs the question, what is a forensic audit, and how does it differ from the other audits? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/auditor-8.jpg) RPS Director of Internal Audit Ziauddin Ahmed speaking to the Richmond School Board's Finance and Audit Committee in May. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) ### **Financial statement audit** State law requires local governments, including school divisions, to go through a yearly financial statement audit, and the results are published in a document known as the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The audits are always performed by an external certified auditor and they review financial statements prepared by a school division that year, including balance sheets and income statements, to ensure that they are in accordance with accounting standards and are verifiable. “The role of the auditor is to give an independent assurance that the numbers are right and are presented correctly,” said Chris Banta, a certified public account and fraud examiner with accounting firm Brown Edwards. The most recent ACFR [looks at the division’s budget for fiscal year 2025](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1770044300/rvaschoolsnet/uog8lhumclnvquplar4s/RPSFY25FinancialsFinal.pdf), a review conducted by Cherry Bekaert, a national accounting firm that frequently works with RPS. Lynn Bragga, the division’s director of budget and finance, [presented the firm’s findings to the School Board](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DSRP2L627324/$file/Richmond%20Public%20Schools%20Audit%20Presentation%20-%20CLIENT.pdf) in April, in the midst of the calls for a forensic audit, showing that the budget had a clean audit. But it is important to note that the auditors do not conduct an in-depth review of financial decision-making for the ACFR. Banta said that while not a goal of the audit, auditors will make note of any fraud or error if detected from the financial statements, which could cause an auditor to consider and review a school division’s internal control – internal processes or systems in place intended to detect or prevent fraud. ### **The forensic audit** A forensic audit is an investigation conducted into the financial records of a specific area, department or timeline within a school division, prompted by previous findings or concerns. This kind of audit is usually requested by School Boards, local, state, or federal governments or other oversight agencies. They are almost always conducted by an external auditor. [In a recent presentation to the RPS Finance and Audit Committee](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DW9PRC65D956/$file/Forensic%20Audit%20Presentation%20for%2007282026%20Meeting.pdf), recently hired Director of Internal Audit Ziauddin Ahmed told Board members that depending on the investigation’s scope, a forensic audit can last anywhere from 3 to 9 months, and costs can range between $100,000 to $300,000\. Ahmed presented four examples of forensic audits conducted in other school districts within the Eastern region of the country, two of which had audits in progress. In Connecticut, the state commissioned a forensic audit on Bridgeport Public Schools’s budgets for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 after the division reported a roughly $39 million budget shortfall. Auditors found that the division simply manipulated the budget and misclassified funds by moving $16 million from the division’s retirement fund to pay salaries. That would’ve been deemed as fraud in Virginia, Ahmed noted, as it is illegal to do such in the state. Another example in New York shows that the School Board for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District demanded the forensic audit into the district’s budget process and financial reporting for fiscal year 2023 and 2024\. While the district reported a $16.4 million deficit, auditors found that the division actually had a surplus of that amount, concluding that the division had mismanaged and underutilized funds. “Sometimes you’ll look at it and realize that nothing fraudulent has happened, we just had a misunderstanding or guidelines weren’t specific enough or outcomes weren’t defined the way they should’ve been,” said Michael Garber, another certified public auditor who co-leads the state and local government team at accounting firm PBMares. A forensic audit into the school system’s full budget has never been done, but it was conducted on the [division’s Career and Technical Center](https://www.mcdemuscpa.com/files/synopsis.pdf) back in 2015\. The city has also previously [conducted audits on certain aspects of RPS](https://www.rva.gov/office-city-auditor/reports-issued), like payroll, transportation, training and workers’ compensation. The last time the city audited the division was in 2015\. Members of the School Board have previously signaled the need for an external set of eyes on the division’s operations and funding, especially once the calls for the forensic audit became louder. “I do think going forward it would be helpful … to consider a comprehensive perhaps external analysis of our systems and our expenditures and get actually a really robust report on where perhaps we could find some efficiencies and even where we have gaps that could use more support,” said Stephanie Rizzi (5th District) in February. “I think it'll also help the public understand exactly how money is being spent and how they support our goals.” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) at the time echoed Rizzi’s statement, saying that an external audit is something the division “should do.” But since hiring Ahmed, the Board’s tone has shifted to putting the responsibility of finding areas to implement efficiencies onto the internal auditor. In July, Rizzi said: “I do know that our auditor – Mr. Ahmed – has said that he will spend time combing through our budget and looking to see where some efficiencies can be made, so I look forward to that work, perhaps he will find something, perhaps there will be opportunities for us to trim in ways that don’t harm our students and their learning.” ### **Internal audits** Ahmed said in the meeting that the four example cases he presented were locations without an internal auditor, which he believes would help “root out the causes of the problem.” The internal auditor, in the case of RPS, is hired by the School Board and reports directly to its members. As a result, the Board also dictates what areas the auditor should review. Garber said those reviews could vary, and include inspecting a certain type of transaction, department, or program to see if they’re functioning correctly. Banta said that a good independent audit department operates outside of the departments they review, allowing them to remain independent. In 2024, former RPS auditor Doug Graeff estimated that RPS paid bus [drivers $1.8 million in overtime for after-school runs](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-bus-drivers-clash-over-alleged-strike-and-firing-of-five-employees/), including some payments that were more than time spent working. Graeff also found that some staff were not properly logging purchases made [with the division’s procurement card, masking unauthorized expenses](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/rps-pcard-audit-oct-30-2024). The new auditor is currently [reviewing three areas as part of his audit plan for school years 2027 to 2029](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DW9PRA65D7C3/$file/Audit%20Plan%20Update%20for%2007282026%20Meeting.pdf) – facilities maintenance, fleet maintenance, transportation logistics and schedule. A review of the facilities department’s work order management has been completed and recommendations have been made, he told the Finance and Audit Committee. A report is expected to come out on that within the next month. “The in-house (work order management) had a lot of gaps,” he said, adding that opportunities to address those gaps are being used to create a better system. The system that handles work orders that require outsourced maintenance, “in general, was good.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-4431e98d-e702-4b71-8d25-c74bac053af8.png) Ahmed is also in charge of the division’s fraud, waste and abuse hotline. It has received a [total of 117 calls and emails as of June 30](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DWTHA5477F62/$file/FY27%20Audit%20Plan%20vs.%20Actual%20August%2010%202026%20%28Updated%29.pdf) between this and last school year. He told Board members that only one report was identified as fraud, waste and abuse, and it was resolved. Ahmed said he has decided to conduct an audit of the system to see if there are ways to improve the medium. Part of improving the medium may include potential fraud awareness training for RPS staff, if approved by the School Board. “It is to bring everyone at RPS in a comfort zone that they can come to a place that there’s no repercussion or there’s no fear,” he said. At the Finance and Audit Committee meeting, Katie Ricard (2nd District) said she believes that when concerns about a forensic audit have been raised, “to me, they’re stemming from this inefficiency in our system.” Ricard also called for the administration to spend time reviewing operations and systems when the Board adopted the school’s budget recently. Ahmed agreed and insisted that the division needs to be more transparent about those systems and processes. “I keep on asking myself why that type of call is coming in, and I understand because of the shortfall situation,” he told the committee. “But one thing I believe (is) you need to communicate how the budgeting system works.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Join us for an evening of good people, good stories, and good energy! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/join-us-for-an-evening-of-good-people-good-stories-and-good-energy/ Last updated: 2026-08-22T11:00:02.000Z All summer we've celebrated some of the best of our community, profiling people who lift us up and make Richmond a great place to live. - A Meals on Wheels driver who has logged 400,000 miles - An advocate for animal safety - A veteran helping other veterans through PTSD 🥳 Now it's time to party! Join The Richmonder, special guest speaker and former UVA football player Perris Jones, and 25 of Richmond's best for the feel-good event of the year. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **When:** Friday, September 25\. Doors at 5 p.m, program at 6:15 p.m. **Where:** The Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd Street **What:** Heavy hors d'oeuvres, full bar, music, free parking **Dress:** Cocktail festive! **Cost:** [**$115 for the public, $85 for Richmonder donors**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) (use code Richmonder1 for one ticket, or Richmonder2 for a couples ticket) [**Buy your tickets here!**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) We hope you'll join us as we bring the community together to recognize these remarkable individuals, and [**continue reading their stories in each edition of The Richmonder!**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Entering his 80s, Dickie Foster is still officiating high school games across the region URL: https://www.richmonder.org/entering-his-80s-dickie-foster-is-still-officiating-high-school-games-across-the-region/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T16:27:57.000Z With Dickie Foster, what you see in the athletic arena is invariably what you get. What you see is a spry, lithe 80-year-old guy who’s still going strong as a football and basketball official and, if that weren’t enough, a softball umpire after three-and-a-half decades in the business. What you get is energy that belies his age, an aura of friendliness, composure, and wisdom that’s part of his DNA, and a steadfast desire to do right by coaches and athletes that drives him to be the best he can be. “Dickie wants to do everything the right way,” said Rudy Ward, the retired head football coach and athletic director at Highland Springs. “He wants to be fair with everybody. He hustles. He might be 80 years old, but he doesn’t have 80-year-old legs. He fully concentrates on the game. He’s very professional.” Foster is currently the oldest member of the Central Virginia Football Officials Association. Why, you might ask, is he still at it? “To tell you the truth, I’m afraid to stop,” he said. “It keeps me young. It keeps my body in shape and the weight off. I don’t know what would happen if I stopped.” Foster is a 1964 graduate of Douglas Freeman High School, where he starred in football (running back, defensive back) and baseball (shortstop) and earned All-Central District honors in both sports as well as induction (in 2014) into his alma mater’s athletic hall of fame. He played football for a year and baseball for three at East Carolina and earned a degree in education, then came back to Richmond and taught at J.R. Tucker for four years. He then spent 20 years in the real estate business before returning to education as a math teacher, first at Carver Middle School in Chesterfield and later at Tuckahoe Middle in Henrico. By the time he retired in 2008, he was deeply involved with officiating. “I had two friends from high school, Bobby Grubbs and Wayne Overton, who were doing football and enticed me to come out,” he said. “I started officiating in ’93 and never stopped.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2901.JPG) Two years later, Foster joined the local basketball officials’ association. At about the same time, he began his long stint as a high school softball ump. Along the way, he also served as a Division III football official for 20 seasons and softball umpire for 11 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and the USA South Athletic Conference. “Dickie has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the rules and mechanics,” said Bob Siff, a veteran football official, now retired. “He’s analytical. He’s firm but very fair. He’s informative, knowledgeable, and instructive. He’s a local guy who knows all the coaches in the area, and he long ago commanded their respect.” Foster’s only break in the action came in 2000 when he underwent heart surgery to repair seven blockages in four arteries. Recovery, he said, took six months, and he missed the entire football and most of basketball season. A competitor always, he handled rehab like a champ and never considered retiring his whistle. “It never crossed my mind,” he said. “(The health crisis) was just an obstacle I had to overcome. I was going to continue my life. Knock on wood, I’ve not had any additional (heart) issues.” In 2025, Foster called 42 football games at the varsity, JV, middle school, and rec league level, mostly as a line judge or head linesman. In three seasons this past school year, he officiated 169 total games in his three sports of choice, no small feat for a guy who, at 80 years old, is something of an anomaly. “Yeah,” he said, “I guess I am. I don’t know of any other 80-year-olds that do as many games as I do.” Money isn’t his motivation, though officials receive remuneration. Nor is ego. That isn’t Foster’s way. Nor is recognition. He’s perfectly happy when the games flow smoothly and he isn’t noticed. His motivation is the challenge. He officiates for the love of the game, any game, and for the opportunity to indulge his passion, support athletics at the grassroots level, and mentor younger officials. This fall, at Ward’s urging, Foster will wear the referee’s white hat as he did earlier in his career. “I know how dedicated and conscientious Dickie is,” said Ward, his longtime friend. “He’ll call each game to the best of his ability. That’s the kind of person you want as a white hat.” Because of his manner, Foster rarely experiences criticism. When he does, he’s learned to tune it out. “When I first started officiating, my biggest fear was not knowing a rule, so I studied the rules like crazy in all three sports,” he said. “I was just a rules nut, so if a coach ever asked me about a rule, I could almost quote it to him verbatim. “If you have strong rules knowledge, you don’t have to control the game. You let the kids control the game, and you officiate. Because I’m so rule-intense, I stay out of trouble.” Though he’s called league, region, and state championship contests, the biggest game he’s officiated, he says, is the one he’s officiating at the moment because that game is a memory-maker for players, coaches, and fans. “I don’t care if it’s little league, middle school, high school, or college, I treat it like it’s the World Series or Rose Bowl,” he said. “I strive to get everything perfectly correct and instill that into my crew.” After all these years, then, the fire clearly burns still. “You look forward to the game that’s coming up, but you know when you get home, you’ll be tired,” he said. “I don’t recover as quickly as I used to if I have successive events, and the days that I don’t have a game, I appreciate the fact that I don’t have to be some place at 5 o’clock. “The older I get, the more I enjoy (my time), but I also enjoy being on the field or on the court. It fuels me. It gives me mental energy that I can still do this, but I can tell that it’s getting close to the end. I’m not there yet, but I think I’ll wake up one morning and say, ‘I’ve had enough.’” That said, with another football season on the horizon, the octogenarian is locked in and ready to rock. “Absolutely,” Foster said. “Once any season starts, the adrenaline flows. You look forward to it like you look forward to Christmas.” ### Back-to-school shoe event celebrates 20 years, with more than 120,000 pairs given out URL: https://www.richmonder.org/back-to-school-shoe-event-celebrates-20-years-with-more-than-120-000-pairs-given-out/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T16:27:00.000Z At 4 a.m. on August 22, Rita Willis will arrive at Third Street Bethel AME to set up for an event she’s spent all year preparing for, the “New Shoes for Back to School Ministry.” Students who participate receive a new pair of shoes for the upcoming school year. Despite the early hour, and the fact that the doors don’t open until 8 a.m., she said there will already be families in line. She’s seen people bring lawn chairs, blankets and even coolers. “They know the designer shoes are (there) if they get there early,” she said. “You know how these kids are with these designer shoes, with these Michael Jordans or whatever…so they get in line first.” This marks the event’s 20th year. In 2006, Willis, who goes by “SeñoRita,” was her church’s missionary president. At the time, she felt like there was something she and the church needed to do for the community, but was at a loss for what that could be. Inspiration struck after she had a conversation with her friend, who mentioned “a shoe thing” being held in Baltimore. However, Willis emphasized that this shoe ministry would only accept new shoes, no pre-owned or “half-used.” She said this requirement stemmed from her childhood, when she was a Black student in segregated Dinwiddie County and had to walk several miles to school. She recalled only having two pairs of shoes – a pair of black-and-whites and a pair of loafers – which she “hated” and would hide under her bed. “I know it's only one pair of shoes, but to a child, one pair of shoes on the first day of school is what makes them happy, because it made me happy,” she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2190.jpg) Saxon Shoes sends volunteers to measure shoe sizes before the children select their pair. (Photos contributed by Rita Willis) ### **Growth through the years** In the first year, Willis said the group distributed 792 pairs of shoes. Since 2006, they’ve given out more than 120,000 pairs. Currently, there are 10 participating congregations, including two synagogues, in the Metropolitan Richmond Partnership of Churches/Synagogues. Preparations begin far in advance of the event. All of the participating congregations send a representative – for Third Street, that’s Willis – for monthly meetings, starting in January. Willis said the community has always been very supportive of the ministry, including businesses. She emphasized that the ministry does not have sponsorships out of concern that this could lead to corporations taking over and changing the event, but they do have supporters and partnerships. Previous supporters have included Kroger, Walmart and Lowe’s, as well as local businesses; a nearby medical supplies store donates masks – all attendees are required to be masked – and restaurants have provided continental breakfasts for volunteers. Willis recalled one particular partnership that arose in the first year with Saxon Shoes in Short Pump. “They heard about the shoe ministry on television,” she said. “They said, ‘We hear that right now you have the shoe ministry going on, and we’d like to offer some kind of assistance.’” Willis requested additional shoes as they had begun to run low, which the business granted in full, as well as sending volunteers. They have continued working with the ministry ever since, providing free shoe sizing services for the children. Saxon also sets up a special discounted section specifically for the Partnership several weeks before the event; Willis said the prices are discounted up to 80%. In order to support event operations – including Port-a-Johns for attendees, parking reservations for volunteers and post-event sanitization – each congregation is required to contribute financially as well. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2192.jpg) Lines form early the morning of the event. ### **Day-of** At two minutes to 8 a.m., the doors open. Groups are let in, roughly 20 at a time depending on family size. Each family is assigned a volunteer escort, which is designed to maintain as much order as possible. They are also required to all stick together, even if there are multiple children. The children first get their feet measured by a Saxon volunteer and receive a pair of try-on socks, then proceed to their corresponding shoe size table. Each child is allowed one pair of shoes. After the child picks out their shoes, they put them in a bag. In order to keep track of how many shoes have been distributed, the inventory volunteers must mark down each pair that’s distributed. This record-keeping helps inform the following year’s operations, as it gives the congregations a rough idea of what kind of attendance they can expect. All families are directed to a particular exit door, which she said she likes to wait by sometimes to see how excited the kids are. “I'll station myself in different places (depending on) what I want to see or feel from that particular year,” she explained. “And I'm going, ‘Did you like your shoes? Can I see them?’ And then they'll pull them out like, ‘This is what I got. This is the best day of my life.’” Though the event is only scheduled to run until 2 p.m. – closing is signalled by a bell being rung. Willis said there are rarely issues, citing one person who tried to return for a second pair in a past year, but noted that security is present as a last resort. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2187.jpg) ### **Local impact** Willis said the shoe ministry has had an incredibly positive impact on the community. “The second year that we had the shoe ministry, this grandmother came over to me, and she was crying, and I’m going, ‘Oh God, what’s wrong?’” she recalled. “She said, ‘Ma'am, I want to let you know that you have saved our life…I'm raising my daughter's three children because my daughter (is) strung out on drugs, and I had no way of getting shoes for these children for school. When I heard about this ministry, we came,’ and she said, ‘Thank you.’” Willis said the exchange brought her to tears; even just remembering it, she got emotional. Even greater than hearing from the parents and guardians is seeing and talking with the children, she said. “The little kids, their eyes brighten up like Santa Claus is here,” Willis said. “It's like Christmas morning.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### Aug. 21 Newsletter: Why young people can't buy a house URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-21-newsletter-why-young-people-cant-buy-a-house/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T10:00:24.000Z **Weather:** Temperatures cool to the lower 80s, with evening storms a possibility. **On this date** in 1948, the Selective Service changes its draft registration process to make things easier following World War II, switching to a postcard-sized form. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-23.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/data-housing-is-more-out-of-reach-and-homeownership-is-down-for-younger-richmonders/) ### Data: Housing is more out of reach and homeownership is down for younger Richmonders In a presentation to the Virginia Housing Commission Tuesday, demographer Hamilton Lombard offered some sobering statistics about workers aged 25 to 44 and their ability to buy a home. - After adjusting for inflation, the median home value rose close to three times faster than earnings for younger adults between 2014 and 2024. - Richmond saw an increase of 10,500 residents with remote jobs tied to the Washington, D.C. area between 2019 and 2023, people who may arrive with more equity. - Across both Virginia and the U.S., data show older residents largely aren’t moving — and if they do move, they aren’t downsizing. Lombard said that while young people are earning more than ever before, a large share are still living with their parents. [**Read more here.**](http://richmonder.org/data-housing-is-more-out-of-reach-and-homeownership-is-down-for-younger-richmonders/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-24.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/state-didnt-send-enough-funds-for-nullified-redistricting-vote-leaving-richmond-375k-short/) ### State didn't send enough funds for nullified redistricting vote, leaving Richmond $375K short Richmond officials had to spend almost $375,000 in local tax dollars to run an unplanned election that didn’t count. 🗳️ A pot of state money fell short of covering Richmond’s actual costs, according to city documents. The Richmonder reached out to multiple officials over several weeks to ask how the city handled the situation, but the city has not yet provided a full explanation. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/state-didnt-send-enough-funds-for-nullified-redistricting-vote-leaving-richmond-375k-short/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-25.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/conversion-of-95-year-old-virginia-home-in-byrd-park-to-apartments-gets-thumbs-up-from-planning-commission/) ### Conversion of 95-year-old Virginia Home in Byrd Park to apartments gets thumbs-up from Planning Commission The facility is relocating to Hanover County, and a plan to repurpose the building got unanimous support from Richmond’s Planning Commission Tuesday, though neighbors expressed concerns about parking and traffic. “I think it is an attractive, iconic building that is worth saving. It is historic,” said Commissioner Brian White. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/conversion-of-95-year-old-virginia-home-in-byrd-park-to-apartments-gets-thumbs-up-from-planning-commission/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-26.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/entering-its-fifth-year-run-richmond-16-19-invites-participants-to-reflect-on-the-citys-slave-trading-past/) ### Entering its fifth year, Run Richmond 16.19 invites participants to reflect on the city’s slave-trading past Run Richmond 16.19 began as the brainchild of actor Djimon Honsou, and will mark its fifth running on September 12\. 👟 It’s a 16.19-kilometer (roughly 10 miles) run-or-walk event that trails through the heart of some of Richmond’s most historic sites. The route will include information on relevant historical sites, as well as educational events scattered throughout the weekend. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/entering-its-fifth-year-run-richmond-16-19-invites-participants-to-reflect-on-the-citys-slave-trading-past/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-27.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-new-era-for-richmond-high-school-for-the-arts-begins-with-a-140m-building-take-a-look-inside/) ### A new era for Richmond High School for the Arts begins with a $140M building. Take a look inside The nearly 300,000-square-foot building, capable of holding just under 2,000 students, cost the division $150 million with the help of city’s meal tax. Newer additions include a podcast studio, a weight room for athletes, a ballet and dance studio, and a childcare lab for children of students where students interested in early education can learn from preschool professionals. [**Read more, and see photos, here.**](https://the-richmonder.ghost.io/ghost/#/editor/post/6a874a538abe710001fc9f01) **ALSO:** [**Students at Northside elementary school get delayed start to school year due to mold in building**](https://www.richmonder.org/students-at-northside-elementary-school-get-delayed-start-to-school-year-due-to-mold-in-building/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-28.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-nikkia-young-keeps-richmond-running/) ### Nikkia Young keeps Richmond running She is the Richmond Road Runners Club president, leading a 19-member board that oversees 17 races a year and boasts more than 2,200 members. The group will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028. Young is driven not just to finish first, but to inspire others. "I am a plus-sized Black woman. I do not look like a typical runner," she said. "I'm so glad I'm seeing more and more people that look like me out on the road now. But that wasn't always the case. Sometimes you have to be it in order for other people to see it.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-nikkia-young-keeps-richmond-running/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/19/richmond-dpu-water-bill-autopay-harrys-hofheimer) (Axios Richmond) - A city spokesperson said DPU doesn't comment on "specific customer billing concerns." - [**Spanberger administration revokes Virginia youth psych facility's license, calls system ‘broken'**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/spanberger-revokes-hallmark-youthcare-license-aug-19-2026) (CBS 6) - "We're talking about a for-profit company owned by private equity that was tasked with keeping kids safe." - [**The Way of Water: The VMFA presents dual watercolor exhibitions**](https://www.styleweekly.com/the-way-of-water/)(Style Weekly) - VMFA exhibits its watercolors for a maximum of six months before “resting” the works in dark storage for at least two years. --- ### The editor's desk I certainly do not envy the young people searching for a house in this market. It's rough out there. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### UPDATE: Students at Northside elementary school get delayed start to school year due to mold in building URL: https://www.richmonder.org/students-at-northside-elementary-school-get-delayed-start-to-school-year-due-to-mold-in-building/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T17:00:43.000Z Contractors with Richmond Public Schools conducted another air quality test on Saturday that "came back with slightly elevated levels" of mold in the Barack Obama Elementary School building, said Superintendent Jason Kamras in an announcement to families Sunday morning. Ongoing remediation efforts have uncovered what contractors and administrators believe is the primary source of the mold growth – "a moist pipe hidden in a supply closet above ceiling tiles." Contractors thoroughly cleaned the area before Saturday's test, Kamras said, and mold levels "dropped significantly in response." There are seven dehumidifers operating in the building, and contractors are continuing to clean and remove porous materials that could carry mold. Another test will be conducted this Sunday morning. "If results the test shows that air quality is safe for re-entry in the building, we plan to give teachers access to the building beginning Sunday evening and all day Monday, with the goal of opening the school to students on Tuesday." **Original story**: Students at Barack Obama Elementary School, located in the city’s Northside, will have to start school at least one day late following an [air quality test result that showed elevated levels](https://rails-parentsquare-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/feeds/8Ovv0DgTH2jTPhpYxnit%5FObama%20Mold%20Results.pdf?response-content-disposition=inline%3Bfilename%3D%22Obama%20Mold%20Results.pdf%22&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQGY75TW3GISXHMFS%2F20260821%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4%5Frequest&X-Amz-Date=20260821T001300Z&X-Amz-Expires=21229&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjENH%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJGMEQCICvhZtwSDgsjLbH6rwP4d4AffkgifWEXvKnOtVla%2FHSOAiAg%2FuyV3MbgdulV48Kt2p5l48uevDaJlqSFVYFuJ9krOyr0AwiZ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDAxNDU2MjQ2NzI1NCIMTkwPXqEXOUYx3MTsKsgDCibCzvJOUAb0EgvhKClw%2FtMGJZ1yViDvABmrD0V67gmK0q4bNu6NXEoBJ6abL8cP%2FCIhAZhXFhrbPPzN4ChCP6P%2BMRo4EE%2F%2BD6Mq5WWUx2RW%2BTWUNEJQOVSvf53sBeVu9ZGgptPhROy5oxHXXPWX%2B8aJLV3nAtkQMeAWXdL3cUVwOMmEcVPiZFBY8BmZU5A2AVNkKeG7GJy0Bl41YboyHboAiofvoLlZF1VqbulKdiGj08gf0pMngMVEO8Ljs2shwbb2%2BK55K%2FcoNec%2FdHorN%2F3UkNwrMq8fUkgwDQTT3JCi6Vsj8dl9mehBKtnYKDNRiVemOSx99V0nYDvtnsDeZZgxvEzBsctGZ0VsQihycluAFUADZzunbWw1FqJEnTx5ybtzh7IBMrIbR7fTG5oSk9%2Bj2M3AtCo0ZUb%2BVihbgZcg%2BreRv0O6AyDIVLVXbSlGfZvjqbfyzyPwZR6DPBLTW0WTrUtpM85KLiqDLAi56XzMZj%2FVv%2BOWNoTPQABEA%2BRn%2F0fjR7MqSfAIQm7gL3b2en3TkxpZbd69kF6XvqLMohs2hsySRVFp2MoZxsywr2tQCRYYRGn9ETnsWgslOEXT%2FzJBF2SyleaNMJmtntQGOqYBlpnGcj7dzz%2BhByuvx%2BcLD%2Fjv0BtgSQrB0XCDUYW%2Fsi%2FL6D7dq7grMD1ec96GGD2sQdJrVK7gGpscxW%2FhpTHumR7EFo6g9ZroEyY6dDxsl0dPIXkZq7zmS6WEzVYtJr7zVwe3blsoyORtUWT%2Fl3TRsGcCEhBk5SMbLQzysW%2FFlr1nZhFOFh%2BIrUtYtLvbhGe4hM9UwO7RcTmsCOFCE99mX%2FOQ91%2Fz6g%3D%3D&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=82b4f881ee16d118a2d0640ff0fc26e2008a25bab6c72ea26c293c934a265447) of mold in the building. The issue was first raised earlier this week when Superintendent Jason Kamras sent a letter to parents notifying them that administrators found mold growth in the school’s basement and on some furniture after a HVAC outage, impacting the school’s air quality. The school district hired contractors to clean the building, change air filters and remediate the mold, while anticipating test results conducted by an independent vendor. Those results came back positive, meaning that students will start school on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the earliest, Kamras said. Teachers will use Monday to set up their classrooms. “I sincerely apologize for the stress, anxiety, and inconvenience this news may bring to your family,” Kamras wrote to families. “Please know that your students’ health and safety — as well as that of our staff — remains my number one priority, and we will not re-enter the building until we are certain that it is safe to do so.” Administrators also received reports of rodents in some rooms, Kamras said, and an exterminator was hired to treat those rooms. The school held its open house for families on Thursday outside of the building. Parents have been aware of the HVAC issue since May, said Mallery Carter-Hicks, president of the school's parent teacher organization. She recalled one kindergarten classroom reaching 82 degrees. Division administators told her and parents that the system would be repaired once school was out, but they learned this week that "a necessary part was not expected until October." "That has been very frustrating for parents, especially because we were under the impression that the issue would be addressed over the summer," she said. The rodent issue is also not new, she added, saying that school Principal Jacqueline Drye had an exterminator come out multiple times when rodents were also discovered in May. "I even joked (half serious) about getting a school cat to help," Carter-Hicks wrote to The Richmonder. Nicole Zawitkowski, a new parent to the school whose daughter is getting ready to begin the first grade, said that when she saw Kamras' announcement, she decided to “do a deep dive” into mold and HVAC issues at the school. “I discovered that it is definitely not a new issue,” she said. She pointed to [a January 2024 assessment report](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/08/BarackObamaES.pdf) showing that mold had been present in the school. She also noted that the division had previously proposed upgrading the [school’s HVAC system last year](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DEBVBZ7FF72C/$file/FY26%20SCHOOL%20BOARD%20BUDGET-FOR%20APPROVAL.pdf), as part of the RPS capital improvement budget. But officials moved the project to be included [in the budget for this school year](https://files.smartsites.parentsquare.com/11846/fy27%5Fschool%5Fboard%5Fadopted%5Fbudget%5Famended%5F7-23-2026%5F1.pdf) after the division did not receive enough capital improvement funds last year to cover all proposed projects. “The absolute root causes have to be identified in order for this to stop being a problem,” she said. At a recent Richmond School Board Facilities and Vacant Property Committee meeting, Interim Director of Facilities Harry Chargois told members that the school’s air conditioning was functioning at 50% capacity. At the same committee meeting in June, he said the HVAC system [was close to end of life](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/pfiles/DWEPG3647DF3/$file/DRAFT%20Minutes%20VPC%20Meeting%20Wed%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf). Three of the six compressors – which are the central components of an HVAC system – were no longer working. The chiller – which helps provide cool air in a building – also needed to be replaced. He recommended renting one, which would cost over $12,000 a month, while a new one would be ordered with an expected delivery date of November or December. There was no mention made about a mold issue at the meeting. He said that his team was working with contractors to ensure that the compressors were functioning at full capacity and address “miscellaneous HVAC and structural issues” at the school. “We're hoping it doesn't impact the start of school if we need everything functioning,” he said at the time. RPS has dealt with long-standing structural school building issues. Around this time last year, photos surfaced of mold visible [in the auditorium of Elizabeth Redd Elementary School](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/). Teachers also shared concerns about asbestos exposure at the Southside school. Patrick Herrel, the division’s chief operating officer, told the committee that while the facilities team was addressing a variety of “other small issues,” Barack Obama Elementary “is the only one that has the kind of longer term structural issues that we’ve had to work on.” The school was built in 1921. Zawitowski said she’s aware that administrators are currently running dehumidifiers in the school, and while she’s appreciative of the response and communication, she feels there’s a need for more, including knowing who is conducting the cleaning and what guidelines they are following. “I’m certain that they are working really hard to make this work and I’m sure there are financial budget constraints. But this is a really basic bare minimum,” she said. She further called for regular routine testing throughout the school year. Carter-Hicks echoed Zawitowski's concerns and heeding. Carter-Hicks, who has two students in the school, said that many kids have allergies, asthma or are immunocompromised. "We understand that repairs take time, but parents want transparency about the problems, the timeline for fixing them, and most importantly, resassurance that our children will have a safe environment to learn in," she said. School begins for the rest of the division on Monday, Aug. 24\. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### A new era for Richmond High School for the Arts begins with a $140M building. Take a look inside URL: https://www.richmonder.org/a-new-era-for-richmond-high-school-for-the-arts-begins-with-a-140m-building-take-a-look-inside/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T02:20:05.000Z The wait is over. The doors of Richmond High School for the Arts are finally open after construction began three years ago. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-16.jpg) The 14,000 square foot auditorium, which includes a balcony and can seat more than 900 students. (Photos by Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) The nearly 300,000-square-foot building, capable of holding just under 2,000 students, cost the division about $150 million with the help of the city’s meal tax. The division agreed to construct the new building back in 2017. Inside of the building is a 14,000 square foot auditorium with a balcony, a 900-capacity cafeteria, and a large gym and basketball court that can seat over 2,000 fans. Newer additions include a podcast studio, a weight room for athletes, a ballet and dance studio, and a childcare lab for children of students where students interested in early education can learn from preschool professionals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-20.jpg) The school’s gymnasium, which can hold about 2,158 people. All of that will be for the expected 1,600 students attending the school in just a few days. “I want them to feel like ‘Wow, I am special. Like, all of this for me?’ Because that's what I felt when I walked through the door. All of this, and I get to lead this beautiful space and these beautiful children. I want them to walk in the door and imagine the possibilities,” said incoming school Principal Monica Glass. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-09.jpg) From left to right, Richmond School Board member Stephanie Rizzi (5th District), Principal Monica Glass, Superintendent Jason Kamras, and Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District). Glass, who led John Marshall High School to a 100% graduation rate, previously attended RHSA as a student when it was known as George Wythe High. The school will be the first to [implement the division’s high school redesign](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DUGQTL6ADD16/$file/RHSA%20Passion4Learning%20Update%20-%2006.01.26%20Board%20Work%20Session%20%281%29.pdf), as part of the district's Dreams4RPS 5-year strategic plan. As referenced in its name, RHSA will have a primary focus on the arts, offering classes like dance, fashion, theater and film studies. Ninth graders in the 2027-28 school year will be the first to experience the new model, which could possibly yield about a dozen more teachers to the school, Superintendent Jason Kamras said. Zoned students as well as students who apply through open enrollment can attend the school. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-12.jpg) A multimedia classroom located in the library named after former RHSA principal Riddick Parker Jr., who died unexpectedly in 2022. The original plan was to open the school after winter break. But at the end of the previous school year, the old building abruptly closed due to flooding from a malfunctioning HVAC system. [Richmond High School for the Arts closed after floodingA new school is under construction directly adjacent to the current school, with a scheduled move date of mid-September.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8fdcd357-f82b-46c0-bdb6-b7938666f729.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-1.54.15---PM-396258f4-6f27-456a-8212-9431939a3195.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-high-school-for-the-arts-closed-today-after-flooding/) That building, built in 1960, will be demolished and replaced by new athletic facilities that will also contain a field of artificial turf for football players, as part of the school’s second phase that will cost the division more money. [School Board votes to spend at least $2 million to add turf athletic field at new high schoolKamras said the RHSA community “would feel disrespected if they did not get what they were expecting.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-428f57ce-592e-4f51-91ea-08985cfed731.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6930-b4c46e3d-b6f5-4a4f-adbd-b9bf09beacbc.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-votes-to-spend-at-least-2-million-to-add-turf-athletic-field-at-new-high-school/) During remarks, school leaders thanked taxpayers and advocated for the upcoming 1% sales tax referendum, when voters will decide whether or not to take on an additional 1% tax that will go towards school construction and renovation. [Richmond voters will decide on 1% sales tax for schools after Council OKs referendumIf enacted, the extra sales tax would generate up to $47 million per year for school system projects.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-0cf3bfa3-3963-4b97-9519-fc5d83f44197.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/AlbertHillMS-Addison-ef12d57b-0261-46cf-9f04-2e5328712a90.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-voters-will-decide-on-1-sales-tax-for-schools-after-council-oks-referendum/) “This is the perfect example of when the community comes together, not just RPS families, but Richmond City as a whole, and what the meals tax was able to accomplish,” said Richmond School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District). “(What) the 1% sales tax referendum will do is expedite the amount of time it takes for these types of buildings to be built.” Leaders reiterated the need for funding, citing the old age of the division’s buildings and the little money it receives to fix them. Kamras said a previous assessment of the division’s buildings estimated that RPS needs $680 million for basic maintenance for the next 20 years, while only getting $2.5 million annually for capital improvements. [Richmond schools need $43.7 million in immediate repairs, find reports on building conditionsBureau Veritas, a global consulting firm, has conducted similar facilities reviews for school systems around the country.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-249a6208-443c-467c-acae-95c86b90a301.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-e8d62f3f-215d-4910-9e8c-aa0a625b23cc.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-need-43-7-million-in-immediate-repairs-find-reports-on-building-conditions/) Board member Stephanie Rizzi, who represents the 5th District the school is in, said that RPS has been “putting Band-Aids on these buildings for too long, and they're not gonna hold” with the funding the district currently gets. A facilities plan for where that funding will go towards will not be ready by the time voters head to the polls, the superintendent has previously said. Instead, Kamras said the division will engage the public on what that plan should look like before getting the Richmond School Board approval. [RPS won’t have facility spending plan in place before November election“I actually think it’s a good thing in a way that we have the opportunity for the city to weigh in and to share what they believe the priorities should be as we take the next step with this fund.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4c2fec54-06da-4c47-b0a5-98b620ead335.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-4-e6466b71-ed6d-464d-b0b4-2cf0641b1373.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/) The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school’s opening, which was scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to later this fall due to potential weather conditions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-10.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-11.jpg) A childcare lab classroom for children of students, where students who want to become preschool teachers can learn from childcare professionals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-13-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-18.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-19.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/new-rhsa-21.jpg) A mural from the old building located at the front entrance of the new school. ### Conversion of 95-year-old Virginia Home in Byrd Park to apartments gets thumbs-up from Planning Commission URL: https://www.richmonder.org/conversion-of-95-year-old-virginia-home-in-byrd-park-to-apartments-gets-thumbs-up-from-planning-commission/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T20:38:34.000Z A proposal to convert the nearly century-old Virginia Home that sits on the edge of Byrd Park into apartments after the facility relocates to Hanover County got unanimous support from Richmond’s Planning Commission Tuesday, despite concerns from neighbors in Randolph about parking and traffic. “I think it is an attractive, iconic building that is worth saving. It is historic,” said Commissioner Brian White. “I acknowledge the concerns about parking, and I can’t say that the parking will not evolve because of this project. It very well might. “But,” he continued, “I don’t think anyone wants a 100,000-plus square foot building in the middle of a residential neighborhood to go vacant and dark for a generation.” While the special use permit being sought for the project will have to get the approval of the City Council to move forward, the Virginia Home is hoping the process will move quickly. The organization, which currently houses 130 adults with irreversible physical disabilities at its six-story building between South Meadow and Hampton streets, is planning to move into a new [$128 million facility](https://richmondbizsense.com/2025/11/19/the-virginia-home-breaks-ground-on-128m-facility-in-hanover/) it is constructing in Hanover. The new site is expected to be able to serve 30 more residents and offer a day program to 60 more people. Board of Trustees Chair Laura Stewart also said it will provide better conditions for residents, including larger rooms, semi-private bathrooms and a one-story footprint that will be easier for people with disabilities to navigate. In letters to the Planning Commission, staffers and residents described the sale of the Richmond property to Audeo Partners for redevelopment as “critical” and “essential” to that work proceeding. But the exit of the organization from its long-time home has also caused concerns among some neighbors of the adjoining Randolph neighborhood, who worry that a sudden influx of new residents will overwhelm the area’s narrow streets and infrastructure. “I do support thoughtful development and recognize that Richmond needs additional housing and new housing options,” Robin Levey told the Planning Commission Tuesday. “But I also believe that development must be appropriate for the neighborhoods in which it occurs, and that the process must give citizens confidence that the city is carefully evaluating the impact of these projects.” The conversion of the historic Hampton Street building is just one of the projects that would be linked to the Virginia Home’s departure. Separately, the organization is pursuing the sale of a 0.75 acre property on the other side of South Meadow to Audeo [for the construction of a block of townhomes](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-backs-31-townhouse-development-in-randolph/). [Planning Commission backs 31-townhouse development in Randolph“In the spirit of increasing density according to the master plan, I think this is a beautiful project.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-20283f20-5555-4e6f-ab0a-de78bebd3abd.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/meadow_renderings-f8d039b1-2dc2-4dc1-8215-0108b151c0f7.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-backs-31-townhouse-development-in-randolph/) An earlier version of the South Meadow project that was endorsed by the Planning Commission would have built 31 attached homes with garages on that site, with 15 facing Meadow and 16 fronting on the alley that runs parallel to it, which would be paved and renamed Field Way. Concerns from neighbors led Audeo to significantly revise its plans down to 21 homes, add parking and reorient the houses to only face existing streets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-1c3b6ca6-3e64-464d-b214-7d748423e235.png) ### **Parking and traffic worries** Parking and traffic continued to be primary concerns for some Randolph residents in reviewing the plans for the Hampton Street facility that came before the Planning Commission Tuesday. In letters and public comments, those neighbors said the redevelopment would cause overcrowding and increase congestion in the surrounding streets, two conditions the city charter requires the Planning Commission and City Council to consider in deciding whether to approve a special use permit. “We have a lot of questions we would like another meeting with the developers to have answered,” said Randolph neighbor Toni Mounce. Under the Audeo plans, the current building would be rehabilitated into 28 studio apartments, 79 one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units of various configurations, for a total of 131 apartments. “The exterior and footprint of the existing building would remain largely unchanged and only the interior would be converted to multifamily use,” Lory Markham, a planner involved with both Audeo projects, wrote in the permit application. The one change Audeo is proposing to the exterior would be the addition of new windows, doors and patios to units that front along South Meadow, which Markham said would “provide more life and eyes on the street.” The current parking lot would be reconfigured from 44 to 61 spots, with five others intended for visitors. If the SUP is granted, Audeo has said it wants to work with the city’s Department of Public Works to allow additional parking along a section of Lake Road where it is currently prohibited. Other parking would occur on the surrounding neighborhood streets. [Richmond issues about 11,000 parking tickets a month. We dug into the data.In total, offenders paid $42.9 million in parking tickets over an 8-year period.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f1392af4-a567-45c7-8088-ec0bd53f8fde.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8660-1-485f71bc-0d1c-49de-8823-445218f8fde9.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-issues-about-11-000-parking-tickets-a-month-we-dug-into-the-data/) Preston Lloyd, a lawyer with Williams Mullen who is representing Audeo, told the Planning Commission that the conversion would actually decrease traffic and parking pressure on the area because there would no longer need to be staff constantly onsite or large-scale deliveries for the facility’s commercial kitchen. The Virginia Home currently has roughly 260 staff members to care for residents. The Randolph neighbors concerned with the plan disputed that conclusion, however, saying that a traffic assessment done by engineering firm Timmons Group for Audeo was flawed. In particular, they pointed to an email from DPW Right of Way Manager Doug Mawby noting that the numbers of on-street parking spaces shown as being available “is not accurate as many of those spaces will be restricted by parking regulations, or by the width of a particular street.” Mounce told the Commission that while the Virginia Home has a large staff, their impact is blunted because they work on shifts and many use the bus to get to and from work. “They are not driving cars into the neighborhood,” she said. “They are not seeking parking in the neighborhood.” She and Randolph resident Claire Guthrie Gastañaga also contended the capacity of the new apartments could be far higher than the roughly 200 the developers estimated if four people inhabited many of the two-bedroom units. Gastañaga put the potential peak capacity at 320 to 350 residents. The vehicles associated with those apartments will likely cause significant traffic, they said, particularly because of the lack of commercial amenities like small grocers in Randolph or Byrd Park. In addition to the trips residents will take, Gastañaga pointed out delivery trucks could also cause obstructions. “How many of you get a delivery from FedEx once a day? A lot of us. Some of us twice a day,” she said. “There are going to be 200 people living in the building getting FedEx deliveries, getting deliveries from Grubhub, getting deliveries pretty much 24/7.” [Avula administration drops duplex proposal in third draft of code refresh“There will be many nervous residents that will breathe a sigh of relief when they see that update.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e2e43771-532e-4fb4-9b89-8fb68c726fdd.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/C2222ADB-6CC1-49D5-9D51-3C39F27ECC73_1_201_a--1--62ccc159-e52a-469d-afe2-06446ae8ea5e.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-administration-drops-duplex-proposal-in-third-draft-of-code-refresh/) Lloyd told the Planning Commission that residents had “asked the right questions about whether this will ultimately have an undue impact on their community.” “But we believe that after that thorough analysis and after the engagement that has occurred, we can answer that question definitively: This is the right amount of density in the right place because of the existing infrastructure that’s there, because of the existing park access, the transit,” he said. The Planning Commission agreed. Even Commissioner Rebecca Rowe, who previously voted against Audeo’s Meadow Street townhome project, said the Hampton Street redevelopment “checks all of my boxes” and warned that adding more dedicated parking for the facility could have “unintended” impacts on the neighborhood. Still, Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), who also serves on the Planning Commission, noted that “parking continues to be a major concern” for residents in numerous projects and raised the possibility of analyzing how the City Council’s [2023 decision to get rid of parking minimums for new development](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/richmond-ends-parking-minimums/) has played out. “At some time I do think it’s important that we assess the impact of that policy,” she said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### State didn't send enough funds for nullified redistricting vote, leaving Richmond $375K short URL: https://www.richmonder.org/state-didnt-send-enough-funds-for-nullified-redistricting-vote-leaving-richmond-375k-short/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T18:51:16.000Z Richmond officials had to spend almost $375,000 in local tax dollars to run an unplanned election that didn’t count. A pot of state money set aside to help local election offices fund the April 21 redistricting referendum fell short of covering Richmond’s actual costs, according to city documents. City officials spent a little more than half a million dollars to run the redistricting vote, which ultimately didn’t matter because the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled the election invalid and overturned the result. Out of $5 million the General Assembly allocated to help pay for the redistricting referendum, Richmond received $129,606, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. That was significantly less than the $504,437 Richmond spent on staffing, equipment, ballots and other expenses tied to the unusually timed spring election. It left the city election office having to absorb a $374,831 cost. Richmond isn’t alone. Cities and counties across Virginia had to run the election regardless of the unresolved legal challenges over whether the vote should count. Neighboring Henrico and Chesterfield counties have reported similar local expenses that weren’t fully reimbursed by the state. But due to a tight budget in Richmond, the city’s elections office was put into a financial shortfall partially caused by Democrats’ failed push to gerrymander Virginia’s congressional map in their favor. “The entire conversation about the April 21 referendum election was first broached months after the city’s budget was adopted,” said Richmond Electoral Board Chairman Bill Pantele. “It’s just one of those things that needs to get sorted out.” The exact size of the shortfall and how the city resolved it — or plans to resolve it — aren’t clear. The Richmonder reached out to multiple officials over several weeks to ask how the city handled the election office being forced to spend more money than anticipated for the fiscal year that ended June 30\. The city has not yet provided a full explanation with financial specifics. Asked how he handled the unexpected expense, Registrar David Levine said his fiscal year 2026 budget was already likely to be in the red due to another unforeseen special election in January. That contest was to fill the Richmond-area state Senate seat that opened due to Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi’s ascension to statewide office. The April redistricting vote, he said, “added further unanticipated expenses to the budget.” “We notified the city that additional funding would be needed to cover the FY2026 election-related expenses, and the city indicated that it would provide funding to cover those costs,” Levine said. Democrats pushed for the special election to counter Republican-led redistricting in other states, which occurred at the request of President Donald Trump in an attempt to maximize the GOP’s chances of keeping control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November. [Redistricting amendment: How Richmond voted on TuesdaySee how your neighborhood voted.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-462462c9-817f-40c0-bd07-abb08692c4f2.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_9109-5f6f7133-c1e3-4f42-9e0b-98e730ecb9cd.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/redistricting-amendment-how-richmond-voted-o/) In 2020, voters approved a change to the Virginia Constitution that took away the General Assembly’s map-drawing powers and gave them to a bipartisan redistricting committee. Because of that, Democrats had to fast-track a public vote on a new constitutional amendment to temporarily restore the legislature’s ability to draw and pass new maps without the commission. The redistricting plan won voter approval, but the victory didn’t last. In a 4-3 decision handed down in May, the Supreme Court essentially ruled that the Democratic-led legislature didn’t follow the proper, time-intensive process for putting constitutional amendments on the ballot. That made the result void and restored Virginia’s existing congressional map for this fall’s midterm elections. The two parties have differing perspectives on who was at fault for public money being spent on a vote later deemed unlawful. Democrats, who tried to compress a constitutional amendment process that normally takes two years down to six months, have pointed the finger at the Supreme Court. If there were serious concerns about the election’s legality, they’ve argued, the court could have addressed them before allowing the vote to proceed. Republicans contend the majority party knowingly cut procedural corners and wasted taxpayer dollars on a losing gamble that the courts wouldn’t get in the way by overturning a popular vote after the fact. With the legal battle unresolved heading into the April referendum, city and county voter registrars still had to do the administrative work of printing ballots, hiring and training election officers, mailing absentee ballots and opening polling places. In Virginia, voter registrars are considered constitutional officers, which gives them some separation from their local government. Though Levine reports to the city’s court-appointed Electoral Board instead of City Hall, his office relies on local funding to operate. For fiscal 2026, the budget cycle when the redistricting referendum occurred, the registrar’s office received about $4.7 million from the city’s general fund budget. Staffing costs made up most of the special election expense. According to a tally from the Richmond election office, more than $330,000 was spent on the people needed to carry out the redistricting vote. Levine, who was hired as Richmond’s registrar in the summer of 2025 in the aftermath of a controversy about alleged overspending in the election office, said his team “took a number of steps to manage our expenses and preserve flexibility in the budget.” “For example, we limited conference travel, deferred some building maintenance projects, and spread the purchase of our ballot-on-demand printers across two fiscal years rather than one,” Levine said. “We also notified the city that the additional election would result in higher-than-anticipated election expenses for the fiscal year.” The registrar’s office didn’t answer follow-up inquiries seeking clarity on how much additional funding was necessary to keep the election budget in balance. Pantele, who previously served on the City Council before his appointment to the Electoral Board, said officials “don’t have a bottom-line resolution at this time” for working out the budget issue. “We’re confident that we’re going to get the money we need in order to carry out the elections process we oversee,” Pantele said. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### The Richmonder 25: Nikkia Young keeps Richmond running URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-nikkia-young-keeps-richmond-running/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T18:39:17.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* In the fall of 2014, Nikkia Young showed up alone to a Richmond Road Runners Club Turkey Trot. She wasn't chasing a finish time. She had gotten into recreational running at Roanoke College and wanted to see what a local race had to offer. A few weeks later, she showed up again — this time to the RRRC’s Toy Run — where instead of paying an entry fee, runners brought a toy donation for kids in need. Something about it stuck. "That's how I came to learn more about the club," she said. Twelve years later, Young is the club's president, leading a 19-member board of directors that oversees 17 races a year and boasts more than 2,200 members. The oldest running organization in Richmond is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028\. Last year, the Road Runners Club of America named Young its Outstanding Club President of the Year. Young is also chair of the board of directors for Girls on the Run Greater Richmond, an organization that uses running to help girls in third through eighth grades build confidence, healthy habits and life skills. That's a lot of titles. What they don't capture is the way Young talks about why she does any of it. "I am a plus-sized Black woman. I do not look like a typical runner," she said. "I'm so glad I'm seeing more and more people that look like me out on the road now. But that wasn't always the case. Sometimes you have to be it in order for other people to see it.” Young grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and came to Richmond for a job after graduating from Roanoke College with degrees in music and sociology. She's worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond since 2016, focusing on cloud cost management. Running, though, is where she found her people. "These are the folks that moved me from my first apartment to my first home," she said of the RRRC training partners, some decades her senior. "The lasting legacy these people have had on my life — I hope that I'm leaving that too. We can make a bigger table. We can build a better space." She's held nearly every job the club has to offer: treasurer for two years, race director for the Toy Run — since replaced by the Snowman Shuffle — and for the Stratford Hills 10K, which she pursued deliberately after Mike Levins, who had directed it for 40 years, decided he wouldn't be the one to carry it to 50. "She wanted to direct Stratford Hills from the get go," Levins said. "It was just a race that she liked and she wanted to keep it going." 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! He describes Young as "enthusiastic" and "energetic," focused on making sure the club's upcoming 50th anniversary is honored the way it deserves. This is Young's third term as club president. She first took the role during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, then stepped away for two years before returning to the board and eventually to the presidency again. Those pandemic years, she said, forced the club to focus on unglamorous institutional work: updating bylaws, building a grants program, launching virtual races that let members who'd moved away stay connected. Out of that period came what she calls the ACE initiative, a push for access, connection and experience across everything the club does. "How can we continue to get more people included?" was the thought process, she said. Young also has a wonky enthusiasm for the nuts and bolts of helping an organization she believes in run smoothly. “You’re making sure that the administration happens so \[the organization\] can do its mission,” she said. “That is something that has always fascinated me. “I call Richmond the land of competing nonprofits. A lot of them do the same thing, and that’s not a bad thing but sometimes in the management of them is where you lose the mission. So I knew that if we wanted RRRC to grow, if we wanted to see things move in a positive direction and also make sure were supporting our actual mission… For me, that administration is so important.” Jenna Conley, the club's first executive director, has been in the job a little over two years. Before her, the entire organization — including a Turkey Trot heading into its 49th year this fall — was volunteer-led. “\[Young is\] involved in a lot of running communities throughout Richmond, not just running but active lifestyles," Conley said. "She has a really good way of speaking up for all different parties and being a liaison for her community." That drive, Conley said, doesn't always know when to quit: ”I tell her, you're like the Energizer bunny. I also have to try to tell her, you can say no. But she has so much to give and wants to help the community. I really admire that about her." At Girls on the Run, executive director Catherine Estevez meets with Young every two weeks. She credits Young with helping shape a new three-year strategic plan built around sustainable, equitable growth — not just more girls served, but better-supported volunteers and higher-quality programming, including how to keep the organization's culminating 5K, which now serves 1,400 girls on 55 teams, growing and thriving. "I think Nikkia is a great representation of that — of how you can build community," Estevez said. "Who you are and how you move in the world should be celebrated. That really aligns with what Girls on the Run is all about." --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Entering its fifth year, Run Richmond 16.19 invites participants to reflect on the city’s slave-trading past URL: https://www.richmonder.org/entering-its-fifth-year-run-richmond-16-19-invites-participants-to-reflect-on-the-citys-slave-trading-past/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T18:29:17.000Z Runners will soon wind through Richmond’s streets, passing sites once central to the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade as Run Richmond 16.19 asks participants to reckon with a painful past and begin a process of healing. Run Richmond 16.19 began as the brainchild of Djimon Honsou, an actor and Oscar nominee. It’s a 16.19-kilometer (roughly 10 miles) run-or-walk event that trails through the heart of some of Richmond’s most historic sites. The race itself is [**Saturday morning, Sept. 12**](https://www.runrichmond1619.org/about/event-info/), framing a weekend of events. The region was chosen because of [the prominent role it played](https://unfoldinghistory.richmond.edu/article/enslavement-in-richmond-and-the-region) as an American hub for the transatlantic slave trade. As for the distance, it reflects [the year the first enslaved Africans arrived](https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/arrival-of-the-first-africans-in-1619.htm) on the continent: 1619\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Run-Richmond-16.19-2025-700.jpg) Participants in last year's event. (Doug Ash) This is the first of three events that the Dijmon Honsou Foundation hopes to eventually bring to life. “We developed a concept called Africa Reconnect,” said Max Plank, the foundation’s program and marketing director. “The idea was to create a cultural running and walking event series on the three continents that took part in the slave trade. So to go to America, to go to Europe, and to go to Africa.” The other two events would take place in Liverpool, England, and Ouidah, Benin — both, like Richmond, cities that anchored the transatlantic slave trade. With this, the foundation is hoping to breathe hope into an otherwise troubled history. [Slow, but steady, restoration efforts continue for century-old Black cemeteries“We want this to be a real model for other such efforts in Virginia and beyond.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-b8a82e7b-e163-4215-886e-f488744a9f43.png)The RichmonderGeorge Copeland Jr.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Maxfield-and-Bruce--Copeland--2-3a87e657-0aec-4807-96b3-504a3fe78e41.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/slow-but-steady-restoration-efforts-continue-for-century-old-black-cemeteries/) Everyone is welcome to sign up, with Plank encouraging Richmonders of all races to participate. The event doesn’t look to shame someone for their ancestors’ actions, he said. It simply looks to begin the healing process. “We want this to be an event where diverse communities come together to reflect on the shared past in an honest way in a community setting. But also to celebrate together how far we have come and really strengthen community bonds,” Plank said. “I think this can, you know, release some of that grief and start the process of healing. A two-day or a three-day event, like, we do can only do so much in that. We see it as a catalyst.” The pain caused by the transatlantic slave trade is still relevant, Plank said, with [intergenerational trauma](https://dc.suffolk.edu/undergrad/40/) still affecting descendants of enslaved individuals. Plank recalled that one year, a participant said she “can still feel the dark energy this place holds” while running through Shockoe Bottom — [where many auctions took place](https://savingplaces.org/places/shockoe-bottom) — and towards Lumpkin’s Jail — [which held enslaved people](https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/lumpkins-jail/) before their sale. “You can see this is trauma actually coming up,” Plank said. “When we think of trauma, no trauma has ever been healed by ignoring it.” [‘Hire young people’: At Shockoe Institute, panelists discuss ways to create economic mobility“It’s time to open our minds and open our doors. Hire that kid. Give that intern the chance.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-264a7455-5266-492a-9d05-b7d6832532c9.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Shockoe-Project-Event_The-Richmonder-4.29.26_JTH-15-582a5037-a46b-4de2-b8d4-995447ec9540.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/hire-young-people-at-shockoe-institute-panelists-discuss-ways-to-create-economic-mobility/) The event traces through other historically relevant sites, such as this year’s starting and ending point: Abner Clay Park, which is across from Black History Museum in Jackson Ward. Plank called this focus on the former [Black Wall Street](https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/jackson-ward-and-its-black-wall-street.htm) “meaningful,” dubbing Jackson Ward “A very meaningful neighborhood.” The route will include information on relevant historical sites, as well as educational events scattered throughout the weekend. Alongside the walk-or-run itself, there will be many free offerings, including start and finish festivals open to the public. This year’s race is particularly significant for Run Richmond as it coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Plank said this history carries a weight that many people may not want to celebrate, and it’s important that the event doesn’t sugarcoat things. “I feel there is a need and a void for events that are more commemorations,” Plank said. “We will always tell the history of how it happened, the bad and the good, because this is what moves us forward.” As for what’s next for the Djimon Honsou Foundation, it’s planning Run Liverpool 18.33\. It’ll be similar to Run Richmond in essence, while focusing on the European angle of the transatlantic slave trade. Plank said participants “will understand the deep connections between the city of Liverpool and Richmond in that whole history, and gain a full picture of that history.” [As Richmond’s $265 million Shockoe Project continues to take shape, see renderings of a future memorialThe campus in Shockoe Bottom will memorialize the city’s role in the slave trade.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a68dfebf-0360-4b92-a46e-78fdaeffca81.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-8.43.14---PM-7d3f457f-25f7-4695-8545-ea6c990507c1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-265-million-shockoe-project-continues-to-take-shape-see-renderings-of-a-future-memorial/) The foundation will also set its sights on Ouidah, Benin, which is home to the “Door of No Return” — [named for its role](https://www.dhf.org/faq/gate-of-no-return/) as one of the final places enslaved Africans stood before leaving the continent for good. Here, that healing process central to Run Richmond 16.19 will continue. Plank said the hope is to transform what was once a reminder of displacement and destruction into a place for return. But for now, Plank said the foundation is focused on seeing the Richmond-based event across the finish line. “We all, of course, cannot undo the horrors of the past,” Plank said. “But what we can do is provide … connection to the roots, to the culture, to the motherland.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Data: Housing is more out of reach and homeownership is down for younger Richmonders URL: https://www.richmonder.org/data-housing-is-more-out-of-reach-and-homeownership-is-down-for-younger-richmonders/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T20:20:31.000Z Housing has gotten “substantially more expensive” for younger adults in and around Richmond — as well as in metro areas across the state, according to UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. In [a presentation to the Virginia Housing Commission Tuesday](https://vhc.virginia.gov/VAHousing%5FCommission%5FAug2026%20Lombard.pdf), demographer Hamilton Lombard said median home values in the Richmond region in 2024 were about 5.3 times greater than the annual earnings of local workers aged 25 to 44\. “It’s up pretty much across the board,” he said. However, he told The Richmonder later, the Richmond metropolitan statistical area — a region defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the city and 16 surrounding localities — “had the second largest increase in housing costs relative to young adults’ wages” after the Charlottesville region. Both have gotten influxes of new residents from the Washington, D.C. area and more high-cost parts of the Northeast. In Richmond, “after adjusting for inflation, the median home value rose close to three times faster than earnings for younger adults between 2014 and 2024,” he wrote in an email. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-c95d6e4a-54f0-4a49-aff8-923b24051e14.png) (Source: University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service) Lombard’s analysis found that “housing prices have outgrown wages for younger workers in every Virginia metro area since 2014” and “while smaller metro areas mostly remain the most affordable, they have seen faster increases in home prices than large metro areas.” Homeownership rates for residents of the Richmond region aged 25 to 34 are also down compared to 20 years ago, dropping from 45% to 32.1% between 2005 and 2024\. The overall trend for the area “lines up well with national trends,” Lombard told The Richmonder, with the homeownership rate for younger people rising after the pandemic and then falling in response to high home prices and higher mortgage rates. Still, the rate in Richmond today remains above where it was between 2012 to 2017, when Lombard said mortgage lenders were still recovering from the financial crisis, leading many young people to rent for longer periods. Across the U.S., the median age of first-time homebuyers hit an all-time high of age 40 last year, [according to the National Association of Realtors](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-7d3ffb70-e57b-4240-a016-013ecb9fa847.png) (Source: University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service) Lombard told the commission that in Virginia high housing costs are helping push demand from one city or county to the next — a trend evident in the Richmond area, which saw an increase of 10,500 residents with remote jobs tied to the Washington, D.C. area between 2019 and 2023\. “People are moving out of higher-cost areas and coming to areas where it’s more affordable. In turn, people are moving out of those areas and going further out,” he said. “In some ways it can be a good trend, but it’s also spreading that sort of housing market pressure much further out than you might have seen a decade ago.” And while the demographer said that young people’s earnings and workforce participation are at higher rates than ever before in Virginia, a large share are still living with their parents. “A lot of this seems to tie back to just housing affordability in general,” he said. Jovan Burton, executive director of the Partnership for Housing Affordability, a Richmond region nonprofit that provides research and policy recommendations on local housing trends, said that Weldon Cooper’s findings on younger people living with their parents mirrored PHA’s own. “That is certainly consistent with what we’ve seen,” he said in an email, pointing to [a finding by his group](https://pharva.com/housingdata/) that in 2020 more than 75,800 young adults in the region — about one in three people aged 18 to 34 in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover — were living with their parents. Young residents' demand for homes to buy isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon, particularly because Lombard said across both Virginia and the U.S., data show older residents largely aren’t moving — and if they do move, they aren’t downsizing. “What that means is you have an incredible growth in an older population that has a good deal of equity in their homes looking for the exact same type of housing younger adults are,” Lombard told the commission. “If you have a competition there, it’s going to be pretty one-sided.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Aug. 19 Newsletter: Baseball proposal steps up to bat URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-19-newsletter-baseball-proposal-steps-up-to-bat/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T10:00:44.000Z **Weather:** Sunny, high of 90. **On this date** in 1884, the Richmond Virginians fall to 2-8 as a Major League team with a loss in Baltimore. The Virginians were a minor-league team, but played the final month of the season in the American Association (which later merged into the National League) after a team went bankrupt. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0129-0205-021225-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-19-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/baseball-and-soccer-fields-proposed-at-lois-harrison-jones-elementary-after-tennis-facility-falls-through/) ### Baseball and soccer fields proposed at Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary after tennis facility falls through Nearly a year after a proposal to build a $15-$20 million indoor tennis facility behind Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary died from a lack of community support, a different group is now stepping in to propose building a soccer field and baseball field in what would’ve been the facility’s place. ⚾ Richmond Little League is offering to build out the fields in exchange for their use. The school's principal said students have long desired a soccer field, leading to the proposal. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/baseball-and-soccer-fields-proposed-at-lois-harrison-jones-elementary-after-tennis-facility-falls-through/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/ellwood-thompsons-parent-company-acquired-by-data-center-owner-as-stock-drops-below-2-cents-a-share/) ### Ellwood Thompson's parent company acquired by data center owner The Florida-based company that bought Ellwood Thompson’s three years ago, Healthy Choices Wellness Corp., is being acquired by a private equity developer of data centers. HCWC said the step was taken to ease a cash crunch that raises “substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern” for the next 12 months. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/ellwood-thompsons-parent-company-acquired-by-data-center-owner-as-stock-drops-below-2-cents-a-share/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_9901.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/inflation-deferred-maintenance-contribute-to-850-million-in-needs-chesterfield-school-officials-say/) ### Inflation, deferred maintenance contribute to $850 million in needs, Chesterfield school officials say As Chesterfield voters prepare to weigh in this November on whether to raise the sales tax 1% to fund school construction, the county’s school system unveiled a study that said it needs an estimated $850 million over the next decade to address maintenance across its campuses. Chesterfield passed a bond referendum in 2022, but officials said many of those projects couldn't be completed due to rapid inflation. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/inflation-deferred-maintenance-contribute-to-850-million-in-needs-chesterfield-school-officials-say/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-21.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-murder-mystery-graphic-novel-explores-richmonds-art-world/) ### New murder-mystery graphic novel explores Richmond’s art world The idea for Dash Shaw’s latest graphic novel, the COVID-era murder mystery “Like Swimmers,” began at the Lombardy Street Kroger. The launch party for “Like Swimmers” will be held at 7:30 PM on Wednesday at Studio Two Three, and the book will be stocked at Velocity. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/new-murder-mystery-graphic-novel-explores-richmonds-art-world/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-22.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-christie-chipps-peters-leads-richmond-animal-care-and-control-with-optimism/) ### Christie Chipps Peters leads Richmond Animal Care and Control with optimism One of Peters' favorite parts of her job is running the adoption desk every Sunday, something she started when she was hired as director. “It's the best part of people coming in looking for a forever best friend, and for me it's really rewarding to see everything come full circle,” she said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-christie-chipps-peters-leads-richmond-animal-care-and-control-with-optimism/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### Today's sponsor [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/260514_136_aj_ar900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-shines-the-light--and-leads-the-way--on-the-national-challenge-of-gambling-addiction?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) ### **VCU researcher Carolyn Hawley shines the light – and leads the way – on the national challenge of gambling addiction** Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions and director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, helped create one of the nation’s first comprehensive systems for treatment, recovery and prevention of gambling addiction. [**Read more**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-shines-the-light--and-leads-the-way--on-the-national-challenge-of-gambling-addiction?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) about how Carolyn Hawley is creating a lifeline for countless people grappling with gambling addiction – and establishing a framework that has allowed Virginia to emerge as a national model for gambling health infrastructure. --- ### In other news - [**Avula administration drops duplex proposal in third draft of code refresh**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-administration-drops-duplex-proposal-in-third-draft-of-code-refresh/) - The mayor acknowledged dropping the proposal would likely decrease the amount of home construction that will occur as a result of the code refresh, but said compromises were necessary. - [**In a rapidly gentrifying city, one majority-Black school in North Side is facing something unexpected: a sudden influx of white students**](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/education/henderson-middle-school/) (Richmond Magazine) - Since the 2023-24 school year, Henderson has seen its white student population more than double. - [**Henrico Schools sets screen time limits, prohibits digital homework for elementary students**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henrico-schools-sets-screen-time-limits-prohibits-digital-homework-for-elementary-students-bans-youtube-access-for-es-and-ms-students/?ref=henrico-newsflash-newsletter) (Henrico Citizen) - First graders are allowed no more than 60 minutes per day of technology use. --- ### The editor's desk *Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Baseball and soccer fields proposed at Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary after tennis facility falls through URL: https://www.richmonder.org/baseball-and-soccer-fields-proposed-at-lois-harrison-jones-elementary-after-tennis-facility-falls-through/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T15:28:52.000Z Nearly a year after a proposal to build a $15-$20 million indoor tennis facility behind Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary died from a lack of community support, a different group is now stepping in to propose building a soccer field and baseball field in what would’ve been the facility’s place. Richmond Little League, a local nonprofit organization offering baseball and softball to boys and girls, [pitched the idea](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DSATC276A62D/$file/Creative%20Reuse%20of%20Rueger%20Playground-Field%20at%20Lois%20Harrison-Jones.pdf) to the Richmond School Board’s Facilities and Vacant Property Committee this month. The League would fully pay for the fields’ design and construction. “We know that other parties have looked at different uses of this area over the last 12 or 18 months, and we have a fairly good relationship with the school,” Richmond Little League President Bobby Prout said to the committee. The project would also create a smaller “open field space” that can be used for different purposes. “The lightning rod that struck” the idea came from the fallout of the tennis facility, proposed by Second Serve RVA. Irv Cantor, president of the Richmond Tennis Association, presented the tennis facility to the Board last July, a project that had been in the works for two years before that. School Board members were hesitant with the idea and ultimately signified that they were leaning towards no. LHJ parents reiterated that message in town hall meetings held between the organization’s leaders and community members. [Group proposing indoor tennis facility offers alternate plan, but school parents remain hesitantThe new site map restricts the number of parking spaces, and puts up a fence between the proposed building and the school.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-40fd2795-b876-4189-bc20-ecc1c59c10be.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/pics-11-2426-25-13-c7169fca-ca88-469a-b060-18c0483c0d7e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/group-proposing-indoor-tennis-facility-offers-alternate-plan-but-school-parents-remain-hesitant/) On and around the school, including at Byrd Park, are already four baseball diamonds that the League uses and maintains, making this proposed baseball field a fifth within the vicinity. Board member Emmett Jafari (8th District) called it “a saturation of ball fields.” Proutt said places outside of the city like in Chesterfield and Henrico counties have even more baseball diamonds near each other. He added that Richmond does not have many spaces capable of doing that. The program has roughly 700 children enrolled, which is the maximum the league can support at the current fields. School Principal Nicholas Lereche told the committee that he does not “need five baseball fields,” but students do want a soccer field and team, which the proposal would provide. Community members have not yet provided formal input on the proposal, but school parents have long vocalized wanting the soccer field. “But what I think is worth considering is that (the) immediate benefit to the students at LHJ is they would have a place to play soccer,” he said. The location where the fields would be placed is otherwise known to local residents as Rueger Playground or Rueger Field, which is on school grounds. The park has attracted cookouts and barbecues over the summer, Lereche said, which could be a risk to the nearby school. In the middle of the park is also a large vacated concession stand building that is in “a very sad state of repair,” Lereche said. He added that homeless people have been in the building and he has had to chase them away from it. Staff have also reported break-ins to their vehicles during the school day, he added. The project would thus help “rebrand that space,” and eliminate the building that he and Board Member Matthew Percival (1st District) said parents have asked for the removal of. It would be “a huge benefit to the RPS, to the community and to our school,” Lereche said. Committee Chair Stephanie Rizzi (5th District) raised concerns about inclusivity within the program, citing past personal experiences of her and her sons not feeling welcomed into the baseball diamonds at Byrd Park. She added that she didn’t have the money to sign up her children for the program. Proutt estimated that the program runs from $100 to $180 for a student per spring season, adding that it is cheaper in the fall season. “I need to make sure that our kids are going to be welcome, if we're giving this land to you for free and you're running these programs, that our kids are engaged and involved,” she said. “I'm sorry to hear that negative experience, but we will never turn away a child who wants to play baseball,” Proutt responded. Rizzi requested data on the number of RPS students enrolled into the program. Proutt said that while the application asks for a kid's school, it is not required for parents to include it. However, the application does mandate home addresses to see if a child can qualify to participate. "If a parent doesn't put in the school, then I can't know where they go to school," he said, meaning that it'll be difficult to produce accurate data. The League now has the task of gathering parents and community member input on the proposal. The committee plans to meet again next month to discuss whether or not they will elevate the idea to the full board. *This story has been corrected to reflect that the Richmond Little League's application asks for but does not require parents to include a student's school information. Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Ellwood Thompson's parent company acquired by data center owner URL: https://www.richmonder.org/ellwood-thompsons-parent-company-acquired-by-data-center-owner-as-stock-drops-below-2-cents-a-share/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T00:23:58.000Z 📝 David M. Poole is a longtime Virginia journalist and writes at the [****Poole Report**](https://davidmpoole.substack.com/). Customers at Ellwood Thompson’s organic grocery were greeted last weekend by half-empty shelves throughout the store. Employees explained it was temporary. Employees said the Florida-based company that bought Ellwood Thompson’s three years ago was conserving cash in advance of a corporate merger, which employees said they were told would take place at the end of the month. What the employees didn’t say — or perhaps didn’t know — is that Healthy Choices Wellness Corp. ([HCWC](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/HCWC/)) is being acquired by a private equity developer of data centers. In a Securities and Exchange Commission [filing posted before markets opened Tuesday morning](https://www.stocktitan.net/sec-filings/HCWC/10-q-a-healthy-choice-wellness-corp-amended-quarterly-earnings-report-027cb921fa75.html), HCWC updated steps it has taken to ease a cash crunch that raises “substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern” for the next 12 months. [HCWC stock price](https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/AMEX-HCWC/) by TradingView In addition to reducing debt, HCWC said it had entered into a definitive “reverse merger” agreement with Host Digital Infrastructure LLC. In such a deal, a private company gains a controlling interest of a publicly traded company, allowing the private company to skip the costly IPO process. The new CEO of HCWC will be [Harmol Samra](https://www.linkedin.com/in/harmol-samra/), who also heads a private equity firm in New York specializing in data center infrastructure. The SEC filing notes that Host Digital has entered into a 15-year lease with “one of the world’s largest privately held cloud infrastructure” companies. “Host Digital will provide 43 megawatts (“MW”) of critical information technology load capacity at its existing data center facility in northeast Oklahoma,” the filing says. In the terms of the deal, Host Digital will control 96% of [HCWC](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/HCWC/), which owns 19 organic markets in six states, including Ellwood Thompson’s. HCWC will hold a special meeting of shareholders to approve the deal on Aug. 27. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/240094ac-42be-46a5-b778-8dd2a11b0476_4000x3000.webp) Shelves at Ellwood Thompson’s were half empty last Saturday. (Photo by David M. Poole) On its [website](https://ellwoodthompsons.com/about-us/), Ellwood Thompson’s describes itself as a mission-driven store that follows the traditions set by local founders who started a small organic store in 1989\. The fair trade mural on an exterior wall and a juice bar inside lend it a boho-chic vibe. “Ellwood Thompson’s is where quality meets purpose, where you can shop with intention, explore new paths to well-being, and feel part of something local and lasting,” the website says. The Ellwood Thompson’s marketing department did not immediately return a call for comment. Rick Hood, who sold Ellwood Thompson’s to Healthy Choice in 2023, told [Richmond Magazine](https://richmondmagazine.com/restaurants-in-richmond/food-news/the-next-chapter%5F1/) at the time that he was confident his creation would be in good hands. [The Next ChapterEllwood Thompson’s owner Rick Hood has sold the Carytown grocer after nearly 35 years.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)richmondmagazine.comEileen Mellon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Ellwoods-203-6a4766aa-da57-46d8-9032-cd8be706e59a.jpeg)](https://richmondmagazine.com/restaurants-in-richmond/food-news/the-next-chapter%5F1/) Hood could not be reached Tuesday for comment. *This article* [***originally appeared on the Poole Report***](https://davidmpoole.substack.com/p/organic-grocery-owner-pivots-to-data)*. This article’s headline has been updated to remove a reference to the stock’s price, which was due to an editing error*. ### Inflation, deferred maintenance contribute to $850 million in needs, Chesterfield school officials say URL: https://www.richmonder.org/inflation-deferred-maintenance-contribute-to-850-million-in-needs-chesterfield-school-officials-say/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T22:08:08.000Z As Chesterfield voters prepare to weigh in this November on whether to raise the sales tax 1% to fund school construction, the county’s school system unveiled a study last week that said it needs an estimated $850 million over the next decade to address maintenance across its campuses — but there’s currently only $130 million budgeted for the work. The figure, identified through a facilities assessment completed in June, reflects years of deferred repairs and is driven largely by aging HVAC systems, roofs and other building infrastructure. School officials warned that continuing to postpone maintenance could make the problem even more expensive as routine repairs turn into emergency replacements. 📚 Read the full report [****here**](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/chesterfield/Board.nsf/pfiles/DWUPQT65C634/$file/PRESENTATION%20-%20Capital%20Improvement%20Plan%20and%20Facility%20Condition%20Assessment%20Update.pdf). The most in-need campuses, according to the report, are Carver Academy, Cosby High School, Bon Air Elementary School, Gordon Elementary School and Robious Middle School. One of the newer schools in this group is Cosby High, which opened in 2006\. Its biggest demand is over $25 million-worth of HVAC updates due in 2032 — specifically air handler replacement. By the time Cosby turns 30 in 2037, the building will also need a new roof, according to the report. “This is not a Chesterfield-only kind of thing,” CCPS Chief Operations Officer Reid Wodicka said during the School Board’s regular August meeting. “This is a nationwide challenge in schools.” The City of Richmond, which is also placing the sales tax increase on the ballot, says it is in a similar situation. [A third party service assessed](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-need-43-7-million-in-immediate-repairs-find-reports-on-building-conditions/) 50 Richmond school division facilities in 2024 and found they needed $43.7 million in immediate repairs. Originally, Chesterfield’s building assessment was also planned to include strategizing about where this money would come from. But the passage of the state budget in June brought about the sales-tax option, which the county has dubbed 1 for Schools. If approved by voters in November, this referendum — [which would increase Chesterfield’s sales tax by 1%](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/), all proceeds going toward the school system — will contribute to “a dedicated capital maintenance fund to execute major HVAC, roof, and facility renewals across schools countywide on a pay-as-you-go basis,” according to a School Board-approved resolution. For now, plans to find alternative funding are on pause until Election Day brings a decision on the tax increase. “This is not a conversation that started in the last year,” Wodicka said. “For many years, this is something that we’ve been talking about as a community and will continue to talk about.” ### **Increased costs defer planned work** This wouldn’t be the only project the sales tax would cover. It’s planned to construct two new elementary schools, rebuild Midlothian Middle School, renovate Matoaca Middle School and L.C. Bird High School, as well as expand Thomas Dale High School. Some of these projects — specifically Midlothian Middle and Thomas Dale’s addition — were meant to be covered by the 2022 bond referendum. But actual costs were higher than estimations, leaving both projects in the metaphorical waiting room. In Midlothian’s case, 2022’s referendum set aside $50 million to go toward the estimated $100 million construction project, though current estimates for the school place the cost closer to $120 million. As for Thomas Dale, its $22 million didn’t match the $30 million eventually needed. All other referendum-funded projects also saw increases — including the recently opened [Deep Creek](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-cuts-the-ribbon-on-deep-creek-opening-its-41st-elementary-school/) and [Bensley](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-celebrates-second-ribbon-cutting-in-one-week-at-bensley-elementary-school/) elementary schools. Both of these new schools are intended to relieve overcrowding. In Deep Creek’s case, it’ll siphon away the student body of its neighboring elementaries, while Bensley nearly doubled the capacity of its former building. Deep Creek and Bensley were estimated to need $43 and $42 million, respectively, but each ended up costing $52 million. Chesterfield says inflation led projections to miss the mark. “Nationwide, we have seen in the last five or six years very significant increases in costs for construction,” Wodicka said, referring specifically to new school buildings. Now, the county is hoping to make up the difference with the sales tax increase, part of which would be used to complete the remaining 2022 bond referendum projects. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### The Richmonder 25: Christie Chipps Peters leads Richmond Animal Care and Control with optimism URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-christie-chipps-peters-leads-richmond-animal-care-and-control-with-optimism/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T22:04:58.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* For Christie Chipps Peters, there are no “regular days.” The director of Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) deals with everything from adoption to advocating for animals in unsafe situations. “I would say (we do) everything from having people bring us their pets and people reaching out to us trying to figure out a solution for their own pets,” Peters said. The only consistent part of her week is a Wednesday court date, when cases are heard ranging from off-leash dogs to people killing their animals. “Going to court and watching the work unfold and (seeing perpetrators) being held responsible for doing really ugly things is very rewarding,” Peters said. While her job can be full of hard or gloomful situations, longtime friend and coworker Whytney Barnett said Peters maintains a positive outlook. “As hard as her job is, and as constant as it is, she stays positive, and she's very easy to be around at all times, even when she's super stressed,” Barnett said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_0682.JPEG) (Contributed photo) One of Peters' accomplishments as director was starting the Tommie Fund, an effort to positively help other shelters after a tragedy. In 2019 a dog named Tommie was tied to a pole in Abner Clay Park and lit on fire. Despite an effort that included help from the VCU burn unit, RACC was unable to save him. “We had the most amazing community outpouring of support for such a horrific situation that then transpired into what we call now is our [Tommie Fund](https://www.raccfoundation.org/tommie-fund). … My goal was to be able to have other animal control agencies that would never have the opportunity to have a foundation support them, essentially use our foundation, so we set up the Tommie Fund for any participating municipal shelter with a vet budget of under $100,000, which is most of them in Virginia,” Peters said. Whenever shelters call asking to use the fund to help save their animals, Peters' answer is always the same – yes. “I think the one baby drop of horrible suffering that happened with Tommie just created this world of compassion and caring that self perpetuates still, and that is helping to save lives across the state of Virginia,” Peters said. Collaboration and support for others is at the heart of what Peters does. Hanover Director of Animal Control Jeff Parker has worked with Peters for the past 12 years. “We bounce things back and forth of what's going on in the city and what's going on here in the county, and kind of get ideas from each other and kind of use each other as good resources,” Parker said. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25! [****Learn more here**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket with code Richmonder1, or $60 on a couples ticket with code Richmonder2. Peters' passion for animal care came from a love of animals and a unique connection to them. “I used to ride horses when I was younger and I could always communicate with the horses that everyone else was having trouble with,” she said. “I just had a weird connection with them, that they would calm down, or I could read them. It's very woo woo.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1021.JPG) (Contributed photo) This connection to animals has stuck, and even now Peters said she can “feel it in (her) stomach if a dog is gonna be unsafe.” While the focus of Peter's job is to care for animals, Barnet added that “she always looks out for the people too.” “She really helps the community in all aspects, not only in the animal world, but she has collected diapers for child services,” Barnet said. “Because RACC has such a huge following on social media, all she has to do is say, 'Hey, we need this,' and it just shows up.” One of Peters' favorite parts of her job is running the adoption desk every Sunday, something she started when she was hired as director. "When I was hired, I was like, we have to be open on Sundays because people are not working on Sundays so they want to come and adopt animals,” Peters said. “The management at the time said, ‘Well, we don't have enough staff,’ and I said, ‘Then I'll run the adoption desk on Sundays,’ and that has stuck.” Running the adoption desk allows Peters to “take off her director hat” and see the “love and light” part of the job, she said. “It's the best part of people coming in looking for a forever best friend, and for me it's really rewarding to see everything come full circle,” Peters said. “A good ending makes all the badness in between a little bit more palpable.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### secret webhook test v4 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/secret-webhook-test-v3/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T13:36:16.000Z beep beep ### Avula administration drops duplex proposal in third draft of code refresh URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-administration-drops-duplex-proposal-in-third-draft-of-code-refresh/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T21:26:48.000Z Mayor Danny Avula’s administration has dropped a controversial proposal to allow duplexes on nearly all residential lots as long as they meet certain restrictions. The decision is perhaps the biggest change between the second and third drafts of Richmond’s code refresh, the first comprehensive overhaul of the city’s zoning ordinance since the 1970s, and it represents a major concession to critics of the effort who have complained the rewrite would allow too much density and erode neighborhood character. The idea of allowing two housing units on every residential lot, in addition to the accessory dwelling unit permitted by the City Council in 2023, “was the biggest sticking point” for many residents, Avula said at a press conference Monday. “I think just the sense that lots all over the city could have three distinct buildings was overwhelming to people, and so we heard that,” he said. Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District), [who had recently publicly withdrawn his support from the duplex proposal](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-released-aug-17/), said he believed “there will be many nervous residents that will breathe a sigh of relief when they see that update.” But Annika Schunn, a housing policy analyst with fair housing group Housing Opportunities Made Equal and a leader of the [Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition](https://www.richmonder.org/affordable-housing-and-other-nonprofits-launch-campaign-in-support-of-zoning-code-changes/), criticized the decision as “a really big step backwards for making sure that we have a city that’s livable and affordable to working families, to young people.” 📍 See Draft 3 of Richmond’s code refresh, including the proposed maps and regulations, [here](https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh). The third draft is expected to be the final proposal the administration sends to the Planning Commission and City Council, which will have the ultimate say on whether it goes into effect. Avula said Monday that he was “really optimistic” that enough members of the City Council would back the new plan. “This draft, I really believe, is better because people engaged with it across all nine council districts through pop-ups and town halls, through office hours and work sessions, public meetings and conversations with everyone from longtime homeowners to renters to neighbors that are brand new to Richmond,” he said. [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-626bc344-6e07-4550-a48e-ef038d8cbed6.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-dcbfc7da-ce74-4b8e-a829-fa321a67cd37.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) Besides the duplex shift, the mayor touted other powers the third draft will give the city to guide development. New projects will have to devote a certain percentage of land to trees, a requirement that doesn’t exist in the current code, as well as to “vegetation space.” Contextual development rules will limit new buildings in residential neighborhoods to no more than one story taller than the immediately adjacent buildings. And rules will be relaxed to allow more small businesses in residential neighborhoods. “Getting here has not been easy, but rigorous debate and challenging compromises are the essence of our democracy, and they're the hallmark of how I want our administration to lead Richmond forward,” Avula said. “And so, what we are proposing today is a result of listening well and making changes and finding compromises.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/0E9DF78D-5FB9-46CE-97CA-4A3A727B91A5_1_201_a.jpeg) Planning Director Kevin Vonck unveils the third draft of the code refresh. (Sarah Vogelsong/The Richmonder) ### **Corridors, nodes and ADUs** The rezoning push dates back to former Mayor Levar Stoney’s administration, when the city’s [Richmond 300 master plan](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/R300%5FAmended%5FRRHA%5Flowres%5F20250321.pdf) listed a rewrite of the zoning ordinance as one of the six “Big Moves” officials would prioritize in coming years. Avula has also embraced the effort, casting increases in housing supply as one solution to the affordable housing crisis that has gripped Richmond since the pandemic. His view has been echoed by groups like Homes for All Our Neighbors and the Partnership for Housing Affordability, a nonprofit founded by the Richmond Association of Realtors more than 20 years ago to provide policy research and recommendations on affordable housing in the region. “The typical Richmond household today can afford a home price at around $188,000, and yet the median home sales price for Richmond today is around $380,000,” said PHA executive director Jovan Burton Monday. “We can't lower housing costs by wishing demand away, but we can lower them by refusing to make scarcity our public policy. If our standards is a Richmond where working folks can afford to live, then we have to judge our policies by whether they meet that standard.” While the mayor has emphasized that rezoning isn’t a silver bullet when it comes to housing costs — “The zoning code is not the only tool that we're going to use,” he said again Monday — he has repeatedly argued that increasing the number and types of housing units throughout Richmond is critical to curbing further cost hikes. But the idea of allowing more units on residential lots has hit major roadblocks since it was proposed in the first draft 15 months ago. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Following an earlier recommendation in [a Stoney-era affordable housing plan](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/AffordableHousingStrategy%5F50%203-15-23.pdf), that draft would have allowed two primary units and an ADU on every residential lot, a concept often referred to as “2 +1.” [Pushback from single family neighborhoods and concerns about incentivizing demolitions](https://www.richmonder.org/for-many-neighborhood-associations-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-is-too-much-too-fast/) led the Avula administration to revise that plan in the second draft to the “preservation bonus,” a proposal that would allow a second unit only if the existing home was preserved and if the unit was placed behind or within it. Even that has now been scrapped. In the third draft, duplexes would only be allowed by right in residential attached districts. Those districts are largely made up of rowhouses and are found in older, denser neighborhoods like the Fan, Museum District, Jackson Ward, Oregon Hill, Union Hill and Church Hill. There, property owners could have a total of two housing units on their lot by right — either a primary unit and an ADU or a duplex. [Developer uses city’s ADU law to build 100 backyard cottagesGranny flats. In-law suites. Backyard cottages. We’re still not quite sure what to call them, but they’re starting to pop up all over Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e45a1451-0530-4bb6-877f-a177b579d46e.png)The RichmonderNed Oliver![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6848--1--578d4336-eb92-464c-b2cf-ab9393041254.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-uses-citys-adu-law-to-build-100-backyard-cottages/) On Monday, Avula acknowledged dropping the proposal would likely decrease the amount of home construction that will occur as a result of the code refresh but said compromises were necessary to produce “a zoning code that all of our city and all of our City Council can ultimately live with.” “We've heard people say that they want density that makes sense, and we totally agree,” he said. “And so this version does that by encouraging increased density in nodes and along major transit corridors throughout the city.” The mayor also pointed to changes the third draft makes to ADU rules, which he said would encourage more housing options while also minimizing impacts to neighborhood character. [Under the current code](https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/accessory-dwelling-units), ADUs are allowed in all residential districts as long as the unit is no more than one-third of the floor area of the primary dwelling or 500 square feet, “whichever is greater.” The third draft would allow ADUs to be either 1,200 square feet or the same floor area of the primary dwelling. None could be taller than the primary home. While Richmond has seen only a limited amount of ADU construction since the City Council approved them in 2023, Avula said allowing them to be larger could mean “the numbers might actually work for more people to do that.” “That's our hope, is that we see this spur on a lot of new construction,” he said. Schunn, however, argued that while the changes were an improvement on the current code, they were not a meaningful replacement for duplexes. “It is essentially shifting the burden of who can provide housing,” she said. “You’re shifting it away from people who do this for a living, who have access to financing, who have the connections necessary to actually build a house, and you are shifting that responsibility onto a homeowner who may already be struggling to avoid their rising property taxes or their utility bill.” Other attendees at Monday’s press conference took a more optimistic tone. Janet Woodka, a former president of the Manchester Alliance, said that while she had not been in favor of the first draft, she thought the latest version would be an improvement over the status quo. “Change is happening in Richmond. It is not going to stop,” she said. “I think this is a big step forward in trying to create a system that can actually adapt to that change, create livable communities, create walkable communities, have communities where you do have trees and green space and affordable housing for everyone.” ### **Some other changes in Draft 3** - The addition of a new “residential multifamily-surburban” (RM-S) district that would largely be applied in parts of the Southside annexed by the city in the 1970s. Planning Director Kevin Vonck said the designation is intended to allow the more “garden-style” multifamily buildings seen in those areas where buildings are set back farther from the street and parking is allowed between the building and the street. - The addition of a new “campus” (CMP) district for school, hospital and other properties that have institutional-style uses but include a collection of buildings rather than just one - Churches would be zoned as either low- or medium-density residential multi-unit use (RM-A or RM-B), depending on the surrounding neighborhood - RM-A, the lowest density of the residential multi-unit districts, could only have a maximum of four units per lot rather than the six attached units in a row permitted in Draft 2 - Households could include “not more than 5 persons who are 18 years of age or older, regardless of whether they are related or unrelated,” and “any number” of children - The minimum lot width for the highest-density residential detached district (RD-C) would increase from 25 to 30 feet - Both the MX-4 district (mixed use of up to four stories) and the commercial general (CG) district aimed at “heavier, more auto-oriented commercial uses” have been dropped. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### LAST CHANCE: Free NYT Cooking or Games for a year when you donate URL: https://www.richmonder.org/last-chance-free-nyt-cooking-or-games-for-a-year-when-you-donate/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T20:16:18.000Z Today is National Nonprofits Day, and there’s never been a better time to donate to The Richmonder! Support nonprofit news and receive a one-year subscription to New York Times Cooking, with thousands of delicious recipes, or New York Times Games, featuring Wordle, The Mini, and other subscriber-only exclusives. This offer is **ONLY** available until 11:59 p.m. ET tonight (August 17)! To redeem: - [**Become a new donating member to The Richmonder for $15 a month**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) - Or [**make a one-time donation of $100 or more to The Richmonder**](https://www.richmonder.org/donate) Your gift is fully tax-deductible, and new laws this year allow you to deduct up to $1,000 in charitable giving if you use the standard deduction when you file. Support local news that represents you in the rooms where decisions are made, and dig into The New York Times’s archive of more than 19,000 recipes, or solve the more than 10,000 crosswords in the Games app. ⏰ You'll receive a redemption code within seven days after purchase. If you have any questions, reach out to us at [****support@richmonder.org**](mailto:support@richmonder.org). Remember, you’ve only got until the end of the night to take advantage of this offer. [**Join us now!**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) Michael Phillips, Founder mphillips@richmonder.org *P.S. – Already a NYT subscriber? We’ll give you a code that you can gift a friend! No credit card is required to redeem!* [***DONATE NOW***](https://www.richmonder.org/donate)***.*** ### New murder-mystery graphic novel explores Richmond’s art world URL: https://www.richmonder.org/new-murder-mystery-graphic-novel-explores-richmonds-art-world/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T12:18:54.000Z The idea for Dash Shaw’s latest graphic novel, the COVID-era murder mystery “Like Swimmers,” began at the Lombardy Street Kroger. During the height of the pandemic, the store’s pharmacy offered tests and vaccinations, all while a large, $2 million structural renovation was underway. “It was a fraught place,” Shaw said of the store, which has a [complicated reputation among locals](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/03/12/lombardy-kroger-worst-grocery-store). “I often thought that if someone had made a documentary about that space during COVID, it would have somehow summarized all of COVID and all of the chaos.” “Like Swimmers” follows a young woman, Kenzie, in the aftermath of her younger brother Howie’s mysterious death. With the police overwhelmed by the chaos of the pandemic, Kenzie puts it on herself to learn the truth about what happened to her brother. “I lost a lot of people during COVID,” Shaw said. “When you lose someone, it feels a bit like a murder mystery, even if they weren’t murdered. Especially if you lose someone who wasn’t that old, you’re like, there’s got to be a reason for this. I’ve got to puzzle out the reason. Even when there’s not a real reason.” Kenzie’s search for resolution takes readers to several iconic Richmond locations, including Monroe Park, the ICA, and the Jefferson Hotel. Despite the difficult subject matter of “Like Swimmers,” the book is not without funny moments, and its color palette is full of bright pastels. “You’re doing a book about COVID, someone dying. I thought making it really dark or even black and white would be too on the nose,” Shaw said. He described the color palette as “a little swimmy, a little watery, a little dreamy. I always think of the color as the score of the movie.” Shaw, who is also a filmmaker, often thinks about his comics in cinematic terms. “So if this is an indie movie, it’s shot in Richmond. So that means, I’ll use the ICA, or the Jefferson Hotel. I don’t really know anything about what’s going on at these places, but it’s like it’s shot there. I can walk around, and I can think about the locations I’m shooting at,” Shaw said. “And then what’s the score? I think it’s a synth score. It’s going to be a swimmy, synthy score. Sad synth.” Shaw didn’t originally plan on “Like Swimmers” becoming a graphic novel. He originally wanted to make story into a pamphlet comic series. After he made the first issue, he sent it to a few mainstream comic publishers, but there were no takers. “Technically they didn’t reject me,” he said. “They just never responded.” Over the next several years, between other projects, Shaw made more issues of “Like Swimmers,” and eventually he plotted it out into a graphic novel. Now, the book is set to release this week in Richmond. The launch party for “Like Swimmers” will be held at 7:30 PM on [Wednesday at Studio Two Three](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/betty-1992-dash-shaw-like-swimmers-book-launch-tickets-1996246995501), and the book will be stocked at Velocity. Everyone who attends the launch party on Wednesday will also be treated to a film screening of Claude Chabrol’s 1992 thriller, Betty. “I’m a big French New Wave Guy,” Shaw said. “And Claude Chabrol made a whole bunch of—they’re called thrillers, but they are about as thriller-y as my book is murder mystery-y. The tone of them is what I hope 'Like Swimmers' is like, in that it’s not mocking these messed up people or being judgy towards them, but it’s also not affectionate. It has a very even tone. And this to me is the best.” While “Like Swimmers” also operates in some ways as a thriller, it’s also a character-driven and study of Richmond’s strangeness. For instance, there is a moment in “Like Swimmers” when the character Howie insists that Richmond is haunted. “Not everything the character says is the author,” Shaw said. But, he admitted, “I do think Richmond is kind of haunted.” Shaw says he has a “fraught relationship” with the town because it’s where he grew up. “I used to feel like it was in the humidity of the air. The fallout of the Civil War. The ghost dog in Hollywood Cemetery. Edgar Allen Poe. Those kind of vibes were present as a high schooler,” Shaw said. “The Jefferson Hotel is obviously haunted. I think that’s pretty obvious to anyone walking in there.” Shaw first started drawing comics as a kid with his dad. His dad would write them, and Shaw would add the illustrations. As a teenager, Shaw became an illustrator for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. After Shaw grew older and went to art school, some of his artist friends moved to L.A. to work in the animation industry. But Shaw stayed in Richmond. “Because of life reasons I didn’t move to LA. I did different things,” Shaw said. “And maybe someone could’ve done the exact same things as me and become more famous somehow. There’s certainly been little moments when like, okay, this might be it.” Shaw’s first film,My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea**,** premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. “It starred a bunch of famous people, and there was a line around the block for the premier. And only in that moment, seeing the line, I thought, I might make a lot of money. This might be a real change,” Shaw said. “And it had a good rollout. But it didn’t radically change anything. I had enough of those come and go where I gave up.” Shaw credits Richmond’s relative affordability for giving him the financial freedom to make all the books and movies he’s made over the years. “Maybe if I had suddenly come into a lot of money I’d be like, I’m moving to Paris,” Shaw said. “But I think that version of me would be a more obnoxious presence.” Shaw has seen Richmond’s culture around comic arts change radically in recent years. “In my little world, Brian Baynes and what he’s done at [Bubbles Con](https://bubblescon.com/)—that is huge for me,” Dash said. Bubbles Con, a “symposium of interviews and talks on comics and manga,” takes place annually in Richmond. “I know that I’m in my niche universe, but it really goes to show you that it doesn’t take a whole lot of people to really change something in a city,” Shaw said. “It only takes a couple, sometimes just one really excited person who can get other people excited.” The pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s work is mentioned several times in “Like Swimmers,” and the title of the book comes from a Lichtenstein. For a time, Shaw was nervous that making a book about COVID-era events wasn’t going to age well. “There was a stretch there where I thought, is this book dated in a bad way? Are there going to be a hundred books about this same thing, right now?” Shaw said. “And then, by the time it came out, I feel like it’s just a period piece. And I’m grateful that I documented it. Because I wouldn’t remember a lot of this stuff.” Shaw hopes Richmonders will come to “Like Swimmers” for the murder mystery but stay for the family drama, the Lichtenstein debates, and the pastels. “Get them in and disappoint them,” Shaw joked. “That’s my motto.” *This article has been updated to note Shaw’s role at the Times-Dispatch.* ### Aug. 17 Newsletter: Community gardens URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-17-newsletter-community-gardens/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T10:00:07.000Z **Weather:** More of the same as a high of 91 pairs with scattered afternoon showers. **On this date** in 1988, the city records a record high temperature for the day, 99 degrees, as the region is blanketed with smog. 🧑‍🍳 ****TODAY ONLY: Donate to The Richmonder** and receive a year of New York Times Cooking or Games free! [****Get more details here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/this-we-only-free-nyt-cooking-or-games-for-a-year-when-you-become-a-richmonder-donor/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-17.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-community-gardens-are-a-hidden-gem/) ### Richmond's community gardens are a hidden gem Richmond Grows Gardens is the city's urban agriculture program, which was introduced in 2011 to transform city-owned properties into green spaces. Today there are 30 active gardens across the city, from Church Hill to the Southside. The new "Richmond Inspire" parks plan is hoping to bring more coordination and direction to the effort, acknowledging that many residents do not know how to get involved with the gardens and their limited space. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-community-gardens-are-a-hidden-gem/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-agreed-to-pay-a-tax-refund-after-being-sued-the-citys-own-lawyer-struggled-to-get-the-money-sent/) ### Richmond agreed to pay a tax refund after being sued. The city’s own lawyer struggled to get the money sent In the spring of 2024, a local real estate firm sued the city of Richmond over the tax bill on about 18 acres of industrial property. The city ultimately agreed to lower the bill. But according to court documents, the city’s own lawyers couldn’t get the embattled Finance Department to calculate the exact amount the taxpayer was owed and issue the refund. 👨‍⚖️ In an unusual legal twist, the city attorney’s office agreed to a court order requiring the city to make the payment within 10 days, a move that essentially meant the city was inviting more court pressure on itself to get the matter resolved. The city ultimately paid more than $1,000 in interest due to the delayed payment. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-agreed-to-pay-a-tax-refund-after-being-sued-the-citys-own-lawyer-struggled-to-get-the-money-sent/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-15.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-indicates-it-wont-approve-any-more-data-centers-in-the-county/) ### Chesterfield Board indicates it won’t approve any more data centers in the county The county is now taking steps to restrict further data center development, including changing zoning codes to prohibit by-right data center building anywhere in the county. Changing the tax rate is also being discussed. Chesterfield taxes data centers at 24 cents per $100 of assessed value. Neighboring Henrico County recently increased its rate from 40 cents to $2.60\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-indicates-it-wont-approve-any-more-data-centers-in-the-county/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-seeking-city-permission-to-develop-richmond-community-hospital-property/) ### VUU seeking city permission to develop Richmond Community Hospital property Richmond city officials are set to consider a new request from Virginia Union University to build housing on the grounds of a former hospital building critical to Richmond’s medical and Black history. In its proposal, the school said it will preserve the Richmond Community Hospital building at 1209 Overbrook Road, though neighborhood advocates are urging city leaders to ensure VUU holds to that commitment. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-seeking-city-permission-to-develop-richmond-community-hospital-property/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-16.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmond-25-lea-whitehurst-gibson-works-to-amplify-southside-richmonds-voice/) ### Lea Whitehurst-Gibson works to amplify Southside’s voice After studying theology, Whitehurst-Gibson did missionary work in Kenya, Zambia and Mongolia. In 2008, she and her siblings moved to Richmond and shared a house in Jackson Ward. While she took classes in international studies at VCU, she fell in love with the city. But she said she noticed that Southside Richmond often got left behind in the public discourse. “She’s had a tremendous impact on the South Richmond community,” a friend said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmond-25-lea-whitehurst-gibson-works-to-amplify-southside-richmonds-voice/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-11.24.24---AM.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/this-we-only-free-nyt-cooking-or-games-for-a-year-when-you-become-a-richmonder-donor/) ### TODAY ONLY: Free NYT Cooking or Games for a year when you donate Today is National Nonprofits Day, and there’s never been a better time to donate to The Richmonder! Support nonprofit news and receive a one-year subscription to New York Times Cooking, with thousands of delicious recipes, or New York Times Games, featuring Wordle, The Mini, and other subscriber-only exclusives. - [**Become a new donating member to The Richmonder for $15 a month**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) - Or [**make a one-time donation of $100 or more to The Richmonder**](https://www.richmonder.org/donate) --- ### In other news - [**Five injured in weekend shooting at Virginia State University**](https://www.richmonder.org/five-injured-in-overnight-shooting-at-virginia-state-university/) - The suspect, as well as four of the victims, are not students at the school. - [**Two Richmond principals return to lead the schools that shaped them**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/11/two-richmond-principals-return-lead-schools-that-shaped-them/) (12 On Your Side) - John Marshall and the Richmond High School for the Arts both welcome new leaders this year. - [**We’re going to tire of hearing about El Niño, but we’ve got to deal with it**](https://cardinalnews.org/2026/08/05/were-going-to-tired-of-hearing-about-el-nino-but-weve-got-to-deal-with-it/?utm%5Fsource=ActiveCampaign&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcontent=Remembering%20the%20%20Woodstock%20of%20Bluegrass&utm%5Fcampaign=Daily%20Thursday%2C%20Aug%20%206%2C%202026) (Cardinal News) - The weather pattern will mean a wetter winter, but not necessarily a snowier one. - [**Mixed Messages: What's news and what's sponsored content?**](https://www.styleweekly.com/mixed-messages/) (Style Weekly) - Ethically avoiding any conflict of interest, whether perceived or real, is key to earning and maintaining the public’s trust. - [**Richmond man restores 1890s bicycles, ships them worldwide**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/jesse-mccauley-bicycles-aug-14-2026#google%5Fvignette) (CBS 6) - "It makes me feel tethered to a part of history that otherwise is very easy to lose." --- ### The editor's desk I'm excited for tomorrow's listening tour stop. [**We'll be at King's Korner in Chesterfield for lunch**](https://www.richmonder.org/were-touring-chesterfield-come-meet-our-newest-reporter/), the restaurant that shares space with the county airport. Look forward to seeing you there! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Richmond agreed to pay a tax refund after being sued. The city’s own lawyer struggled to get the money sent URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-agreed-to-pay-a-tax-refund-after-being-sued-the-citys-own-lawyer-struggled-to-get-the-money-sent/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T12:07:24.000Z In the spring of 2024, a local real estate firm sued the city of Richmond, claiming officials had erroneously jacked up the tax bill on about 18 acres of industrial property near the Port of Richmond. City Hall ultimately agreed to correct the issue by lowering the assessed property values for the three affected parcels and issuing a $37,152 tax refund to the company, developer Charles Macfarlane’s CK-Klein-Macfarlane, making amends for overpayments. The broad terms of that deal were settled in October 2025. But according to court documents, the city’s own lawyers couldn’t get the embattled Finance Department to calculate the exact amount the taxpayer was owed and issue the refund. The delay was costing the city about $10 a day by adding to the interest owed to the company, as Macfarlane’s attorney made clear in more than a dozen emails prodding the city to follow through on the agreement. “I share your frustration,” Deputy City Attorney Wirt Marks wrote to the opposing lawyer as 2025 ended with no resolution. Though tax disputes are fairly common, the documents filed in the case shed light on the silos of authority within City Hall, with the office that handles legal matters seemingly having limited ability to force a response from the department in charge of money and billing. In another late-2025 email, Marks said he too “would like this off my plate.” “Unfortunately there are many new folks in Finance and I don’t have the contacts I have had in the past,” he wrote to the attorney on the other side of the lawsuit. After several months passed, the company’s lawyer, Shane Smith, suggested a workaround. He proposed having a judge order the Finance Department to give the money back, which would create a court-mandated deadline after less binding requests didn’t seem to work. In an unusual legal twist, the city attorney’s office agreed to the May 1 order requiring the city to make the payment within 10 days, a move that essentially meant the city was inviting more court pressure on itself to get the matter resolved. Nearly six months after the parties seemed to settle the issue outside of court, a judge ordered the city to lower the assessments of the three properties and issue the tax refund by check, with at least $3,552 in interest tacked on. The case was sparked by reassessment notices sent out for 2024, in which the city suggested the three parcels on Commerce Road saw their taxable value increase by 81%, 32.5% and 19.6% from the previous year. According to the lawsuit, one of the properties saw an “astounding” 293% increase in land value, jumping from $277,000 to more than $1 million. The company alleged the city had incorrectly inflated the value of the property by using a flawed assessment methodology and seemingly forgetting the existence of “buried hazardous waste” that limits the property’s market value. (The properties in question are near the site of the DuPont plant that has had well-known issues with soil and groundwater contamination). CK-Klein Macfarlane first filed an assessment appeal with the Board of Equalization, but the new values were upheld. After the company sued, the city initially denied the allegation before agreeing to settle last fall, just before the two sides were due to appear in court for a hearing. On Oct. 15, the lawyers agreed on new assessment figures. For the 2024 tax year, the city lowered the taxable value for the three properties by a combined $1.48 million, landing on values a little higher than what the company demanded in its initial court filing. Assessments for 2025 and 2026 were also adjusted downward. The end seemed to be in sight. At the time, Smith, Macfarlane’s lawyer, asked Marks, the deputy city attorney, if it could all be wrapped up within a week. Over the course of 16 follow-up emails asking the city for updates, Smith had to adjust. He asked if it would be possible to resolve things by November. When that didn’t happen, he asked if it could be done by the end of the year. “Do you think it’d help for me to send the person in Finance flowers or a box of chocolates?” Smith joked in a Dec. 4 email to the city attorney’s office. Other messages had a more serious tone. In late December, Smith noted the delay had probably already cost the city at least $1,000 in interest. “I realize that’s not going to break the bank, but it’s adding up,” he wrote. By late March and early April, patience was slipping. Smith started hinting that he was willing to take things back to the court to enforce the terms of the agreement. “We’ve given up on them getting this done (and done correctly) absent a court order for them to do so,” Smith wrote on March 30. On April 14, he did just that, filing a new motion styled as an attempt to “bring more than six months of futility with the city’s Finance Department to an end.” “To date, the city has incurred an estimated $1,661.67 in unnecessary additional interest… due to the Finance Department’s failure or refusal to complete its refund/abatement and interest calculation work, with additional incurred (and unnecessary) interest accruing at the rate of $10.18 per day,” Smith wrote in the court filing. The blunt email exchanges between the two lawyers were attached to that filing as evidence of the Finance Department’s apparent non-responsiveness to the city’s own attorney. Attempts to reach Smith and Macfarlane for this story were unsuccessful. A city spokesperson said only that the matter has been resolved, and all money owed was paid by June 3. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### VUU seeking city permission to develop Richmond Community Hospital property URL: https://www.richmonder.org/vuu-seeking-city-permission-to-develop-richmond-community-hospital-property/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T22:43:52.000Z Richmond city officials are set to consider a new request from Virginia Union University to build housing on the grounds of a former hospital building critical to Richmond’s medical and Black history. In its proposal, the school said it will preserve the Richmond Community Hospital building at 1209 Overbrook Road, though neighborhood advocates are urging city leaders to ensure VUU holds to that commitment. An ordinance that will be taken up Tuesday evening by the city’s Planning Commission would authorize a special use permit for the development of up to 100 multifamily housing units on the site if approved. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/RCH-Building-with-zoning-sign.JPG) (George Copeland Jr. for The Richmonder) The Richmond Community Hospital building opened in the 1930s as a location for a hospital that dates back to 1907, and served the needs of African American residents and medical professionals for generations. The building would be preserved and renovated as part of the housing development, according to the permit request filed by the Williams Mullen law firm, which represents the 1209 Overbrook Rd. LLC that now owns the property. According to project information included in the request, the full hospital building would be integrated into the apartment structure, which would include four-story buildings, wall signage, and an entrance at Graham Road. Additions to the hospital building are also being considered. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/rendering1.jpg) (City of Richmond) “While the details of the uses and amenities that will be provided are conceptual only at this stage, it is anticipated that a memorial garden, meeting rooms, health and wellness facilities, office space, and fitness facilities will be provided within and around the Hospital,” Williams Mullen attorney T. Preston Lloyd, Jr. wrote in the permit request to the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review. Virginia Union University owned the property at 1209 Overbrook Road for decades after the hospital moved to North 28th Street, with the land rights transferred by the hospital’s board leadership after the building closed in the 1980s. The project, developed in partnership with the New York-based Steinbridge Group, is part of VUU's housing plans for parcels of land it owns around its campus. The ordinance’s introduction follows City Council’s approval last year of a special use permit to develop mixed-use housing units and retail space at Brook Road & Lombardy Street for the VUU Gateway North project. ### **Preserving history** The plans included in the ordinance have prompted concerns from those who have advocated for the hospital building’s preservation and adaptive re-use. The lack of an explicit prohibition of its demolition is a particular issue for residents living near the property and advocates, who have called for the ordinance’s deferral and amendment. “A thoughtful redevelopment of 1209 Overbrook Road can deliver both housing and preservation,” Save Community Hospital Group Co-founder Viola Baskerville wrote in a letter to the Planning Commission, “but only if this Commission insists, in writing and by enforceable condition, that the historic Richmond Community Hospital building be protected from demolition and treated with the respect it has earned.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/RCH-building-side-view-2.JPG) (George Copeland Jr. for The Richmonder) The Save Community Hospital Group raised similar concerns when it was created in 2024, in response to VUU’s initial development plans to incorporate part of the building as a facade on a far larger housing complex. Many of those who worked in or benefited from the hospital were part of the community criticism of those plans, which was shared across multiple gatherings on the building’s front lawn and discussions with college leadership. After months of rallies, debate and conversations, VUU announced its intentions to fully preserve the building as part of its housing development plans in October of 2024. Other criticisms of the permit request, including those submitted for public comment ahead of the Planning Commission meeting, have focused on the environmental impact of removing mature tree canopies for the development, and how the housing plan would affect neighborhood traffic, access and parking. VUU’s approach to community engagement was also questioned, particularly its outreach to those living next to the property in Frederick Douglass Court, which has deep connections to Richmond’s Black history thanks to its purchase and development by Maggie Walker and her collaborators as a community for middle-class African Americans. In a statement, City Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District), who represents VUU and residents near the property and previously joined community efforts to preserve the building, acknowledged the community's concerns around the plan. She also noted the transfer of the property to the LLC "has not been clear" in her meetings with VUU, and promised to do her part to address concerns. "From where I sit, it’s entirely reasonable for the community to want legal documentation to ensure original promises will be upheld regardless of ownership," Gibson said. "More engagement with residents is clearly warranted and I will push to see this happens." The school posted a message to Facebook asking its supporters to reach out to the city, adding that the project will "create much-needed housing, strengthen our community and support the long-term financial sustainability" of Virginia Union. The school did not respond to requests for comment ahead of publication, but is expected to be represented at Tuesday night's meeting. After the Planning Commission weighs in, the permit is tentatively scheduled to be discussed during City Council’s Sept. 14 meeting. ### Richmond's community gardens are a hidden gem URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-community-gardens-are-a-hidden-gem/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T15:28:07.000Z The city of Richmond has been growing community gardens in just about every neighborhood for years, but for those looking to get involved, the details can be in the weeds. Richmond Grows Gardens is the city's urban agriculture program, which was introduced in 2011 to transform city-owned properties into green spaces. These gardens aim to support the city’s sustainability goals, facilitate access to fresh food and produce, and utilize vacant city parcels, according to the [city’s website](https://www.rva.gov/parks-recreation/community-gardens). Today there are 30 active gardens across the city, from Church Hill to the Southside. Contact information for most of the gardens is available on the [Richmond Grows Gardens](https://www.richmondgrowsgardens.org/ourgardens) website, though many use Instagram or Facebook to share about events and updates as well. Participants described a patchwork process that lacks central coordination and could be an obstacle to interested newcomers. The gardens are not directly funded by the city — Richmond Parks and Recreation provides materials and infrastructure like water, sheds, garden beds, tools and other supplies, priority for which is determined by an “equity lens,” city spokesperson Tamara Jenkins wrote in an email. The city also helps to foster partnerships with organizations like the Community ToolBank of Richmond, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and additional RGG staff for volunteer events. RGG staff and participants, community partners, higher educational institutions and other urban agriculture professionals across the region are working to give the city “a clear identity and service surrounding urban agriculture and community gardens” as a part of the “[Richmond Inspire](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1axqm2Mw-iostSxwKUMDEeerprTkHgjOw/view)” 10-year plan, Jenkins wrote. The plan acknowledges that many residents do not know how to get involved with the gardens and their limited space. It also notes the lack of a network for sharing garden produce across neighborhoods, connection with the broader food system and clear guidelines for farmers markets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/BroadRock2.jpeg) Broad Rock's community garden ### Creating community connections There are several garden types, and applicants determine which they will utilize. - Personal allotment gardens have plots maintained by individuals or households. These gardens have waiting lists and often have plot registration fees. - Sharing gardens have plots accessible to all members of the garden, and often have shared maintenance activities. The [Birdhouse Community Garden](https://www.richmondgrowsgardens.org/birdhouse-community-garden) at Petronius Jones Park in Randolph is one example of the latter, with shared beds and weekly garden work days announced on their [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/birdhousefarmersmarket/?hl=en) open to anybody who wants to help out. Birdhouse also hosts a weekly farmers market on Tuesday evenings, with a pickup option for the winter months. Naomi Wren has been the garden steward at Birdhouse for almost four months, describing their role as a balance between supporting the volunteer base and acting as a leader. Birdhouse coordinates with the nearby Randolph Community Center for youth programs, including garden education as a part of their summer camps. Wren said many people in the neighborhood don’t realize the food in the garden is available for them. “We get a lot of support from everybody that I talk to, and yet out of everyone I talk to there's still a lot of people who don't know the extent to which they can use the garden,” Wren said. “So there's always a positive response and yet I feel like the information might not be getting out there as much as I would like it to.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Chimbo1.jpeg) The Chimborazo community garden Wren said they’ve been “in talks” with the city about how to better spread the word to neighbors about how they can use the garden. One recent focus of the Birdhouse garden is foodways, which Wren described as the cultural and social aspects surrounding food. “We really want to strengthen connections between people and their food. We are tied to a farmers market so it would be very easy for us to be a market garden, but our food is free and we want to encourage everybody not just to harvest and use our food, but also to feel invested and curious about the food that's growing around them,” Wren said. One current foodways project is their sweet potato project — one Randolph neighbor’s family has been developing an heirloom sweet potato variety over several generations, this is the second year they will be harvested in the garden. Wren said they are looking forward to hosting a harvest celebration in the fall to honor the heritage of these sweet potatoes. Another community member recalled childhood memories of traditional Appalachian pole beans, so the garden ordered some heirloom varieties to try to recreate her tradition and share it with the community. “Everyone has connections to food or curiosity about food and it's really nice to see a place in the neighborhood that really brings that side out of everybody. It's very heartening,” Wren said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/McDonough2.jpeg) ### Spreading the word Many gardens are a combination of the two formats, like the [Alice Fitz Community Garden](https://www.richmondgrowsgardens.org/alice-fitz-community-garden). This garden has two community plots and many individual plots, which residents can join the waitlist for via [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/alicefitzgarden/) message. [Broad Rock Community Garden](https://www.richmondgrowsgardens.org/broad-rock-community-garden) in Richmond's Southside has individual plots which can be registered for on its [website](https://thenaturalfestival.com/broadrock/), but the garden also hosts events and community work days. One gardener who has been working many of Richmond’s gardens, including Broad Rock, for the past six years, says the city’s gardens are often overlooked. “When I've worked in gardens the neighbors have come out and they're like, ‘Oh, I wondered who tended to this. I live right near it,’ and so then they find out information right then and there,” said the gardener, who asked for their name not to be used. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Chimbo2.jpeg) ### Larger scale Community orchards and food forests are generally larger than half an acre and often have perennials like fruit trees and bushes with public/community maintenance coordinated by the garden leadership. [Fonticello Food Forest](https://www.instagram.com/fonticellofoodforest/?hl=en) in Southside has a Free Farm Stand every third Saturday of the month and every Sunday afternoon is an open volunteer day. Any garden planning to host markets to sell the produce grown onsite on a regular basis is designated as a market garden. Duron Chavis, director of The Happily Natural Day, was on the Food Policy Task Force under then-Mayor Dwight Jones, which created the RGG program. Chavis applied for the plot that is now [McDonough Community Garden](https://thenaturalfestival.com/mcdonough-garden-registration/) in 2012\. Now, his focus has [shifted](https://rvamag.com/community/duron-chavis-is-building-more-than-a-farm.html) to moving toward bigger parcels of land — The Central Virginia Agrarian Community Land Trust now owns over 150 acres of farmland across the region. Urban farms where residents can not only learn to grow food on a larger scale, but sell it to generate revenue, are more sustainable than volunteer-based gardens, he said. “I believe community gardens are like an entryway to a larger conversation about farming,” he said. Community gardens allow a space for people to learn to grow food and connect with neighbors in a third space, but they do not have the scale necessary to feed whole neighborhoods, Chavis said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/BroadRock1.jpeg) ### Expanding the program On the other end of the spectrum, conservation and restoration gardens are designed to be lower maintenance and are focused on environmental enhancement and beautification. The city's [Garden Handbook](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/Community%20Garden%20Handbook%20Final%20Draft%5F%202023%20reduced.pdf) lays out the structures of organization for all of the gardens, stating each site is maintained by a garden group led by a Garden Steward, who acts as the main point of contact for the site and a liaison between the garden and the RGG Coordinator. Because the gardens are not directly funded by the city, the levels of engagement in each garden and how they run are a reflection of the community itself. “The conversation about community gardens, if you’re not framing it about who has access to resources then you’re really doing a disservice to the conversation because you’re not really tapping at the root of why these things are even supposed to exist in the first place,” Chavis said. [Richmond put $65 million toward new and improved community centers. They’re almost done.It’s been almost 25 years since Richmond built any new community centers.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-75c4e026-a68c-4fdd-be43-7c7529457aa7.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/LucksField1-07aae808-e2d0-44f3-a862-04c00a17effe.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-put-65-million-toward-new-and-improved-community-centers-theyre-almost-done/) The city is also hoping to expand the program to include kitchens at its new community centers, as well as investment in staff, volunteers and training programs. ### The Richmonder 25: Lea Whitehurst-Gibson works to amplify Southside’s voice URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmond-25-lea-whitehurst-gibson-works-to-amplify-southside-richmonds-voice/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T15:26:09.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* At the tender age of 16, Lea Whitehurst-Gibson undertook a missionary trip to Ghana during the height of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. While the experience was a formative one, it didn’t impact her the way that you might expect. Not only did she encounter some problematic practices, but Whitehurst-Gibson realized that being physically present in West Africa might not be the most impactful way to help. “All of the problems that we were seeing were deeper than one intervention,” she recalled by Zoom in July. “These are systemic problems.” That experience, in part, led Whitehurst-Gibson to her current role as founder and executive director of Virginia Community Voice, a nonprofit that works to galvanize historically marginalized communities in Southside Richmond. Originally from upstate New York, Whitehurst-Gibson moved to Virginia at the age of 13 with her parents and three siblings to be closer to their extended family. She credits her parents with pushing her and her siblings to find their purpose in life: her sister is a Yale professor who studies cognitive neuroscience; one brother is a vice president at Wells Fargo; and her other brother runs a day camp for people with disabilities. “We grew up with lots of experiences, lots of opportunities,” Whitehurst-Gibson said. “Our parents were very intentional about: everyone goes to school; everyone gets a degree.” After studying theology at Elim Bible College, Whitehurst-Gibson also conducted missionary work in Kenya, Zambia and Mongolia. In 2008, she and her siblings moved to Richmond and shared a house in Jackson Ward. While Whitehurst-Gibson took classes in international studies at VCU, she fell in love with the city. “I love how small it is,” she said. “I loved knowing my neighbors. I loved being connected with them, and that is what changed me.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Instead of going overseas to navigate problems that weren’t central to her own lived experience, Whitehurst-Gibson became engaged with local issues. As the anti-human trafficking Central Virginia Justice Initiative was just starting out, she got involved and helped get it on its feet. The initiative advocated for legislation that helped move Virginia from having some of the worst human trafficking laws in the country to having some of the best. Still, human trafficking was outside of the scope of Whitehurst-Gibson’s own experience. Noting that she personally knew people who had children attending unaccredited schools, she decided to focus more on the immediate needs of her community. When a job at faith-based direct-action organization Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities opened up, she felt that the job description had been directly tailored to her. She applied and got the job. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! In her role at RISC, Whitehurst-Gibson worked with a wide spectrum of faith-based organizations, including by organizing the annual Nehemiah Action. At the event, faith-based organizations provide testimony and present research about community problems to public officials. Issues such as affordable housing, reading scores in schools, and the creation of a healthcare job training ladder were a few issues that the event tackled while Whitehurst-Gibson was with RISC. She also helped bolster the pre-existing Virginia Coordinated Care initiative that provides healthcare for the uninsured. “It really was the kind of work that I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Whitehurst-Gibson said. While she loved the job, it started taking a toll on her health: she started having panic attacks and losing hair. “For five years, I probably worked between 70 and 100 hours per week, and it was hard work.” Observing that she had to stay healthy in order to continue doing justice work, Whitehurst-Gibson decided it was time to leave her position. She was hired as the director of community engagement at Thriving Cities Group, a Charlottesville-based nonprofit. In 2019, she started RVA Thrives, a program that aims to build power and grow community leadership in Southside Richmond. Two years later, RVA Thrives rolled out of Thriving Cities Group to form part of Virginia Community Voice. The program focuses on policy solutions for issues like youth programing, housing, food justice and climate change. During her time in Richmond, Whitehurst-Gibson said she noticed that Southside Richmond often got left behind in the public discourse. “It was the only part of the city I couldn’t tell you what was going on,” she said. “When you cross the bridge, it’s a different city, so we focus on Southside Richmond for that reason.” The other arm of Whitehurst-Gibson’s nonprofit is the Virginia Community Voice Blueprint, a guide for organizations on how to conduct equitable community engagement, avoid exploiting communities and amply citizens’ voices. Since 2020, more than 200 organizations across the country have received Blueprint training from VCV. Colleagues say Whitehurst-Gibson is motivated by her faith, enjoys gardening, and loves spending time with her son who has special needs. She is also a great cook whose “sweet potato nut stuff” is a highlight of the holiday season for her social circle. Rev. LaKeisha Cook first met Whitehurst-Gibson as part of the succession planning for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. “I quickly saw what an amazing professional resource she would be, just because of how community-minded she is and how she always keeps people at the center of the work that she does,” Cook said. “She has this internal light that’s really warm and welcoming. She puts you at ease within the first couple of minutes of having a conversation with her.” Shekinah Mitchell, director of neighborhood engagement for Bon Secours, says Whitehurst-Gibson sees value in every person, regardless of who they are or where they’re from. “Lea is such a passionate leader with a strong moral compass rooted in her genuine love for this community,” Mitchell said. “There are many things I adore about Lea, but her approachability and humility sets her apart.” In recent news, Virginia Community Voices just moved into a new space in Southside Richmond. They are currently working to raise $600,000 to renovate the space and turn it into the Healing Justice and Community Power Center, a space for community organizing and holistic wellness. Cook says Whitehurst-Gibson is always focused on trying to build power within communities and make the world a better place. “She’s had a tremendous impact on the South Richmond community,” she said. “She continually has her finger on the pulse of what’s really going on in the community, because she’s a part of it.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Five injured in overnight shooting at Virginia State University URL: https://www.richmonder.org/five-injured-in-overnight-shooting-at-virginia-state-university/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T01:03:49.000Z Five individuals were shot outside Virginia State University dormitories at 1:28 a.m. Saturday, with four people sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and one in critical condition. Of the victims, police said only one is a student at the school. The suspect, 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico, was arrested on VSU’s campus at 4 p.m. Saturday. He also isn’t a student at the university. He’s currently being held in Chesterfield County Jail and facing eight felony warrants. This was the school’s move-in weekend, with classes set to begin on Monday. On Friday, the school had a pinning ceremony with former [NFL star Cam Newton](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/vsu-pinning-ceremony-cam-newton-aug-14-2026) as a guest speaker. *This has been a breaking news update. Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### ONE DAY ONLY: Free NYT Cooking or Games for a year when you become a Richmonder donor URL: https://www.richmonder.org/this-we-only-free-nyt-cooking-or-games-for-a-year-when-you-become-a-richmonder-donor/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T09:30:47.000Z **NOTE: This offer is no longer available.** August 17 is National Nonprofits Day, and there’s never been a better time to donate to The Richmonder! Support nonprofit news and receive a one-year subscription to New York Times Cooking, with thousands of delicious recipes, or New York Times Games, featuring Wordle, The Mini, and other subscriber-only exclusives. This offer is **ONLY** available until 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday (August 17). To redeem: - [**Become a new donating member to The Richmonder for $15 a month**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) - Or [**make a one-time donation of $100 or more to The Richmonder**](https://www.richmonder.org/donate) **NOTE: This offer is no longer available.** Your gift is fully tax-deductible, and new laws this year allow you to deduct up to $1,000 in charitable giving if you use the standard deduction when you file. Support local news that represents you in the rooms where decisions are made, and dig into The New York Times’s archive of more than 19,000 recipes, or solve the more than 10,000 crosswords in the Games app. ⏰ You'll receive a redemption code within seven days after purchase. If you have any questions, reach out to us at [****support@richmonder.org**](mailto:support@richmonder.org). Remember, you’ve only got until the end of the day on Monday to take advantage of this offer. [**Join us now!**](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi28qbape5W7ywg2z9fW0r) **NOTE: This offer is no longer available.** Michael Phillips, Founder mphillips@richmonder.org *P.S. – Already a NYT subscriber? We’ll give you a code that you can gift a friend! No credit card is required to redeem!* [***DONATE NOW***](https://www.richmonder.org/donate)***.*** ### NASCAR Notes: Rain delays Richmond truck race URL: https://www.richmonder.org/nascar-notes-rain-delays-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T17:07:46.000Z A rain delay postponed the truck series race at Richmond Raceway on Friday night. The race will now begin at noon on Saturday. Truck series ticket holders will be allowed into the parking lots at 10 a.m., with Cup Series ticket holders allowed in at 2 p.m. [Highland Springs student who became NASCAR’s first Black female driver returns home“There were times when I didn’t know if it was going to work out.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4d23e0ea-e3b6-4d78-bad9-a0a721ba9521.png)The RichmonderRandy Hallman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Dystany-Spurlock-NASCAR-at-Highland-Springs-HS-55-1-60cb11fb-f86e-4cbf-8ca9-2d7c4fd0d4a6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/highland-springs-student-who-became-nascars-first-black-female-driver-returns-home/) ### I've seen fire and I've seen rain Besides the rain and lightning, which were enough themelves to push Richmond Raceway's Friday night Truck Series race to a midday Saturday start, there was also a brief fire in an electronic media compound The fire temporarily knocked out TV and radio transmission at the track. No details were immediately available as to the cause of the fire. ### Drivers discuss social media hate It’s certainly not exclusive to motorsports, but racist hatefulness abounds on social media concerned with a particular NASCAR driver – Bubba Wallace. Wallace, a Black man, is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner since joining the 23XI team in 2021\. He is the target of a never-ending parade of racist trolls, even on Facebook sites created to be gathering sites for fans of the driver and of the team. Racing news, family photos, lighthearted bits – it doesn’t matter. The trolls are always there. Two major owners of the 23XI team are Michael Jordan, the UNC and NBA legend (23 was his familiar jersey number), and superstar driver Denny Hamlin, who races in the Toyota number 11 (that’s XI in Roman numerals, kids). Wallace and Hamlin are at Richmond Raceway for Saturday evening’s Cook Out 400\. We asked them about the social-media nastiness. Here’s some of what they said. **Wallace:** **How much do you pay attention to such posts?** “A lot less, really, over the last year. I have my own pages that I interact with, I was off social media for probably the first four months of this season, maybe longer” **What made you go back?** “You can only go through the… photos app so many times before you want to know what your friends are doing, So I got back on there, but I’m genuinely disconnected from my professional page, that’s for sure.” **Is it a pain?** “When you sit there and you read that stuff, and you tell yourself, ‘Has anybody ever climbed in a race car? ’ So the words really don’t matter – but that’s not gonna stop ‘em…. It is what it is.” **Hamlin:** **What are your thoughts about the tone that is sometimes taken?** “If you’re famous that’s part of it.… once fans in general figured out that they had access to your cell phone just by sending you a tweet, that emboldened them…. And, to know that they don’t have to answer to your response because it’s not face to face, certainly makes people very – um – courageous, in certain aspects. “I just think that that’s something that will always be part of our culture going forward. I don’t think it’s something that’s ever going to change. The platforms aren’t going to do anything about it because, again, it’s just more engagement, more users, and more advertisement. “It’s just something that we have to do the best we can to filter ourselves through our own settings on our phone, and our own eyes off of our phone every now and then.” ### Chesterfield Board indicates it won’t approve any more data centers in the county URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-indicates-it-wont-approve-any-more-data-centers-in-the-county/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T19:26:22.000Z Google is developing three data center campuses in Chesterfield County, but the Board of Supervisors is signaling that the county has reached its limit. The county is now taking steps to restrict further data center development. “I don’t want any more. We have enough. I’m satisfied,” Matoaca Supervisor Kevin Carroll said in July. “We’ve picked the right spots. We don’t need any more. We can manage these fine. We can manage the growth, manage the water, manage all of that.” The existing data centers are here to stay — Google has received the necessary permits from the county, and has broken ground on its first campus. But under the County’s recently adopted zoning ordinance — also known as ZoMod — data centers [are among the uses](https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-zomod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-1158:~:text=Until%20January%201%2C%202031,truck%20rental%3B) that can no longer automatically be built by-right, which was allowed in certain areas under the old zoning rules. Without by-right permission, county supervisors would have to vote to allow data center construction on a one-off basis. “Either way, we wrote it into ZoMod that we’re not going to bring any more in,” Midlothian Supervisor Mark Miller said in August. “This is it.” Clover Hill Supervisor Jessica Schneider agreed. “The current board does not have an appetite for any more data centers,” she said last month. The draft for [Chesterfield’s comprehensive plan](https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-5:~:text=Data%20Centers.,not%20noticeable.) (which is open to [public comment until Sept. 11](https://www.chesterfield.gov/PlanMod#:~:text=The%20draft%20document%20and%20map%20are%20available%20for%20commenting%20until%205%20p.m.%20on%20Friday%2C%20Sept.%2011%2C%202026.)) also updates its language on data centers. In the case of further data center development, the plan outlines that “Mitigation measures, beyond requirements, should be conditioned to ensure that excessive noise, vibration, and/or odor/emissions are not noticeable.” “When reviewing proposals for data centers, impacts on public and private infrastructure systems such as water and power should be evaluated and determined to not degrade local infrastructure or resources,” the draft reads. Raising the tax rate to deter further data center development also isn’t off the table. Chesterfield’s rate stands at an attractive-to-businesses 24 cents per $100 of assessed value, which the county promised to hold for Google through the entirety of its 30-year contract. Henrico County recently increased its rate from 40 cents per $100 of assessed value to $2.60 per $100 of assessed value. “I’m hoping that we can get our \[tax\] rate up,” Schneider said. “So that we don’t encourage any other ones to come here.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated since it was published.* ### Highland Springs student who became NASCAR's first Black female driver returns home URL: https://www.richmonder.org/highland-springs-student-who-became-nascars-first-black-female-driver-returns-home/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T10:14:15.000Z Start with Dystany Spurlock’s first name. Dystany. It’s pronounced the same as “destiny.” And though it looks and sounds dramatic, the name is not a public relations gimmick, Spurlock explained. It’s the name and spelling her mother, Robin, chose when her daughter was born in 1992. Spurlock, born in King William, grew up in the Richmond area and lives now in North Carolina to be close to the business heart of stock car racing, the sport she has chosen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Dystany.jpg) (Randy Hallman for The Richmonder) Spurlock is the first Black woman to drive in any of NASCAR’s three national touring series, having started her tenure as a driver in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series. Spurlock is in Richmond for Friday evening’s Truck Series race at Richmond Raceway. On Thursday, she visited her alma mater, Highland Springs High School in Henrico County, just 17 miles east of the three-quarter-mile race track where the green flag is scheduled for a few minutes after 7 p.m. Friday. The occasion was a combination press conference and celebration of an alumna who has made history. In addition to the school band, cheerleaders, principal, and some faculty members, among those on hand were Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas and Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson. Nelson praised Spurlock for her determination and presented her with a framed proclamation naming August 13th “Dystany Spurlock Day,” with a long series of “whereas” phrases detailing her accomplishments. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Dystany-Spurlock-NASCAR-at-Highland-Springs-HS-49.jpg) Spurlock said she was especially thrilled with the honor because Aug. 13 is her mother’s birthday. Her mother and her grandfather Robert were both in attendance. Spurlock recalled her early connection with Richmond Raceway. Her grandfather lived near the track. She would visit him on days when NASCAR held races there. “We didn’t go to the races,” she said, “but we were close enough that we could open the windows and hear the race cars running, So, we would be watching the races on TV and hearing the real sound.” That, Spurlock said, was the beginning of her desire to be part of the sport. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Dystany-Spurlock-NASCAR-at-Highland-Springs-HS-1.jpg) She was undeterred, she said, by the fact that until now there were no Black women in any of NASCAR’s top-level series. She had ignored such barriers before, she said. Notably, she played football at Highland Springs – on the boys’ team – as a wide receiver and safety on the JV team, then a safety for the varsity. The Springer football coaches checked for rules that would have forbidden female players, she explained, “but there weren’t any rules like that, so I made the team.” She also participated in track and field, she said, and was a cheerleader during basketball season. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Dystany-Spurlock-NASCAR-at-Highland-Springs-HS-29.jpg) She spoke at length abouther dream of racing in a major NASCAR series. “There were times when I didn’t know if it was going to work out,” she said, “times when I worried that I was chasing something that just wasn’t going to happen for someone like me.” What she learned, she said, was “you don’t quit. Not when it’s hard, not when people doubt you, not when the path isn’t clear. You keep showing up.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. When ambition puts you in circumstances that make you different, she said, you must remember that “somebody has to go first. Somebody has to walk into a space and say, ‘I belong here, too’ – even when nobody’s done it before.” Spurlock gave Highland Springs’ faculty and staff credit for instilling in her the determination to pursue her dream. “Thank you for believing in me when it was hard to see how this would all come together,” she said. Spurlock’s NASCAR venture isn’t her first foray into motorsports. She competed in the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing Series starting at age 17, setting world records for the Real Street class at 178 m.p.h. as the first woman to win that class. She is the second Black woman ever to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Dystany-Spurlock-NASCAR-at-Highland-Springs-HS-5.jpg) Before her NASCAR debut, she raced in sports cars and in other stock car series. She has qualified for one NASCAR Truck Series start so far, resulting in a disappointing 36th\-place finish after an early crash in a race at Dover Motor Speedway. Spurlock said she has a modest hope for the Richmond race. “A top 15,” she said, “and to be running at the finish.” Her long-range goal? It’s the top of the heap in American stock car racing. “To be a full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series,” she said. ### Aug. 14 Newsletter: Westwood URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-14-newsletter-westwood/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T10:00:12.000Z **Weather:** Stray showers all weekend along with heat in the lower 90s. **On this date** in 1992, Gov. Douglas Wilder appears on 12 On Your Side for an hour, taking phone calls about his proposed deal to move Washington’s NFL team to a stadium in Alexandria. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-13.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-historic-westwood-neighborhood-has-beaten-the-odds-for-years-can-it-survive-rezoning/) ### Richmond’s historic Westwood neighborhood has beaten the odds for years. Can it survive rezoning? The historically Black community traces its founding to formerly enslaved men and women who put down roots in the 1870\. But even in an old city where almost every neighborhood is historic, Westwood stands out. - In 1942, the city attempted to bulldoze it to make room for a park, refusing to extend water and sewer lines to residents. - “We have survived post-Reconstruction, Jim Crow and redlining to produce doctors, lawyers, politicians, educators, entrepreneurs and civil rights warriors to get here today,” said one resident. New development, including ADUs popping up on existing properties, has residents nervous over how much more change the neighborhood can take. The code refresh would largely leave building rights the same, but some residents worry that won't be enough to protect their neighborhood. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-historic-westwood-neighborhood-has-beaten-the-odds-for-years-can-it-survive-rezoning/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/2MFGHPT-1.jpg) ### Lewis Ginter employees reject final contract offer, will vote on striking Unionized workers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden rejected the nonprofit's final contract offer on Wednesday night, and said they will vote on whether to go on strike. 👩‍🌾 The union wrote that the average bargaining unit employee earns $17.52 per hour. The garden offered 3% raises, but workers asked to get closer to a living wage, which is about $25 an hour. Lewis Ginter's CEO said that the garden is losing "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue" as a result of calls for a boycott by the union. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-union-rejects-final-offer-another-pe-cancels/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Dystany-Spurlock-NASCAR-at-Highland-Springs-HS-55.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonder-will-be-first-black-woman-to-drive-in-a-national-nascar-series/) ### Highland Springs student who became NASCAR's first Black female driver returns home Dystany Spurlock (pronounced Destiny) made a triumphant homecoming on Thursday to Highland Springs High, after making national headlines earlier this year as NASCAR's first Black female driver. 🛻 She'll participate in tonight's truck race at Richmond Raceway. "To see how many new fans are going to come to see NASCAR because of me is everything," she said. "We need more of that." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonder-will-be-first-black-woman-to-drive-in-a-national-nascar-series/) ALSO IN SPORTS: [**Chesterfield's Denny Hamlin has turned from NASCAR heel to hero as his historic career enters its third decade**](https://www.richmonder.org/hallman-denny-hamlin-has-turned-from-nascar-heel-to-hero-as-his-historic-career-enters-its-third-decade/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-14.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shuttle-driver-sean-hackney-makes-visits-memorable/) ### The Richmonder 25: Shuttle driver Sean Hackney makes visits memorable Repairing an air stewardess’ boot. Installing a new battery in a guest’s dead engine. Preparing a congratulatory certificate for a couple who visited their last state capital. These are just a few of the many interactions Sean Hackney has had with guests at the Omni Richmond. Hackney has been deemed the hotel's “ambassador” and sometimes is mistaken as its owner. He knows many of the 125 employees by name, and is lauded for going above and beyond in his role. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shuttle-driver-sean-hackney-makes-visits-memorable/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Judge dismisses Henrico challenge to Roseshire gambling parlor**](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/development/article%5F76955c98-ab59-4a72-8806-ea87de376a46.html?utm%5Fcampaign=snd-autopilot&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fsource=twitter%5FRTDNEWS) (Times-Dispatch) - The ruling sidestepped the legal question at hand, whether a 1992 referendum authorized the gaming machines, and instead dismissed the case for a lack of standing. - [**Skip the Chains! A VCU Student Guide to Cheap-ish Local Eats**](https://rvamag.com/eatdrink/skip-the-chains-vcus-guide-to-cheap-ish-local-eats.html) (RVA Mag) - There are about 4,500 new students and 1,500 transfer students moving in this weekend. - [**RPS teacher vacancies fall to 1% as contract talks continue**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-08-13/rps-teacher-vacancies-greene-bell-burke-kamras-richmond?utm%5Fsource=Morning+Monitor&utm%5Fcampaign=16fbd8569a-EMAIL%5FCAMPAIGN%5F2026%5F07%5F06%5F04%5F44%5FCOPY%5F01&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=0%5F-86352a5ed7-518417556)(VPM) - With the new school year just two weeks away, Richmond Public Schools officials said they’ve filled most of the district's vacant teaching positions. --- ### The editor's desk I don't think I've ever said this before, but if you're thinking about becoming a donor to The Richmonder, **don't do it today!** We have an amazing offer that I can't share until tomorrow – see ya then! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### The Richmonder 25: Shuttle driver Sean Hackney makes visits memorable URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-shuttle-driver-sean-hackney-makes-visits-memorable/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T21:27:08.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Repairing an air stewardess’ boot. Installing a new battery in a guest’s dead engine. Preparing a congratulatory certificate for a couple who visited their last state capital. These are just a few of the many interactions Sean Hackney has had with guests at the Omni Richmond, working as a shuttle driver for the downtown hotel. “If I’m gonna do something to make their day better, (I’ll) do it,” he said. Hackney is tasked with transporting visitors between the downtown property and nearby hubs, but he realistically does more than just that, which is apparent from the many stories shared by his riders. That was the case for a guest staying at the hotel last Christmas who was diagnosed with stage four cancer. The guest was in town to undergo an emergency procedure at the VCU Medical Center, and Hackney took him there. During the procedure, Hackney went back to the hotel to work with the culinary team to prepare the guest’s favorite meal – a seafood crab soup – and left the hotel’s restaurant open for the guest when they returned. “He started crying, and he said, ‘This is the best Christmas I've ever had,’” Hackney recounted. “That makes me feel good when you can make a change in somebody's life.” “I treat people the way I want my family to be treated,” he added. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Hackney’s passion for serving people has been recognized before, with the Guest Service Award from Richmond Region Tourism and a national award from the Omni company. Hotel leaders shared that he has been the most mentioned associate in guest surveys. If it’s not through surveys, guests have directly shared their gratitude for Hackney’s help through letters and mail sent to the hotel for his attention. One letter came from a lady who chaperoned a group of 13 students attending the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond last month. On their last day in town, another shuttle van did not arrive to get the group to the airport, and they were going to miss their flight. At the last minute, Hackney was able to get the group to the airport in time for their flight, even though it was outside of his allowed five-mile radius. The 53-year-old first served in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from high school. He later worked as a police officer in Albemarle County for 28 years before retiring in 2024\. Hackney was inspired to apply for the job after staying in a hotel while on vacation in Orlando, Florida and being well received by the shuttle driver there. “I said, ‘That just seems like a cool job,’” he recalled telling his wife, Melissa. Those experiences have extended to what he does now, which additionally includes helping as a banquet server, bellman and concierge, usually the first and sometimes last person guests see when staying at the Omni. “That man has literally his own tool kit. He has a go bag and he has a box of stuff for guests, just ready to assist,” said Kelsey Bradley, the director of housekeeping at the hotel. Since working for the company beginning last year, Hackney has been deemed the “ambassador” and sometimes is mistaken as owner of the hotel, knowing particular details of the 18-floor, 359-room building and the majority of its 125 employees by name. While walking around the hotel, he frequently greeted and pulled guests into side conversations, bonding over police work, countries travelled or World Cup games. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Employees also pointed to Hackney’s ability to connect and build relationships in and out of the hotel. During a brief drive around the city, he pointed out local businesses and owners who have helped him with guest mishaps and waved to other shuttle drivers from other companies. In one instance, he helped a shuttle driver bring an elderly woman using a wheelchair down from a bus and into the nearby Greater Richmond Convention Center. Bradley also shared a situation where red dye got on a guest's shirt while she was steaming it, and she knew to call Sean because he would find a neighboring dry cleaning service. “I knew that he’s made so many connections around the city already in just the interactions he has,” she said. “Because he had built that relationship all on his own. No one told him to go do that.” Hackney has also worked alongside his father in the restaurant industry, where he said he got the best examples of seeing how his father interacted with those who dined and those he hired. “I saw him go out of his way, not only professionally, but even in his personal life,” he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/25s-3.jpg) Sean Hackney at the Omni Richmond Hotel. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) Hackney wasn’t quick to give himself credit for the extra mile he goes in giving guests an elevated experience, saying that Omni as a company empowers employees to do so. “There were times where I didn’t agree with the law (as a police officer), but I took an oath,” he said. “What I like about Omni is that everyone here is heard.” And while Bradley says that’s true, she also said that Hackney does the most on his own. Ultimately, Hackney knows what it means to be in a different city or country, relying on hotel staff to get answers while experiencing a new place. And he wants to continue being part of that experience, saying that he doesn’t plan to retire at all. “I just like helping people,” he said. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Hallman: Denny Hamlin has turned from NASCAR heel to hero as his historic career enters its third decade URL: https://www.richmonder.org/hallman-denny-hamlin-has-turned-from-nascar-heel-to-hero-as-his-historic-career-enters-its-third-decade/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T13:28:47.000Z 📰 **Randy Hallman is a lifelong journalist whose career, most of it with The Richmond News Leader and the Richmond Times-Dispatch, includes more than a half century of writing about motorsports.* Much has changed since Denny Hamlin strapped into a NASCAR Cup Series car to run his first race in 2005\. The sport and the world around it have undergone profound transformations. However, as the teams arrive for Saturday evening’s 400-lap race at Richmond Raceway – the hometown track for Hamlin, who grew up in Chesterfield County – at least one NASCAR constant stands out: Hamlin knows how to win. Hamlin will be 46 in November. He is NASCAR’s Old Man River – he just keeps rolling. He has won races in 20 of his 21 seasons as a full-time Cup driver, the exception being 2018\. Some drivers – even some of NASCAR’s all-time great stars – have noticeably slowed by the time they reach their mid-40s. Not Hamlin, not at all. This is one of his best years ever. After 23 of this season’s 36 races, Hamlin leads the series point standings and is almost certain to be the top seed when the 10-race championship playoff run begins. Hamlin is particularly successful racing on the three-quarter-mile D-shaped Richmond Raceway. Of the 37 Cup races he has started there over the years, Hamlin has won five – more than any other active driver. No surprise, then, that the professional oddsmakers favor Hamlin to win Saturday’s Cook Out 400\. Off the track, Hamlin has been an agent of change. To begin with, he has won over at least some of the fans who for years regarded him as a smart-alec and made him the target of their jeers. At times he seemed to revel in his unpopularity. After one or his wins he famously looked up at the booing crowd and declared on the PA system, “I beat your favorite driver today.” When the interviewer asked which driver, Hamlin laughingly boasted, “all of ‘em.” But the jeering softened in the last year or two. Some fans appeared to appreciate his bravado. Others became aware that Hamlin, like all of us, was dealing with life’s sharp turns. Last year, Hamlin shared with the world that his father was terminally ill. Hamlin’s only missing achievement on his NASCAR resume is his failure to win a season championship, and he said he hoped to win his first while his father was alive. Hamlin came ever so close to winning the 2025 title. It slipped out of his grasp in the closing laps of the final race in November. Then, in December, his father died – not of his illness, but as a result of injuries suffered in a house fire. For many fans, that devastating news changed things. Years of disapproval evaporated – replaced by a wave of we’re-all-in-this-together sympathy. [As NASCAR joins the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, we took a look through the museum’s closetThe Richmonder asked the museum what sorts of unusual things we might find in the collection, and the museum staff cheerfully sent us a long list.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f77efa90-e1bb-44f8-8739-2d1a171b8abc.png)The RichmonderRandy Hallman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_AroundTown_Texture_040825-1-f15096b8-25f2-4d71-b872-f43e4404844c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-nascar-joins-the-virginia-museum-of-history-and-culture-we-took-a-look-through-the-museums-closet/) Besides personal matters that have endeared him to some, Hamlin has had a profound impact on the sport, both as a competitor and as an industry figure. In addition to his 64 career wins, ninth-best total in NASCAR history, he has established his own team, 23XI. The team can realistically consider itself one of the four best multi-car teams in the Cup Series, and boasts the only driver who has won more often than Hamlin this year, Tyler Reddick. There’s more. Hamlin brought into the sport, as his team co-owner, one of the most famous athletes of all time, retired NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Hamlin is a longtime basketball junkie, having organized his own amateur league in the NASCAR community. Jordan, conversely, is a longtime fan of motorsports. He has been in the pits with the 23XI team at several events. The enthusiastic presence of a world-famous Black athlete attracts a wider audience for NASCAR. Moreover, the 23XI team was one of only two that had the temerity to revolt against NASCAR’s charter system. Under the system, the sanctioning body could easily revoke any of the 36 charters that guarantee teams starting positions in Cup Serie races, absolutely crucial to succeeding in the sport. The two teams refused to sign NASCAR’s required agreement. NASCAR moved to revoke the teams’ charters. The dispute went to court. After months of messy revelations, and lawyer-speak about who was right and who was wrong, a trial began. It did not turn out to be a fight to the finish. NASCAR agreed to a settlement that essentially ceded ownership of the charters to the teams. NASCAR’s position is weaker, but the settlement appears to be a bonanza for the teams. Industry experts estimate that the value of a charter may by now have doubled from $50 million to $100 million. Hamlin has also become a level-headed spokesman regarding the sport through his thoughtful podcast – “Actions Detrimental,” a half-kidding name plucked from a catch-all phrase that gives NASCAR wide discretion to enforce its rules. On his podcast, which he started in 2023, Hamlin discusses all manner of issues – competition, personalities, social matters, technical problems. Recently, at NASCAR’s annual race at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, all race long the cars were virtually unable to overtake each other. On Actions Detrimental, Hamlin outlined a simple aerodynamic change that he said restore to the cars the ability to pass. Hamlin went on to suggest that NASCAR form a competition panel to take up such issues. He volunteered to be a member of such a panel. The obvious organizer of a panel like that would be NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer. A Chesapeake native, Sawyer once raced weekends on Virginia short tracks, as did Hamlin. Asked if Hamlin’s suggestion of a competition panel might work, Sawyer did not close the door. “It’s important for us to listen to all the voices in our sport,” Sawyer said. “We want to hear from fans, from drivers, from crew members, from team owners, from our media partners, from track operators. They’re all part of our sport.” All the voices, Sawyer said. Hamlin can lend his as fan, as team owner and as media partner. And, oh yeah, for at least a while longer as driver – among the most successful of all time. ### Lewis Ginter employees reject final contract offer, will vote on striking URL: https://www.richmonder.org/lewis-ginter-union-rejects-final-offer-another-pe-cancels/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T23:00:49.000Z *This story has been updated.* Unionized workers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden rejected the nonprofit's final contract offer on Wednesday night, and said they will vote on whether to strike. "LGBG Workers United and union representatives are beginning the necessary preparations for a strike authorization vote," they wrote in a Thursday night email. "There are several required internal procedures and logistical steps that must be completed before that vote can take place. Once those preparations are complete, a date for the strike authorization vote will be announced." The employees voted to unionize in November 2024, joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). At the time they were only the second botanical garden nationally to unionize, after Portland, Oregon. Since then, negotiations have been tense, including one-day strikes and some performers canceling concerts at the venue in solidarity. Thursday night's scheduled performer at the garden, Ramona and the Holy Smokes, announced Wednesday that their show has been canceled. Lewis Ginter CEO Brian Trader said in an email to garden supporters last week that the conflict has been costly. He said the organization has lost "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue." "The Machinists do not understand the unique nature of our operations and what makes us so special," he wrote. "They are negotiating like we are Boeing, Harley Davidson, or United Airlines as they simultaneously attempt to smear and tarnish the beautiful image and reputation of our Garden. Throughout our negotiations, they have repeatedly referred to us as a 'company'. The call for a boycott of the Garden by the Union doesn’t hurt the Union; it hurts the Garden, its employees, the mission, and most importantly, the community." The union wrote that the average bargaining unit employee earns $17.52 per hour. The group noted that MIT's Living Wage Calculator defines a living wage in the area as about $25 an hour. Details of the final proposal were not released publicly, but the garden had offered employees 3% raises in early negotiating rounds. Trader said in his email that the garden provided "3, 7, 5, and 6% wage increases in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively," in addition to 35 days of paid leave. "Our entry-level wages are competitive with regional nonprofits," he wrote. "We actively benchmark our salaries with the American Public Gardens Association, and we pay at the 50th percentile or better in almost all our roles for the 37.5-hour work week." The garden's [most recent financial disclosures](https://www.lewisginter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lewis-Ginter-Botanical-Garden-Inc.-3-31-2025-FS-Final.pdf) show an annual budget of $10.6 million. In a press release on Thursday, the garden said union requests for guaranteed raises in future years are not compatible with the way Ginter runs its finances. "(It) is simply not a sustainable approach for an organization that does not make a profit and must budget on a year-to-year basis," the garden said in the email. "It’s also important to note that restricted donations to the Garden are separate from the general operating budget. These gifts can only be applied to expenses designated by the donor. For example, the $31 million Thrive expansion was funded by restricted gifts." ### What comes next In a statement, the employees' union wrote that they will "go through internal procedures and notification before details and next steps are released." While Virginia is a right-to-work state, meaning employees cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues, negotiations are governed at a federal level by the National Labor Relations Board. In a situation where the two sides cannot come to an agreement, the employer can declare a "bargaining impasse" and impose the terms of the final offer. Union employees, however, have accused the garden of negotiating in "bad faith," which could produce further litigation or arbitration. Union employees could also go on strike or continue their calls for a widespread boycott of the garden. While the offer was branded the "final" offer, there is also no law that would stop the sides from continuing to negotiate in the coming days. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*. This article has been updated since its initial publication.* ### Richmond’s historic Westwood neighborhood has beaten the odds for years. Can it survive rezoning? URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-historic-westwood-neighborhood-has-beaten-the-odds-for-years-can-it-survive-rezoning/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T17:14:56.000Z Driving around the narrow streets of Westwood, Tammy Rose has a story for every lot. There is her childhood home, planted with the flowers known as four o’clock that only bloom in the afternoon. There is the old place of Miss Anderson, a long-time informant for neighborhood mothers on just what their children were up to. There is the Westwood Baptist Church, where Rose dreamed as a girl of standing on the steps preparing to be married. “Everything that you needed was right here in the community,” she said. “We had safety, a playground, the church, and friends and family.” But the historically Black community, which traces its founding to formerly enslaved men and women who put down roots in the 1870s, has changed over the past few decades. While its homes once stretched to Patterson Avenue, most of those have now been replaced by a post office branch, a library and medical offices. On a few lots, accessory dwelling units have been built, pressing close against lot lines and the modest one- or two-story primary residences that characterize Westwood. Home assessments, as elsewhere in Richmond, have spiked, putting pressure on long-time residents on fixed incomes. “More and more, it’s just getting eaten up,” said the Rev. Jeanette Brown. Now president of the Westwood Civic League, Brown grew up in the neighborhood along with Rose and today splits her retirement between Westwood and Maryland. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/9A8AC77F-0CDB-4230-BD0C-7E7DAFD5A7AA_1_201_a.jpeg) For many residents of the neighborhood, the city’s planned rezoning — an effort to both update land use rules that haven’t been comprehensively overhauled in 50 years and encourage greater density — is just the latest threat the community has faced. Rose’s car is full of yellow yard signs that have sprouted around Westwood’s roughly one square mile urging residents to save the neighborhood from the code refresh. “I am not for density of really any kind. I think our neighborhood is dense enough,” said Rose. Her aim “is to preserve what we have and maintain the character of what we have.” Those worries are not unique among inhabitants of Richmond’s historic neighborhoods, where [resident and civic associations](https://www.richmonder.org/for-many-neighborhood-associations-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-is-too-much-too-fast/) [have marshaled against the rezoning](https://www.richmonder.org/at-charged-meeting-trammell-calls-for-citizen-commission-to-rethink-code-refresh/), arguing that allowing more housing units and smaller lots will encourage demolitions, erode neighborhood character, give too much power to developers and overwhelm aging infrastructure. But even in an old city where almost every neighborhood is historic, Westwood stands out, say residents. That’s because it has faced enormous odds and yet endured. A majority-Black enclave in one of Richmond’s whitest, wealthiest voter districts, Westwood resisted efforts by city officials in the 1940s to erase it from the map. Where other communities like Fulton and Navy Hill were wiped out, Westwood thrived. Today its demographics are changing as more white residents move in, but its identity remains firmly tied to the Black community. “It is tucked away in the middle of this sea of white development, and I don't think it's something that people would look for in the West End,” said historian Selden Richardson, who devoted a chapter of his 2008 book “Built By Blacks” to Westwood. “The fact that it has persevered for so long really makes it quite unique.” [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-22a91036-8e4f-4f49-8f84-5ff462a12942.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-a86af3ed-c367-44db-9798-a796b3527b28.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) For Cyane Crump, executive director of Historic Richmond, Westwood “tells a story of the evolution of Black emancipation, empowerment and advancement from 1870 through the civil rights era. “Each street has its own architecture,” she said. “Some of the streets have much older houses. Some of them have newer houses.” City officials have agreed there is something special about Westwood. This summer, the City Council unanimously backed [a resolution](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8040243&GUID=CCF54042-767F-48B7-8B08-6D85CF00540C&Options=&Search=) directing Richmond’s Department of Planning to work with the community to come up with recommendations for how Westwood should be preserved and how development should occur there. Westwood, said Councilor Andrew Breton, who represents the area and put forward the resolution, “is one of Richmond’s most historically significant neighborhoods, and it is overdue for this kind of focused planning effort.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/503EEB54-D4BA-41B5-B4AF-211168CBFAC2_1_201_a.jpeg) ### **Fighting city-sanctioned destruction** Founded in the years following the Civil War, the community that today lies north of Patterson Avenue, bounded by Glenburnie Road to the west and Dunbar Street to the east, was initially known as Westwood Village and until 1942 was part of Henrico County. At its heart was the Westwood Baptist Church, which continues to thrive today and has demolished several adjacent houses over the years to provide parking for parishioners who live elsewhere but still return to worship. “It really felt like the church was the focal point, the nucleus of the neighborhood,” said Destiny Brown, a graduate of VCU’s urban planning program who worked on a project last year aimed at [mapping the history of Westwood](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/14ba85db91624ba8b9444258d42ef4fc). As the decades passed, Westwood solidified its identity as a quiet, middle-class Black neighborhood, what historian Brenda Dabney Nichols in her book “African-Americans of Henrico County” called “a small conclave of hardworking, progressive descendants of former enslaved and free persons.” There was a school, a playground, a store and, of course, the church. A handful of small houses built around the turn of the 20th century still remain in the community, now nestled alongside ranchers from the ’60s and ’70s, a few split-level homes from later years and more recent farmhouse-style houses. It was in the 1940s that Westwood faced its greatest peril. In 1942, the neighborhood was annexed by Richmond; the city, however, had little intention of sustaining it. Officials refused to extend water and sewer service lines to the area, forcing residents to walk to a pump at the corner of Willow Lawn Drive and Dunbar Street. Then, warning about public health risks, the city proposed demolishing the neighborhood for a park. The treatment of the community was so egregious that even the then-fiercely segregationist Richmond Times-Dispatch denounced “the utter unfairness of proposals that have been made for ousting the Westwood Negroes from their homes for the benefit of whites who moved into the area long after they did.” The idea was dropped and the utility lines extended. But the experience cast a long shadow, particularly for residents like Rose and Brown who remember a segregated Richmond and communities like Fulton that didn’t survive the urban renewal campaigns of the midcentury. “Look how that turned out,” said Brown. “And who bore the brunt of it? It was the minority communities.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/D76F1643-ACC6-48E1-BA47-CC1CA0CCC47E_1_201_a.jpeg) In the following years, Westwood laid claim to a host of luminaries. Daisy Jane Cooper, the first Black student to desegregate Richmond Public Schools, grew up there. (Before integration, Westwood students were sent across town to Carver Elementary, rather than the Westhampton School a few blocks away.) Tennis star Arthur Ashe’s mother had a home in Westwood. Prominent Black politicians like former state Sen. Benjamin Lambert and former Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones have had ties to the church. Brown, who became a senior executive with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said many of the men and women she grew up with went on to distinguished careers — in the federal government, education, law and even on Broadway. “We stay in touch,” she said. “We keep up with each other’s children. We keep up with each other’s parents. … That’s the sense of community that we have.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Those connections have frequently been preserved for generations, with properties passed down from older to younger members. “We have survived post-Reconstruction, Jim Crow and redlining to produce doctors, lawyers, politicians, educators, entrepreneurs and civil rights warriors to get here today,” Crystal Randolph, a 50-year resident whose great-grandfather helped frame a home on Parrish Street, told the Council this July. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/D6393875-F160-45DB-BEF8-1205A2D146DA_1_105_c.jpeg) ### **Creeping development** But change comes in other ways besides edicts to bulldoze. In Westwood’s case, it has come in the form of commercial development creeping up from Patterson Avenue and, more recently, proposals to build more upscale homes. “There’s been a pattern of development and planning efforts that has made the neighborhood concerned about further loss,” said Crump. Initially, the stretch of Patterson between Glenburnie and Dunbar was like the rest of Westwood: residential, lined with low, turn-of-the-century homes. But beginning in the 1970s, those parcels began to be bought up and redeveloped for different uses. Many passed through the hands of Julia F. Robins, the widow of real estate agent and oil company president Franklin D. Robins. In June 1975, the City Council approved the condemnation of 9.2 acres on Patterson for the West End Library. In 1985, the U.S. Postal Service bought several parcels along Glenburnie Road for a new office. And in 1997, a collection of medical offices was built between Patterson and Snowden Lane. “When the federal government purchased the land to put the post office, that was like an ‘Ooof,’ you know, ‘Why would you put that there?’” said Rose. “That began the start of people driving through Westwood. Because at first, very few people rode through here. You knew every car.” [‘You can’t just discard it’: Varina’s Chatsworth School unveils historic plaque“The history of where we come from should never be lost.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-63b85918-3d20-44c6-815a-92366d523f16.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Chatsworth-7b0217af-c364-4595-a14e-74dc41f7316b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/you-cant-just-discard-it-varinas-chatsworth-school-unveils-historic-plaque/) As the new buildings went up and patrons tried to cut through the neighborhood, residents began to fear the loss of what many describe as Westwood’s “country” feel — the sense that it remains a peaceful village hidden within the larger city. “You can’t find a neighborhood like this,” said Brown. “We don’t have sidewalks in most of the streets. You walk; everybody knows you. People sit outside and everybody waves and speaks.” That quality also struck Amy Atticks, a younger resident who has become active in preservation efforts. Westwood, she wrote City Council recently, is “a largely intact, historically significant neighborhood with narrow country lanes and a serene, village-like atmosphere.” Rising home assessments brought new pressures as developers began to eye the community. Westwood lies in the catchment area for some of Richmond’s most desirable public schools, including Mary Munford Elementary, and, with its smaller lots and modest homes, is cheaper than many surrounding neighborhoods. A stone’s throw away, houses can go for $1 million, but in Westwood many homes are still assessed in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. “We are the affordability area for the 1st District,” said Brown. Even those valuations are on the upswing. In hearings before the City Council, Crump said that “the city tax assessor is essentially saying, ‘We don’t want you to stay near your generational home.’” “Speculative developers have seen these small cottages not as affordable homes to be preserved, but as ripe for demolition to be replaced by McMansions,” she said. [Richmond cultural heritage plan clears hurdle, but Robertson vows ‘long list of amendments’“I’m not feeling comfortable that we’ve got enough direction.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9a0c8baf-de6d-494e-bc54-3811f74e5212.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/BBM1RN-2f50cb5d-9699-44b2-b73e-6d47e871c55b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cultural-heritage-plan-clears-hurdle-but-robertson-vows-long-list-of-amendments/) Recent development plans have spurred bitter battles. In 2023, three separate proposals to build two-story homes on lots around 30 feet wide led to outcry about the impact new builds would have on home valuations and whether the existing water and sewer infrastructure could handle more residents. Brown said she felt the developers had not treated the community with respect in bringing forward their plans. “These are our homes. This is where we live,” she said. “This to us is sacred ground for a lot of reasons, and it is, I feel, entrusted to us now to hold on to it as best we can.” All three of the contested proposals were eventually withdrawn, but the concerns they raised remain in play for many residents as the code refresh proceeds and ADUs pop up on some lots. [Developer uses city’s ADU law to build 100 backyard cottagesGranny flats. In-law suites. Backyard cottages. We’re still not quite sure what to call them, but they’re starting to pop up all over Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-483345db-61b0-4c05-83d9-8a63e1eae3cd.png)The RichmonderNed Oliver![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6848--1--8f669477-78f6-46a5-9c0a-13cd9d820ea4.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-uses-citys-adu-law-to-build-100-backyard-cottages/) “The city hasn’t done their due diligence in keeping up the infrastructure,” said Brown. “How is that going to work with all of these new buildings? We’ve had sewage backups in some of the homes. We’ve had water coming up, seeping up through the street. A lot of that stuff hasn’t been fixed.” Breton acknowledges that there has been “a history of disinvestment over time in this neighborhood” and says that’s one of the issues his resolution hopes to address. “If there is an opportunity to make up for that history with additional infrastructure, it’s important that we take a look and figure out what that might be,” he said. ### **‘I want to be able to recognize a few things’** The Westwood resolution isn’t the first crack the neighborhood has taken at preservation. Both Rose and Brown said they previously had conversations with other residents about getting the community designated an Old and Historic District, a city identification that comes with a set of rules for how development and demolition can occur, as well as oversight by the Commission for Architectural Review. Unlike zoning, OHD designations have to be requested by a majority of residents. And back then, Rose said, “we did not have a majority.” “Those who had historic homes didn’t want to have the restrictions of the Old and Historic District,” she said. Brown said things could be different now. The code refresh has put land use questions on Richmonders’ minds, and a wider array of preservation tools like design overlays are available to place guardrails on development without the strictest rules that come with an OHD. Earlier this year, the community was included on [Preservation Virginia’s annual “Most Endangered Places List.”](https://preservationvirginia.org/our-work/preservation/most-endangered-historic-places/) Right now, nearly all of Westwood is zoned R-5\. Under those rules, properties must be single family detached homes on lots at least 6,000 square feet in area and 50 feet wide. Buildings can be up to 35 feet high by right, the equivalent of roughly three stories, although none are currently. The second draft of the rezoning would classify all of Westwood’s residential areas as RD-B. Under that zoning, properties would be limited to single family detached homes on lots at least 50 feet wide. Heights could be either 35 feet or would have to comply with new contextual standards limiting new structures to being no more than 14 feet or one story taller than the shortest adjacent building. The post office, church and properties fronting on Patterson Avenue would be zoned for mixed use of up to three stories, taller than the buildings that front on the road today. Of special concern to Brown is a provision in the second draft that would allow a duplex on any lot as long as any existing home is retained. Some city councilors, including Breton, have called for that proposal to be scrapped in the [third draft expected to be released Aug. 17](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-released-aug-17/), and Brown said getting rid of it “would lift a lot” of her own worries, although she would prefer that the rezoning be paused until a solution for Westwood’s preservation can be found. Another pain point is the ADUs that have begun to sprout up in the community. While [a new state law](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB531) that will go into effect in July 2027 will bar Richmond from prohibiting the structures, Brown and Rose are hoping the city might consider instituting some owner occupancy provisions, and Brown has argued limits also ought to be placed on the dimensions of any ADU to ensure it’s smaller than the primary home. “The charm and the character of our neighborhood depends on it not being dense, not being overrun,” said Rose. What else can be done will be up to the Planning Department and community members, who over the next six months will be charged with evaluating and recommending the best ways “to preserve the cultural, architectural, and spatial character” of Westwood, to update its infrastructure and to keep existing residents in their homes. “I’m sure there will be multiple opinions, and I’m sure it will take time to work through those,” said Breton. “There’s going to be a spectrum of preferences around whether they should stay identical to how they are.” Furthermore, he added, “there are private property rights we have to respect.” For Rose, the hope is that 50 years from now, Westwood will still be — well, Westwood. “I want to be able to recognize a few things. I want the playground to be still this massive lottage and maybe some upgrades.” she said. “I want to see how well the trees have grown and how much shade they've given. And I want to be able to drive in, to turn off of Patterson or to turn off of Willow Lawn Drive, and know that I am here, I'm back home. No matter who's here.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Aug. 12 Newsletter: This old boat URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-12-newsletter-this-old-bo/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T10:00:12.000Z **Weather:** High of 92 with another chance for afternoon storms. **On this date** in 1995, Hurricane Connie dumps 9 inches of rain on the city, one of the largest single-day totals ever. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0129-0205-021225-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting)**.** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-12.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-sale-at-richmond-marina-one-of-the-last-surviving-wwi-boats-needs-work/) ### For sale at Richmond marina: One of the last surviving WWI boats. Needs work. The Katiedoesn’t look like much at first sight — relatively small, weatherbeaten, very obviously showing its age, which is roughly about 110 years. Yet the boat’s history is among the more unique in the U.S.: It is reportedly among the scant few World War I-era U.S. Navy ships still afloat today. 🦪 After WWI, it was a patrol boat in the legendary “Oyster Wars” that raged between Maryland and Virginia oystermen for roughly a century from the end of the Civil War to about 1960. The boat is cheap ($5,000), but its owner says needed repairs will take at least $20,000\. He's hoping to find the right person to bring it back to life. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/for-sale-at-richmond-marina-one-of-the-last-surviving-wwi-boats-needs-work/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2321-1--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/fired-rps-facilities-director-is-hired-by-one-of-the-districts-contractors/) ### Fired RPS facilities director is hired by one of the district’s contractors Ronald “Bobby” Hathaway, the former director of facilities for Richmond Public Schools, is now working at Temperature Control Mechanical Services, an HVAC company based in Hanover County that has done contracted work within Richmond schools. RPS said Hathaway’s new employers were informed that he is not allowed on RPS grounds. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/fired-rps-facilities-director-is-hired-by-one-of-the-districts-contractors/) **ALSO IN EDUCATION:** [**Free CPR certification program offered for RPS educators**](https://www.richmonder.org/free-cpr-certification-program-offered-for-rps-educators/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-10.png) ### City posts map showing hundreds of planned road safety projects Richmond’s newly formed Department of Transportation says hundreds of “quick-build safety improvements” are coming to city streets this fall and posted a neighborhood by neighborhood map showing what residents can expect. - In one example, intersections along Arthur Ashe Boulevard will be painted, and no parking signs will be installed near the crosswalks. The city’s online map currently lists 244 projects and will be updated as the work progresses. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-posts-map-showing-hundreds-of-planned-road-safety-projects/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-11.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-nascar-joins-the-virginia-museum-of-history-and-culture-we-took-a-look-through-the-museums-closet/) ### As NASCAR joins the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, we took a look through the museum's closet NASCAR makes its annual stop at Richmond Raceway this weekend, but first the track donated a chunk of its historic asphalt to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. 🏁 The piece of track dates back to 1953, six years before the first running of the Daytona 500, and saw victories by three members of the Petty family. The Richmonder asked the museum what other sorts of unusual things we might find in the collection, a list that included the scarf that inspired UVA to switch its colors from red and gray to blue and orange in the late 1880s (above). [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-nascar-joins-the-virginia-museum-of-history-and-culture-we-took-a-look-through-the-museums-closet/) --- ### Today's sponsor [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/260514_136_aj_ar900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-shines-the-light--and-leads-the-way--on-the-national-challenge-of-gambling-addiction?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) + ### **VCU researcher Carolyn Hawley shines the light – and leads the way – on the national challenge of gambling addiction** Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions and director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, helped create one of the nation’s first comprehensive systems for treatment, recovery and prevention of gambling addiction. [**Read more**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-shines-the-light--and-leads-the-way--on-the-national-challenge-of-gambling-addiction?utm%5Fsource=therichmonder&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=positivestories&utm%5Fid=valocal&utm%5Fterm=instate&utm%5Fcontent=prospecting) about how Carolyn Hawley is creating a lifeline for countless people grappling with gambling addiction – and establishing a framework that has allowed Virginia to emerge as a national model for gambling health infrastructure. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-9.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-coach-loretta-watson-has-been-cheering-on-richmonds-girls-for-30-years/) ### Coach Loretta Watson has been cheering on Richmond’s girls for 30 years Watson has had a 30-year legacy coaching cheer within RPS schools, beginning in 1996 at East End Middle (Now Franklin Military Academy) before heading over to MLK Middle in 2005. 📣 Within that span, the girls she mentored have become sisters and mothers to future generations she would teach or mentor, she said. She recalled a student recently presenting Watson with a photo of their mom wearing the team’s uniform. “I grew up in the same projects that they're from. I know what it's like. I absolutely know what it's like to live in the projects and things happen,” she said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-coach-loretta-watson-has-been-cheering-on-richmonds-girls-for-30-years/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off --- ### In other news - [**Public housing board member resigns, citing ‘loss of confidence in leadership’**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fb721502f-f722-4194-8c36-f2727929d92c.html) (Times-Dispatch) - RRHA's board Chairman said Barrett Hardiman's public comments calling for the CEO to resign "impacted the order of the board." - [**Spoiled for Choice: Born out of the pandemic, the microschools movement takes off**](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/education/microschools/) (Richmond Magazine) - Parents and educators fed up with remote learning began to rethink education altogether, building on an undercurrent that had been growing for years. - [**Giant hummingbirds land at Richmond International Airport**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/11/richmond-airport-unveils-giant-hummingbird-sculpture) (Axios Richmond) - "Travel Companions," the 24-foot-tall sculpture, features the state flower and a trio of hummingbirds, and sits between the two parking garages. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0281-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/were-touring-chesterfield-come-meet-our-newest-reporter/) The first stop on our Chesterfield tour is in the books (Mugshot Coffee). New Report for America corps member Eleanor Shaw and I will be at Perk! in Bon Air today at 2 p.m. [**See more stops here!**](https://www.richmonder.org/were-touring-chesterfield-come-meet-our-newest-reporter/) *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### For sale at Richmond marina: One of the last surviving WWI boats. Needs work. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/for-sale-at-richmond-marina-one-of-the-last-surviving-wwi-boats-needs-work/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T12:52:07.000Z “It’s a big project.” That’s how Matt Harris describes the USS *Katie*, a wooden boat docked at the Richmond Yacht Basin about 10 miles south of the city. The Katiedoesn’t look like much at first sight — relatively small, weatherbeaten, very obviously showing its age, which is roughly about 110 years. Yet the boat’s history is arguably among the more unique in the U.S.: It is reportedly among the scant few World War I-era U.S. Navy ships still afloat today. A small handful of U.S. battleships from the global conflict are still technically on the water, notably the USS Texas, which is docked in Galveston, and the USS Olympia, moored in Philadelphia. Both of the steel watercraft serve as museum ships. The Katie, in contrast, remains functionally a civilian vessel, though Harris told The Richmonder that anyone seeking to restore it to its former glory — or even just to operational strength — should have “money to burn.” He is presently [selling the craft](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2545590125866080/) for $5,000\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/KatieHorn.jpeg) Harris is the latest in the ship’s long century-plus line of owners, and he admitted that he fell in love with the boat when learning of its rich history. The Katie was built in Crittenden, Virginia, near Suffolk, in 1915 or 1916, by local boat-builder Charles Bush; it was originally launched as a private yacht, though records indicate it was used by the Virginia Fish and Oyster Commission shortly after it was built. The U.S. entered World War I in 1917, after which the U.S. Navy began commissioning vessels on both the East and West coasts to serve as patrol boats. The Naval History and Heritage Command [says](https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/katie.html) the Katie was commissioned on April 24, 1917, and used as “a shore and section patrol boat,” with patrols extending “from Norfolk and the James River to the lower reaches of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.” The craft served in the war for a little over a year before being decommissioned on Oct. 22, 1918, just a few weeks before the conflict ended. It ultimately ended up returning to the Virginia Fish and Oyster Commission. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/KatieWheel.jpeg) Records show the Katiethen took part in a second, at-times armed conflict, serving as a patrol boat in the legendary “Oyster Wars” that raged between Maryland and Virginia oystermen for roughly a century from the end of the Civil War to about 1960. That decades-long dispute played out largely in the Chesapeake Bay between oyster fishermen squabbling with the state governments and each other over oyster harvesting. Both Virginia and Maryland had oyster commissions to police the conflict; the government agencies were popularly known as “Oyster navies,” meaning the Katiecould be seen as having served in two distinct naval forces in two different wars. Katie’s service in that conflict was noteworthy. Harris said the boat played a pivotal role in a violent guns-drawn conflict at Mobjack Bay in 1928 where it was fired upon by Maryland fishermen. The National Guard was called out to restore order; the dispute was notable enough to make national news [in the New York Times.](https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/15/archives/virginians-mobilize-in-oyster-fishing-war-lull-in-the-mobjack-day.html) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/KatieThrottle.jpeg) The boat ultimately returned to fully private ownership, though it would serve as a Coast Guard Auxiliary watercraft in the subsequent years. It changed ownership numerous times over the decades; several years ago a group of friends purchased it with the intent to restore the boat while documenting the process [on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/this.old.boat/). Harris, whose father has served as president of the Richmond Navy League Council, purchased the watercraft also intending to restore her, but the extent of the project was more than he had expected. “I understood what needed to be done, and I understood how to do it,” he said. “But it was really more of a project than I had the ability to take on.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/KatieHead.jpeg) At the Richmond Yacht Basin, the boat requires 24/7 pumping to ensure it doesn’t take on water and sink.; Harris said he has to change the pumps regularly as they wear out. He said a restoration project would likely require a five-person crew and he estimated that basic repairs could hover around $20,000. Harris said he hopes to find someone with both the resources and the drive to restore the boat so it is not lost to history. He said the craft could function as a museum or a teaching vessel of some kind, or even as an Airbnb option. He said his father estimates that the Katieis “probably one of five World War I \[Naval\] boats of any kind that still exists.” One other example is the former USSSee W. See*,* which is now privately owned and still floats on the Chesapeake as the Mar-Sue. Harris said that the Mar-Suehas been significantly altered since her war days, while the Katieremains mostly unchanged. Reflecting on the boat’s long and colorful but sometimes-expensive history, Harris joked that “the best day in Katie ownership is the day that you don't have to be burdened with her anymore.” But he expressed hope that the boat [would find a new home](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2545590125866080/) and be preserved for future generations. “We want somebody to have the same love affair that everyone's had with this boat,” he said. “But we just want somebody that actually has the means to do it.” ### As NASCAR joins the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, we took a look through the museum's closet URL: https://www.richmonder.org/as-nascar-joins-the-virginia-museum-of-history-and-culture-we-took-a-look-through-the-museums-closet/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T00:18:48.000Z NASCAR is coming to Richmond Raceway for this Saturday night’s Cup Series event, likely to generate a crowd of well over 40,000 for its 7 p.m. start. But an event early this June marked the track’s longevity in major-league stock car racing, and its impact on the sport and the state. Richmond Raceway President Lori Waran was resplendent in yellow bright enough for a NASCAR Cup Series race car. Adam Scher, Vice President for Collections at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, wore a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses against the glaring sun. And in front of them, on a table cushioned with thick black fabric, sat a chunk of asphalt about the size of, and probably about as heavy as, a bowling ball. The gray chunk was Richmond Raceway’s gift to the museum, which was saluting the track’s 80-year history. It was added to the vast collection – more than nine million artifacts representing the Commonwealth’s history and culture. A misshapen gray chunk of asphalt? Really? That was the gift from a sport as flashy, high-tech, and colorful as stock car racing? Before you answer, ride along for a few laps of context regarding the remarkable track over which Waran presides, and the remarkable collection over which Scher presides. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Lori.jpeg) Richmond Raceway's Lori Waran, VMHC's Adam Scher and the chunk of asphalt added to the museum's collection. First the track. Inside the museum on that June day stood a set of panels recounting the Richmond Raceway’s eight decades with words and vintage photographs. Outside, not far from the table and its asphalt, were several deep-polished race cars that drew interest from fans old and new. Undeniably, the asphalt was a visual blah compared to glowing race cars nearby and the carefully designed history panels inside. The chunk, Waran explained, had been part of the racing surface at the old half-mile oval, dug up and discarded after the track’s NASCAR Cup Series race in February 1988, replaced in time for that series’ return in September that year. The new surface was the three-quarter-mile D-shape that is the modern-day Richmond Raceway. Digging up the first piece of the old track was NASCAR legend Richard Petty, at the controls of a backhoe. Only minutes before, he had climbed from the Pontiac he had driven to a third-place finish in the last race on the half-mile, the Pontiac Excitement 400. As Waran put it last week: the humble asphalt dislodged by the great driver is “a lasting symbol of the track’s enduring impact on Virginia.” She described the track as “a place where history has been made one lap at a time.” The Petty name is integral to that history. In 1953, Lee Petty, Richard’s father, won Richmond Raceway’s first event in what has evolved into the Cup Series. For historical context, that was seven years after the track began holding races for the open-wheel “Big Cars” of that era, and six years before the first running of the Daytona 500. In 1961, Richard notched the first of his 13 Richmond wins – the record for victories at the venue. He won three times there when it was a dirt track. In 1968 he won the initial event after the half-mile was paved. His 13 Richmond wins include a streak of seven straight, 1970-73. In 1986, Richard’s son Kyle Petty scored his first-ever Cup Series win with a finish that is one of NASCAR’s best remembered. Kyle was running fifth with two laps to go, but the front four – Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Dave Marcis and Joe Ruttman – all crashed. Kyle cruised by the wreckage to win as the checkered and caution flags waved in concert. Richmond remains the only NASCAR venue at which three generations of the same family have visited the Cup Series victory lane. So, that asphalt chunk – part of the track surface torn up in a milestone project started by Richard Petty’s backhoe – now has a home in a Virginia institution that houses memorabilia from this nation’s centuries of history. The VMHC, an august institution, is just five years shy of the 200th anniversary of its own founding. You might assume that, before the addition of the chunk of asphalt, the museum’s collection had been the likes of coats of arms from the estates of founding fathers, of staid documents honoring corporate and institutional VIPs. If that’s what you assumed, you assumed wrong. The Richmonder asked the museum what sorts of unusual things we might find in the collection, and the museum staff cheerfully sent us a long list. History and culture, we learned, is sometimes signified by the whimsical and bizarre. Here are five oddball items – the ones we liked best from the list – that are in safekeeping at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/1942.8.2_v1.png) (VMHC) - Bent and twisted nails, 18 of them, arranged to form the word “NAILS.” They were gathered from the wreckage after the second-floor courtroom at the Virginia State Capitol collapsed, killing 62, in 1870\. The floor was packed with a crowd to hear a Virginia Supreme Court decision deciding how Richmond’s mayor was to be chosen. The display was acquired in 1942 as a gift of Richard Cunningham Wright. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/2026.25_v2.jpg) (VMHC) - A George Washington Barbie doll, one of six such dolls made by Mattel depicting Virginia figures. The other five figures are: Gabby Douglas (Olympic gymnast), Ella Fitzgerald (entertainer), Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician), and cheerleaders representing UVA and Virginia Tech. The museum purchased the dolls in 2026 for an upcoming exhibit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/1976.7_v1.jpg) (VMHC) - Half of a silk scarf that inspired adoption in the late 1880s of the identifying orange and blue colors of the University of Virginia. UVA football player Allen Potts purchased the scarf in England, and gave half of it to friend John Stewart Bryan. The colors replaced the red and gray of the school’s athletic uniforms, said to become hard to see during a game on a muddy football field. (The museum also has sneakers and a uniform from UVA basketball superstar Ralph Sampson’s NBA rookie season.) The scarf was given to the museum in 1976 by D. Tennant Bryan. - A plaster cast of Daniel Boone’s head, one of several casts of his skull made in 1845 when he and his wife, Rebecca Boone, were disinterred in Missouri to be reburied in Kentucky. The Kentucky Historical Society also has a cast in its collection. Such casts were frequently made at the time, part of a since-discredited pseudoscience, phrenology, that purported to determine much from the shape, bumps, and depressions of skulls. The plaster cast was given to the museum in 1893 by George W. Ranck. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Mss1.M3855c.SmallPoxScab-1.jpg) (VMHC) - A smallpox scab, exchanged by members of the Massie family of Virginia in 1876, when it was common to use such scabs in efforts to produce immunity through inoculation. Infectious disease experts have determined that this 150-year-old miniscule poses no risk to staff or visitors. The scab came into the museum over time starting in the 1880s as part of the Henry Massie Jr. papers. The museum sometimes puts such items on display, for example in a 2010-11 special exhibit “Bizarre Bits: Oddities from the Collection.” The Virginia Barbie dolls will be featured as part of, “Barbie: A Cultural Icon,” an exhibition tracing the doll’s 65-year history, opening October 17. Special tours to see collection items, scheduled or by request, can be arranged. Information can be found at the museum’s website, virginiahistory.org. 📰 **Randy Hallman is a lifelong journalist whose career, most of it with The Richmond News Leader and the Richmond Times-Dispatch, includes more than a half century of writing about motorsports.* ### The Richmonder 25: Coach Loretta Watson has been cheering on Richmond’s girls for 30 years URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-coach-loretta-watson-has-been-cheering-on-richmonds-girls-for-30-years/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T19:38:52.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* The cheer team at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School was rehearsing for an important event that took place earlier this month – performing in front of all the principals within Richmond Public Schools. “L-E-T-S G-O, let’s go, let’s go,” a cheerleader chanted, before her teammates joined in. “L-E-T-S G-O, let’s go RPS, let’s go principals!” Guiding the girls was Loretta Watson, the coach of the cheer team. She watched closely, occasionally pausing the practice to point out a misstep before ensuring the team was ready to get back to action. “You think you can handle the signs?” “We straight? Everybody straight?” “Remember, energy guys. Come on, strut.” The girls responded, as so many have for decades. Watson has had a 30-year legacy in coaching cheer within RPS schools, beginning in 1996 at East End Middle, now known as Franklin Military Academy, before heading over to Mosby Middle – now MLK Middle – in 2005\. Within that span, the girls she has mentored have become sisters and mothers to future generations she would teach or mentor, she said. She recalled a student recently presenting Watson with a photo of their mom wearing the team’s uniform. “It just warmed my heart," she said. “I just love what I do. I absolutely love what I do.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/loretta-2.jpg) Watson and her team have won first place in eight out of the 10 RPS cheer competitions held since 2014\. But more than the awards and [accolades](https://richmond.com/news/local/article%5F9bc4f653-3d27-5605-a46d-ebe464c14ca8.html), being on the team has meant a lot to the students, likely because of Coach Watson and the sisterhood she has created. “Throughout the years we have grown from a professional relationship as far as a cheer coach and cheerleader to family,” said Jayla Watkins, a former cheerleader from MLK. Watson sees a lot of herself in the students she’s been coaching for the last 30 years. Originally from Creighton Court, she too was a cheerleader herself while schooling at East End Middle – which is now known as Franklin Military Academy. She said a lot of the students attending MLK Middle come from similar public housing communities as her, like Mosby, Whitcomb and Fairfield courts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1999.jpg) (Contributed photo) Watson’s mom, Shirley, recognized keeping Watson and her six siblings busy with extracurricular activities like cheer, allowed them to stay occupied and away from peer pressure or engaging with the wrong crowds, an issue Watson said she still sees among students today. “I grew up in the same projects that they're from. I know what it's like. I absolutely know what it's like to live in the projects and things happen,” she said. “But I had mentors myself that gave me something to do until I was old enough to get a job. And the one person that made sure I stayed in line was my mother.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/loretta-4.jpg) Watson graduated from Virginia State in 1989 and landed a teaching job in Newport News. While she enjoyed living there, she felt the need to come back and be in Richmond, especially when her mother passed away. Years later, the 60-year old Watson is now embodying what her mom was to her for the students she coaches at MLK Middle. “Without a shadow of doubt, I know what my calling is,” she said. “To mentor young girls.” One of those girls includes Watkins, who Watson taught in science before encouraging her to join the cheer team. But Watkins ran into some difficulties as a young student. She said she engaged “with the wrong crowd” which she said led to her getting into trouble a few times. It also impacted her grades, which further impacted her eligibility to cheer. “I even got suspended and Mrs. Watson fought so hard for me to be able to still experience things as a regular middle schooler,” she said. “She never stopped fighting for me.” That meant Watson accompanying Watkins in the class to ensure she wasn’t misbehaving, pulling her for conversations and checking in on her, and speaking to the school principal or her mom. Watkins said Watson also helped out with food and transportation when times were financially rough. “She helped me out with a lot of things, so not only is she a coach to me, but she’s also like a mother figure,” Watkins said. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Dustin Robinson, one of the school’s assistant principals, can also attest to Watson’s connection with the cheerleaders and other individuals in the building – including himself. While he knew of Watson when he was a student at Mosby Middle School, he connected more deeply with her when he began working at MLK Middle as a math interventionist in 2015. Watson became a mentor to Robinson, giving the new teacher at the time “real information in the building” and ensuring that he “stayed on track.” That same energy extends to the students, he noted, recognizing her ability to build rapport. “She really utilizes the sisterhood of the cheerleading squad to really build the foundation that especially the female students need,” he said, adding that the foundation is respect and academics. Robinson said that former students frequently keep in touch with her and attend competitions where the current students perform. She’s like the “second school mom,” he said, the first being Principal Innett Dabney. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2734-1-1.jpg) (Contributed photo) Watson became a confidant to her students, ensuring that their grades are in shape in order to keep them on the team, offering them rides to school and practice when their parents are unavailable, and frequently checking in on them when anything happens. Teachers and other school administrators have referred to Watson when needing to address one of her cheerleaders’ academics or behavior, knowing that the student will ultimately listen to her. “I have teachers emailing me, texting me, calling me, ‘Can you talk to so-and-so because she's not turning in her work, or she's hanging with the wrong crowd,’” she said. At times she’s working alongside parents to help figure out what she can do to help. Recognizing the background they come from, Watson is also keen on making sure that students “see what it takes to be successful, using cheerleading as a route.” For example, she takes the team to Virginia Union University’s annual Lucille Brown Bowl football game, where students can tour the campus and meet college athletes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/loretta-3.jpg) Watson already retired from the school back in 2022 as a science teacher, but her absence was loud. “When I was not there, I would see people at Walmart, I'd see a co-worker say, ‘Mrs. Watson, it’s not the same,’” she said. Watson said she couldn’t imagine herself doing this work anywhere else, emphasizing that the Church Hill area is her home and that her calling has always been to mentor young girls who were once like her. So she decided to come back in 2023 to coach the team, before just recently agreeing to come back as a teacher teaching science, too. Robinson said she helped raise the school’s science SOLs scores by 2%. “She’s a beast,” he said. In 2021, she created her own personal cheer squad, RVA Warriors, especially for students who wanted to continue cheering under Watson’s coaching after graduating from middle school. As Watson gets closer to retirement, she plans to pass on the torch to Watkins, who already works for the coach part time. Watkins said it confirms the relationship and connection the two have. “I knew her in her 6th grade, I definitely gave her a few troubles. Like, ‘this little girl is driving me crazy,’” she said. “Some relationships that start off rocky end up becoming the best ones you experience in a lifetime.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Free CPR certification program offered for RPS educators URL: https://www.richmonder.org/free-cpr-certification-program-offered-for-rps-educators/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T17:40:05.000Z Richmond Public Schools and Richmond Fire Department are teaming up to provide free CPR classes for certification to teachers, a collaboration initiated by the Richmond Education Association, the union representing the division’s teachers. RFD C.A.R.E.S allows teachers to learn CPR, first aid, response and emergency skills to teachers that can “extend beyond the classroom,” said RFD Chief Jeffrey Segal in a May press release. Cory Adkins, an REA board member and recently former chair of the union’s membership committee, told The Richmonder that the committee is in charge of figuring out ways to recruit and keep members in REA, and the idea came up in one of the group’s meetings. The Virginia Department of Education mandates teachers to be CPR certified in order to become licensed personnel, and classes can run upwards of $150\. “Because of the budget cuts that are happening, especially with teachers’ healthcare, we needed something to reduce the financial burden on teachers,” she said. A [similar partnership took place in 2019](https://www.wtvr.com/2019/05/07/richmond-fire-offering-free-cpr-training-to-rps-teachers), as a result of former Mayor Levar Stoney’s Teacher Advisory Council that included teachers from RPS schools. The former mayor eventually [disbanded the council two years later](https://www.vpm.org/news/2021-01-28/he-saw-us-as-insignificant-stoney-terminates-teacher-council-in-education-pivot), and it is unclear when the classes stopped. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Adkins said it's the first time that REA is picking back up the effort since 2019. “The fire department responded rather quickly,” she said, referring to when she reached out at the beginning of this year. “They were very enthusiastic and they were like it sounds like a great idea.” While intended for teachers, REA initially wanted and is hoping that the classes will extend to non-licensed personnel too, like cafeteria workers or custodians. When asked if she thinks it’ll last longer than the first partnership from 2019, Adkins said RFD is passionate about making it happen. “It’s something they are also passionate about.” All attendees at the division’s new teacher orientation this week will be offered the course, and all teachers are eligible for the course. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### City posts map showing hundreds of planned road safety projects URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-posts-map-showing-hundreds-of-planned-road-safety-projects/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T11:14:58.000Z Richmond’s newly formed Department of Transportation says hundreds of “quick-build safety improvements” are coming to city streets this fall and posted a neighborhood by neighborhood map showing what residents can expect. More than 700 projects are in the works, according to the city. Work at 350 intersections is expected to start in the fall, with another 350 coming in a second phase planned for 2027. “The project includes high-visibility crosswalks, centerline hardening to reduce dangerous left turns, refreshed pavement markings, and other safety improvements designed to improve visibility and predictability for everyone using Richmond’s streets,” the city said in a news release Monday afternoon. The effort focuses on corridors where the city sees the most traffic-related injuries. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-10-at-4.11.52---PM.png) Planned improvements along N. 28th Street in Church Hill. The map includes modular curbs and other forms of left-turn hardening, higher-visibility crosswalks and new markings along several major roads, including improvements to several key intersections on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. According to the city, the upcoming projects show the city is “advancing its commitment to Vision Zero,” the ambitious goal of reducing traffic deaths to zero. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-10-at-4.12.47---PM.png) New road markings and no parking signs along Forest Hill Avenue. “Every intersection we improve is another opportunity to prevent a serious crash before it happens," said Andy Boenau, Director of the Richmond Department of Transportation. "These quick-build improvements are proven, cost-effective treatments that can make an immediate difference while supporting our long-term Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries." The city’s [online map](https://cor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interactivelegend/index.html?appid=9652986adcbe4e41aff22eeceed68e9e&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=ctct) currently lists 244 projects and will be updated as the work progresses. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org). *This article has been updated since it was posted*. ### Fired RPS facilities director is hired by one of the district’s contractors URL: https://www.richmonder.org/fired-rps-facilities-director-is-hired-by-one-of-the-districts-contractors/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T19:50:32.000Z Ronald “Bobby” Hathaway, the former director of facilities for Richmond Public Schools, is now working at Temperature Control Mechanical Services, an HVAC company based in Hanover County that has done contracted work within Richmond schools. The Richmonder confirmed Hathaway’s job status earlier this month. Alyssa Schwenk, communications director for RPS, said Hathaway’s new employers were informed that he is not allowed on RPS grounds. She said the division has also asked them to ensure he is not involved in any RPS projects. Temperature Control Mechanical Services declined to comment. The division contracted [with the company beginning in 2019](https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/rvaschools/contracts/80647). RPS renewed the contract in 2025 for another year, and [it had the option of an additional one-year renewal](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DKXD7V346A15/$file/%24100K%2B%20Contract%20for%20Second%20Read%20%28Virginia%20Gamibt%20LLC%29%20for%209-3-25%20Board%20Business%20Meeting.pdf). According to a district website, the arrangement [appears to have ended in March this year](https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/rvaschools/contracts/165088), but Schwenk confirmed that the company is still doing work for RPS. Hathaway was put on administrative leave beginning in February this year. He was under investigation for misappropriating school funds and conducting a security breach to return a zero-turn lawn mower to the division’s facilities site undetected. The investigation into his departure was withheld from the media until The Richmonder prevailed in a lawsuit under the state’s Freedom of Information Act law. [The Richmonder wins FOIA lawsuit against School Board over redacted documents“Disclosure of these documents is exactly the degree of sunshine FOIA contemplates in a free and open form of governance.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2ce1a403-a5ae-4df1-ae83-cfe357ceacc7.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/judge-gavel-1-dcf08a49-d500-401a-9dc9-184b77003ae8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/) Internal investigators recommended terminating Hathaway. He submitted a resignation letter shortly after, but his resignation was denied three weeks later by the School Board, which opted for termination. [Emails raise questions over RPS handling of former facilities director’s resignationEmails show that the School Board did not receive the first internal investigation into Hathaway until two weeks after the report was completed.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a097e703-a2ff-420a-ad63-facc951df73c.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-1-cf41ddb5-e07f-49d1-a798-f765e81a7e82.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/emails-raise-questions-over-rps-handling-of-former-facilities-directors-resignation/) *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Aug. 10 Newsletter: Preserving historic cemeteries URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-10-newsletter-preserving-historic-cemeteries/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T10:00:23.000Z **Weather:** High of 95 as the dog days of summer continue. **On this date** in 1976, legal wrangling over Richmond’s 1970 annexation of a portion of Chesterfield County finally ends with a ruling in Richmond’s favor. ([map](https://www.richmonder.org/maps-richmond-citys-growth-through-the-years/)) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-8.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/slow-but-steady-restoration-efforts-continue-for-century-old-black-cemeteries/) ### Slow, but steady, restoration efforts continue for century-old Black cemeteries The graves of bank president Maggie L. Waker, Richmond Planet editor John Mitchell Jr. and Richmond's first Black teacher, Rosa Dixon Bowser, are among those at two cemeteries which are the focus of rehabilitation efforts that have recently grown more ambitious and collaborative. 🪦 The city of Richmond became a larger part of efforts after the city assumed ownership of East End and Evergreen cemeteries in 2024. A previous nonprofit, the EnRichmond Foundation, collapsed suddenly in 2022, but volunteer labor and city support have resumed the efforts to protect the historic sites. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/slow-but-steady-restoration-efforts-continue-for-century-old-black-cemeteries/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/emails-raise-questions-over-rps-handling-of-former-facilities-directors-resignation/) ### Emails raise questions over RPS handling of former facilities director’s resignation Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras initially accepted the resignation of former Director of Facilities Bobby Hathaway, but was later overruled by the Richmond School Board, according to emails released to The Richmonder under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. 👀 The emails also show that the School Board did not receive the first internal investigation into Hathaway until two weeks after the report was completed. When asked about Kamras’ delay in presenting the report, a spokesperson said that the Board received the report at the May meeting, which was the next scheduled meeting after the report was filed. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/emails-raise-questions-over-rps-handling-of-former-facilities-directors-resignation/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-6.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/paper-cups-pizza-boxes-now-ok-to-recycle-in-richmond/) ### Paper cups, pizza boxes now OK to recycle in Richmond Richmond's regional recycling group. the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, has added two items to the list of things Richmonders can recycle. Pizza boxes are now accepted after a study showed that grease and residual cheese is not an issue for recyclers. 🍕 Stuck-on cheese, crumbs, leftover crust and waxy liners should still be removed before recycling. Paper cups have become more common now that styrofoam is banned in Virginia, and can also be recycled. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/paper-cups-pizza-boxes-now-ok-to-recycle-in-richmond/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-7.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-ri-gabriela-leon-perez-is-bringing-the-academy-to-the-community/) ### Gabriela León-Pérez does research to offer real-world solutions Now a sociology professor at VCU, she has made a concerted effort to bring her research beyond the ivory towers of academia into the community. - In 2023, she started the Latino Virginia Oral History project with her colleague Daniel Morales. - She’s also working to improve the mental health of the city’s Latino youth community, producing an online directory of bilingual mental health services. “Sometimes we see all this really important research being done at universities, but then it just stays there,” she said. “These are findings that could change the lives of people." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-ri-gabriela-leon-perez-is-bringing-the-academy-to-the-community/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Downtown Bio+Tech Center will expand again**](https://www.richmonder.org/downtown-bio-tech-center-will-expand-again/) - Construction officially began on July 6 with prep and safety work, and build-out will commence once the current demolition finishes. - [**The Auricular’s new website is a treasure trove of Richmond music content**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-08-07/the-auricular-doug-nunnally-rva-music-website-redesign-interview) (VPM) - The site has been reviewing new albums, highlighting shows, interviewing artists, and directing music makers to local resources for almost eight years. - [**Lewis Ginter makes 'best and final' offer to workers, union says**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/lewis-ginter-makes-best-and-final-offer-to-workers-union-says/) (Henrico Citizen) - The in-unit union members will review the proposed contract at a meeting this week and then vote. CEO Brian Trader said concert cancellations related to the strike have caused the garden to lose "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue." --- ### Last week's top stories - [**Three years ago, mysterious waste barrels appeared across the Richmond area. Two men have now pled guilty to dumping them**](https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-ago-mysterious-waste-barrels-appeared-across-the-richmond-area-two-men-have-now-pled-guilty-to-dumping-them/) - [**Anna Julia Cooper School founder retires; school he started keeps growing**](https://www.richmonder.org/anna-julia-cooper-school-founder-retires-school-he-started-keeps-growing/) - [**Contentious meeting ends with approval for Shockoe Valley street plan**](https://www.richmonder.org/contentious-meeting-ends-with-approval-for-shockoe-valley-street-plan/) --- ### The editor's desk We're thrilled to welcome George Copeland Jr. to our freelance roster – he did great work at the Richmond Free Press, and his cover story is an important follow-up for those of you who remember the EnRichmond saga. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Emails raise questions over RPS handling of former facilities director’s resignation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/emails-raise-questions-over-rps-handling-of-former-facilities-directors-resignation/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T09:50:35.000Z Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras initially accepted the resignation of former Director of Facilities Bobby Hathaway, but was later overruled by the Richmond School Board, according to emails released to The Richmonder under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. The emails also show that the School Board did not receive the first internal investigation into Hathaway until two weeks after the report was completed. That investigation, completed on April 21, discovered that Hathaway conducted a security breach and enlisted two subordinates to turn off cameras so that he could return a zero-turn lawn mower to the facilities site undetected. Investigators also found that Hathaway misappropriated school funds, and recommended twice that Hathaway be terminated immediately. [Hathaway report: RPS director asked subordinates to help him disable security cameras; dozens of purchases remain unaccounted for“This constitutes a gross abuse of authority.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-5b7168e9-309a-4366-a259-89a5fb036196.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-1-1--3--73d85033-008c-44e4-9ae3-af9a29f92475.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) Board member Emmett Jafari (8th District) wrote in a May 11 email that a personnel report from Kamras “lists Mr. Hathaway under ‘Resignations’, effective 4/16/2026.” “Apart from this inconsistency as to exactly what actions the employee faced, this would also appear to be an application of discipline in a manner not reflective of the misconduct,” Jafari wrote. State law requires school boards to have the [exclusive final authority over employment personnel actions in a district](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title22.1/chapter15/article3/#:~:text=A.%20The%20school%20board%20shall%20retain%20its%20exclusive%20final%20authority%20over%20matters%20concerning%20employment%20and%20supervision%20of%20its%20personnel%2C%20including%20dismissals%20and%20suspensions.), including dismissals. RPS Communications Director Alyssa Schwenk said that all applicable state laws were followed by RPS, “including Kamras’ right to accept a resignation, pending an official vote of the Board at the next Board meeting.” “Supt. Kamras initially was inclined to accept the resignation, as it would sever the financial relationship immediately and shield the Division legally. After consultation with the Board, both parties agreed that given the seriousness of the actions in the investigation, termination was the appropriate course of action,” she wrote. “Therefore, Mr. Hathaway was reinstated and provided back pay, as is required while he is afforded his termination appeal rights under the law.” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) echoed those thoughts. “Supt. Kamras initially was inclined to accept a resignation,” she wrote. “All employment decisions are made pending Board action. After conversation with the Board, we collectively agreed that termination was the best course of action based on what we read in the investigation report." [Documents: Former RPS facilities director was paid for six weeks after investigation due to rejected resignationThe additional pay came to light in documents newly released to The Richmonder under the state’s Freedom of Information Act, as ordered by a city judge.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d904d404-e4cb-4de3-8da4-977d292c3560.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/schoolbus-29aaa46d-a219-4098-a00e-724b74b3d6cd.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/documents-former-rps-facilities-director-was-paid-for-six-weeks-after-investigation-due-to-rejected-resignation/) Jafari also asked Kamras why “there was such a substantial delay” in presenting the findings of the first investigation to the Board. The emails do not show a response from Kamras to Jafari’s question. When asked about Kamras’ delay in presenting the report, Schwenk said that the Board received the report at the May meeting for discussion, which was the next scheduled meeting after the report was filed. It also appeared to James “Jim” Smith, president of Teamsters 592 – the union representing Hathaway – that Hathaway’s resignation was accepted, emails show. About four days after Jafari’s email, Patrick Herrel, the division’s chief operating officer, and Sandra Lee, director of employee and labor relations, held a meeting with Hathaway over the phone, informing him that he had to sign a “Recommendation for Termination of Employment” letter, according to an email listing a timeline of events crafted by Chief of Staff Shareyna Chang to Board members. The administrators informed him that he could instead sign an “Acknowledgement of Resignation in Lieu of Termination.” “Bobby said he would sign the form as long as ‘RPS’ wasn’t trying to do something,’” Chang wrote. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-09-at-5.29.34---PM.png) Shortly after that meeting, Lee received a call from Smith. “He was upset and did not understand why a resignation that was accepted was not being acknowledged,” Chang wrote. By May 22, Chang wrote that Richard Hawkins, attorney for the union, emailed Lee. But despite the phone call meeting, Lee wrote to Hathaway and Teamsters in a May 26 email that there was “an administrative delay” in getting the letters to Hathaway, making May 26 the official notice date. School employees recommended for dismissal can either accept or appeal the decision, but must decide within five business days. Hathaway now had until June 2 to respond, leading to him receiving an extra six weeks of pay through June 2. Investigators also recommended that the two subordinates – a supervisor and technician – be demoted and issued a letter of reprimand, respectively. Kamras told the Board in an email that he had executed the recommendations. But that wasn’t enough for Jafari, who called for the individuals to be terminated alongside Hathaway. In Chang’s series of events, Herrel and Lee also met with the supervisor and technician to notify them that they were now recommended for termination from employment on May 15\. The supervisor signed the “Acknowledgement of Resignation in Lieu of Termination” letter on May 21, while the technician requested to begin the appeal process. A source familiar with the matter said that both employees are no longer employed by the district. Jafari further suspected that the act is not a “one-off incident,” asking for administrators to review any other potential instances where security systems were tampered with. But he noted overall that the incident highlights a bigger problem. “These reports indicate that there has been an ongoing unacceptable absence of oversight of those involved, the department involved, attention to the obvious concerns advanced by other employees overtime, and the safekeeping, protection and monitoring of RPS funds, equipment and property by the Superintendent’s Office,” he wrote. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Slow, but steady, restoration efforts continue for century-old Black cemeteries URL: https://www.richmonder.org/slow-but-steady-restoration-efforts-continue-for-century-old-black-cemeteries/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T10:44:45.000Z The graves of bank president Maggie L. Walker, Richmond Planet editor John Mitchell Jr. and Richmond's first Black teacher, Rosa Dixon Bowser, are among those at two cemeteries which are the focus of rehabilitation efforts that have recently grown more ambitious and collaborative. Late last month, about 40 attendees gathered at the Richmond Public Library to share their perspective and help develop a cultural landscape report for East End and Evergreen cemeteries. Advocates for the report said it will document East End and Evergreen’s physical landscape and changes over time, and help guide restoration, preservation and protection efforts, creating a foundation that can also benefit other neglected cemeteries. “We want this to be a real model for other such efforts in Virginia and beyond,” said Brian Palmer, a member of the Friends of East End nonprofit, who discovered two of his ancestors at the cemetery during his years helping restore the grounds. “But really, even more so, we just want it to be good and to do justice to these burial grounds and the folks laid to rest there.” The workshop was guided by historical architects from Charlottesville and Friends of East End President Mark Schmieder, with contributions from other Friends of East End members, local historians, volunteers, and staff from Richmond’s Park, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. “We really need your input,” historical landscape architect and report study leader Liz Sargent said as she addressed the gathering. “There are so many choices that could be made.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/BXP_20260730_Cultural_Landscape_Report_meeting_2_Richmond_Public_Library_Richmond_VA_10201.jpg) A community meeting gathered input for the cultural landscape report. (Brian Palmer/Friends of East End) Participants included those with family members buried at the cemeteries. They, and others, were eager to contribute and bring their own perspectives across the four categories, creating an environment that was a welcome experience for many present. “\[It’s\] impressive, historical and very enlightening,” said Marvin Adams, a 72-year-old Richmond native and lifelong resident who learned about the workshop from his neighbor and never knew the cemeteries existed up to that point. “I don’t even know where they are,” Adams said. “I’m gonna find out, though.” Many of the same groups that organized or attended the workshop now collaborate in clearing and maintaining East End, Evergreen and other local burial grounds. The city of Richmond became a larger part of efforts after the city assumed ownership of the two sites and their tens of thousands of graves in 2024. The volunteers are joined in the effort by some full-time and many temporary Richmond city employees, with many hired through the Cemeteries Community Engagement Program launched last year to help coordinate work and care for the cemeteries with the community and relevant partners. “Our team alone cannot cover the acreage here or any of the other inactives by themselves,” said Priscilla Wright, who handles program volunteer engagement and grant writing. “Community volunteers are essential.” DHR has also aided efforts in the cemeteries, participated in public and partner meetings, and supports the study through its Historical African American Cemeteries and Graves Fund. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Volunteers-clean-up--Copeland-.JPG) Volunteers collect loose branches from the grounds of East End Cemetery during a weekend volunteer cleanup Saturday, July 25\. (George Copeland Jr. for The Richmonder) ### Improving the grounds The future character of the cemeteries’ landscape attracted much attention and discussion during the session. Evergreen and East End, established in 1891 and 1897, respectively, weathered decades of neglect before community members, led by National Park Service Ranger Jim Bell, began restoration efforts in the late 1990s. While tackling landscape, seasonal and weather-based challenges remains a priority, some proposals shared during the workshop saw potential in the plant life's value to the community as sources of protection, beautification, and education. “There's shade, there's learning about wildflowers,” Sargent said. “One woman even brought up how children might come out here and they could do a science project by looking at the native plants and pollinators.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Marvin-and-Jane-v2--Copeland-.JPG) Richmond resident Marvin Adams and historical landscape architect Jane Jacobs discuss cemetery accessibility during a workshop session Thursday, July 30 in the Richmond Public Library. (George Copeland Jr. for The Richmonder) Similar discussions were focused on how to repair and care for damaged and unidentified graves, grave markers and plots throughout East End and Evergreen. Questions like prioritization, repair strategies, and ways to honor those buried were major discussion points for attendees, and the need to preserve the cultural nuances of those buried in Black cemeteries was emphasized. “It's the community, it's not the people,” public historian Carmen Foster said. Community needs also shaped discussion around cemetery accessibility, from possible ways to provide, share and access information about those interred to accommodating those with mobility or visual challenges. The latter is particularly important for many who still remember the older residents of these and other Black Richmond cemeteries due to their advanced ages. “Most of them couldn't get there because \[...\] they're in a wheelchair or they've got a walker,” said Loretta Tillman, co-chair of the Descendants Council of Greater Richmond Virginia. Addressing outside influences and effects, whether in the form of potential security methods to prevent vandalism and dumped trash in the cemeteries, or protecting the view of the property, spurred its own dialogue among attendees. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Evergreen--Copeland-.JPG) ****The grounds of Evergreen Cemetery.** (George Copeland Jr. for The Richmonder) ### Boosting public perception The level of coordination and transparency that has developed recently around East End and Evergreen is a welcome change for Palmer, who strove alongside other longtime volunteers and stakeholders to restore the cemeteries for years amid many challenges and controversy. This included the management of the cemeteries by their previous owner, the EnRichmond Foundation. The nonprofit faced criticism from volunteers and descendants for years over its approach to volunteering, preservation and its handling of human remains before it was dissolved amid financial difficulties in 2022. Years later, Palmer feels the public perception of the cemeteries has changed for the better thanks to this increased collaboration, and saw the turnout and results of the workshop as evidence of a community ready and able to shape a better future for East End and Evergreen. “People were focused on the ground truths of these cemeteries,” Palmer said. “We hit the ground running with the people who happened to show up. We may have been running at different paces, but I think we were all running in the same direction.” The workshop was the second of three planned meetings on the report, and ideas provided during the session will be used as part of the second draft’s development, according to Sargent, who estimates it will be completed in four to six weeks. The report team is seeking to complete the third, final draft before the end of the year. *This article has been updated to correct the spelling of the famous residents of the cemetery.* ### The Richmonder 25: Gabriela León-Pérez does research to offer real-world solutions URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-ri-gabriela-leon-perez-is-bringing-the-academy-to-the-community/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T15:11:59.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* As a Ph.D. student, Gabriela León-Pérez took on a project interviewing Latino immigrant mothers in Nashville. It was a project of personal significance. León-Pérez, who moved to the U.S. from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in 2008, was expecting her first child. Her immigrant and soon-to-be-mother perspectives helped her build a rapport with the women on multiple levels. However, an interview underscoring the differences of her experience crystallized a career vision. As a woman from Mexico explained the stresses around her immigration status, she pointed out that León-Pérez couldn’t understand that stress. “I’m in a Ph.D. program, I came legally, so I mean, there are things that I won't understand about her experience that made me think, ‘Maybe I can use my position of privilege to maybe shed light on the experiences of these women, and also help share information or data to improve their well-being,’” León-Pérez said. Now a sociology professor at VCU, León-Pérez has made a concerted effort to bring her research beyond the ivory towers of academia into the community. In 2023, she started the Latino Virginia Oral History project with her colleague Daniel Morales, a VCU history professor. More than 150 people have been interviewed as a part of the project. “Every single country of Latin America is represented in our oral histories,” she said. “People came for very different reasons. They have many different occupations. We have political leaders, people in construction, teachers.” The project’s website will launch in September, putting 70 of the interviews online. They will also be available on the VCU Libraries' [Scholars Compass](https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/). León-Pérez isn’t stopping there. She’s also working to improve the mental health of the city’s Latino youth community through the Alliance for Latino Youth Mental Health and Advocacy, or ALMA, partnering with Richmond Public Schools, the city’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and the former Waymakers Foundation. The project began in 2024, convening parents, students, teachers, social workers, and counselors. It plans to release a free online directory of bilingual mental health services for youth in the Greater Richmond Area and a report with findings and recommendations. León-Pérez knew she couldn’t start ALMA immediately when she first moved to Richmond in 2018\. She needed to build trust with community partners over time. “My community partners are really guiding the work that we're doing,” she said. “The questions that we ask in the focus groups, they're inspired by things that they were interested in learning.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Jennifer Blackwell, the director of multilingual learner success at Richmond Public Schools, called León-Pérez “a powerhouse individual and human being.” Blackwell could hardly wait to get her hands on the bilingual mental health services directory. She asked León-Pérez for a draft version in advance toward the end of 2025. “\[It\] was something that I had been needing the last nine years that I've worked for Richmond Public Schools,” Blackwell said, adding it has become a go-to resource amid the current immigration crackdown. Blackwell said it's important to understand that Latino youth are “not a monolith.” One student might be reuniting with parents who previously moved to the U.S., while another might have spent their whole life in Richmond. Blackwell also applauded ALMA for bringing together stakeholders that tend to work in “silos.” Indeed, as a part of the project, León-Pérez has collaborated with the city’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement. Karla Almendarez-Ramos, the manager of that office, said León-Pérez connects with the city’s immigrant population on a deeper level, as an immigrant herself. She added that working with young people is particularly important. “As you connect with \[a young adult\], you can see what were the pivotal moments in their life that somebody could have done something, and there was nothing done,” Almendarez-Ramos said. That’s exactly the type of real world impact that León-Pérez is hoping to have. “Sometimes we see all this really important research being done at universities, but then it just stays there,” she said. “These are findings that could change the lives of people, but they're not communicated to maybe the people on the ground. That’s why it's been very important for me to share my expertise with people who are doing this work.” *VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this article. This article has been updated since it was posted.* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Downtown Bio+Tech Center will expand again URL: https://www.richmonder.org/downtown-bio-tech-center-will-expand-again/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T21:15:02.000Z One of the main tenants at downtown’s VA Biotechnology Research Park is expanding its operations. Activation Capital announced plans to expand its [Virginia Bio+Tech Center](https://activation.capital/spaces/biotech-center/) on E. Leigh Street to include 13 new wet labs, a clean room and upgraded coworking space. The Bio+Tech Center was completed in the fall of 1995 and is currently roughly 25,000 square feet. The expansion and upgrades will cover 10,535 square feet, and are expected to be completed by mid-2027\. According to [Michael Steele, Activation Capital’s President and CEO](https://www.richmonder.org/activation-capital-the-states-accelerator-for-biotech-companies-names-a-new-ceo/), the company acts as a “life science innovation hub” for the greater Richmond area, including commercializing technologies coming from universities, entrepreneurs, and “soft landing opportunities” for companies looking to set up U.S. headquarters. Part of the way they support these efforts is providing workspaces, including co-working space, private offices, and wet labs. Upgrades will include private phone booths, updated conference room technology, modernized furnishings and “seven dedicated office pods for incubator companies,” according to a press release. Steele said the center will remain open during construction. While there are no companies currently signed on to occupy the future square footage, Steele noted that part of the motivation for the expansion was repeatedly encountering “backlog situations.” He added the additional space will help companies “preserve their cash runway” by having a pre-built work area to use, rather than having to spend the money on building their own work site. The project will be funded by federal grants, Activation Capital itself, and rental income. Construction officially began on July 6 with prep and safety work, and build-out will commence once the current demolition finishes. Steele emphasized the importance of the Bio+Tech Center’s focus on increasing commercialization, calling the research aspect “a means to an end.” “If you spend dollars on research, but it never gets commercialized and turned into products that save or extend people's lives, what's kind of the point, right?” Steele asked. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### The Richmonder is hiring! Do you have a passion for development work? URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-is-hiring-do-you-have-a-passion-for-development-work/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T12:00:01.000Z We're hiring! The Richmonder has posted two positions, and we'd love for you to share them with anybody you think might be a good fit. ### [Lead, Audience Acquisition and Community Engagement](https://www.richmonder.org/job-posting-lead-audience-acquisition-and-community-engagement/) This role is responsible for growing, engaging, and deepening The Richmonder's audience through strategic marketing, digital engagement, and community outreach. This position leads efforts to expand readership, increase newsletter subscriptions, strengthen brand awareness, and build lasting relationships with readers across the Richmond region. The ideal candidate will be digitally savvy and will be excited to test new ideas that drive measurable growth, using data to make decisions. ### [Events and Sponsorship Manager](https://www.richmonder.org/job-posting-events-and-sponsorship-manager/) The Events and Sponsorship Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a portfolio of events that advance The Richmonder's fundraising, audience engagement, and community impact goals. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, highly organized, well-connected and passionate about the power of local news. --- *These roles are funded through a grant from the American Journalism Project, which seeks to help a select group of the most promising nonprofit newsrooms in the United States hire experienced business and digital leaders to sustain vital public-service news.* ### Paper cups, pizza boxes now OK to recycle in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/paper-cups-pizza-boxes-now-ok-to-recycle-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T14:02:16.000Z Richmond's regional recycling group. the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, has [added two items](https://cvwma.com/news/paper-cups-and-pizza-boxes-ok-for-cvwma-recycling/) to the list of things Richmonders can recycle. Pizza boxes are now accepted after [a study showed](https://recyclingpartnership.org/pizzaboxes/) that grease and residual cheese is not an issue for recyclers. Stuck-on cheese, crumbs, leftover crust and waxy liners should still be removed before recycling. Paper cups have become more common now that styrofoam is banned in Virginia. [Styrofoam ban for all food outlets begins July 1Localities are allowed to grant a one-year exemption to eligible food vendors if they can demonstrate that complying with the ban would create “undue economic hardship.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-569e1028-ca67-4c33-9ac3-f10a4859501d.png)The RichmonderHaidyn Brockelman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/BK3MR3-fd0758cf-3fec-49a8-8da8-9dbe14499321.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/styrofoam-ban-for-all-food-outlets-begins-july-1/) According to the CVWMA, a growing number of recyclers are able to separate the paper from the coating that helps prevent liquid from leaking. "Paper cups are made from fiber that is a desirable material for paper recycling mills," the group [wrote](https://cvwma.com/news/paper-cups-and-pizza-boxes-ok-for-cvwma-recycling/). "However, not all mills are able to separate the plastic coating found on cups that is used to prevent liquid from leaking out or soaking through the paper. "The good news is that a growing number of mills can accept and process poly-coated cups when included in existing bales such as Sorted Office Paper, Residential Mixed Paper and Cartons." *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Place your public notice with The Richmonder URL: https://www.richmonder.org/legal-notice-information/ Last updated: 2026-10-19T18:35:46.000Z The Richmonder has been approved to publish legally required public notices in Richmond City, Henrico County and Hanover County! We anticipate receiving approval in Chesterfield County in the coming weeks. **What are public notices:** Public, or legal, notices are legally required notices to the public that an action impacting them is being discussed or might occur. Common examples are zoning changes, City Council or Board of Supervisors meetings, or liquor license applications. [**Read more here.**](https://www.vpa.net/advocacy/public-notices/) **How much does The Richmonder charge:** We charge $150 per posting, regardless of your notice's length. For an additional $50, we will spotlight your listing in our email newsletter. **Who do I reach out to with questions:** Contact our team at [**legal@richmonder.org**](mailto:legal@richmonder.org). Director of Growth Beth Weisbrod leads our public notice team. *([See a full list of common questions and answers here.](#faq))* ### **Place a public notice now:** Please allow 3 business days for your notice to appear on Richmonder.org. If you need to cancel a notice or need any other assistance, please contact Beth Weisbrod: bweisbrod@richmonder.org. (Alternately, you may email your notice to legal@richmonder.org) ### Frequently asked questions **Is online-only legal for public notices?** Yes, Virginia Code § 8.01-324 allows for online-only distribution of legal notices when the [entity meets certain statutory guidelines](https://www.vpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Public-Notice-Guid.pdf#:~:text=publication%20in%20lieu%20of%20publication%20in%20a,the%20notice%20is%20required%20to%20be%20published%3B). **Can I get an affidavit?** Yes. We have a notary on our staff and one will be emailed (and mailed upon request). **Will you be adding more localities?** Yes. We are continuing to petition counties in the broader region. We will announce when we’ve been approved for any additional localities. **How long does it take for a public notice to appear?** We require three business days to process legal notice submissions. **How do you handle payment?** You can pay online or by check. Terms are Net 30. **Our firm requires documentation on file in order to designate The Richmonder publisher of record. Do you have that?** Yes, we can email the court’s approval, our third-party circulation audit and any other documentation you require. **Who do I reach out to with questions?** Contact our team at [**legal@richmonder.org**](mailto:legal@richmonder.org). Director of Growth Beth Weisbrod leads our public notice team. ### Aug. 7 Newsletter: Unclaimed scholarships URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-7-newsletter-unclaimed-scholarships/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T10:00:04.000Z **Weather:** A hot and steamy weekend, but relatively dry for the Jazz and Music Festival. **On this date** in 1974, Richmond Delegate Philip B. Morris calls for the creation of a regional airport authority to enhance service. The Capital Region Airport Commission is established the following year. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/CWFRRP--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/ur-has-a-pile-of-money-set-aside-for-the-children-of-hungarian-reformed-church-ministers-it-cant-find-any-takers/) ### UR has a pile of money set aside for the children of Hungarian Reformed Church ministers. It can’t find any takers Earlier this year, the University of Richmond made a unique request to the state government. The school said it has a scholarship that it can’t award. The Jenӧ Balajthy Scholarship Fund was created by a bequest, and the university could only award the scholarship to “a daughter or son of an ordained minister (or)...of a presbyter of the Hungarian Reformed Church whether situated in Europe, North America or Australia.” In the decade since, only one student has met the criteria and received the scholarship. The school has been given permission to repurpose the $3.8 million it's holding. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/ur-has-a-pile-of-money-set-aside-for-the-children-of-hungarian-reformed-church-ministers-it-cant-find-any-takers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/contentious-meeting-ends-with-approval-for-shockoe-valley-street-plan/) ### Contentious meeting ends with approval for Shockoe Valley street plan Asked to approve a plan it hadn't seen for seven years, Planning Commission members were unhappy with the process that led to Tuesday night's vote. “It’s not the same project. It’s not the same budget. It’s not the same anything,” one said. “I will support this project, but I feel held hostage in a lot of ways, and I resent that.” Two new roundabouts are intended to improve the flow of traffic exiting Interstate 95, which currently has a short merge into Oliver Hill Way before being routed onto East Broad Street. Exactly what the administration’s stance on the project was became a significant point of confusion during the meeting. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/contentious-meeting-ends-with-approval-for-shockoe-valley-street-plan/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/monthly-report-shows-spike-in-delinquent-taxes-but-history-says-the-money-is-on-the-way/) ### Monthly report shows spike in delinquent taxes, but history says the money is on the way A report given to City Council showed that Richmond collected just 25% of the car taxes owed by residents this year. But last year’s numbers were similarly alarming, and in the final report issued months later, 91% of the tax had been collected. 💵 Officials said some residents do pay their taxes late, but many have paid, their payments just haven't been reconciled into the city's finances. While the car tax number was a headliner on the report, the city’s primary source of revenue is the real estate tax, and those bills have been collected at a 98% rate from residents in each of the last two years. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/monthly-report-shows-spike-in-delinquent-taxes-but-history-says-the-money-is-on-the-way/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-2.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfields-own-lil-sebastian-miniature-horse-is-currently-at-large/) ### Chesterfield’s own Li’l Sebastian? Miniature horse has returned home Fans of the TV show “Parks and Recreation” are familiar with the ill-fated miniature horse, Li’l Sebastian. Well, Chesterfield now has its own tiny equine celebrity, and it was roaming the streets Wednesday afternoon. "Mini" is now safely home after spending a night in the care of the county. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfields-own-lil-sebastian-miniature-horse-is-currently-at-large/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_9847-1.jpeg) ### High society The city's 804 Week festivities continued Thursday night with a basketball game between teams assembled by Police Chief Rick Edwards (left) and CAO Odie Donald, who both played collegiately. Donald described the two as "recovering basketball addicts." They each played at Fork Union Military Academy, but at different times. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-ladonna-lewis-ensures-no-young-woman-feels-alone-while-battling-breast-cancer/) ### LaDonna Lewis ensures no young woman feels alone while battling breast cancer LaDonna Lewis was only 27 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. From that moment forward, she knew her mission was to support young women enduring the same battle she once faced. “When I had breast cancer I had support. I had people helping to make sure I didn't miss my mortgage payments, making sure I had food, that my house was clean,” she said. Her nonprofit, the Pink Christmas Foundation, is dedicated to supporting women and families of women battling breast cancer under the age of 40\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-ladonna-lewis-ensures-no-young-woman-feels-alone-while-battling-breast-cancer/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Judge finds Richmond School Board member defamed former rival, awards $100 in damages**](https://www.richmonder.org/judge-finds-richmond-school-board-member-defamed-former-rival-awards-100-in-damages/) - Emmett Jafari (8th District) owes his former election opponent compensatory damages for a disparaging Facebook post made during the 2024 election season. - [**Abigail Spanberger: Why I’m intervening in the Dominion-NextEra merger**](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/08/06/abigail-spanberger-intervenes-dominion-nextera-utility-merger/) (Washington Post) - "I know this action is unprecedented by a Virginia governor — but so, too, is the size of this proposed merger and its potential impact on the commonwealth." - [**Henrico rethinks Lakeside's future after plan backlash**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=newsletter%5Faxioslocal%5Frichmond&stream=top) (Axios) - Henrico spent roughly a year developing its latest vision for Lakeside, but stripped the proposal from a long-term plan following pushback from some residents and business owners. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_9824.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/take-a-look-inside-vpms-new-broad-street-headquarters/) Elmo shows off the virtual set technology at the new VPM headquarters on Broad Street. I'm excited for VPM's new gear, but much more excited to have them contributing to what hopefully becomes a downtown renaissance. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Contentious meeting ends with approval for Shockoe Valley street plan URL: https://www.richmonder.org/contentious-meeting-ends-with-approval-for-shockoe-valley-street-plan/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T00:02:06.000Z A more than $50 million set of improvements to streets in and around Shockoe Valley got the approval of Richmond’s Planning Commission Tuesday, clearing a path for the city to begin acquiring the right of way it needs for the project to move forward. Quoting the adage, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good” — a phrase used by several people during a three-and-a-half-hour meeting on the proposal — Commissioner Victor McKenzie concluded, “I think this is a good project.” “We’ve seen the team at multiple points be willing to bend and adjust and accommodate, and I believe that will be the case going forward,” he said. Commissioner Rebecca Rowe too said she believed that “these improvements long-term will bring up the whole area.” But, she continued, the nearly 10 years of project development and seven years that have stretched between the Planning Commission’s review of a conceptual version of the plan and Tuesday’s final review had posed unusual challenges. “It’s not the same project. It’s not the same budget. It’s not the same anything,” she said. “I will support this project, but I feel held hostage in a lot of ways, and I resent that.” Through the [Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project](https://shockoevalleystreets.com/), Richmond’s Department of Public Works will convert North 18th Street and Oliver Hill Way to two-way arteries and add four new roundabouts at Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, North 18th and Venable streets, Mosby and Venable streets and Leigh and Mosby streets. Bike lanes — including two-way cycle tracks along some corridors — as well as new sidewalks will be constructed, and street trees, lighting, signage and public art will be incorporated throughout the project area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-06-at-6.03.02---PM.png) Two of the new roundabouts are intended to improve the flow of traffic exiting Interstate 95, which currently has a short merge into Oliver Hill Way before being routed onto East Broad Street. Under the new plan, drivers will be able to either continue onto Oliver Hill Way or enter the roundabout to access the Union Hill and Church Hill neighborhoods via Venable Street. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-3.png) To accommodate the new traffic circles at Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street and at North 18th and Venable streets, the city intends to acquire a formerly industrial lot in Shockoe Valley. Richmond will also need to acquire right of way throughout other parts of the project footprint, which DPW officials have estimated will take roughly two years. Supporters turned out Tuesday to praise the plans, which they said would improve traffic safety, offer much-needed bike and pedestrian infrastructure and significantly spruce up the look of an area that DPW Director Bobby Vincent described as “a concrete wasteland.” “It’s essential to not lose this opportunity to create a huge part of the network in this part of town that doesn’t have much,” said Brantley Tyndall, director of Bike Walk RVA, who urged approval of the plan even while he suggested that further improvements could be made. Chad Sanders, executive director of RVA Rapid Transit, called the project “a direct step towards more people-centered development here in Richmond” and said it would help the city meet its [Vision Zero goals](https://www.rva.gov/public-works/vision-zero) of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries. “When we make the environment more inviting to people on foot, we can unlock the true social and economic potential of our city,” he said. And Jewel Trent, a young member of the [Just C organization](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chenice-brown-johnson-just-c-building-near-mosby-court-dec-27-2023) that operates a community center near the intersection of Mosby and Venable streets, said the addition of a roundabout at that crossing would significantly improve safety. Right now, she told the Planning Commission, “me and my peers are forced to dodge cars at times because of the current traffic situation.” ### **A complex plan** Despite the turnout in favor of the plan, the Shockoe Valley project has had a bumpy path to approval, and it was not clear for long stretches of Tuesday’s meeting whether it could get the endorsement it needed from the Planning Commission. Critics, which have included the city’s Urban Design Committee, Historic Richmond, the Shockoe Partnership, the Church Hill Association and the Partnership for Smarter Growth, have uniformly backed a large portion of the improvements, particularly the addition of bike and pedestrian infrastructure and the conversion of Oliver Hill Way and North 18th Street into two-way roads. But they also argued other aspects of the project are flawed and in need of major revisions. Concerns have varied between groups. Some have worried the plan will convert too much potentially developable land to roadways in an area already constrained by the floodplain but beginning to see residential growth. Others have criticized the addition of an extra right turning lane off Oliver Hill Way onto East Broad Street, questioned whether the roundabouts being constructed are too large and asked why the city is putting forward a design that doesn’t follow its stated goal of restoring the historic street grid in places where it has vanished. “It is clear that the primary motivation for this plan is to move cars expeditiously off \[Interstate\] 95N and up to the Leigh Street Viaduct,” Spencer Grice, head of the Shockoe Partnership, wrote in comments to the Planning Commission. “A lot of this — and I think in the dimensions you see it — is about moving cars,” said Stewart Schwartz, speaking on behalf of the Church Hill Association. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image-4.png) The Department of Public Works and its consultants from RK&K Engineers and VHB vigorously contested many of the criticisms. “This is a pedestrian and bike multimodal-oriented project,” insisted Chris Daily, a traffic engineer on the consulting team, in one lengthy rebuttal during which he called various arguments “factually incorrect.” Among the biggest concerns were those flagged by Planning Department staff and the Urban Design Committee, [both of which recommended the project be denied in its current form](https://www.richmonder.org/urban-design-committee-recommends-denial-of-shockoe-valley-road-revamps/). [Urban Design Committee recommends denial of Shockoe Valley road revamps“99% of this project, we are ecstatic to see.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2fe7151c-2fc9-4354-9b26-7d8eb613ad93.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/6A2BFD7D-EC4F-492D-91D1-57C5F3D5B470_1_201_a-7a38aa23-d11d-4814-bb66-fea4fc30dc7a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/urban-design-committee-recommends-denial-of-shockoe-valley-road-revamps/) For Planning staff, the key concern was the configuration of the two traffic circles around Oliver Hill Way and North 18th Street, which planners said would produce too much “residual” land that couldn’t be easily used by the public. That worry was echoed by the UDC, which also objected to the inclusion of a dedicated turning lane for vehicles off the Leigh Street Viaduct onto Mosby Street, which some members said runs counter to traffic-calming efforts. Public Works has contested both conclusions. DPW Deputy Director M.S. Khara and Daily have said that the turning lane is needed to keep cars from stacking up along Mosby Street and that neither roundabout can reasonably be shifted if they are to effectively slow down cars exiting the interstate. “We’re the engineers. We have determined that that just can’t work,” said Daily at one point, while Khara argued that the operational needs of the roundabout design should trump the Planning Department’s concerns about the residual land produced by the roundabout. “Let’s not have green space drive this rather than the roundabout drive the green space,” he said. Exactly what the administration’s stance on the project was became a significant point of confusion during the meeting after Sharon Ebert, who serves as Richmond’s deputy chief administrative officer for economic and community development and sits on the Planning Commission, offered a firm endorsement of the plan. “There’s more positives than negatives,” she said. “Is it perfect? No. But we are getting two lanes on Oliver Hill Way and two lanes on 18th Street. We are getting safe bicyclist paths. We are getting better sidewalks. We are getting trees. We’re getting medians so people have a place to have refuge.” City Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), who also serves on the Planning Commission, questioned how it was possible that Ebert was in favor of the project when staff with the Planning Department, which she oversees, were recommending denial. “Who is who in the city of Richmond that is making this decision?” Robertson asked. Leo Mantey, senior deputy director of the Planning Department, sought several times to clarify the stance of his department, indicating that while planners had concerns with the layout of the traffic circles off Oliver Hill Way, they acknowledged engineering constraints could limit the fixes that were possible. The recommendation for denial was simply a recommendation, he said: “I don’t want that to be a stigma on us. … If there’s any physical constraints on site that will not allow us to do that, I don’t think we should be opposed.” “How do we get to the point then that this comes before the Planning Commission where staff is saying we’re not recommending denial but we’re not recommending approval?” a visibly confused Rowe asked. Mantey replied that Planning staff “still have to do our due diligence and let you know that \[the department\] took a very critical look at it, and this is our recommendation.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **‘Progress the project forward without additional delay’** Ultimately the Planning Commission decided that the project benefits outweighed any concerns raised by city staff, the Urban Design Committee or other groups and greenlit the plan. “There is such a wonderful opportunity and such a sensitive and valued history in this neighborhood that has been disinvested in a huge way,” said Robertson, who along with City Council President Cynthia Newbille represents the project area. “Knowing Mr. Khara, knowing the staff that we have and their dedication and their willingness to continually go back to the table and come back with additional options to be responsive to the people’s interests and concerns — I’m confident that they will continue to do that.” Only one commissioner, Chair Rodney Poole, voted against the plan. “I read the English language pretty literally, and the professional staff said they were opposed or wanted to deny, and our commission that advises us on these issues said they urge denial. … I want to take their recommendation,” he said. While the Planning Commission’s decision was based on its assessment of the appropriateness of the project’s “location, character and extent” — criteria laid out in the city code — it was clear that for at least some members, the potential loss of funding that could result from further delays was a factor. Begun a decade ago, the Shockoe Valley project’s timeline has extended far beyond what was initially envisioned, and its price tag has ballooned. Officials have said much of the holdup has been due to extensive archaeological and cultural reviews required by federal law because of the number of historically significant sites in and around the project footprint. When the conceptual plans came before the Urban Design Committee and Planning Commission in 2019, the cost was estimated at around $28 million. Figures presented by DPW Tuesday put the price at about $50 million in 2025; a project dashboard operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation estimates it at over $54 million. Most of that funding has been secured: Richmond received $33 million for the project through the state’s Smart Scale program, and the Central Virginia Transportation Authority has also committed to putting up $14 million. At both the UDC meeting last month and the Planning Commission this week, Khara warned officials that the Smart Scale funding is at risk if the project is delayed and told them Public Works had received a “notice” to that effect. City spokesperson Jensen Gavulic told The Richmonder communications staff have been “unable to identify what was being referenced” during the July meeting. Two hours before Tuesday’s meeting, however, VDOT sent an email to Public Works in response to a request from city staff that Gavulic said was “in preparation for their presentation with Planning Commission to have a full and accurate understanding of the project.” Noting the delays that had already occurred, Larry Hagin, a director with VDOT’s Richmond district, wrote that “depending on the outcomes of the pending decisions and considerations before the Planning Commission and/or City Council, VDOT is prepared to make a recommendation to the \[Commonwealth Transportation Board\] regarding the continued advancement of this project, including potential de-allocation and repayment of expended funds. “We encourage the City to progress the project forward without additional delay,” he concluded. Funding increases aren’t the only complication the delays have posed. Many commissioners expressed confusion Tuesday about how they were supposed to proceed given that the conceptual plans had been approved in 2019; since then, much of the body’s composition has changed and the city has adopted a new master plan to guide land use and other decisions. “We haven’t seen this project in seven years, and to just say outright, ‘Let’s do it,’ I think that’s a very hard line for us to do, given all the changes that have happened along those seven years,” said Commissioner Dakia Knight. Still, said Commissioner Burt Pinnock at one point, “it seems to me kind of challenging to pull it back.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### The Richmonder 25: LaDonna Lewis ensures no young woman feels alone while battling breast cancer URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-ladonna-lewis-ensures-no-young-woman-feels-alone-while-battling-breast-cancer/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T04:51:57.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* LaDonna Lewis was only 27 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. From that moment forward, she knew her mission was to support young women enduring the same battle she once faced. Born and raised in Richmond, Lewis lost her mother to breast cancer when she was just 10 years old. At 23, Lewis found out she carried the BRCA1 gene — a gene which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer — and was diagnosed four years later. After going through six rounds of chemotherapy and ultimately overcoming breast cancer, Lewis decided to use her experience as a source of advocacy. “I always felt like I wanted to do something for the community,” she said. “When I had breast cancer I had support. I had people helping to make sure I didn't miss my mortgage payments, making sure I had food, that my house was clean.” But Lewis soon realized that not every woman going through cancer treatment had the same support system she was lucky to have. “I joined a couple of Facebook groups, and a lot of women were like, ‘What do I need to prepare for? Because I'm going through this alone,’” Lewis said. “I can't imagine going through breast cancer alone.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/untitled-40-1.jpg) Lewis founded the Pink Christmas Foundation to support women under 40 fighting breast cancer. (Contributed photo) Lewis then came across one young woman’s story on Facebook. The woman, Morgan Carey, was battling breast cancer herself, and Lewis reached out to interview her and share her story. The interview turned into much more — Lewis ended up raising $1,200 for Carey, and hosted a celebration with Carey’s friends and family to remind her that she was not facing this journey alone. Soon after, Lewis founded A Pink Christmas Foundation. The 501(c)(3) is dedicated to supporting women and families of women battling breast cancer under the age of 40\. “They say to look out for breast cancer from ages 40 and up … but I was 27 when I went through my journey,” Lewis said. “Breast cancer doesn't just happen at 40 and above. It happens before, but there's not enough people talking about it.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the honorees on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Each December, the Foundation hosts the annual Pink Christmas Brunch, inspired by the initial fundraiser for Carey. The Foundation selects a fundraiser recipient each year for that December’s Brunch. Lewis often focuses on mothers to support them during the Christmas season. Carey, now a member of A Pink Christmas Foundation Board herself, explained that a lot of pressure falls on young mothers at Christmas time. “Christmas does not wait for cancer,” said Carey. “But if you're going through chemo and all of the emotional struggles that come along with dealing with any type of cancer, you're not thinking about shopping. You don't have the energy to shop, but you still care about what's provided to your children.” Each year, Lewis shares a gift list for the mother’s children, allowing community members to claim specific presents they would like to purchase. Through these donations, the Foundation and the Richmond community ensure the children get to experience the joy of Christmas. With the help of sponsors and funds from ticket sales for the Brunch, the Foundation is also able to provide young women financial assistance for the costs of treatment, childcare, or any other related expenses. Since the first fundraiser for Carey, Lewis and her team have hosted three annual Pink Christmas Brunches. The most recent fundraiser recipient, Jerkesha Petty, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year when she was just 38 years old. At the time, Petty was out of work on short-term disability, as she was completing chemotherapy and was about to start radiation treatment. Then, she received a call from Lewis telling her the Foundation was going to sponsor Petty’s daughter for Christmas. “I think I was down to 60% of my paycheck, and so of course that takes a big chunk when you have to pay bills and you have to buy presents for Christmas,” Petty said. “LaDonna came in, and that was very helpful to me.” In addition to her work as founder of A Pink Christmas Foundation, Lewis works as a Realtor full-time. She also serves as a member of the Massey Alliance Young Professional Board. The Board aims to bring awareness to and raise money for research at the VCU Massey Cancer Center. Looking forward, Lewis has several aspirations for A Pink Christmas Foundation’s future. Lewis hopes to soon launch the Pink Anchor Fund, which would help women pay for medical bills, fund Christmas gifts for their children, or assist with any costs they may have while enduring their cancer journeys. “The reality is, a lot of people can't work through treatment, but the bills won't stop,” Lewis said. In all, Lewis hopes to extend Pink Christmas’s reach across hospitals — she wants as many young women as possible to know about the resources the Foundation offers and the support system available to them. Carey emphasized the passion Lewis brings to everything she does, whether serving on the Massey Board, helping clients as a Realtor, or organizing the annual Pink Christmas Brunch each December. “LaDonna is a very special person. When she has an idea, she goes after it,” Carey said. “The people are at the center of her ‘why,’ and that's super important — she leads with her heart.” *This article has been updated to reflect the correct name of the nonprofit, "A Pink Christmas Foundation."* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Monthly report shows spike in delinquent taxes, but history says the money is on the way URL: https://www.richmonder.org/monthly-report-shows-spike-in-delinquent-taxes-but-history-says-the-money-is-on-the-way/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T13:13:04.000Z Each month, Richmond’s elected representatives are given a look into the city’s financial state. The most recent report received by the City Council showed an alarming spike in tax revenues that went uncollected by the city, which has been a hot topic in recent years. According to the report, Richmond collected just 25% of the personal property taxes owed by residents this year. Mayor Danny Avula says that number is misleading, and history backs his assertion up. Last year’s numbers were similarly alarming, but in the final report issued months later, 91% of the tax had been collected. The June report is particularly volatile because car tax payments are due on June 5, and state law marks a payment delinquent the following day. “It’s people, like all of us, who maybe just didn’t get the bill in on time and didn’t pay it but will in the next couple of weeks,” Avula told 12 On Your Side [in a Wednesday interview](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/05/richmonds-mayor-addresses-delinquent-tax-collection-efforts/). A city spokesperson also pointed to the city’s process of reconciling finances, which has not yet accounted for some payments that are already in. “While some taxpayers do pay late, many payments have already been received but, as part of the normal accounting reconciliation process, are not yet reflected in the preliminary June reporting,” spokesperson Mira Signer said. While the car tax number was a headliner on the report, the city’s primary source of revenue is the real estate tax, and those bills have been collected at a 98% rate from residents in each of the last two years. Real estate tax bills came under the microscope two years ago when it was revealed that sales of severely delinquent properties had been paused during COVID, and had not yet resumed. [How Richmond’s tax sale fund swelled to $9M, with no clear use for the moneyThe revelation of the sum has raised questions about why a supposedly cash-strapped city had that amount of money available and apparently uncommitted to any particular purpose.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a7c4d49f-6928-49d8-a4ca-ab0b7881b45e.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1ea0bd41-3370-49ec-8f80-13e7ccb1e942.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/how-richmonds-tax-sale-fund-swelled-to-9m-with-no-clear-use-for-the-money/) Wednesday, Avula hinted at a resumption of that program. “We are going to restart that and we are going to do it really thoughtfully,” he said in [the TV interview](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/05/richmonds-mayor-addresses-delinquent-tax-collection-efforts/). “That’s going to come into effect this year and we’re really going to go after out-of-town owners or non-occupant owners initially.” One concern is that unpaid taxes become uncollectable after 20 years, but taxes from that time range represent a small amount of the delinquent taxes overall. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-6adb3242-fb12-42c0-a03c-c073fd1f5f28.png) Richmond’s DPU also increased its bill-collection efforts after watching its unpaid tally soar to $66.9 million in the years after COVID – that number has since come down. [With $47.6 million in delinquent bills, DPU launches repayment campaign“We can’t continue to operate like this.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1876aa36-d563-4132-b359-c0e428945886.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-147cebf8-647f-4541-bce8-4a8ae4e19433.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/with-47-6-million-in-delinquent-bills-dpu-launches-repayment-campaign/) What wasn’t immediately clear is why the city has received some tax revenues that aren’t reflected in the monthly report. Richmond’s Department of Finance has been plagued by issues over the past decade, and the outgoing director said in a presentation last July that modernizing the department “will not be and cannot be a quick fix.” [As Richmond’s departing finance director touts progress, she warns there are still ‘pockets of secrecy and sabotage’The list of aspirations for the future included a “culture of excellence adhered to by all employees” and the “right people in the right seats.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c9adb585-4bfe-4f39-8f2c-fffcdc3b923f.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8797-db9db674-b799-40ac-9a60-99638ea6f68c.JPEG)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-departing-finance-director-touts-progress-she-warns-theres-still-pockets-of-secrecy-and-sabotage/) The city provided a chart to The Richmonder showing that the June spike in delinquent taxes has historically been followed by a reduction in future months, as shown in the monthly reporting to Council. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/data-src-image-7b7dda46-c0fe-49b8-b2e2-5a88639a8189.png) The real estate tax rate will once again be on the agenda when Council meets this fall, as [discussions take place about lowering Richmond’s rate](https://www.richmonder.org/after-avula-proposes-modest-real-estate-tax-relief-3-council-members-push-for-more/) for the first time in nearly two decades. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Chesterfield’s own Li’l Sebastian? Miniature horse has returned home URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfields-own-lil-sebastian-miniature-horse-is-currently-at-large/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T23:19:47.000Z Fans of the TV show “Parks and Recreation” are familiar with the ill-fated miniature horse, Li’l Sebastian. Well, Chesterfield now has its own tiny equine celebrity, and it was roaming the streets Wednesday afternoon. Around 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Chesterfield County Animal Services Facebook page [posted about a lost miniature horse](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BhW3wnUoQ/) trotting around Elkhardt Road and Parkway Lane. The original Facebook post asked users to provide any information to help return the horse home. The comments are a mix of pointers, including the locations of nearby farms, as well as compliments, with some dubbing the lost pony “chunky baby.” After spending a day in a Chesterfield animal shelter, the horse's owners retrieved it Thursday evening. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/764881338_1065943952594474_7401958583205727084_n.jpeg) (Chesterfield County Animal Services) > Sent this to my family back home and my dad said he was the one who called animal control 😂 [pic.twitter.com/oQVsiGkI0q](https://t.co/oQVsiGkI0q) > > — Anna Chen (@annachenreports) [August 6, 2026](https://x.com/annachenreports/status/2085217927658148200?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated since it was posted.* [We’re touring Chesterfield! Come meet our newest reporterWe’ll be on the road in Chesterfield this month meeting readers and asking what you’d like us to cover in the county.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d33ed5a9-fd04-49c7-b038-0ad3f3670ad3.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2R8CK6C-dabae0d3-f8a7-43b6-9a67-e1f42b2dee9b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/were-touring-chesterfield-come-meet-our-newest-reporter/) ### Judge finds Richmond School Board member defamed former rival, awards $100 in damages URL: https://www.richmonder.org/judge-finds-richmond-school-board-member-defamed-former-rival-awards-100-in-damages/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T00:24:00.000Z Richmond School Board Representative Emmett Jafari (8th District) owes his former election opponent Patrick Henry “Cruz” Sherman $100 in compensatory damages for a disparaging Facebook post Jafari made during the 2024 election season. Judge Claire G. Cardwell wrote in her order that while the court acknowledges Jafari’s statements were “defamation per se,” Sherman presented proof of little to no real loss or harm from the statements. At the center of the case was a since-deleted post that was made on Jafari’s campaign Facebook page on Oct. 30\. Jafari described Sherman as an ex-felon – a “One-Man Crimewave” – with “an evasive and elusive history,” before coming to Virginia from Tennessee in 1995. “With him comes a background of sentences and incarcerations for everything from attempted murder to possessions of illegal avoidance devices, and a host of other offenses,” Jafari wrote in a 2,139-word post that also took aim at 8th District Councilwoman Reva Trammell, community activist Charles Willis and the Richmond Free Press. Sherman told the court while on the witness stand that Jafari’s statements have had an “adverse effect on me,” adding that there have been “plenty of nights I could not rest.” “It evokes a lot of emotions, frustration, anger and makes me wonder, why would someone be so venomous?” he said. “Why me? What have I done to this person?” Sherman does have a criminal record. In 1988, he was convicted of passing bad checks in Memphis, Tennessee, a felony. While on probation, he was also involved in a gang and nearly shot someone, he has said in interviews. In court, he said he renounced the gang in Tennessee back in the 1980s, and maintained that he has not been in a gang since moving to Virginia. Sherman’s lawyer, Donald Gee, called Jafari’s comments “baseless,” as Sherman has been able to “mentor people and maintain a job” since moving to Virginia. When asked, Sherman said he did not kill anyone or was accused of attempted murder as Jafari claimed in his Facebook post. “Would you consider yourself as a ‘one-man crimewave?’” Gee asked Sherman. “No,” Sherman replied. [Unsuccessful 8th District School Board candidate sues winner for defamation over October Facebook postSherman is asking for $2 million in damages as well as court costs, saying Jafari’s allegations harmed both his business and personal reputation, and caused “great humiliation, shame, vilification, exposure to public infamy, scandal, and disgrace.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-65aba5a5-bb5c-41da-8ad1-e61cbb51269e.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/8thdistrictcandidates--1--ec5104e0-50e6-495a-a035-cc343dd34f29.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/unsuccessful-8th-district-school-board-candidate-sues-winner-for-defamation-over-october-facebook-post/) The courts had already made a default judgment ruling that Jafari defamed Sherman, which Jafari objected to. During the hearing, Jafari, a former paralegal, argued that because the lawsuit was not properly served, the court does not have jurisdiction to make any ruling and thus “maintain\[ed\] objections to the proceeding.” Cardwell denied his pleas. Sherman filed the defamation lawsuit against Jafari two years ago and initially asked for $2 million in damages and court costs. Gee amended it to $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages at the hearing, adding that Sherman was standing by the original allegation he made in his lawsuit of Jafari defaming him. The issue has been occurring for the last two years since Jafari made his post, Gee said, and Jafari has refused to retract his statement, leading to Sherman’s credibility being lost. Gee also called on a witness, Tonya Johnson, to provide testimony proving the extent of the defamation, but Cardwell said the testimony still “fell short of proving reputational damage.” “The single witness who testified merely stated that the defamatory statements gave her a negative impression of Plaintiff, but that does not equate to reputational damage,” Cardwell wrote in her order. Cruz said he is reminded of it whenever he sees a photo of Jafari, whenever his name is brought up, or when people “apologize to him about the election” and Jafari’s comments. Cardwell wrote in her order: “those who approached him regarding the defamatory statements indicated that they were sympathetic towards Plaintiff rather than diminishing their opinion of him.” Sherman told the court that he has lived in Virginia for over 30 years, maintained his job as a data analyst for Owens and Minor Inc. – a healthcare supply company – for nearly 20 years, while volunteering as a chaplain for the Richmond Police Department for the last five years. He said he had previously volunteered as a chaplain for other groups since moving to the state. Back in 2003, he received the nickname “Cruz,” which translates to “cross.” In Jafari’s post, he said Sherman is known as “Cruz,” “back in his hometown gang circles.” “This has been very difficult because I spent the last 40 years rebuilding my life,” he said, responding to questions from his lawyer. Johnson was also called to the stand, and she recalled being at an event two years ago called the West End Reunion held at Byrd Park that she said Jafari also attended. In a section that had closed seating, Jafari sat directly behind her and heard him say some words. “He stood up and just started talking, saying, ‘He was a murderer, he was a gangster,’ and he should not be running,” she said, adding that Jafari was not invited or prompted to speak but identified himself and noted that he was running for School Board. Johnson said she knew of Sherman prior to the event, but did not know of Jafari. When asked if she believed Jafari’s claims at the time, she said she did and was concerned for her family who was also at the event. “I don’t want my family or husband around a gangster or a murderer,” she said, causing her to tell others about what she had heard. A week after Jafari’s post, in the November 2024 election, Jafari narrowly defeated Sherman, winning with a 52% majority to Sherman’s 47% of the vote. Jafari did not ask Johnson or Sherman any questions but simply objected to their testimonies. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Chesterfield celebrates second ribbon-cutting in one week at Bensley Elementary School URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-celebrates-second-ribbon-cutting-in-one-week-at-bensley-elementary-school/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T15:52:58.000Z Chesterfield celebrated its second elementary school ribbon-cutting of the season at the rebuilt Bensley Elementary School on Wednesday morning. “The new Bensley Elementary School and the other schools that we have recently opened or are under construction currently are symbols of the vital role public education plays in our larger community,” Superintendent John Murray said during the event. The $52 million project nearly doubles the original Bensley’s capacity, from 575 to 1,000 students. During the 2023-24 school year, the 72-year-old school [was at 101.4% capacity](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5003/StratIS-Data-Reports). It shares a similar two-story layout to Deep Creek Elementary, [which cut its own ribbon last week](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-cuts-the-ribbon-on-deep-creek-opening-its-41st-elementary-school/). Like Deep Creek, [the 2022 bond referendum](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7405) covered construction costs. As of July, $320 million has been allocated to constructing or rebuilding schools. This also included [A.M. Davis Elementary School](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/6309) and [Deep Creek Middle School](https://deepcreekms.oneccps.org/o/dcms/article/2300415), which both opened last year. Grange Hall is the final project covered by the referendum and is [set to reopen in August 2029](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/grange-hall-elementary-replacement-purchase/#:~:text=The%20acres%20will%20allow%20the%20county%20to%20build%20a%20new%C2%A0Grange%20Hall%C2%A0Elementary%20School%2C%20which%20is%20scheduled%20to%20open%20in%20August%202029.). “Our entire community can take pride in knowing that Chesterfield County provides excellent schools designed to help our young people learn, and our outstanding educators teach without distractions or difficulties,” Murray said. [Chesterfield the latest locality to seek 1% sales tax increase for school constructionThe resolution to put the motion on the ballot will be voted on during Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7098c0ad-78c8-4299-8deb-cd94f0dd6a0a.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-2-123d0e6f-feec-4e9e-83c5-a875f8c469bd.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) More photos from the event: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2130.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2136.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2138.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2143.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2148.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2149.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2160.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2166.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2169.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2170.jpeg) *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### UR has a pile of money set aside for the children of Hungarian Reformed Church ministers. It can’t find any takers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/ur-has-a-pile-of-money-set-aside-for-the-children-of-hungarian-reformed-church-ministers-it-cant-find-any-takers/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T15:06:08.000Z Earlier this year, the University of Richmond made a unique request to the state government. The school said it has a scholarship that it can’t award. The Jenӧ Balajthy Scholarship Fund was created by a bequest from Dr. Klara B. Yoe, in honor of her late father, and became available to award to students in the 1997-1998 academic year. According to her will in 1994, the university could only award the scholarship to “a daughter or son of an ordained minister (or)...of a presbyter of the Hungarian Reformed Church whether situated in Europe, North America or Australia.” In the decade since, only one student has met the criteria and received the scholarship, despite several attempts to advertise the scholarship to eligible groups. The student, who was not named, attended from 2001 to 2003, with a total award amount of $60,003\. Given the restrictions, the university has been unable to award the money since. The documents list the fund’s market value at $3,804,577 at the end of the school’s previous fiscal year in June 2025. So the school requested that the state modify the restriction, stating that it was “impracticable for it to award the Scholarships” only to the listed groups. Under Virginia law, the state can modify or release a restriction outlined in a will for institutional funds – like scholarships – if the restriction “becomes unlawful, impracticable, impossible to achieve, or wasteful.” Sunni Brown, the university’s Senior Director of Media Relations & Strategic Communications, said the petition’s goal was to “broaden the eligibility criteria while maintaining a preference consistent with the donor's original intent.” The university petition also noted a second requirement that had become burdensome, which limits the scholarship to students who “maintain a (specific) minimum annual and cumulative grade point average by the grading system utilized by the University of Richmond at the time the will was signed.” “This restriction would require the University to recalculate a student’s grade point average based on the grading system in place in 1994,” the petition reads. “Making such a recalculation is both impractical and unfair to current students.” The university proposed a new criteria for the funds, which was accepted by the state. While priority will be given to the groups the fund was initially intended for, the scholarship can now be awarded to any full-time undergraduate student with a “demonstrated financial need” and either a 3.0 high school or university GPA, depending on whether they were a first-year or continuing student. It also requested that previously unspent money be allowed to support other need-based scholarships that the university offers. The petition reasoned that the changes would still be “consistent with the charitable and educational purposes of the Fund.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### Tom Allen: Mother Nature is a Mean Biker Chick URL: https://www.richmonder.org/tom-allen-mother-nature-is-a-mean-biker-chick/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T13:19:05.000Z 📝 Tom Allen previously wrote a "Faith and Values" column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is the retired editor of the Virginia Journal of Education and the author of two books, "Grace Happens" and "Roll With It." Contact him at tomed1@hotmail.com. There are some great hiking trails not far from our house, and it’s been a lot of fun to wander around on them since we moved in a year or so ago. That said, I may never set foot on them again. This has little to do with the trails themselves and everything to do with the approximately 2.5 feet of copperhead I recently encountered there. It was a small miracle that I noticed him, as I don’t generally pay much attention to the path itself as I wander, but somehow I spotted him stretched across the trail just a few feet ahead of me, sunning himself. I was close enough that he’d raised his head, was looking in my direction and, I can only assume, plotting the juiciest spot on my person into which to sink his fangs if I got much closer. We both froze, eyeing each other for a minute or two, and then, naturally, I did what every cell-phone-toting, 21st\-century guy would do: I took the photo above. Then I quickly found the widest berth around him that I could, walked past, and proceeded on the trail, albeit a bit more alertly. Moments later, I came across a fellow fishing in the nearby lake. Thinking he looked like more of an outdoorsman than me, I showed him the photo and asked him if he thought it really was a copperhead. He immediately identified it as such and then told me he was only afraid of two kinds of snakes. I asked for some specifics. Grinning, he told me, “Live ones and dead ones.” Why does Mother Nature always get portrayed as a sweet, kindly older woman who would bake you cookies long before she’d even consider siccing a venom-dripping animal on you? In truth, I think she’s a mean biker chick. Not long after the copperhead encounter, I had the opportunity to spend a couple hours lounging on the banks of the Shenandoah River. It was a delightful afternoon, which I spent watching fish jump and blue herons fly. Apparently, those creatures were only there to provide cover for their insidious pal, the tick I later discovered planted just above the knee of my right leg. No telling how long he’d been there, but I felt like he was probably well into his first pint. I now totally believe the rumors that ticks are impervious to nuclear weapons, because this fellow just snickered at the several attempts I made to end his little bloodsucking life. He seemed uncrushable, so I finally resorted to flushing him. I have little doubt that he will emerge from a sewer sometime soon, transformed into a 250-pound radioactive creature, equipped with a GPS tracker and intent on finding me. Also, wearing a Hell’s Angels leather jacket Mother Nature slipped him. Animals have a long history of following Mother Nature’s instructions to give me the cold shoulder, even ones that belong to shoulder-less species. I’m thinking about trout here. When I was a kid, my parents took my siblings and me to a trout farm, where it was evident that the fish in the ponds absolutely couldn’t wait to be caught. We were given bamboo poles and kernels of corn to put on the hook. The trout pounced on those kernels at every possible opportunity, even resorting to biting bare hooks occasionally. Living conditions on the farm must have been pretty bad. I caught nothing all day. I’ll never fish again. I’ve had a bird poop on my hand, narrowly missing the ice cream I was eating. My son’s been charged by an moose. My daughter-in-law seems a particular favorite of the avian crowd and has been dive-bombed by birds on numerous occasions. I’m convinced Mother Nature was cackling in the control room every time. And now, whenever I check the news, it seems some fellow human has been treated especially badly by a shark, alligator, tetradactyl—something. Seems that hanging out on the couch and watching the National Geographic Channel might be a better option for awhile. Of course, not until I’ve checked with my wife to see if our place has been sprayed for termites. ### Aug. 5 Newsletter: Dumping waste URL: https://www.richmonder.org/aug-5-newsletter-dumping-waste/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T10:00:58.000Z **Weather:** The rain leaves but the heat stays. High of 88. **On this date** in 1993, three California men are charged with purchasing $2,500 in clothes from area malls with stolen credit cards, part of a nationwide buying spree. **🗳️ Notable primary election results:** [**Incumbent LeQuan Hylton wins Chesterfield Board of Supervisors seat**](https://www.richmonder.org/incumbent-lequan-hylton-wins-special-election-to-chesterfield-board-of-supervisors/), [**Shannon Taylor will face Rob Wittman in 1st House District**](https://virginiamercury.com/2026/08/04/virginia-primary-voters-pick-mizusawa-to-face-warner-finalize-key-us-house-races/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Williamsburg-Ave-Richmond.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-ago-mysterious-waste-barrels-appeared-across-the-richmond-area-two-men-have-now-pled-guilty-to-dumping-them/) ### Three years ago, mysterious waste barrels appeared across the Richmond area. Two men have now pled guilty to dumping them In the spring of 2023, dozens of 55-gallon barrels oozing unidentified red and white substances turned up in neighborhoods around Richmond and Henrico County. “I’ve never seen nor am I aware of another case of this magnitude,” said the Henrico Fire official who ended up leading the investigation into what happened. 💈 The investigation determined the barrels came from a hair care company in North Carolina, which subcontracted to get rid of them. Two men pled guilty and have been ordered to pay more than $100,000 in restitution, while the ringleader is facing two years in jail. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-ago-mysterious-waste-barrels-appeared-across-the-richmond-area-two-men-have-now-pled-guilty-to-dumping-them/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/holton-raises-nearly-79k-setting-school-board-early-fundraising-record/) ### Holton raises nearly $79K, setting School Board early fundraising record Anne Holton, who is running for the 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board, has raised $78,710 for her campaign so far in this election cycle, putting her on track to run the most expensive campaign in Richmond School Board history. Jackie McDonnough, her competitor for the seat, has raised $17,486 as of July 23\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/holton-raises-nearly-79k-setting-school-board-early-fundraising-record/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-avula-proposes-modest-real-estate-tax-relief-3-council-members-push-for-more/) ### After Avula proposes ‘modest’ real estate tax relief, 3 Council members push for more The city’s real estate tax rate — $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value — hasn’t been lowered since 2008\. But three City Council members think the city can do more than a one-cent reduction recently proposed by Mayor Danny Avula. The tax relief ordinance would set a $1.16 rate for the 2028 tax year, which means it would effectively lock in a lower rate heading into next spring’s budget cycle and require Avula to balance city spending accordingly. For a typical home valued at $400,000, a one-cent reduction in the tax rate would save the homeowner $40, while a four-cent reduction would save $160\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-avula-proposes-modest-real-estate-tax-relief-3-council-members-push-for-more/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/4CC8D9CD-8261-4A04-AC16-7019CCB12A40_1_105_c-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-released-aug-17/) ### Third draft of code refresh to be released in two weeks The third draft will likely be the final proposal of the code refresh that is sent to the Planning Commission and City Council for their verdict, although Mayor Danny Avula’s administration has said it is open to further revisions as needed. Among the key decisions the draft will resolve are how many housing units will be allowed on a single residential lot, how places of worship should be zoned and how many unrelated people can make up a household. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-released-aug-17/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/image.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-silly-genius-is-creating-a-city-where-everyone-can-be-a-creator/) ### ‘Silly Genius’ is creating a city where everyone can be a creator Taron Sparks, a hopelessly creative kid, grew up without a single art museum in reach. Now, one mural at a time, he’s turning the streets, the road signs and even the GRTC buses of Richmond into the grassroots gallery he’s always dreamed of. 🎨 He applied to paint murals as part of a city program in Manchester more than a decade ago, but said he was told it was "too far off the beaten path." “That’s when I was like, ‘You know what, I’m gonna just do it myself,’” he said. His All City Art Club now has its own home, on Grace Street downtown. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-silly-genius-is-creating-a-city-where-everyone-can-be-a-creator/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Phish announces Two-Night Richmond run at Allianz Amphitheater**](https://rvamag.com/music/reggae-jam/phish-announces-two-night-richmond-run-at-allianz-amphitheater.html) (RVA Mag) - A ticket lottery is open until next Monday. - [**Voluntary water restrictions lifted for several localities**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/08/04/voluntary-water-restrictions-lifted-several-localities/) (12 On Your Side) - Chesterfield County previously reported that there was no drop in usage during the voluntary restriction period. - [**Richmond celebrates 804 Day as the 686 era begins**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/04/804-day-events-richmond-new-area-code-686) (Axios) - With phone numbers running out in the 804 area code, Richmonders are now being assigned 686 area codes as well. --- ### The editor's desk We're back at the St. Stephen's farmer's market this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, with Richmonder tote bags and mugs! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Incumbent LeQuan Hylton wins special election to Chesterfield Board of Supervisors URL: https://www.richmonder.org/incumbent-lequan-hylton-wins-special-election-to-chesterfield-board-of-supervisors/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T14:25:20.000Z Incumbent LeQuan Hylton won Tuesday’s Democratic primary special election for the Dale District Board of Supervisors seat with roughly 57% of the vote. Hylton took 1,858 votes, and opponent Kathryn Crosby received 1,406 — excluding provisional and mail-in ballots. “Their faith and confidence in me won’t be misplaced,” Hylton said Wednesday morning. “Dale is in good hands. We’re going to do what’s right and make sure that we grow in the right ways.” He’ll likely be the winner in Nov. 3’s general election because the local Republican Party didn’t nominate an opponent. Assuming Hylton does win this November, he’ll hold the position until 2027, when all Board of Supervisors seats are up for election. “We can’t take anything for granted,” Hylton said. “We’re going to keep knocking doors, keep meeting voters, keep working with our community and listening. And that extends beyond November. That’s throughout the term.” Hylton has held the role on an interim basis since January. Dale’s previous elected supervisor, Jim Holland, tapped Hylton before his death in October. Holland served on the board for five terms. Before the Board of Supervisors, Hylton represented the Dale District on Chesterfield’s Planning Commission for six years. During that time, he and the commission, alongside VCU’s Wilder School, studied what county residents want from their community — namely, folks want restaurants, medical facilities, childcare and gyms. While Hylton said he’s hoping to apply these goals during his tenure as supervisor, he’s also looking to keep listening and learning from his community. Some of his policymaking inspiration comes from grocery lines, church and other everyday settings, he said. In an interview before the election, he said he wants to build on the successes of Holland’s tenure while also breathing fresh air into his district. “It’s a handoff between the generation that’s in front of us and my generation,” Hylton said. “If we don’t step up, a lot of times I have to ask myself: ‘Who will?’” “Everything we touch should be improved. That’s my goal for the Dale District.” As the father of three daughters, including two public school students, Hylton said his family's experience has shaped his priorities. He wants to push for a new elementary school in the district and expand access to early childhood education. “One of my intentions was to run a campaign that my family — especially my kids — could be proud of,” Hylton said Wednesday. “I wanted them to see me walk with integrity, to lead with character and to value people.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated since it was posted.* ### Third draft of code refresh to be released Aug. 17 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-released-aug-17/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T20:14:40.000Z Richmond officials announced this week that the third draft of the proposed citywide rezoning will be released Aug. 17. The third draft will likely be the final proposal of the code refresh that is sent to the Planning Commission and City Council for their verdict, although Mayor Danny Avula’s administration has said it is open to further revisions as needed. Among the key decisions the draft will resolve are how many housing units will be allowed on a single residential lot, how places of worship should be zoned and how many unrelated people can make up a household. In a round of hearings on those questions this summer, some members of the City Council and Planning Commission [appeared to be moving away from the idea](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) of giving property owners more flexibility to construct duplexes on residential lots in addition to the accessory dwelling unit already allowed. Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District), who has been generally positive in public comments about the idea of increasing housing options, recently told constituents in his newsletter that “allowing three units on any single-family property … is too controversial a proposal, one that threatens to derail the many other benefits of updating our antiquated zoning code.” [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-60713657-f6ee-47fa-9195-cec2230f4d21.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-61f58b83-1738-403e-b168-a17aeb3ed6e4.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) The duplex proposal has been one of the most controversial of the rezoning and has evolved over the past year. The first draft of the refresh would have allowed a duplex on all residential lots. After pushback from residents in single family neighborhoods and concerns about incentivizing teardowns, the second draft revised the proposal to what it called [the “preservation bonus,"](https://www.richmonder.org/residential-density-dominates-ongoing-code-refresh-discussions/) a plan that only allows a second unit if the existing home remains in place and the new unit is located behind or within the current home. Both drafts have continued to allow accessory dwelling units in all residential areas, a decision made by the City Council in 2023 and now backed by [a state law that will require all local governments to permit ADUs](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB531) in single family residential districts with limited regulatory powers beginning July 1, 2027\. No new zoning plan can go into effect until it gets the endorsement of the City Council in a formal vote. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### The Richmonder 25: ‘Silly Genius’ is creating a city where everyone can be a creator URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-silly-genius-is-creating-a-city-where-everyone-can-be-a-creator/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T20:04:18.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Taron Sparks, a hopelessly creative kid, grew up without a single art museum in reach. Now, one mural at a time, he’s turning the streets, the road signs [and even the GRTC buses](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZsX0Obmfmz/) of Richmond into the grassroots gallery he’s always dreamed of. Art is visible no matter where you walk in the River City, thanks to Sparks and his community of contemporary creators. Sparks, better known as “Silly Genius,” is the founder of [All City Art Club](https://www.instagram.com/allcity.artclub/), a collective of Richmonders using street art to brighten underserved spaces and their communities — without gentrifying them. ### **'I'm just gonna do it myself'** Sparks, 45, came to Richmond in 2004 to pursue art, one of the only ways to escape his small hometown 100 miles south, he said. “All of my engagement with art was through a TV screen, a magazine or reading comic books,” Sparks said. “There was no real tangible (way of) getting to see and experience art.” Sparks spent much of the 2000s hanging around Richmond’s Southside and the VCU area. He remembers when the Institute for Contemporary Art was a gas station and the site of the VCU’s upcoming CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation was a fried chicken spot. As Sparks sees it, there were more opportunities to be creative back then — when business was cheaper and fewer buildings were bought out by developers. In today’s Richmond, Sparks has had to deal with new owners coming in and [painting over his group’s murals](https://medium.com/@sparks%5F54471/an-artist-mad-and-rambling-fe7a79948928). “The work that we try to make isn’t conducive to what they’re trying to sell,” Sparks said. He got his own start designing clothes and spraying graffiti on abandoned buildings. For Sparks, creating art means creating accessible sights without a ticket price. “If you live in an area with a bunch of run-down buildings, broken windows and all that sort of thing, there is a sort-of psychological effect on you at some point, like, ‘Nobody cares about this place, they definitely don’t care about me in this place,’” Sparks said. “But when everything is covered in art and looks great, there is a sort of joy and appreciation you have.” It wasn’t until Richmond’s now-famous Street Art Festival and a city-sponsored Arts District rolled around in the early 2010s when Sparks got to upgrade from graffiti to full-scale murals. But that appetite for public art never came to his side of town. At one point, an open call was put out for more mural locations. Sparks recalls submitting a bunch of empty walls along Manchester’s Hull Street. “Their response was that ‘These are nice walls, but they’re all too far off the beaten path.’ I was like, ‘What does that even mean? Like just just drive over here!’ And I guess they were trying to stick to the more shiny, touristy parts of town,” Sparks said. “That’s when I was like, ‘You know what, I’m gonna just do it myself,’” he continued. [Manchester makes a big investment in public art“More foot traffic would mean more investment in the community and infrastructure.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-adf6c1db-e24b-4b65-9fb5-a013ad9d6fa5.png)The RichmonderPayton Kifus![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/murals-1-98f36deb-4952-4fbd-a7ac-cd607e724e4a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-makes-a-big-investment-in-public-art/) ### **An art club in the city, for all** Sparks’ All City Art Club has been planting seeds and watering the soil across Richmond’s art scene since 2019. Sparks and fellow artist Prentice Carroll started out with a grant — every penny of which they used to paint murals. That ballooned into more commissions, grants and creators including Chris Visions, Austin “Auz” Miles, Nadd Harvin, Hip Hop Henry, Dominique “DAHM” Lee, George Carroll, Sydneyola and Kay Coghill, among others. Beyond [murals](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-makes-a-big-investment-in-public-art/), the organization has held art classes for kids, dj sessions with burgers and fries, a 2024 mayoral forum focusing on arts and culture, an art exhibition disguised as a record store and a number of intentionally multimedia events. “Hey, we painted this mural. Come out. We’re gonna have a cookout. One of the DJ homies will pull up, spin. Somebody donated a moon bounce to us one day, just like little stuff like that. Just reasons to get the community outside,” Sparks said, explaining their work. “(We) try to create these experiences that aren’t just white walls, you walk in, look at the painting, sip some free champagne, walk right back out,” Sparks said. In 2023, Sparks reworked a Hotchkiss Park basketball court into a [public roller rink complete with a mural](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/08/25/roller-skating-rink-richmond-where-to), to recognize the activity’s importance within Black and queer communities. The idea came to him during a trip to Detroit, where his jaw dropped at all of the mixed-use public spaces propped up by the city’s parks and recreation department. “I was like, ‘Yo we have all of the tools to do this at home in Richmond. Why aren’t we?” Sparks said. One grant later, he got his wish. “There’s so much opportunity for Richmond to do cool stuff like that, and it just doesn’t happen because there’s no infrastructure to support it,” Sparks said. “Like you try to go to the city, and there’s all these permitting processes and this bureaucratic red tape you have to go through to do something very simple.” In fact, the All City Art Club [previously lobbied](https://www.change.org/p/a-stand-for-arts-culture) Mayor Danny Avula to update his Richmond 300 Plan to break down those barriers — along with better supporting artists through affordable housing and studio spaces, funding opportunities and a dedicated office for cultural affairs. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! On one occasion, Sparks knocked on the door of 1224 Hull Street, looking for a wall to paint his next mural on. That knock was answered by the building’s owner, Tyrone Davis. He bought it in 2023 after no other businesses would offer up a space for him to have a mural painted of his son Tyrone Davis Jr., who was killed through gun violence just blocks away. Sparks and his artist friends would end up covering the entire side of that building in a vivid display — and then the building next door. The dilapidated parking lot in between is now adorned in picnic tables and string lights. “The Lot RVA” is home to Dress Blue BBQ, hemp clothing shop Loud Amerika and a venue space for performers. Plans are in motion to paint the mural of Davis’ son nearby. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-43197578-56d1-4ba8-b38a-61204790c7cb.png) Sparks and one of the murals within The Lot RVA. The words ‘Imagine greatness, who knew we’d be the ones they choose to rise from out yo basement,’ are lyrics from the song ‘Blacksugar’ by Richmond underground legends Michael Millions, Fly Anakin and Nickelus F. (Andrew Kerley for The Richmonder) All City Art Club finally found a home this year on Grace Street between Godfrey’s and Vinyl Conflict. Sparks said they plan to use it as a low-barrier space to be “as weird and creative” as they want. ### **Creating against the grain** Between all their projects, Sparks — who hustles to pay rent like everyone else — wants Richmond to be the place he moved to; a top city for the arts that is also affordable for the artists making it that way. “I really just want to live in a place where like all those things continue to be recognized, but the people doing them can live decent, comfortable, fulfilling lives, and not constantly be battling to continue doing that thing,” Sparks said. The way he sees it, with the crawl of AI, corporate consolidation and the disappearance of physical media, people cannot take creation for granted. “All you will have is the artists next door, or the band down the street,” Sparks said. So support them so they can continue making those things. When we’re long gone, the only thing people will remember is the art we left behind.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### After Avula proposes ‘modest’ real estate tax relief, 3 Council members push for more URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-avula-proposes-modest-real-estate-tax-relief-3-council-members-push-for-more/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T19:41:06.000Z With tax policy on the ballot in Richmond this fall, the City Council is headed for another decision point on how to balance City Hall’s spending needs with the affordability crunch hitting many local households. The city’s real estate tax rate — $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value — hasn’t been lowered since 2008\. But three City Council members think the city can do more than the [one-cent reduction](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-pitches-meals-property-tax-cuts-to-win-support-for-sales-tax-for-richmond-schools/) favored by Mayor Danny Avula. The mayor has suggested knocking one cent off the city’s real estate tax rate and slightly lowering the meals tax rate, which Avula has described as “modest reductions.” The mayor has said he’ll pursue the two decreases as long as voters approve a new 1% sales tax in November to raise revenue for the construction and renovation of public school buildings. [Richmond voters will decide on 1% sales tax for schools after Council OKs referendumIf enacted, the extra sales tax would generate up to $47 million per year for school system projects.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-bab8cf7e-0065-4e53-b253-5f943f225051.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/AlbertHillMS-Addison-20a1b148-fb6e-4cb5-a7df-db227b7892a1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-voters-will-decide-on-1-sales-tax-for-schools-after-council-oks-referendum/) Last week, Avula explained his proposal as an attempt to take advantage of a new taxing authority the General Assembly has given the city to improve school conditions, while responsibly granting residents some relief from higher bills. “We don’t want to just promote a tax increase without being thoughtful about people’s finances,” the mayor told reporters after a groundbreaking ceremony in the Diamond District. Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District), one of the members pushing for a larger decrease of four cents, called Avula’s proposal “a joke.” “It makes me wonder what the hell is going on. What is this mayor thinking? All he thinks about is tax, tax, tax,” Trammell said. In February, the Council passed a non-binding resolution asking the Avula administration to consider building the next city budget on a real estate tax rate of $1.16\. The administration initially resisted the idea, but seemed more open to it after the Council agreed to apply it to next year’s budget-writing process instead of the one the city completed this spring. Now, the Council will consider making that suggestion mandatory, not optional. [An ordinance](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8150430&GUID=C680CDF3-802C-4076-983E-AF83EB4B8C1D&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=%241.16) to lower the real estate tax rate to $1.16, which would have the force of law if approved, was formally filed last week. In addition to Trammell, the proposal is being sponsored by Councilors Stephanie Lynch (5th District) and Sarah Abubaker (4th District). Depending on how the Council chooses to proceed, the body could end up voting on the real estate tax rate before Richmonders give a verdict on the sales tax plan to fund schools. [Richmond CAO floats possibility of reducing real estate tax rate next yearSupporters of lowering the tax burden have argued ever-growing tax bills are contributing to Richmond’s housing affordability problem.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f6baf525-9dd7-4ee1-bd40-8c69e2c29898.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/25D444A1-CF3F-4FA9-82D6-86DB41F61FE5_1_105_c-1-4b44b1fc-7339-46d7-bb5b-ec8fe5108f4a.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cao-floats-possibility-of-reducing-real-estate-tax-rate-next-year/) After the Council’s August break, that proposal is set to go to the Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee on Sept. 16. The tax relief ordinance would set a $1.16 rate for the 2028 tax year, which means it would effectively lock in a lower rate heading into next spring’s budget cycle and require Avula to balance city spending accordingly. For a typical home valued at $400,000 with an annual tax liability of $4,800 at the current rate, a one-cent reduction in the tax rate would save the homeowner $40\. A four-cent reduction would save $160. A slight reduction in the rate wouldn’t necessarily work out to a smaller tax bill for all homeowners, because strong growth in a property’s taxable value could more than offset a small reduction to the rate at which that value is taxed. If a $400,000 home sees a 10% assessment increase to $440,000, that would add $480 in taxes at the current rate, $436 with a one-cent reduction and $304 with a four-cent reduction. The exact impact will vary by property. Richmonders won’t be able to get an up-to-date calculation until the next round of home reassessment notices go out. That would usually happen in September, but because the city is in the midst of a [one-year assessment freeze](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-coming-with-richmond-real-estate-tax-bills-more-growth-then-a-freeze/), the next round of notices should go out in the spring of 2027\. Tax bills for calendar year 2028 will be based on the property values in those notices. Real estate tax revenue is the largest single funding source for Richmond’s general-fund budget, and tax collections have grown substantially over the last decade due to the city’s growth and hot housing market. In fiscal year 2018, the city collected a little under $250 million in real estate taxes. In the budget officials passed in May, the city projected more than double that, building a spending plan around about $510 million in projected real estate taxes. Avula said his plan was based on a hard look at the city’s financial projections and how much revenue City Hall needs to make substantial improvement in things like technology, the water system and all the other ways residents interact with local government. “I understand it. I would want to lower taxes for everybody if I could,” Avula said. “But we’ve got to do the work with Council to bring them in, to have them look at projections, to have them really understand when you look five years out or ten years out what the anticipated needs of the city are.” Avaula and other city officials have argued an across-the-board real estate tax reduction would disproportionately benefit owners of the city’s highest-value properties, because property owners with the highest tax bills would see the biggest total-dollar discount from a lower rate. The city doesn’t have the power to tax property at different rates based on the owner’s income or wealth. Some Council members argue it’s not the city’s wealthiest being squeezed most by higher costs and seemingly ever-growing bills. Abubaker said the city’s focus on affordability at times seems to overlook the middle class. “I appreciate that the mayor now recognizes the need for tax relief, but a one-cent reduction simply doesn’t match the financial pressures families are facing,” Abubaker said. “A four-cent reduction is a responsible step that provides meaningful relief while recognizing that affordability isn’t just about housing — it’s about the rising cost of everything.” Abubaker, a co-sponsor of the four-cent reduction Council will take up next month, said the city shouldn’t “force residents to choose between supporting our schools and receiving tax relief.” Proposals to reduce the city’s tax rate without the mayor’s blessing have repeatedly failed when put to a Council vote. It’s not yet clear how the Avula opening the door to a one-cent reduction will or won’t change that dynamic. Lynch, a self-described “progressive liberal,” said Richmond has to get serious about spending within its means. “At what point do you practice some tighter fiscal management for the sake of ensuring that you’re keeping the cost of living low for your residents?” Lynch said. “There’s a balance for that. The residents have said ‘We’re getting taxed out.’ Quite literally.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Holton raises nearly $79K, setting School Board early fundraising record URL: https://www.richmonder.org/holton-raises-nearly-79k-setting-school-board-early-fundraising-record/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T15:43:38.000Z According to [a mandatory campaign finance disclosure](https://cfreports.elections.virginia.gov/), Anne Holton, who is running for the 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board, has raised $78,710.80 for her campaign so far in this election cycle, putting her on track to run the most expensive campaign in Richmond School Board history. Jackie McDonnough, her competitor for the seat, has raised $17,486 as of July 23\. Holton received donations of $5,000 from Jan Brandt, the vice chair emeritus of America Online/Time Warner, and Sonjia Smith, a frequent Virginia political donor and philanthropist. McDonnough’s top donations have come from Carson Leigh Brown, McDonnough’s communication director ($4,375), and Richmond for All, a local advocacy group ($1,256). According to a review of records by The Richmonder, the most expensive campaign was run by Garrett Sawyer, who served in an interim capacity before Wesley Hedgepeth won the 4th District in the 2024 election. Sawyer raised $55,762.76 by the end of August that year, and a total of $81,641.42 by the end of 2024\. Jonathan Young, who won the 4th District seat in 2020, raised $30,705 in that campaign. He had raised $74,672.62 in the 2024 cycle before [resigning from his seat](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/jonathan-young-announces-resignation-apr-12-2024). (Sawyer and Young both self-funded their campaigns to a large extent.) Holton, the former state secretary of education and former first lady, has been serving as the interim School Board representative for the 6th. She has been vocal about the division’s budget process, frequently posting updates to social media about where things stand. Among the biggest decisions she has had to make was refusing to propose a budget that would include funding for the now closed Richmond Virtual Academy, finding herself in the minority in a 6-2 vote. She noted at the time that there was no funding available for the school, meaning the cuts were only being postponed, not avoided. In the end, the board was required to participate in an additional two rounds of budget cuts to produce a balanced budget. Holton has so far received notable endorsements from Victor McKenzie Jr., a member of the Richmond Planning Commission who also interviewed for the seat back in January, and Shonda Harris-Muhammed, the former 6th District Board representative who left the seat last December. [Anne Holton will run for her Richmond School Board seat in November’s special electionAnne Holton has been involved in campaigns since she was 5 years old. But this is the first time she’s on the ballot herself.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-adf86143-a65a-4f89-affc-7b89425753a6.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/holton-1-84db595f-2700-41f6-b4bc-d43485949313.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/anne-holton-will-run-for-her-richmond-school-board-seat-in-novembers-special-election/) McDonnough, the former director of science education at VCU’s School of Education, has been notably endorsed by City Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) and Del. Charlie Schmidt (D-Richmond). [Longtime science educator Jackie McDonnough enters race for 6th District School Board seatSome of the pillars of McDonnough’s campaigns are strong collective bargaining and higher pay for teachers, new and improved school facilities, no new charter schools in the division, and no ICE in schools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-10c3ce16-bca0-4486-a531-b679b3abf746.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/mcdonnough-1-0fb95c90-6ea4-41e4-a48c-f802fc6b4090.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-science-educator-jackie-mcdonnough-enters-race-for-6th-district-school-board-seat/) Both candidates have agreed to participate in a debate on the evening of September 17\. The Richmonder will have more details in the coming days. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org)*. This story has been updated to note two campaigns that were largely self-funded.* ### We're touring Chesterfield! Come meet our newest reporter URL: https://www.richmonder.org/were-touring-chesterfield-come-meet-our-newest-reporter/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T16:36:39.000Z The Richmonder is proud to welcome our newest reporter, [**Eleanor Shaw**](https://www.richmonder.org/author/eleanor/), who will report on government, education and human-interest stories in Chesterfield County. Eleanor, as well as other Richmonder staff, will be on the road in Chesterfield this month meeting readers and asking what you'd like us to cover in the county. We'll have Richmonder swag on hand at each stop! Here's where to find us: - **Tuesday, August 11, 9-10:30 a.m.:** Mugshot Coffee, 3505 Courthouse Road - **Wednesday, August 12, 2-3:30 p.m.:** Perk! Coffee, 2620 Buford Road - **Tuesday, August 18, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.:** King's Korner, 7511 Airfield Drive - ***(Independence Golf Club meetup postponed due to data center meeting: Stay tuned for a rescheduled time.)*** Eleanor's salary is being covered in part by a generous matching grant from Report for America. You can still make a [**one-time donation**](https://donate.stripe.com/6oU6oG7Yd0f61a8eYv9fW0q) towards the matching grant, allowing The Richmonder to continue its local reporting. We look forward to seeing you there! Michael Phillips, Founder mphillips@richmonder.org *P.S. – If you can't make it, please reply and share what you'd like us to write about in Chesterfield.* ### Three years ago, mysterious waste barrels appeared across the Richmond area. Two men have now pled guilty to dumping them URL: https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-ago-mysterious-waste-barrels-appeared-across-the-richmond-area-two-men-have-now-pled-guilty-to-dumping-them/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T11:45:20.000Z In the spring of 2023, dozens of 55-gallon barrels oozing unidentified red and white substances turned up in neighborhoods around Richmond and Henrico County. The sight was so unnerving that in one case it led to a homicide team being called out. That fear was unfounded, but ultimately more than 80 barrels were found across 15 sites. Eleven were dumped in Cornelius Creek in Henrico, 18 near the railroad tracks in Fulton Hill and a staggering 43 in a residential part of Highland Park. “I’ve never seen nor am I aware of another case of this magnitude,” said Justin Finan, an assistant deputy fire marshal for Henrico who ended up leading the investigation into what happened. “This was just on a whole different level.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/5th-Ave.-Richmond-43---55-gallon-drums.JPG) Barrels found on 5th Avenue in Richmond. (Henrico County) Three years later, two men, Roscoe Morton and Dwayne Veney**,** have pled guilty to conspiring to dispose of hazardous waste and have been ordered to pay more than $100,000 in restitution, most of which will go to the state of Virginia to cover the costs of cleaning up the spills. Morton, whom investigators say was the ringleader of the operation, is facing two years in jail. The case against a third man, Wayne Couvrez Jr., has not yet been concluded after Couvrez failed to show up for a required court hearing. According to Irina Calos of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the materials in the barrels and drums that were dumped turned out to be “ingredients used to manufacture cosmetics and personal care products, including petrolatum-based materials and dyes,” as well as hazardous materials. Finan said the multiyear investigation determined the barrels came from a hair care company in North Carolina that was reconfiguring its warehouse and needed to dispose of them as part of the construction. Morton, he determined, was subcontracted to get rid of the barrels, which he planned to take to the [now-beleaguered Shoosmith landfill in Chesterfield County](https://www.richmonder.org/cleanup-is-underway-at-the-shoosmith-landfill-who-will-foot-the-173-million-bill/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Stiff-St.-Richmond.JPG) Barrels found off Stiff Street. (Henrico County) According to Finan, Morton hired a number of people to rent U-Hauls in Henrico that were driven to North Carolina to collect the barrels. The drivers then returned to the Richmond area, but when they attempted to drop the waste off at Shoosmith and other dumps around the region, all of the facilities refused to take it because of the presence of hazardous materials. As a result, “they just went all over metro Richmond and Henrico and started dumping these chemicals,” said Finan. As many of the barrels were pushed out of the trucks, they broke, spilling their contents around the sites. “Some of them were in very open areas in neighborhoods, very accessible, and some were in very rural areas of Henrico,” said Finan. The disposal locations indicated to investigators that the people responsible were familiar with the region and likely local. But tracking them all down wasn’t easy, said Finan. While the barrels could be traced back to the North Carolina company and security footage was obtained from the facility, “it was a very piecemeal investigation” because of the number of people involved in Morton’s operation. “Mr. Morton was truly the only person that knew everybody,” said Finan. “The people that went down to North Carolina did not know each other.” Nor, he said, were the people who picked up the barrels also the people responsible for disposing of them. Investigators would ultimately obtain more than 50 search warrants to identify the three individuals — Morton, Veney and Couvrez — who they said had displayed criminal intent in dumping the barrels of waste. After pleading guilty to conspiring with others to transport, treat or dispose of hazardous waste without a permit, Morton was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, with three years of that time suspended. He was also ordered to pay $112,000 in restitution, most of which would go to Virginia DEQ. Veney also pled guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to five years’ incarceration, all of which was suspended. He was ordered to pay just over $10,000 in restitution to DEQ. Couvrez’s case remains open. Earlier this year, DEQ gave an official commendation to Finan and James Mullin, another investigator in the Henrico Fire Marshal's Office, "in recognition of their exceptional efforts" in bringing the case to a close. "The successful prosecution underscores the importance of strong collaboration among local and state partners in enforcing environmental laws and protecting Virginia’s communities," the agency said in an announcement. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Chesterfield’s Dale District will choose a new supervisor in Tuesday primary URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfields-dale-district-will-choose-a-new-supervisor-in-tuesday-primary/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T16:51:54.000Z One local seat will be up for grabs during Tuesday’s primary voting in Chesterfield County. The Dale District Board of Supervisors seat is up for a special election after Jim Holland, the district’s former five-term representative, died in October. The winner of Tuesday’s Democratic primary will likely win the seat in November because the local Republican Party didn’t nominate anyone. Two candidates are running, Kathryn Crosby and LeQuan Hylton. Hylton, who served on the Planning Commission, was appointed to the seat as an interim member last November at Holland’s request. Both said they’ve spent extensive time campaigning to introduce themselves to voters and hear the area’s concerns before the election. The Dale District is the only district in Chesterfield with a [majority-minority population](https://censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US5104191088-dale-district-chesterfield-county-va/). It’s Crosby’s first time on this side of politics, and she’s been going door-to-door to chat with neighbors and understand what they’re looking for. She said it’s important to her that she’s the one making contact with people, not a canvasser, because voters should know exactly who’s on the ballot. Also, she said she should be aware of what’s wanted from Dale’s elected official. “I can’t say I want to advocate for you if I don’t know what it is that you need to be advocated for, right?” Crosby said. Hylton said he’s keeping an ear to the ground, listening to and learning from his neighbors. This has informed his seven months on the Board of Supervisors and, if elected, he’s looking to maintain this connection with his constituents. “I am so uniquely connected to the community,” Hylton said. “When you’re knocking doors, when you’re at church and you’re in the grocery lines, and you overhear conversations or people are directly to you, you can pick that up and try to help shape public policy to meet the needs of the people.” ### **Meet the candidates:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_4101.jpeg) (Contributed photo) ### **LeQuan Hylton** Hylton is hoping to build on the successes of Holland’s tenure while also breathing fresh air into his district. “It’s a handoff between the generation that’s in front of us and my generation,” Hylton said. “If we don’t step up, a lot of times I have to ask myself: ‘Who will?’” “Everything we touch should be improved. That’s my goal for the Dale District.” Hylton considered his biggest qualifier as a candidate to be his résumé — particularly his 20 years of experience in the Army Reserve Corps, as well as his education. He has a Ph.D. from VCU, and is also a proud graduate of Virginia State University. During his time on the planning commission, he and his fellow members participated in a study with VCU’s Wilder School that examined what Chesterfield’s residents want from their community. The resulting data found folks want sit-down restaurants, more medical facilities, more childcare opportunities and gyms. He’s hoping to bring those ideas to life if elected. “We did a lot of research just to find out what people want,” Hylton said. “We’re working very hard to bring the quality of life for citizens up.” Beyond his professional background, Hylton said his personal experience lends him an edge. He has three daughters — two of whom are currently enrolled in public schools — as well as an aging mother. “I think that’s what uniquely positions me for the job — just the multitude of experiences,” he said. “People want a clean, safe community with good schools. And so that’s my focus.” This mixture of firsthand and learned experiences will inform his goals if elected. He’s experienced school buses running late because of breakdowns. A house in his neighborhood burned down because the fire station was too far away. Dale schools rely on exterior instructional trailers to accommodate its student population. These are all issues he’s eager to tackle — and his ability to do so will be decided Tuesday. “That’s what I hope that I bring that’s unique: That ability to listen and learn and to implement policy that impacts the root cause of what people are going through.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1052.jpeg) (Contributed photo) ### **Kathryn Crosby** For Kathryn Crosby, running for Dale District supervisor is personal. She’s seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat, saying she wants to make sure her community has a voice in its government and a clear understanding of how it works. “I have to live here. This is home for me. This is home for my parents. This is home for my daughters,” said Crosby, who’s lived in Dale for 34 years. “At some point, you’ve got to put some skin in the game.” While she’s new to campaigning, Crosby isn’t new to government. She was previously the Virginia Department of Health’s first chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer — an experience which shaped her understanding of public service. “When I think about equity and inclusion, that’s what this is: making sure people have access to resources and opportunity, and sometimes the resources are just knowledge about what’s going on or how something is supposed to go,” Crosby said. “Government is supposed to be as transparent as it can be.” That theme has been woven throughout her campaign. If elected, Crosby’s number one goal would be to ensure Dale’s residents are educated on exactly what their government is doing and why — something she said is contrary to the status quo. “I’m so past the siloed approach. I’m so past that, ‘This is how we’ve always done it.’ I am so over the go-along-to-get-along,” Crosby said. “No, it is time for us to start pulling folks in, letting folks know how these things are supposed to work. Government is people.” To achieve this, Crosby’s aiming to attend HOA meetings and host town halls to bridge the gap between herself and her constituents. “I really understand community and community needs and what it means to really represent and advocate for communities who either a) don’t know the processes at all or how things are supposed to work, or b) do know them but don’t know how to start going about doing them.” Crosby already has a few specific goals in mind, most of which she formed while chatting with potential Dale voters. She wants to relieve overcrowding in public schools — particularly Salem Church Middle School, [which is at 91% capacity](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5003/StratIS-Data-Reports). She’s looking to add sidewalks to help Dale’s aging population. And, Crosby said she hopes to roll out the red carpet for more restaurants to set up shop in her district. While Crosby doesn’t yet know which specific processes she’d need to pursue these changes, she described herself as an eager learner who’s ready to tackle the challenge. “I actually care about this community in a way that I want them engaged in these processes,” Crosby said. “I don't want them waking up and seeing something is happening to us, versus with us and for us.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been updated since it was posted.* ### August 3 Newsletter: Anna Julia Cooper School continues to grow URL: https://www.richmonder.org/august-3-newsletter-anna-julia-cooper-school-continues-to-grow/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T10:00:10.000Z **Weather:** Sporadic rain continues, high of 83. **On this date** in 1955, the estate of Richard S. Reynolds Sr., former chairman of Reynolds Metals, is revealed to be worth $12.78 million, the largest ever in Richmond. (That would be equivalent to $155 million today.) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Richmonder---F26-version-2.jpg)](https://www.gotrrichmond.org/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond**, helping girls grow strong and resilient while supporting families every step of the way. Learn more at [**gotrrichmond.org**](http://gotrrichmond.org/). --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-39.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/anna-julia-cooper-school-founder-retires-school-he-started-keeps-growing/) ### Anna Julia Cooper School founder retires; school he started keeps growing The Anna Julia Cooper School started 17 years ago in a two-story house in Richmond's East End. Today, the school has grown into a neighborhood institution, offering a tuition-free, faith-based, private-school experience to students living in some of Richmond’s most impoverished neighborhoods. Mike Maruca, the founding head of school, retired last month, just as the school cut the ribbon on a brand-new, $14 million building — the latest addition to a campus that has spread across three buildings. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/anna-julia-cooper-school-founder-retires-school-he-started-keeps-growing/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_AroundTown_Texture_040825-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/bridging-virginia-wants-nonprofits-to-rethink-debt-new-loan-guarantee-program-provides-easier-access/) ### Bridging Virginia wants nonprofits to rethink debt; new loan guarantee program provides easier access Leah Fremouw points out that for many businesses and large corporations, the use of debt to grow is considered a good thing. 🏦 “Unfortunately, nonprofits don't use debt because we're kind of told not to or we think it's a bad sign that we now have to borrow money when we're used to raising money from donors and grants,” she said. “But, you know, you ask a for-profit business, and it's a great moment when they can borrow money instead of bootstrapping.” Bridging Virginia currently has signed commitment letters from three participating philanthropic organizations with a 10-year commitment period: Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, Robins Foundation and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/bridging-virginia-wants-nonprofits-to-rethink-debt-new-loan-guarantee-program-provides-easier-access/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-40.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/cleanup-is-underway-at-the-shoosmith-landfill-who-will-foot-the-173-million-bill/) ### Cleanup is underway at the Shoosmith landfill. Who will foot the $173 million bill? Who will pay for a $173 million cleanup effort that could span three decades? The state has budgeted $10.6 million for Year 1 of the cleanup effort, but future money remains uncertain. One potential funding source is actually coming from within the landfill. Solid waste expels gas, which can contain a high enough concentration of methane to burn. This gas can be collected and then sold. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/cleanup-is-underway-at-the-shoosmith-landfill-who-will-foot-the-173-million-bill/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-41.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-uses-summer-vacation-to-conduct-repairs-at-10-schools/) ### RPS uses summer vacation to conduct repairs at 10 schools Superintendent Jason Kamras (left) and School Board members greeted returning students as the district's 200-day schools reopened last Monday. Over the summer, construction is taking place at 10 schools across the city, with projects varying from playground repairs to carpet installation and painting, costing the division about $2.5 million. Maymont Preschool, Richmond Community High and Frances McClenney Elementary received roof replacements, the biggest items of the summer. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-uses-summer-vacation-to-conduct-repairs-at-10-schools/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-38.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-jim-bailey-helps-prisoners-make-the-most-of-their-fresh-start/) ### Jim Bailey helps prisoners make the most of their fresh start When Jim Bailey decided he wanted to give back to the community, he didn’t simply want to volunteer somewhere. “It had to be something gritty,” he said. “Something with some hair on it.” That’s how the corporate attorney at Williams Mullen came to serve in prison ministry, teaching regular classes at State Farm Correctional Center in Goochland. “We learn what a credit score is,” he said. “We talk about mortgages. We really discuss anything financial that you or I were taught from college or parents. It’s really sort of the basics of personal finance.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-jim-bailey-helps-prisoners-make-the-most-of-their-fresh-start/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/GOTR-photo.png)](https://www.gotrrichmond.org/) ### More Than a Run: How Girls on the Run Builds Confidence and Connection As parents navigate growing concerns around girls’ confidence and mental health, Girls on the Run Greater Richmond offers a trusted source of support across the region. By blending physical activity with meaningful lessons, each practice builds self-esteem, kindness, and decision-making skills, helping girls better understand themselves and their place in the world. At the heart of the program are inspiring volunteer coaches who show up consistently and with care, creating a space where every girl feels seen, valued, and capable of more than she imagined. Each season ends with a celebratory 5K that gives girls a powerful sense of accomplishment, while the life lessons they gain stay with them long after the finish line. [**Learn more here.**](https://www.gotrrichmond.org/) --- ### In other news - [**Petersburg casino draws 500,000 guests in six months**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/31/petersburg-live-casino-virginia-revenue-jackpots-taxes) (Axios Richmond) - The tent casino took in $77.1 million in adjusted gaming revenue, what the casino keeps after winnings are paid, but before it pays taxes. - [**Richmond DPU misses its own deadline to fix billing system problems**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/dpu-misses-deadline-to-fix-billing-problems0july-31-2026) (CBS 6) - CBS 6 reached out to DPU every day since Tuesday seeking an update on the billing issues. The department responded just before 5 p.m. Friday. - [**Henrico supervisors greenlight 2045 planning blueprint**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-07-30/henriconext-comprehensive-plan-rivera-nelson-deemer-emerson-roundtree) (VPM) - Early iterations of the comprehensive plan also included an overlay guide for the Lakeside Avenue corridor, but that addition was removed on Tuesday in response to concerns by residents. --- ### The editor's desk Friday marked the end of our summer season, and we're excited to send intern Haidyn Brockelman off to a full-time job in Williamsburg. Brockelman and Ned Oliver, who also joined us for the summer, left behind stories you'll enjoy in the days and weeks to come. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### The Richmonder 25: Jim Bailey helps prisoners make the most of their fresh start URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-jim-bailey-helps-prisoners-make-the-most-of-their-fresh-start/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T21:18:30.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* When Jim Bailey decided he wanted to give back to the community, he didn’t simply want to volunteer somewhere. “It had to be something gritty,” he said. “Something with some hair on it.” That’s how the corporate attorney at Williams Mullen came to serve in prison ministry, teaching regular classes at State Farm Correctional Center in Goochland. “I love my job,” he said of his legal work. “I’ve been here for 13 years. After I felt like I was on solid ground, I wanted to find a way to do something meaningful outside of work.” A friend suggested he consider prison ministry. He came along to one session where he witnessed a young convict give what Bailey described as “the most passionate speech I’d ever heard” about crime and turning one’s life around. “He talked about how he made a mistake he’s regretted every day since, but all he could do is do everything possible to make his mother and grandmother proud,” Bailey said. “I thought, ‘Sign me up.’ I’ve been teaching a weekly class ever since.” Bailey’s class has two components. The first is an hour of what he described as “very, very basic” Bible study. “Everybody in prison needs hope,” he said. “In the class there are guys who are very spiritual, devout Christians, and there are others who have never read the Bible and are interested in learning more. It’s great to have that very broad strip of guys in class.” The second part of the class is “one hour of life skills,” he said. “Often it’s financial skills,” he said. “I can apply a little of my day job as a lawyer to these lessons.” Among the things he teaches: “Don’t sign a lease jointly with your girlfriend you’ve known less than a month,” he said with a laugh. “We also learn what a credit score is. We talk about mortgages. We really discuss anything financial that you or I were taught from college or parents. It’s really sort of the basics of personal finance.” “The point is to be practical,” he said. “I tell the guys, when you get out of prison, you have to jump a series of hurdles, and it’s important that you don’t make a mistake simply because you don’t understand something.” Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! For Bailey, the classes represent a chance to teach prisoners about redemption in a variety of forms. “It’s about second chances,” he said. “But it’s also about third chances, fourth chances, fifth chances. It’s about empowerment. You can leave this place and be empowered to have a successful life without having to come back here.” He described the environment of the classes as “supercharged.” There are strict attendance and homework rules to the course, he said; the high expectations lead the prisoners to police themselves effectively, resulting in a cohesive and impactful classroom. In addition to his work teaching the class, Bailey is also the chair of GraceInside, a nonprofit that contracts with the government to provide chaplains to the state correctional facilities. “The chaplains do so much to help men and women \[in prison\] with rehabilitative needs and moral support,” he said. “But they also help the correctional officers, too.” The nonprofit was on the verge of bankruptcy several years ago before Bailey and several others turned it around. Bailey described the experience in the prison classroom as “an ongoing dialogue, the complete opposite of a monologue.” “I tell the guys every week: I get more out of that class than they do, for sure,” he said. “They give so much back to me. They’re very receptive to the work, to what I’m teaching. It’s just a great environment.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Bridging Virginia wants nonprofits to rethink debt; new loan guarantee program provides easier access URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bridging-virginia-wants-nonprofits-to-rethink-debt-new-loan-guarantee-program-provides-easier-access/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T21:17:36.000Z Leah Fremouw points out that for many businesses and large corporations, the use of debt to grow is considered a good thing. Fremouw, who is the president and CEO of Bridging Virginia, wants to bring that thinking to the nonprofit world with the [Richmond Community Investment Initiative](https://www.bridgingvirginia.com/rcii), which helps 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations seeking funding through debt financing. Bridging Virginia currently has signed commitment letters from the three participating philanthropic organizations with a 10-year commitment period: Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, Robins Foundation and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond. Bridging Virginia, which aims to support minority businesses and nonprofits, is looking to increase awareness and educate nonprofits on utilizing debt as a tool, which Sara Santa Cruz, the group’s director of capital innovation, said can be “really foreign to them.” Fremouw tells concerned nonprofits that debt financing signals “a moment of maturity” for them, because they are able to afford it. “Debt is a very strategic tool for businesses and entities to use,” she said. “Unfortunately, nonprofits don't use debt because we're kind of told not to or we think it's a bad sign that we now have to borrow money when we're used to raising money from donors and grants, but, you know, you ask a for-profit business, and it's a great moment when they can borrow money instead of bootstrapping.” One big question that comes with lending to nonprofits is who to sue for repayment if a loan goes bad, since the organizations typically don’t have an owning entity. That’s where Bridging Virginia steps in. As a Community Development Financial Institution lender, Fremouw said the organization is “built to kind of figure that stuff out.” She emphasized that their new initiative is not a donation or grant program, but rather the loan guarantees kick in only in the event of a loss. Cruz added that the pooled capital is not meant for emergencies, but rather to support existing programs and encourage future growth. “The idea is that if, for some reason, you know, all the grants went away, and they had no money to pay off (the loan), this guarantee would come in and settle the debt, so they are whole, and they don't owe us any money,” Fremouw explained. “Therefore, no collections process would be triggered. The nonprofit would kind of be cleared of the debt, and then the capital would be put back into Bridging Virginia's lending activity and could be recycled to another nonprofit.” To be approved, organizations must prove they can afford the debt and demonstrate how the loan would help them grow their work. The loan period varies, but can go up to six years, after which a borrower can reapply, assuming they’re in good standing. She added that the loan guarantee is not a dollar-for-dollar match; it’s 20 cents on the dollar. “If we give a loan for $100,000, only $20,000 of that loan would be backed with this guarantee,” she said. “So, $300,000 of a guarantee pool actually can facilitate $1.5 million in lending.” The whole process, from application to loan awarding, averages in the range of 60 to 90 days, according to Cruz. The organization held an overview webinar in mid-June that had over 30 attendees, including current borrowers, interested nonprofits and guarantors. Cruz estimated that 90% of attendees were nonprofits and that they had received several inquiries as of early July. Fremouw believes that the nuances of nonprofit funding are often overlooked due to perceived simplicity for their business and financial models. “We think it’s just simply, you raise money, and you do good work,” she said. “We do, but how we use money is super, super complicated in a lot of ways for most nonprofits.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **What if the expected cash flow changes?** Cruz acknowledged that it’s not unusual for nonprofits’ cash flow to fall below what was anticipated. “In most situations, our relationships with our borrowers is one that they feel comfortable calling us and telling us when things aren’t looking great, so that we can be proactive instead of reactive,” she said. “There are things that we can do on our end, working with our borrowers to modify.” These include working with borrowers to modify a loan or creating a payment holiday if more immediate relief is needed. Cruz noted that the organization tries to be “high-touch” with their clients in order to prevent potential loan restructuring. ### **In action** Fremouw said conversations about how foundations can do things differently financially, outside of grants, have been going on for the past two years, but the final push came earlier this year. A local nonprofit – whose name Fremouw requested be withheld for confidentiality reasons – had been approved for a federal grant that ultimately ended up getting delayed. By then, the organization had already hired additional staff and program supplies, so they were left scrambling to find money so they wouldn’t have to lay off their new hires or run the risk of not making payroll. Fremouw said Bridging Virginia provided the working capital and found a guarantor for the loan, and the nonprofit was able to return to normal operations with the loan and when the grant eventually came in. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*. The Robins Foundation is a Richmonder donor but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### Anna Julia Cooper School founder retires; school he started keeps growing URL: https://www.richmonder.org/anna-julia-cooper-school-founder-retires-school-he-started-keeps-growing/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T14:50:25.000Z The Anna Julia Cooper School started in a two-story house in Richmond's East End with 25 students, two teachers and Mike Maruca as founding head of school. On the first day of school, a local TV news crew showed up. Maruca doesn’t remember who invited them, but he does remember frantically waving them off. First, that kind of attention makes Maruca squirm. Second, he figured they were there for a good-news story in a rough part of the city, and he wasn’t at all confident the school would be around long enough to justify it. “I don't even know if we're going to be here for a few weeks,” he told them. “Can you come back around Christmas time?” That was 17 years ago. Today, the school has grown into a neighborhood institution, offering a tuition-free, faith-based, private-school experience to students living in some of Richmond’s most impoverished neighborhoods. Maruca retired last month, stepping down from leading a school community still very much on the ascent. The school has more than 300 graduates now and enrolls over 200 students a year. This summer it cut the ribbon on a brand-new, $14 million building — the latest addition to a campus that has spread across three buildings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/DSCF7125--1--1.jpeg) The Anna Julia Cooper School hired Tommy Blain (right) to serve as new head of school. (Ned Oliver/The Richmonder) ### **West End church helps start East End school** The Anna Julia Cooper School began as a project of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, a West End congregation with a long history of volunteering and outreach projects in the East End. In 2008, members were looking for ways to deepen that connection when they began exploring opening a new religious, private school. They wanted to address what they saw as a stark gap in educational opportunities between their community, home of selective private schools like St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s, and the East End, where parishioners were tutoring students and helping with after-school programs. “There was just such an underserved population there,” said Betsy Fauntleroy, a church member who would become a founding board member of the school. Maruca, a former Jesuit priest, was looking for something more, too. The Catholic Church had brought him to Richmond, where he helped found and lead the Sacred Heart Center, a South Richmond community center. After leaving the Jesuits, he worked as a middle school principal at the Steward School, a well-regarded West End private school. But after 10 years in the position, he said he felt called to return to more service-oriented work. A nonprofit consultant pointed him toward St. Stephen’s, and he found himself at lunch in a West End strip mall with David Anderson, then the assistant rector of St. Stephen’s, and Gordon Wallace, a parishioner who would become the chair of Anna Julia Cooper’s board. “Somebody mentioned a middle school, and I said, I’m all in,” Maruca said. It was their first meeting. Nine months later, they had a school. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Can you open a school in three months?** Maruca can be self-effacing and occasionally goofy. (In a video the school made marking his retirement, he spins and dances out the doors of the school to the Grateful Dead’s “Truckin.’”) But he also projects a kind of priestly wisdom that inspires confidence. That could at least partially explain why, after he was formally hired in June 2009, the founding board signed off on his plan to open the school to students just three months later. “It felt like there was no way we were going to open in three months, but we did,” said Fauntleroy. By Maruca’s own account, it was a scramble. Their budget for the year was $300,000, and their staff of three was augmented by a steady stream of volunteers from St. Stephen’s and other local Episcopal congregations. Maruca’s guiding document was a checklist he’d made during a conference on one of those hotel room notepads. He still has it. The first two items were “faith” and “will.” Third on the list was “building” — that beige two-story home, which the team renovated to accommodate one classroom on each floor. They decorated the front porch with a simple cross. Fourth: Students. “Twenty-five people didn’t just come lining up at the door,” he said. “We had to track them down, convince people this was credible.” To recruit that first class of fifth and sixth graders, Maruca went door to door in Fairfield Court looking for families with children who might be interested in enrolling. Other students came via word-of-mouth referrals from mentors and volunteers at local elementary schools. Maruca said his pitch to parents hasn’t changed much: smaller class sizes, school days that last until 4 p.m. and a religious environment that includes weekly chapel. Toward the bottom of Maruca’s list was "name." He and the board chose Anna Julia Cooper, a teacher and author born into slavery, who devoted her life to the education and liberation of Black Americans. On the first day the school opened its doors to students, Maruca remembers worrying whether anyone would really show up. Every single seat was filled. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/Group-photo-in-front-of-house.jpg) Students in front of the original schoolhouse. (Contributed photo) ### **Making it up as you go** Yolanda Gilliam’s introduction to the school came via a Craigslist ad a friend sent her seeking a math teacher. It was the summer after Anna Julia Cooper’s first year, and the school was planning its first expansion, from two classrooms to four. When she arrived for the interview, she did a double take. Was this house the right place? “I didn’t realize I was walking into the beginning of a school,” she said. Inside, she met Maruca. They chatted for a bit and Maruca offered her the job on the spot. Maruca sold her on the school’s mission in one meeting, she said. “They were trying to do something new, to give kids a better education, a quality education, in a smaller setting,” she said. “You can’t get smaller than having history and English in the living room.” Gilliam’s new classroom was in a church basement down the alley from the house. On the first day of class, she said the kids spread out on the ground with screwdrivers and assembled their own desks. Gilliam, now the school principal, said they just kept on building things as they went. The teachers set school rules, built their curriculum, chose textbooks, established a uniform. The students were in charge of things like choosing school colors (green and navy), picking a mascot (the lion) and designing the logo. “Mike’s message was: Figure it out, you got it,” she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/08/IMG_2037.jpeg) Students in the school's gym. (Contributed photo) ### **From house to campus** When it comes to measuring student achievement, Maruca is wary of the tidy statistics schools use to sell themselves. He points to a local high school that touts a 100% college-acceptance rate. "I could get my dog accepted to a college," he said. The hard part, he argues, is everything after — enrolling, paying, and staying until you finish. As for Anna Julia Cooper's own graduates, the school's most recent annual report tracks one cohort: of the Class of 2021, 92% finished high school on time and 77% went on to some form of higher education. Parents appear to like what they see, and the school receives more applications than available slots each year. The school is also backed by a strong base of primarily individual donors who have contributed $73 million over the last decade to fund operations, an endowment and the construction of two new school buildings, according to [tax filings](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/270407231). The new elementary school building is now open to students for summer school. The building has enough space for two classrooms for each grade level, allowing the school to double its current elementary enrollment and eventually grow its student body to 300 students. Plans for the former elementary building are still in progress, but the school intends to revert it to its original use as a daycare and pre-K education facility. The school purchased the building from the city housing authority earlier this year after 15 years of renting it. The sale price, $150,000, was significantly below its $1.5 million assessed value. Officials said the decision to sell at such a low price underscores the authority’s “bold commitment to expanding access to quality education.” ### **‘Love, educate and uplift’** Maruca is loath to take credit for Anna Julia Cooper’s success. But he has a few ideas about what made it work. “The mission statement is to love, educate and uplift, and it’s very much in that order,” Maruca said. He said it’s what’s allowed the school to reach its students, some of whom come from precarious home lives and difficult circumstances. And he believes that approach helped him and his first two teachers – all white – overcome any initial skepticism they faced coming into a predominantly Black neighborhood. “We were very white. But I’m a big believer that love transcends that stuff,” he said. Rashaundra Thomas, who was in one of the school’s first classes, said she saw it pretty much the same way. Race was never a factor for her at the school, she said. What stayed with her was the respect Maruca and the teachers showed her and her classmates. "They were open to learning from us, also," she said. "As kids, in the community we were in, they didn't always know how to go about things, but we did." The school's faculty and staff have grown considerably more diverse. Six of the school’s 10 administrators are Black, as are just under 40% of the teachers. Over the years, the neighborhood has embraced the school, from local city councilor Cynthia Newbille, who called the school a neighborhood treasure at the ribbon cutting of the new elementary, to alumni who have started enrolling their own children. Now Thomas’s son, Dekwon, is a rising third grader in the new building. “I was saying even before I had kids, I’d prefer for him to go to that school,” she said. “They’re just good people,” she said. “They show up for you at times when you feel like you can’t even show up for yourself.” ### **What’s next** The Anna Julia Cooper School hired Tommy Blain to serve as new head of school. He previously led a tuition-free public charter school in Boston with a similar model — extended school days, mandatory summer school and an emphasis on character development. Maruca, meanwhile, said decision fatigue finally caught up with him and he's happy to hand off the reins. He claims he doesn't want to think about anything more complicated than mowing his lawn for the next few months. But he also admits he's already talking to a group of graduates about a new project in the neighborhood related to workforce development and the trades. On his last day as head of school, the community gathered to cut the ribbon on the new elementary building. Just inside the doorway, they unveiled a plaque designating the building’s main hallway as Michael Maruca Hall. The board had initially announced it would name the entire school after him. Maruca, still waving off attention at every opportunity, said this is a compromise. “So, thank God, is what I say,” he said. “Would you want a school named after you?” *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ### RPS uses summer vacation to conduct repairs at 10 schools URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rps-uses-summer-vacation-to-conduct-repairs-at-10-schools/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T11:27:50.000Z With students out on summer break, Richmond Public Schools used that time to make upgrades to its buildings ahead of the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Construction is taking place at 10 schools across the city, with projects varying from playground repairs to carpet installation and painting, costing the division about $2.5 million. Students at schools like Maymont Preschool, Richmond Community High and Frances McClenney Elementary schools can expect to see major renovations, specifically roof replacements. These projects make up a bulk of the cost – $897,000, $769,300 and $340,000 respectively. The division usually uses the summertime to make updates to the facilities, as some projects can be difficult to conduct while students and staff are on site. Alyssa Schwenk, communications director for RPS, said that projects are prioritized based on risks to safety and immediacy. More [school construction projects](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DUMPA6639F98/$file/Final%20FY27%20Budget%20for%206-1-26%20Board%20Work%20Session.pdf) will take place throughout the upcoming school year. See the full list below: *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### July highlights from The Richmonder URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-highlights-from-the-richmonder/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T11:00:10.000Z ### Our most popular feature has returned! [The Richmonder 25 is here!](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) This is the second annual highlighting of 25 beautiful humans who make Richmond better. Make sure to check out their stories in our newsletters throughout the summer, and then [we hope you’ll join us](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) to honor them at a festive celebration at the [Hippodrome](https://hippodromerichmond.com/) in September, featuring keynote speaker and former UVA football player Perris Jones. Our 2025 event was magical, and thanks to generous support from Estes, this year’s is shaping up to be even better. The event sold out last year, [so click here](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) now if you don’t want to miss it. And I don’t think you do. ### The Richmonder goes regional July saw the beginning of our full-time coverage of Chesterfield, the region's most populous but possibly least-covered county. The very talented Eleanor Shaw, fresh from her leadership of JMU’s student newspaper, The Breeze, has already published stories on [Google’s planned data center](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/), a [free speech lawsuit](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-schools-employee-fired-for-charlie-kirk-comments-sues-claiming-her-first-amendment-rights-were-violated/), [drones as first responders](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-now-using-drones-to-assist-emergency-response-emphasizes-privacy-measures-are-in-place/) and much more. In less than a month, she has turned on the lights on important issues impacting the region. Eleanor is with us thanks to a matching grant from Report for America. [**If you'd like to support her work and double your donation, you can do so here.**](https://donate.stripe.com/6oU6oG7Yd0f61a8eYv9fW0q) ### One last thing Come see us at the St. Stephen's farmers market on August 8 and pick up some Richmonder merch! Fingers crossed for an August free of heat domes. Reach out anytime, Beth ### July 31 Newsletter: Richmond's Mexican food family URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-31-newsletter-richmonds-mexican-food-family/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T10:00:16.000Z **Weather:** High of 89 with humidity relatively low. **On this date** in 1940, new Virginia laws require marriage applicants to be tested for syphilis. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9707-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/its-in-our-dna-meet-the-four-siblings-responsible-for-some-of-richmonds-best-mexican-food/) ### ‘It’s in our DNA’: Meet the four siblings responsible for some of Richmond’s best Mexican food You may not know their names, but you’re probably familiar with their food. Since 1995, the Benavides family has been a part of Richmond’s culinary scene. Today, all four siblings work in the food industry, each bringing their own unique character to places like Cochiloco, Abuelitas and El Cerro Azul. Their parents owned a restaurant in Jalisco, Mexico, and their grandmother had a cart in town where she sold candy and tostadas. [**Read more and meet the siblings here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/its-in-our-dna-meet-the-four-siblings-responsible-for-some-of-richmonds-best-mexican-food/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-34.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/waldorf-school-plan-to-buy-land-off-brookland-parkway-for-parking-lot-riles-neighbors/) ### Waldorf school plan to buy land off Brookland Parkway for parking lot riles neighbors Since 2022, a turning lane from Robin Hood Road to Brookland Parkway in Richmond’s Northside that wraps around two sides of the Richmond Waldorf School has been blocked off with temporary posts. With no plans to reopen the lane, the Waldorf School last year asked the city to formally close the right of way and sell it to the school, along with an adjoining triangle of grass that had separated the turning lane from the two streets. After a presentation to the neighborhood Civic Association, the school appeared to have support for its plans. But that is no longer the case. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/waldorf-school-plan-to-buy-land-off-brookland-parkway-for-parking-lot-riles-neighbors/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/churchhill--1--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/backers-of-family-justice-center-to-seek-2-million-from-city-for-startup-costs-next-year/) ### Backers of Family Justice Center to seek $2 million from city for startup costs next year A proposal to set up a “one-stop shop” for victims of domestic or sexual partner violence to get services without having to go to numerous different agencies will cost an estimated $2 million to get off the ground. Currently, victims in Richmond have to seek services from a multitude of places, requiring them to repeat an account of their experiences again and again as they seek medical care, get a protective order, talk with investigators, notify the public schools about their children’s changed circumstances, arrange new housing and transportation and seek counseling. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/backers-of-family-justice-center-to-seek-2-million-from-city-for-startup-costs-next-year/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-35.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-break-ground-on-276-unit-diamond-district-apartment-building/) ### Richmond officials break ground on 276-unit Diamond District apartment building The $80 million building, expected to be completed in 2028, will be named Dōma, a play on the word domecile. 🦶 The apartments will have a wellness focus, with “warm tones, hardwood floors, lush landscaping” and amenities like a sauna, cold plunge and a reflexology walk (a type of stone path meant to be walked on barefoot for health purposes). “It'll be the kind of place that people want to live and work and spend time with, and that attracts more people to Richmond as they come to catch a ball game,” Mayor Danny Avula said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-break-ground-on-276-unit-diamond-district-apartment-building/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-36.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-cuts-the-ribbon-on-deep-creek-opening-its-41st-elementary-school/) ### Chesterfield cuts the ribbon on Deep Creek, opening its 41st elementary school The two-story, $52 million school was built to welcome 1,000 students starting this August. This is Chesterfield’s 41st elementary school. (For comparison, Henrico has 46 and Richmond City has 28.) The school's mascot was revealed as well, and will be a fox. [**Read more, and look inside the school, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-cuts-the-ribbon-on-deep-creek-opening-its-41st-elementary-school/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-37.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-whether-its-archery-or-baking-amanda-robinson-makes-space-for-others/) ### Whether it's archery or baking, Amanda Robinson makes space for others Robinson's Virago Alley was the nonprofit that staged the inaugural Richmond Ren Faire at Dorey Park this past April. The two-day event was a wild success, selling out all of its 17,000 tickets. After starting Gallery 5, Robinson left to start a custom cake and dessert business, Sweet Fix. This weekend, Virago Alley will hold Warriors in Bloom at Agecroft Hall. On Sept. 4, Virago Alley will host a grand opening of its new space in collaboration with Gallery 5\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-whether-its-archery-or-baking-amanda-robinson-makes-space-for-others/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Richmond Christmas Parade flips its route for 2026**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/29/richmond-christmas-parade-childrens-hospital-new-route-2026) (Axios Richmond) - Beginning this year, the parade will start at the Children's Hospital of Richmond instead of the Science Museum. - [**Joe Morrissey withdraws slander suit after heated two-day trial**](https://www.progress-index.com/story/news/politics/courts/2026/07/29/joe-morrissey-drops-slander-lawsuit-kevin-saucedo-broach/91092628007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z117801p002650c002650e009200v117801d--37--b--37--&gca-ft=19&gca-ds=sophi) (Petersburg Progress-Index) - At one point, Morrissey was called down by a bailiff for trying to talk over the judge. He withdrew after being told he could not call witnesses who had been excused from testifying. - [**Jesse Welles reschedules Lewis Ginter show in solidarity with striking workers**](https://rvahub.com/2026/07/29/jesse-welles-reschedules-lewis-ginter-show-in-solidarity-with-striking-workers/amp/) (RVA Hub) - The well-known social activist singer said he will move his concert to The National. --- ### The editor's desk Some of you originally know me as the sports guy, and this week I officially signed off my radio show on 910 The Fan to devote more time to The Richmonder as we continue to grow. If you want to take a trip down Washington Football Team memory lane with me, you can do so here ([**Apple**](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thursday-july-30-mps-final-show/id1711278478?i=1000779141751), [**Spotify**](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Iuq9nm6WNe0zWCw5LkFb5?si=cUrxkY1FTeaua6IEiWXSjQ)). If you love local news and have development experience, you can check out [**The Richmonder's latest job listings here**](https://www.richmonder.org/jobs/)! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### ‘It’s in our DNA’: Meet the four siblings responsible for some of Richmond’s best Mexican food URL: https://www.richmonder.org/its-in-our-dna-meet-the-four-siblings-responsible-for-some-of-richmonds-best-mexican-food/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T22:02:09.000Z You may not know their names, but you’re probably familiar with their food. Since 1995, the Benavides family has been a part of Richmond’s culinary scene. Today, all four siblings work in the food industry, each bringing their own unique character to places like Cochiloco, Abuelitas and El Cerro Azul. Ask them why they do it, and they’ll tell you it runs in the family. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/1000096820--1-.jpg) Nelson, Karina, Betty and Paulo, the Benavides siblings, and father Rafael, at The Elbys restaurant awards. (Richmond Magazine) ### **From Jalisco to Richmond** Karina, Nelson, Paulo and Betty Benavides were all born in Jalisco, Mexico. Their father, Rafael, started his antojito — a restaurant specializing in traditional Mexican street food and snacks — called El Toro in June 1984\. “I remember my dad prepping in the morning, then they would be open from 7 to 10, 10:30 (p.m.),” Karina, the eldest child, recalled. She noted that almost everyone in the family worked at the restaurant at one time or another, and friends would inquire about jobs. “My parents had their restaurant, and my abuela had a cart where she sold candy and tostadas (in Mexico),” Karina said. “It’s in our DNA; it’s what we grew up with.” The family moved to Virginia in 1995, where Rafael partnered with the Garcia family, which owns the Mexico Restaurant local chain, to open one in Hopewell. Four years later, Rafael opened his first independent venture, Don Jose’s, in Colonial Heights. The youngest of the four, Betty remembers setting tables at Don Jose when she was nine years old. By 2010, Rafael owned two independent chains — Don Jose’s and Don Pepe’s — with five total locations. He retired and sold his last restaurant in 2025\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_2167.jpg) Abuelita's has earned praise for its traditional guisos, or stews. (Haidyn Brockelman/The Richmonder) ### **One industry, four paths** Although they tried out other things – Karina went to William & Mary for International Relations, Betty wanted to do photography, and Nelson studied filmmaking – the siblings all found their way back to the restaurant business. Together, they’ve owned eight food businesses. Currently, the brothers own four restaurants together: Hibachi Box, Hibachi House, Y Tu Mama – located in The Veil Brewing Co.’s Forest Hill taproom – and Cochiloco. Karina and her husband own three restaurants: El Cerro Azul has locations in Midlothian and Powhatan, and Abuelita’s is located on Richmond's Southside. Betty had a churro pop-up, Que Churro, that operated from 2019 to 2022. In 2024, the brothers expanded into the tequila industry with Mosto Tequila – created in collaboration with The Veil’s Dave Michelow and Matt Tarpey – which won Double Gold at the 2026 Agavos Awards and at the 2026 [San Francisco World Spirits Competition](https://thetastingalliance.com/events/san-francisco-world-spirits-competition), one of the most prestigious spirits events in the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9708-1.jpeg) Cochiloco is one of four restaurants run by the Benavides brothers. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) Mosto has also connected the brothers with their older sister, Karina, who opened Abuelita’s on Midlothian Turnpike in 2018 with her husband in addition to their El Cerro Azul locations. Paulo explained that, in Mexican culture, food plays a central role in family gatherings and in home values; this can be seen at Abuelita’s, where Karina’s mother-in-law, Victoria Hernandez, continues to make their tamales on Sundays. A lesson Paulo learned from their maternal grandfather was that when somebody comes into the house, you sit them down and feed them, regardless of who they are. “‘If you have space for two, you have space for four,’ that’s what he said,” Paulo recalled. “We tried to pass that along because that's what we've known growing up.” ### **Family, not foes** The siblings said witnessing their parents’ hard work and ambition motivated them to create something of their own. However, Karina, the Abuelita’s owner, emphasized that although they’re all in the same industry, they all “wanted to be independent and create (their) own thing.” She said even though they work in the same industry in the same city, she’s never seen her brothers as competition. “We’ve worked really hard, all of us,” Karina said. “I feel so proud that we can work in the (same) city, but at the same time, we can show different sides of Mexican food.” This can be seen in the difference between Abuelita’s – which is known for its guisos and stews, as well as aguas frescas – and Cochiloco – which serves more Americanized Mexican comfort food, like tacos and quesadillas. “Not to say we don’t have authentic things like carne asada or our carnitas – they’re very unapologetically authentic – but we’re very flexible, you know?” Paulo said of the brothers’ decision for what they serve. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_2168.jpg) In a crossover, Abuelita's serves the brothers' tequila brand. (Haidyn Brockelman/The Richmonder) Although Betty no longer operates a food business – a decision motivated by a desire to focus on building her family and move away from the stress that comes with being a restaurant owner – she chose to remain in the industry. She currently works as an implementation technician for a point-of-sale vendor company, installing and training people on various systems. She said she was drawn to the role since she often served as the one-woman “IT staff” in her family’s restaurants. Even though she doesn’t work in any of her family members’ restaurants, she can still remain connected to the industry she grew up in and is able to see her siblings’ work through other people’s eyes. “A lot of the restaurant owners, they know my siblings, and it’s just been really nice to hear stories of my siblings, how people really admire the work they've done,” she said. “It’s really nice to be able to look up to them and learn from them.” Betty added that her own experience running Que Churro and helping out in her family’s restaurants helps her on the job, too, as she understands why they may want their system to run items a certain way and how stressful certain days can be. ### **Difficulties** While the siblings agreed food service was a no-brainer for them, they acknowledged they’ve dealt with plenty of struggles behind the scenes. Both Karina and Paulo pointed to the pandemic, which was “kind of like reopening the doors,” as he put it. Karina – who is a mother of two teenagers – had a more blunt take, saying “everything kind of collapsed.” Betty spoke about the personal sacrifices they’ve had to make, from not being able to participate in certain activities as children to help their parents, to having to miss family events due to short-staffing at their respective restaurants. However, she said those are instances where working in the same industry helps, as they can all empathize with and relate to those situations. ### **Impact** At the end of the day, the siblings said they hope to bring some of the Mexican culture and cuisine they grew up with to Richmond, and be able to support each other in their endeavors. Looking forward, they all have their own goals: Karina plans to open a second Abuelita’s at some point, Paulo spoke of increasing Mosto’s regional growth, and Betty has a family focus but is open to another food venture further down the road. ### Waldorf school plan to buy land off Brookland Parkway for parking lot riles neighbors URL: https://www.richmonder.org/waldorf-school-plan-to-buy-land-off-brookland-parkway-for-parking-lot-riles-neighbors/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T21:55:04.000Z Since 2022, a turning lane from Robin Hood Road to Brookland Parkway in Richmond’s Northside that wraps around two sides of the Richmond Waldorf School has been blocked off with temporary posts. The aim, said city spokesperson Jensen Gavulic, was “to improve safety by reducing vehicle conflict points near the school crosswalk and helping to better manage vehicle speeds through the intersection.” With no plans to reopen the lane, the Waldorf School last year asked the city to formally close the right of way and sell it to the school, along with an adjoining triangle of grass that had separated the turning lane from the two streets. Altogether, the lane and triangular space comprise about a quarter of an acre. Waldorf offered roughly $100,000 for the land, equal to the city’s assessment of its value when accounting for a utility easement. With the extra room, the school wants to construct a parking lot with up to 34 spaces that representatives say would provide a smoother system for parents picking up and dropping off their children. In addition, Waldorf has said it would construct new public sidewalks to replace existing ones and add landscaping around the perimeter. The school’s current pickup and dropoff lanes along Brookland Parkway “do not function the way that they should,” Lory Markham, a planner representing Waldorf on the project who also has three children there, said this July. “So instead of asking the city to spend your limited resources on fixing these two lanes of pavement in front of our front door, we have gone through this extensive process to try to acquire the property so that we may fix it ourselves.” Initially, the school appeared to have support for its plans. After Waldorf Executive Director Andrew Ross proposed the concept to the Sherwood Park Civic Association in April 2025, then-President John Gass wrote a letter noting the presentation had “concluded with a near-unanimous show-of-hands vote by the neighbors for the Waldorf proposal team, an indication that, for those neighbors attending, there was clear approval of the proposal as presented.” That is no longer the case. While no one wants the turning lane reopened, at Planning Commission and City Council meetings this spring and summer, a number of Sherwood Park residents have turned out to oppose the plan to sell the land for the construction of a parking lot on the site. “Please do not let them acquire this green space and permanently mar the history and beauty of our neighborhood,” said resident Robert Hood. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-2d23d5f4-a217-4a40-922b-316fa649169a.png) **An aerial view of the site in question. The parking lot in the lower right is part of Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU Brook Road Pavilion. (Google Maps)* Several have argued that getting rid of the triangle of land, which contains grass and one tree, would irreparably harm a landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the acclaimed landscape architect behind New York City’s Central Park [who also laid out Brookland Parkway](https://www.nps.gov/places/brookland-parkway.htm). The Olmsted Network, a national group devoted to “championing Olmsted parks, places and principles,” has written a letter asking the City Council to reject the sale. “It’s part of the original Olmsted design,” said David Maier, who characterized the triangle as a “city park.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/A923FDD1-9DC9-4038-A46A-AAB3894F4F7D_1_201_a.jpeg) Councilor Kenya Gibson, whose 3rd District contains the site, is hoping a compromise can be reached. (Sarah Vogelsong/The Richmonder) Other Richmond residents have worried about the addition of an entrance and exit to the proposed parking lot on Robin Hood Road or about the idea of selling land to be used for vehicles when the city has prioritized other modes of transportation. “We’ve heard from many neighbors who don’t want a parking lot in a front yard on a city-designated great street,” Gass told the City Council in explaining his new stance this July. “We’ve heard from local bike and pedestrian advocates who see an already dangerous intersection threatened by another busy curb cut on Robin Hood Road, which will be a major route to and from the Diamond District.” For its part, Waldorf has appeared bewildered by the shift in opinion. “We’re disappointed in the pushback from the neighborhood after receiving their initial voice of support for it,” said Markham. Ross has argued that the school is uniquely impacted by the closed turning lane, which he said covers about 300 feet of the school’s perimeter. “There is zero interest in reopening this road,” he said. “It is directly on our doorstep, and we will invest and make the necessary steps and continue to work with Sherwood Park, as we are their neighbors.” Some Waldorf parents have also written to the city calling the plan “a straightforward win: safer drop-off and pick-up for kids, a nicer streetscape for the neighborhood, and revenue for the city, without asking taxpayers for a dime.” Councilor Kenya Gibson, whose 3rd District contains the site, is hoping a compromise can be reached. At the July meeting, she asked for a vote on the proposal to be put off until September to give the parties more time to negotiate. “I love representing the Northside because residents are really informed and active,” she told The Richmonder. “We are lucky to have many wonderful schools in the district as well. Advocacy and democracy isn’t always easy, but I’m hopeful that the civic association and school can find some common ground.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Chesterfield cuts the ribbon on Deep Creek, opening its 41st elementary school URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-cuts-the-ribbon-on-deep-creek-opening-its-41st-elementary-school/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T21:20:23.000Z A roar of cheers erupted as the Matoaca District’s Deep Creek Elementary cut its ribbon and swung open its doors to the public for the first time Thursday morning. This two-story, 111,500-square-foot school was built to welcome 1,000 students starting this August. This is Chesterfield’s 41st elementary school, and it cost [$52 million](https://www.oneccps.org/page/deep-creek-elementary-school). (For comparison, Henrico has 46 and Richmond City has 28.) Construction broke ground in 2024 [with the intention of relieving overcrowding](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/5545) in nearby elementary schools, specifically Moseley and Grange Hall. [The county’s website](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5003/StratIS-Data-Reports) indicates that, last school year, Moseley reached 106.6% capacity, while Grange Hall was at 86.6%. Deep Creek Elementary is located adjacent to the middle school of the same name, [which opened its doors last year](https://deepcreekms.oneccps.org/o/dcms/article/2300415) to roughly 1,400 students. The rebuilt Bensley Elementary School will soon cut its own ribbon Aug. 5\. It also uses the same two-story design as Deep Creek. A 2022 bond referendum [allocated $375 million](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5004/Bond-Referendums#:~:text=School%20Facilities%2C%20Subtotal%20%24375%20million) for school construction, [which eventually went toward](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7405) Bensley Elementary as well as both Deep Creek schools. [Chesterfield the latest locality to seek 1% sales tax increase for school constructionThe resolution to put the motion on the ballot will be voted on during Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-269d7595-19bf-49bf-b174-da7296ad7bc6.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-2-710d314a-0281-4374-8fcf-2e40e151510c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) “Over the past few years, we have gathered several times to open new schools because Chesterfield County voters — you — strongly support investments in public education with the knowledge that schools are the beating heart of a successful community,” said Steven Paranto, Matoaca District representative and school board vice president. ### Photos from the event: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1987.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1992.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1991.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1979.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1965.jpeg) *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### The Richmonder 25: Whether it's archery or baking, Amanda Robinson makes space for others URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-whether-its-archery-or-baking-amanda-robinson-makes-space-for-others/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T21:03:31.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Amanda Robinson’s first core memory is overlooking the intersection of Jefferson and Marshall streets from the second-floor window of her nursery in Jackson Ward. That space would eventually become part of Gallery 5, the performing arts center Robinson founded in 2005, but back in the early ’80s, it was where Robinson lived with her family. It was also the location of the Virginia Fire and Police Museum, an institution run by Robinson’s parents. Even after she and her family moved out to Varina in the mid-’80s, Robinson would spend many of her waking hours at 200 W. Marshall St. Now, Robinson has returned to the second floor of that address with Virago Alley, the nonprofit that staged the inaugural Richmond Ren Faire at Dorey Park this past April. The two-day event was a wild success, selling out all of its 17,000 tickets. In July, Virago Alley began renting the second floor of the Gallery 5 building to provide more indoor space for artists and collaborators; Gallery 5 still operates in the building’s first floor. It seems that Robinson and her family are destined to keep returning to this address. “Literally every generation has been trying to save this building,” she said, reached by Zoom in July. “This building means a lot to me.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/unnamed--3-.jpg) Amanda Robinson wants to create an indoor archery range and historic combat facility in Richmond. (Contributed photo) Back in the day, Robinson’s uncles, grandfather and great-grandfather worked out of this location when it was a fire station. After the city replaced the fire station with a new facility around the corner, 200 W. Marshall St. became a community center, serving as a voting precinct and a food stamp distribution hub, among other uses. When the city put the building up for auction in the ’70s, Robinson’s father bought the property for roughly $12,000 and Robinson’s parents turned it into a museum. Robinson taught fire safety at the museum as a youngster. Desiring some new experiences, Robinson attended the Savannah College of Art and Design to pursue a bachelor’s in painting with a minor in art history. In the summertime, Robinson worked motorcycle rallies and sold clothing she had designed with her then-boyfriend on the Vans Warped Tour. Robinson planned to move to New Mexico to teach art therapy after graduating, but upon returning home, she learned that 200 W. Marshall St. was in need of saving yet again. Since she had been away, her father had donated the building to the nonprofit that oversaw the museum. The nonprofit had gone bankrupt and was selling off property, including the building and heirlooms that Robinson’s family had donated, like fire badges and helmets. Her father had taken on debt to save the building from potential demolition, but was unsure of what to do next. Robinson proposed turning it into an arts center, initially as a fundraiser for the building. And so, Gallery 5 was born. With the help of others — including a community service program where Robinson managed convicted felons to renovate the space — her dream came true. Early on, the space forged a close partnership with RVA Mag. Gallery 5’s grand opening on April 15, 2005, also served as the release party for RVA Mag’s first issue. Other groups and artists soon approached Robinson, asking to use the space for their own ventures. Gallery 5 thus became the launchpad for the local burlesque scene, hosted the Coalition Theater for a time, and has served as longtime collaborators with All the Saints Theater Company. “I always feel this weird obligation to be the person to bring the community together,” Robinson said. “I don’t know why. It’s kind of a blessing and a curse.” For years, Robinson was regularly working up to 80 hours a week with little pay. Feeling burned out, she resigned as Gallery 5’s executive and artistic director in 2013. “I decided to leave and thought I would never come back,” she said. “I was completely removed from the organization for quite a while.” Instead, she pursued Sweet Fix, a custom cake and dessert cake business. What started as a side-hustle in 2009 grew into a full-time gig, with a brick-and-mortar location opening in 2015. Robinson hoped that the bakery would allow her to slow down, but that’s not what happened. Instead, growing demand led to a growth in staff; her custom designs were featured on the Food Network and Martha Stewart Weddings. Robinson had been invited to be a contestant on the game show “Is It Cake?” when the pandemic canceled those plans. As her business grew, Robinson increasingly found herself sitting behind a computer screen managing others. Between her dissatisfaction with that and working in the wedding industry — as well as a shift in her interests and passions — Robinson decided to stop taking new orders last year. In the meantime, she had also returned to Gallery 5 in 2023 after a 10-year hiatus. Now serving on the board and as the nonprofit’s exhibition coordinator, Robinson says she’s pleased to see that the arts center is on a much more stable footing than it was previously. While Robinson had been away, local developer Bruce Vanderbilt had purchased Gallery 5 and spent $1.5 million on renovations, including a new roof. Part of the effort to get the space on a sound financial footing meant turning the second floor into office and event space while leaving the first floor for Gallery 5. By this time, Robinson had also started an herbal apothecary supply company called Virago Alley that eventually blossomed into a nonprofit artisan collective. “Virago means fierce, independent, female warrior, defies conventions and social norms,” Robinson explained, noting that it can also mean a loud, bad-tempered woman. “I liked the idea of being able to reclaim that word.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/unnamed--9-.jpg) The Virago Alley nonprofit will collaborate with the various guilds that sprang up through the creation of the Ren Faire. (Bowler Images) In addition to organizing the Richmond Ren Faire and events like Warriors in Bloom — a two-day event at Agecroft Hall that will host more than 60 local vendors for historic combat, interactive quests and guild workshops this weekend — Virago Alley is developing educational programs in historic artforms, including leatherworking, calligraphy, printmaking and herbalism. The nonprofit will collaborate with the various guilds that sprang up through the creation of the Ren Faire. Virago Alley also just inked a lease on a 6,000- to 7,000-square-foot warehouse space that will serve as a workshop. Robinson hopes the warehouse will let them make the 2027 Richmond Ren Faire even bigger than the previous one. “Amanda’s really intense when it comes to projects,” said Bizhan Khodabandeh, Robinson’s longtime creative partner and vice president of Virago’s board of directors. “She puts 1,000% of herself into whatever she’s doing. She’s going to stay up late at night to make sure that everything is as perfect as she could possibly make it.” Ash Moore, managing director of Virago Alley, says that unlike some people in management, Robinson is always the first one to roll up her sleeves and help with any given task. They also say Robinson has a deep affection for sugar. In moments when Robinson’s energy is flagging, Moore gives her candy. “Her whole demeanor will change and she’ll get excited,” Moore said. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Moore also says that Robinson’s habit of working herself to exhaustion means that she’ll often fall asleep in odd places, such as during a late night at the Ren Faire earlier this year: “I found her passed out in her dog’s bed on the ground in the middle of this massive dining tent that we had.” This weekend, Virago Alley will hold Warriors in Bloom at Agecroft Hall. On Sept. 4, Virago Alley will host a grand opening of its new space in collaboration with Gallery 5 that will coincide with First Fridays. Looking ahead, Robinson hopes to find a permanent location for the Ren Faire so that they can have structures built year-round, and wants to create an indoor archery range and historic combat facility in Richmond. As someone who has trouble vacationing, Robinson is happy to have some projects on her hands. “I can’t sit still. I’m a very hyper and energetic person,” Robinson said. “I don’t like being idle, so I’m very glad to be busy again.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Job posting: Events and Sponsorship Manager URL: https://www.richmonder.org/job-posting-events-and-sponsorship-manager/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:39:44.000Z Join us at The Richmonder! [**See all openings here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/jobs/) ## **Events and Sponsorship Manager** **Position Summary** The Events and Sponsorship Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a portfolio of events that advance The Richmonder's fundraising, audience engagement, and community impact goals. In addition to overseeing event revenue, logistics and attendee experiences, this role will lead to corporate sponsorship sales and stewardship efforts, cultivating relationships with local businesses and organizations seeking to connect with The Richmonder's engaged audience. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, highly organized, and passionate about connecting the Richmond region through the power of local news. **Key information** **Salary range:** $65,000 to $80,000 annually **Benefits:** Employer-paid health insurance, flexible time-off policy **Location:** The employee must be based in the Richmond, Virginia area, with a hybrid working schedule This role will report to The Richmonder’s Development Director. **Essential Responsibilities** **Sponsorship and Stewardship** - Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward local businesses and organizations interested in investing in local, nonprofit news through sponsorship opportunities. - Manage the full sponsorship cycle, including prospecting, proposal development, contract execution, invoicing, and renewal conversations. - Collaborate with sponsors to understand their goals and recommend appropriate sponsorship packages. - Ensure accurate fulfillment of sponsorship benefits, including placement, timing, and reporting. - Track sponsorship inventory and maintain a pipeline of prospective and current sponsors. - Provide sponsors with performance metrics and post-campaign reports to demonstrate impact and encourage continued investment. - Support sales of newsletter sponsorships. - Develop and implement strategies to grow sponsorship revenue. **Event Planning and Execution** - Plan and manage The Richmonder's current two signature events, in addition to developing a third signature event. - Develop event timelines, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful execution. - Coordinate venues, catering, audiovisual needs, entertainment, signage, registration, and on-site logistics. - Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown while serving as the primary point of contact during events. - Track attendance and evaluate event outcomes. **Budget and Administration** - Develop and manage event budgets and revenue projections. - Process contracts, invoices, and event-related expenses. - Maintain accurate records within donor relationship management systems. - Prepare reports on event performance, sponsorship activity, and revenue outcomes. **Marketing and Communications** - Market ticket sales to the general public to create well-attended events. - Coordinate sponsor recognition and event communications across newsletters, social media, and event materials. - Ensure all messaging aligns with The Richmonder's mission, values, and standards. **Qualifications** - Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in event management, communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field. - Two or more years of experience in event planning, sponsorship sales, fundraising, advertising sales, or community engagement. - Demonstrated success meeting revenue goals and building community relationships. - Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills. - Experience using CRM, donor databases, or relationship management platforms preferred. - Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events. - Passion for local nonprofit news and community engagement. **Preferred Attributes** - Entrepreneurial mindset with a comfort level in sales and relationship building. - Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. - Collaborative spirit and ability to work independently. **To apply, please email a cover letter and résumé to jobs@richmonder.org.** --- **About The Richmonder** The Richmonder is a nonprofit local news organization dedicated to delivering independent, community-centered journalism that helps residents understand their city, connect with one another, and engage in civic life. We believe that local news provides the information that can elevate our community. Our mission is to inspire a more informed, better-connected community by filling gaps in local news coverage with balanced, nonpartisan reporting. **The Richmonder is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.** ### Job posting: Lead, Audience Acquisition and Community Engagement URL: https://www.richmonder.org/job-posting-lead-audience-acquisition-and-community-engagement/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:37:34.000Z Join us at The Richmonder! [**See all openings here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/jobs/) ### **Lead, Audience Acquisition and Community Engagement** **Position Summary** This role is responsible for growing, engaging, and deepening The Richmonder's audience through strategic marketing, digital engagement, and community outreach. This position leads efforts to expand readership, increase newsletter subscriptions, strengthen brand awareness, and build lasting relationships with readers across the Richmond region. This role develops and executes data-informed strategies that transform readers into subscribers, members, donors, and community ambassadors. The manager will cultivate meaningful relationships both online and in person, ensuring The Richmonder remains a trusted, accessible, and indispensable source of local news. The ideal candidate is creative, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and analytical. They enjoy building authentic community relationships and are excited to test new ideas that drive measurable growth, using data to make decisions. A background in local news is not required, but a passion for it is. **Key information** **Salary range:** $65,000 to $80,000 annually **Benefits:** Employer-paid health insurance, flexible time-off policy **Location:** The employee must be based in the Richmond, Virginia area, with a hybrid working schedule This role will report to The Richmonder’s Development Director. **Primary Responsibilities** **Audience Growth & Acquisition** - Develop and execute comprehensive audience growth strategies that increase website traffic, newsletter subscribers, and reader engagement. - Identify new audience segments and develop targeted outreach campaigns to expand The Richmonder's reach. - Optimize acquisition channels including social media, search, partnerships, referrals, and events. - Build awareness of The Richmonder through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and initiatives. - Manage The Richmonder's social media outreach and digital acquisition efforts. - Increase digital growth through website conversion optimization, email acquisition campaigns, landing pages, SEO, social and partner distribution, referral strategies, A/B testing, audience analytics, onboarding, and CRM or marketing-automation tools. *This role is funded through a grant from the American Journalism Project, which seeks to help a select group of the most promising nonprofit newsrooms in the United States hire experienced business and digital leaders to sustain vital public-service journalism.* **Analytics & Performance** - The Richmonder currently converts 6% of our monthly unique visitors into newsletter subscribers. A successful candidate will be accountable for lifting us to the 15% industry standard. - Use data and audience insights to refine marketing strategies and improve campaign performance. - Produce regular reports with actionable recommendations. **Community Engagement** - Build strong relationships with neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups. - Represent or coordinate representation of The Richmonder at community events, networking opportunities, and public forums. - Develop and manage reader engagement initiatives including topical meetups, community conversations, virtual events, and audience feedback programs. - Identify opportunities to increase visibility and strengthen The Richmonder's role as a community resource. **Membership & Philanthropic Engagement** - Support membership growth and monthly donor initiatives. - Collaborate on fundraising appeals, giving days, and special campaigns. - Communicate the impact of audience financial support through multiple channels. **Qualifications** - Two or more years of experience in audience development, digital marketing, communications, nonprofit marketing, media, fundraising, or community engagement. - Familiarity with membership, subscription, or fundraising campaigns. - Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. - Experience managing social media platforms, email marketing, and digital communications. - Strong understanding of Google Analytics, Meta Insights, email marketing platforms, and other audience analytics tools. - Excellent project management, organizational, and time management skills. - Ability to work independently while collaborating as a team. - Passion for local news, civic engagement, and community impact. **To apply, please email a cover letter and résumé to jobs@richmonder.org.** **About The Richmonder** The Richmonder is a nonprofit local news organization dedicated to delivering independent, community-centered journalism that helps residents understand their city, connect with one another, and engage in civic life. We believe that local news provides the information that can elevate our community. Our mission is to inspire a more informed, better-connected community by filling gaps in local news coverage with balanced, nonpartisan reporting. **The Richmonder is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.** ### Backers of Family Justice Center to seek $2 million from city for startup costs next year URL: https://www.richmonder.org/backers-of-family-justice-center-to-seek-2-million-from-city-for-startup-costs-next-year/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T19:22:23.000Z A proposal to set up a “one-stop shop” for victims of domestic or sexual partner violence to get services without having to go to numerous different agencies will cost an estimated $2 million to get off the ground. “We have got to start working together to be able to provide survivors one place they can come to not just address their needs, but their children’s needs,” said Rupa Murthy, CEO of the YWCA of Richmond. The YWCA is working with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office and Richmond Police Department to spearhead the push for the Richmond Family Justice Center, a centralized approach to providing services to people facing domestic abuse [that is being used in roughly 150 other places around the United States](https://www.allianceforhope.org/family-justice-center-alliance/resources/family-justice-center-framework-impact-report-2025) including Norfolk. Currently, victims in Richmond have to seek services from a multitude of places, requiring them to repeat an account of their experiences again and again as they seek medical care, get a protective order, talk with investigators, notify the public schools about their children’s changed circumstances, arrange new housing and transportation and seek counseling. “Instead of the woman having to make all of those steps, she can come to a place that the city of Richmond has provided for her and her family, and that one-stop shop would provide all of those resources,” said Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin. The YWCA, which [provides extensive services to victims of domestic violence including a 24-hour regional hotline](https://ywcarichmond.org/survivorsupport/), has been working on plans for the center since 2020 and has received a federal grant for the effort. The group intends to continue seeking philanthropic and other support, Murthy told the City Council’s Public Safety Committee Tuesday. But, she said, “the reality is we do need funding.” While Mayor Danny Avula’s administration and the City Council won’t begin shaping next year’s budget for several months, supporters of the center are beginning their push for funding now. Besides the pitch to the Public Safety Committee Tuesday, [a bus trip](https://www.rva.gov/office-city-clerk/news/public-information-advisory-norfolk-family-justice-center-site-visit) brought several city councilors to the Norfolk Family Justice Center Wednesday. The $2 million the center’s backers intend to ask the city to fund next winter for start-up would cover an estimated $400,000 for a physical space, $300,000 for supplies and equipment, $1 million for personnel and $300,000 for operations. Additional support would be needed for operations in future years. Murthy said they’ve eyed the West Franklin Street building formerly occupied by The Richmond Times-Dispatch as one possible site due to its proximity to the courts and downtown offices, but “there are some other locations that might work as well.” Besides providing a needed lifeline to victims, the Family Justice Center could help reduce domestic assault, homicide and related crimes, supporters contend. Last year, about 20% of murders in Richmond were linked to domestic abuse, a greater share of cases than were attributed to drugs, and the YWCA has seen demand grow for its hotline and programs it offers to survivors like counseling and court advocacy. Statistics from RPD indicate domestic violence is on the rise, with 577 cases of domestic assault this year to date compared to 545 at the same time last year — even as other categories of violent crime continue to see drops. Aggravated domestic assaults — more serious cases that carry a felony charge — also appear to be rising, although the data are complicated by a change RPD made in the middle of 2025 that classified all domestic assaults involving strangulation as aggravated rather than simple. (Previously, those cases were only classed as aggravated if the victim lost consciousness.) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/aggravated-assault-stats.png) (Richmond Police Department) That reporting shift was the main driver of a doubling in Richmond’s aggravated assault numbers this year, said Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards, although he reiterated that domestic cases are increasing. Strangulation, too, is considered by experts to be a particular cause for alarm in domestic violence because studies have linked it to a sharp rise in likelihood that a victim will be killed by their abuser. Police aren’t sure why cases seem to be increasing right now. “I think people are more apt to report it than ever before,” Edwards hazarded. “We’re getting better at taking those reports.” Whatever the cause, McEachin is convinced that a Family Justice Center will bring the numbers down. Both she and Edwards point out that prosecutions for domestic violence can often be derailed when a victim, discouraged by the barriers they face, returns to an abuser or refuses to testify. “The victim will finally call the police, the police will investigate, they will charge, and that charge will be brought to our office,” she said. “Now a month has passed maybe, (and) we finally can meet with the victim, start talking about trial. Well, in that month the victim has realized how difficult it’s going to be for her kids to not see their father, for her to survive financially without his income.” By providing victims with an easier path to get critical services, backers say the Family Justice Center could help break that cycle. Prosecutions could move forward more smoothly. Victims and children could more easily find safe places to live. And, said Murthy, abusers could get resources like counseling themselves to stop those violent behaviors in the future. “This looks like generational abuse in so many cases,” she said. “So if we can support the abuser as they are coming out of jail, as they are getting those charges, getting that indictment, being able to make sure that they then have support to not do this again, to end the cycle of violence, that’s part of the Family Justice Center too.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Richmond officials break ground on 276-unit Diamond District apartment building URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-break-ground-on-276-unit-diamond-district-apartment-building/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T19:20:11.000Z Work is officially underway on the first privately financed building in Richmond’s 67-acre Diamond District redevelopment project. On Wednesday morning, city officials were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an apartment building named Dōma that will rise next to the new CarMax Park. The $80 million building, expected to be completed in 2028, will feature 276 market-rate units, a rooftop gym and pool, 4,000 square feet of retail and a 453-space parking garage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Doma_birdseye.jpg) A rendering of the Dōma apartment complex, with CarMax Park in the background. (Thalhimer) Standing under a tent at the construction site, government officials and developers involved in the Diamond District celebrated the occasion as a sign of progress being made toward revitalization, despite headwinds the project has faced. “It'll be the kind of place that people want to live and work and spend time with, and that attracts more people to Richmond as they come to catch a ball game,” Mayor Danny Avula said, noting that Richmond was just ranked second on LinkedIn’s [“Cities on the Rise” list](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-cities-rise-2026-25-fastest-growing-us-metros-jobs-manhe). Other aspects of the Diamond District project include a workforce housing site, an 115,000-square-foot office building with the Hirschler law firm as an anchor tenant, a park, a children’s play area and other green space. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Doma-entrance.png) A rendering of the Dōma apartment complex entrance. (Thalhimer) Speakers at the ceremony credited both city staffers and private-sector developers at Thalhimer Realty Partners and other firms for keeping the project moving forward. “This is not easy work. And it is not fast work. And anyone who told you it would be fast, they didn’t know what they were talking about,” said City Councilor Katherine Jordan (2nd District). “We are actually moving along at a steady, quick pace. When you think about all that this project has had to overcome, we have never lost the vision. We have continued. We have persevered.” [Photo retrospective: The Diamond’s final seasonPhotographer Ryan M. Kelly was on hand for the 40th and final season of baseball at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia. A new stadium is being built in The Diamond’s parking lot, and will open next summer when the Richmond Flying Squirrels return.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3eb26b73-0d91-450e-bb93-570614b8e6e1.png)The RichmonderRyan M. Kelly![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RMK_Diamond_FlyingSquirrels35-1-468839e3-cfc5-4908-9ecc-962d833fa871.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/photo-retrospective-the-diamonds-final-season/) The challenges facing the Diamond District project, which began under former Mayor Levar Stoney and former Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders, have included disputes and breakups between groups involved in the private-sector development team that won the project from the city and complex negotiations with Virginia Commonwealth University over the sale of Sports Backers Stadium. More recently, the project has come under fire from Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, who has had lawyers send the city a series of strongly worded letters alleging the project has drifted off track and demanding that the city treat the team’s business needs at CarMax Park more seriously. [EDA offers partial access to CarMax Park entrance during WinterWorld; Squirrels owner blasts proposal as ‘wholly unacceptable’“If this is how the duration of your tenancy at CarMax Park is going to proceed, then we have a long and arduous road ahead of us.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-95149024-1fe7-49c9-b2e2-12f1d301b073.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/entrance_diagram-8ef551cc-981b-43f3-99c6-d95b5fc67044.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/eda-director-to-squirrels-owner-i-hope-cooler-heads-can-prevail/) But Richmond now has a long-promised replacement for The Diamond, and this week’s ceremony was meant to signal that more new things are still to come. “There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child,” said Sharon Ebert, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer for economic development. “And I would say that it takes a partnership to raise a village. And here we are today, about ready to really raise that village around you.” [Council approves $14.7M loan to keep Diamond District project on track“I don’t love the idea of us using funds that are supposed to be for catastrophic and emergency purposes for something that we have known is coming for years now.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d9c9005b-4a92-4747-8faa-26e9a74c9035.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/image-3-6ebc7642-a272-4b44-aa3e-1aeed6d5799c.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/council-approves-14-7m-loan-to-keep-diamond-district-project-on-track/) Ebert thanked Thalhimer’s Jason Guillot, who’s overseeing the private side of the Diamond District development. “You never raised a voice. You never got angry. You never walked out and slammed doors or put your fists on the table,” Ebert said. “It was always: How do we make this work?” Focusing on the details of the apartment building, Guillot explained that the name Dōma was “a play on the world domicile.” The apartments will have a wellness focus, he said, with “warm tones, hardwood floors, lush landscaping” and amenities like a sauna, cold plunge and a reflexology walk (a type of stone path meant to be walked on barefoot for health purposes). “With Dōma, our goal was to create a retreat from the noise, the grind, the hubbub of Scott’s Addition, this urban environment.” he said. About half the units in the building will be one-bedroom apartments, and about a third will be two bedrooms. The rest will be studios or a single bedroom plus a den. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### July 29 Newsletter: Deploying drones to emergencies URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-29-newsletter-deploying-drones-to-emergencies/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T10:00:08.000Z **Weather:** Standard summer fare. High of 87. **On this date** in in 1977, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, which launched Richmond Magazine, sells it to a private company. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-32-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-now-using-drones-to-assist-emergency-response-emphasizes-privacy-measures-are-in-place/) ### Chesterfield now using drones to assist emergency response; emphasizes privacy measures are in place The Chesterfield County Police Department is adding drones to its first responders lineup, which officials say will allow them to assess emergency situations quicker. The department said these drones won’t conduct random surveillance or patrol (and, no, there aren’t firearms attached to them). They’ll primarily be deployed in scenarios where responder safety is at risk. “This is something that’s happening all over the country,” Police Chief Edward Carpenter Jr. said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-now-using-drones-to-assist-emergency-response-emphasizes-privacy-measures-are-in-place/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-says-tax-exemption-program-has-led-to-creation-or-preservation-of-300-housing-units/) ### City says tax exemption program has led to creation or preservation of 300 housing units Richmond officials said a program that reduces real estate tax bills for homeowners who rehabilitate their properties to add affordable housing has produced just under 300 affordable and market-rate units over the past five years. “It’s not as many units as we would like to have, but it’s better than zero,” a city official said. An earlier, much more extensive tax abatement program was discontinued by the city in 2019 after a report found that it was largely being used in higher-income neighborhoods like those in the West End. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-says-tax-exemption-program-has-led-to-creation-or-preservation-of-300-housing-units/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/judge-gavel-1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-schools-employee-fired-for-charlie-kirk-comments-sues-claiming-her-first-amendment-rights-were-violated/) ### Chesterfield schools employee fired for Charlie Kirk comments sues, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated A former Chesterfield County employee and her lawyer are claiming she was unlawfully fired for condemning Charlie Kirk on social media after his death. Now, she’s suing the school system for violating her First Amendment rights, asking for damages totaling more than $15 million. Past court cases have hinged on whether the teacher’s speech causes a “disruption” to school operations, which can include complaints from parents or negative media attention. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-schools-employee-fired-for-charlie-kirk-comments-sues-claiming-her-first-amendment-rights-were-violated/) **ALSO:** [**Subcontractor on Lego’s Chesterfield plant sued by workers who said they didn’t receive overtime pay**](https://www.richmonder.org/subcontractor-on-legos-chesterfield-plant-sued-by-workers-who-said-they-didnt-receive-overtime-pay/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-33.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-voters-will-decide-on-1-sales-tax-for-schools-after-council-oks-referendum/) ### Richmond voters will decide on 1% sales tax for schools after Council OKs referendum Monday night, the Council voted 8-0 to send the issue to the voters, making Richmond one of many Virginia localities seeking to use a newly expanded power to raise sales taxes to better fund schools. Though Council members seemed to agree on pursuing the new revenue, some stressed the need for clear communication to residents about why the tax increase is necessary and where the funds will go. “This is not a slam dunk,” one said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-voters-will-decide-on-1-sales-tax-for-schools-after-council-oks-referendum/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-31.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-keys-pattie-is-the-glue-holding-richmonds-ultimate-frisbee-scene-together/) ### Keys Pattie is the glue holding Richmond's ultimate frisbee scene together Ask anyone in the region's ultimate frisbee scene who keeps it running, and they'll give you the same one-word answer: Keys. Pattie said it’s not just the game itself that hooked him but the culture. Ultimate is almost entirely self-officiated. There are no referees at most levels of play. Instead, the sport runs on something players call "the spirit of the game": an expectation that competitors play hard, call their own fouls honestly, and treat each other with respect. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-keys-pattie-is-the-glue-holding-richmonds-ultimate-frisbee-scene-together/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**The curious case of Church Hill People's News' undead Facebook page**](https://www.chlookout.com/p/the-curious-case-of-church-hill-people-s-news-undead-facebook-page) (Church Hill Lookout) - After 24 months with zero posts, the page has made 15 posts this year. The founder says he doesn't know who it is. - [**'Somebody is going to get killed': Residents say pedestrian safety concerns go unanswered**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F6be90271-2da6-40c1-bb4d-314a59ed5226.html#tracking-source=home-top-story) (Times-Dispatch) - A fence was recently put up in front of the former Sauer Brands' on Broad Street blocking pedestrian access. It has since been adjusted. - [**Baltik’s Bagel owner buys former Alamo BBQ spot in Church Hill for potential second shop**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/27/baltiks-bagel-owner-buys-former-alamo-bbq-spot-in-church-hill-for-potential-second-shop/) (Richmond BizSense) - "It’s possible that it could be a second Baltik’s, it’s also very possible it could not be." - [**New VHS store Monster Video opens on 3rd Street**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/monster-video-opening-july-24-2026) (CBS 6) - The store also sells VCRs and DVD players for those who may be missing a key piece of equipment. --- ### The editor's desk If you visit the VHS store, please be kind and rewind. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Chesterfield now using drones to assist emergency response; emphasizes privacy measures are in place URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-now-using-drones-to-assist-emergency-response-emphasizes-privacy-measures-are-in-place/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T01:29:02.000Z The Chesterfield County Police Department is adding drones to its first responders lineup, which officials say will allow them to assess emergency situations quicker. These drones have the capacity to “arrive on scene within minutes,” according to a press release, “often before ground units.” Once there, the drones will then transmit video back to human first responders to help them plan their approach. Over the next five years, the program is expected to cost Chesterfield $900,000. “These drones will be dispatched to priority calls for service, including robberies, active threats, missing persons, fires and other time‑sensitive emergencies,” the release reads. [The county emphasized the steps it will take](https://www.chesterfield.gov/police#:~:text=Safety%2C%20Oversight%20and%20Community%20Transparency) to protect residents’ privacy while using the drones. When the drones launch, their cameras begin as level with the horizon, and operators will then adjust the sights to the target of its emergency call. “We’re not looking in people’s backyards. We’re not looking at what their kids are doing in their backyards,” Chesterfield County Police Sergeant Chris Lee said Tuesday. “We’re looking right away at that call for service and whatever the public safety issue is in front of us.” The department said these drones won’t conduct random surveillance or patrol (and, no, there aren’t firearms attached to them). They’ll primarily be deployed in scenarios where responder safety is at risk. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/758401071_2045495592763719_5899955860878585481_n.jpeg) One of the drones. (Chesterfield County) The drone’s flight logs [are available online](https://cloud.skydio.com/dashboard/chesterfieldpublicsafety). Deployment has to comply with [Virginia code,](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter5/section19.2-60.1/) which generally requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using unmanned aircraft systems, with exceptions for emergencies, training and other specified circumstances. Drones will operate 100- to 200-feet in the air so a parachute can deploy in case they malfunction and fall. Drones will deploy from three docking stations: Meadowbrook High School, A.M. Davis Elementary School and Manchester Middle School. Chesterfield isn’t the first locality in Virginia or the country to adopt a program like this — though it is the first in Central Virginia. During a Monday press conference, Police Chief Edward Carpenter, Jr. said county officials consulted with six other Virginia jurisdictions, particularly Fairfax County, as they developed the program. “This is something that’s happening all over the country,” Carpenter said during a Monday press conference. “We found that time is of the essence, and a lot of times we’re restricted with traffic conditions, weather conditions, etcetera. This tool allows us to get on scene, provide real-time intelligence.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Chesterfield schools employee fired for Charlie Kirk comments sues, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-schools-employee-fired-for-charlie-kirk-comments-sues-claiming-her-first-amendment-rights-were-violated/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T02:44:25.000Z A former Chesterfield County employee and her lawyer are claiming she was unlawfully fired for condemning Charlie Kirk on social media after his death. Now, she’s suing the school system for violating her First Amendment rights, asking for damages totaling more than $15 million. Alana Hartman-Hall — who used to be Clover Hill High School’s dean of students — is suing the Chesterfield County School Board, its individual members and the superintendent. In reaction to Kirk’s death, Hartman-Hall posted to Facebook: “When you promote violence and advocate for a percentage of teachers and students to be sacrificed to school shootings. You reap what you sow. If you aren’t in a school and aren’t responsible for kids you’ll never get it. Once again Charlie Kirk you reap what you sow.” In an email to The Richmonder, her lawyer, Richard Hawkins III — [who has been part of other high-profile lawsuits in K-12 education](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-posts-job-opening-for-a-chief-talent-officer-months-after-investigation-into-clemmons/) — said he has “no comment on the case except to say that ‘We look forward to our day in court.’” A spokesperson for CCPS said the school division doesn’t comment on pending litigation. The case is unrelated to the [resignation of Chesterfield School Board member Dot Heffron](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-school-board-member-asked-to-resign-by-peers-youngkin-after-social-media-post/), who also made social media comments after Kirk’s death. Hartman-Hall is [one of many individuals nationwide whose employment was terminated](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/06/01/charlie-kirk-free-speech-first-amendment/90283488007/) following public comments made about Charlie Kirk’s death in September 2025 — many of whom are now suing. This has led to a slew of questions regarding how far the right to free speech extends when the employee in question works for the government. The Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech advocacy group, has been taking part in this conversation. In the words of the foundation’s vice president for strategic initiatives, Adam Goldstein, “We’re in sort of uncharted territory now.” “Generally speaking, at a public K-12 institution, an employee can’t be fired just for expressing an opinion, even if that opinion is upsetting to a lot of people,” Goldstein said. Past court cases [have hinged on](https://www.tnedlaw.com/blog/can-teachers-be-fired-for-off-duty-speech-a-legal-analysis-in-the-wake-of-the-charlie-kirk-controversy) whether the teacher’s speech causes a “disruption” to school operations, which can include complaints from parents or negative media attention. If someone’s use of speech resulted in a significant enough chance to cause disruption, then the district can make a reasonable case for Hartman-Hall’s dismissal. “The complaint uses the example of, well, they didn’t cancel classes, they didn’t cancel a football game. Those aren't necessary to argue disruption,” Goldstein said. “I should also point out that school administrators aren’t required to wait for a disruption before they act.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Hartman-Hall’s lawsuit paints her as a beloved administrator and connected community member who received unfair backlash following her now-removed post. She also allegedly received threats of death and violence against her and her husband. Her post received attention from prominent Republicans, including then-gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears. “This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children,” [Earle-Sears wrote on social media](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14htc9MYPzA/) at the time, including a screenshot of Hartman-Hall’s post. “(She) must resign immediately.” At the same time, her lawsuit includes sympathetic messages from other school employees and community members. “If we look at the complaint and we accept what it says is true, there was a lot of outrage from places that aren't in the community, but the community still seems supportive,” Goldstein said. “What we don't really know is whether the school was being subjected to some form of external pressure or internal pressure, even from within the community, that made it impossible to function.” There have been recent victories via settlement for employees who were fired in the wake of Kirk’s death, including in the education space. A former [Ball State University employee settled for $225,000](https://abc7news.com/post/suzanne-swierc-fired-ball-state-university-post-charlie-kirk-shooting-death-receive-225k-legal-settlement/19175564/), as reported by The Associated Press. But higher education and public K-12 institutions are very different arenas. “Colleges just generally have a form of independence that K-12 institutions really don’t,” Goldstein said. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been corrected to note a different lawsuit was filed by an employee at Ball State University.* ### Subcontractor on Lego’s Chesterfield plant sued by workers who said they didn’t receive overtime pay URL: https://www.richmonder.org/subcontractor-on-legos-chesterfield-plant-sued-by-workers-who-said-they-didnt-receive-overtime-pay/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T21:54:21.000Z Workers currently building Lego’s Chesterfield facility are alleging they didn’t receive additional payment for overtime work, and are suing the two companies that hired them. The plaintiffs named in the lawsuit are United Contractor Services, LLC, and ILC Builders Construction, LLC. Lego — which has declined to comment on the lawsuit — had hired two construction companies for its $1.5 billion Chesterfield project: Gray Inc. and [Richmond-based Hourigan Construction Corp](https://www.hourigan.group/resources/news/lego-picks-gray-and-hourigan-jv-for-1b-virginia-plant-project/). According to the lawsuit, this joint venture brought United on as a construction partner for the site to help build the facility’s walls and ceilings. ILC provided United the laborers to make this happen. “Gray | Hourigan is committed to fair and responsible employment practices and to conducting business with integrity and accountability,” a Gray spokesperson wrote to The Richmonder. “We hire team members based on relevant qualifications while fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. While we do not comment on ongoing investigations or legal matters, we are fully committed to cooperating with appropriate parties.” United and ILC are the two entities that allegedly didn’t pay workers the additional money they were owed for overtime work — not the joint venture between Gray and Horrigan, nor Lego itself. The lawsuit alleges that United was the entity that provided them with safety gear and building materials, while ILC provided the workers’ paychecks. Over the past three years, the lawsuit’s plaintiffs have been helping build the Lego manufacturing facility, which is set to open in 2027\. The 1.7 million-square-foot facility is located in Meadowville Technology Park, and broke ground in 2023\. According to the lawsuit, any additional hour worked past 40 hours is supposed to receive pay-and-a-half. However, the plaintiffs are claiming they were paid their regular rate. They’re also alleging United and ILC intentionally withheld their overtime wages. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### City says tax exemption program has led to creation or preservation of 300 housing units URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-says-tax-exemption-program-has-led-to-creation-or-preservation-of-300-housing-units/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T19:37:49.000Z Richmond officials said a program that reduces real estate tax bills for homeowners who rehabilitate their properties to add affordable housing has produced just under 300 affordable and market-rate units over the past five years. “It’s not as many units as we would like to have, but it’s better than zero,” Michelle Brown Peters, Richmond’s deputy director of housing and community development, told a City Council committee Tuesday. “And some of those units were sitting vacant.” Richmond’s [Affordable Housing Partial Tax Exemption Program](https://www.rva.gov/housing-and-community-development/partial-tax-exemption) allows the owner of either a single- or multi-family residential property to get a partial tax exemption if they rehabilitate it to house individuals or families making up to 80% of the area median income. In [the Richmond metro area](https://www.huduser.gov/datasets/il/il2026/summary?reporttype=hmfa&year=2026&hmfa=METRO40060M40060&q=Richmond,%20VA%20HUD%20Metro%20FMR%20Area) this year, that would apply to a one-person household making $63,600, a two-person household making $72,650 or four people making $90,800\. Properties have to be at least 20 years old to qualify, and the renovation that owners undertake must be “substantial,” defined as costing at least 20% of the property’s assessed value for buildings with one to four units and 40% of the value for buildings with five or more units. Rehabilitations can also include market-rate units as long as at least 30% of them are set aside for households that meet the affordability limits. “You have a vacant building that’s not contributing to the community,” Peters said. “You are going to renovate it or preserve it to provide housing, and you are creating additional opportunities for renters here in the city of Richmond.” [Over the past five years](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8140216&GUID=157E8291-D028-4457-A15A-D58E17A8B3E8&Options=&Search=), four completed projects have produced 52 affordable and 117 market-rate units and have preserved 130 affordable units, according to the city. An additional nine projects are also in the pipeline. All of the partial exemptions last 15 years as long as the owners verify annually that they meet the city’s criteria. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-69b39f64-5752-408a-b1a5-b9be6423c0d4.png) Peters said the market-rate units “have allowed us to have a positive revenue”: Although the tax exemptions have reduced what the city can collect by about $253,000, resulting property value increases have meant the program has produced $87,000 in revenues. “We think the program is worth the while to continue,” she said. Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District) urged the city to “be more sensitive to affordability” as it evaluates the program going forward. “A lot of single-family homeowners that have 80% income cannot afford a 20% increase in investment,” she said. Richmond has experimented with various tax exemption and abatement programs over the past decade in an effort to both encourage the rehabilitation of blighted properties and increase housing stock. An earlier, much more extensive tax abatement program [was discontinued by the city in 2019](https://www.vpm.org/news/2020-09-14/richmond-reverses-course-on-rehabilitation-tax-credits-for-developers) after a report from VCU [found that it was largely being used in higher-income neighborhoods](https://www.vpm.org/news/2019-04-01/vcu-report-richmonds-tax-abatement-program-has-mainly-helped-wealthy-homeowners) like those in the West End. At that time, the City Council limited the program to those projects that reserved 30% of units for affordable housing. On Tuesday, Peters said the city believes it needs “to do a better job of marketing the program” and aims to begin efforts to improve that outreach immediately. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### The Richmonder 25: Keys Pattie is the glue holding Richmond's ultimate frisbee scene together URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-keys-pattie-is-the-glue-holding-richmonds-ultimate-frisbee-scene-together/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T14:22:27.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [***The Richmonder's newsletter**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**.* Ask anyone in the region's ultimate frisbee scene who keeps it running, and they'll give you the same one-word answer: Keys. Keys Pattie organizes the pickup games. He runs the leagues. He coaches college and high school teams, coordinates tournaments, manages every social media account Richmond Ultimate has, and spends his evenings emailing PE teachers and parks departments about getting frisbees into the hands of Richmond kids. Pattie is the glue keeping it together and the driving force pushing it forward. Ask Ray Heath what would happen to Richmond Ultimate, the local organizing nonprofit, if Keys Pattie disappeared tomorrow, and he doesn't hesitate: "It would be run by fools like me." Since Pattie moved to Richmond in 2017, he has become the connective tissue of the region's ultimate frisbee scene. "If it's Ultimate in the Central Virginia region, he knows what's going on," Heath said. "We are very lucky that he lives here now. It was a game changer for us." Pattie, 38, didn't grow up playing the sport. He picked it up in his early twenties in Fredericksburg, drawn in after a stint in competitive tournament paintball — a considerably more expensive hobby. Ultimate, by comparison, asked for almost nothing. "The only thing you need to play is a frisbee itself," he said. "It's so cheap." Pattie said it’s not just the game itself that hooked him but the culture. Ultimate is almost entirely self-officiated. There are no referees at most levels of play, even at high-level club national tournaments. Instead, the sport runs on something players call "the spirit of the game": an expectation that competitors play hard, call their own fouls honestly, and treat each other with respect. "You're encouraged to play as hard as you can, but you're also encouraged not to cheat, not to lie, to show compassion," Pattie said. “It's rare that you come across someone playing Ultimate who's a butthole, for lack of a better word." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Credit_--Kevin-Leclaire-of-UltiPhotos.jpeg) (Kevin Leclaire/UltiPhotos) That ethos seems to have shaped how Pattie approaches everything off the field, too. In Fredericksburg, he enjoys the Hat tournament series — pickup events where players sign up individually rather than as teams — blending the Fredericksburg and Stafford scenes into something he called Staffburg Ultimate. When he relocated to Richmond for a job with an ultimate frisbee apparel company, he ran for president of the Richmond Ultimate board and was elected in 2019\. He has been deeply involved ever since, eventually shifting last November from board president to the organization's operations director, a paid role made possible once the nonprofit secured its 501(c)(3) status. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25! [****Learn more here**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/home/story) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket with code Richmonder1. Rachel Shannon, Pattie's girlfriend — the two met at a pickup game at Battery Park — says the sheer volume of what he does often goes unnoticed. "He does so much for the community and gets very little recognition for it," Shannon said. "I was imagining a world where Keys was not running RU and these events, and I just feel like a lot less would happen. I think a lot of small communities are like that, and that's Keys for RU." Shannon says that instinct extends beyond the games Pattie organizes — he's constantly recruiting, even off the clock. On a random afternoon not long ago at Petronius S. Jones Park, he spotted a group of strangers throwing a frisbee around, clearly beginners, clearly having fun. He walked over, introduced himself, and told them about Richmond's pickup games and leagues, playing for a while with them before he left. Shannon says that moment in the park is typical of him. "Keys is very grassroots," she said. He spreads the word about weekly pickup games at spots like Byrd Park that are open to anyone — no sign-up, no cost, just show up. "That for me is awesome, because that's how I got super into ultimate," Shannon said. "You know, playing and going out for a beer afterward." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Credit_--Melanie-Felix.JPG) (Melanie Felix) The catch, she says, is that those games can be hard to find out about unless you already know someone in the scene — which is exactly the gap Pattie spends much of his time trying to close. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Growing the sport among younger players is one of Pattie's current priorities, and one of its toughest nuts to crack. Unlike soccer, ultimate has no built-in pipeline through schools or recreational leagues. "The youth that do play, play mostly because their parents played or still play," Shannon said. Pattie now spends much of his operations-director role on outreach — contacting schools, parks and rec departments, and PE teachers, and coordinating with USA Ultimate to build a youth scene that has historically lagged behind areas like Charlottesville and Northern Virginia. Beyond the administrative work, Pattie still plays and coaches at a high level. He spent three years coaching the University of Richmond's team, a perennial Division III national contender. This year, he competed at the Masters World Ultimate Championships in Nottingham, England, playing for a team based out of Guam. “I would say I have stayed in it because all of the people I know, all of my friends, they are all frisbee players,” Pattie said. “I might have two friends that don’t play frisbee or don’t play frisbee anymore.” For a sport with no referees, Richmond's Ultimate community has, in Pattie, something arguably more valuable: someone willing to do the thankless, crucial work of holding it together. *This article has been updated since publication.* --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Cleanup is underway at the Shoosmith landfill. Who will foot the $173 million bill? URL: https://www.richmonder.org/cleanup-is-underway-at-the-shoosmith-landfill-who-will-foot-the-173-million-bill/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T20:06:21.000Z Who will pay for a $173 million cleanup effort that could span three decades at the [bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-toxic-wastewater-is-leaking-out-of-a-bankrupt-chesterfield-landfill/)? Answers remain unclear after Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Director Mike Rolband presented a year-long cleanup plan to Chesterfield’s Board of Supervisors last week. The department is the primary regulator of privately owned landfills, which includes Shoosmith — in 2023, [the county requested](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7300#:~:text=The%20Virginia%20attorney%20general%E2%80%99s%20office%20declined%20in%20a%20letter%20to%20the%20county%2C%20stating%20%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20appear%20that%20there%20is%20any%20legal%20authority%20for%20DEQ%20to%20delegate%20its%20Virginia%20Waste%20Management%20Act%20inspection%20and%20enforcement%20responsibilities%20to%20a%20locality%20or%20for%20a%20locality%20to%20exercise%20such%20power.%E2%80%9D) the state provide it some power over Shoosmith, but was denied. Currently, the cleanup is being overseen by a committee with representatives from the state, the county and the landfill’s trustee. A combination of state money, bonds from the landfill’s now-bankrupt owners and emergency funds are sustaining the cleanup through its first fiscal year — until June 30, 2027\. During the presentation’s Q&A portion, board chair and Midlothian Supervisor Mark Miller asked Rolband about whether or not the cleanup costs will solely fall on Chesterfield County taxpayers. “I don’t have the authority to make any commitments on the budget issues,” Rolband said. “How the elected (state) officials decide to appropriate money, I have no influence.” The largest funding source buoying the cleanup through 2027 is $10.6 million from the General Assembly’s budget — a figure Bermuda Supervisor Jim Ingle said the county was appreciative of considering how late it came up during the budget approval process. But part of what’s next is deciding where the rest of the money will come from. “I do appreciate the fact that the state overall has stepped up to say, ‘Yes this is where the money should come from,’” Ingle said. “I’m thankful, but I’m very much asking the state to continue that effort as we bring a better long-term plan — not because we haven’t tried to develop one, but because we truly haven’t had time.” [Catching up: Toxic wastewater is leaking out of a bankrupt Chesterfield landfillA bankrupt Chesterfield landfill is leaking contaminated wastewater, and officials are still working to determine the damage’s full extent — and who’ll foot the estimated $173 million cleanup bill.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-46ba411a-2891-4be5-834d-bd397f9dab21.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_1912-b182beac-b20c-4286-8e0a-d81228ec1a69.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-toxic-wastewater-is-leaking-out-of-a-bankrupt-chesterfield-landfill/) Del. Mike Cherry (R) — who represents the landfill’s neighbors in the state legislature — also nodded to the state bearing primary cleanup responsibility. “You may ask, ‘Why should the state be responsible for that?’ The answer for that is DEQ is the authority that oversees the landfills,” Cherry said in an interview a week after the board meeting. “They’re the ones that make sure there’s compliance. So it really is a state issue.” He added that the quickest way to answer the funding question would be for the state to make funding available and recoup the money by taking either civil or criminal legal action against the landfill’s former owners. Luckily, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) [announced an unexpected budget surplus](https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/july-releases/name-1121132-en.html) last week. “Now is the time for us to step up into that role of advocation and say, ‘Hey, if you’ve got extra, we could certainly use it to mitigate this potential issue down here in Chesterfield,’” Cherry said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. One potential funding source is actually coming from within the landfill. Solid waste expels gas, which can contain a high enough concentration of methane to burn. This gas can be collected and then sold. One of the first priorities is putting a cover over the landfill. Leachate is produced when rain water passes through solid waste and is contaminated, forming a goo-like substance. If too much builds up, the leachate’s temperature increases and it emits gases. The longer it sits, the more difficult and unsafe it gets to treat. Preventing further water from entering the garbage will help slow down the problem. Besides trying to limit additional leachate production, the department is looking to keep trucking the existing leachate out of the landfill. Rolband said the team handling Shoosmith is hoping to sort the wastewater into two categories: one that can be safely disposed of in public facilities (and therefore cutting down on transportation costs), and one that can’t. Part of this task will be finding partners with the appropriate permitting and equipment. “We have multiple companies that want to bid on this process,” Supervisor Ingle said during the board meeting. “We will probably have several different opportunities to look at.” Del. Cherry said next year will potentially bring state legislation placing more parameters on private landfill owners to ensure they can’t evade financial responsibility for cleanups like that of Shoosmith’s. But Cherry’s immediate focus is on ensuring the landfill’s neighbors are kept up to date. “No, this is not out of control. No, it’s not a runaway problem,” he said. “We know the depth and breadth of the potential of what’s going on and that we’re mitigating those things every day. We’re getting the leachate out. We are trying to set up a treatment plan on site.” The department [**has added a page on its website**](https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/shortcuts/topics-of-interest/shoosmith-landfill) to highlight cleanup updates. “That’s the thing that I want for residents to hear,” Cherry said. “We are transparent in what’s going on and we’re available to answer questions when you have them.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### Richmond voters will decide on 1% sales tax for schools after Council OKs referendum URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-voters-will-decide-on-1-sales-tax-for-schools-after-council-oks-referendum/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T13:08:05.000Z Richmond residents will have the chance to vote directly on city tax policy in November after the City Council approved a ballot referendum for a 1% sales tax to raise revenue for the construction and renovation of public schools. Monday night, the Council voted 8-0 to send the issue to the voters, making Richmond one of many Virginia localities seeking to use a newly expanded power to raise sales taxes to better fund schools. Neighboring Chesterfield County has already [taken the same step](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/), as has [Powhatan County](https://www.powhatanva.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/395). Virginia’s latest budget gave all cities and counties the option of raising sales taxes for school projects, but only if voters sign off first. Richmond’s elected officials have been overwhelmingly in favor of taking that step, with the School Board, Council and Mayor Danny Avula seeming mostly united on the issue. Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) stepped out of Monday’s meeting before the unanimous vote by eight of nine members. If enacted, the extra sales tax would generate up to $47 million per year for school system projects, according to projections from the city’s financial advising firm Davenport and Co. “I would hope we would have support for that,” said Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District). “Our children deserve the best.” Assuming the revenue grows every year, the tax could generate up to $1.1 billion over almost 20 years. That money, proponents said, will help speed up school capital projects, improve the condition of the city’s aging school buildings and reduce future strain on the city’s general fund budget. “This could be life-changing for our students,” School Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) said as she appeared before the Council with several board colleagues. Officials have not yet specified which projects the tax would fund. School leaders are working on a long-term facilities plan, but Superintendent Jason Kamras has [signaled](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/) it won’t be done in time for the Nov. 3 election. Avula has promised that — if voters OK the sales tax proposal — he will seek to decrease the city’s 7.5% meals tax to 6.5% and lower Richmond’s real estate tax rate by one cent, dropping it from $1.20 per $100 of assessed value to $1.19. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Though Council members seemed to agree on pursuing the new revenue, some stressed the need for clear communication to residents about why the tax increase is necessary and where the funds will go. Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) departed from the night’s celebratory tone somewhat when she said officials still have to convince voters the money won’t be mismanaged and will be used as advertised. “This is not a slam dunk,” said Gibson, who previously served on the School Board. Gibson also questioned the Avula administration’s strategy of tying the possibility of future property tax relief to the outcome of the sales tax proposal. She noted the administration had already [floated](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cao-floats-possibility-of-reducing-real-estate-tax-rate-next-year/) the prospect of a real estate tax reduction next year before the sales tax proposal was an option. “I’m just not sure that what we want to do is suggest that if they don’t support it we’re going to punish residents,” Gibson said. [Data: Richmond is in for a tough budget cycle, but it’s for a good causeThe property-tax gravy train will come to an abrupt halt this year.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2eff0c42-6b54-46a4-9bbb-04338b77ac3d.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-ee43236a-1241-4754-a6ea-6c2bc834a87a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/data-richmond-is-in-for-a-tough-budget-cycle-but-its-for-a-good-cause/) School Board candidate Jackie McDonnough, a former teacher running to unseat 6th District representative Anne Holton, sounded a similar note when she spoke during a public hearing. She said she supports the effort overall, but feels Richmonders will be more likely to go along if “questions about current school spending are put to rest.” McDonnough said state law requires school divisions to have a five-year facilities plan, and the School Board has [not hit its own timeline](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/) for producing such a plan. “This is an example of mismanagement,” McDonnough said, finishing her remarks by saying the current system “isn’t working for Richmond” and “we need a change from the status quo.” [Longtime science educator Jackie McDonnough enters race for 6th District School Board seatSome of the pillars of McDonnough’s campaigns are strong collective bargaining and higher pay for teachers, new and improved school facilities, no new charter schools in the division, and no ICE in schools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-6effd2fd-f915-4908-82fd-b4a9347459d4.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/mcdonnough-1-d88cfd11-939b-4ff6-b598-4496c7925461.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-science-educator-jackie-mcdonnough-enters-race-for-6th-district-school-board-seat/) [Anne Holton will run for her Richmond School Board seat in November’s special electionAnne Holton has been involved in campaigns since she was 5 years old. But this is the first time she’s on the ballot herself.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1a20156f-3cd9-4b8f-9d4d-99264fc05d42.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/holton-1-efd3dac8-9dc0-48ff-b2d4-cfb48469182c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/anne-holton-will-run-for-her-richmond-school-board-seat-in-novembers-special-election/) Across local, state and federal funding sources, RPS spent a little more than $24,000 per pupil in fiscal year 2025, according to data from the Virginia Department of Education, well above the $18,771 statewide average for operations spending. That’s partly a reflection of the higher needs of a high-poverty school division, but that data point often comes up in discussions over whether RPS uses its funding efficiently. The proposed meals tax reduction could potentially insulate city officials from pushback from the restaurant industry over higher taxes making it more expensive for Richmonders to dine out. Former Mayor Levar Stoney won approval for a meals tax increase in 2018, raising the city’s rate from 6% to 7.5%. That too was done with the goal of raising more money for schools, but drew strong opposition from some local restaurant owners. With the sales tax and meals tax, Richmond diners face a combined tax rate of 13.5%. Groceries are only taxed at 1% and would be exempt from the sales tax increase. Council Vice President Katherine Jordan (2nd District) said she was mindful of the burden the meals tax puts on restaurants. Because the sales tax proposal is broader, she said, it could help ease the pressure on restaurants. “If we have another tool like the 1% sales tax, I think it allows us to diversify what we are putting on their backs,” Jordan said. [Avula pitches meals, property tax cuts to win support for sales tax for Richmond schools“If we’re asking Richmonders to approve a new tax, then we should also look for every opportunity to pair that with a reduced tax somewhere else.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3b77f685-d191-4328-b50e-de64b9b351ad.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/1--conf-6-57be354b-aeab-4cdb-89f7-ac601030f73d.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-pitches-meals-property-tax-cuts-to-win-support-for-sales-tax-for-richmond-schools/) The one-cent reduction proposed for the real estate tax rate could help ease the sticker shock many Richmond homeowners could feel next year when the city sends out new property assessments. Because officials [skipped a reassessment cycle](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-coming-with-richmond-real-estate-tax-bills-more-growth-then-a-freeze/) to sync up the process with the city’s budget schedule, the next round of assessments will be based on two years’ worth of expected growth in property values. If property values continue rising as they have recently, many homeowners would likely still see their tax bills increase even with a small reduction in the rate. In a challenge to Avula’s proposal, Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) is again [introducing](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Ffbabd85f-12f6-4071-a143-dd2da92cd2d2.html) a proposal to reduce the tax rate by four cents, starting in the 2028 tax year. That ordinance was officially filed Monday night but has not been taken up by the Council. Together, the tax relief proposals put forth by Avula could help city officials sell the sales tax proposal and offset some of the impact of the increase. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. On Monday, proponents stressed that out-of-town visitors would pay a substantial portion of the sales tax, which isn’t typically the case with other revenue sources. The money would technically be collected by the state and effectively put into a “lockbox” ensuring it could only be used for the intended purpose of building and renovating schools. “This is a unique opportunity that does not come along often,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. City officials don’t need direct voter approval for the two tax relief measures, which means the ballot question will only focus on the proposed sales tax increase. If approved on Election Day, the Council would have to take a second vote to formally enact the tax. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### UPDATED: Some Richmonders report brown water as broken pipe is returned to service URL: https://www.richmonder.org/some-richmonders-report-brown-water-as-broken-pipe-is-returned-to-service/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T02:25:58.000Z **Update from the city**: “DPU crews have completed hydrant flushing to remove any remaining sedimentation. Customers still experiencing discolored water should flush their plumbing through their cold-water faucet. If after several minutes the issue is not resolved, customers can report it to DPU at 804-646-4646.” **Original story**: The City of Richmond said Monday night that it is aware of some customers reporting water discoloration. "This is likely due to returning the 36 inch water main back to service after isolating it over the July 4 weekend and not a water quality issue," a Department of Public Utilities spokesperson wrote. "Crews are actively flushing hydrants to remove any sedimentation. "Customers may also flush their plumbing through their cold-water faucet." [UPDATE: Water restoration achieved, full repairs to take ‘several weeks’“During that time, we will continue to maintain service to all users, and water disruption is not anticipated.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3d98c826-863f-41bc-966a-ca4b101fba93.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/ACNJRH-1-25189472-b9b4-4082-a690-2360970e157d.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/developing-some-richmond-water-customers-lost-pressure-overnight/) On July 3, a water main break resulted in reduced pressure for a number of customers. Those repairs were completed, and the pipe was planned to be restored to service on Monday. In a press release, the city detailed the return to service. "Crews successfully repaired the 36-inch water main in the canal by replacing the damaged section," [the release said](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/DPU-Meets-All-Requirements-to-Return-36-inch-Water-Main-Back-to-Service.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=xGUV5UTt%5F%5F0). "Subsequent pressure testing, disinfection and water quality sampling to verify the integrity of the pipe and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements have all been completed. DPU will return the section of pipe to service on Monday. This will allow a full contingent of staff to be available to meet the needs of system and our customers." *This has been a breaking news update.* [***Sign up for The Richmonder's free email newsletter here.***](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Following Council vote, Richmond transfers medical 911 calls back to ambulance authority URL: https://www.richmonder.org/following-council-vote-richmond-transfers-medical-911-calls-back-to-ambulance-authority/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T17:06:13.000Z On Monday morning, the city government officially handed primary responsibility for medical 911 calls back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority. The transfer ended a two-year stretch when the city’s own emergency communications department was taking the initial calls, then relaying information to the RAA so emergency responders could be dispatched. Before 2024, RAA handled the calls, which makes this week’s switch a return to the prior system. As of 9 a.m. Monday, medical 911 calls will now immediately be transferred to the external authority, according to a [city news release](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/City-of-Richmond-to-Transfer-Medical-911-Calls-to-Richmond-Ambulance-Authority.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=09l5h1cg5Q4). That means callers will interact more directly with the entity sending the ambulance. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The Council voted for the change on June 8 after members agreed with [concerns](https://www.richmonder.org/ambulance-authority-city-department-battle-over-who-will-field-richmond-911-calls/) RAA had raised about response accuracy slipping due to the authority’s limited role in handling 911 calls. The Council’s ordinance gave the city 30 days to make the switch, but there was some friction over when and how responsibility over medical calls would be handed back to RAA. Mayor Danny Avula’s administration [initially suggested](https://www.richmonder.org/the-city-council-ordered-a-change-to-medical-911-calls-in-30-days-the-avula-administration-wants-more-time-to-prep/) there could be more bureaucratic and legal hurdles to clear before the Council’s wishes could be enacted. After further discussion, the Avula administration [later said](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-now-says-medical-911-call-switch-will-happen-in-late-july/) the change would occur on July 27. At several points in the process, officials raised concerns that a rushed process could cause problems with a life-or-death service. However, Monday’s news release suggested things were going as planned. Richmonders can continue calling 911 for emergencies, and if they need medical assistance they’ll be transferred to the RAA. If a caller needs a police or fire response in addition to medical help, the fire or police dispatch will come first, then the caller will be connected to the RAA. “We understand that any change to the 911 process may raise questions, which is why preparation has been such a critical part of this transition,” said Stephen Willoughby, Director of the city’s Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response. “Our priority throughout this transition has been making sure residents experience a smooth, uninterrupted path to the help they need.” In the city-issued release, ambulance authority CEO Chip Decker also expressed confidence in the preparation. “Our agency is fully prepared to resume processing emergency medical calls, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best service possible to the community,” Decker said. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### July 27 Newsletter: Talkin' Taxes URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-27-newsletter-talkin-taxes/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T10:00:48.000Z **Weather:** The humidity returns. High of 89. **On this date** in 1998, local governments complain that Gov. Jim Gilmore is not compensating them quickly enough for his promise to abolish the car tax. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8650-1-1.jpg) ### GRTC: Service cuts may be necessary after private fundraising push finds few takers The transit company will begin floating plans to cut bus service in the region by 20% — a step the agency says will be necessary if funding levels remain flat in coming years. 🚍 GRTC has been struggling to sustain its popular fare-free policy after state and federal funding that paid for it ran out two years ago, but remains committed to it. GRTC plans to put forward two scenarios for proposed cuts: One that would prioritize serving the most possible riders by focusing cuts on low-ridership lines, and a second that would prioritize high coverage by maintaining existing route coverage, but at reduced frequency. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/grtc-service-cuts-may-be-necessary-after-private-fundraising-push-finds-few-takers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-5.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/) ### School funding roundup [**RPS won’t have facility spending plan in place before November election**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/) – Jason Kamras said the district won’t have a facilities plan in place before a November election asks voters to raise the sales tax by 1% to fund school construction. The plan, required by state law, has been promised for the last two years. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/) [**Avula pitches meals, property tax cuts to win support for sales tax for Richmond schools**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-pitches-meals-property-tax-cuts-to-win-support-for-sales-tax-for-richmond-schools/) – The mayor and Council leaders said they will decrease the meals tax by 1% and the real estate tax by one cent if the new tax passes. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-pitches-meals-property-tax-cuts-to-win-support-for-sales-tax-for-richmond-schools/) [**Chesterfield Board proposes property tax cut if 1% sales tax increase for schools passes**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-proposes-property-tax-cut-if-1-sales-tax-increase-for-schools-passes/) – The board's chair said Chesterfield parents are concerned about the condition of their children’s school buildings and the potential for overcrowding. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-proposes-property-tax-cut-if-1-sales-tax-increase-for-schools-passes/) [**Letter: RPS won't offer bus rides home to elementary students in after-school programs due to budget cuts**](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-rps-wont-offer-bus-rides-home-to-elementary-students-in-after-school-programs-due-to-bu/) – A grant from City Council will preserve transportation for middle-school students. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-rps-wont-offer-bus-rides-home-to-elementary-students-in-after-school-programs-due-to-bu/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-28.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/urban-design-committee-recommends-denial-of-shockoe-valley-road-revamps/) ### Urban Design Committee recommends denial of Shockoe Valley road revamps Under the project, four new roundabouts would be constructed at Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, North 18th and Venable streets, Mosby and Venable streets and Leigh and Mosby streets. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure would be built throughout the network, and street trees and new lighting would be installed. 🚸 “99% of this project, we are ecstatic to see. It is a vast improvement,” the commiittee's secretary said. But they had concerns with pedestrian safety at one of the roundabouts, as well as the use of potential additional land that would be obtained by eminent domain. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/urban-design-committee-recommends-denial-of-shockoe-valley-road-revamps/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-29.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-megan-shockley-hosts-evenings-of-music-and-human-connection/) ### Megan Shockley hosts evenings of music and human connection For traveling musicians, Megan and her husband Jeff offer up more than just a basement venue. They also extend them a free place to stay and dinner — experiences that they say have been some of the most memorable parts of their enterprise. 🎵 Shockley is quick to point out that she is just one of several residents in the Richmond area who has begun hosting private shows in recent years. Like many of those spaces, the Shockleys’ Stonehenge residence offers listening room-style shows where the focus is on the music rather than just the social experience. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-megan-shockley-hosts-evenings-of-music-and-human-connection/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**A $52K AI assistant is answering Richmond's non-emergency calls**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/21/richmond-amazon-ai-non-emergency-calls) (Axios Richmond) - About 10% to 15% of non-emergency calls are handled entirely by AI. - [**A yearbook for the local music scene, Richmond Chronicle now has a permanent spot to take portraits**](https://www.styleweekly.com/picture-book/) (Style Weekly) - "While not everyone is on the stage, they’re just as important to that community." - [**'In-Your-Face' Fireworks malfunction at Squirrels game; no serious injuries reported**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-your-face-fireworks-malfunction-at-squirrels-game-no-serious-injuries-reported/) - "Pyro Shows sincerely apologizes to all the fans and families in attendance during this distressing event." --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-30.png)](https://championships.usga.org/usjunioramateur/2026/articles/maclauchlin-beats-russell-78th-us-junior-am-title.html) Congrats to Chesterfield's Noah Maclauchlan, who [**won the Tiger Woods Trophy**](https://championships.usga.org/usjunioramateur/2026/articles/maclauchlin-beats-russell-78th-us-junior-am-title.html) this weekend as the best amateur golfer in America younger than 19. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### RPS won’t have facility spending plan in place before November election URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rps-wont-have-facility-spending-plan-in-place-before-november-election/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T09:00:55.000Z Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said the district won’t have a facilities plan in place before a November election asks voters to raise the sales tax by 1% to fund school construction. At a press conference with members of City Council and Mayor Danny Avula, the mayor stressed that “every new dollar should come with accountability,” in an effort to hold the division accountable. He asked for the city administration, City Council and public to participate in developing the master facilities plan. The plan would help dictate what school projects the revenue from the additional tax, [estimated at $47 million a year](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-pitches-meals-property-tax-cuts-to-win-support-for-sales-tax-for-richmond-schools/), would pay for. “If we're asking Richmond residents to approve a new tax, even for something as important as schools, we want you to be confident that those dollars will be stewarded well and invested thoughtfully,” he said. But “the plan won’t be available in time” when residents vote in November, Kamras later said. “I actually think it’s a good thing in a way that we have the opportunity for the city to weigh in and to share what they believe the priorities should be as we take the next step with this fund.” The facilities plan has been a contentious issue for RPS over the last several years. A five-year plan is required under state law, and Sen. Lamont Bagby (D-Richmond) raised the issue at a meeting last year where he was asked to lobby for more state funding for RPS. “I called Henrico, I called Chesterfield … they sent their capital improvement plans to me, like that,” he said at the time. “Right now, we don’t have anything before us.” [RPS summit with state legislators produces friction over budget requestsBagby said he was upset the superintendent referred to the legislators as “folks across the street” while watching the news.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-803ebad2-cd77-46ec-91d7-2ebb85e1069a.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/state-rps-2-9607157d-75ac-4d60-8ecf-e97c8ec08c44.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-summit-with-state-legislators-produces-friction-over-budget-requests/) The first public reference to RPS developing such a plan came at a School Board meeting [in Aug. 2024](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/D7SHVG4A54A6/$file/Dreams4RPS%20First%20Draft%20for%208-5-24%20Board%20Meeting.pdf), with the goal being to produce a plan by Fall 2025. In Nov. 2025, the administration [presented to the Board again](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DN3KJ8520ED7/$file/Action%205.1%20Facilities%20Master%20Plan%20Process%20for%2011-10-25%20Board%20Work%20Session.pdf), this time proposing a planning process that would lead to a completed document in Fall 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-60565d50-a034-4c79-bad5-10ded1648ea3.png) [RPS resumes work on a master facility plan as needs continue to growThe district will return to long-term planning as it balances new construction and maintenance needs.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-03493189-106a-4058-b9c2-6e1f940d7aca.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rhsa-tour-7-2e64a037-569d-4a7e-88cd-102fa0f1d8b6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-resumes-work-on-a-master-facility-plan-as-needs-continue-to-grow/) The superintendent said on Thursday that the plan is in the early stages and will go through a stakeholder engagement process this fall with the goal of presenting the School Board a first draft by the winter. When asked about the reason for the delay, Kamras said that while the division has the [facility assessment data](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-need-43-7-million-in-immediate-repairs-find-reports-on-building-conditions/) collected from 2024, administrators still have to gather additional data, like enrollment projections, that it can present to the public before it can weigh in on what projects will be prioritized. He added that it is also hard to gather families and members of the community during the summer when school is out. “There’s no plan that’s on the shelf that the public doesn’t see,” he said. “This will be a 100% transparent process.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Already on the division’s radar is funding the second phase of the new career and technical building located on the city’s Southside, roughly costing $118 million, and constructing the new Woodville Elementary, at $53 million. The division was previously at risk of losing a state grant meant to help build the school because officials said there wasn’t enough money to get the project started. [RPS has designed a new Woodville Elementary, but there’s still not enough money to start the projectThe funding shortfall has loomed over the project for years, casting doubt among school officials about whether it will ever happen.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-dd5d219b-03dc-4878-8c0e-915ae5b568b7.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/woodville-a1144531-8561-4679-8d7e-5699359d9820.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-designed-a-new-woodville-elementary-but-theres-still-not-enough-money-to-start-the-project/) [RPS eyes opening new Southside Technical Center in 2028, but financial concerns loomKamras assured the Board that funding was available for the first phase of construction of the new center, but said the second phase “is going to take much more investment.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-fcde4cde-6dca-4b0e-967b-d71cdbb14758.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rendering-7468823d-925a-4412-8317-3d21f4df1bb8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-eyes-opening-new-southside-technical-center-in-2028-but-financial-concerns-loom/) *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Urban Design Committee recommends denial of Shockoe Valley road revamps URL: https://www.richmonder.org/urban-design-committee-recommends-denial-of-shockoe-valley-road-revamps/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T13:23:29.000Z Richmond’s Urban Design Committee has recommended that a major revamp of streets in and around Shockoe Valley be denied in hopes that city officials will revise the plan to address concerns about pedestrian safety at a roundabout near Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and the use of public space off Oliver Hill Way. “I would not want to go on record saying I approve of this as it is, whether or not it's overruled by the Planning Commission,” said UDC member Erik Bootsma. “I would want my objection to be known.” Throughout a more than two-hour discussion at its July 16 meeting, members of the committee, public and Planning Department staff made it clear that they believed much of the final plan for the [Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project](https://shockoevalleystreets.com/) put forward by Richmond’s Department of Public Works and its consultant, RK&K Engineers, was a big step up from what currently exists. “99% of this project, we are ecstatic to see. It is a vast improvement,” said Ray Roakes, a city planner and secretary for the UDC. “We’re taking an industrial neighborhood that's getting a lot of residential development and making it actually a much more livable and safe space to exist in.” Under [the almost $50 million plan](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8125035&GUID=F5A08104-5AD1-4DAA-9551-0FEA3BCFCB91&Options=&Search=), which has secured over $33 million in state Smart Scale funding, both North 18th Street and Oliver Hill Way would be converted to two-way roads from the one-way arteries they currently are. Four new roundabouts would be constructed at Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street, North 18th and Venable streets, Mosby and Venable streets and Leigh and Mosby streets. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure would be built throughout the network, and street trees and new lighting would be installed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-f391faab-385d-4c9a-9784-732acb74614d.png) The improvements have drawn praise from groups including the National Association of City Transportation Officials, Bike Walk RVA, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and RVA Rapid Transit, which in 2024 wrote letters of support in their favor. If the project “was just simply a matter of improving public safety and traffic flow and all those things, it’s marvelous,” said Bootsma. But on two issues, there were serious qualms. The first concerns the conversion of roughly a city block worth of land for the roundabout at Oliver Hill Way and Venable Street that would give local drivers or those exiting Interstate 95 easier access to the Union Hill, Mosby and Church Hill neighborhoods. The construction of the traffic circle, which would sit on a formerly industrial lot the city intends to take using eminent domain, would result in a patchwork of “residual” green space. Another roundabout would be sited immediately adjacent to the primary circle, at North 18th and Venable streets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-874a4206-3bde-49f8-94fa-e1191831b5f1.png) Owen Peery, RK&K’s transportation director, said engineers “don’t know yet” how the land around the Oliver Hill circle would be used, although he added, “We are working with staff on that to resolve what those spaces become.” The issue was flagged by the UDC and Planning Commission at a review seven years ago, when they directed Public Works to do a study of the residual land. Both Planning Department staff and UDC members remained unhappy this July with the amount of leftover space the new roundabout would produce, recommending that the design be reexamined. “The remaining areas would be very difficult to use for anything other than a green space area, and even then, still very difficult to access green space,” said Roakes. UDC member Eva Clarke noted that the traffic circle would be the first thing drivers exiting Interstate 95 would encounter in the city. “You’re in a roundabout with green space that’s nothing really,” she said. “It could be a beautiful thing, but it could end up just being weed lots.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. DPW Deputy Director M.S. Khara told the committee that the department agreed the residual space needed to be put to “the highest and best use” and said a separate initiative could determine what that was. But he discouraged any relocation of the roundabout, whose configuration RK&K Transportation Director Owen Peery said was the result of both engineering constraints and an effort to impact as few privately owned parcels of land as possible. “With the grades and everything that’s going on in that area, we feel like we have the correct solution, even though the individual land maybe is not what you would like,” said Peery, who told the committee engineers had “looked at 18 other options probably.” A 2019 white paper by RK&K [included in a review of plans](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3953712&GUID=74580CC9-F9E2-43F7-8295-7DBE7665DCF4&Options=&Search=) at the time assessed four of those possible configurations. In one exchange about the layout, UDC member Amelia Wehunt told the body, “I don’t think it’s right to push them into buying more parcels and taking more property.” “I don’t know that the recommendations, the ways to change the design, though, are possible without taking more private property,” she continued. But Bootsma said he wasn’t “sure that that’s necessarily true without having seen alternatives.” ### **Leigh and Mosby roundabout** Plans for the roundabout at the intersection of Mosby Street and the Leigh Street Viaduct also caused unhappiness among numerous UDC members, who said that the inclusion of a bypass lane for traffic turning right from the viaduct onto Mosby Street would allow unsafe speeds that put pedestrians at risk. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-b95b32ea-1e4a-43e5-82ec-2db95e8823db.png) “If we’re supposed to be prioritizing pedestrians and other means of transit over cars, why is there a bypass lane?” asked member Keith Van Inwegen. Chris Daily, a traffic engineer with RK&K, said the plans had sought to produce “a balance of all the modes” of transportation. “We still need to get vehicles through this intersection,” he said. “It’s a busy intersection.” Daily told the committee that traffic modeling had shown that without the bypass lane, cars would stack up several blocks to the north of the intersection along Mosby Street, making it less safe for pedestrians to cross along that stretch. And he and colleague David Beale said the design of the road would force cars to slow down even within the bypass lane. “This notion that this is a speedway is incorrect,” said Daily. UDC members remained skeptical, however. Slowing cars down along Mosby could make it safer for pedestrians, several averred, while Timothy Hamnett called the way the roundabout routes pedestrians and bicyclists “really disjointed” and said it “asks for people to move in ways and bicycles to move in ways that they don’t.” Others objected to engineers’ statement that cars in the roundabout would yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. “I've lived here my whole life. Nobody stops for pedestrians unless the car in front of you does, or an out-of-towner is doing it,” said Jessie Gemmer. “It's just a really bad habit the city has.” While the majority of debate at the July 16 meeting focused on concerns about the two roundabouts, other issues also arose. Gemmer said the project was missing “human-scale design thinking.” Cyane Crump, executive director of Historic Richmond, argued that the roundabout-heavy design and the widening of Oliver Hill Way “extend the highway into the city, create a sinuous suburban-style road in place of the historic rectilinear grid and gives large amounts of land over to the automobile.” And Emily Schreer of Bike Walk RVA praised the overall project but asked for an evaluation of some of the bike infrastructure, including a two-way bike track envisioned on Mosby Street. ### **A long timeline** The seeds of the Shockoe Valley project date back to a 2013 state interstate [study](https://shockoevalleystreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/I-95-I-64-Overlap%5FFinal%5FReport%5F032713%5FNo%5FAppendix.pdf) that suggested the one-way North 18th Street and Oliver Hill Way be converted into two-way roads and a series of roundabouts be built throughout the area. Other transportation problems have long been evident. Drivers have complained about the poor condition of North 18th and Oliver Hill Way, and their long, straight stretches have encouraged speeding. Bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure is lacking. One crossing at the intersection of the Leigh Street Viaduct and Mosby Street, which borders both MLK Middle and Mosby Court South, requires pedestrians to traverse 120 feet of road. “The area where I come and go every day is extremely dangerous,” said Craig Martin of Shockoe Records. “So anything we can do to improve that, both for pedestrians and also for cyclists, is important to me.” In 2019, a conceptual plan for the improvements by the Department of Public Works [got the blessing of both the UDC and the Planning Commission](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3953712&GUID=74580CC9-F9E2-43F7-8295-7DBE7665DCF4&Options=&Search=), which has the ultimate say on whether the “location, character and extent” of public projects are appropriate. But the long gap between that approval and the bringing of the final plans to the UDC appears to have complicated the process. “Plans were made six years ago, reviewed here six years ago,” said Bootsma. “The situation has changed, personalities have changed. The opinions of people in the city, I think, have changed.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Still, some members of the committee worried about the implications of recommending a denial so late in the game. “Going back to undo something that was approved conceptually without conditions — those two roundabouts — I think is bad governance,” said Van Inwegen, who ended up casting the sole vote against the denial recommendation. Khara of the Department of Public Works attributed the delays to archaeological and environmental studies the city has been required to do. Throughout the July hearing, he urged the UDC to move the project forward, saying it was “at a very critical stage” and indicating some funding could be at risk. “Is there a chance that if they lose the funding, this project just doesn’t happen?” Gemmer asked at one point. “Yes,” Roakes replied. “I can say this project has changed over the years from the original Smart Scale application, so it is possible to change,” he continued. “But we've already changed it so much, it's going to start becoming somewhat embarrassing if we continue to change it. So that’s not ideal. But our job is not to deal with the intricacies of the funding. ... Our job is to decide: Is this good from the master plan?” Jensen Gavulic, a spokesperson for Richmond’s Department of Transportation, which is part of DPW, told The Richmonder the state had confirmed “there is not a specific SMART SCALE deadline requiring construction to begin by a certain date.” However, she noted, “moving projects forward in a timely manner helps ensure these investments are delivered as planned and provide the intended benefits to the community.” The project will now go to the Planning Commission, which will have the final say on its design. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Letter: RPS won't offer bus rides home to elementary students in after-school programs due to budget cuts URL: https://www.richmonder.org/letter-rps-wont-offer-bus-rides-home-to-elementary-students-in-after-school-programs-due-to-bu/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T14:53:04.000Z In a letter sent to families last week, a city official announced that Richmond Public Schools will not provide transportation home from after-school programs for elementary school students during the upcoming school year. “We understand that many families have relied on this service in previous years, and we recognize the impact that this change may have on you,” wrote Eva Colen, senior policy advisor for the city’s Office of Children & Families. “To allow you as much time as possible to make alternative arrangements to transport your child home from after-school programming, we are sharing this update as soon as we could.” [Read the full letter hereJuly 23 transportation letter.pdf124 KBdownload-circle](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/07/July-23-transportation-letter.pdf "Download") Transportation will not be provided specifically for after-school programs offered by the YMCA and the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Colen pointed to the division’s budgetary constraints. The Richmond School Board recently adopted a budget that eliminated in-house transportation and security for after school providers, saving the division a little more than $700,000\. [RPS officially adopts $551.5 million budget for next fiscal year, city contribution helps plug late holeThe city swooped in at the eleventh hour to help fill a late budget gap.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-fba65137-ab5b-40fb-9bbe-af9b05368f22.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/school-board-names-rps-ea43ec59-5a24-47ed-aea5-11f534e63cba.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-officially-adopts-551-5-million-budget-for-next-fiscal-year-city-contribution-helps-plug-late-hole/) City Council stepped in to help fund transportation, but only for middle school after-school programs, by appropriating $483,000 to NextUp RVA – a local intermediary. Superintendent Jason Kamras reiterated that the division will not be able to provide transportation at this time. “That was something we added in after the pandemic with pandemic-era funding,” he said at a press conference welcoming students back to school at Cardinal Elementary. “The city asked us if we could continue it for as long as we could \[and\] we did.” “Of course, we are always looking for ways to fund these things.” It is unclear if security will continue to be provided at the elementary after-school programs. The new school year begins for the division’s four 200-day schools – Cardinal Elementary, Fairfield Court Elementary, Oak-Grove Bellemeade Elementary and Woodville Elementary – on Monday. The remaining elementary schools begin their year on August 24\. *This story has been updated to include a comment from Superintendent Jason Kamras. Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### RPS officially adopts $551.5 million budget for next fiscal year, city contribution helps plug late hole URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rps-officially-adopts-551-5-million-budget-for-next-fiscal-year-city-contribution-helps-plug-late-hole/ Last updated: 2026-07-26T16:32:37.000Z After a long and arduous budget process, the Richmond School Board unanimously voted Thursday night to adopt a roughly $551.5 million budget. The city swooped in at the eleventh hour to help fill a late budget gap, as Mayor Danny Avula announced that he would make a budget amendment to appropriate $4.78 million to the schools collected from delinquent taxes on short-term rentals in the city. The Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority, which holds the delinquent tax money, granted Avula’s request to expedite giving Richmond the funds early to help the schools, following a meeting last week. “While it is of course not the entire deficit, it helps tremendously, and we’re just grateful for the partnership,” said Superintendent Jason Kamras, a sentiment echoed by School Board members. [City will receive early access to tax money, intends to use it to support RPSThe decision comes after RPS found itself in an $8.9 million budget hole.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3e860667-ed88-4847-8c56-3c2fd7392b19.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-a2d7d34e-3af0-41ff-9d1c-c995e3a362a4.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-receive-early-access-to-tax-money-intends-to-use-it-to-support-rps/) The division will receive an increase in funding from both the city and state – about $13 million and $11 million, respectively – for next year’s budget, with the city noting its funding for the schools represents an all-time high. However, increased costs and promised raises, as well as the end of some one-time funding sources, meant the district started its budget process needing to make cuts. Those cuts initially included the elimination of 46 full-time positions in the central office and the closure of the Richmond Virtual Academy. But the initial budget projected that the state would contribute nearly $9 million more than they ended up contributing. And the state budget was turned in late, creating the need for more last-minute cuts. The city's additional funding helped prevent the elimination of all annual substitute teachers and reduction to contracts with mental health services, two cuts that were proposed. It also decreased the number of proposed eliminated teacher vacancies from 15 to five at some middle and high schools, increasing some class sizes from an average of 21 to 24\. It is still unclear which schools those teacher vacancies will be eliminated from. But it still left about $4.2 million that the Richmond School Board [had to address through other cuts](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DW9PRQ65E657/$file/Revised%20FY27%20Budget%20Update%20for%207-23-26%20Special%20Board%20Meeting.pdf). The administration proposed new ways to dial back spending – reduced spending on non-required contracts and a reduction in instructional positions within the division's alternative education programs. Both proposals will save the division nearly $1 million. Superintendent Jason Kamras said that because the division is reorganizing its facilities department and filling key vacancies within the department, he believes that RPS can reduce its reliance on external vendors providing HVAC, plumbing and electrical services. [Hathaway report: RPS director asked subordinates to help him disable security cameras; dozens of purchases remain unaccounted for“This constitutes a gross abuse of authority.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1d1ddcda-be4f-4d9a-b7a7-44891211877f.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-1-1--3--60d6e0ed-c60b-4855-838e-d807a89c5e10.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) The administration also reviewed class sizes within THRIVE and ASPIRE academies, alternative school programs for students who don’t have enough credits to catch up through accelerated small classrooms to get their high school diploma. Enrollment was lower than expected, Kamras said, and administrators noted that the programs can reduce the number of instructors “while maintaining core compliance and instructional integrity.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. While the Board expressed its appreciation for the additional money, Anne Holton (6th District) emphasized that the division is still running some of its budget, particularly the city contribution towards saving annual substitutes, on one-time funding. She theorized that the division historically has relied on one-time funding to fund teachers with the intention of getting good results and later showing those results as evidence for hopefully getting more money. “It’s a risky strategy, but it’s not a crazy strategy and I’d like to think it’s maybe a deliberate strategy,” she said. She pointed to the state for being the vehicle to bring in that additional funding. The General Assembly has set aside money in the budget to help begin the process of addressing a new state funding formula. [School funding is often the biggest budget fight. Why hasn’t Richmond found a better way?Members from both sides are now saying different things as to whether or not the formula exists.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-91d349eb-2ba4-47f2-b653-710754ffe246.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/fernandez-e179ee9b-38fb-4b0a-af5d-8bd619dd8ac1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/school-funding-is-often-the-biggest-budget-fight-why-hasnt-richmond-found-a-better-way/) Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) also asked the administration to begin thinking how the one-time funding will impact the budget next year. “The RPS community deserves consistency, transparency and efficiency,” she said. Katie Ricard (2nd District) also told the Board that the administration should spend time reviewing operations and systems to see if anything could be tightened and made more efficient, as this past budget cycle showed the need for that. “Sometimes we just get so focused on this is how we’ve always done it, but we’re in different times,” she said. “The city and the state expect us to be good stewards of our funds.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### The Richmonder 25: Megan Shockley hosts evenings of music and human connection URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-megan-shockley-hosts-evenings-of-music-and-human-connection/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:42:13.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* Megan Shockley knows it’s tough out there for musicians trying to make it full-time. “They are losing venues,” she said. “The door cut is getting more challenging. A lot of places are making them pay to play. Some places are taking cuts of their merch.” So the historian — a former professor and real estate agent who now works at the Shockoe Institute — came up with a plan: She and her husband, Jeff, would begin hosting private shows at their home in Chesterfield County. People who loved music but were less likely to travel into the heart of Richmond for a late-night show could get an intimate evening immersed in tunes; the artists could get 100% of the proceeds. “We wanted to do something more like what you would see in the city, but out here in the ’burbs,” she said. “We're also kind of trying to build a really inclusive community. Everyone's welcome. Kids have come. We've had toddlers, we’ve had teenagers. … if you really want to listen to good music, professional musicians, this is the place to be.” Shockley is quick to point out that she is just one of several residents in the Richmond area who has begun hosting private shows in recent years. Ask her about them, and she’ll reel off a list of names: [Garland Garage](https://www.instagram.com/garlandgaragerva/), [Flowerama House](https://www.instagram.com/floweramahouse/), [Mulberry Sessions](https://www.instagram.com/mulberrysessions/), [Haus of Riverside](https://www.instagram.com/hausofriverside/) and [Bellwether Garage](https://www.styleweekly.com/musical-mechanics/), among others. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Like many of those spaces, the Shockleys’ Stonehenge residence offers listening room-style shows where the focus is on the music rather than just the social experience. Guests find out who’s playing via social media posts or a mailing list and then RSVP to Shockley if they’re interested. Payment goes directly to the artists, who typically play one and a half to two hours of music, with a break in between sets. “We treat it like a private party,” said Shockley. “I have an invite, and you RSVP to the invite.” Also important to the pair: making sure the space is accessible to all. Because the shows take place in the home’s finished basement, there are no steps concertgoers have to navigate. Chairs are provided, as well as cups and ice; any other beverages are BYOB. The concept has taken off. Although the Shockleys only began hosting shows earlier this year, they now have artists reaching out from all over and have booked performances through next May. Acoustic music is their sweet spot — folk, old-time, American roots, jazz and blues are just a few of the genres Shockley said they aim to showcase. “We don't have a lot of original music in Chesterfield County. Not to say we don't have fantastic musicians, but it tends to be a lot of cover bands,” she said. “That's just kind of the way it is here, and that's not what I want to necessarily see all the time. So I bring people who I think are really interesting and doing cool things.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Some of the featured musicians, like the roots and blues band Sheryl and the Southside Homewreckers, are local. Others, like Nashvillean Jeff Miller, Kansas-based Joy Zimmerman and Detroit-based Mike Ward, come from more far-flung places. For the travelers, the Shockleys offer up more than just a venue. They also extend them a free place to stay and dinner — experiences that they say have been some of the most memorable parts of their enterprise. The human connections, in fact, are part of the point of the performances. In an age of AI, “you cannot replicate live music,” said Shockley. “They are real people who have written real songs themselves, sitting down there playing in front of you,” she said. And, she added, “That $20 you pay to a musician at a house show means so much more to them than that $600 ticket you bought to somebody who’s been playing since the 1990s.” Building that kind of culture and community in the Richmond area is important to both of the Shockleys, who have been long-time supporters of Gallery 5 and are frequent attendees of music venues around the city. Reveler, the Carytown venue where their son, an aspiring jazz musician now at the University of Tennessee, got some formative experience performing, was one inspiration for their own project. “We are an unsung music town,” Shockley said. “It's shocking to me that people don't know about how good Richmond is, how great we are. I just wish we could support artists more than we do as a city.” --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### 'In-Your-Face' Fireworks malfunction at Squirrels game; no serious injuries reported URL: https://www.richmonder.org/in-your-face-fireworks-malfunction-at-squirrels-game-no-serious-injuries-reported/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T21:45:11.000Z A scheduled fireworks show following the Richmond Flying Squirrels game on Thursday night was shut down early after the fireworks malfunctioned and began flying across the field. In past years, the team's contractor set off fireworks behind the outfield wall, but the layout of the new CarMax Park has seats in that area, meaning the show has been brought to the center of the field. The show was marketed as "In-Your-Face Fireworks," a promotion the team has been running for years. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbKTc25CTJC/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by WTVR CBS 6 (@cbs6)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbKTc25CTJC/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Fans posted video to social media, including an [angle from the outfield](https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1K8ousU9X1/) and a view from behind home plate [posted to Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1v4xj04/chaos%5Fcarmax%5Fpark/). In a statement emailed to The Richmonder, a Flying Squirrels spokesperson said there were no serious injuries. The statement said: "First and foremost, we are thankful no one was seriously injured as a result of the fireworks malfunction that occurred after Thursday night’s game," continuing that the team would work with the contractor, Pyro Shows, to determine what went wrong. Pyro Shows also sent a statement to local news outlets. The statement read, in part: "Pyro Shows sincerely apologizes to all the fans and families in attendance during this distressing event. We extend our deepest apologies to the Flying Squirrels organization to include management, players, and staff for this unfortunate incident." ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The company said it worked with Richmond Fire Department officials and will conduct a full investigation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-24-at-9.07.49---AM.png) Both statements, in full. (Richmond Flying Squirrels) The Squirrels are scheduled to continue their homestand with a game on Friday night. The next scheduled "In-Your-Face" fireworks show is Saturday night, the Squirrels said they will shoot those fireworks off from The Diamond. > [pic.twitter.com/Aid1oB9JnZ](https://t.co/Aid1oB9JnZ) > > — Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) [July 24, 2026](https://x.com/GoSquirrels/status/2080746256104607846?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Avula pitches meals, property tax cuts to win support for sales tax for Richmond schools URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-pitches-meals-property-tax-cuts-to-win-support-for-sales-tax-for-richmond-schools/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T13:04:52.000Z In what appeared to be the start of a campaign to convince voters to accept a 1% sales tax increase for school construction, Mayor Danny Avula told the public Thursday afternoon that he will decrease the meals tax by 1% and the real estate tax by one cent, “easing tax burdens on Richmond residents” if the referendum passes. “If we're asking Richmonders to approve a new tax, then we should also look for every opportunity to pair that with a reduced tax somewhere else,” he said. The sales tax in Richmond is currently 6% – it would go up to 7% if voters approve a ballot measure in November. The meals tax alone, which is assessed on top of the sales tax, is currently at 7.5%. Avula proposed bringing it down to 6.5%, which would result in the cost of prepared foods remaining consistent. Taxes on other goods would increase to 7%, but the increase in the sales tax would not apply to groceries, medicines and hygiene products. Avula also proposed reducing the real estate tax by one cent, to $1.19 per $100 assessed value, a [proposal previously floated by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cao-floats-possibility-of-reducing-real-estate-tax-rate-next-year/). “I know that it’s only a small reduction, but it moves us in the right direction to show fiscal discipline, long-term planning and returning money to the taxpayer,” he said. [What’s coming with Richmond real estate tax bills? More growth, then a freezeAfter this fall, the next change in property assessments won’t happen until May of 2027.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3fdcef2f-d7ab-43ae-827f-b6b9cb89c979.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/C3RP7J-977e8752-d8bd-427a-9574-3e24bc90ad4b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-coming-with-richmond-real-estate-tax-bills-more-growth-then-a-freeze/) The General Assembly recently allowed localities to grant voters the decision to add the extra sales tax that would go towards school construction through its passage of the state budget. The Richmond School Board soon after unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that City Council approve the referendum to go on the ballot this November, and it is expected that Council will oblige at its upcoming meeting on Monday. “It’s about giving Richmond residents the opportunity to decide whether we should create a dedicated long-term source of funding to build and renovate our schools,” said Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District). The sales tax could generate nearly $47 million for Richmond Public Schools’ building needs every year, beginning in 2028\. In many localities, officials sell bonds against those future revenues to allow for more immediate spending. Officials said the sales tax increase could bring $850 million in new spending to the division by 2034\. That would be nearly double what the schools currently get for facility improvements – $450 million within the same timeframe. Avula added that the tax would also save money from the city’s general fund to go towards other infrastructure needs, like public housing redevelopment. During this year’s budget cycle, RPS borrowed against future city payments to receive more money now. [Richmond schools get additional money for repairs in new budget, but it will be borrowed from future yearsThe fund, which was $2.5 million last year, is proposed to be $9.3 million this year.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f90649ce-3585-4b44-a3ca-be5913efd752.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-320c14d4-fdc9-40d4-a90c-73ff627cd0ff.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-get-additional-money-for-repairs-in-new-budget-but-it-will-be-borrowed-from-future-years/) City and school officials emphasized the substandard state that the old school buildings are in, with Superintendent Jason Kamras describing the division’s maintenance needs as “a billion-dollar challenge.” Avula referred to the [recent flooding](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-high-school-for-the-arts-closed-today-after-flooding/) inside the old Richmond High School for the Arts caused by a faulty HVAC system that closed the building down for good just days before school was out for the summer. “We have a rare and unique opportunity to rapidly accelerate the work of building better schools for more children,” Avula said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. While the meals tax is being lowered, it won’t result in a major hit to RPS. When the meals tax increase for schools was passed, City Council directed 20% of meals tax revenue to go to schools. That will remain the case at the lower 6.5% meals tax rate, rather than RPS’ portion of the meals tax being removed. Chesterfield County recently approved putting the 1% sales tax increase on November’s ballot and presented a list of six projects that would be fully funded or accelerated by the new revenue. The county also proposed cutting their real estate tax by two cents to 87 cents. [Chesterfield Board proposes property tax cut if 1% sales tax increase for schools passesThe proposal would cut the real estate tax by two cents, to 87 cents per $100 of assessed value.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d91a9bbf-8ee0-4ee1-8e0b-72b9e9db48df.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/D80NW4--1--029c9f3f-36e6-4c0f-9dd8-daad7dda1da2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-proposes-property-tax-cut-if-1-sales-tax-increase-for-schools-passes/) The press conference also highlighted other city processes that have resulted in financial burdens for Richmond residents, including the recent utility billing glitch impacting payment processing issues for 15,000 accounts and the previous [miscalculated meals tax penalties handed to restaurant owners](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/how-richmond-plans-to-address-meals-tax-mistake-costing-businesses-thousands/). When asked if voters should be concerned with that history, Avula said he believes that the city has “ironed out many” of the penalties restaurants have complained about and that the administration has rolled out a new platform for utility payments. But there’s still work to do, he continued, especially in making sure that the public is educated on the cuts he is offering for a 1% sales tax. “This is a democracy. It is up to the people,” he said. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### July 24 Newsletter: Lawn length debates URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-24-newsletter-lawn-length-debates/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T10:00:17.000Z **Weather:** A gorgeous day awaits, with a high of 82, before humidity returns later in the weekend. **On this date** in 1985, the annual Boy Scouts Jamboree begins at Fort A.P. Hill with a concert by the Beach Boys. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-27.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-decades-richmond-mandated-tidy-lawns-a-new-proposal-would-give-native-plants-more-leeway/) ### For decades, Richmond mandated tidy lawns. A new proposal would give native plants more leeway. Steve Mothershead’s yard in Barton Heights is a riot of native plants — mountain mint, passionflower vines, redbud, elderberries, river oats and more. They spill around the house and the fence and populate the adjacent “hell strip,” the narrow ribbon of land between sidewalk and curb. They are abundant and unruly, buzzing with life and bursting along the property lines. Some neighbors, though, are less than enthralled. Richmond's rules, which date back to the 1950s, make it unlawful for grass and other non-ornamental or non-agricultural vegetation to exceed 12 inches. But as the years have passed, views on yards and gardens have changed. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/for-decades-richmond-mandated-tidy-lawns-a-new-proposal-would-give-native-plants-more-leeway/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-24.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/eda-director-to-squirrels-owner-i-hope-cooler-heads-can-prevail/) ### EDA offers partial access to CarMax Park entrance during WinterWorld; Squirrels owner blasts proposal as 'wholly unacceptable' Richmond EDA Director Angie Rodgers broke her silence regarding the ongoing feuds at CarMax Park involving Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella. - "If this is how the duration of your tenancy at CarMax Park is going to proceed, then we have a long and arduous road ahead of us," Rodgers wrote of DiBella's legal threats. - An attorney representing DiBella sent a five-page response calling the EDA's letter "unacceptable," and detailing what she described as a pattern of unresponsiveness from the city. DiBella's legal team also objected to a statement from the city that the two sides had been "working closely." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/eda-director-to-squirrels-owner-i-hope-cooler-heads-can-prevail/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-25-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/habitat-for-humanity-celebrates-100th-solar-installation/) ### Habitat for Humanity celebrates 100th solar installation Volunteers hoisted solar panels onto the roof of an Ashland home on Wednesday, celebrating the 100th installation of solar panels by Habitat for Humanity locally. When families living in Habitat homes are chosen for solar panel installation, they save an estimated $70-$80 a month in electricity costs, according to officials. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/habitat-for-humanity-celebrates-100th-solar-installation/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-23.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/watch-richmonds-first-parallel-parking-championship-featuring-nascar-driver-noah-gragson/) ### WATCH: Richmond's first Parallel Parking Championship, featuring NASCAR driver Noah Gragson Richmonders are not generally known for their driving acumen, but they put their best foot forward on Wednesday at the inaugural Parallel Parking Championship. [**See more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/watch-richmonds-first-parallel-parking-championship-featuring-nascar-driver-noah-gragson/) --- ### Obituaries - [**Bob Burrus, a civic leader who led McGuire Woods to national prominence, dies at 91**](https://www.richmonder.org/bob-burrus-a-civic-leader-who-led-mcguire-woods-to-national-prominence-dies-at-91/) - A UR official said Burrus was a “phenomenal person” and a “pivotal figure” at the university. - [**Mary File Clem, Health Brigade co-founder, dies at 79**](https://richmond.com/news/local/article%5Fa6766f00-7c44-4d19-b32f-3f1a97b3dff2.html) (Times-Dispatch) - What she and the other founders started now serves more than 12,000 individuals. - [**Remembrance: Julian “Alan” Sader, Lion of the Theater**](https://www.styleweekly.com/remembrance-julian-alan-sader-lion-of-the-theater-1940-2026/) (Style Weekly) - The local actor stormed on Richmond’s stages and served as the TV spokesman for ChildFund International. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) An annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-26.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-joe-kelleher-went-back-to-school-in-his-80s-to-help-veterans-with-ptsd/) ### Joe Kelleher went back to school in his 80s to help veterans with PTSD Kelleher, who served as a helicopter technician with the Marines, works with veterans who are suffering from PTSD, and has published an adapted curriculum and facilitator manual on the topic. At age 84 he can still swim two miles, and goes on cross-country bicycle trips with his son. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-joe-kelleher-went-back-to-school-in-his-80s-to-help-veterans-with-ptsd/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/); our donors get $30 off! --- ### In other news - [**Richmond climbs to No. 2 on LinkedIn's Cities on the Rise list**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/22/richmond-job-growth-linkedin-ranking-health-care-finance?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=newsletter%5Faxioslocal%5Frichmond&stream=top) (Axios Richmond) - Augusta, Georgia was No. 1, followed by Richmond then Reno, Sarasota and Harrisburg. - [**Netflix-inspired camp helps Richmonders with autism build social confidence**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-07-21/peers-rva-love-on-the-spectrum-autism-dating-relationships-redfern) (VPM) - Campers learned how to navigate situations common to romantic relationships, from establishing eye contact to figuring out whether someone is single. - [**It has poured at my house four days this month. How are we still in drought?**](https://cardinalnews.org/2026/07/22/it-has-poured-at-my-house-four-days-this-month-how-are-we-still-in-drought/) (Cardinal News) - A single decent rainfall doesn’t end a long-term severe to extreme drought like the one most of Virginia has been in for several months. - [**Plan 9 Music celebrates its 45th anniversary with a special concert tomorrow at Hardywood**](https://www.styleweekly.com/nines-lives/) (Style Weekly) - With proceeds going to the nonprofit radio station WRIR, the show will feature some of the area’s most notable musicians, past and present. --- ### The editor's desk Parallel parking only counts if you do it like we used to back in the day – without a backup camera. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### For decades, Richmond mandated tidy lawns. A new proposal would give native plants more leeway. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/for-decades-richmond-mandated-tidy-lawns-a-new-proposal-would-give-native-plants-more-leeway/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T20:48:24.000Z Steve Mothershead can pinpoint when one of the most recent warnings arrived from the city about his plants: It was the same week local public television station VPM came by to film his garden [for an episode of “Virginia Home Grown](https://www.pbs.org/video/conservation-landscaping-oy2lqb/).” Mothershead’s yard in the Barton Heights neighborhood of Richmond’s Northside is a riot of native plants — mountain mint, passionflower vines, redbud, elderberries, river oats and more. They spill around the house and the fence and populate the adjacent “hell strip,” the narrow ribbon of land between sidewalk and curb. They are abundant and unruly, buzzing with life and bursting along the property lines. “We’re talking landscaping that I paid for,” he said. “This isn’t even something where I’m putting plants in the ground and it’s looking kinda shabby.” Some neighbors obviously don’t agree. After reports to the city, Mothershead received warnings and finally a citation this summer for violating Richmond’s ordinance on weeds and other vegetation. [Those rules](https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO%5FCH11EN%5FARTIVRELIWECO%5FS11-105WEOTVE), which date back in various forms to the 1950s, make it unlawful for grass and other non-ornamental or non-agricultural vegetation to exceed 12 inches, for any vegetation to encroach on the sidewalk or alley or for a resident to fail to remove any dead materials from their yard. But as the years have passed, views on yards and gardens have changed across the U.S. Although a drive down nearly any street in the Richmond region would make it clear that turf grass lawns are still thriving, [mainstream views on them have been shifting](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/style/landscaping-lawn-green-alternatives.html). Besides requiring constant cutting during the warmer months (and, depending on the year, fertilizing and watering), grass lawns offer little ecological value, say opponents. Instead, environmental groups have increasingly promoted native plantings as a way to not only reduce consumption of valuable resources like water — [many natives can handle the vagaries of the local climate better](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/benefits) than those that evolved in other conditions — but also support local insect, bird and animal populations. Richmond has backed the push for natives. Among the many objectives the city included in its [2020 master plan](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/R300%5FAmended%5FRRHA%5Flowres%5F20250321.pdf) is to “increase the prevalence of native plant species and plants for healthy pollinator communities at public facilities and promote such planting on private lands.” Natives are “an easier way to maintain a yard with less mowing and less irrigation,” Daniel Klein of Richmond’s Office of Sustainability told a City Council committee last week. But while the two approaches of lawn and natives can and do coexist, those residents who have fully embraced the conversion like Mothershead can find themselves caught between two competing city goals: go native but also keep your property tidy enough to keep accusations of neglect at bay. This spring and summer, the Office of Sustainability has attempted to thread that needle by amending the weed ordinance to exempt native plantings from height rules as long as they meet certain criteria. Revising the rules to encourage native plantings on private properties was also a goal of the master plan, office staff have pointed out. But setting the appropriate criteria has been a challenge. Some pollinator or wildflower meadow-type gardens can look unkempt to neighbors, especially in communities with higher numbers of vacant properties that are already sensitive to charges of blight. For residents accustomed to seeing a well-trimmed lawn as a sign of responsible property ownership, more abundant and less contained vegetation can often be read as simple neglect. That gives rise to complaints. In 2025, city inspectors issued 1,452 violations of the weed ordinance. (Not everyone is happy about that; Mothershead told The Richmonder that “I don’t think we should be siccing code enforcement on people for lawns.”) Initially, the Office of Sustainability tried to set strict metrics to separate out “wildlife friendly” plantings from yards that a resident was just ignoring. Plantings would need to be at least 80% native, they suggested, and couldn’t be within five feet of a property line. Gardeners kicked back, arguing the criteria were too strict and unrealistic for small city lots. “I fully support this,” said Lee Burleson this May. “I just think we need to tweak the language a bit.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. This July, following meetings with environmental and gardening groups, a new version simplified the plan. Native plants would be added to the list of vegetation exempted from height limits, joining “trees, shrubbery, agricultural plants, garden vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants.” Woody debris would be allowed in yards as long as it was located away from structures and didn’t pose any safety risks. And inspectors would be directed to rely on indicators of intentional stewardship like defined borders, arrangement of plants and signage — known as cues-to-care — to determine cases of genuine neglect. What will still remain: the prohibition on any plants extending into the sidewalk or street that could obstruct people passing by. Taken together, said Klein, the new rules would ensure that “folks who are growing native plants and establishing native landscaping and incorporating cues-to-care are no longer getting accidentally fined or violations from code enforcement.” Robin Allman, a resident of the City Stadium neighborhood and member of Wild Ones of Greater Richmond, said the changes were “a beautiful example of democracy in action.” The program “will be a great tool to promote our beautiful Richmond native plants and pollinators,” she told the City Council’s Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee. On July 21, the committee endorsed the approach, although the ordinance will need the support of the full council to go into effect. In the meantime, the Office of Sustainability has launched [a webpage](https://www.rvagreen2050.com/va-friendly-landscaping) with information about native plantings and strategies residents should use to make it clear that their properties are the result of choices and not neglect. “I don’t want to send the message that native plants don’t require maintenance,” said Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District) at the July meeting. Klein agreed. While natives require upkeep, “it happens to be more seasonal, so folks tend to do it every three months, four months,” he said. Mothershead said that whatever approach Richmond takes, “I really hope that the city is going in a direction where they do care about the natural environment. We all know about the heat island effect and redlining and all that stuff.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Bob Burrus, a civic leader who led McGuire Woods to national prominence, dies at 91 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bob-burrus-a-civic-leader-who-led-mcguire-woods-to-national-prominence-dies-at-91/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T20:44:26.000Z Robert Burrus, a longtime Richmonder who served in a wide variety of civic leadership roles for decades and who spearheaded a scholarship that has helped hundreds of students pursue professional opportunities, died this month at 91\. [His obituary](https://www.blileys.com/obituaries/Robert-L-Burrus?obId=49024945) said he passed away on July 12 at his Richmond home. Born September 16, 1934, to a farming family near Charlottesville, Burrus graduated high school at 16 and attended the University of Richmond, where he obtained a degree in political science, after which he obtained a law degree from Duke University School of Law. He became a partner at McGuireWoods in 1963 after five and a half years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He would work at the firm for decades, eventually rising to the position of chairman in 1990; during his tenure at the head of the agency he “oversaw the firm’s growth from six to 18 offices in the United States and abroad,” his obituary said. Throughout his legal career he was an advisor to numerous iconic business concerns in Richmond and Virginia, including Best Products, Dominion Energy, S&K Famous Brands, and Circuit City. Among his civic roles, meanwhile, he served as the executive committee chair of the Richmond Renaissance, a local effort to help revitalize downtown Richmond. He also held leadership positions at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Historical Society, and numerous other local and regional organizations. His obituary said he was “deeply devoted” to the University of Richmond. The school in 2002 developed the Robert L. Burrus, Jr., Scholarship for Developing Leaders in the university’s Jepson School of Leadership. Kerstin Soderlund, the associate dean for student and external affairs at the Jepson School, told The Richmonder that Burrus was a “phenomenal person” and a “pivotal figure” at the university. “We’ve been very fortunate to benefit from the Burrus Scholarship funds that have been developed for our students over the years,” she said. The scholarship was launched in order to help students at the Jepson School defray costs when undertaking unpaid internships in the public sector or at nonprofits, Soderlund said. “The idea is not that we were paying people for the internships they were doing,” she said. “Instead, we were helping offset the cost so that any student, despite their socio-economic situation, would be able to complete an unpaid internship.” The program was a success upon its launch; in 2011 the school expanded the scholarship to include internships outside of public and nonprofit work. Burrus eagerly supported the expansion, Soderlund said, along with another expansion in 2023 that offered funds to students conducting summer research. The Burrus scholarship has since come under the umbrella of the university’s Richmond Guarantee, which offers broad financial support for students undertaking summer research or internships. The Burrus funds are still managed by, and earmarked for, the Jepson School, Soderlund said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Soderlund described Burrus as “deeply connected” to the university. He served as rector there from 1998 to 2002 and chaired several presidential search committees, among other service roles. Burrus was also attached to his second alma mater: He served on the board of visitors of Duke University School of Law, which awarded him the Charles S. Rhyne award in 1998\. The school says the award recognizes alumni who “exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, personal integrity, and commitment to education or community service.” Geoff Krouse, the associate dean for alumni and development at the Duke Law School, told The Richmonder that Burrus was “a loyal and devoted alumnus” who was “deeply committed to Duke Law School.” “He provided valuable counsel to the Law School as a member of the Law School Board of Visitors, generously supported the Law School Annual Fund and scholarships for law students, and promoted engagement among his classmates, Duke Law Journal colleagues and fellow volunteer leaders,” Krouse said. He further praised Burrus for the “stellar contributions to the legal profession” that won him the Rhyne award. “We are grateful for Bob’s enduring contributions to Duke and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones,” he said. Soderlund, meanwhile, said Burrus took great pleasure in knowing his namesake scholarship was helping students pursue their education. His obituary noted that he himself attended both the University of Richmond and Duke on scholarships. Soderlund said he “loved to hear about the student experiences” facilitated by the Burrus scholarship. “He just so enjoyed that the students could go off and have these amazing experiences that they may not have been able to have without this financial support,” she said. Burrus is survived by three sons and their families, along with a sister, Bessie Burrus Brooks. ### The Richmonder 25: Joe Kelleher went back to school in his 80s to help veterans with PTSD URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-joe-kelleher-went-back-to-school-in-his-80s-to-help-veterans-with-ptsd/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:41:29.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. Meet all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* When Michael Kelleher heard that his father Joe was nominated as part of The Richmonder 25, he wasn’t surprised. “My immediate question was, ‘So what exactly did he do this time?’” said Kelleher. “Because I think he could be nominated for many different things. He's 84-years-old and he can still swim two miles? Or he's 84-years-old and still president of a company? Or he's 84 years old and just became a Ph.D.?’” Joe Kelleher’s main passion currently revolves around his work with helping veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which is a [mental health condition](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967) caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event. He recently earned his Ph.D in psychospiritual counseling from Regent University’s School of Psychology and Counseling. During a four-year course of study at the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Kelleher worked with veteran PTSD groups and realized a need for spiritually focused psychotherapy when treating moral injuries. Through his work he published an adapted curriculum and facilitator manual that offers veterans a way to participate anonymously in remote sessions. Kelleher is also working with members of the Joint Legislative Council of Veterans on passing legislation based in part on his work with those veteran PTSD groups. “There's a higher rate, higher than the general population of incarcerated veterans, who are probably resisting arrest in an altercation that goes the wrong way, so they end up in jail,” said Kelleher. “The bill is basically training how to recognize PTSD in veterans or anybody, to recognize those symptoms, because in general, they get triggered. So it's a personal interest that I have.” If you recognize the name, it's probably because of Kelleher HVAC, the family's heating and oil company. “We started out with two tables, two chairs, and two telephones,” said Kelleher. “My dad was 57 when we started. And he died when he was 96\. So, he had a good career. But starting a business at 57 was unheard of. I was kind of the lifeline. My brother, Pat, joined us after a couple months.” Kelleher HVAC is still a family affair. “It thrived because my dad had a wonderful reputation for customer service. And that's what we sustained,” said Joe Kelleher. “We didn't really care about money. We just cared about taking care of people. And then the money started coming.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25! [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket with code Richmonder1, or $60 on a couples ticket with code Richmonder2. ### Military service Joe Kelleher grew up in a family of five in Lakeside, close to what is now Lewis Ginter Park. He graduated from Benedictine High School in 1960 and eventually enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until 1964. “I was a helicopter technician and crew member,” he said. “In order for pilots to go anywhere in the United States or elsewhere, they had to have a mechanic with them. So whenever a helicopter was leaving New River in North Carolina, whether it went to Memphis or New York or the Bahamas or Florida, whatever, I would be there because I was not married, and I wanted to go places.” Kelleher later deployed with the 1st Marine Division and went overseas. He served as the helicopter crew aboard the USS Valley Forge with expeditionary forces in Thailand and Vietnam during Operation Shufly. “Things weren't happening that much at that time,” Kelleher said. “They were trying to figure out what to do with helicopters in war. We didn't even have a machine gun mounted in the door of the helicopter. We were the first squadron to even do that. But we did medical evacs, troop deployment, resupply.” After his stint in the Marines and college, Joe was ready to settle down. “I decided I was established enough to have an income because I was living at home. And so, I found my bride of 49 years. She was Salvadorian. I didn't know anything about her culture,” said Kelleher. “I met her in Washington where she was working for the Inter-American Development Bank. I moved her to Richmond. We started a family in our 30s. We had three children by the time she was 40\. And from that, we have 11 grandchildren. She passed away four years ago from Alzheimer's.” To this day, Kelleher continues his connection with the Marines and the Armed Services by participating in a local Marine Corps League Detachment meeting. The Detachment meets on a monthly basis to discuss community volunteering opportunities, raising money for veterans and for reunion events like an upcoming ball. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. At the meeting, close friend Mary Ann Wilson said Kelleher is just a man who wants to help people. “Joe is a man of integrity. He's a man who's so thoughtful of people,” she said. “He doesn't want to be in the limelight. He's a wonderful father and grandpa. ‘Papa,’ as they call him. And he's a great friend. There are not enough adjectives to describe. What you see is what you get. He's authentic.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Michael-Kelleher-and-his-Dad-Joe-on-one-of-their-bike-adventures.jpeg) Michael and Joe Kelleher during a bicycle ride. (Contributed photo) For son Michael, who in years past took long bike trips with his dad, such as from San Francisco to Los Angeles, or from Chicago to Columbus, it’s his Dad’s character that stands out the most. “I've often seen a lot of parallels between my father's life and Forrest Gump's life,” said Kelleher, speaking about the 1994 film starring Tom Hanks. “They grew up in basically the same time frame. My father had rheumatic fever when he was in first grade, similar to when Forrest was a little boy with the leg braces. My dad went to Vietnam. My dad started his business. My dad wanted to bike across the country. And then just the pure virtue of who Forrest Gump is and then who my dad is. He's just a good man.” For Michael Kelleher, his father’s recognition in The Richmonder 25 is fitting for a person who has done so much with his life. “He is one of the most humble people I've ever met who deserves all the recognition in the world for \[the\] many, many accomplishments over the years,” said Kelleher. --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Chesterfield Board proposes property tax cut if 1% sales tax increase for schools passes URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-board-proposes-property-tax-cut-if-1-sales-tax-increase-for-schools-passes/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:21:24.000Z The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to put a 1% sales tax increase on November's ballot to raise money for school construction and renovation at its Wednesday meeting. They simultaneously proposed lowering the county’s real estate and personal property tax rates if the measure passes in November, citing stats that more than a quarter of all sales tax in Chesterfield is paid by people who do not live in the county. “\[With\] our growing tourism and visitation business, we believe that around 25 to 30% of this, as it is on a day-to-day basis, would be exported to those that travel to and through Chesterfield,” interim County Administrator Matt Harris said. Board Chair and Midlothian Supervisor Mark Miller cited that figure as part of the resolution’s appeal. He said Chesterfield parents are concerned about the condition of their children’s school buildings and the potential for overcrowding. These are projects that need to be built, he said. This referendum opens the door to county visitors helping raise the money necessary. “Here we have an opportunity to have 30% … from folks outside of the county,” Miller said. “And that is a unique opportunity. Because we know, if the referendum does not pass, then the citizens of Chesterfield County will bear 100%.” The proposal would cut the real estate tax by two cents, to 87 cents per $100 of assessed value (Richmond City taxes at $1.20, Henrico at 83 cents). Personal property tax would be cut 10 cents, to $3.25 per $100 of assessed value. [The county is the latest Virginia locality to adopt the ballot measure](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) following the General Assembly’s budget kicking in July 1, which allowed localities to increase their sales tax to fund school projects with voter approval. [Chesterfield the latest locality to seek 1% sales tax increase for school constructionThe resolution to put the motion on the ballot will be voted on during Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-5263f127-c626-47b7-a612-7414f4ff1206.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-2-12fbb767-34aa-4e71-ae27-64fa8f47fac2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) The board’s consensus was that, while no one is a fan of increasing taxes, citizens have the right to play a part in deciding where their money should flow. “Am I thrilled about a new tax? Never am. But do I think that people should have the right to vote, and voice their opinion?” Matoaca Supervisor Kevin Carroll said. “They certainly voice their opinion about everything else, and I would like to hear what their vote would be on this.” During its Wednesday meeting, Harris gave the board a rundown, including which projects (all of which the county had already had on its radar) would either be fully funded or accelerated: - A new Dale District elementary school - A new Old Hundred elementary school - Renovating Matoaca Middle School - Rebuilding Midlothian Middle School - Renovating L.C. Bird High School’s gym - Expanding Thomas Dale High School’s campus Harris said portions of the money would also go toward upkeep of schools throughout the county. The increase is expected to raise $65-70 million per year — slightly more than a billion through the tax’s proposed 20-year lifespan. The sales tax will expire in July 2046\. Harris noted that the county has the option to sell bonds and use the 20 years to pay them off. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Some purchases, including groceries, personal care items and other basic hygiene items, will be exempt. “Those sort of essential day-to-day goods are not part of this proposal,” Harris said. Harris’ presentation included the following sample ballot question: “Shall the County of Chesterfield, Virginia be authorized to levy a local general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent (1%), the revenues of which shall be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of public schools serving the County of Chesterfield, and which shall expire July 22, 2046?” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### WATCH: Richmond's first Parallel Parking Championship, featuring NASCAR driver Noah Gragson URL: https://www.richmonder.org/watch-richmonds-first-parallel-parking-championship-featuring-nascar-driver-noah-gragson/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T13:20:18.000Z Richmonders are not generally known for their driving acumen, but they put their best foot forward on Wednesday at the inaugural Parallel Parking Championship. The event, hosted by Vera House, took place next to Pollinator Park, just off Broad Street. NASCAR Driver Noah Gragson participated as a special guest judge. See a video and photos below... ### Video: > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbItY9bOdt%5F/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by The Richmonder (@richmondernews)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbItY9bOdt%5F/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) ### Photos: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-11-1.jpg) Competitors had 60 seconds to park, and could not touch the curb, cones or other cars. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-15.jpg) Vera House co-founder Myke Metzger, Richmond Raceway President Lori Waran, NASCAR Driver Noah Gragson and Vera House co-founder Perri Young provide commentary. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-03.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-02.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-27.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-06.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-22.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-21.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-07.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-04.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0722-Parallel-Parking-Challenge-01.jpg) NASCAR Driver Noah Gragson provides commentary as people compete in Richmond’s first Parallel Parking Challenge hosted by Vera House, NASCAR and Richmond Raceway outside of MOSAIC Catering on July 22, 2026. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### EDA offers partial access to CarMax Park entrance during WinterWorld; Squirrels owner blasts proposal as 'wholly unacceptable' URL: https://www.richmonder.org/eda-director-to-squirrels-owner-i-hope-cooler-heads-can-prevail/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T03:55:25.000Z Richmond Economic Development Authority Director Angie Rodgers broke her silence Tuesday regarding the ongoing feuds at CarMax Park involving Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella. Rodgers' email, obtained by The Richmonder, was in response to a dispute over access to the main entrance of the stadium during a planned WinterWorld event, but also spoke to the team's relationship with the city more broadly. Rodgers noted that she was corresponding directly with DiBella, rather than his legal team. "I am responding back to you rather than to them because I believe this is an unnecessary way for us and our teams to communicate with each other regarding operational issues at the stadium," she wrote. "If this is how the duration of your tenancy at CarMax Park is going to proceed, then we have a long and arduous road ahead of us." One day later, an attorney representing DiBella sent a five-page response calling the EDA's letter "unacceptable," and detailing what she described as a pattern of unresponsiveness from the city. ArentFox Schiff attorney Kelli Scheid Smith wrote: "The EDA’s conduct has forced involvement of legal counsel. This is not an escalation for its own sake; it is what any reasonable tenant would do when significant operational concerns go unaddressed by its landlord." ### WinterWorld access Rodgers attached a proposal for DiBella that she said would keep at least 30% of the path to the main entrance open during the WinterWorld window of time. Mayor Danny Avula, asked about the conflict last week by The Richmonder, didn't directly weigh in on the issue of WinterWorld access, but noted that the Diamond District area around the ballpark “will be under construction for multiple years” as it is built out in its entirety. [‘Turn this ballpark into Christmastown’: Squirrels unveil plan for 39-day WinterWorld attraction at CarMax ParkThe offseason event will feature more than a million lights, a 12,500 square foot ice rink for skating, a six-lane ice slide, a tree maze, a Ferris wheel and what organizers promise will be the tallest live Christmas tree in Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8bc2afc7-e01b-4dd8-902b-d4cfe266bf59.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/ICERINK4-9c8318dc-b7ad-4073-87c8-34910fe83f6e.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/turn-this-ballpark-into-christmastown-squirrels-unveil-plan-for-39-day-winterworld-attraction-at-carmax-park/) In the Wednesday letter, DiBella's representative reiterated the team's demand for "100% access beginning November 11 for WinterWorld setup." It continued: "That the EDA waited eight weeks to respond ... with a proposal that offers significantly less than what the (Squirrels) already conceded in good faith speaks volumes." DiBella said at a WinterWorld promotional event that he plans to spend millions of dollars staging the event. “You can’t not only empower me but demand that I create events and positives for the community in this ballpark and then stop me from doing it,” he said at the time. ### Discussing the state of discussions The Squirrels' letter also took objection over a statement a city spokesperson [gave to the Richmond Times-Dispatch](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/article%5F86dc3678-199c-402f-b023-c43cc195aa92.html) for its article about WinterWorld stating that "our team is working closely with the Flying Squirrels organization to ensure continued access to the ballpark through any planned offseason activities." The ArentFox Schiff letter reads: "Incredulously, the EDA and its representatives separately have been telling Richmond media that the EDA has been actively working with the (Squirrels) to resolve this dispute. In reality, the (Squirrels) have spent two months engaged in one-sided outreach met with nothing but silence, deflection, and a single substantive response that ignores the (Squirrels)’ position. The (Squirrels) demand that the EDA immediately cease making false or misleading statements to the media regarding the status of discussions between the parties." Rodgers' Tuesday email to DiBella acknowledges receiving "several letters and numerous email from your attorneys regarding (WinterWorld access)." "I hope, however, that cooler heads can prevail," Rodgers wrote. "I believe that if we had been able to bring the two teams together that last week of May/first week of June, we would have gotten to a resolution then. Instead, before a solution could be proposed and only days after I learned of the issue and while I was still communicating with DDP/Whiting Turner to confirm a work-around, I get a letter from your attorney that seemed less directed at a resolution to an operational issue and more directed at setting up some future legal action over your lease." She continued: "Our landlord/tenant relationship has had complicated beginnings indeed. I do believe we can do better, though. I believe we can communicate effectively, and that we can resolve most of the day-to-day issues associated with your tenancy quickly and without involving our respective lawyers." ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Other disputes Wednesday morning, [Richmond BizSense reported](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/22/squirrels-owner-amends-lawsuit-alleges-further-defamation-by-thalhimer-from-news-reports-of-opening-night-memo/) that DiBella had amended his lawsuit against Thalhimer Realty Partners, adding six additional counts of defamation, including one related to an account of DiBella's dog biting a Thalhimer official that appeared in The Richmonder. [Lou DiBella’s dog bit Diamond District developer on Flying Squirrels opening night, according to account from Thalhimer execsTwo of the top leaders behind Richmond’s Diamond District project gave their account of a confrontation with Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, portraying the baseball team’s owner as “out of line” as he threatened to put the developers “out of business.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c6017f31-355f-4a42-a3e0-49fd41a58265.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay27-1-29790134-b102-4951-bc52-df12a17b2c10.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/) On Tuesday, Axios Richmond [shared renderings](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/21/richmond-diamond-district-park-construction) of a park that will be built directly behind the stadium. DiBella and Thalhimer officials have also squabbled over a piece of land directly outside CarMax Park, which Thalhimer plans to develop into a restaurant space. DiBella has said those plans would eat into the Squirrels' concession sales, since the land sits just steps from the ballpark's entrance. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### GRTC: Service cuts may be necessary after private fundraising push finds few takers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/grtc-service-cuts-may-be-necessary-after-private-fundraising-push-finds-few-takers/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T13:26:29.000Z The Greater Richmond Transit Company plans to seek public feedback on a proposal to cut bus service in the region by 20% — a step the agency says will be necessary if funding levels remain flat in coming years. GRTC has been struggling to sustain its popular fare-free policy after state and federal funding that paid for it ran out two years ago. Agency officials had been hoping they might tap into the local business and philanthropic community for support to help bridge the gap, but board members were told this week that the effort has so far come up largely empty. “We didn't get a lot of volunteers to write a check," Martha Shickle, director of PlanRVA, said. “I think there was still some more work to be done.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0B58CEA4-D102-4602-BC6E-FF715558A263_1_105_c.jpeg) At Tap into Transit Day, a bus was converted into an art canvas and dance floor. (Ned Oliver/The Richmonder) PlanRVA partnered with GRTC to study potential revenue streams to sustain fare-free service — a policy that costs the agency about $7 million a year in foregone fare revenue. Shickle said PlanRVA engaged professional fundraisers to explore potential private sector support. GRTC had hoped to raise $2 million annually in philanthropic support, pitching it as a regional amenity that helps local businesses attract and retain employees. She said the 17 local business and nonprofit leaders interviewed spoke favorably of GRTC and its impact, but balked at the scale of the ask. GRTC’s chief of staff, Adrienne Torres, said that a big takeaway of recent conversations has been that those regional leaders value transit as an economic development tool. “But as far as how do we get the investment where it’s enough … we’re not there,” she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-9.04.42---AM.png) A slide presented to GRTC's Board on Tuesday showed potential long-term options. ### **Proposed service cuts** The agency, which has been relying on reserves to balance its budget, is also in the midst of planning to head off a looming fiscal cliff. GRTC is projecting a $20 million annual budget shortfall beginning in 2031\. That figure includes the cost of operating expanded BRT lines, which are currently under development. GRTC plans to put forward two scenarios for proposed cuts as part of its next long-range transit plan, Torres told the board. One would prioritize serving the most possible riders by focusing cuts on low-ridership services and lines. A second would prioritize high coverage by maintaining existing route coverage, but at reduced frequency. GRTC also created a “growth concept” in partnership with local planning and economic development officials from the region. It shows service prioritized by each local government that could be added in the event GRTC is able to secure new funding. That scenario would require increasing service by 46%. One board member, Barbara Smith, who represents Chesterfield County, stressed that the agency should make the potential costs of funding the “growth concept” clear in the course of its public outreach. “I think it’s important to have the money discussion,” she said. “Otherwise it’s, ‘I want it all, for free.’” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/A4F9C32E-9E63-4747-932F-CDC4DC0288EB_1_105_c.jpeg) GRTC reported selling $3,000 in merchandise as part of its "Tap into Transit" initiative. (Ned Oliver/The Richmonder) ### **Fundraiser brings in an estimated $50k** News of potential cuts comes a week after the agency hosted its second annual fundraiser, Tap into Transit Day, at Main Street Station, which officials estimated raised about $50,000 — enough to cover about 2.5% of the transit agency’s $2 million annual fundraising goal. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-9.07.41---AM.png) A slide shown to GRTC's Board. The event drew hundreds of riders, transit fanatics and local officials, including Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. It included a stripped-down bus that had been painted by local artists with a DJ inside, a table filled with GRTC merch for sale, a silent auction, and a visit from Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy, who wore a sticker on his nose that said “Fund Public Transit (Duh).” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/04AD709C-EE32-4A38-8F3A-5D1471EF9CBF_1_105_c.jpeg) Sommer Anderson wore a cardboard Pulse bus to Tap into Transit Day. (Ned Oliver/The Richmonder) “We’ve all got to rally the troops out here to donate to help keep GRTC fare free,” Avula told the crowd, urging attendees to donate what they could. Attendees were generally extremely enthusiastic about buses, but somewhat more circumspect when asked about GRTC’s turn toward private fundraising. “I think that public transit should be just like any other public good, like roads, libraries and parks,” said Sommer Anderson, who rides GRTC daily and created and wore a cardboard-box recreation of a Pulse bus for the occasion. She said that if people want to donate, they should be able to, but that “the local and state government should step in to provide funding where funding gaps exist.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Rebecca Jones, another daily rider, said that as much as she liked being able to ride for free, she worries service is getting worse. She said that once a week now GRTC’s app will say a bus is coming that never arrives. “I’d rather pay and have it be reliable and functional,” she said. “Why can’t it be both — free and reliable?” asked Miño Smith, another daily rider, who agrees with Jones that service feels like it’s slipped in the last year. Smith expressed frustration that the City Council could find $15 million this year for a surprise loan for the Diamond District. [Council approves $14.7M loan to keep Diamond District project on track“I don’t love the idea of us using funds that are supposed to be for catastrophic and emergency purposes for something that we have known is coming for years now.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-34ae50fd-7167-4737-9ee8-5aaca2c1c995.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/image-3-10204558-1d71-453d-ba60-912ee841b733.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/council-approves-14-7m-loan-to-keep-diamond-district-project-on-track/) “Why are we dipping into city emergency funds for the stadium and then we have our hands out looking for donations for public transit?” *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ### Habitat for Humanity celebrates 100th solar installation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/habitat-for-humanity-celebrates-100th-solar-installation/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T12:48:07.000Z 📝 This story was written by Linsea Martz, a student at Randolph-Macon. Volunteers hoisted solar panels onto the roof of an Ashland home on Wednesday, celebrating the 100th installation of solar panels by Habitat for Humanity locally. When families living in Habitat homes are chosen for solar panel installation, they save an estimated $70-$80 a month in electricity costs. Habitat officials estimated that if utility bills continue to rise, that could mean a savings of more than $25,000 over the next 25 years. Participating homeowners pay a $15 to $25 monthly lease payment for 10 years, at which time the panels become theirs. “In our time, achieving affordable housing is a miracle for hard-working, low-income families.” said Overton McGehee, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Virginia. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/20260721_105548.JPG) Volunteers lift solar panels during Tuesday's event. (Linsea Martz for The Richmonder) By pursuing this initiative, he added, nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and GiveSolar are giving families a safeguard against electricity prices. Tuesday, the group partnered with Convert Solar. Representatives from those organizations, as well as the homeowner herself and other volunteers, including First Gentleman Adam Spanberger, all pitched in as they sweated through the morning heat to place the final solar panels on top of the home. Morgan Dean, the executive director of King William Habitat for Humanity, said in addition to helping on bills, the initiative nudges the community in the right direction towards a clean, sustainable future. “We believe in providing everyone a decent and quality space to call home, and that starts with sustainability,” she said. Funding for the solar panels comes from private donors and other contributors like Clean Virginia, the American Institute of Architects, and the Just Pax Fund. Families eligible to receive solar panels are selected by the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, then it is up to the affiliate and the family to determine whether solar panels are a good option that suits their needs. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. There are now 3,800 Habitat for Humanity homeowners in Virginia. The group's long-term plan is to build out full neighborhoods with solar power, creating a virtual power plant that is capable of lowering the cost of energy for the community as a whole. When this is coordinated, an overflow of solar energy can potentially be achieved that families can return to the grid for money. In turn, the extra energy goes towards the entire community. Having passed 100, the group has set a new goal of 525 solar installations in the years to come. “The sun shines on the just and unjust,” McGehee said. “It shines on the roofs with solar panels; it shines on the roofs without solar panels. But only solar panels can run your refrigerator.” ### July 22 Newsletter: Sales tax increase spreads URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-22-newsletter-sales-tax-increase-spreads/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T10:00:05.000Z **Weather:** Heavy rains, with a chance of flooding, continue. High of 84. **On this date** in 1968, City Council asks Virginia ABC to keep one of its liquor stores open until 10 p.m., to accommodate tourists. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-3.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) ### Chesterfield the latest locality to seek 1% sales tax increase for school construction Chesterfield County's Board of Supervisors will vote tonight on putting a 1% sales tax increase on November’s ballot — if approved by voters, all proceeds would go toward constructing and renovating schools. 🍎 Richmond, Powhatan and Charlottesville are also on board. This is the first year all localities have been allowed to pose the question to voters. In Chesterfield, student enrollment has grown from 50,000 to 64,000 since the year 2000, and the county has been on a building blitz to keep up, including a bond referendum in 2022 that passed. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/2DW0FD2--1--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/jewells-group-files-competing-anti-code-refresh-ballot-initiative/) ### Jewell's group files competing anti-code refresh ballot initiative Richmond voters opposed to the city's rezoning initiatives now have two opportunities to sign their name in protest. Former City Councilor Marty Jewell has filed a ballot petition aiming at shutting down the code refresh project. Local activist Paul Goldman has also filed one – both men said they don't see an issue with voters being given competing options. - Goldman's would mandate that future rezonings be put to a vote, and add the ability for City Council to institute rent control. - Jewell's would call for a vote on the current zoning regulations at the time of passage, with no rent control. "Their goal ultimately is to stay where we are," Goldman said of Jewell's group. "I don't think the status quo works." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/jewells-group-files-competing-anti-code-refresh-ballot-initiative/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_2068--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/seiberts-towing-seeks-fuel-surcharge-as-costs-rise-asks-for-250-fee-to-handle-damaged-electric-vehicles/) ### Seibert’s Towing seeks fuel surcharge as costs rise, asks for $250 fee to handle damaged electric vehicles [](https://www.richmonder.org/author/haidyn/)The towing company that handles city business made its case Tuesday morning for fee increases, citing the increased cost of doing business and noting its current rates are lower than comparable localities statewide. 🛻 Under the increase, the cost of a car being towed by the city will go from $120 to $126\. This is different from private property towing, which can charge up to $195. While the $126 is comparable with Henrico County's fees, it is less than the $177 base fee in Chesterfield County. “If you get in an accident in Chesterfield, I recommend you get your car into the Richmond side while you wait for a tow truck, because you’re going to save about 40%,” a Seibert's official said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/seiberts-towing-seeks-fuel-surcharge-as-costs-rise-asks-for-250-fee-to-handle-damaged-electric-vehicles/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-21.png) ### Local cosplay designer will be featured at this year's Comic-Con Cosplay was once a hobby Lauren Wilkinson pursued at Richmond Raceway. Tomorrow, it’s taking her to one of the world’s biggest pop culture stages: the San Diego Comic-Con, where she'll showcase an original design. “I saw the creativity and passion that people had with their outfits and how much they really cared and loved for the characters,” Wilkinson said of discovering cosplay. “I really connected with them.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/local-cosplay-designer-will-be-featured-at-this-years-comic-con/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) The Richmonder 25 is an annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-22.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sherrie-mckeithans-impact-reaches-every-corner-of-westover-hills/) ### The Richmonder 25: Sherrie McKeithan's impact reaches every corner of Westover Hills A crossing guard, instructional assistant and step team coach, she was lauded by colleagues for her role holding the school community together. “She’s just always looking out for other people. Literally every day she is the best,” one said. McKeithan said she couldn't overstate her love for the students, and works closely with ones from low-income neighborhoods like Belt Atlantic, which has already had three shootings this year. “I let them know no matter where you live, you are still somebody. And the world is yours. You just gotta go out and get it,” she said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sherrie-mckeithans-impact-reaches-every-corner-of-westover-hills/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/home/story); our donors get $30 off with code Richmonder1, and $60 off two tickets with code Richmonder2. --- ### In other news - [**Catching up: Toxic wastewater is leaking out of a bankrupt Chesterfield landfill**](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-toxic-wastewater-is-leaking-out-of-a-bankrupt-chesterfield-landfill/) - The county Board will receive an update tonight on what measures are being taken at the Shoosmith landfill. - [**Southside ReLeaf and the University of Richmond Receive $150K Jeffress Trust Award to Study Local Flooding**](https://www.southsidereleaf.org/press-releases/jeffress-trust-local-flooding) (Press release) - The group will create a research roadmap that links flooding, infrastructure, and health outcomes. - [**Carytown Kroger to open new fuel center at 8 a.m., first 50 customers will receive $10 gift card**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/carytown-kroger-open-new-fuel-center/) (8News) - The gas station will open in the parking lot of the Carytown Kroger. - [**For Anne Holton, a campaign of her own**](https://davidmpoole.substack.com/p/for-anne-holton-a-campaign-of-her?r=11k77l) (Poole Report) - Holton is running for a Richmond School Board seat against retired teacher Jackie McDonnough. - [**Judge pauses Richmond courthouse repair-replacement case to allow city, state coordination**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/21/judge-pauses-richmond-courthouse-repair-replacement-case-to-allow-city-state-coordination/) (Richmond BizSense) - The parties are to engage architecture firm Baskervill to prepare plans and a design for a new courthouse, with those plans to be completed and provided to the state no later than Nov. 20. --- ### The editor's desk I'm thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker at this year's The Richmonder 25 celebration will be former UVA football player Perris Jones, who will [**share his inspirational journey**](https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2026/02/perris-jones-on-courage-identity-and-dealing-with-imposter-syndrome?ct=content%5Fopen&cv=cbox%5Flatest) of turning trauma into triumph. [**Ticket info is here**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/home/story); our donors get $30 off with code Richmonder1, and $60 off two tickets with code Richmonder2. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Jewell's group files competing anti-code refresh ballot initiative URL: https://www.richmonder.org/jewells-group-files-competing-anti-code-refresh-ballot-initiative/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:27:07.000Z Richmond voters opposed to the city's rezoning initiatives now have two opportunities to sign their name in protest. The Richmond Civic League, which is led by former City Councilor Marty Jewell, has filed a ballot petition aiming at shutting down the code refresh project. Jewell presented the petition and called for volunteers at a Tuesday night event. The petition is in addition to one filed late last month by longtime Virginia political figure Paul Goldman, who is also seeking to put code refresh on the ballot. "Our petition effort is not connected with any other referendum with similar, but different language," Jewell wrote in an email. "There may be more than one on any ballot, just as the law allows multiple bond referenda on one ballot." In a Tuesday phone call, Goldman agreed that he didn't see an issue with voters being given competing options. [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-b77ebb8a-fdc7-457b-a71a-b8405074f2e9.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-2c19c5b0-656e-44ef-92ad-740c92fc4d59.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) ### **The two proposals** Neither proposal would become law immediately, even if passed. Only Virginia's General Assembly has the power to change Richmond's charter, so a vote on the petition would only serve as a formal request to the state legislature to do so. Both petitions are seeking to be put on the ballot in November 2027\. If voters embrace them, the changes would then go to the legislature in its 2028 session. Under Jewell’s proposal, language would be added to the city charter requiring any rezoning that impacts more than 25% of land parcels in the city be put to a public vote. If it went into effect, any zoning ordinance in place at the time would be subject to a referendum that would be put before voters in a special election. If Richmonders voted against the zoning ordinance, “the city zoning code will revert back to the prior one.” Because the 1976 zoning code currently in place was not put to a public vote, it could potentially be put on a future ballot if the code refresh that is underway does not pass. Goldman’s filing does not require the current zoning code to be voted on, but does mandate future rezoning proposals be put to a public vote. In addition, [Goldman's filing](https://www.richmonder.org/rezoning-opponents-seek-16-000-signatures-in-attempt-to-put-code-refresh-on-the-ballot/) would also allow the city to institute rent control measures, though it would not mandate that they be used. Currently, no local government in Virginia is allowed to put such restrictions in place, and the General Assembly [turned down an “anti-rent gouging” bill](https://www.richmonder.org/rent-stabilization-bills-backed-by-richmond-fail-in-virginia-general-assembly/) supported by the Richmond City Council during the last session. Goldman said he isn't interested in just defeating the current rezoning, but also wants to contribute to a solution for rising rent prices. "Their goal ultimately is to stay where we are," he said of Jewell's group. "I don't think the status quo works." Goldman called affordable housing "a real crisis" and said he believes the public should have a voice in potential solutions. Because both petitions are seeking to be put on the ballot late next year, Goldman also called on the City Council to put an "advisory" question on this November's ballot, a nonbinding question that would gauge public support for the project. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Next steps** For either petition to make it onto the ballot, it must receive signatures from 10% of the number of voters who participated in the highest-turnout election over the last five years. That election was the 2024 presidential race, when 109,290 Richmonders voted, meaning either group would need 10,929 valid signatures. To sign, voters must live in the City of Richmond. There is no prohibition on signing both petitions. Goldman said he believes obtaining that many signatures will require professional coordination and is seeking $50,000 for his project. "Marty's people say it's easy, and they say they have 1,000 volunteers," Goldman said. "Based on what Marty and others have put out there, he basically says Paul doesn't know what he's talking about. "I think they're blowing smoke. I challenge them, through your article, to go ahead and do it." Jewell did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Local cosplay designer will be featured at this year's Comic-Con URL: https://www.richmonder.org/local-cosplay-designer-will-be-featured-at-this-years-comic-con/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T13:50:12.000Z Cosplay was once a hobby Lauren Wilkinson pursued at Richmond Raceway. This Thursday, it’s taking her to one of the world’s biggest pop culture stages: the San Diego Comic-Con. Wilkinson, a Midlothian-based cosplayer whose stage name is “Ren,” has spent roughly a decade bringing fictional characters to life through elaborate costumes, wigs and makeup. Cosplay, short for "costume play," is the art form of wearing costumes and accessories to become a specific fictional character. Wilkinson's origin story begins at a Richmond Raceway fan convention, where she and her friends met up with fellow readers of “Homestuck” — a webcomic that ran from 2009 to 2016\. The creativity and enthusiasm she found there inspired her to give cosplay a try. “I saw the creativity and passion that people had with their outfits and how much they really cared and loved for the characters,” Wilkinson said. “I really connected with them.” At the time, Wilkinson had little experience sewing, styling wigs or any of the other skills cosplay demands. But she threw herself into learning. Nearly a decade later, she’s built a following of [more than 17,000 on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/electricseafoam/?hl=en). “I've been hooked, for better or worse,” she said, chuckling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image--2-.png) **Lauren “Ren” Wilkinson previously cosplayed Toph Beifong from “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” (Triple 7 Public Relations)* That dedication earned Wilkinson a spot in Her Universe’s annual Geek Couture Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con, where selected designers interpret the year’s theme — 2026’s is DC Comics — through high-fashion cosplay. This isn’t her first go-around. [That was in 2022](https://www.facebook.com/profile/100038285021589/search/?q=HerUniverse) when she dressed up as a chic version of Hawks, a winged hero from the Japanese animated series “My Hero Academia.” At the time, she was in college and saw that a few of her favorite cosplayers had participated in the fashion show in the past. She applied, and to her delight, was selected. While backstage, Wilkinson said she was moved by the contestants’ camaraderie. They took turns cheering each other on and helping make last-minute alterations. “I love the Her Universe community,” Wilkinson said. “They are a wonderful group of designers. They’re passionate and talented.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1910.jpg) Wilkinson as Priestess Fiona Gilman from the video game "Identity V." (Contributed photo) Preparing a look for the runway demands a different perspective than a typical cosplay, which is meant to be shown off at fan conventions or on social media. You can’t focus on those bite-sized, video-friendly moments, Wilkinson said. The designers’ goal is to make the most of the few moments they’re on stage. That setting shift has been freeing. It’s forced Wilkinson and her fellow designers to consider what will make the most beautiful piece overall. “It’s a little bit more nerve-wracking, especially since you know that all eyes are on you,” Wilkinson said. “This has been such a group effort; usually cosplay is … very solo.” It has taken a village to help Wilkinson make the most of her moment. Her sister has been painting parts of her outfit, while her boyfriend is sanding 3D-printed elements. She’s also leaning on her makeup-savvy friends’ expertise to perfect a “smudgy” look. As for Wilkinson, she’s been focusing on “trying to make a mechanism work, and that’s all I’m going to say about that.” “I’ve been a fan of DC for a really long time,” she said. “It’s really fun to bring one of these characters to life that has inspired me for such a long time.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Even selecting the character was a group effort. She sat down with her family and binge-watched as many movies as possible — they’re still debating which actor was the best Batman. While she can’t reveal too much about her final design (including which character inspired it), she’s thrilled to [unveil it Thursday](https://www.youtube.com/@HerUniverseChannel). “In today’s world of social media, everything seems so distant and a little cold,” Wilkinson said. “To be part of this community is just such a treat and such a pleasure.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member..* ### Chesterfield the latest locality to seek 1% sales tax increase for school construction URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chesterfield-the-latest-locality-to-seek-1-sales-tax-increase-for-school-construction/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:21:47.000Z Chesterfield County is one of the latest Central Virginia localities to eye putting a 1% sales tax increase on November’s ballot — if approved by voters, all proceeds would go toward constructing and renovating schools. The resolution to put the question on the ballot will be voted on during Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. From there, voters will decide the increase’s fate at the polls on Nov. 3. The General Assembly’s budget gave localities permission to increase their sales tax to fund school projects with voter approval. If Chesterfield’s residents ultimately accept the tax increase, it’s projected to raise about $65-70 million a year, or a little more than $1 billion over the next 20 years. Between 2000 and 2025, [Chesterfield’s total enrollment](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5003/StratIS-Data-Reports) steadily increased from approximately 50,000 to 64,000\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-ebc9e8e9-fbe3-48f6-862e-9aadc5fbfae5.png) ([Source](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5003/StratIS-Data-Reports)) Chesterfield has been trying to keep up with demand. [As part of a 2013 bond referendum](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5004/Bond-Referendums#:~:text=2013%20Bond%20Referendum-,2013%20Bond%20Referendum,-In%20November%202013), 11 schools were either renovated or constructed between [2018 and 2023](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3714). Another bond referendum, [passed in 2022](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5004/Bond-Referendums#:~:text=School%20Facilities%2C%20Subtotal%20%24375%20million), allocated $375 million to replace four schools, construct two and expand one. The county’s most recent addition was [Deep Creek Middle School](https://deepcreekms.oneccps.org/), which opened in August 2025\. Next month, [Deep Creek Elementary School](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4412#:~:text=Deep%20Creek%20Elementary%20School%20is%20scheduled%20to%20be%20open%20August%202026) is set to open. The Richmonder requested comment from Chesterfield County Public Schools and didn’t receive a response by deadline. [Richmond](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-pursue-voter-referendum-on-new-sales-tax-for-schools/), [Charlottesville](https://cvillerightnow.com/news/208802-charlottesville-eyes-eight-possible-school-projects-to-fund-with-sales-tax-raise/) and [Powhatan County](https://www.powhatanva.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/395) are among other localities to consider increasing their sales tax for school construction. The Richmonder reached out to Henrico County asking about its plans, but didn’t receive a response. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Powhatan approved its ballot measure on July 6, while Richmond’s City Council is expected to approve the option for city voters on Monday, July 27. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. This article has been corrected to reflect that the county expects to raise $1 billion over 20 years.* ### Catching up: Toxic wastewater is leaking out of a bankrupt Chesterfield landfill URL: https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-toxic-wastewater-is-leaking-out-of-a-bankrupt-chesterfield-landfill/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:20:57.000Z A bankrupt Chesterfield landfill is leaking contaminated wastewater, and officials are still working to determine the damage’s full extent — and who will foot the estimated $173 million cleanup bill. The liquid in question is called leachate, and [it forms when rainwater](https://www.epa.gov/landfills/municipal-solid-waste-landfills#:~:text=Definition-,Leachate,-%2D%20formed%20when%20rainwater) passes through waste. It’s usually caught by collection systems below ground and then disposed of. But this wasn’t the case at Shoosmith Landfill. Shortly after its owners declared bankruptcy in 2025 (nearly three years after it stopped accepting most waste), state [inspectors discovered leachate](https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39050/Shoosmith-DEQ-Inspection---20250616-and-20250730-PDF) was seeping into nearby stormwater channels that connect to Swift Creek. While the landfill is located in the county, the state gives sole authority over privately owned landfills to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, meaning Chesterfield officials are limited in what they can do. During its Wednesday meeting, [the county’s Board of Supervisors is scheduled](https://chesterfieldcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2028/files/attachment/15302) to hear an update on the landfill, during which it’ll review the proposed budget for Shoosmith’s closure and post-closure care. Here’s what you need to know before then. ### **What is leachate?** Because its wastewater and drinking water systems are separate, Chesterfield residents don’t have to currently worry about what they’re ingesting. So what’s all the fuss about? As water seeps through layers of garbage at a landfill, it picks up different chemicals and compounds — some of which may be hazardous. This could include microplastics and metals, though specifics depend on exactly what was dumped into a given landfill and when. In Shoosmith’s case, [a February inspection](https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/47535/Shoosmith-DEQ-Inspection---20260209-VAR-NOV-PDF) found its leachate contained higher-than-legal levels of zinc and ammonia. Each day, the landfill produces about 65,000 gallons of this toxic wastewater. If prevention efforts aren’t maintained, leachate could continue leaking into Swift Creek. Other creeks could be impacted, so a worst-case-scenario could lead to leakages into the James River — a primary water source for both the county and Richmond. Drinking impacted water can result in [neurological, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723076568#s0060:~:text=The%20impact%20on,risks%20to%20consumers). The most at-risk groups include [infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly](https://www.poison.org/articles/contaminated-water). The geographical reach can be magnified once contaminated water impacts crops or livestock. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **How did we get here?** The leachate was one of many problems these inspectors uncovered at Shoosmith. Turns out, there hadn’t been a licensed operator on record since December 2024\. But the county had been aware of leachate leakages before then. Earlier in 2024, [Chesterfield responded](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7300) by revoking the landfill’s license to use the county sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment system to dispose of leachate. Since then, Shoosmith had been trucking leachate for treatment off-site, which the landfill’s owners have said contributed to their eventual bankruptcy filing. Shoosmith Bros., Inc. owns the landfill. The site’s namesake, [Shoosmith Construction](https://www.shoosmith.com/#:~:text=Shoosmith%20Construction%20has,in%20June%202025.), owned and operated the company up until 2008, when it sold Shoosmith Bros. to now-bankrupt VWS Holdco. Virginia’s [Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulator](https://www.deq.virginia.gov/land-waste/solid-hazardous-waste/solid-waste/solid-waste-facility-requirements-and-guidance?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) of privately owned landfills. Currently, court-appointed trustee Lynn Tavenner is looking after the landfill and working with a combination of county and state officials to manage the mess. The Richmonder reached out to Tavenner for comment, but didn’t receive a response by deadline. According to the Board of Supervisors’ meeting notes, in April 2020, the landfill “contracted with Morrow Energy (via Swift Creek Renewables, LLC) to capture and process methane for sale via natural gas pipelines.” Once construction of the gas treatment addition began in 2022, Shoosmith stopped accepting waste. In late 2022 and early 2023, the county notified the landfill’s owners that it needed to upgrade and maintain the pretreatment system and other infrastructure needed to safely manage leachate. Chesterfield has alleged that the landfill failed to do so. Around this time, the county said it asked the state to share its authority over Shoosmith in 2023, [but the Virginia Attorney General’s office rejected](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7300#:~:text=The%20Virginia%20attorney%20general%E2%80%99s%20office%20declined%20in%20a%20letter%20to%20the%20county%2C%20stating%20%E2%80%9CIt%20does%20not%20appear%20that%20there%20is%20any%20legal%20authority%20for%20DEQ%20to%20delegate%20its%20Virginia%20Waste%20Management%20Act%20inspection%20and%20enforcement%20responsibilities%20to%20a%20locality%20or%20for%20a%20locality%20to%20exercise%20such%20power.%E2%80%9D) the request. Over the next 30 years, cleanup [is predicted to cost $173 million](https://thejamesriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SCS-Engineers-budget-report.pdf). The Spanberger administration requested that $50 million of the Virginia General Assembly’s budget go towards Shoosmith. The landfill ended up with an immediate $10.6 million to ensure leachate monitoring and disposal can continue through May 2027. Up until recently, two waste management companies had been disposing of the leachate: Atlantic Waste Disposal and Shamrock Environmental Corps. Shamrock has since been told by Richmond city officials to stop, because it is not allowed to dump wastewater derived from the treatment of leachate into Richmond’s wastewater system. *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### The Richmonder 25: Sherrie McKeithan's impact reaches every corner of Westover Hills URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-sherrie-mckeithans-impact-reaches-every-corner-of-westover-hills/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:42:31.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [**The Richmonder's newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**. See all the honorees* [**here*](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/)**.* At the end of the last day of the 2025-2026 school year, Sherrie McKeithan grabbed her high-visibility safety vest and a large stop sign from a room inside Westover Hills Elementary School before stepping outside to guide traffic. She was met by lines of parents and cars gathered in front of the building, ready to retrieve their kids. Sitting in one of the cars was a father who called out to McKeithan, reaching out to hand her a photo of his son, Javon. He was graduating from the school and moving on to the 6th grade. “His dad said, ‘Javon wanted me to give you this so that you can remember him.’ And I told his dad, ‘I’ll always remember him. I never forget my students,’” she said. This is in addition to the many gifts and letters she received on the last day from students, their families, and staff who revere her for the love and support they say she unequivocally has for them. “It's really empowering to see how she is with the kids and with the community,” said Alexandra Thompson, an art teacher at the school. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/25s-9.jpg) Sherrie McKeithan hugs a student on the last day of class. McKeithan is an instructional assistant who has served at the school for the last 13 years, leaving an impact on students, staff and families ever since. Her job requires her to help teach students with special needs, but she has worked with all students throughout the school, she said, pulling students for additional group work, and filling in when teachers are unavailable across different subjects. “I don't look at kids with disabilities any differently than I look at general education kids because I feel that they all are here to learn and they can learn regardless of what their disabilities are,” she said. “So I teach them the same way.” But her work extends far beyond the classroom, like being a crossing guard at the start and end of the school day. She’s also involved in students’ extracurricular activities, like being the coach of the school’s step team, facilitating trivia for students and helping oversee the school’s Girls on the Run chapter, a national nonprofit that designs physical programs that teaches life skills to girls in the third through eighth grades. It all allows her to become a recognizable face students and families regularly see. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/25s-8.jpg) Sherrie McKeithan walks the halls of Westover Hills Elementary. During this past school year, she subbed for a teacher’s kindergarten class from November to January, while running the programs and serving as a crossing guard. McKeithan said she couldn't overstate her love for the kids, emphasizing that the children at Westover Hills are “very special,” especially as some of the students zoned to the school come from lower-income areas like the Belt Atlantic apartments. The area has experienced at least [three shootings](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/man-shot-belt-atlantic-apartments-richmond-march-28-2026) since the start of this year, [two of which](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/steven-johnson-obit-june-24-2026) [were fatal](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/05/08/richmond-police-investigate-deadly-officer-involved-shooting/). “I let them know no matter where you live, you are still somebody. And the world is yours. You just gotta go out and get it,” she said, teary-eyed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/25s-7.jpg) Sherry McKeithan shows one of the cards she received at the end of the school year. A superpower of McKeithan emphasized by her colleagues was her ability to work with student's behaviors. She said, “they know what I tolerate and what I don’t tolerate.” She referenced a student with special needs who had difficulty communicating, resorting to spitting, hitting or throwing items at teachers. In one instance, she said the student – who was taller than her – pinned her to the wall. “He couldn’t talk,” she said. “I think he was getting frustrated because he was trying to tell me something.” The experience nearly made her want to leave work, she said, which required school Principal Nokomis Alston to ask her to stay. McKeithan worked with members from the division’s central office to get the student a communication device and use visual pictures telling him what he should and should not do. She added that the student’s mother was supportive throughout the way. Over time, she said the student got better at controlling his behavior. “We broke him out of it,” she said. Sarah Grissom, a fourth grade reading teacher at the school, said McKeithan helped a student experiencing housing insecurities and “orchestrated making sure that child had everything he needed,” including new eyeglasses, toiletries and Christmas presents. 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! Staff has also frequently called McKeithan when a student was upset, knowing she could calm students down and allow them to listen to instructions. “She has a way with the kids that they respect her, they listen to her even when she has a hard conversation with them,” said Thompson. “I kind of look up to her and try to be more like her if I can.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. McKeithan’s love further extends to her colleagues. Grissom got her education in early literacy and began teaching first grade when she arrived at the school in 2023\. A few years later she was told she had to teach fourth grade, a daunting task for the teacher. “She was like, ‘You’re gonna be fine. We are in this together,’” she recalled McKeithan telling her. Grissom was moving to New York to teach, making the last day an emotional one for her and students. She said McKeithan organized a surprise party for her, bringing her friends and family from Farmville to Richmond to celebrate her. “She had everyone from Westover there and contacted my roommates. My parents came into town,” she said through tears. “She’s just always looking out for other people. Literally every day she is the best.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/25s-6.jpg) Sarah Grissom, a fourth grade reading teacher, said McKeithan organized a surprise goodbye party for her. Thompson shared that when her father passed away, McKeithan became a shoulder to cry on and a safe space to vent. Staff and families said that McKeithan is woven into the fabric of the school community. On the last day of school, children were sobbing at the fact that the school year was over, hugging her and keeping her in conversations in an attempt to extend the school day. The same energy was poured onto her by parents, who also made sure to greet, hug or wave to her after picking up their kid from school. “I'm just available for everyone, whatever the case may be. I'm here to support no matter what,” she said. “I just love what I do.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### Seibert’s Towing seeks fuel surcharge as costs rise, asks for $250 fee to handle damaged electric vehicles URL: https://www.richmonder.org/seiberts-towing-seeks-fuel-surcharge-as-costs-rise-asks-for-250-fee-to-handle-damaged-electric-vehicles/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T19:18:27.000Z The towing company that handles city business made its case Tuesday morning for fee increases, citing the increased cost of doing business and noting the current rates are lower than comparable localities statewide. Seibert’s Towing handles towing calls made by the City of Richmond in accordance with a contract between the two parties. Company President Melvin Lawson presented to the city’s towing advisory board on Tuesday, a group that advises the City Council ahead of votes on the issue. The advisory board signed off on an across-the-board fee increase of about 5%, pending Council approval. Under the increase, the cost of a car being towed will go from $120 to $126. The increase would only apply to city-initiated towing. Private lots posting no trespassing signs are allowed to charge at a higher rate, $195, after [a rate increase](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/richmond-towing-fee-increase/) last winter. Towing companies that respond to a call by a citizen about their own vehicle do not have any restrictions. Lawson presented data that he said showed Richmond’s fee is significantly lower than other localities. While the $120 is comparable with Henrico County, it is less than the $177 base fee in Chesterfield County. “If you get in an accident in Chesterfield, I recommend you get your car into the Richmond side while you wait for a tow truck, because you’re going to save about 40%,” Lawson said, adding that Norfolk and Virginia Beach charge $200. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Other surcharges** The board recommended additional research and study before approving two other requests. The first is a fuel surcharge to reflect the rising price of gasoline. Seibert’s proposed a sliding scale, from $5 when gas hits $3.50 a gallon to $25 if the price rises above $5.51 a gallon. City officials questioned how complicated it would be to track and monitor such increases. Seibert’s is also asking for a $250 fee when handling damaged electric vehicles, citing the potential fire hazard that necessitates isolating the car away from others. “We’re not talking about towing electric vehicles for a street cleaning or a marathon,” he said. “We’re talking about an electric vehicle that’s been involved in an accident or has something seriously wrong with it.” That proposal will be studied further to determine how the cars would be evaluated and to study other industry norms. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### July 20 Newsletter: Making an indoor splash URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-20-newsletter-making-an-indoor-splash/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T10:00:36.000Z **Weather:** Standard summer fare, with a high of 89 and a slight chance of afternoon showers. **On this date** in 1914, City Council approves funds for a new City Hall skyscraper, but the plans fall apart the next year due to a lack of support. ([more](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/municipal-waste/)) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-hype-a-giant-indoor-waterpark-and-resort-opens-soon-in-spotsylvania-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) ### After years of hype, a giant indoor waterpark and resort opens soon in Spotsylvania. Here’s what you need to know Scheduled to open Nov. 12, Kalahari’s primary appeal is its sheer number of amenities, all of which are located within the hotel. The resort chain’s trademark is its giant indoor waterpark, and Virginia’s will have more than 50 waterslides, as well as an adults-only swim-up bar. 💰 The project cost $900 million to build out, and room rates, which include waterpark access, start at $415. The Greater Richmond Convention Center’s general manager said he doesn't expect the resort to hurt the convention center’s business. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-hype-a-giant-indoor-waterpark-and-resort-opens-soon-in-spotsylvania-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-19.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/) ### Google’s Chesterfield data centers arrive amid shifting opinions on the facilities The conversation around data centers has changed dramatically since Google began planning its three sites in the county. 📉 A VCU poll showed 81% of voters support making data centers pay additional fees to offset increased electricity demand. A Chesterfield supervisor said Thursday that “the current board does not have an appetite for any more data centers.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-receive-early-access-to-tax-money-intends-to-use-it-to-support-rps/) ### City will receive early access to tax money, intends to use it to support RPS Richmond Public Schools, finding itself in an $8.9 million budget hole, asked Mayor Danny Avula to give the district an unbudgeted $5.6 million tax payment from short-term lodging operators. Avula agreed on Friday and set the process in motion, though final approval will have to come from City Council. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-receive-early-access-to-tax-money-intends-to-use-it-to-support-rps/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) The Richmonder 25 is an annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/) ### The Richmonder 25: Firewood volunteer Steve Allen delivers warmth to Richmonders who need it Allen is a longtime member in the all-volunteer Project W.A.R.M, which just marked its 50th year of delivering free firewood to the elderly, people with medical issues and others who might struggle to gather wood on their own. By taking wood into homes, Allen and other Project W.A.R.M. members often develop close relationships with those they help. When the founder of the project died, Allen ensured the work would continue. “He’s the glue that holds it together,” the founder's widow said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/home/story); our donors get $30 off with code Richmonder1. --- ### In other news - [**Suspect shot after stabbing VSP special agent serving on U.S. Marshals task force**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/18/suspect-shot-after-stabbing-vsp-special-agent-serving-us-marshals-task-force/) (12 On Your Side) - Police Chief Rick Edwards said it started with an investigation into two stabbings, which happened several hours apart in the downtown area early Saturday morning. - [**Richmond named "most improved" city in American Fitness Index rankings**](https://acsm.org/american-fitness-index-rankings-2026/)(Press release) - The region moved from No. 40 nationally to No. 20. - [**A thriving Richmond begins with safe neighborhoods | Guest column by Mayor Danny Avula**](https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article%5F6feb11cc-1b27-4fa4-a7ef-2159e378a42f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story) (Times-Dispatch) - "We cannot make lasting progress in housing, education or government services without safe neighborhoods." - [**Bunkie Trinite Trophies: Inside the family-owned trophy shop that's been honoring Richmond for 50 years**](https://www.wtvr.com/sports/beyond-the-roster/bunke-trinite-trophies-july-16-2026#google%5Fvignette) (CBS 6) - The business is expected to pass to a third generation in a few years. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9461.jpeg) A celebrity sighting on Monument Avenue. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### After years of hype, a giant indoor waterpark and resort opens soon in Spotsylvania. Here’s what you need to know URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-hype-a-giant-indoor-waterpark-and-resort-opens-soon-in-spotsylvania-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ Last updated: 2026-07-19T22:30:39.000Z Driving through Spotsylvania County on Interstate 95, the new Kalahari resort is hard to miss. Scheduled to open Nov. 12, Kalahari’s primary appeal is its sheer number of amenities, all of which are located within the hotel. The resort chain’s trademark is its giant indoor waterpark, and Virginia’s will have more than 50 waterslides, as well as an adults-only swim-up bar. The $900 million, 1.38-million square foot resort also includes a hotel with more than 900 guest rooms, an adventure park – with rides, a ropes course, go-karts and over 250 arcade games – a convention center, and several retail and restaurant facilities. This is the company’s fifth location nationally, all “African-inspired” in their decor. Located just off I-95, the resort advertises convenient distances from Richmond, Charlottesville, Washington, D.C. and “many other East Coast metropolitan areas.” It’s being described as a game changer for the state, with impacts that will be felt in Richmond. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-14.png) Kalahari uses an African theme, complete with safari animals. (Fredericksburg Free Press) Kevin Marshall, who directs Spotsylvania’s Economic Development Authority, said the company initially looked at building in Virginia nearly two decades ago, announcing plans to [build a $200 million resort in Fredericksburg](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2007/11/17/200-million-resort-with-water-park-planned-for-fredericksburg/2f624331-f8f4-4c47-b212-bca0816c6022/). However, funding fell short during the recession and the project was nixed. Marshall noted that Kalahari had previously tried to put the resort in a different area in Spotsylvania in the years following the Fredericksburg attempt, but “backed off after running into access issues.” Despite the setback, Marshall convinced the company’s site selector to return and look at the current location, with evident success. They applied for commercial rezoning in July 2022 and broke ground in October 2023. ### **A new tourism destination** Brian Shanle, Kalahari Virginia’s general manager, said that as of early June, there were already “over 175 (group and business) bookings, including the Governor’s Conference on Tourism (with) over 500 rooms booked.” He described single-family bookings as “solid,” with a one-night stay for two adults and two children currently starting at $415, a price that includes waterpark access. Pricing goes up to $2,323 for presidential suites that sleep up to 12. The Governor’s Conference will be the hotel’s first major event, starting six days after the resort opens. Eric Terry, Association President of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, said in mid-June that he and others involved with the conference were given “a hard hat walkthrough” several weeks prior, and they have no concerns about the resort’s progress or ability to start operations on time. Terry added that they chose Kalahari because the conference is “always looking for whatever the newest and most exciting tourism in the state is,” and Kalahari fit the bill. ### **Will it eat into the GRCC’s business?** Despite the proximity to the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Kalahari’s Shanle said the resort’s business model as an “all-in-one location” differs greatly from the convention center, and he believes the resort will “add to as opposed to take from” potential tourism business. Nate Harris, the Greater Richmond Convention Center’s general manager, echoed that sentiment, saying he doesn’t expect the resort to hurt the Convention Center’s business. He said the two venues’ distinct locations will allow them to attract different types of events – especially given that GRCC is the largest continuous event space available in the region at 700,000 square feet, while Kalahari measures 150,000 square feet – and that Kalahari could potentially prove beneficial for Richmond tourism as out-of-towners will likely fly into Richmond International Airport. “It’s a really exciting time for our region,” Harris said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Economic impact** In 2023, Marshall said the resort was expected to create over 1,400 full- and part-time permanent positions – with the goal being to hire as many local residents as possible – as well as “stimulate economic growth through increased tax revenue.” A spokesperson for the resort said they expect to have more than “1,000 full and part-time positions hired locally in the Spotsylvania area” by opening day. Shanle noted that during construction, “on any given day, (they) have 700 to 800 local workers.” The county expects $6.8 million in tax revenue within the first year. Marshall emphasized the company isn’t receiving a tax refund or tax break. “Even if Kalahari built that facility, and never opened the doors, because there was no rebate on the real estate tax, it was still gonna be financially positive for Spotsylvania County,” he said. The company, county and EDA have a performance-based agreement, rather than an incentive agreement, a distinction Marshall called “a win.” Unlike an incentive agreement, which provides benefits up front, a performance-based agreement requires the company to meet certain benchmarks before receiving them. Kalahari’s final performance agreement was signed in 2022 after being approved for funding from Virginia’s Tourism Development Financing Program, which allows major tourism projects to keep or use certain tax revenues it generates to help pay for construction costs. Under the agreement, Kalahari must generate a set amount of revenue each year and pay its taxes in full before the county returns a predetermined percentage of certain tax revenues to it. In addition to jobs, the resort is expected to significantly boost tourism, both to Spotsylvania County and to Virginia. As of July 1, the project has close to $1 billion in capital investment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-15.png) Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (left) and Kalahari Resorts founder and CEO Todd Nelson converse during a "steel beam signing" ceremony. (Kalahari Resorts via the Fredericksburg Free Press) ### **Concerns: prices, water, traffic** While many have expressed excitement about the new resort, other residents have voiced their concerns. Several have asked about discounts for locals, with one person writing online that the resort’s prices would make staying there near-impossible otherwise. Kalahari said the resort will offer day passes – the waterpark only, the adventure park only, and a combo pass – which will allow people to use the resort’s facilities without having to pay for an overnight stay. A spokesperson said pricing will be similar to other locations, where all-day waterpark passes range from $70 to $95, adventure park passes from $45 to $50, and combo passes from $105 to $135. Marshall said he and his staff have been tracking concerns that residents have voiced, and asserted that they have nothing to worry about regarding water and traffic. While he acknowledged there will be more overall vehicles moving through the area, he said they won’t all be arriving and exiting at the same time. He added that the county had hoped to get a traffic light, but didn’t qualify for one based on the state’s traffic impact analysis. As for water, both Marshall and Shanle said they understood the concerns about water usage, but that there was a misconception about the “massive” amount the resort would use as a water park. Both men emphasized that Kalahari would be reusing their water with “state-of-the-art systems.” Marshall said that when the resort needs to refill its water, they are required to do so outside of “peak hours” when people are getting ready for work or getting ready for bed. According to Spotsylvania’s [Kalahari FAQ page](https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/m/faq?cat=73), Kalahari’s estimated daily average water demand will be 229,000 gallons, with a max of 413,000 gallons. The page also states that the hotel rooms are projected to have the most daily water usage, at 47% of that amount, while the waterpark is estimated to use 19%. As a Spotsylvania native, Marshall acknowledged the county isn’t known for being “a top tourism destination.” However, he said they’re on the way there – currently, their biggest attractions are Dominion Raceway and Lake Anna State Park – and the county hopes Kalahari will really put them on the map, as well as become a beneficial addition to the community overall. “When it's, you know, 19 degrees outside, and it's 4 inches of snow, how nice is it to be able to go hang out in the indoor wave pool at Kalahari?” he said. “That’s never been an option for anyone around here. Now, it will be.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### The Richmonder 25: Firewood volunteer Steve Allen delivers warmth to Richmonders who need it URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:40:40.000Z [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/richmonder-25-header.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) **New profiles will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in* [***The Richmonder's newsletter**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/)**.* On a tucked-away lot in Richmond’s Northside, Steve Allen was splitting logs in summer’s heat. When the colder months arrive, the pile of firewood he was building will be trucked off to needy residents in the Richmond area to make it a little easier for them to keep warm from wood stoves. Allen, 63, is a longtime member in the all-volunteer Project W.A.R.M, which just marked its 50th year of delivering free firewood to the elderly, people with medical issues and others who might struggle to gather wood on their own. To others involved in the group, Allen is an unassuming leader who keeps Project W.A.R.M. on track by training new volunteers, overseeing delivery schedules, maintaining wood splitters and mowing the lot where the wood is prepped and stored. “He’s number one. Top of the list,” said Wayne Hastings, another volunteer who was helping at the wood lot on a recent afternoon. In Allen’s telling, he’s just one piece of many. “It takes a whole lot of people to do this project,” Allen said. “And a whole lot of wood to help out people.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/0363E39A-BF08-41A0-A064-A218D108B5A4.jpeg) Wayne Hastings (left) and Steve Allen work to prepare firewood for the winter. Last season, the group delivered around 65 truckloads of hardwood. In the wintertime, there’s dozens of volunteers of all ages, working out of a city-owned lot behind John Marshall High School. Project W.A.R.M was founded in 1976 by the late Lou Wilson, who was inspired to act after seeing a news story about a local woman burning her clothes and possessions to stay warm. Before Wilson passed away 12 years ago, there was uncertainty over whether the firewood project would go on without him. “Steve said, ‘Nope, we’re going to continue it,’” said Mary Ann Wilson, Lou’s widow who remains involved with the project. “Steve is what I would call the backbone now of Project W.A.R.M.” Allen, who works for a civil engineering firm by day, has been with the group for 36 of its 50 years. A Glen Allen resident, he first got involved in 1990, linking up with the firewood effort through the Tuckahoe Jaycees civic organization. When asked what’s kept him at for so long, his answer was quick. “The people,” he said. “Everybody out here is like family. And the people we deliver to.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/3D7BB006-A281-448C-AFDE-57B4F7132505_1_105_c.jpeg) A pile of firewood is built to prepare for winter deliveries. By taking wood into homes, Allen and other Project W.A.R.M. members often develop close relationships with those they help. “We used to deliver to a guy who was a retired firefighter. He had a wood stove in his basement he called Big Bertha. And they would heat the whole house because ol’ Bertha was running on empty,” Allen said. “One lady we deliver to, she’s been fighting cancer for years. And every season when we start, I look forward to seeing her name on the list. For obvious reasons.” The firewood deliveries typically run from mid-November to mid-March. The group delivers in Richmond proper, Henrico and Chesterfield counties and occasionally Hanover County. The wood comes from a variety of sources, mostly from donations of downed trees. “We'll go pick it up,” Allen said. “There's some tree companies that will call us.” On the walls of a shed on the wood lot are newspaper clippings from various articles written about Project W.A.R.M over the decades, the obituary for Lou Wilson and a pumpkin-themed decoration that says “Gather here with warm hearts.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/B0B85643-6259-454A-BF90-411CDA9208D6_1_201_a.jpeg) The Salvation Army of Central Virginia manages the intake process for Project W.A.R.M. participants, ensuring the wood gets to those who need it most by screening applicants based on income and other criteria. Once someone is on the list, they can call for a firewood delivery. And that’s where Allen’s role comes in. “They send me the list on Friday,” Allen said. “Then Saturday morning, we come out here and we deliver to everybody that was put on the list that week.” 🥳 Join us for an event celebrating the winners on Friday, Sept. 25\. [****Learn more here**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) – Richmonder donors can save $30 on their ticket! The wood deliveries continue in all types of weather, including the deep freeze earlier this year that left the region covered in thick ice. The lot where the logs are kept, Allen said, was like an “ice rink.” “We came out here and we managed and rolled them out,” he said. “We kept going.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Mary Ann Wilson said her late husband had a saying for Allen that’s stuck with her. “Well Steve,” he would say. “You’re a good man. And there ain’t too many of us left.” “That just says a lot. He is a good man,” Mary Ann Wilson said. “He’s the glue that holds it together.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### The Richmonder 25: Event and Ticket info URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-event-and-ticket-info/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T21:01:31.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard.jpg) Earlier this year we asked our readers to nominate a Richmonder who takes it upon themselves to make Richmond a better place. And you delivered! We narrowed down from more than 100 submissions to arrive at this year's list of The Richmonder 25\. We are profiling each of the honorees in our newsletter, and will celebrate them with a party in September. ### The party: **When:** Friday, September 25\. Doors at 5 p.m, program at 6:15 p.m. **Where:** The Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd Street **What:** Heavy hors d'oeuvres, full bar, music, free parking **Dress:** Cocktail festive! **Cost:** [**$115 for the public, $85 for Richmonder donors**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) (use code Richmonder1 for one ticket, or Richmonder2 for a couples ticket) Interested in a table for you and your friends or colleagues? [**Find those here**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1)or [**email us for more sponsorship options**](mailto:support@richmonder.org). We're honored to welcome Perris Jones, former UVA football player and author of *Ashes to End Zone*, as our keynote speaker. Perris will share his inspiring story of resilience, reflecting on how a life-altering injury on the football field transformed his purpose and led him to a life of service to others. [**Buy your tickets here.**](http://onecau.se/%5Fmt3xg1) We hope you'll join us as we bring the community together to recognize these remarkable individuals! [**Learn more about the winners here!**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) --- ### Series sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/04/Richmonder-Ad-Imagery.jpg)](https://www.work4estes.com/) Proud to call Richmond home, Estes is driven by people who go the extra mile — every day, for every customer. As the nation’s largest privately held freight carrier and a Richmond Top Workplace, we’re always looking for great people to join our team. [Explore careers at Estes](https://www.work4estes.com/) ### City will receive early access to tax money, intends to use it to support RPS URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-receive-early-access-to-tax-money-intends-to-use-it-to-support-rps/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T18:54:06.000Z The City of Richmond will receive an early payment of short-term lodging tax rentals, which could help fix a budget hole Richmond Public Schools finds itself in weeks before the start of the upcoming school year. The school district is legally required to begin the year with a balanced budget, but when state lawmakers turned in their budget late, it contained less than RPS projected it would. [No easy answers in sight for Richmond Public Schools’ $8.9M budget holeSchool leaders have asked Mayor Danny Avula and the City Council for more money to help address the shortfall.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-11d14efb-dc5d-4bb5-bbdf-58a4b4072467.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/C1A8C027-B2BF-486F-9A3F-C29A93118D6F-51599-00000594A611DE36-af56fb26-e6b8-4e09-ac7b-1b287b1e363a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/no-easy-answers-in-sight-for-richmond-public-schools-8-9m-budget-hole/) The original RPS budget is now $8.9 million short. Superintendent Jason Kamras proposed eliminating annual substitutes, teachers who fill in at a specific building all year long. Meanwhile, city officials announced on May 14 they had collected $5.6 million in outstanding tax bills from short-term lodging operators, like Airbnb and VRBO, money that wasn't budgeted for in this year's cycle. That led to Richmond's school board drafting a letter to the mayor asking to receive that money to help plug the budget hole. [RPS considers eliminating annual substitutes, asks city for Airbnb tax money to fill last-minute budget gapThe administration is also recommending the elimination of 15 teacher vacancies, mainly from middle and high schools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-11570236-2614-43e1-a40e-241909c0843f.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rps-cry-1-751325ba-3e67-4657-964c-f33e137b3d76.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-considers-eliminating-annual-substitutes-asks-city-for-airbnb-tax-money-to-fill-last-minute-budget-gap/) However, short-term rental money does not go straight to the city. It goes to the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority, which uses what it needs for its regional programs, then returns the rest to localities each December. On Friday, Avula asked the Authority to prepare Richmond's contribution on an expedited basis, so the city could receive the money in time to support the school district. “When I learned about the funding challenges facing our schools, I reached out to GRCCA to better understand what options were available with short term rental money,” Avula said in a statement. “Historically that’s been available towards the end of the year. After reviewing the agreement, they confirmed there is an opportunity to make a distribution in July and began the process to make that possible. “I support our schools, and I'm always going to look for creative, responsible ways to help meet their needs. I'm glad this is an option that can now be considered.” Superintendent Jason Kamras told The Richmonder he is grateful for the action. "Thanks to Mayor Avula, the City found an opportunity to recoup some of those short-term rental dollars on a much faster timeframe than previously expected," he wrote. "The Mayor has expressed his full support for helping us fill our funding gap, so we’re eagerly awaiting next steps. We're truly grateful for his leadership and partnership." The exact amount of money received is still to be determined, but is unlikely to be the entire $5.6 million. The City Council must still allocate the funding to the school district. The Council next meets on July 27. At that meeting, Council will also discuss allowing voters to weigh in on a 1% sales tax increase for school construction and renovation. [Richmond officials pursue voter referendum on new sales tax for schoolsAdding another percentage point to the sales tax could raise up to $50 million annually, according to RPS projections.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a18d95d8-b831-484e-8927-d0faf485d8ee.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-831399ae-e5b9-41fa-9d02-3b5287797416.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-pursue-voter-referendum-on-new-sales-tax-for-schools/) *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Richmond air quality upgraded to Code Purple as wildfire smoke moves south URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-air-quality-downgraded-to-code-purple-as-wildfire-smoke-moves-south/ Last updated: 2026-07-18T00:00:07.000Z Richmond was placed under a Code Purple air quality alert Friday morning as smoke from massive Canadian wildfires continued to spread across the region. “They are pretty big fires and producing a lot of smoke,” said Kristen Stumpf, a meteorologist with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. “It’s very visible on satellite.” On Friday, winds from the north brought increased haze and a distinct smoky tang to the air in Richmond, with conditions worsening throughout the morning. At 8 a.m., DEQ issued a Code Red “Unhealthy” air quality alert for the Richmond area, signaling that the region’s air quality index — a measure of how clean air is — had fallen in the 151 to 200 range. By comparison, a “Good” air quality rating would be between 0 and 50\. Two hours later, the agency upgraded Richmond’s alert to Code Purple, or “Very Unhealthy,” as the index continued to rise above 200\. Chesterfield County said it had received several 911 calls “reporting smoky conditions and the smell of smoke.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9584-1.jpg) Stumpf said the main concern is the presence in the air of fine particles known as PM 2.5\. These particles, which are smaller than the diameter of a hair, “can get through our respiratory system and deeper into our lungs,” exacerbating respiratory and heart problems. “Active children and adults should limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities throughout the day,” DEQ said in a release. “People unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, take more breaks, and do less intense activities. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.” ☁️ To track air quality conditions, see DEQ’s Air Quality Forecast [here](https://www.deq.virginia.gov/air-energy/air-quality-forecast) or AirNow’s Air Quality Index [here](https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Richmond&state=VA&country=USA). Some relief could come this weekend. “We are expecting a wind shift tomorrow (Saturday) as well as the chance of some rain this weekend,” said Stumpf. But in the meantime, the poor conditions were putting a damper on some activities and business. - All City of Richmond camp programming has been moved indoors. - Outdoor city pools will be closed Friday. Residents can access indoor swimming at Bellemede Community Center Pool (1800 Lynhaven Avenue, open Friday until 8 p.m.) and Swansboro Pool (3160 Midlothian Turnpike, open Friday until 8 p.m.). - The scheduled Festival of the Arts performance at Dogwood Dell (KOS BAND) has been cancelled. Maymont announced in a Facebook post that many of its farm and wild animals would be kept out of public view Friday to ensure they were “cool and safe.” Some day camps, like the YMCA of Greater Richmond’s Camp Thunderbird, moved to adjust schedules to keep kids inside. As of 5 p.m. Friday, the Richmond Flying Squirrels game is on as scheduled. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Alex Bangs, a co-owner of bike delivery service Quickness RVA, said his company had decided to close today because of the health risks to its couriers. “I don’t want to ask anybody else to do this,” said Bangs after one morning ride left him suffering from effects that were “like the worst pollen you can think of.” “The particulate matter is enough that it’s hurting my eyes,” he said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) --- ### Google’s Chesterfield data centers arrive amid shifting opinions on the facilities URL: https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:25:20.000Z Chesterfield County residents got to meet one of their newest neighbors at Cosby High School on Thursday, as Google invited residents to ask several company representatives about three data center campuses planned throughout the county. Guests walked around the Cosby High School gym, wandering between stations addressing commonly asked questions — including water sourcing, electricity, community impact, building design and noise pollution. The conversation around data centers has changed dramatically since Google began planning the project. Last May, a rezoning request for the land [was passed with minimal opposition](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/chesterfield-rezoning-data-center-development-55-community/), leading to [an August announcement](https://www.richmonder.org/google-announces-9-billion-investment-in-virginia-including-a-chesterfield-data-center/) attended by many community leaders. [Google announces $9 billion investment in Virginia, including a Chesterfield data centerFor years it has been known as Project Peanut, but on Wednesday, Chesterfield’s newest large-scale business development was unmasked.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3a3d9eed-8d31-4885-bae6-b806b4dd23fd.png)The RichmonderJuliana Vandermark![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3215-97908b08-f3c6-42a2-8b5c-08947c0ba16f.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/google-announces-9-billion-investment-in-virginia-including-a-chesterfield-data-center/) But data centers have become a divisive subject amid soaring energy bills and drought conditions, and Virginia’s state budget process came to a halt in large part over tax breaks for the facilities. A VCU poll [released Wednesday](https://news.vcu.edu/article/voters-oppose-sales-tax-exemption-for-data-centers-new-commonwealth-poll-finds) said 81% of voters support making data centers pay additional fees to offset increased electricity demand. Two elected officials were in attendance Thursday: Matoaca District Supervisor Kevin Carroll (R) and Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider (D). Both said they’ve noticed Chesterfield’s concern with data center development has risen alongside increased national attention — [Google Trends](https://trends.google.com/explore?q=data%20center&date=today%201-y&geo=US) indicate that searches for “data center” have increased 400% in the past year. “Data centers weren’t really on people’s brains 18 months ago,” Schneider said, referring to previous public meetings during which data center construction had been discussed. “I think that it wasn’t really top of mind.” In Carroll’s eyes, data centers will be built no matter what. It’s just a matter of where. The abundance of data centers in other parts of the state (particularly Northern Virginia) is already driving up energy demand, Carroll said. So, Chesterfield might as well benefit from the property tax money that data centers pay, which he said can result in lower property taxes for residents. “If I save you money on your home, it offsets what you lose on your electricity,” Carroll said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Schneider said she’s heard rave reviews of Google’s data center dealings from her Northern Virginia counterparts. “They’ve been the best to deal with — they’re the most invested in paying their own way and investing in their own infrastructure,” Schneider said. “I think it’s the best that we can hope.” Neither of the two board members is interested in attracting more data centers to the county. In fact, both were pretty clear that Google’s three campuses will be the only ones in Chesterfield under the current board’s management. “The current board does not have an appetite for any more data centers,” Schneider said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1873.jpg) Protesters set up outside Google's events this week. Stationed outside the high school entrance was Data Center Defiance Central Virginia — a coalition of individuals opposed to Google’s move into Chesterfield. Each wore a green outfit and handed out pamphlets to passersby. One of its members, Courtney Bernhardt, lives within four miles of the Midlothian site. “They were all welcomed here and invited here under a non-disclosure agreement, and I have been emailing my supervisor at the time we were having the zoning board meetings and the supervisor board meetings,” Bernhardt said. “He said, ‘I can’t tell you anything about it, because we signed an NDA.’” The non-disclosure agreement Bernhardt referred to was a contract between the county’s Economic Development Authority and Google. In 2021, [Richmond BizSense reported that the](https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/02/02/chesterfield-eda-sold-most-of-meadowville-expansion-for-18m/#:~:text=The%20buyer%20of,at%20the%20time.) company had first purchased land under the name “Peanut LLC” starting in 2020, and the authority’s NDA barred it from publicizing further details. “The county was making decisions on behalf of its residents without any input from its residents, and that really bothers me,” Bernhardt said. Thursday’s was the second of two open houses, with the first happening at Brightpoint Community College’s Midlothian campus on Wednesday. Both events attracted about 300 people. “We have found that this is the most efficient way to get all the experts in the room,” said Clay Allsop, who works in Google’s public affairs office. “This is the preferred format because we get the most information to the most people.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1875.jpg) The event at Cosby High School was one of two held by Google this week. Bernhardt shared several attendees’ concerns about environmental impacts, noise and light pollution, and water and electricity costs. While there was an information station tailored to each of these concerns, some people still walked away having retained their anti-data-center outlook. But changing minds wasn’t the goal. “I can say that, anecdotally, some people had a very open outlook, and some people had some \[opinions\] made up, but, you know what? I’m not here to change anybody’s mind,” Allsop said. “I’m just here to provide the facts for them to decide for themselves.” The likelihood of the company backing away is slim. Google Strategic Negotiator Cathie Vick said that outside [its application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers](https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/4484789/nao-2026-00182-vmrc-project-loch-chesterfield-county-virginia-wauford-prm-site/), the data center campuses have received [nearly all the necessary OKs from authorities](https://aca-prod.accela.com/CHESTERFIELD/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Planning&TabName=Planning&capID1=REC25&capID2=00000&capID3=00XIC&agencyCode=CHESTERFIELD). Construction on its first site, nicknamed “Project Peanut,” has already begun. “We don’t have any additional permits or anything we need from the county,” Vick said. Chances are, any changes that come from community feedback will also be largely aesthetic — meaning the external design of the buildings may change, but the buildings themselves won’t. The event was meant to be a place where Google could state its case to listeners. “We’re here to be a good community partner,” Vick said. “We really do want to be involved and part of a community and hear from them as well as them hear from us.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### July 17 Newsletter: Seeing the sky URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-17-newsletter-seeing-the-sky/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T10:00:11.000Z **Weather:** High of 94\. Air quality has been deemed "unsafe for sensitive groups." **On this date** in 1994, Brazil defeats Italy in the first World Cup to be held in the United States. It is also the first title to be decided on penalty kicks. **Come say hi** tomorrow morning at the [**St. Stephen's Farmers Market**](https://ststephensrva.org/farmers-market/) in the West End. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-16.png)](http://richmonder.org/amateur-astronomer-donates-telescopes-to-inspire-rural-communities-around-richmond/) ### Amateur astronomer donates telescopes to inspire rural communities around Richmond [](https://www.richmonder.org/author/lauren/) Amateur astronomer John Sokol remembers the first time he saw Jupiter through a 10-inch telescope in 1969\. The gas giant’s prowess felt in reach, and the sight struck him. Ever since, it’s been his life’s mission to give everyone a chance to share that same experience. Thanks to Sokol’s donation and with help from the Richmond Astronomical Society, the Powhatan County Library will launch its telescope program on July 21\. If successful, the society hopes to bring the program to other communities around Richmond. [**Read more here.**](http://richmonder.org/amateur-astronomer-donates-telescopes-to-inspire-rural-communities-around-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9558.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/world-famous-ai-artist-unveils-video-installation-at-costar-grand-opening/) ### World-famous AI artist unveils video installation at CoStar grand opening Dubbed Foundry Park, the $460 million project is anchored by a 21-story office building. Its distinctive LED screen facing the river is programmed by Refik Anadol, an AI artist who helped program the Las Vegas Sphere. 🎨 "He's pioneered a new art form. He paints with data and dreams with machines," CoStar CEO Andy Florance said in introducing Anadol. Anadol explained that the screen draws from CoStar's library of millions of photos to generate visuals inspired by buildings, neighborhoods and the built environment, with a new result every time. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/world-famous-ai-artist-unveils-video-installation-at-costar-grand-opening/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-17.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/turn-this-ballpark-into-christmastown-squirrels-unveil-plan-for-39-day-winterworld-attraction-at-carmax-park/) ### ‘Turn this ballpark into Christmastown’: Squirrels unveil plan for 39-day WinterWorld attraction at CarMax Park Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella said the offseason event will cost more than $3 million to produce and will feature more than a million lights, a 12,500 square foot ice rink for skating, a six-lane ice slide, a tree maze, a Ferris wheel and what organizers promise will be the tallest live Christmas tree in Richmond. ⚠️ But no city government officials spoke at Wednesday’s event, and there remains tension over plans to do construction work outside the ballpark’s main entrance once the baseball season ends in September. “For years, when this park was in discussion, all I heard was we need to generate income all year round,” DiBella said, adding he has “a hard time believing anyone would close down our front entrance.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/turn-this-ballpark-into-christmastown-squirrels-unveil-plan-for-39-day-winterworld-attraction-at-carmax-park/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-16-at-3.17.52---PM.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/dark-to-light-city-unveils-plans-for-infamous-lumpkins-slave-jail-site/) ### **‘Dark to light’: City unveils plans for infamous Lumpkin’s Slave Jail site** The $18 million project will construct a pavilion around the site known as the “Devil’s Half-Acre,” and offer witness accounts of the brutal treatment that occurred there. Jeannie Welliver, the city manager for the Shockoe Project, called the uncovering of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail “likely the most important archaeological find in the United States over the past 50 years.” Its location, however, has made preservation of the site unusually difficult. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/dark-to-light-city-unveils-plans-for-infamous-lumpkins-slave-jail-site/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/city-hall--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-tweaks-financial-transparency-plan-but-after-months-of-discussion-councils-stance-remains-unclear/) ### Avula tweaks financial transparency plan, but after months of discussion, Council’s stance remains unclear Mayor Danny Avula has proposed a series of tweaks to his proposal to resume publication of a narrower financial database showing how City Hall is spending taxpayer dollars. But they have not been officially incorporated into the plan, which will likely take until at least September after several City Council hearings that have yet to produce a substantive vote. Wednesday's debate included a discussion on whether purchases made with credit cards, known as p-cards, should have full descriptions included. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-tweaks-financial-transparency-plan-but-after-months-of-discussion-councils-stance-remains-unclear/) --- ### In other news - [**His van was stolen, then reappeared. Police caught it on camera — but won't share footage**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Fe63b09c8-4130-43fb-88c5-e9e2b513421f.html) (Times-Dispatch) - Two months after the vehicle vanished, he still doesn’t know who took it — or, more strangely, who brought it back after he reported the theft to police. - [**Hundreds of community members fight to preserve Longan Elementary’s symbolic oak tree**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/hundreds-of-community-members-fight-to-preserve-longan-elementarys-symbolic-oak-tree/) (Henrico Citizen) - The school board member said that while she supported saving the tree, she understood the design team’s decision and the need for a new parking lot. - [**Where should Chesterfield's next traffic blitz be? Police want your input.**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/traffic-blitz-survey-july-16-2026) (CBS 6) - A blitz is intended to be extra enforcement in addition to normal patrols. --- ### The editor's desk Not sure who I'm rooting for in the World Cup final, but I know that Cape Verde held both teams to a 90-minute draw, making them my champs. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Avula tweaks financial transparency plan, but after months of discussion, Council’s stance remains unclear URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-tweaks-financial-transparency-plan-but-after-months-of-discussion-councils-stance-remains-unclear/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T21:10:59.000Z Mayor Danny Avula has proposed a series of tweaks to his proposal to resume publication of a narrower financial database showing how City Hall is spending taxpayer dollars. The changes increase the overall level of transparency under the mayor’s proposal for the city’s payment register, adding back in several fields such as payment dates, account descriptions and account codes. Under the mayor’s original proposal, those data points would have been excluded from the online data. The proposed amendments would also break down payment amounts into greater line-by-line detail rather than listing aggregated amounts of money spent with each company doing business with the city. “I hope we can work through these amendments so that we can start producing the payment register in a sustainable way as soon as possible,” Avula Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya told a Council committee on Wednesday. The changes — which the Avula administration said were informed by their recent push to [review and publish payment data](https://rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/mayor-danny-avula-releases-fiscal-year-2025-payment-register) for fiscal year 2025 — were previewed for the City Council this week. However, they have not been officially incorporated into the plan, which requires Council action. That means the revisions are likely to delay the proposal until at least September after several City Council hearings that have yet to produce a substantive vote. [Council committee punts on transparency measures after shutting down discussionThe decision to delay seemed to be the Council’s alone. Avula’s Chief of Staff said she was prepared to present the mayor’s proposal.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1d22d491-b81e-48e7-8c05-0f7744070460.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/0B888746-35CB-4C85-985C-FF0287FD79A1_1_201_a-4239e18b-8046-4ac2-a5e5-0f003d69f034.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/council-committee-punts-on-transparency-measures-after-shutting-down-discussion/) Avula first [rolled out](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-rolls-out-plan-to-relaunch-city-governments-payment-register/) his proposal in April to start publishing a trimmed-down version of the city’s payment register. The city has been required to publish the data showing how money is spent since the Council passed a law mandating it in 2015\. However, officials stopped following the law in 2019 after concluding publishing the data was taking up too much staff time and creating too much risk that sensitive information could be revealed to the public. Though the city’s non-compliance with its own law began before Avula became mayor, his administration has suggested a possible fix that would involve narrowing down the payment register. The goal is to reduce the amount of information the city publishes by default and, by extension, reduce the staff hours spent on reviewing and redacting the information. There’s some skepticism of that approach among at least a few Council members. Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) has introduced an alternate proposal to have the Council formally exercise its oversight powers and launch an investigation into the city’s failure to publish the payment register. For two months in a row, the Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee [delayed](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-again-delays-action-on-financial-transparency-measures/) votes on both plans. [Avula rolls out plan to relaunch city government’s payment register“I will be perfectly honest to say this fell into the category of important, but not urgent.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2adaff1b-f3c9-4f77-bbb8-ca3c5cc2a846.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/D4A58CF4-D75E-4A7F-90E4-E867734F7059_1_105_c-1f98388c-3634-4556-a3c7-6cdd6a87964e.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-rolls-out-plan-to-relaunch-city-governments-payment-register/) On Wednesday, the committee took different action with the two proposals. Gibson’s call for an investigation is now headed to the full body on July 27 with no recommendation, meaning it could be put to an up-or-down vote before the Council decides what to do with the mayor’s plan. Avula’s proposal was continued to the Finance committee’s Sept. 16 meeting, with an expectation the amendments will be adopted at some point before it goes back to the committee. On Wednesday, the mayor’s chief of staff gave a detailed rundown of how the administration handled the review and publication of the payment register data for fiscal 2025. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-4a4c5b55-b227-41ae-9193-26d75cb4b512.png) More than a third of 231,933 transaction records for that budget year had to be redacted, according to Wijesooriya’s presentation. Of the 82,760 spreadsheet rows that had to be redacted, 79,961 could be redacted through automated processes, without significant human intervention. After reviewing 151,972 records manually, 2,799 required manual redaction. That’s about 1.2% of the total data. The information that could be redacted automatically involved payments related to tax refunds, social services benefits, utility bills, juror pay and personnel matters such as paycheck garnishments. The rows requiring manual redaction appeared to involve more complex topics such as health and medical records, law enforcement tactics (including “surveillance techniques”) and records involving youth programs and minors. Officials said it took hundreds of staff hours to produce the register for fiscal 2025, but noted that amount of time involved an entire year of data and wouldn’t be necessary if the city were routinely publishing the payment register on a monthly basis. “As you can see, carrying this out was a tremendous amount of work,” Wijesooriya said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Gibson questions admin about visibility into purchasing cards** At Wednesday’s committee hearing, Gibson, the Council member who wants a fuller investigation into what the city redacts and why, began to offer her perspective on those stats. She began making a case that, even though publishing the data may involve a lot of work, transparency should be a fundamental part of government given the mandates of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. “The work of government is hard,” Gibson said. “But I am taken by the emphasis of how difficult the work is when ultimately being transparent, providing ready access to public information, is a legal requirement.” Gibson spoke for about a minute before Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), the chair of the Finance committee, interjected to ask Gibson to get to her questions for the mayor’s team. “I appreciate the commentary… and we all respect that. But let’s see if we can get to the questions that would be most helpful,” Roberton said. “I understand,” Gibson replied. “But the editorial is important because that was the bulk of the presentation… how difficult it is to do more.” At a previous committee meeting, Robertson would not allow Gibson to ask questions about the payment register issue. After being asked to minimize the commentary Wednesday, Gibson was allowed to extensively question the administration about specifics of Avula’s plan. In response to one of those questions, the administration acknowledged its proposal would create only limited visibility into the use of government purchasing cards (or p-cards), one of the types of city spending that’s been most controversial and [subject to abuse](https://www.richmonder.org/audit-finds-significant-weaknesses-with-richmonds-government-purchasing-cards/) in recent years. “P-card payments are separate from the payment register,” said Finance Director Letitia Shelton. “P-cards go in through Bank of America, which is our primary processing company for p-cards. So they wouldn’t be in a check registry.” Gibson then said the city law calls for a payment register, not a check register. “This is a payment register. So if a payment is made, it would need to be included,” Gibson said. “That is concerning.” [Audit finds ‘significant weaknesses’ with Richmond’s government purchasing cardsSeveral examples of potentially wasteful or fraudulent spending were cited.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-cfe1b5a8-c897-4254-9d1c-09593fae32bc.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1-62940503-ccc8-4ecd-9282-151a4735043c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/audit-finds-significant-weaknesses-with-richmonds-government-purchasing-cards/) With the way purchasing cards are handled, officials later explained, those transactions would only show up in the payment register as money going to Bank of America as the vendor, with specifics of what was being purchased located elsewhere in the data. The Avula administration’s revised ordinance does not include invoice descriptions, the field that presumably would contain the most detail on what the city is buying with public money. Wijesooriya said that field is still left out because it mostly involves employees manually typing out a description of the purchase, and those descriptions are often left blank. “It's a field where different people track different pieces of information in there,” Wijesooriya said. “So it was kind of a minefield of needing to manually redact it.” Gibson suggested that if there are data integrity issues with the ways the city keeps its financial records — such as blank invoice descriptions or the occasional inclusion of sensitive info like social security numbers — those issues could be addressed head-on and not treated as an impediment to publishing a more thorough payment register. “If we’re finding a lot of social security numbers here or there, I would assume that’s probably something that needs to be fixed rather than covered up,” Gibson said. “How can we get better?” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### ‘Dark to light’: City unveils plans for infamous Lumpkin’s Slave Jail site URL: https://www.richmonder.org/dark-to-light-city-unveils-plans-for-infamous-lumpkins-slave-jail-site/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T20:36:26.000Z Buried beneath the city for decades, Richmond’s notorious Lumpkin’s Slave Jail will be brought back into the light through new plans to permanently mark the site and commemorate the thousands of men, women and children who passed through it. At a Wednesday event, Del. Delores McQuinn (D-Richmond) said the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Pavilion would remember not only “families separated, names stolen, lives diminished and humanity denied,” but also “the courage, faith, survival, and the determination of a people who refused to surrender their souls.” The $18 million project will construct a pavilion around the site of the former Lumpkin’s Slave Jail that will allow visitors to not only view the site known as the “Devil’s Half-Acre” but read witness accounts of the brutal treatment that occurred there. “Yes ma’am, I was sold from Richmond, Virginia. … Put me up on the block and sold me too. I was bout three years old,” reads one quote from formerly enslaved woman Nely Gray that will be incorporated into the building’s exterior. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-19254084-b459-4add-aa47-95eab79de50f.jpeg) Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said the first work towards the Shockoe Project took place 30 years ago. (Haidyn Brockelman/The Richmonder) Those quotes, along with illustrations of people held in bondage, are intended to bring home the reality and gravity of the site to visitors even during hours when the pavilion is closed. “We wanted to bring that power to the facade and to the public space without having to go into the building,” Burt Pinnock, principal and chair of architecture firm Baskervill, told the Urban Design Committee Thursday during a review of the plans. Ultimately, the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Pavilion will be part of the broader Shockoe Project, a larger campus memorializing Richmond’s role in the slave trade. The first phase, the Shockoe Institute at Main Street Station, [opened in April](https://www.richmonder.org/shockoe-institute-opens-confronting-richmonds-history-and-role-in-slavery/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_3426.JPG) Burt Pinnock, principal and chair of architecture firm Baskervill, shows slides at Wednesday's event. (Haidyn Brockelman/The Richmonder) Jeannie Welliver, the city manager for the Shockoe Project, called the uncovering of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail “likely the most important archaeological find in the United States over the past 50 years.” Its location, however, has made preservation of the site unusually difficult. Like much of the rest of Shockoe Bottom, the location of the jail lies in a floodplain, with part of its footprint encroaching into a floodway. That has both significantly limited what the city is allowed to construct at the site and meant that architects had to build flood protection into their design. The solution reached by Baskervill will have solid flood walls that ring the site and then become more and more open as they rise toward the top of the building, allowing airflow and light to penetrate the interior above the level any floodwaters might reach. In that way, the building will also function as a metaphor, said Baskervill: “Something that comes from dark to light or solid to open.” When finished, the 21,400-square-foot pavilion will include outdoor exhibit space and ramped access to the excavated floor, with an open pavilion to be situated overhead. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-16-at-3.18.33---PM.png) (Baskervill/City of Richmond) ### **A long, dark history** Operated for more than 30 years, Lumpkin’s Slave Jail was known for its particularly brutal and inhumane treatment. Anthony Burns, an enslaved man who was held at Lumpkin’s Jail after his capture under the Fugitive Slave Act, was confined in a tiny room at the site accessible only by trapdoor. “He was allowed neither bed nor air,” wrote Charles Emery Stevens, who penned an account of Burns’ case in 1856 and whose words will be included on the building’s exterior. “A rude bench fastened against the wall and a single coarse blanket were the only means of repose. After entering his cell, his handcuffs were not removed.” While known to be brutal, Lumpkin’s Jail was not unique in Richmond. At the time, there were four other slave jails in the city and “as many as 30 auction sites in the valley,” according to a project overview. Between 1830 and 1860, more than 300,000 enslaved persons were sold at auctions held in Richmond. “This was right in the middle of the Bottom,” Welliver said Thursday. “It was part of everyday life in Richmond.” Following his death in 1866, Robert Lumpkin, the final owner of the site after whom the jail was named, left all his land and property to an enslaved woman he “married,” Mary. The land was once home to the Richmond Theological Seminary – formerly known as The Colver Institute – and later became the first site of Virginia Union University. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Excavation and identity** A wider commemoration of Lumpkin’s Jail has been a long time coming, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said Wednesday. “The vision started over 30 years ago,” he said. “I absolutely believe that we cannot find our way to healing or to thriving without telling the full story of how we got here.” Some of the earliest archaeological work at the site occurred more than two decades ago, when the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods found “compelling evidence” that some of the jail’s features survived well below the contemporary street level. A 2008 excavation, according to [a report by the James River Institute for Archaeology](https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/pdf%5Ffiles/SpecialCollections/Lumpkin's%20Jail%20data%20recovery%20report%20vol.%201%20%28research%29.pdf), turned up “remarkably intact remains associated with the antebellum slave-trading complex, including the cobbled central courtyard and brick drain features; a massive brick retaining wall that divided the site into upper and lower levels; the footprint of the kitchen building; and two other outbuildings. “Most importantly,” the report continues, the archaeologists "identified the remains of the jail structure itself at a depth of nearly 15 feet below the modern ground surface.” That structure will be more closely examined through an archaeological dig before the pavilion itself is built around it. As planners work to develop the pavilion and the larger campus, they intend to keep a focus on Black Richmonders and their contributions to the city. That attention will emerge even in small details: The font that will be used in the design of the pavilion and other parts of the Shockoe Project is designed by a Black type designer named Tré Seals, and is inspired by an illustration from [The Richmond Planet](https://www.richmonder.org/importance-of-black-press-discussed-at-ashland-event-with-richmond-planet-descendants/). At the Urban Design Committee Thursday, members praised the project’s design, describing it as “admirable” and “powerful.” “Hopefully this kicks off momentum for the other phases of this site,” said Keith Van Inwegen. “This is what Richmond is going to be identified by as people drive through.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org). ### Amateur astronomer donates telescopes to inspire rural communities around Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/amateur-astronomer-donates-telescopes-to-inspire-rural-communities-around-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T17:05:58.000Z Amateur astronomer John Sokol remembers the first time he saw Jupiter through a 10-inch telescope in 1969\. The gas giant’s prowess felt in reach, and the sight struck him. Ever since, it’s been his life’s mission to give everyone a chance to share that same experience. Sokol, who lives west of Farmville, has donated telescopes to rural libraries across Virginia to make the night sky more accessible. Thanks to Sokol’s donation and with help from the [Richmond Astronomical Society](https://richastro.org/), the Powhatan County Library will launch its telescope program on July 21\. If successful, the society hopes to bring the program to other communities around Richmond. "This is a great way to get telescopes in the hands of those interested in the night skies," said Jim Browder, president of the Richmond Astronomical Society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/SoftLaunch1.jpg) William Nott (left) tries out the tabletop telescope during the Powhatan County Library’s STEM Adventures program on May 22, 2026\. (Courtesy of Powhatan County Library) Astronomy clubs across the country participate in the [Library Telescope Program](https://www.librarytelescope.org/learn-more) established in 2008 by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. With a library card, members can check out a beginner-friendly telescope for free to gaze at the night sky. Each telescope is about $350, meaning money and a lack of expertise make it difficult for most groups to carry out the program. Browder has tried to launch it in nearby libraries before, but couldn’t raise enough money for a fleet of telescopes. With Sokol’s donation in March, the society can be a close source of expertise to provide Powhatan County librarians with training and maintenance. When Sokol saw that manufacturers were discontinuing their tabletop telescopes in August of 2024, he decided to snatch a few. Since then, he has bought and donated seven telescopes to libraries across Virginia. He focused on rural areas because they are often overlooked for resources, he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Telescope.jpg) High Point Scientific, a telescope company, designed this telescope specifically for libraries by making it kid-friendly with little set up. (Lauren Hines-Acosta for The Richmonder) Lynchburg Public Library has had its telescope program since 2016 with help from the Blue Ridge Astronomy Club, of which Sokol is a member. Over ten years, the telescope has been circulated 150 times while recruiting new members. Chandra McPherson, director of the Powhatan County Public Library, said the telescope program will provide educational activities for kids, help people enjoy the nearby state park and act as a tool for homeschoolers in the community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Moon.jpg) This image of the moon taken in 2018 is similar to what people can observe with the Apertura Library Telescope. (Courtesy of John Sokol) Emily Nott and her son William, 10, spend many nights on their 12-acre hayfield in Powhatan County searching for stars. William became fascinated with astronomy when he saw an image of a supernova in "Peterson’s Field Guide to the Stars and Planets." The library tested out its new telescope with community members like the Notts during a STEM Adventures event in May. “When I saw the library was doing that program, I asked William, (and) I don't think I even got the whole question out before he jumped up and said, ‘Yes, I want to go,’” said Emily. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. She serves on the board of directors for Barefoot University, which is a homeschool co-operative. She said the program supported this year’s lessons, which focused on the sky’s rhythms – from space to meteorology to winged animals. While she has a telescope at home, she said the library telescope is better because it’s more suitable for kids. Tethered lenses caps and covered mirror screws prevent pieces from being lost or broken. Beginning July 21, the Powhatan County Library will have two Apertura Library Telescopes available for checkout to those 18 and older. Patrons must first sign a beyond books waiver to use the telescope, user manual, evening sky map and a red-light headlamp for maintaining night vision. The library also offers state park passes available for checkout. Browder hopes to eventually expand the telescope program to other libraries in the Richmond area. The Notts didn’t get to stargaze during the STEM Adventures event in May, because it was a rainy night. At least now they’re trained on the telescope for when there’s a clear night, Emily said. William added, “I am so ready.” ### World-famous AI artist unveils video installation at CoStar grand opening URL: https://www.richmonder.org/world-famous-ai-artist-unveils-video-installation-at-costar-grand-opening/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T03:11:43.000Z Thousands of CoStar Group employees gathered at the Allianz Amphitheater on Wednesday night, the culmination of a day of grand-opening festivities for the company's new campus along the James River. Dubbed Foundry Park, the $460 million project is anchored by a 21-story office building. Its distinctive video screen facing the river was officially turned on amid fireworks and a performance from the band Caamp. The LED screen spans the top of the building, runs down the side and continues indoors. It was programmed by Refik Anadol, an AI artist who helped program the Las Vegas Sphere. "He's pioneered a new art form. He paints with data and dreams with machines," CoStar CEO Andy Florance said in introducing Anadol. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9545.jpeg) Refik Anadol founded the first museum dedicated to AI art, Dataland. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) Anadol explained that the screen uses a Large Architecture Model to draw from CoStar's library of photos to generate visuals inspired by buildings, neighborhoods and the built environment. "Millions of images go through the building, and the algorithm will take that data and make a different painting every time," Anadol said, describing it as "futuristic science fiction." 0:00 /6:58 1× Drone video provided by CoStar Group The building itself was designed by architect William Chilton, who also designed the new Dominion Energy office building downtown. He credited Florance with being hands-on in the design and feel of the building. "As architects, we held the pencil, but these ideas and this inspiration was Andy," he said. A group of city and state government dignitaries were also on hand for the event, and had their faces shown on the building's video board throughout the concert. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9523-1.jpeg) Richmond Mayor Danny Avula is displayed on the new CoStar office building. The ceremony came at a precarious time for CoStar, which has seen its stock price fall from $94 last August to $29 on Wednesday. Activist investors have pressured Florance to drop the company's investment in Homes.com, though on [an investor call earlier this year](https://www.realestatenews.com/2026/02/24/costar-touts-homes-com-momentum-bets-big-on-ai-after-strong-q4), company officials stood by their long-term plans and touted a new AI search feature on the website that they dubbed transformative. On Wednesday, Florance [spoke with a writer from the CoStar website](https://www.costar.com/article/964235169/costar-group-debuts-new-office-campus-in-virginia-to-anchor-next-phase-of-growth), detailing his plans for the Richmond space. The three-building complex at Foundry Park will house many of CoStar's 2,440 Richmond-area employees, and he said there is room for as many as 4,000, though he added he thinks CoStar "could one day employ about 8,000 people in the Richmond area." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9493.jpeg) CoStar Group CEO Andy Florance speaks at the grand opening festivities. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) In the interview, Florance reiterated his belief in commercial real estate and in-person work, adding that bringing his employees under one roof, instead of having them spread across the city, will promote collaboration and productivity. He also said he envisions someday selling the building and leasing it back as the Richmond market continues to heat up. “We don’t want to keep real estate on our balance sheet for the long term, but we also have the luxury of time,” he told the website. Writer Katie Burke added: "That means the company can wait while Richmond’s corporate identity continues to strengthen, valuations climb and the market attracts more investor interest. At that point, Florance said the company would consider a sale-leaseback deal that — considering it would involve a high-credit tenant occupying the entirety of a trophy building — would more than make back CoStar’s investment on Foundry Park." ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The city and state governments both incentivized CoStar's construction. The state provided a $15 million grant, while the city will [return some of the company's real estate taxes](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/real-estate/costar-office-tower-richmond/article%5F2fc0901a-0196-11ef-812e-bf03a8f8fb2a.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage) during the first decade. The building closest to the river will also have restaurant space that is open to the public, which will open in the coming months. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* *CoStar is a Richmonder sponsor but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### ‘Turn this ballpark into Christmastown’: Squirrels unveil plan for 39-day WinterWorld attraction at CarMax Park URL: https://www.richmonder.org/turn-this-ballpark-into-christmastown-squirrels-unveil-plan-for-39-day-winterworld-attraction-at-carmax-park/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T23:40:22.000Z As a New Yorker, Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella says he’s always had a soft spot for Rockefeller Center at Christmastime. Later this year, DiBella and his entertainment team are planning to bring a similar holiday vibe to CarMax Park with a 39-day attraction they’ve dubbed WinterWorld. The offseason event will feature more than a million lights, a 12,500 square foot ice rink for skating, a six-lane ice slide, a tree maze, a Ferris wheel and what organizers promise will be the tallest live Christmas tree in Richmond. There will also be holiday-themed shopping, food and drink options. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/51C37907-87A2-4040-8563-F3C8B24E9C7B.jpeg) Pricing details were not immediately available, but Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella said he's hoping for 100,000 visitors during the winter season. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) Appearing in a Santa Claus getup to announce the event Wednesday as gusts of artificial snow fell from the ceiling, DiBella said he considers WinterWorld “a present to the fans that helped us get this ballpark built.” “I wanted to turn this ballpark into Christmastown, USA,” said DiBella, the managing partner of Squirrels parent company Navigators Baseball. DiBella said the event is expected to cost millions of dollars to produce, without giving a precise figure. If it attracts 65,000 to 70,000 visitors in its first year, DiBella said, it has a chance to break even. But, he added, he’s hoping for closer to 100,000. “Honestly, 39 days and 39 nights of this is a tremendous amount of work and costs a tremendous amount of money,” DiBella said. “But I love Christmas. I actually love the people of this town. I love our fans.” 0:00 /0:34 1× The Flying Squirrels released a video showing their ideas for WinterWorld. NOTE: This video was generated using artificial intelligence. The WinterWorld announcement is the most elaborate offseason event announced so far for the minor-league ballpark that opened in April. As the anchor of the city’s broader, 63-acre Diamond District redevelopment project, both the city and the Squirrels have a financial interest in the new venue getting as much use as possible, even in the winter months. WinterWorld will run from Nov. 18 through Jan. 3, according to the announcement. “It’s going to be an amazing place for people to make memories from November through the end of the year,” said former Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “Richmond deserves a signature holiday destination. And this is going to be it, right here at CarMax Park.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/C785D3D6-1E0D-4577-BCDD-5E7F48C18931.jpeg) Former Flying Squirrels CEO Todd "Parney" Parnell spoke at the event. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) Exact details on pricing were not immediately available. Organizers said they’re planning to partner with nonprofits to give away 5,000 free tickets. WinterWorld is being put on by 804Live, the DiBella-affiliated company that facilitates non-baseball events at CarMax Park. Chris Yancey, president of 804Live, said there have already been more than 40 non-baseball events at the ballpark, ranging from business meetings to class reunions to wedding receptions. “The vision for CarMax Park was always to be not just an incredible place to cheer for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, but to be a year-round venue, a place that the Richmond community could come, could gather and celebrate,” said Chris Yancey, president of 804Live. The event’s presenting sponsor is SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration services company. WinterWorld will require the baseball field to be “ripped apart,” DiBella said, but it will be re-sodded after the event is over to prepare for baseball to resume next spring. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/LIGHTTUNNEL3.png) A tunnel of lights is shown in one rendering. (Flying Squirrels) Note: This image was generated using artificial intelligence. DiBella said he hopes the winter event will be a local holiday tradition for years to come. “The intent for year one is to make this as spectacular for our community, for the people of Richmond, as we can,” DiBella said. “And I know that we can.” The plan is expected to be announced directly to Squirrels fans at Friday evening’s home game, which will have a “Christmas in July” theme. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Questions linger about impact of planned construction** The WinterWorld announcement came at a time of high tension over how the Diamond District project is progressing. DiBella and a team of lawyers representing him have expressed frustration over the handling of the project, saying it has so far led to a new ballpark with little around it but construction sites. No city government officials spoke at Wednesday’s event, even though CarMax Park is owned by the Richmond Economic Development Authority. The city and the Diamond District’s lead developer, Thalhimer Realty Partners, have plans to do construction work outside the ballpark’s main entrance once the baseball season ends in September. In a letter sent to city officials last month, a lawyer for DiBella objected to the planned road and infrastructure work near the entrance, saying it could interfere with offseason plans for WinterWorld and other events expected to draw large crowds. [Letter: Squirrels’ plan for winter holiday event at risk over roadwork planned near ballpark entranceThe Squirrels said they are planning a “WinterWorld” attraction around the holidays.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f5a2757a-c176-4259-87a1-3ee86360864b.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8723-37c3d185-cba3-422c-846a-1d784db0bf46.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-squirrels-plan-for-winter-holiday-event-at-risk-over-roadwork-planned-near-ballpark-entrance/) The dispute over the finer details of the Diamond District project and who should control which parcels of land led to a heated encounter this spring between DiBella and Thalhimer developer Jason Guillot. That showdown, which occurred in April on the ballpark’s opening night, led DiBella to file a [defamation lawsuit](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) against Guillot that claimed a hostile exchange of words had been falsely blown up into a rumored death threat. Thalhimer [fired back](https://www.richmonder.org/thalhimer-denies-allegations-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-flying-squirrels-owner/) by calling the lawsuit baseless and essentially accusing DiBella of engaging in aggressive and unprofessional behavior. Speaking with reporters after Wednesday’s announcement, DiBella said it was up to the city to answer questions about how the construction work would or wouldn’t impact the WinterWorld plan. “For years, when this park was in discussion, all I heard was we need to generate income all year round,” DiBella said, adding he has “a hard time believing anyone would close down our front entrance.” Because the Diamond District project was publicly financed, new revenue from the ballpark and the development surrounding it is supposed to allow the city to pay off the bonds. DiBella noted he and the Squirrels are expected to pay $3.2 million in annual rent for the publicly owned ballpark. “You can’t not only empower me but demand that I create events and positives for the community in this ballpark and then stop me from doing it,” DiBella said. City officials have not clarified their position on how the construction work can co-exist with plans for major offseason events at CarMax Park. When asked earlier this month if the city was aware of the WinterWorld plan, a spokesperson for the EDA said only that the team and its affiliates have shared some details on event scheduling, while noting it isn’t required. When asked about the issue at an unrelated event Wednesday morning, Mayor Danny Avula said city officials would “have to go back and look at the agreements.” The mayor emphasized the area around the ballpark “will be under construction for multiple years.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org)*. Haidyn Brockelman contributed to this report.* ### July 15 Newsletter: Hispanic business boom URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-15-newsletter-hispanic-business-boom/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T10:00:28.000Z **Weather:** The heat is on. High of 97 today with 100 potentially looming in the coming days. **On this date** in 1902, a special session of the General Assembly is convened in Richmond to pass a new state constitution, introducing poll taxes and literacy tests in an attempt to disenfranchise Black voters. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-Newsletter-Ad--728x90-.png)](http://www.starrhill.com/richmond) **Today's newsletter sponsored by Starr Hill Beer Hall and Rooftop in Scott's Addition,** with award-winning craft beer, cocktails, great food, rooftop views, and weekly community events. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-11.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/hispanic-chamber-touts-small-business-success-amid-population-boom-in-richmond/) ### Hispanic Chamber touts small-business success amid population boom in Richmond Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses with at least one employee in the metro area grew by 104%, according to the Greater Richmond Partnership. (That's in comparison to 44% nationally.) “For the community to succeed, you have to have successful Hispanic businesses,” Hispanic Chamber CEO Michel Zahur said. “I think that’s really important because we don’t want to just be workers, we want to be business owners. We want to raise it so everyone has a chance to start a business, to grow a business.” The group celebrated its 25th anniversary this past December. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/hispanic-chamber-touts-small-business-success-amid-population-boom-in-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-13.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/major-richmond-apartment-operator-hit-with-multistate-fair-housing-complaint/) ### Major Richmond apartment operator hit with multistate fair housing complaint The nation’s largest apartment operator, which manages more than a dozen properties in the metro Richmond area, is facing allegations that it has repeatedly refused to accept housing choice vouchers — often called Section 8 vouchers — in violation of Virginia and other state laws. “We have never encountered a landlord that operates with such brazen contempt and hostility toward the rule of law as Greystar,” a watchdog group said. Asked about the allegations, a spokesperson for Greystar said that the company “remains committed to fair housing practices in everything we do. Greystar provides training and expects our team members to comply with all applicable laws.” Even with Virginia law prohibiting discrimination, getting landlords to accept vouchers has been a challenge. RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith has said many continue to refuse voucher holders. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/major-richmond-apartment-operator-hit-with-multistate-fair-housing-complaint/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-12.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/pro-code-refresh-groups-urge-city-to-take-more-steps-to-reduce-displacement/) ### Pro-code refresh groups urge city to take more steps to reduce displacement At a press conference Monday, the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition continued to call for the construction of new housing as a way to alleviate affordability problems. Supporters acknowledge the concern that development will push out longtime residents. But they also contend that displacement is already well underway and that the current zoning code is making the problem worse by strictly limiting new growth and prioritizing single-family construction. Starting next July, a new state law will allow local governments to set up programs that incentivize or require developers to include a certain amount of affordable housing in their projects. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/pro-code-refresh-groups-urge-city-to-take-more-steps-to-reduce-displacement/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/PRESS-RELEASE---13-Acres-in-Richmond-Gifted-for-Conservation---Future-Public-Park-2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/southside-land-gifted-for-future-public-park/) ### Southside land gifted for future public park The Capital Region Land Conservancy announced its latest acquisition on Tuesday, adding 13 acres of forested land in the Hioaks neighborhood on Richmond's Southside. The move is the latest in a busy summer for the CRLC, which also has protected farmland in Varina and obtained the final piece for the upcoming Mayo Island park. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/southside-land-gifted-for-future-public-park/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-Newsletter-Ad--900-x-900-px-.png)](http://www.starrhill.com/richmond) Enjoy local at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop in Scott's Addition with award-winning craft beer, cocktails, wine, cider, and a full food menu packed with shareables and handhelds. With a rooftop bar, indoor and patio seating, plenty of TVs for the big game or your next watch party, and a calendar full of events like trivia and drag brunch, Starr Hill is the perfect spot to eat, drink, and gather with friends and family. [**See more.**](http://www.starrhill.com/richmond) --- ### In other news - [**Local author Rachel Beanland’s newest book revisits a childhood home in Italy**](https://www.richmonder.org/local-author-rachel-beanlands-newest-book-revisits-a-childhood-home-in-italy/) - She returned with her family to a naval base where her father was stationed. - [**Historic Tuckahoe, Thomas Jefferson’s childhood home in Goochland, listed for sale for $17M**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/13/historic-tuckahoe-thomas-jeffersons-childhood-home-in-goochland-listed-for-sale-for-17m/) (Richmond BizSense) - While used as a private residence, Tuckahoe has been opened up to the public for tours and events over the years. - [**Performers announced for Richmond’s 2nd Street Festival**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/14/2nd-street-festival-returns-october-3-4-with-dj-jazzy-jeff-plunky-oneness/) (12 On Your Side) - DJ Jazzy Jeff will headline Saturday and Plunky & Oneness will close out Sunday. - [**106-year-old Henrico woman proves age is just a number**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/laura-rice-106th-birthday-july-14-2026#google%5Fvignette) (CBS 6) - She has traveled to 10 countries and climbed part of the Great Wall of China at 89. --- ### The editor's desk Come say hi this Saturday morning when we bring The Richmonder to the [**St. Stephen's Farmers Market**](https://ststephensrva.org/farmers-market/) in the West End. We'll chat local news with you, and we've got Richmonder mugs and tote bags for our donors! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Major Richmond apartment operator hit with multistate fair housing complaint URL: https://www.richmonder.org/major-richmond-apartment-operator-hit-with-multistate-fair-housing-complaint/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:28:26.000Z The nation’s largest apartment operator, which manages more than a dozen properties in the metro Richmond area, is facing allegations that it has repeatedly refused to accept housing choice vouchers — often called Section 8 vouchers — in violation of Virginia and other state laws. On Tuesday, the Housing Rights Initiative, a nonprofit watchdog group, announced it had filed administrative civil rights complaints against Greystar in seven states over 114 violations of fair housing laws that it alleges occurred between October 2025 and July 1 of this year. “Greystar has been committing mass civil rights violations at a scale unlike anything our organization has ever seen,” said Aaron Carr, founder and executive director of the group, in a release. “We have never encountered a landlord that operates with such brazen contempt and hostility toward the rule of law as Greystar.” Asked about the allegations, a spokesperson for Greystar said that the company “remains committed to fair housing practices in everything we do. Greystar provides training and expects our team members to comply with all applicable laws.” Because the Virginia complaint is administrative, it is not publicly available, although information and recordings shared by the housing rights group outline the details of all 114 allegations. [Virginia law](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title36/chapter5.1/section36-96.3/) makes it illegal for any landlord who owns more than four rental units in Virginia to refuse to rent to someone based on their “source of funds” — a prohibition that means landlords cannot turn down a tenant solely because they are using a housing voucher. Despite that, the Housing Rights Initiative claims that Greystar representatives routinely told testers the organization deployed that they did not accept vouchers or that voucher holders would have to meet certain unlawful criteria. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Fourteen of the alleged violations are linked to five Virginia properties in Arlington and Fairfax counties and the city of Fredericksburg. While none of the complaints concern properties in Richmond, Greystar controls [numerous buildings in and around the city](https://www.greystar.com/s/us?bb=eyJzdyI6eyJsYXQiOjM3LjQyMTE5NDg5NjQwODQ0NCwibG5nIjotNzcuNTUzNzQzMDk4MTY1MzN9LCJuZSI6eyJsYXQiOjM3LjY0MTQ1NDUyNTEyNjgwNCwibG5nIjotNzcuMzI0NzQ2ODIxNzU0ODR9LCJjZW50ZXJMYXQiOjM3LjUzMTQwNjAxODE3NjEsImNlbnRlckxuZyI6LTc3LjQzOTI0NDk1OTk2MDA5fQ%3D%3D&resetPagination=false), including complexes in Scott’s Addition, Manchester and Shockoe Bottom. In Richmond, housing choice vouchers are administered by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Last year, the authority oversaw more than 4,400 housing choice vouchers, with thousands of other families on waitlists. But even with Virginia law prohibiting discrimination, getting landlords to accept the vouchers has been a challenge. RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith [has said many continue to refuse voucher holders](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-public-housing-authority-stops-issuing-new-vouchers-amid-funding-strains/), and a 2020 analysis cited “landlord refusal to accept housing choice vouchers” as one of the impediments to fair housing choice in the region. “I am aware of the serious issues across the country of some landlords refusing to accept HUD Housing Choice Vouchers,” Nesmith told The Richmonder on Tuesday. “At RRHA, because we recognize there can be reluctance by landlords, we have ‘leaned in’ hard and been proactive.” Besides hosting “meet and greet” sessions to connect voucher holders with landlords, the housing authority also offers $500 incentives for landlords who agree to accept voucher holders and $250 incentives to residents to assist with application fees. Nesmith said the strategies have led to voucher holders in Richmond being able to find housing “95% of the time.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org). ### Southside land gifted for future public park URL: https://www.richmonder.org/southside-land-gifted-for-future-public-park/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T20:10:11.000Z The Capital Region Land Conservancy announced its latest acquisition on Tuesday, adding 13 acres of forested land in the Hioaks neighborhood on Richmond's Southside. The move is the latest in a busy summer for the CRLC, which also has protected farmland in Varina and obtained the final piece for the upcoming Mayo Island park. [Land conservancy buys last privately owned part of Mayo IslandThe city said the building is “expected to remain and play an important role in the future operation and activation of Mayo Island Park”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c58fc6fe-6d79-42f0-9711-b89f6d9f9420.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/image-2-1-9f4498e4-e891-4061-aac5-dffb1893a40e.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/land-conservancy-buys-last-privately-owned-part-of-mayo-island/) The Hioaks land was donated by FW Properties II, a subsidiary of Roanoke's Fralin & Waldron Inc. The original 1975 plan prohibited development on the site, and gave the city the option to purchase the land, which it had not yet invoked. “This gift is the culmination of over 40 years of our work to build out the Beaufont Oaks area. We are grateful of the important work that Capital Region Land Conservancy does to secure land for public access and how easy they made the process,” wrote Andy Kelderhouse, President of Fralin and Waldron, in a press release. The park is adjacent to a pair of affordable housing developments, NOON Hioaks and NOON Hioaks II, which will bring 750 additional residents into the neighborhood. [It might be Richmond’s biggest push to create affordable housing. But many residents don’t even know it exists.Richmond has signed off on 25 agreements that, if all come to fruition, will add 3,213 affordable units to the city’s housing stock.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4f0f32ee-c786-4328-8a88-87e0fea63e4a.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/1203-E-Brookland-Park-1-9a1461b2-01c3-4d52-9318-98c8d3805067.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/it-might-be-richmonds-biggest-push-to-create-affordable-housing-but-many-residents-dont-even-know-it-exists/) “Expanding access to green spaces and natural areas for outdoor recreation enhance our resident’s quality of life in the 9th District. Preserving a mature forest in the neighborhood will also facilitate cleaner air and combat the effects of urban heat,” wrote City Councilor Nicole Jones (9th District). The CRLC said the land has similar characteristics to wetlands. [Photo essay: Richmond has a soil problem. Here’s what is being done about it.A large percentage of Richmond’s soils are comprised of a heavy clay, which is prone to compaction.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9f37d3ac-dd16-47db-b988-c79c26764093.png)The RichmonderMax Posner![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/MAXP4738-2-e1497fb4-8203-4bda-a79f-231e80d2c314.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/photo-essay-richmond-has-a-soil-problem-heres-what-is-being-done-about-it/) In the last six years, the CRLC said it has now obtained more than 72 aces of land inside the city for parks – about the same overall size as Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. *Contact The Richmonder at* [*news@richmonder.org*](mailto:news@richmonder.org)*.* ### Hispanic Chamber touts small-business success amid population boom in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/hispanic-chamber-touts-small-business-success-amid-population-boom-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T11:47:41.000Z When Michel Zajur’s parents settled in Virginia in the 1960s, you could count the Spanish-speaking families in Richmond “on two hands,” as he put it. That's not the case anymore. The size and economic success of the Richmond area’s Hispanic population have exploded since the turn of the century — a change supported by Zajur, CEO of the state’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who attributes the progress to small-business growth that far exceeds the national average. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses with at least one employee in the metro area grew by 104%, according to the Greater Richmond Partnership. There are now 1,051 such businesses. That far outweighs the national increase of 44% during that same timeframe as measured by [Brookings](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/charting-the-surge-in-latino-or-hispanic-owned-businesses-in-the-us/). Local rideshare driver Alexander Mejia has seen the Spanish-speaking and immigrant population’s growth. He followed his children to the area after COVID, describing it as a good place for his family to settle and grow. He pins the recent business growth in Richmond on immigration to the area — something he hears many people comment on as he drives. “Many workers, a lot of development, many things \[have come\] now,” Mejia said in Spanish. “And you can see it in the construction sites there are in Richmond, when we came here there was not as much construction and now, there is construction everywhere.” That business success has seen some interruption recently as immigration enforcement has driven down foot traffic [nationally](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract%5Fid=6759278) and [statewide](https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/02/09/ice-fear-hampton-roads-business/), while local ICE raids have impacted in particular the [Southwood apartments](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-04-20/immigration-enforcement-southwood-apartments-rva-ice-scream-watchers), where many Hispanic and Latino residents live. “There are people who go about in fear, that has been seen,” Mejia said in Spanish. “One hears the news, on TV and all over the place, and that… people are terrified about their papers.” Zajur has made a career of considering challenges to market participation in the state. “A lot of people are fearful,” he said. “I think a lot of people, if they don’t have their proper immigration status — they just want to provide for their family — they work and, and they probably don’t go out much. They’re here to help make their family successful.” ### Promoting Hispanic businesses To Zajur, tackling these and other challenges Hispanic residents face in the pursuit of financial success and social mobility form part of a personal philosophy. “For the community to succeed, you have to have successful Hispanic businesses,” he said. “I think that’s really important because we don’t want to just be workers, we want to be business owners. We want to raise it so everyone has a chance to start a business, to grow a business.” His family’s La Siesta restaurant, now closed, paved the way for Zajur and others to begin a membership organization for Hispanic businesses to support marketing, outreach and finances. [At Richmond’s Mexican restaurants, ‘White sauce’ joins salsa as a tableside stapleNorfolk-area restaurants use Miracle Whip, instead of sour cream, to make the regional dish.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c9a60dac-b289-438d-a277-a2bbc75b492f.png)The RichmonderJuliana Vandermark![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3598-2-470fa88b-84a9-47f7-9aa5-56bdc5f7b0af.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/at-richmonds-mexican-restaurants-white-sauce-joins-salsa-as-a-tableside-staple/) “A lot of these \[people\] have unique challenges because of their immigration status, their language proficiency or not understanding the business culture in the United States, so there is a lot of obstacles,” Zajur said. “This is the case that I saw with my father: someone that helped my father, that guided him so he started his own business, and that’s really why I started the chamber.” Hispanic identity encompasses many countries of origin, and people born both in and out of the U.S., with ties to the Spanish language or from Spain itself. It overlaps often, but not entirely, with Latin America and with the cultural identifier of “Latino.” The Richmond area is home to many people of Mexican origin, as with much of the country, but also many from Central America, including Guatemala and El Salvador, and [elsewhere](https://statisticalatlas.com/place/Virginia/Richmond/Ancestry#figure/hispanic-ancestry) in Latin America. Many Hispanic-owned businesses in the Richmond area are “Latino markets” (several bear that very name), selling international goods and often doubling as restaurants and community centers for remittances and other services. Some claim a specific origin, like “El Salvadoreño” and “Oaxaca Latin Market,” while others do not. Zajur said these businesses are both important and easier for many Spanish-speaking residents to operate and network through as they lessen language barriers. He also believes Hispanic business owners of all stripes should branch out where they can to the rest of the city and region. “Many want to dedicate themselves to the Latino community,” Zajur said. “But as I say to many, you have to open up your business, because if you only dedicate yourself to 8 to 10% of the population you have the opportunity to open up to the other 90% with other products or so on.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_0975.JPG) Flags show the many countries that Spanish-speaking workers come from. ### **The shift by the numbers** Zajur said the growth of Hispanic-owned businesses is particularly notable in Richmond, where there were fewer well-established families and enterprises at the turn of the century than in Northern Virginia. Raw population numbers are a key factor in this change. In 2000, there were a little over 5,000 Hispanic residents in Richmond city proper, or about 2%. They now number over 23,000 and make up about 11% of the city proper, 13% of Chesterfield and 7% of Henrico, [per census data](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/richmondcityvirginia/PST040224) — more than 100,000 residents in total in the metro area. Employment at the region’s Hispanic-owned businesses more than doubled from 2017 to 2023, from 4,539 to 9,480 workers, according to the Greater Richmond Partnership. The increasing [entrepreneurship rate](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hispanic-entrepreneurs-final.pdf) among Hispanics nationally since 2000, the booming number of businesses owners in the Richmond area since 2017 and the outsized growth of that population in the region amounts to a dramatic local transformation. Nationally, Hispanic residents continue to be disproportionately workers as opposed to owners compared to other people groups, according to the Small Business Administration. According to the Greater Richmond Partnership, revenue generated yearly by Hispanic-owned businesses in RVA more than tripled to $1.7 billion from 2017 to 2023, while yearly payroll more than doubled to $419 million. Employee pay at Hispanic-owned businesses in the area lagged revenue growth, going from 32% to 24% of revenue over those six years. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Creating wealth Zajur sees the pivot to business ownership as a main driver of prosperity for Hispanic Richmonders they may not achieve as workers. He gave an example of someone who goes to work in construction and learns roofing, then starts a roofing or construction company. “They’re hard workers and so if you can help them to start, they’re not getting paid $15- $20 an hour,” Zajur said. “They’re business owners and they can make a lot more money for their family.” Asked about Virginia’s minimum wage increases and political winds over its labor policies, Zajur emphasized his desire for Virginia to be competitive with states like North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia — all states with minimum wages at or below the federal $7.25 an hour. “You’ve got to make sure to keep the employees happy and successful, to provide for their family is very important,” Zajur said. “I think we need to keep competitive so we’re able to grow.” [VHCC says](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-virginia-hispanic-chamber-of-commerce/about/) it represents “over 30,000 Hispanic-owned Virginia businesses.” Meanwhile, its public member [directory](https://www.vahcc.com/member-directory) lists 283 entities, from restaurants to legal offices to large corporate sponsors like Dominion and Wells Fargo. Its 2025 annual [report](https://www.flipsnack.com/65FE555569B/virginia-hispanic-chamber-annual-report-2025-2026) notes serving 82 businesses with its continuing “Impacto” and “Avanzar” small business growth programs, and celebrates being named “National Large Chamber of the Year” by its national counterpart. The group says it has distributed $220,000 in no-interest loans to Central Virginia businesses. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_0976.JPG) The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 25th birthday last December. ### Continuing the work The organization celebrated its 25th year of operations last December at a [luncheon](https://www.vahcc.com/25th-anniversary) with state business and academic leaders, and held the 25th “Que Pasa?” [cultural festival](https://quepasafestival.com/) at CarMax Park in Richmond on May 30\. Zajur noted VHCC has advocated at the General Assembly for issues concerning Hispanic residents broadly, including supporting Spanish-language driver’s license exams and aid for students in the state with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) immigration status. While VHCC focuses on business ownership, its sister organization, the Virginia Hispanic Foundation, promotes social and legal services. It functions as a link to resources and promises its own such as education programs and legal clinics, including for immigration. Zajur tied the conception of the foundation in 2003 to the particular needs of Richmond’s Hispanic population at the time, which was new compared to that of Northern Virginia. Both entities, to Zajur, are part of the wider goal of community success. “What do they say? ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.’ And it’s important to be at the table if it’s to take ownership of this country, to be part of it — the beauty,” Zajur said. “To build your American dream.” *This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Michel Zajur's name. Contact The Richmonder at* [*news@richmonder.org*](mailto:news@richmonder.org)*.* ### Pro-code refresh groups urge city to take more steps to reduce displacement URL: https://www.richmonder.org/pro-code-refresh-groups-urge-city-to-take-more-steps-to-reduce-displacement/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:31:46.000Z A coalition of groups that have been vocal about the need for rezoning on Monday called for Richmond officials to take a series of steps to reduce displacement as housing prices continue to strain lower-income residents. “The displacement issue is the furthest thing from just a hypothetical threat,” said Marissa Clark, an organizer with progressive group New Virginia Majority. “It is the very real lived experience that’s happened so often to so many people in this city.” At a press conference Monday, the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition continued to call for the construction of new housing as a way to alleviate affordability problems. “If we don’t build, the bleeding’s not going to stop,” said Clark. But the group also urged the City Council and Mayor Danny Avula’s administration to provide better data on where affordable housing exists, put more housing resources toward neighborhoods where residents are more likely to be pushed out by prices, and begin preparing for new powers Richmond will have in July 2027 to incentivize or require developers to include affordable units in their projects. “There is no single solution to our housing crisis,” said Gustavo Espinosa of the Legal Aid Justice Center. “Zoning reform, equitable development districts, affordability incentives, and preserving affordable housing must all work together.” [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d36f55e1-61c2-4040-af32-2ab8ddb14c7f.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-fb194515-3cec-493b-9ea8-a38f36439fd6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) As Richmonders have debated the ongoing code refresh, the first comprehensive update of the city’s zoning ordinance since 1976, concerns around displacement have been raised repeatedly. Critics of the rezoning have argued that allowing more development by right will increase the number of long-time residents being pushed out of their neighborhoods by new construction that drives up assessments and tax bills. And [in places like the Chamberlayne Avenue corridor](https://www.richmonder.org/on-chamberlayne-ave-rezoning-and-rapid-transit-raise-worries-about-displacement/), they worry that development will hasten the conversion of “naturally occurring” affordable housing to market-rate units. [On Chamberlayne Ave., rezoning and rapid transit raise worries about displacementAs the corridor becomes a backbone of Richmond’s transit system, planners envision development will follow.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9d9713cb-f37d-4894-9ba6-9675c6bc2995.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/7013F942-A83A-47FD-8FD2-2C280D8EA604_1_201_a-377daa3a-6403-4aea-aa7a-1dad727713c9.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/on-chamberlayne-ave-rezoning-and-rapid-transit-raise-worries-about-displacement/) Many supporters acknowledge those worries. But they also contend that displacement is already well underway and that the current zoning code is making the problem worse by strictly limiting new growth and prioritizing single family construction. “The concern is valid,” said Annika Schunn of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, a fair housing organization that is one of the leaders of the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition. “It is one that we are taking very seriously, and we are hoping to see the city take seriously as well.” Both Avula and the City Council have publicly said combating displacement is a priority. Avula pledged to “strengthen meaningful anti-displacement tools” as part of his [affordable housing plan](https://www.rva.gov/mayors-office/more-homes-more-people#displacement), while the Council recently requested a review of all the anti-displacement efforts the city is currently running in an effort to assess what is and is not working. [A report](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/Inventory%20of%20Programs%20and%20Initiatives%20that%20Mitigate%20the%20Displacement%20of%20Residents.pdf?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=ctct) was published in March. “We know that this is something that City Council really cares about,” said Schunn. “Obviously, there are many demands on their time, many different priorities that they are balancing, and so our hope is that we can help and continue to push for this to be a priority.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Four strategies** Of the four broad strategies proposed by the coalition Monday, only one is specifically tied to the zoning ordinance: a proposal to allow duplexes in all residential neighborhoods by right as long as the units are no larger than 1,500 square feet. That idea, which was [first floated by Homes for All Our Neighbors this March](https://www.richmonder.org/pro-code-refresh-groups-pitch-plan-to-allow-smaller-duplexes-in-bid-for-more-affordable-homes/), aims to resolve one of the biggest disputes of the code refresh. While housing advocates have pushed the city to allow more units to be built on individual lots in hopes that the greater flexibility could give rise to smaller — and more affordable — housing options, the prospect of doing away with single family-only zoning [has sparked furious backlash from many residents](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/). [As Richmond’s rezoning begins to solidify, a proposal to allow more duplexes may be on shaky groundAs might have been expected, Richmond City Council’s first public meeting on the proposed citywide rezoning was a freewheeling affair.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c17404af-c016-483b-8ec3-31d8fa07f82c.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/9CF6F93A-DB4E-4D24-B7FC-60D9E46002B7_1_201_a-8bc3b3c7-a754-43de-95eb-94643b151c0d.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) Other recommendations had little to do with zoning. Victor McKenzie, CEO of health care nonprofit Virginia Health Catalyst and a member of Richmond’s Planning Commission, called on the city to create public databases that can track subsidized housing and allow residents searching for affordable units to more easily find them. “We need to get better organized,” he said. Better tracking affordable units that are tied to subsidies would also allow the city to better prepare for the expiration of restrictions imposed as a condition of the subsidies, argued McKenzie. Affordable apartment buildings, for example, are typically built using federal low-income housing tax credits, which require the owner to ensure that tenants meet income requirements and rents don’t exceed certain limits for 15 to 30 years after the building begins operating. After that time, buildings can be converted to market-rate units, leading to the displacement of tenants who can no longer afford to live there. [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-efbe0152-94d3-4bb0-bb80-a9af488c841f.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-d2cca706-6bcf-4a98-8b25-55482b334624.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) Tools given to Richmond by the state could help avoid some of those situations, said McKenzie. He pointed in particular to [a law that passed the General Assembly this year](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB4) letting local governments require landlords to give tenants two years of notice if affordability restrictions are expiring and giving the locality the right of first refusal if the property is going to be sold. Identifying what neighborhoods are most at risk of displacement could also be used to set up what the coalition described as “equitable development districts.” Under the group’s proposal, those areas would be targeted for anti-displacement efforts like home repair programs and rental and eviction assistance, and residents could receive greater opportunities to provide input into planning decisions. Unlike Charlottesville’s anti-displacement districts, the Richmond areas would not set any zoning rules. “We've heard this belief that building is going to, in every instance, lead to displacement,” said Espinosa. “But really, if the city takes a very targeted approach and is giving low-income neighborhoods the power to prevent gentrification and to attract opportunities that actually work for the people that live there, for their culture, for their income brackets, then all neighborhoods could benefit from it.” [City announces Anti-Displacement Week as housing costs remain highThe Avula administration estimates that about 40% of Richmonders are at risk of displacement.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-0ea174fa-78de-4eef-b978-ec3464f88fe4.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/8D38B418-A53D-438F-90A8-CD6B42C106BC_1_105_c-aaac72eb-b18a-49e0-b15a-20519884eef1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-announces-anti-displacement-week-as-housing-costs-remain-high/) Perhaps one of the most powerful tools Richmond may have to deter displacement won’t go into effect until July 1, 2027\. At that time, [a new state law](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB74) will allow all local governments to set up programs that incentivize or require developers to include a certain amount of affordable housing in their projects. To date, only a handful of counties and cities in Virginia have had that authority, often called inclusionary zoning powers. For a number of years, the Richmond City Council has asked the General Assembly for the right to use inclusionary zoning but was stymied until the last session. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. While the city will have to wait a year for those powers, the law requires it to set up an advisory committee to hammer out what such a program should look like with input from residents, developers and a host of other groups. Laura Dobbs of HOME said Richmond should begin setting up that committee now. “That way, we can ensure that day one, when that new law is effective, we have a plan in place and we can start making immediate use of it to get new income restricted units built,” she said. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*.* ### Local author Rachel Beanland’s newest book revisits a childhood home in Italy URL: https://www.richmonder.org/local-author-rachel-beanlands-newest-book-revisits-a-childhood-home-in-italy/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T01:04:42.000Z The idea for local author Rachel Beanland’s new novel, "The Half Life," first came to her in 2019 as she was wandering with her family around an abandoned elementary school. The school, which sits at the edge of the Italian island of La Maddelena, was crumbling and dilapidated. Decades earlier, Beanland was a student in that building. Beanland’s father was in the Navy, so as a kid, Beanland moved around a lot, including to La Maddelena. The American Navy held a presence there for more than three decades, and Beanland lived on the island for two years in the 1980s. When she returned decades later, she found the place both familiar and not. “We kind of had to sneak onto the old officers quarters’ area because it wasn’t open to the public anymore,” Beanland said. “By then, the U.S. Military was not in La Maddelena anymore. And I was kind of wandering around the island looking for evidence of our old life. And there were places where I could see it and places where I couldn’t.” Her memories of her time on the island were of an idyllic childhood — swimming in crystal clear waters, collecting pine nuts and sea urchins. But all this time later, sitting at the crumbling elementary school with her new family, she found herself thinking differently about the American presence on the island. “I started to think, I really experienced this place at a particular time in its history,” Beanland said. “This 36-year period when the Americans were here was fascinating. And the more I read about it after the fact, the more I realized, I think there is a story here. So I started to daydream about writing a novel set on a Sardinian island.” Beanland moved to Richmond in 2007, when her husband got a job teaching math at VCU. Soon after, Beanland enrolled in VCU’s MFA program in creative writing, and she wrote the entire draft of her first novel while a student in the program. That novel, "Florence Adler Swims Forever*,"* went on to be named one of USA Today’s “Best Books of 2020” and was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Pick. The [book launch](https://withfriends.co/event/27976688/the%5Fhalf%5Flife%5Flaunch%5Fwith%5Frachel%5Fbeanland) event for "The Half Life" will take place at the James Branch Cabell Library on Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00 PM. A ticket comes with a signed copy of the novel. The novelist Kevin Powers, who grew up in Richmond, will interview Beanland as part of the event. “VCU Libraries is certainly a special place to be hosting this,” Beanland said. “I have a lot of love for VCU.” Richmonders may know Beanland best from her 2023 novel, "The House Is on Fire," which is set in early-1800s Richmond. The novel depicts the day the Richmond Theater burned down and follows four characters in the aftermath of that terrible event. And although the time, place, and characters, are radically different, "The Half Life"also interrogates important political issues of our day. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. "The Half Life" follows 23-year-old Eileen O’Malley as she meets and falls in love with the charming naval officer Paul Archer, in Charleston, South Carolina. When Paul is assigned to La Maddalena, she accompanies him there, and the rest of the novel explores Eileen’s tumultuous time on the island. She navigates a host of challenges — finding acceptance and friendship among the naval wives, learning the language, a strained marriage, and a growing intimacy with an attractive local reporter. Lurking in the background of Eileen’s life is the expanding local resistance to the American presence on the island, largely to do with environmental concerns caused by American submarines. Of course Beanland hopes readers find the plot and characters compelling, but also acknowledges there are some broader takeaways that pertain to the present day. “There are certainly maybe people who walk away and think, you know, I didn’t really think about American expansionism before in this way, or the U.S. military’s presence in foreign countries, or environmental concerns pertaining to the military-industrial complex,” Beanland said. “So there’s lots you can take away. But I am in less control of how people process that. I never want to preach.” "The Half Life" is the product of mountains of research, time, and energy. And although the U.S. military no longer has a presence on La Maddalena, Beanland’s research process was filled with false starts and dead ends. “One of the issues is, talking to people about nuclear submarines is really tricky because it’s top secret,” Beanland said. So she had to be creative about finding information on military operations on the island. Her American sources seemed more willing to divulge information about what happens on a Russian sub, for instance, and she could extrapolate from that. “And even figuring out the CIA’s involvement in Italian politics. More and more is coming to light with every passing year, but there’s still so much we don’t know about what we as Americans were and weren’t supporting in Italy during this time,” Beanland said. “So that was certainly a challenge.” But "The Half Life" is not merely a political book. It is also a novel about love, learning, grief, and trying to do the right thing under incredible pressure. For Beanland, the story is profoundly personal. “I tend to think about it in terms of the ingredients that I’m kneading into the dough,” Beanland said about her writing process. “My own grief, and my own worries about the future, and my own politics. All of these things.” Beanland’s father, who worked on submarines when he was stationed at La Maddalena, had prostate cancer in his early fifties and died of pancreatic cancer in his late fifties. “You know, there are a number of reasons that he could’ve ended up with two forms of cancer in his fifties,” Beanland said. “He smoked a pipe, he drank, he didn’t love exercise. But also he worked on subs. I’ve always wanted someone to sit down and tell me why he died. And I’m never—no one’s ever going to do that because there is not an answer. But I liked envisioning that someone had that potential to sit down and explain something to me.” While her father didn’t work in nuclear repair or radiological controls as some of the characters in the book do, Beanland’s father would sometimes come home and express concerns about his workplace. “He did have stories about working on subs and times when he felt like he was unsafe or potentially exposed to something, and never got any answers,” Beanland said. But more than the military, "The Half Life" centers the community forged among the naval wives in part because that was the community Beanland witnessed growing up on La Maddalena. “My day-to-day life was following my mom around and sitting at the kitchen table while my mom and her friends gossiped,” Beanland said. “So it was very natural to write those women. And of course my mother had her own network of friends that I could draw inspiration from.” Careful readers will also find a few references to Richmond. “I have a few little Richmond Easter eggs,” Beanland said. And portions of the book are set in Charleston, which Beanland feels Richmonders might relate to. “I think Charleston and Richmond have some similarities,” Beanland said. “Both Southern cities, deep histories, history of slave trade, some history of military presence. Southern cities that are experiencing changing identities.” Having lived in Richmond now for almost 20 years, Beanland believes the Richmond arts scene is responsible for making her life as a novelist possible. On top of the resources Beanland found at VCU, she’s also enjoyed several James River Writers conferences and working for four years at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. “It was so inspiring to be working there and be surrounded by artists and writers and people that were really trying to make a go of art-making,” Beanland said. “I started with very little experience and a deep desire to write, and I feel like so much of my growth as a writer has happened here, in this city, thanks to a lot of cultural institutions,” Beanland said. “I don’t think I would be a novelist without being a Richmonder.” *VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### The Richmonder lands $1 million national grant to build capacity URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-lands-1-million-national-grant-to-build-capacity/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:33:42.000Z The American Journalism Project announced Monday it will invest $1 million in The Richmonder over the next three years, supporting the organization's growth and development. It is the largest grant The Richmonder has received since its founding in Sept. 2024 – our budget is currently [**less than $1 million**](https://www.richmonder.org/we-spent-1-million-bringing-you-local-news-heres-what-happened/) each year. The money is not intended to replace local support, but is an investment in The Richmonder deepening its ties with the community in an accelerated way. The funding is restricted to capacity-building activities, which allows us to build a business infrastructure for sustainable, long-term local support. Thanks to the grant, new [**reader donations and corporate sponsorships**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) will now be able to go directly towards expanding our local news product. ### More about AJP [**AJP is investing nationally**](https://theajp.org/) in three 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as part of its commitment to building the future of local news. “Great local journalism deserves equally strong organizations behind it,” CEO Sarabeth Berman said. “The organizations we're investing in today have already demonstrated exceptional journalism, strong leadership, and deep connections to their communities. “Our role is to build on that momentum by strengthening the leadership, revenue, operations, and audience capacity that allows great local news organizations to grow their impact so more people can rely on trusted local news for years to come.” ### What's next for us The Richmonder will engage its Board of Directors to create a strategic plan that produces intense, community-centered growth. The intention of the grant is that when AJP leaves in three years, the organization is on solid footing with local funding through donors, sponsors, events and grants. The Richmonder has more than 1,300 donors, with [**monthly membership options starting at $9.99 a month**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/). Contributions to The Richmonder are fully tax-deductible. “We're grateful for AJP's investment, but equally excited for their track record of rapid growth among their chosen grantees,” Richmonder Founder Michael Phillips said. “Coming on the heels of our [**Startup of the Year award**](https://www.richmonder.org/were-the-nations-top-news-startup/), there is tremendous enthusiasm nationally that what we are building in Richmond represents the future of local news.” [Join the momentum and become a donor today! ](#/portal/signup) ### Learn more The Richmonder will host a Zoom call on Tuesday at noon where you can hear from staff about our growth plans and ask any questions you might have. [**Sign up for the Zoom here.**](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H23XN3Q) Thank you for reading and supporting The Richmonder! We are thrilled to represent such a great community, and have you walking alongside us as we create the future of local news. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### July 13 Newsletter: Safety net snapping URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-13-newsletter-safety-net-snapping/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T10:00:36.000Z **Weather:** A high of 85 is a (very) slight reprieve before another heat wave rolls through. **On this date** in 2009, the Virginia Retirement System announces it lost 21% of its total value during the first half of the year as a recession pushed stock prices downward. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-9.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-safety-net-clinics-squeezed-by-surge-in-uninsured-patients/) ### Richmond's safety-net clinics squeezed by surge in uninsured patients Reporter **Ned Oliver** tagged along on an outreach visit with the Daily Planet, which provides medical services for the homeless as part of its mission. It's a service that could be on the chopping block as the group's money is squeezed from two directions – federal grants are slowing or expiring, and the number of uninsured patients in Virginia is rising. The number of uninsured patients the Daily Planet saw in Richmond climbed from 36% in 2024 to more than 50% as of last month, Bennett said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-safety-net-clinics-squeezed-by-surge-in-uninsured-patients/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/schoolbus.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/documents-former-rps-facilities-director-was-paid-for-six-weeks-after-investigation-due-to-rejected-resignation/) ### Documents: Former RPS facilities director was paid for six weeks after investigation due to rejected resignation Richmond Public Schools continued to pay Bobby Hathaway, the former director of facilities for the division, for six weeks after two investigations into alleged improprieties both recommended his termination. - Hathaway submitted his resignation on April 23, two days after an investigation recommended his "immediate termination." - On May 15, a school official offered him "resignation in lieu of termination." - On June 2, he was sent a letter saying he had been terminated, and would be paid through that date. The documents were provided last week as part of a lawsuit The Richmonder filed under the state's Freedom of Information Act. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/documents-former-rps-facilities-director-was-paid-for-six-weeks-after-investigation-due-to-rejected-resignation/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/EPMW11--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-electricity-costs-rise-and-federal-tax-credits-wind-down-richmond-hopes-to-move-fast-on-solar/) ### As electricity costs rise and federal tax credits wind down, Richmond hopes to move fast on solar Richmond officials are considering a proposal to install solar panels on an array of city-owned buildings in hopes of both bringing down expenses and furthering city climate goals. 🔌 A private company would install and maintain the solar panels, and then sell the energy they produce back to the city at a lower rate than what Richmond would otherwise pay Dominion Energy. Currently, Richmond’s annual electricity costs are about $18.7 million. The overall power rates paid by local governments will rise by about 25% this year, with an expected additional 12% increase beginning in July 2027\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-electricity-costs-rise-and-federal-tax-credits-wind-down-richmond-hopes-to-move-fast-on-solar/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/2F90T5F-2--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-now-says-medical-911-call-switch-will-happen-in-late-july/) ### Avula admin now says medical 911 call switch will happen in late July Mayor Danny Avula’s administration now says the switch to transfer medical 911 calls back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority should occur in late July. The timing had become a sticking point between the Avula administration and the Council, which voted on June 8 to have RAA be the main point of contact for medical calls instead of having them routed through the city’s own emergency call center. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-now-says-medical-911-call-switch-will-happen-in-late-july/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-10-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/danny-avula-is-hosting-his-mayoral-counterparts-this-week-this-is-where-he-took-them/) ### Danny Avula hosted his mayoral counterparts. This is where he took them Richmond Mayor Danny Avula led a bus tour of the city’s public-private partnerships last Wednesday night, part of an event the city hosted for mayors from around the country. City leaders showcased landmarks like CoStar’s 26-story office tower, Allianz Amphitheater and CarMax Park, putting a focus on projects done collaboratively with the private sector that they said reflect Richmond’s growth and investment. They also spoke of their desire to do more in the downtown area, including the upcoming demolition of the Richmond Coliseum. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/danny-avula-is-hosting-his-mayoral-counterparts-this-week-this-is-where-he-took-them/) --- ### In other news - [**Henrico eyes tighter event security after recent teen incidents**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/10/henrico-public-events-security-clear-bags-weapons-scans-teens) (Axios) - Without a parent or guardian present, groups of teens are creating "unsafe situations that cannot be ignored," the police chief said. - [**Remembering Little Bear: Maymont mourns loss of beloved black bear**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/little-bear-obit-july-10-2026) (CBS 6) - He required specialized care from attending veterinarians since he arrived at Maymont in 2006. - [**Taking a shine: How the humble car wash became Richmond’s hottest business**](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/features/car-washes/) (Richmond Magazine) - Private equity has poured $2 billion into the industry in the last three years alone. --- ### The editor's desk We'll be back in your inbox later this morning with a very special announcement about the future of The Richmonder. Stay tuned! *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Documents: Former RPS facilities director was paid for six weeks after investigation due to rejected resignation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/documents-former-rps-facilities-director-was-paid-for-six-weeks-after-investigation-due-to-rejected-resignation/ Last updated: 2026-07-12T20:30:57.000Z Richmond Public Schools continued to pay Bobby Hathaway, the former director of facilities for the division, for six weeks after two investigations into alleged improprieties both recommended his termination. At issue is a resignation that Hathaway submitted on April 23, but which was later rejected. The additional pay came to light in documents newly released to The Richmonder under the state’s Freedom of Information Act, as [ordered by a city judge](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/). The April 23 letter was followed by a May 15 letter from Patrick Herrel, the division’s chief operating officer and Hathaway’s direct supervisor. In the letter, Herrel told Hathaway that he was recommending “you be dismissed from employment.” Herrel offered him a form titled “Acknowledgment of Resignation in Lieu of Termination,” which would allow Hathaway to resign, but give RPS the ability to inform future employers it was in lieu of termination. It is unclear if Hathaway signed the document. Herrel later sent an email to Hathaway on June 3 that his previously submitted resignation “was not accepted” and that because he did not appeal the decision, his “dismissal has become final and is effective immediately.” “Because your resignation was not accepted, you were placed back on payroll and will receive your regular pay through June 2, 2026,” he wrote. When asked for an explanation of Herrel’s decisions, RPS Director of Communications Alyssa Schwenk said that “in May, as more information came to light and upon deep consideration of the facts, the Administration and (Superintendent Jason Kamras) determined that termination was the appropriate and necessary course of action.” “Throughout both the investigation and the deliberation, the Administration worked to protect the rights of RPS employees, respond appropriately as information emerged, and steward our taxpayer dollars thoughtfully,” she wrote. It is unclear exactly how much money Hathaway was making by the end of his time with the division, but he was making at least [$150,000 after he was given a pay raise in May 2022](http://wtvr.com/news/problem-solvers/problem-solvers-investigations/fox-fire-email-september-27-2022), three months after a fire at Fox Elementary and four months after a Richmond Fire Department employee described Hathaway as an "ongoing roadblock" to fire department inspections at the school. It is unclear whether Hathaway’s initial resignation was properly accepted. [Hathaway report: RPS director asked subordinates to help him disable security cameras; dozens of purchases remain unaccounted for“This constitutes a gross abuse of authority.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f948f7af-42a6-43f7-8ea6-3b0732145dd5.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-1-1--3--a01a03ce-121c-40b0-a26e-f301c94fe84c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) State law requires School Boards to have [the exclusive final authority over employment personnel actions](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title22.1/chapter15/article3/#:~:text=A.%20The%20school%20board%20shall%20retain%20its%20exclusive%20final%20authority%20over%20matters%20concerning%20employment%20and%20supervision%20of%20its%20personnel%2C%20including%20dismissals%20and%20suspensions.) in a school district, including dismissals. There is no record of the School Board accepting Hathaway's resignation in a public vote. [Per RPS policy on dismissals](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BUERNV6DCB42), the superintendent can recommend a termination of an employee to the Board. Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) told The Richmonder in a statement on behalf of the School Board that they opted not to accept the resignation. “The Board was made aware that there was an investigation into the allegations,” she wrote. “Upon receiving the final investigation report, the Board decided it could not accept the resignation. Given potential litigation in this matter, the Board cannot comment any further at this time.” The Board has discussed both Hathaway and The Richmonder’s lawsuit during closed session meetings over the past two months. [The Richmonder is taking legal action against the Richmond School Board. Here’s why.We did not arrive at this decision lightly, but we believe it is an important action to take as part of our mission to shine a light on how taxpayer dollars are used.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-fba8b849-caa5-464f-a3d6-510fcb06be6c.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8803-bbcde58b-39d7-47e7-90c3-2b79ee262102.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-is-taking-legal-action-against-the-richmond-school-board-heres-why/) In the dismissal letter from Herrel, he wrote that it was deemed Hathaway did, in fact, misappropriate RPS funds to purchase equipment not used for schools, coerced his subordinates to commit a security breach to cover up his misuse of RPS property, and violated the terms of his administrative leave by going on school property and engaging with other employees. Hathaway also provided false information throughout the course of the investigations, Herrel wrote. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Following The Richmonder’s reporting on the investigations, school community members spoke out during public comment at a recent Board meeting, pointing to Hathaway’s conduct as the division is grappling with budget cuts. Those cuts were exacerbated by RPS’ estimation of the finalized state budget that turned out to be lower than expected, causing an additional $8.9 million deficit. “This continuous pattern of financial misuse is now resulting in RPS being hit harder by recent state budgetary shortcomings than other districts in the area,” said RPS teacher Jacob Neal-Helt, after listing a series of news articles highlighting internal audits showing weaknesses within the [division’s procurement card process](https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/06/05/recently-approved-rps-audit-report-reveals-potential-credit-card-misuse/), [fraud and abuse tipline](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond-schools-fraud-and-abuse-tip-line-and-email-feb-7-2025) and [overtime pay to bus drivers](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond-school-bus-driver-overtime-pay-controversy-june-28-2024). “All I want to do today is to advocate and push for an understanding that we should have a forensic audit so that we can truly identify the ways that money is being spent in this district.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### As electricity costs rise and federal tax credits wind down, Richmond hopes to move fast on solar URL: https://www.richmonder.org/as-electricity-costs-rise-and-federal-tax-credits-wind-down-richmond-hopes-to-move-fast-on-solar/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T17:49:53.000Z With local governments facing steeper electricity costs this year, Richmond officials are considering a proposal to install solar panels on an array of city-owned buildings in hopes of both bringing down expenses and furthering city climate goals. “We can get cheaper electricity from our own rooftops rather than \[what\] we would be paying Dominion,” Dawn Oleksy, Richmond’s energy program manager, told a City Council committee on July 6\. Under a plan outlined by the Office of Sustainability, Richmond would enter into a power purchase agreement with Secure Solar Futures that could produce up to 5 megawatts of power from solar panels mounted on city buildings. Through the PPA, Secure Solar Futures would install and maintain the solar panels and then sell the energy they produce back to the city at a lower rate than what Richmond would otherwise pay Dominion Energy, the region’s electric monopoly. To simplify the process, Richmond would “ride” a contract Secure Solar Futures already has in place with Prince William County Public Schools through a process known as cooperative procurement. Over the next 25 years, the Office of Sustainability estimates that Richmond would save $12 million in electricity costs, with roughly $260,000 saved in the first year of operation. “One of the main benefits is that it can lower costs for the city in electric rates,” said Carolyn Pugh of the Community Climate Collaborative, which has been working with the city on its solarization plans. “And then, of course, there’s the climate benefits as well.” While the project would be the first solar PPA undertaken by City Hall, power purchase agreements [have been used widely by local governments and school districts throughout Virginia](https://virginiamercury.com/2020/01/27/as-schools-look-to-solar-existing-state-law-shuts-down-further-development/) to obtain solar power without steep upfront costs. Richmond Public Schools currently has solar on 10 of its buildings through a PPA with Secure Solar Futures, and both [Henrico](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c247fea032db4e6e87e9e9e36f058643) and [Chesterfield](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/4674) counties have used the agreements to install solar on municipal sites. Richmond, by contrast, only has solar panels on one of its buildings: the T. B. Smith Community Center. Those panels are owned directly by the city and were installed [during the construction of the facility](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-put-65-million-toward-new-and-improved-community-centers-theyre-almost-done/) using $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. “Direct ownership provides maximum flexibility,” Oleksy told the City Council. “But it also requires 100% upfront costs.” Under the PPA, by contrast, the city only pays for the electricity produced by the panels, with no installation or maintenance costs. “There is no construction cost, no loan, and no budget request tied to this contract. Secure Solar Futures pays for and owns all the equipment,” the Office of Sustainability wrote in a document on the proposal shared with the City Council. “The City only pays for the electricity it actually uses, at a locked-in rate lower than Dominion’s.” So far, 30 buildings on 27 sites have been identified as feasible locations for panels to be installed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-e44db9c8-3dd4-4775-8eb3-3a4245bc6022.png) A City Council vote on the proposal isn’t expected until September, and some councilors like 8th District representative Reva Trammell have said they will need more information on the plan before they can make a decision. Others are more enthusiastic. “I’m very excited about this opportunity,” said Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) during the July 6 meeting. “Climate chaos is here, and everything we can do to mitigate it is fantastic.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **A sense of urgency** While Richmond has been considering putting solar panels on municipal buildings for at least a decade, officials say two factors are driving up the sense that the city should move now. One is the looming expiration of federal tax credits for solar installations. Those credits, which would be used by Secure Solar Futures, could bring down installation costs by between 30 and 50%. But they are also beginning to sunset, with various deadlines passing this summer and by the end of 2027\. The second, and more pressing factor, is rising electricity rates. The city of Richmond, like some 170 other local government bodies in Virginia, negotiates its electricity rates through the [Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association](https://vepga.org/about/), a body set up by the state in 2002\. Under [the latest two-year contract struck between VEPGA and Dominion](https://www.vaco.org/county-connections/localities-in-dominion-energy-territory-to-experience-an-overall-rate-increase-of-24-9-on-july-1-2026/), the overall rates paid by local governments will rise by about 25% this year, with an expected additional 12% increase beginning July 1, 2027\. Currently, Richmond’s annual electricity costs are about $18.7 million. The increases have caused some trepidation in the region. Henrico County, [as reported by the Henrico Citizen](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henricos-electric-bill-is-going-up-by-5m-the-county-is-asking-employees-to-help/), recently asked county employees to look for energy-saving measures they can take to help cushion the impact of the rise. During the July 6 meeting, Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) also asked the Office of Sustainability about efforts to reduce energy costs beyond the savings that the solar PPA could produce. “Just thinking about long-term planning, $12 million is significant over 25 years, but it’s not that significant,” she said. A [Joint Energy Team](https://www.rva.gov/sustainability/joint-energy-team) stood up by the city is “looking hard at all the opportunities to save energy costs for Richmond,” said Oleksy. Besides energy efficiency projects planned through the capital improvements budget, she said the city is considering the use of [energy savings performance contracts](https://energy.virginia.gov/energy-efficiency/performancecontracting.shtml). Pugh of the Community Climate Collaborative said the solar PPA project offers a rare chance for the city to save money without major investments of its own. “In this moment of time, there’s almost no way to imagine that the city of Richmond would be able to purchase and install and cover all the upfront capital costs of these solar arrays,” she said. Richmond, she added, “does not typically have cash to spare.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org). *Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this article.* ### Danny Avula is hosting his mayoral counterparts this week. This is where he took them URL: https://www.richmonder.org/danny-avula-is-hosting-his-mayoral-counterparts-this-week-this-is-where-he-took-them/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T17:21:09.000Z Richmond Mayor Danny Avula led a bus tour of the city’s public-private partnerships on Wednesday night, part of an event the city is hosting for mayors from around the country. City leaders showcased landmarks like CoStar’s 26-story office tower, Allianz Amphitheater and CarMax Park, putting a focus on projects done collaboratively with the private sector that they said reflect Richmond’s growth and investment. The tour was part of a two-day workshop on public-private partnerships that Richmond co-hosted with the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Attendees included officials from localities across Virginia, D.C., North Carolina and South Fulton, Georgia, where Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II previously served. To kick things off, Avula welcomed attendees as the bus rolled down East Cary Street. “We are known as the River City, and so one of the first places we'll go is down to the riverfront, because the James River really is the heartbeat of this city in so many ways,” Avula said before handing the microphone to Director of Economic Development Angie Rodgers, who led the bulk of the tour. ### **First stop: the riverfront** Rodgers explained to the listening mayors that partnerships between the city and external, often private entities have enabled Richmond to develop areas that might otherwise have been overlooked due to budgetary or space constraints. “These sites where the infrastructure investment needed is really too great for the private sector to approach it \[are\] where we start to come in and to help them build,” Rodgers said. As Rodgers spoke, the bus rolled along the riverfront, slowing as it passed CoStar’s campus (she made sure to point out the towering LED display) before continuing past Allianz Amphitheater. Both projects were presented as examples of Richmond incentivizing private investment. With CoStar, this meant attracting a pre-existing business to set up shop downtown, while the amphitheater involved [securing a sponsorship](https://www.richmonder.org/allianz-strikes-sponsorship-deal-for-richmonds-new-riverfront-amphitheater/) with Allianz, the insurance company. Across the street, Brown’s Island remained under construction funded by donations from CoStar, Dominion Energy, NewMarket Corporation and [other private partners](https://www.chamberrva.com/venture-richmond-city-of-richmond-announce-top-donors-for-browns-island-improvement-project/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20CoStar%E2%80%99s%20gift%2C%20Venture%20Richmond%20announced%20significant%20seven%2Dfigure%20gifts%20from%20The%20Community%20Foundation%20for%20a%20greater%20Richmond%2C%20Dominion%20Energy%2C%20and%20NewMarket%20Corporation.). [As design committee OKs revised Brown’s Island plan, members weigh corporate vibe vs. ‘wildness’What started as a push to plant more trees on the man-made island has evolved into a bigger project.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-09fbb028-5a2e-4678-b08f-c1ff46652b43.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Browns-Island-Plan-Update-01-30-2025-20-0b6cc166-481e-4c5d-ae17-569e7daa4308.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-design-committee-oks-revised-browns-island-plan-members-weigh-corporate-vibe-vs-wildness/) ### **Next up: downtown** Rodgers said successful development requires looking beyond individual projects and considering how an entire area functions. The goal, she said, is to create a place where people want to spend their time and figure out, “How do we make sure the growth that we are experiencing really benefits all Richmonders?” In that respect, she said, City Center currently has a problem: when folks get off work, they leave. Changing that culture means investing in infrastructure that encourages people to stay and, as a result, patronize nearby businesses — an effort she said will depend on creative solutions, such as these partnerships with private developers and other outside organizations. Revamping older sites isn’t out of the question, Rodgers said, nodding to the courthouse as one building that could use a refresh. In other cases, revitalization means building something new — such as a planned transit hub with two mixed-use towers — or demolishing structures, [like the Coliseum](https://www.richmonder.org/state-budget-deal-includes-15m-to-help-richmond-demolish-coliseum/), to make way for redevelopment. [Convention center authority OKs drawing up of ‘demolition documents’ for ColiseumDemolition of the 55-year-old downtown arena, which has sat vacant since 2019, has been a slow process.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-bc845ef3-91be-4ea3-9203-d8b20ed5f4ea.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/316B4025-7383-44B0-8675-5A57C5200686_1_201_a-08b9db7a-356f-4f7a-8bec-e218ec02f208.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/convention-center-authority-oks-drawing-up-of-demolition-documents-for-coliseum/) Any renewal efforts will need to take a holistic approach, Rodgers said. Richmond’s downtown is home to civic nodes, VCU’s campus, Broad Street and more. Rodgers told the listening mayors that, rather than hyperfocusing on a specific area, “all these things that are connected need to leverage each other.” ### **Final destination: Scott’s Addition** After turning off Broad Street, the bus made its way through Scott’s Addition before landing at the grand finale: the [recently opened CarMax Park](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-new-baseball-stadium-is-a-giant-leap-forward-but-please-calibrate-your-expectations/) (which the mayors also toured). Along the way, Rodgers pointed to the neighborhood’s mix of residential and commercial spaces as an example of the kind of development Richmond is trying to foster. With a nearby Marriott hotel, a Whole Foods and local businesses, she said Scott's Addition has become a destination where people want to spend time, not just pass through. Even so, construction is continuing, with [the Diamond District](https://www.richmonder.org/council-approves-14-7m-loan-to-keep-diamond-district-project-on-track/) taking shape around the baseball stadium. “This is all the sort of value that has been created by what’s happening at CarMax Park, what’s happening in Scott’s Addition,” Rodgers said. “It just spreads and spreads and creates the kind of value where \[private partners\] can feel comfortable approaching.” *Contact Eleanor Shaw at* [*eshaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:eshaw@richmonder.org)*. She is a Report for America corps member.* ### July 10 Newsletter: Arthur Ashe monument turns 30 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-10-newsletter-arthur-ashe-monument-turns-30/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T10:00:17.000Z **Weather:** Scattered afternoon showers continue, high of 91. **On this date** in 1961, City Council votes to require guides at Civil War sites in Richmond be licensed by the city. **Sponsor The Richmonder!** A tax-deductible sponsorship is a great way for your company to support our community-building work. [**Email us today.**](mailto:support@richmonder.org) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/A80TG4-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/arthur-ashes-statue-turns-30-on-fri-it-wasnt-an-easy-road-to-monument-avenue/) ### Arthur Ashe's statue turns 30 on Friday. It wasn't an easy road to Monument Avenue The monument was initially envisioned as part of a proposed museum to Black sports legends. Local sculptor Paul DiPasquale, Ashe biographer Raymond Arsenault and others remember the days leading up to the July 10, 1996 unveiling. “He was much more than a tennis player,” Arsenault said. “He was just a role model for so many people. When I lecture on Ashe, people will come up to me with tears in their eyes.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/arthur-ashes-statue-turns-30-on-fri-it-wasnt-an-easy-road-to-monument-avenue/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-7.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/no-easy-answers-in-sight-for-richmond-public-schools-8-9m-budget-hole/) ### No easy answers in sight for Richmond Public Schools’ $8.9M budget hole School leaders have asked Mayor Danny Avula and the City Council for more money to help address the shortfall. But after an initial conversation at City Hall Thursday, it’s unclear where the city might find that money and how it could be allocated to RPS in time to avoid cuts or disruption. Also Thursday, Council gave an initial greenlight to a proposal to have Richmond voters weigh in on whether the city should enact a new sales tax of up to 1% to fund school construction and major school renovations. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/no-easy-answers-in-sight-for-richmond-public-schools-8-9m-budget-hole/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-8.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/crime-continues-downward-trend-in-richmond-fan-passes-shockoe-for-car-gun-thefts/) ### Crime continues downward trend in Richmond; Fan passes Shockoe for car gun thefts Violent crime maintains an overall downward trend, according to data shown by police at Thursday’s mid-year crime briefing. - But, "accidental" shootings are up signficantly. - “Many people we see have guns in their waistband, guns in their pockets,” the police chief said. “The gun moves, they reach for it, grab it, and shoot themselves.” Police also said more guns are now stolen from cars in the Fan than in Shockoe Bottom, which they attributed in part to increased patrolling in Shockoe after a February shooting. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/crime-continues-downward-trend-in-richmond-fan-passes-shockoe-for-car-gun-thefts/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-6.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/traditional-or-modern-housing-authority-asks-residents-to-weigh-in-on-new-gilpin-courts-first-phase/) ### Traditional or modern? Housing authority asks residents to weigh in on new Gilpin Court's first phase Gilpin residents can cast a ballot in one of four ways for either a “traditional” architectural design that offers additional ornamentation and features like columns and decorative cornices or a “modern” design that is more angular and stripped down. Officials will use the input to decide on the look of two buildings housing 56 units that will be constructed before any demolition occurs. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/traditional-or-modern-housing-authority-asks-residents-to-weigh-in-on-new-gilpin-courts-first-phase/) --- **Sponsor The Richmonder!** A tax-deductible sponsorship is a great way for your company to support our community-building work. [**Email us today.**](mailto:support@richmonder.org) --- ### In other news - [**Benny's giant pizza lands in Scott's Addition**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/09/bennys-pizza-scotts-addition-opens-richmond) (Axios) - Like Benny Ventano's in the Fan, the new restaurant serves 28-inch pies. - [**Lucy Dacus’ new music video is a love letter to Richmond**](https://rvamag.com/music/lucy-dacus-new-music-video-is-a-love-letter-to-richmond.html) (RVA Mag) - The video moves through some of the city’s most recognizable places, including Dogwood Dell, Hollywood Cemetery, and Pony Pasture. - [**Through 'growing pains,' Flying Squirrels see CarMax Park light, says Lou DiBella**](https://richmond.com/sports/professional/article%5Ff72cf3f9-1f2c-4e3f-b980-8aab9cd18b5b.html) (Times-Dispatch) - "We had 27 employees, many of whom did seven different things about a year-and-a-half ago, and now we have 80 employees." --- ### The editor's desk A new[**article in The Atlantic**](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/08/reading-crisis-postliterate-age/687618/?gift=1ga2TvL-DbuHDQIcYF7oR0hUaL9W7brf6sO7XE1OWjc&utm%5Fsource=copy-link&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fcampaign=share)about the decline of reading says more adults place a bet each year than read a book cover to cover. We're not getting into the novel business, but we're grateful for our readers who embrace the printed word, even digitally. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### No easy answers in sight for Richmond Public Schools’ $8.9M budget hole URL: https://www.richmonder.org/no-easy-answers-in-sight-for-richmond-public-schools-8-9m-budget-hole/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T11:52:04.000Z The Virginia General Assembly’s last-minute budget deal has created an urgent math problem for Richmond Public Schools. And city officials don’t appear to have an immediate plan for how to solve it. Because RPS relied on an erroneously rosy prediction for how much funding the division would receive from the state, the school system has a roughly $8.9 million hole in its budget for the fiscal year that began last week. The late-arriving clarity from the state on what the number would be — which came well after the city and RPS had wrapped up the local budget process — has sent Richmond officials scrambling to regroup in time for the school year that starts in late August. School leaders have asked Mayor Danny Avula and the City Council for more money to help address the shortfall. But after an initial conversation at City Hall Thursday, it’s unclear where the city might find that money and how it could be allocated to RPS in time to avoid cuts or disruption. “We’re in a bit of a conundrum,” Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) said at Thursday’s meeting of the Council’s Education and Human Services Committee after getting a budget update from RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. [RPS considers eliminating annual substitutes, asks city for Airbnb tax money to fill last-minute budget gapThe administration is also recommending the elimination of 15 teacher vacancies, mainly from middle and high schools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9ef5ab62-31e9-4028-93e1-766b7858c35d.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rps-cry-1-65835e3c-ed2c-4ff0-9b1f-8c0384e7ac41.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-considers-eliminating-annual-substitutes-asks-city-for-airbnb-tax-money-to-fill-last-minute-budget-gap/) The budget shortfall is the latest flashpoint in Richmond’s recurring and politically sensitive debate over how to fund city schools. School leaders often see it as part of their role to vigorously advocate for more funding, but those requests often frustrate Council members and the mayor’s office by ratcheting up public pressure to find more money or risk being criticized as unsupportive of schools and children. After receiving a record $257 million in local funding for schools, the Richmond School Board sent a letter to Mayor Danny Avula and the Council this week asking for more. In the letter, School Board Chair Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) suggested the city could use some of the $5.6 million in unbudgeted revenue the city expects to receive from ramping up tax enforcement on short-term rentals offered through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. In a reply Thursday, Avula acknowledged receipt of the letter. “The situation is challenging, and all of us who are invested in the long-term success of RPS must find a path forward together,” Avula wrote to Fernandez. “We are reviewing your request and expect to have more clarity in the coming weeks.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Lynch, who chairs the Council’s education-focused committee, said the short-term rental money might not be a viable solution because hotel and lodging taxes are dedicated to the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority and the city receives a portion back at the end of the calendar year. “That’s not just here,” Lynch said. “That means that there’s some considerable digging under the couch cushions and some really creative thinking that needs to happen in order to fill that gap any time prior to when the school year starts.” In a press call with reporters later Thursday, Avula also indicated the short-term rental money wasn’t a viable solution. “We can’t allocate money that we haven’t certified and don’t know exactly how much it’s going to be or exactly when it’s going to come,” Avula said. The mayor added “we care a ton about RPS” and said his team is exploring options to help. When asked if he thinks it’s doable to come up with the full $8.9 million, Avula said the schools should also look at their own options. “There’s no windfall I’m aware of that can help fill that,” the mayor said. Fernandez, the School Board chair, said the schools already had to close a $21 million gap between the division’s needs and the funding available. Another $9 million in cuts, she said, “would be devastating to RPS.” “If there’s any emergency funding that the city might be able to explore to help to at least offset if not all but some,” Fernandez said. Kamras has proposed a variety of cost-cutting measures to close the gap, such as eliminating 88 annual substitute teaching positions, cutting 15 vacant teacher positions, selling extra vehicles and eliminating non-essential travel and food for meetings. Cutting annual substitutes, Kamras said, is “one of the most difficult items.” “We have received a lot of feedback from our schools and our constituents who have very clearly stated that that is something they would like to avoid,” Kamras said. “And it’s fair to say the board and myself would like to avoid that as well.” The shortfall arose, Kamras said, from the elimination of about $9M in one-time flexible funding that RPS was expecting to be in the state budget. Because the state funding that didn’t materialize was one-time money, RPS would not have been able to rely on it for future years. That means that even if RPS got the money this year, it would create an almost $9M hole for the next budget cycle. Though Kamras said he’s grateful for state funding RPS receives, he noted the city’s dilemma is partly a result of state officials’ waiting until June 29 to pass a spending plan for the fiscal year that started July 1. “Had we received the budget from the state several months ago, we would have managed through this as part of the normal budget process,” Kamras said. “When the state does things at the last minute, it does have implications for localities.” The superintendent told city officials that the division would benefit from getting guidance soon on whether it should expect additional money. The longer the issue drags on into the summer, Kamras said, the more potentially “disruptive” it would be to the start of the school year. [Richmond officials pursue voter referendum on new sales tax for schoolsAdding another percentage point to the sales tax could raise up to $50 million annually, according to RPS projections.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-08868a8a-07d4-4cd0-adad-f0424087d0ed.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-50b82239-2813-4b16-b44e-5870a9e3d290.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-pursue-voter-referendum-on-new-sales-tax-for-schools/) ### **Sales tax resolution moves forward** At the same meeting, the Council’s education committee gave an initial greenlight to a proposal to have Richmond voters weigh in on whether the city should enact a new sales tax of up to 1% to fund school construction and major school renovations. The plan to put the question on the ballot in November now heads to the full Council for an expected vote on July 27. Council members, school leaders and the mayor’s team all agreed Thursday that they will work to provide more information to voters about how the extra tax money would be used. “We will be giving you all an update on a more comprehensive plan before your vote on July 27th,” Avula Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya told Council members. David Rose, a contract financial advisor to the city who works for Davenport and Co., said the tax would generate around $45 million to start, but the number could grow over two decades to around $65 million per year. “I do think it is a generational opportunity to ensure that all students in Richmond Public Schools have buildings that are worthy of them,” Kamras said at the hearing. In a memo sent to Avula Thursday, Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) asked for a variety of steps to be taken to "build public confidence” heading into the possible ballot referendum. Specifically, she asked Avula to commit that the new tax revenue won’t be used to replace existing funding, a rundown of the extra revenue for schools generated by the 1.5% additional meals tax adopted in 2018 and a request that the School Board pass a “comprehensive school facilities plan.” “I believe we can win the support of our residents, but we cannot ignore the deep distrust many have in their government,” Gibson wrote. “There will be skepticism that new revenue will result in new investment.” At Thursday’s meeting, Lynch said the city should consider any potential impacts on local restaurants, with the proposed sales tax expected to add to the costs of dining out in Richmond in addition to the higher meals tax adopted eight years ago. “These are families. These are small businesses that are really at the heartbeat of our city,” Lynch said. “I do want to be mindful about how we involve them and include them.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Crime continues downward trend in Richmond; Fan passes Shockoe for car gun thefts URL: https://www.richmonder.org/crime-continues-downward-trend-in-richmond-fan-passes-shockoe-for-car-gun-thefts/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T22:16:06.000Z Violent crime maintains an overall downward trend, according to data shown by police at Thursday’s mid-year crime briefing. Police Chief Rick Edwards presented the statistics. He said there have been 22 homicides so far this year, compared to 33 at the same time in 2025, and non-fatal shootings have fallen from 85 to 63 across the same time comparison. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-17c6295f-174d-4244-95c3-150e6d4cf2fc.png) Despite the decrease in number of non-fatal shootings, Edwards highlighted a concerning trend in accidental or self-inflicted shootings (not counting suicide). This incudes reckless handling – either by the victim or a third party – and firearm cleaning mishaps. The number of accidental shootings has steadily increased, with 26 incidents so far in 2026\. One way RPD is working to prevent these moments is reminding people of universal firearm safety rules, including treating every firearm like its loaded, never pointing it at anything you’re not intending to shoot – which Edwards admitted “sounds obvious, but it’s not” – and being aware of who or what is behind your target in case you miss or the bullet passes through. He added that investing in a “quality holster” is important if one decides to purchase a firearm. “Many people we see have guns in their waistband, guns in their pockets,” Edwards said. “The gun moves, they reach for it, grab it, and shoot themselves.” He added that these types of crimes are “totally preventable.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-35aa2e3d-7798-45ea-aff8-7b6c4bdcabc1.png) ### **Reducing gun violence** The city has taken a multi-pronged approach to reducing gun violence, Edwards said, including monthly meetings with federal and regional partners and coordinating with RPS and RRHA. He said eliminating revenge shootings is an important element of reducing overall gun violence. “We have a murder book upstairs that talks about murders in the ‘90s,” Edwards said. “You would see a name on there on Tuesday as a suspect, and before he could be arrested on Thursday, he’s the next victim, and we’re obsessed with that.” The six-month crime data review revealed 13 areas in Richmond that rank the hottest when it comes to key statistics. Edwards said his group will focus on crime deterrence by having a visible police presence in ‘hotspot’ areas that have had an increase in criminal activity. It also allows for a shorter response time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-ce03e1d4-b27d-4f55-9dd2-ef5756994cb2.png) ### **Shockoe patrols continue** The number of firearms stolen from motor vehicles went down from 245 in 2025 mid-year to 204 in 2026\. However, a significant change occurred in the concentration of where the thefts occurred. For the first time in several years, the Fan now has the highest number of firearm thefts from a motor vehicle, followed by City Center, Shockoe Slip, Shockoe Bottom and Monroe Ward. Edwards said the bar and club scene in those neighborhoods is largely responsible. “You cannot walk into one of those restaurants or clubs with a firearm, so people have been leaving their guns in their cars and they’ve been stolen,” Edwards said, adding that he believes the increased police presence in the Bottom has caused the crimes to shift to the Fan. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-855cfca3-8e63-41ff-b8e2-d75e0f8cea6a.png) In the wake of [February's shooting in Shockoe Bottom](https://www.richmonder.org/9-shot-2-fatally-in-shockoe-late-friday-night/), police began weekend and evening rotations to patrol the area. Edwards said those are continuing, even though the department remains understaffed. He said the rotations are now mandatory for both patrol and high-ranking officers, including the police chief himself. ### **Domestic assaults rise after reclassification** The one category of crime that rose was aggravated domestic assault, which Edwards had [previously warned](https://www.richmonder.org/an-early-look-at-crime-in-2026-violent-crime-down-burglaries-of-shuttered-vape-shops-and-a-lot-of-traffic-tickets/) would happen as a result of a [classification change](https://www.richmonder.org/gun-violence-property-crime-fell-in-2025-but-domestic-violence-is-trending-back-up/) for domestic assaults involving strangulation. Previously, a strangulation-related domestic assault charge was only elevated to aggravated if the victim passed out; now, any act of strangulation qualifies as an aggravated domestic assault charge. Edwards said he expects the numbers to continue rising, especially with “intimate partner” relationships being [added to the definition](https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB160) of “family or household member.” Under the expanded scope, RPD anticipates more assaults will be classified as “domestic,” both simple and aggravated. ### **Property crime** Shoplifting is now the biggest category of crime in Richmond, with more than half of this year’s incidents so far reported at ABC stores, though Edwards had previously said this number could be misrepresented due to stricter reporting regulations. [Richmond’s ABC stores continue to see theft issues, but they are also spreading to Henrico CountyABC store thefts made up 49% of all shoplifting cases handled by the Richmond Police Department.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-44925658-5f69-4427-b60b-f56f2dfd19d3.png)The RichmonderSeraina Caviezel![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_1636-ce1bc1e8-88cc-42b0-bf6d-2bec20926818.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-abc-stores-continue-to-see-theft-issues-but-they-are-also-spreading-to-henrico-county/) At this year’s first quarter briefing, the police chief voiced his skepticism for a 2021 Virginia law change that removed the “three strikes” rule for petit larceny, where a third conviction led to an automatic felony charge rather than a misdemeanor. “What we need to see is consequences when we have someone who has multiple offenses,” Edwards said on Thursday. “There are certain shoplifters that I know (by) name. I see their names on our comp stat meetings every week.” One way RPD is navigating the law change is by having investigators and officers give their numbers to managers of stores the community deems essential – like grocery stores and pharmacies – so they can call if they recognize someone who has previously been convicted of shoplifting. According to Edwards, the idea is to ban them from the store “before they even steal something.” ### Other notes - Edwards started the presentation with an update on the [officer-involved shooting on May 7](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-releases-video-showing-police-fatally-shooting-woman-with-gun/). The officer involved remains on paid administrative leave and RPD has submitted its findings to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. - There is a fugitive warrant out for 26-year-old John Lee Pettaway, IV, who’s wanted in connection with a home shooting on June 29 that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Charlamon Stokes. Edwards asked members of the public to call 911 if they see Pettaway, and to not approach him. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-f03f265a-bf75-4f9f-af64-60d49f2825d3.png) - The 2026 Safe Summer Initiative started May 22 and will last through September 8, which aims to reduce violent crime in the city “during the typically challenging summer months.” - From May 22 to July 5, there were 470 traffic summons written, all of which were from the Virginia State Police, who have troopers aiding RPD in Operation Safe Summer. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### Arthur Ashe's statue turns 30 on Friday. It wasn't an easy road to Monument Avenue URL: https://www.richmonder.org/arthur-ashes-statue-turns-30-on-fri-it-wasnt-an-easy-road-to-monument-avenue/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T14:43:13.000Z Visit the intersection of Roseneath and Monument avenues and you will be greeted by a champion. It’s here, near the northwest corner of the Museum District, that the Arthur Ashe Monument resides. Comprised of a 12-foot-tall bronze statue of Ashe atop a 16-foot granite pedestal, the monument celebrates the Richmond tennis great, humanitarian, activist and author. Despite the barriers of race and class in his era, Ashe became the only Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. After finishing his tennis career, Ashe became a TV commentator for HBO and ABC, and authored a three-volume, 1,600-page history of Black athletes in America titled “A Hard Road to Glory.” He was also an activist, involved in projects and protests opposing Jim Crow-era segregation, apartheid in South Africa, and poverty and injustice in Haiti. “Arthur Ashe was such a pioneer, in terms of his tennis career and his grace under pressure,” said Tosha Grantham, a creative consultant for consulting firm Middle Path Creative who recently co-curated an exhibition about Ashe at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. “Ashe’s career as an advocate for humanitarian rights, and his discipline in tennis, made him such an exceptional human being.” In April 1992, Ashe publicly announced that he had AIDS, believing that he contracted HIV from a blood transfusion in 1983\. He died from AIDS-related pneumonia less than a year later his announcement. But when a memorial for Ashe was proposed for Monument Avenue shortly thereafter, it was cause for controversy. Until that point, only white Confederates had been honored on the thoroughfare, and the idea of placing a monument to a Black man stirred up a heated debate. Friday marks 30 years since the Arthur Ashe Monument was unveiled to the public. Three decades on, here’s a look back on how this monument came into existence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Ashe-Cropped.jpg) Arthur Ashe conducts a tennis clinic at The Valentine, likely around 1970\. (The Valentine) ### “Knowledge is power” Local sculptor Paul DiPasquale’s journey to crafting the Arthur Ashe Monument begins with his daughter. Back in the early ’90s, DiPasquale and his daughter practiced tennis at their local recreation center. At some point, Wyatt Kingston, the supervisor of the center, asked DiPasquale if he would take a van of kids to hear Ashe speak at Byrd Park. DiPasquale agreed and was impressed by Ashe; he later wrote to him, requesting to create an authorized statue of the athlete. Three weeks later, Ashe called DiPasquale to discuss what he wanted it to look like. “I want to show that knowledge is power, have books representing that,” Ashe said. “I’d like to be wearing my warmups.” It was important to Ashe that a child or several children would be represented in the sculpture. Almost as an afterthought, Ashe said that perhaps there should be a tennis racket involved. “That’s how it all began,” DiPasquale recalled. “He died almost a month after he had called me.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/E4G9GK.jpg) Arthur Ashe's statue on Monument Avenue. (File photo) Upon returning home from Ashe’s funeral, DiPasquale found a package waiting for him. The package was from Ashe; enclosed were family photos to be used as a reference for the statue and a note saying that Ashe wanted to talk about the project again soon. A week later, DiPasquale reached out to Ashe’s widow Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe to let her know about the project and ask if she would like to have the photos returned. Moutoussamy-Ashe messaged back that DiPasquale should continue with the project. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Red-Chaulk-Arthur-Ashe-Drawing.jpeg) A study by Paul DiPasquale based on a family photo. (Paul DiPasquale) About 10 months later, with the approval of Ashe’s widow and his family, DiPasquale finished his design. Ashe’s brother Johnnie was especially impressed: “He said, ‘This is just so much closer to his likeness than I realized it could be,’” DiPasquale recalled. But designing the statue was only one component of realizing the Arthur Ashe Monument. Getting it funded and deciding where it would be placed was another topic entirely. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/19_1003_007.jpeg) Arthur Ashe was one of the first Black male tennis stars, and his win at Wimbledon catapulted him to global fame. (Library of Virginia) ### “Richmond’s Confederate-American population” In Ashe and DiPasquale’s initial conversations about a statue, Monument Avenue wasn’t even a consideration. Instead, the monument was initially envisioned as part of a proposed museum to Black athleticism. The Hard Road to Glory African American Sports Hall of Fame that Ashe envisioned was never realized, but Virginia Heroes, a mentorship program that he had founded, announced a $400,000 fundraising campaign for the monument. At a press conference unveiling a plaster version of DiPasquale’s sculpture, former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder — who was chairman of Virginia Heroes — announced that the statue should be on Monument Avenue. “And the controversy began, which lasted three years,” DiPasquale said. “Letters to the editor began right away.” Pushback crossed the color barrier, with some white residents preferring to keep Monument Avenue for dead Confederates and some Black Richmonders opposing putting Ashe on “Losers Lane.” At one City Council meeting, the president of a pro-Confederate flag group referred to Monument Avenue as “hallowed ground” and said that placing Ashe on the street would be an afront to “the historic sensibilities of Richmond’s Confederate-American population.” Byrd Park, where Ashe hadn’t been allowed to play tennis as a youngster because he was Black, was discussed as an alternate site. Then-Mayor Leonidas B. Young II and Moutoussamy-Ashe supported this location. Henry “Chuck” Richardson, a Black City Council member, and Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Michael Paul Williams disagreed, saying that Monument Avenue, the city’s most prominent thoroughfare, shouldn’t be reserved for the Confederacy. While numerous committees had to approve of the monument, tensions came to a head at a seven-hour public hearing on July 17, 1995, when City Council discussed the Monument Avenue site. Ultimately, City Council approved. Hundreds of people showed up for the monument’s unveiling on July 10, 1996\. While the majority supported the monument, there were also pro-Confederate protesters in attendance; one sign read: “Cultural Bigots Destroying Southern Heritage: Heritage Destruction is Cultural Genocide.” About three months after the monument was unveiled, the United Daughters of the Confederacy published a magazine article titled “Monument Avenue: America’s Most Beautiful Boulevard.” The Arthur Ashe Monument wasn’t mentioned. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/07_0034_0205.jpeg) Arthur Ashe serves at the Central Fidelity Bank Invitational Tennis Tournament at the Richmond Arena in 1971\. (Library of Virginia) ### “A paragon of virtue” In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Black Lives Matter activists took to the streets of Richmond to protest police brutality and systemic racism. The removal of Richmond’s Confederate monuments was one of their goals. On June 10, 2020, protesters pulled the statue of Jefferson Davis on Monument Avenue from its pedestal. In retaliation, the words “White Lives Matter” and the initials “WLM” were spray painted on the Ashe monument a week later. Arriving on the scene minutes after the incident, DiPasquale found a group of volunteers already working to scrub away the graffiti. The rest of Monument Avenue's Confederate monuments would be removed over the next year and a half; Ashe is now the last man standing on Monument Avenue. Though Ashe’s place on Monument Avenue seems secure for now, Grantham said she would still be in favor of relocating his monument to Byrd Park. “The site itself is more geographically prominent and it’s aligned with courts that he could not play on when he was a young man,” she said, acknowledging that the effort would involve many stakeholders. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Regardless of the monument’s placement, Grantham said it’s important to honor Ashe’s legacy. “The number of people that he locked arms with across communities and across culture is so magnificent,” Grantham said. “Arthur Ashe is one of those figures that \[we\] will never be able to uncover enough about his greatness.” Raymond Arsenault, author of the biography “Arthur Ashe: A Life,” said he tried to avoid hagiography in his book, but that Ashe really was “a paragon of virtue.” “He was just the personification of elegance and integrity, and never seemed to lose his cool,” Arsenault said. “Very articulate, very smart, very well read, intellectually curious. There was no other person on the tour like him.” Since the Arthur Ashe Monument went up, there have been other efforts to honor Ashe’s legacy. In 1997, Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main court of the U.S. Open and the world’s largest tennis arena, was named in his honor. In 2019, Richmond’s Boulevard was renamed for Ashe. Arsenault said these tributes honor a man who was an inspiration to many. “He was much more than a tennis player,” he said. “He was just a role model for so many people. When I lecture on Ashe, people will come up to me with tears in their eyes.” *This article has been updated with additional material gathered after its initial publication.* ### On Faith and Values: Life's specialty is throwing us curveballs URL: https://www.richmonder.org/on-faith-and-values-lifes-specialty-is-throwing-us-curveballs/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:29:47.000Z 📝 Tom Allen previously wrote a "Faith and Values" column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is the retired editor of the Virginia Journal of Education and the author of two books, "Grace Happens" and "Roll With It." Contact him at tomed1@hotmail.com. A few years back, I worked downtown and our organization’s offices were in a building old and distinctive enough to be on the Historic Register. It was attractive, with a lot of character. At the other end of the block, there was a structure with about zero character and probably among the least attractive buildings in town. A totally nondescript one-story, red-brick square, it had only a couple small windows at one end and one large, ugly metal garage door at the other. No signage beckoned. It was plain, boring, and largely ignored. I happened to be looking out a window one day when that garage door slowly cranked open. To my surprise, what came creeping out was a Brink’s armored car, sporting the standard equipment for such vehicles—glass built to withstand bullets, a reinforced body that could fend off shrapnel, and bumpers that looked like they could run through concrete. Evidently, large amounts of cash and other valuables were part of the everyday life of that very important little building. I did not see that coming. I know a guy who is probably the most congenial grocery store deli employee on the East Coast. He always has a good word for customers and while it’s not his dream job, he does it with unfailing conscientiousness. While he’s slicing your order or making your sub, you’d have no idea of the decades he spent doing missionary work abroad, much of it in a country not especially welcoming to such folks and where a single misstep could land you behind bars. You would not have seen that coming. While these are, comparatively, very small examples, buildings and people like that are also gentle reminders to me that as God works out his desires and plans for us and for our world, he frequently does it in ways we never see coming. And, to the disgruntlement of most of us, often in ways we’d never have chosen. As much as I’d like to think that I can sometimes figure out divine intentions, I’m pretty sure a couple bets in today’s booming prediction market would immediately wipe out my life savings. This shouldn’t surprise me, because during his time here Jesus majored in the unexpected. Instead of saying what many were hoping for, he spoke of an upside-down kingdom in which the last will be first, the poor and humble will be lifted up, the simple will understand truths that geniuses often don’t see, and the greatest among us will be the ones who serve the others. He confounded expectations from the get-go, and following him now is very much an off-balance endeavor. While here, Jesus “ate with all the wrong people and kissed lepers,” writes Nadia Bolz-Weber in her book, *Accidental Saints*. “This God has *never* made sense.” The Jews were desperately hoping for a messiah-slash-military hero to free them from Roman oppression. What the world got instead was an itinerant rabbi who was eventually arrested, put through a sham trial, tortured, and executed. Nobody saw that coming. “Not seeing that coming” seems the human affliction, because we want not only to know what the future holds but to control how it comes about. As empowering as that might be, however, it assumes a God who’s also under our control, and I don’t think any faith is out there advertising one of those—and, if we really thought about it, we wouldn’t be buying anyway. Researcher and popular author Brene Brown says it this way: “Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. I’d like to get better at living life with the adaptability described by psychiatrist and theologian Gerald G. May as “a conscious willingness to fully enter into life just as it is.” That kind of approach, while a lot easier to say than to do, is really the only one that makes sense. Because there’s still a lot ahead that I’m not going to see coming. ### Avula admin now says medical 911 call switch will happen in late July URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-now-says-medical-911-call-switch-will-happen-in-late-july/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T17:30:36.000Z After missing a deadline this week to transfer responsibility for medical 911 calls back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration now says the switch should occur in late July. In a memo sent to the City Council Wednesday, Avula Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya said the transfer should occur by the end of the month. “We will complete the transition no later than July 27 unless City Council authorizes additional implementation time,” Wijesooriya wrote in the memo. [Read the full memo hereUpdate on Implementation Planning for ORD. 2026-059.pdf190 KBdownload-circle](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/07/Update-on-Implementation-Planning-for-ORD.-2026-059.pdf "Download") The timing had become a [sticking point](https://www.richmonder.org/the-city-council-ordered-a-change-to-medical-911-calls-in-30-days-the-avula-administration-wants-more-time-to-prep/) between the Avula administration and the Council, which voted on June 8 to have RAA be the main point of contact for medical calls instead of having them routed through the city’s own emergency call center. The Council’s ordinance took effect 30 days after its passage, which made July 8 the date that — according to technical specifics of the city code — RAA was supposed to start taking the calls. The external authority handled medical calls prior to 2024, when the city government took over that function itself with the goal of streamlining the process and speeding up response times. The ambulance authority later told the Council that the push for speed was causing accuracy to suffer, because information RAA was getting from the city’s call center often didn’t match what first responders would find after arriving at a scene. [Ambulance authority, city department battle over who will field Richmond 911 callsThe groups are are vying for control over 911 calls for medical emergencies, with both arguing they can provide better service to city residents in need.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-42e8bbc6-e401-4994-a05a-ae0d6870c841.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/5730942B-4CFB-4C8B-9FD1-4888790D3F38_1_105_c-1c742a83-d14f-4bd6-abf2-06e9bc29fae4.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/ambulance-authority-city-department-battle-over-who-will-field-richmond-911-calls/) In many cases, the ambulance authority said, responders found more serious emergencies than what was initially relayed by the city’s phone operators. Those concerns inspired the Council’s vote to give RAA back the power to directly interact with 911 callers earlier in the process, but uncertainty has lingered over when and how that switch will happen. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. On Monday, Wijesooriya said the city’s Department of Emergency Communications was working on a memorandum of understanding with RAA laying out how the transition would occur. That document would also need to be approved by the Council, Wijesooriya said, possibly in September. Several Council members indicated they felt that was an unacceptably slow timeline for the administration to implement a Council-approved policy. [The City Council ordered a change to medical 911 calls in 30 days. The Avula administration wants more time to prep“I feel like the spirit of the conversation was knowing we would need to take some steps for proper implementation.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-6f85c64c-05a5-4971-a792-25e90053b20e.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/5730942B-4CFB-4C8B-9FD1-4888790D3F38_1_105_c--2--f87ff76d-f1c0-4615-948a-10353eb2bd3e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-city-council-ordered-a-change-to-medical-911-calls-in-30-days-the-avula-administration-wants-more-time-to-prep/) The Avula administration told Council members last month that the 30-day timeline might be tough to achieve given the public safety implications of the 911 system. At the June meeting, Council members seemed generally on board with the idea there could be some flexibility with the implementation timeline to ensure a smooth transition versus rushing to meet a particular date. In the latest memo, the administration walked back the notion that the city and RAA would need a signed document in place before the transfer could occur. Wijesooriya’s memo said that even though the administration believes having a formal agreement in place would help, it would no longer treat that as a legal impediment to enacting the policy chosen by the Council. “The administration remains committed to carrying out Council’s adopted ordinance while ensuring that any transition of emergency medical dispatch responsibilities are implemented in a manner that protects continuity of service, supports emergency response and prioritizes the safety of residents,” Wijesooriya wrote. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Richmond's safety-net clinics squeezed by surge in uninsured patients URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-safety-net-clinics-squeezed-by-surge-in-uninsured-patients/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T13:54:27.000Z Health centers serving Richmond’s poorest residents say they’re being squeezed from two directions at once. A growing share of their patients have no insurance. Meanwhile, federal programs that pay for free care are facing major cuts. The result is a looming budget crunch that threatens to close clinic locations and force more patients to turn to emergency rooms for basic care, said Anita Bennett, director of the Daily Planet Health Services, which operates 10 locations in the Richmond area and saw almost 10,000 patients last year. "If thousands more people in our area become uninsured, their primary source of care becomes the health safety net — and if I'm already struggling with capacity, paying providers, and providing services, that's just not going to be doable," she said. ### **More patients without coverage** The number of uninsured patients the Daily Planet saw in Richmond climbed from 36% in 2024 to more than 50% as of last month, Bennett said. Community health centers around the state are facing a similar increase, said Michael Jackson, the chief financial officer and director of government affairs at Virginia Community Healthcare Association. The centers receive substantial federal assistance in exchange for providing care to anyone who walks in the door regardless of their ability to pay. Most are newly uninsured after losing their Affordable Care Act marketplace plans when federal subsidies were reduced earlier this year, Jackson said. Monthly premiums on plans this year increased an average of 75% and an estimated 100,000 Virginians lost health insurance coverage, [according to](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/about-the-scc/newsreleases/release/virginians-save-on-marketplace-health-coverage-/virginians-save-on-marketplace-health-coverage-.html) the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange. Even more people are expected to lose their insurance in the coming year, when new federal requirements for Medicaid go into effect that [advocates estimate](https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/senate-bill-expands-medicaid-work-requirements-to-include-some-parents-would-take) will result in 188,000 Virginia residents losing coverage. Between the ACA cuts and Medicaid changes, Jackson said community health centers expect to lose $36 million a year in insurance reimbursements as they continue to provide care for patients who lost their coverage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_7219.jpeg) Daily Planet has a number of clients who are insured through Medicaid, but changing eligibility rules could mean they find themselves uninsured again. ### **House calls at a homeless encampment** Daily Planet, which operated with a $20 million budget last year, is one of two large community health centers in Richmond, operating a primary care clinic, mental health clinic, a pharmacy and a dental clinic. With a speciality in providing care for people experiencing homelessness, who make up about 75% of patients, clinic staff say they go out of their way to connect with patients who might not otherwise be seen. That includes setting up mobile clinics monthly at sites where free meals are served and sending healthcare and outreach workers into the community every week. On a recent evening, that outreach work led a nurse practitioner carrying a backpack full of medical supplies into a wooded homeless encampment in Shockoe Bottom between the railroad tracks and Interstate 95\. The team — a patient care coordinator and an outreach worker — had heard that a man living in the camp had a gash on his arm that needed care. "Hello?" called Cathy Blankinship, the care coordinator, who was wearing bright red Betty Boop scrubs. Eventually a man stirred in one of the tents. The crew provided clean dressings and care instructions, and Blankinship said she'd be back in two days with more supplies. That same evening, the team was driving through Sandston, when their big white van was flagged down by a woman with a crude splint on her ankle and fresh abrasions on her face. They pulled over on a side street next to a 7-Eleven, lifted a chair out of the van, and had her sit down. Blankinship knelt in the street and rewrapped the splint in clean bandages while Renee Hammel, the nurse practitioner, took the woman's medical history and made plans for follow-up care. Some patients need to be seen in the field because without phones or a calendar they struggle to make and keep appointments. Others may suffer from mental health issues that make it unlikely they’ll seek out medical care. And for others who have been living on the streets, health clinics are just intimidating places. "People get scared of clinics," said Diana Martinez, who leads Daily Planet's outreach team. "It's like, what am I going to need to have with me to get in? What are the rules while I'm there? Are they going to bill me? What if the doctor tells me something scary? This isn't just about transportation." It is also a labor-intensive, costly way to deliver care, one patient at a time — and it’s among the programs that could be cut as the clinic’s budget tightens. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Medicaid rollback** Many of the patients Daily Planet sees — in its clinics and on the street — gained coverage through Virginia's 2019 Medicaid expansion. Under that expansion, childless adults, previously ineligible, could get free insurance if their annual income was about $17,500 or below, and the threshold for a family of three rose from $7,000 to about $30,000. Nearly 675,000 people in the state gained coverage as a result of the program. New federal rules now threaten those gains. Most adult Medicaid recipients will soon have to prove every six months they are working, in school, or otherwise meeting an 80-hour monthly activity requirement, or else show they qualify for an exemption carved out for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and people considered "medically frail." The rules take effect nationwide in January. Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration pitched the rules as a way to encourage personal responsibility. "If you are able to work, and you refuse to do so, you are defrauding the system," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters last year. "You're cheating the system. And no one in the country believes that that's right." Opponents frame the rules as a calculated effort to push eligible patients off the rolls through onerous paperwork. Martinez said the clinic expects most of its patients would meet the work requirements or qualify for an exemption — but will struggle to keep up with the documentation. "It's just impossible," she said. "Nobody knows where their mail goes. And if you are rarely engaging with medical care, you aren't going to realize you've lost your coverage until you go back to the doctor's office, which is not going to be every six months." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_7231.jpeg) Daily Planet says about 75% of its patients are homeless. ### **Budget cuts from all directions** Plummeting insurance reimbursements are just one problem facing health centers. Health centers around the state have already lost millions in federal funding for HIV care for low-income patients. Daily Planet said it may soon have to start a waitlist for HIV care. CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, a free clinic, and Capital Area Health Network, a Richmond-area community health center, both lost all of their funding for that care. "That was $1 million we lost overnight last May," said Julie Bilodeau, director of CrossOver, which served more than 7,000 patients last year. [Federal cuts to Ryan White funding are changing Richmond’s HIV care landscape“If they cut much more, it doesn’t hardly make sense for us to keep the program at all.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ca1aa85d-af56-4399-ad72-e76d62719483.png)The RichmonderJuliana Vandermark![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/1000010654-2048x1536-cb002f58-a13b-4e13-9a1b-a3a40cbf6e8a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/federal-cuts-to-ryan-white-funding-are-changing-richmonds-hiv-care-landscape/) Meanwhile, a fight between large hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry over the 340B drug-discount program threatens what had been a major funding stream for community health centers; losing it could mean millions more in cuts. And direct federal funding for outreach and programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development remains up in the air. State lawmakers offered some relief at the end of last month, when a budget agreement included an additional $5 million for community health centers and $5 million for free and charitable clinics. They also created a $150 million Virginia Health Insurance Affordability Fund aimed at offsetting the federal cuts to health insurance marketplace subsidies, which will go into effect in the coming year. Advocates applauded state lawmakers for providing additional funding even as they warned it's not enough to offset all the cuts they've seen at the federal level. "We're thankful for what they've done," Jackson said. He called the combined federal changes an effective repeal of the Affordable Care Act. "All those gains that we have seen over the past decade and a half of the Affordable Care Act are going away." For Daily Planet, with every major funding stream uncertain at once, budgeting for the coming year feels impossible, Bennett said. "There are too many things that could go up or down," she said. "All I can say is: We can only absorb so much before it drastically changes the services we provide." *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ### Traditional or modern? Housing authority asks residents to weigh in on new Gilpin Court's first phase URL: https://www.richmonder.org/traditional-or-modern-housing-authority-asks-residents-to-weigh-in-on-new-gilpin-courts-first-phase/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:34:33.000Z The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority is asking Gilpin Court residents to vote on two possible designs for the first phase of the redevelopment of the city’s oldest and largest public housing community. Over the two-week period from July 10 to July 24, [current Gilpin residents can cast a ballot in one of four ways](https://www.rrha.com/news/gilpin-court-exterior-vote/) for either a “traditional” architectural design that offers additional ornamentation and features like columns and decorative cornices or a “modern” design that is more angular and stripped down. [City, RRHA announce agreement on framework for Gilpin Court redevelopment with one-for-one replacementRRHA is in the process of redeveloping the city’s public housing projects, replacing them with mixed-income neighborhoods.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-dc8f3c60-f187-4cc6-8572-47d654f0efae.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8073-61e4f016-7b89-4f1c-ad1a-3a9034121934.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-rrha-announce-agreement-on-framework-for-gilpin-court-redevelopment-with-one-for-one-replacement/) The vote would not determine the design for the entire Gilpin Court redevelopment, which is expected to produce over 1,300 mixed-income units over roughly a decade. Instead, officials will use the input to decide on the look of two buildings housing 56 units that will be constructed before any demolition occurs. According to [Richmond BizSense](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/07/07/rrha-files-plans-for-new-apartments-at-gilpin-court-ahead-of-larger-redevelopment/), plans for the “build-first” project were filed in late June by HRI Communities, the developer that is working with RRHA on the project. The three-story buildings would sit on a block of Jackson Ward between First and Saint James streets and Saint James and Federal streets. [Chosen co-developer for Fay Towers at edge of Gilpin Court withdraws proposal“We conducted additional research and ultimately realized the effort was cost prohibitive.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-72cee55e-c0aa-4ddd-a921-879d3f3d5c61.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6233-e8391ca4-74f2-4943-98cd-f2e10c95f3e2.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/chosen-co-developer-for-fay-towers-at-edge-of-gilpin-court-withdraws-proposal/) After [a rocky start last summer](https://www.richmonder.org/gilpin-court-redevelopment-meeting-turns-testy-as-residents-express-skepticism-about-redevelopment-plan/), the Gilpin redevelopment plans have picked up steam in recent months as the city and housing authority have begun [formalizing an agreement to jointly govern the project](https://www.richmonder.org/city-rrha-announce-agreement-on-framework-for-gilpin-court-redevelopment-with-one-for-one-replacement/). A memorandum of understanding between the two is expected to be signed by Sept. 1\. [A resolution](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8128479&GUID=A75D8D68-B586-4C94-B219-1824620C53DC&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=gilpin) in support of the approach was introduced by the City Council Monday and should be put to a vote later this July. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*.* ### July 8 Newsletter: Sales tax vote incoming URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-8-newsletter-sales-tax-vote-incoming/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T10:00:22.000Z **Weather:** High of 87 with more scattered afternoon storms. **On this date** in 1971, Virginia ratifies the 26th Amendment, which lowers the voting age from 21 to 18. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0402-0409-041625-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-pursue-voter-referendum-on-new-sales-tax-for-schools/) ### Richmond officials pursue voter referendum on new sales tax for schools Officials are moving forward with plans to ask voters to approve a 1% local sales tax to raise more money for the construction and renovation of public school buildings. 👷 Adding another percentage point to the sales tax could raise up to $50 million annually, according to RPS projections. The tax revenue would only be used on school infrastructure projects and would not fund the day-to-day operations of the school system. Currently, Richmond has a 6% sales tax, with 5% going to the state and the city getting 1%. The city also has a 7.5% meals tax, which officials raised in 2018 with the goal of boosting funding for schools. City Council President Cynthia Newbille said the proposal gives Richmonders the option of approving “much needed” revenue for RPS, which has several buildings in need of major repairs or replacement. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-pursue-voter-referendum-on-new-sales-tax-for-schools/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-considers-eliminating-annual-substitutes-asks-city-for-airbnb-tax-money-to-fill-last-minute-budget-gap/) ### RPS considers eliminating annual substitutes, asks city for Airbnb tax money to fill last-minute budget gap Superintendent Jason Kamras recommended that the district eliminate its 88 annual substitutes, who are stationed to the same building all year and fill in where needed. 🏛️ The RPS budget was based on a different version of the state budget than what was passed. With the state turning in its budget late, the district faces an urgent deficit with the school year approaching. The School Board voted Tuesday to send a letter to Mayor Danny Avula requesting that the city step in to fill the gap using $5.6 million in delinquent taxes the city recently received from short-term rentals, as well as emergency funds and any other revenue source. [**Read more, including other potential cuts, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-considers-eliminating-annual-substitutes-asks-city-for-airbnb-tax-money-to-fill-last-minute-budget-gap/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9349-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/corn-removal-commences-in-canal-after-train-derailment/) ### Corn removal commences in canal after train derailment [](https://www.richmonder.org/author/haidyn/) CSX started removing corn from the submerged train cars on Tuesday, which is necessary before recovering the cars. According to a CSX spokesperson, crews will use “specialized equipment, including vacuum trucks, to safely access and extract the material and help prevent it from entering the water.” The corn removal is expected to last several days, and “will likely last through the weekend at minimum.” Road closures continue in the meantime. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/corn-removal-commences-in-canal-after-train-derailment/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/5730942B-4CFB-4C8B-9FD1-4888790D3F38_1_105_c--2--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-city-council-ordered-a-change-to-medical-911-calls-in-30-days-the-avula-administration-wants-more-time-to-prep/) ### The City Council ordered a change to medical 911 calls. The Avula administration wants more time to prep A deadline to transfer medical 911 calls back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority is coming up this week, but Mayor Danny Avula’s administration said they felt it was understood that more time would be needed to make the transition. Monday’s meeting was the latest flareup in an at-times tense relationship between the city’s legislative body and the executive branch overseen by the mayor and his team. The discussion mostly revolved around whether the text of legislation passed by Richmond’s governing body binds the city to take certain actions or can be set aside if the administration finds it unworkable or out of step with the day-to-day realities of city operations. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-city-council-ordered-a-change-to-medical-911-calls-in-30-days-the-avula-administration-wants-more-time-to-prep/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-4.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-lifetime-in-education-matoacas-softball-coach-is-still-treasuring-a-season-to-remember/) ### After a lifetime in education, Matoaca's softball coach is still treasuring a season to remember Scott Driskill is Matoaca through and through. He grew up in the community and graduated from the old Matoaca High on Hickory Road back in 1981\. Now the softball coach, he led his team to the school's first state title in a girls sport last month, a year after missing most of the season while battling cancer. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-lifetime-in-education-matoacas-softball-coach-is-still-treasuring-a-season-to-remember/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/vcu_bldgs2_900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/state-approves-funding-for-vcu-to-construct-school-of-dentistry-building-and-acquire-altria-center) ### Virginia Invests in VCU’s Future of Discovery and Care Virginia’s new state budget includes funding for VCU to acquire the 450,000-square-foot Altria Center for Research and Technology and construct a new, five-story School of Dentistry building. "VCU is profoundly grateful to the General Assembly and Gov. Spanberger for their support and transformative investments," said President Michael Rao. He said the facilities are a "commitment to advancing Virginia's health and innovation economy.” [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/state-approves-funding-for-vcu-to-construct-school-of-dentistry-building-and-acquire-altria-center) --- ### In other news - [**Fire burns building at SwimRVA North Campus**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/07/fire-burns-swim-rva-north-campus/) (12 On Your Side) - The fire happened weeks after a 9-year-old boy drowned in an incident at SwimRVA’s camp. - [**Richmond responds after Imperial Village loses AC amid ongoing violations and concerns**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/imperial-village-ac-july-7-2026) (CBS 6) - The Northside apartment complex has faced mounting scrutiny over living conditions and code violations. - [**Two Central Virginia school districts exit Head Start**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-07-06/head-start-chesterfield-henrico-schools-early-education-ault-alsop-vpi) (VPM) - Henrico and Chesterfield will use the state's Virginia Preschool Initiative program, which comes with greater flexibility. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9273.jpeg) Took a quick break from the office last week to attend the World Cup – the atmosphere was phenomenal, and Richmond has caught the fever – we're one of the [**top 10 TV markets**](https://x.com/FOXSportsPR/status/2071314711413420406) for national viewership. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### RPS considers eliminating annual substitutes, asks city for Airbnb tax money to fill last-minute budget gap URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rps-considers-eliminating-annual-substitutes-asks-city-for-airbnb-tax-money-to-fill-last-minute-budget-gap/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T04:51:30.000Z Richmond Public Schools is [facing another $8.9 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DVMS6R713025/$file/FY27%20State%20Budget%20Update%20for%207-6-26%20Board%20Work%20Session.pdf) following the state’s delayed budget, and the administration is recommending that the division eliminate all 88 annual substitutes to be in balance. Superintendent Jason Kamras told the Richmond School Board that the annual substitutes play a critical role in the schools as “they are in every sense, a member of the faculty.” “None of these proposed reductions are ideal, and I do not want to make any of these reductions,” Kamras said. The state’s finalized budget was supposed to be ready by April so that local governments could finalize their own budgets by July 1, but an impasse within the Democratic party, partially over tax breaks for data centers, caused the delay. RPS approved a budget in June before the start of the new fiscal year that assumed a roughly $20 million increase in state funding based on a previously released budget proposal. Richmond schools are instead getting an $11 million increase. Board member Anne Holton (6th District) said the gap left her “befuddled.” “I do think we need to, at some point, do a look back to what went wrong,” she said. “Because something went wrong in our estimation process this spring.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/mental-health-1.jpg) After being spared during a contentious budgeting process, mental health supports for students are once again on the chopping block. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) ### **Asking for help** Annual substitutes are contracted teachers who are assigned to a school building for the year full-time, are expected to fill in as needed any time and help with other daily tasks outside of the classroom. The positions stemmed from available COVID-era funding and Kamras said they served schools well. Cutting them would save RPS about $4.5 million next year. Administrators are still recommending that RPS retain long-term and daily substitutes. Long-term substitutes are teachers who fill classroom vacancies until a licensed teacher is hired or comes back from, for example, parent leave. Daily substitutes step in when a teacher calls out sick. In some cases, current teachers will step in and take on an additional class of work on days when their colleagues are out. An [earlier budget cut](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-adopts-next-years-budget-makes-last-minute-cuts-to-teacher-bonuses-to-save-money/) reduced the stipend they receive for that work from $55 an hour to $35 an hour. The administration is also recommending the elimination of 15 teacher vacancies, mainly from middle and high schools. It is unclear exactly which schools those vacancies would come from. That’s alongside reducing some mental health support contracts by 10%, an item that was previously at risk before pushback from school community members. “We really scrubbed all kinds of things we could find and landed on fairly desperate measures, if I’m being honest,” Kamras said. After a night of deliberation over the proposed cuts on Monday, the Board voted Tuesday to [send a letter to Mayor Danny Avula requesting](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DVS2CF018554/$file/DRAFT%20RPS%20Letter%20to%20Mayor%20-%20July%202026.pdf) that the city urgently step in to fill the gap using the $5.6 million in delinquent taxes the city recently received from short-term rentals, emergency funds and any other revenue source. The idea came from 4th District representative Wesley Hedgepeth. [Richmond collects $5.6 million related to delinquent taxes from short-term rentalsThe outstanding payments, which include interest and penalties, date back to July 2023, when the City Council extended a hotel tax to short-term rentals.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c57c5292-bdf5-418a-bf67-384f9945a734.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/City-hall-5036ef4d-fc7c-4ca5-9fe5-e870dcde791e.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-collects-5-6-million-related-to-delinquent-taxes-from-short-term-rentals/) “Because these millions represent unbudgeted revenue that was not accounted for during the budget adoption process, it provides a timely and easy opportunity to help us stabilize our division budget,” the letter reads. Board members expressed disappointment and shock with the additional budget deficit, coming on the heels of a budgeting process that included the elimination of 46 full-time positions from the central office and the closure of Richmond Virtual Academy, the division’s former virtual school. [For some Richmond students, virtual school became a lifeline. Now it’s about to disappear.“He went from being despondent, basically not leaving his room and his phone and not talking at dinner, to applying to college, having open conversations with us.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4e01df71-aafd-4679-a07b-8560b85461fd.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rva-1-7d9664bf-6623-44c3-9722-7c509177147d.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/for-some-richmond-students-virtual-school-became-a-lifeline-now-its-about-to-disappear/) That disappointment was also vocalized in public comment, where some school community members highlighted the alleged embezzlement and mismanagement of funds [conducted by former director of facilities Bobby Hathaway](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/). “What are we teaching our kids about managing money? If leadership cannot manage a budget, what are we teaching our kids?” said Debra Winston, a teacher who worked at the Richmond Virtual Academy. ### **What’s next** The governing body discussed potential alternatives to the cuts that the administration will now review, like reducing or eliminating external contracts, removing currently vacant central office roles, and furloughing leadership, including Board members themselves. Members also asked for clarity on what impact each proposed cut could look like from school to school. “If you have two annual subs in a classroom, perhaps that’s also a class or building that’s going to have one of these vacancies eliminated and the class size is increased. Perhaps then it’s also going to be a school that’s going to lose their CIS coordinator or their mental health professional,” said Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District). “That could be four adults that know our kids that are no longer there.” In an effort to save the annual substitutes, Holton requested the administration to check if any of the 88 can fill current teacher vacancies, which numbered 115 as of July 2\. It is expected that the vacancy number will go down to 85 after the division receives [long-term substitutes from external companies](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-approves-substitute-teacher-outsourcing-contracts-in-split-vote/). These proposals and impacts will be discussed at a special meeting, likely occurring on July 23\. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Crunching the numbers** Members have called for a better and stable budget process moving forward, potentially including a funding formula that would eliminate the need to negotiate with City Council. [School funding is often the biggest budget fight. Why hasn’t Richmond found a better way?Members from both sides are now saying different things as to whether or not the formula exists.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2a2169be-83dd-40c3-83a3-82fff2ed48fd.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/fernandez-71540010-3233-46c9-81eb-7c90b9a2c780.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/school-funding-is-often-the-biggest-budget-fight-why-hasnt-richmond-found-a-better-way/) Stephanie Rizzi (5th District) noted that the division’s budget has increased every year, in large part due to commitments made during [collective bargaining](https://www.richmonder.org/teachers-union-declares-impasse-in-negotiating-with-rps-will-head-to-mediation/), but feels external support hasn’t risen accordingly. “I’m not blaming collective bargaining, but I do think that we are operating with limited funds. If the state or the city doesn’t continue to fund this important initiative, we are going to hit this wall over and over again,” she said, pointing to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s veto on a bill that would have allowed collective bargaining across Virginia. “We do need to talk about in the long term how we are going to be able to fund this.” The state budget does include a 4% raise for teachers, which RPS says it cannot afford to accept. The funding is only provided for positions outlined in the State Department of Education’s Standard of Quality – legal requirements that provide the baseline resources for schools that local divisions have to follow. RPS, however, has many more employees. Accepting the raise would also require a local match due to RPS’ assigned local composite index (LCI), which determines a school division’s ability to pay for its own education costs. The district’s LCI is 0.57, meaning the state expects RPS to pay more than half for school expenses. “Put simply, it actually costs us about 65 cents for every 35 cents we take for teacher raises from the Commonwealth,” Kamras said. The division’s 2% raises and 1.17% step increases still remain in place for teachers. Both [Chesterfield County](https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/7172) and [Henrico County public schools](https://www.henricocitizen.com/henrico-receives-higher-teacher-raises-but-no-further-school-funding-in-state-budget/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThese%2520additional%2520resources%2520will%2520allow,the%2520division's%2520%E2%80%9Cvalued%2520employees) will be accepting the raises, providing 5% and 4% to teachers respectively. Both divisions have lower LCI’s compared to RPS – 0.36 and 0.43 respectively – making their local match easier to fund. [Data: Richmond teachers are making more than neighboring counties this school yearOn average, educators in Richmond Public Schools are earning $72,303 this school year.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-aa4841b9-b23c-4d86-8133-8c9d7c3941f6.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-1-e162dd28-fbdb-45a4-ab87-77a2113e84f2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/data-richmond-teachers-are-making-more-than-neighboring-counties-this-school-year/) Katie Ricard (2nd District) and other Board members echoed the need for the state to change Richmond’s LCI. The state is currently working to reform its school funding formula. “Had our LCI been better, we would not have been hurt as badly,” Ricard said. ### **Estimates gone wrong** As Holton recounted, Kamras and the administration provided presentations during budget season explaining the various state funding scenarios. Holton described him as working off “the most optimistic scenario,” but said the worst-case scenario was only $4 million less, not $9 million. “I feel like the estimates we were given were off the mark. It just doesn’t make sense,” she said. Kamras responded that he could provide an “even worse worst-case scenario” for next year’s budget and plan for more severe circumstances, but it is hard to anticipate what the final outcome will be from the state. He added that state legislators told him and other Board members that the division “should not be worried but that things would be demonstrably better,” regarding the finalized budget, which Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) and Ricard corroborated. “In our mind, we were being … to Mr. Kamras’ point, very conservative, because some had shared we would get even more than what we had anticipated,” Fernandez said. Board members express gratitude for the increase while also promising to continue to lobby for the district’s needs. They ultimately underscored the academic achievements of the division, [including higher graduation and test-pass rates](https://www.richmonder.org/we-are-on-the-rise-rps-hits-record-graduation-rates/), saying that they are still performing well while being funded with little. They said that the division is serving some of the most high-needs students in the state. “I am aware personally of students who’ve struggled to get shoes, clean clothes, and healthy food, daily,” Rizzi said. “We have to make sure that they are the ones who get impacted the least by this.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### The City Council ordered a change to medical 911 calls in 30 days. The Avula administration wants more time to prep URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-city-council-ordered-a-change-to-medical-911-calls-in-30-days-the-avula-administration-wants-more-time-to-prep/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T00:14:41.000Z A deadline for Richmond to transfer medical 911 calls back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority is coming up this week, 30 days after the City Council unanimously voted for the change. However, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration said Monday that key city officials involved in the project are on vacation and the policy change the Council passed won’t happen on the timeline laid out in the law itself. Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) seemed baffled at the explanation that key people were on vacation and said she felt the Council was being “disrespected.” “If we can’t go by what Council passes, why do we need a Council?” Trammell said. Monday’s meeting of the Council’s Organizational Development Committee was the latest flareup in an at-times tense relationship between the city’s legislative body and the executive branch overseen by the mayor and his team. The discussion Monday mostly revolved around whether the text of legislation passed by Richmond’s governing body binds the city to take certain actions or can be set aside if the administration finds it unworkable or out of step with the day-to-day realities of city operations. In 2024, the city’s own Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response took over 911 calls for medical emergencies, hoping to streamline the process and make call response times faster. Under the new setup, the city’s own phone operators speak with callers seeking help, then forward call information to RAA so an ambulance can be dispatched. [Ambulance authority, city department battle over who will field Richmond 911 callsThe groups are are vying for control over 911 calls for medical emergencies, with both arguing they can provide better service to city residents in need.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a6bf2d53-9363-4629-aa84-580d41aed2d9.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/5730942B-4CFB-4C8B-9FD1-4888790D3F38_1_105_c-45a2d9be-e7b2-4501-b884-af3080736996.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/ambulance-authority-city-department-battle-over-who-will-field-richmond-911-calls/) After the city government took over the calls, RAA leaders have said responses got less accurate because the city was processing calls incorrectly and information was being lost in translation. The Council was receptive to those concerns. On June 8, all nine members voted to return to the old system, despite the Avula administration saying it preferred to keep the new system. On Monday, Avula Chief of Staff Lawson Wijesooriya told the Council the administration now believes the body may have to take another vote before the change can occur. That second vote, Wijesooriya said, could possibly come in September. “We will follow up when the leadership is back in town,” Wijesooriya said at Monday’s meeting. The Avula administration had warned the Council that the 30-day deadline would be tough to meet given the need to avoid disruption to an essential, life-or-death service. “We brought up some concerns about the implementation timeline,” Wijesooriya said. “I feel like the spirit of the conversation was knowing we would need to take some steps for proper implementation.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. At the June meeting, some Council members said they shared concerns about the implementation of the change. But the body chose to move forward with the ordinance as written, without making amendments that would have delayed the vote. The Council had been discussing the issue for well over a year. The ordinance approved last month had been pending since March, going through several rounds of committee hearings. Monday’s update didn’t go over well with Council members who were most supportive of reverting to the old system. “Thirty days. We know how to count,” Trammell said to Wijesooriya. “Y’all have had plenty of time.” Wijesooriya explained that the emergency communications department had prepared a draft memorandum of understanding laying out “roles and responsibilities" for how the transfer of callers back to the ambulance authority would be handled. That document has not yet been shared with RAA, the mayor’s chief of staff said, but it’s currently under review by the city attorney’s office. “The city attorney’s office has advised that the MOU will require City Council approval prior to DECPR actually transferring the emergency medical dispatch calls,” Wijesooriya said. [Council rejects proposals to create new layer of review for code refreshTwo proposals for citizen-led commissions fail on 2-6 votes.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-56687060-6871-46a0-96e1-00c3d6174399.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/E7F7BCD1-910F-4E44-B43C-646E1C752174_1_201_a-1-a9590abf-ace1-4c22-94a4-4e563fed939c.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/council-rejects-proposals-to-create-new-layer-of-review-for-code-refresh/) Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) seemed skeptical, asking why a “lengthy” MOU process was necessary to give the calls back to RAA when it didn’t seem to happen when the city took over the calls in 2024. “The headline is that this is well outside the timeline that the ordinance listed,” Abubaker said. During Monday’s meeting, Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) asked if City Attorney Laura Drewry could weigh in on the matter. Drewry didn’t say anything, at least not audibly enough to be picked up on the microphones in the Council chamber. When asked by The Richmonder Tuesday if an MOU is legally required for the Council’s ordinance to go into effect, Drewry said the recently amended city code section doesn’t require an MOU. Under Richmond’s system of government, the city attorney’s office advises both the legislative and executive branches. Over the years, some city officials have said that puts the office in a bind when the Council and mayor are at odds in a policy dispute and seeking legal counsel that supports their position. In his own update, Ambulance Authority CEO Chip Decker said RAA has been preparing for the transfer by making staffing changes and doing new training. “To be clear, RAA is prepared to receive the emergency medical calls,” Decker said. Decker said he has not heard any updates on when the authority should expect to resume responsibility for medical calls and has not been able to meet yet with the city’s emergency communications officials. It’s unclear how the Council will handle the situation after essentially being told the body’s first vote on the issue didn’t stick and more paperwork might have to be approved at a later date. At one point in the meeting, Trammell addressed Newbille directly. “I’m asking you Madam President, you are the president. What do we do today?” Trammell said. “Do we let this go on?” Newbille asked the administration for clarity on when they expect the 911 call transfer to happen, possibly in a report by Wednesday, the date the ordinance takes effect. “I would like to make sure this is solid in terms of the implementation plan,” Newbille said. Wijesooriya reminded the body that city officials with oversight of emergency communications are out of the office. “I can work as hard as I know how to do that,” Wijesooriya said. “But I do think all of us need to seek legal advice on that to figure out that timeline.” Trammell repeatedly expressed frustration that the Council could not get a clear answer on when the transfer would happen if not on the effective date specified in the Council ordinance. “This is a big letdown,” Trammell said. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Richmond officials pursue voter referendum on new sales tax for schools URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-pursue-voter-referendum-on-new-sales-tax-for-schools/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T16:20:02.000Z With Virginia’s budget now finished, Richmond officials are moving forward with plans to ask voters to approve a 1% local sales tax to raise more money for the construction and renovation of public school buildings. The budget approved by the General Assembly and Gov. Abigail Spanberger allows all localities to increase their local sales tax to fund school projects, with the permission of voters. Adding another percentage point to the sales tax could raise up to $50 million annually, according to RPS projections. The tax revenue would only be used on school infrastructure projects and would not fund the day-to-day operations of the school system. The tax would not apply to groceries, essential personal hygiene products and prescription medication. Before the issue can be put on the ballot, the City Council has to pass a resolution to send the question to Richmond voters. On Monday, Council leaders formally introduced [a resolution](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8128480&GUID=69047EC9-F286-4A3B-A1E4-931B0463416A&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=) to start the process. The resolution is set for its first committee hearing Thursday and could be put to a final vote later this month. The Richmond School Board is expected to [pass its own resolution](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/07/RPS-School-Board---1--Sales-Tax-Resolution.pdf) signaling support for the tax on Tuesday evening. If approved by the Council, the Richmond Circuit Court would then order the sales tax issue to be placed on the ballot for November. [RPS has designed a new Woodville Elementary, but there’s still not enough money to start the projectThe funding shortfall has loomed over the project for years, casting doubt among school officials about whether it will ever happen.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-130e840c-0566-41e1-bf39-bbea1e270b23.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/woodville-21ca2280-78b3-4385-ac37-305748f313fa.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-designed-a-new-woodville-elementary-but-theres-still-not-enough-money-to-start-the-project/) “We are very appreciative of the Governor and General Assembly for providing this much-needed tool to Virginia localities,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement to The Richmonder. “Here in Richmond, it offers a meaningful opportunity to address critical needs of our school system. There are more steps to go through and, ultimately, voters would decide, but we are committed to thorough conversations following the introduction of Council’s resolution.” The resolution is being sponsored by Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) and Vice President Katherine Jordan (2nd District). In an interview, Newbille said the proposal gives Richmonders the option of approving “much needed” revenue for RPS. “We’re just making sure that voters have that opportunity,” Newbille said. Jordan said the sales tax could help alleviate the city’s yearly struggle to figure out how to fund public schools. “Our schools have urgent needs that are not fully met by the state budget,” Jordan said. [RPS eyes opening new Southside Technical Center in 2028, but financial concerns loomKamras assured the Board that funding was available for the first phase of construction of the new center, but said the second phase “is going to take much more investment.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3dc78259-b67b-4c1d-8882-f18bfcf65c3b.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rendering-da22e9e8-387f-48b4-b636-cd31fe539137.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-eyes-opening-new-southside-technical-center-in-2028-but-financial-concerns-loom/) According to the Council’s resolution, the new sales tax of up to 1% would expire in 2046 or whenever the bonds or loans funded by the tax are paid off, whichever date is later. The question proposed for the ballot says the tax would expire “no later than June 30, 2046.” Currently, a 6% sales tax is collected in Richmond. The state gets 5% and the city receives 1%. Richmond also has a 7.5% meals tax, which officials raised in 2018 with the goal of boosting funding for schools. It’s unclear if city officials will try to pair the proposed sales tax increase with an offsetting reduction to another tax, such as the meals tax or the real estate tax. The Avula administration has said it’s exploring the possibility of a small reduction in the real estate tax rate next year as Richmond continues to face housing affordability issues. Proposals to raise local sales taxes for schools have passed fairly comfortably in other Virginia jurisdictions that have put the issue on the ballot. The delayed Virginia budget — finalized just before the July 1 deadline to avoid a state government shutdown — has left local officials with a shorter timeline to decide on whether to pursue a sales tax referendum in 2026 or wait until a future year. Under state law, referendum elections have to be ordered at least 81 days before Election Day, which gives local officials until mid-August to decide how to proceed. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. RPS has long faced aging buildings that are overdue for repairs or overall reconstruction, as noted in a [detailed assessment of the division’s facilities from 2024](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-need-43-7-million-in-immediate-repairs-find-reports-on-building-conditions/). School administrators have begun work outlining major upcoming projects for the next 10 years based on findings from the assessment, which may become future projects the sales tax could fund. The division has so far prioritized three schools for new construction: Richmond High School for the Arts, Southside Technical Center and Woodville Elementary. RHSA is set to open for students and staff this fall. School administrators said [the Southside Technical Center is expected to open in 2028](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-eyes-opening-new-southside-technical-center-in-2028-but-financial-concerns-loom/), but cited financial concerns with getting the full funding to pay for the second phase of constructing the building – $118 million. The total cost for the center is $196 million and is likely to be among the top priorities of projects the extra tax will go towards. The same obstacle has derailed [a new Woodville Elementary](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-designed-a-new-woodville-elementary-but-theres-still-not-enough-money-to-start-the-project/), which is awaiting funding. The delay has jeopardized a $12.4 million state grant the division received to help build the school. The Virginia Department of Education agreed earlier this year to give RPS an extension contingent on the passage of the 1% sales tax. The state budget language says the new tax cannot be used to pay off existing debt for projects started before the tax wins approval from voters. Monday night, Richmond School Board members expressed gratitude to state officials for giving Richmond the option, and said they are looking forward to working with the city. In light of budget cuts that the division is facing, Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) said RPS has to identify “low hanging fruit that can support our efforts.” “We understand the sensitivity in the local sales tax that is impacting those in the Richmond area and our hope is that as we begin to storytelling and share some of the needs for RPS which are not new to the community, that there will be a level of support,” she said. “We desperately need new schools and this helps us get there.” If Richmond officials choose to put the sales tax issue on the ballot in November, it won’t be the only topic for voters to consider. Three statewide constitutional amendments will also be on the ballot. One would repeal Virginia’s legally defunct ban on same-sex marriage, and another would establish a state-level right to abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade. The third would end Virginia’s policy of stripping voting rights from people convicted of felony crimes, making rights restoration automatic after an offender completes their prison time. Election Day is Nov. 3. *Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin contributed to this report.* ### Corn removal commences in canal after train derailment URL: https://www.richmonder.org/corn-removal-commences-in-canal-after-train-derailment/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T15:56:27.000Z Three train cars carrying corn fell into the canal alongside Dock Street on Friday night, and a spokesperson for CSX, the company that owns the train tracks, said the cleanup process is ongoing. As of Monday afternoon, the remaining cars on the elevated track have been removed, and crews are working to repair the damaged track. According to the city, those repairs are expected to “continue into the night” and wrap up Tuesday morning. A second, parallel track is currently open and servicing both passenger and freight trains, having resumed operations Sunday afternoon. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9352-2.jpeg) One of the three train cars in the canal. (Photos by Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) CSX said they aim to have their crews start removing corn from the submerged cars on Tuesday, which is necessary in order to safely recover the cars. According to Austin Staton, CSX’s media relations director, crews will use “specialized equipment, including vacuum trucks, to safely access and extract the material and help prevent it from entering the water.” The corn removal is expected to last several days, and “will likely last through the weekend at minimum.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9350-1.jpeg) Crews are working on the elevated track to repair it, while a second track running parallel remains in use. While the Capital Trail is still closed from 18th Street to Pear Street, Dock Street closures are now only from 18th Street to 22nd Street. East Main Street and East Cary Street remain open as alternate routes. All parking decks and parking lots are still open. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. CSX said they will conduct an investigation into the cause of the derailment. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### After a lifetime in education, Matoaca's softball coach is still treasuring a season to remember URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-a-lifetime-in-education-matoacas-softball-coach-is-still-treasuring-a-season-to-remember/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T19:49:22.000Z Three weeks have passed, but the novelty remains. So, too, do the excitement, joy, and unmitigated pride in accomplishment. Who could blame the Matoaca Warriors softball players, coaches, and their ever supportive legion of fans for being giddy still? After all, on June 13, Coach Scott Driskill’s crew defeated previously unbeaten Lightridge in a 2-1 walk-off thriller at John Champe High School (Loudoun County) to claim the VHSL, Class 5 state championship. The victory was the crown jewel in a dream season during which the Warriors went 26-1, won their first-ever Region 5C title, and became the first Matoaca girls team in any sport to win a state title in the school’s 63-year history. So yeah, it’s perfectly understandable if their exuberance remains front and center. “I just came back from vacation (at Nags Head),” said Driskill one recent morning. “I wore Matoaca softball shirts everywhere I went. I got three or four comments from people down there who knew about it. They were like, ‘Congratulations!’ “Every day I go to the gym, I wear a Matoaca shirt. People there are congratulating me. That’s very cool. I’ve had a bunch of friends call and say, ‘Hey, State Champ, what’s up, man?’ It’s been awesome. I still go to bed every single night saying, ‘Lord, thank you.’” Life will go on, of course, but the memory of the Warriors’ historic title run, including their made-in-Hollywood final half inning, will no doubt endure. [Matoaca walks off a winner in state softball title gameIn an epic pitching duel pitting two Division I commits, Matoaca was a 2-1 winner.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-73f1584f-153d-4ed0-8101-5f6be110b1be.png)The RichmonderWeldon Bradshaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/722038636_27212650808344987_1263322961350746499_n-83afd07f-8504-43ea-b7eb-dff278560af6.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-walks-off-a-winner-in-state-softball-title-game/) From the outset, the Lightridge game was a classic pitchers’ duel pitting two stellar junior righthanders: Matoaca’s Kaylee Hodges, the two-time Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year who will take her prodigious talents to Tennessee, and the Lightning’s Peyton Robinson, a Georgia Tech commit. Entering their final at-bat with the bottom of the order due up, the Warriors, who had mustered just three hits off Robinson, trailed 1-0\. But they rallied, culminating in senior Raven Crabtree, a quintessential competitor, stroking a two-out, waist-high 0-1 fastball over the backpedaling left fielder’s head scoring Zy’Aisha Marbury and igniting a spontaneous celebration amongst the ecstatic Matoaca faithful. Driskill, coaching third base, followed the path of the ball and thrust both arms high into the air in exultation when it hit the ground. As Marbury touched home plate, he quickly assembled his assistants — Denise Manuel, Berkeley Driskill Medrano (his daughter), Sam Denny, and Elisia Gonzalez-Pettus — and celebrated with a group hug. This was a team championship of the highest order, Driskill said. It didn’t occur just because of one ultra-talented player – Hodges – who finished the year with an .538 batting average, 0.39 ERA, and 301 strikeouts. For the seniors, it was a stupendous conclusion to a four-year career during which the Warriors had amassed a 77-13 record. “The kids wanted to win for each other,” he said. “Everyone contributed. They realized a couple of years ago that they were going to be really good. They hung together and believed in each other, and in the last inning of the state championship game, with 6-7-8-9 coming up against a Division I pitcher, who thinks we’re going to score a run? Guess what? They did their job.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/DriskillwithTrophy.jpg) Scott Driskill hoists the state championship trophy after a dramatic walk-off victory. (Matoaca softball) Driskill, of all people, knows a thing or two about doing a job and doing it well. You see, he’s done his for 35 years both in the athletic arena and his government classroom with dedication, loyalty, and excellence and has long since earned the admiration and respect of the Matoaca community and the Warriors’ competitors as well. There’s a tradition at graduation that when seniors cross the stage, they’re handed (in addition to their diplomas) a yellow rose. Afterwards, when they recess en masse through the hallway behind the auditorium where faculty and staff lined up on both sides greet them with applause, they give their rose to one who’s made a significant impact on their lives. Suffice to say that Driskill often ends up holding a bouquet of yellow roses. “Scott is definitely a presence in the school,” said Tiffany Anglin, Matoaca’s athletic director. “He’s a good mentor for the girls. They love him. “He’ll tell you it (the Warriors’ success) isn’t him. It’s the girls, and they do everything, and he’s just there to make sure they do it right. He’s nothing but smiles and positivity.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Driskill is Matoaca through and through. He grew up in the community and graduated from the old Matoaca High on Hickory Road back in 1981\. He was a star football (tight end) and baseball (first base) player who earned post-season accolades in both sports and selected James Madison from 22 offers to continue his football career. College football didn’t go well for him at first. On the third day of practice, he suffered an injury to his left Achilles tendon and missed most of the season. He persevered, though, and ultimately played on special teams before earning a starting spot as a 6-2, 230-pound tight end as a redshirt junior. After graduating in 1986 with a political science degree, Driskill sold cars for three-and-a-half years before Alenia Wilder, his principal at Matoaca, recruited him to return to his alma mater in 1991. He first worked as a security officer and then as a teacher at Matoaca Middle School before moving to the high school and serving as JV football and baseball coach. In 1993 when Pat Manuel became head football coach just before the season began, he promoted Driskill to varsity defensive coordinator. “I’d only known him in the preseason, but he seemed very genuine, and I liked the way he related to the players,” Manuel said. “I told him, ‘If I’m going to do it, you’re going to be with me.’” They remained together until their retirement from football in 2014. “It was a match made in heaven,” Manuel said. “He still has the same qualities he had when we started together. The kids respond to his style. He loves what he does, and that shows, and he’s extremely loyal to the school. You couldn’t ask for a better person to get that first championship.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-3.png) Matoaca coach Scott Driskill won the school's first girls state title in any sport. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) Driskill’s softball journey began in 2004. “I volunteered for the job,” he said. “I knew my daughter (a standout catcher who played from 2009-2012) was coming. I wanted to build a program, then step back. When she got here, I couldn’t leave. Once I got started, I’ve been going ever since.” Driskill’s life journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In late December 2024, he was diagnosed with B-Cell Stage IV lymphoma, underwent six rounds of chemo, missed most of the second semester, and stepped away from the softball team for most of the 2025 season until he received medical clearance to return in mid-May. Dealing with cancer was a roller coaster ride even for the preternaturally upbeat Driskill. The competitor in him quickly kicked in, though, and he embraced the struggle. He drew strength from his faith, family, and friends. Sherry, his high school sweetheart and wife of 37 years, provided constant emotional support. And he stayed in daily contact with his coaches and players, who donned t-shirts emblazoned with the words, “Warrior Strong.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Coaches.jpg) Matoaca softball coaches, from left, Sam Denny, Denise Manuel, Berkeley Driskill Medrano, Elisia Gonzalez-Pettus, and Scott Driskill Denise Manuel, who coached at Midlothian from 1989-2010 and let the Trojans to the 1994 state title, served as interim head coach, and because Driskill had always empowered his staff, the transition was seamless. “We all have roles,” Manuel said. “We give feedback, and Scott makes the final decision. That’s what makes it work really well. And the girls are so invested. He has really good rapport with them. It’s really cool how it all comes together.” As it did that glorious afternoon on the diamond at John Champe. Some things, you see, just seem meant to be. “What happened this year puts last year in perspective,” Driskill said. “This year is laughing at last year. It’s basically saying, ‘Ha, ha, I beat you. Look what happened.’ That’s how I feel. I’m going to treasure this forever.” ### July 6 Newsletter: An eventful weekend URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-6-newsletter-an-eventful-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T10:00:42.000Z **Weather:** High of 92, with scattered afternoon storms. **On this date** in 1998, the FAA commits to building Richmond a new air traffic control tower after the airport is moved to what was then the second-highest level in the government’s facility ranking system. The tower opened in 2004. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-squirrels-plan-for-winter-holiday-event-at-risk-over-roadwork-planned-near-ballpark-entrance/) ### Letter: Squirrels’ plan for winter holiday event at risk over roadwork planned near ballpark entrance Construction work in the Diamond District could jeopardize offseason events planned at the stadium, a lawyer for the Richmond Flying Squirrels ownership said in a recent letter to the city, including a holiday “WinterWorld” attraction. Mayor Danny Avula and his administration have largely avoided getting into a tit-for-tat with Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, a New York native whose career as a boxing promoter landed him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. “That the EDA and DDP continue to ignore this matter — or worse, to treat it as someone else’s problem or not a problem at all — is unacceptable,” DiBella's lawyers wrote. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/letter-squirrels-plan-for-winter-holiday-event-at-risk-over-roadwork-planned-near-ballpark-entrance/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/ACNJRH-1--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/developing-some-richmond-water-customers-lost-pressure-overnight/) ### Water restoration achieved, full repairs to take 'several weeks' A broken water main caused water pressure to drop across Richmond early Friday morning. 💧 The city says all residents have water pressure as of Saturday, and those who don't should call 804-646-4646 Repairs on the broken pipe begin today and will be extensive. The city says it "may adjust system operations to ensure optimal performance" during the repair process. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/developing-some-richmond-water-customers-lost-pressure-overnight/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/freight-train-derails-into-the-canal-along-capital-trail-at-dock-street/) ### Freight train derails into the canal along Capital Trail at Dock Street Three cars from a 200-car train carrying grain fell into the water in Shockoe Bottom on Friday afternoon. The train derailed along Dock Street at 20th Street, next to the start of the Virginia Capital Trail. No injuries were reported and there is no HAZMAT danger, according to authorities. The train has been removed but as of Sunday, repair work on the track was ongoing. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/freight-train-derails-into-the-canal-along-capital-trail-at-dock-street/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Police-lights-2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-fireworks-cut-short-after-youth-fight-disrupts-festivities/) ### Henrico fireworks cut short after youth fight disrupts festivities The July 3 event was first disrupted when a group of juveniles were fighting inside the park, causing organizers to begin the fireworks show earlier than anticipated. But as the fireworks began, a second, larger fight broke out, causing organizers to end the show entirely. One juvenile was taken into custody and charged with underage possession of a firearm. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-fireworks-cut-short-after-youth-fight-disrupts-festivities/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-2.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-vuu-artwork-commissioned-for-americas-250th-will-be-unveiled-on-sunday/) ### New VUU artwork, commissioned for America's 250th, unveiled "Unfinished Declaration" reimagines the Declaration of Independence by replacing its text with Frederick Douglass’s 1852 address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” a landmark speech. Haywood Watkins III is the conceptual Richmond artist behind the piece. "Democracy is a forever project, and I think Douglass spoke about that quite eloquently," he said. "My goal is to uplift Frederick Douglass through his speech, not as a Founding Father but as a founding element, a founding person of the nation where we have so many different people we can celebrate for this 250th anniversary." [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/new-vuu-artwork-commissioned-for-americas-250th-will-be-unveiled-on-sunday/) --- ### In other news - [**Witnesses dispute police account of pepper spray usage in Scott’s Addition**](https://www.richmonder.org/witnesses-dispute-police-account-of-pepper-spray-usage-in-scotts-addition/) - A large World Cup gathering ended with Richmond Police deploying chemical agents to disperse the crowd after fighting broke out. - [**'All residents are out' after 3-alarm fire displaces dozens of seniors at Darby House apartments**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/fire-darby-house-senior-apartments-shirleydale-avenue-july-4-2026) (CBS 6) - Dozens of rescues were made during the incident, complicated by the mobility needs of many residents. There were no deaths. - [**Vacant building in Church Hill North slated for housing catches flame**](https://www.chlookout.com/p/vacant-building-in-church-hill-north-slated-for-housing-catches-flame) (Church Hill Lookout) - The building is owned by developer Frank Cava. --- ### The editor's desk In case all that isn't enough news for one edition, a reminder that last week we received the [**RPS investigation into Bobby Hathaway**](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) that we sued the school district for. We'll continue to follow the story and any changes that come as a result. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Henrico fireworks cut short after youth fight disrupts festivities URL: https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-fireworks-cut-short-after-youth-fight-disrupts-festivities/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:34:51.000Z Several fights among juveniles cut short a fireworks celebration in Henrico's Dorey Park on Friday night. The July 3 event was first disrupted when a group of juveniles were fighting inside the park, causing organizers to begin the fireworks show earlier than anticipated. But as the fireworks began, a second, larger fight broke out, causing organizers to end the show entirely. One juvenile was taken into custody and charged with underage possession of a firearm, [**according to 8News**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/juvenile-charged-henrico-250th-celebration/). “Henrico continues to encourage parents to accompany their children at these family-friendly events,” Henrico wrote in a statement to the station. “Everyone plays a role in keeping our parks safe and enjoyable.” Saturday's event was canceled midday on Saturday as forecasts called for an increasing chance of evening thunderstorms. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Freight train derails into the canal along Capital Trail at Dock Street URL: https://www.richmonder.org/freight-train-derails-into-the-canal-along-capital-trail-at-dock-street/ Last updated: 2026-07-05T17:50:41.000Z Richmond Fire Department crews will work through the weekend to stabilize a freight train that derailed in Shockoe Bottom. According to the city and CSX, three of the train's 200 cars have fallen into the canal, with two other cars unstable as of Friday night. Fire officials said their immediate goal is to stabilize the train. The train derailed along Dock Street at 20th Street, next to the start of the Virginia Capital Trail. "All cars on this train were carrying grain, and, at this time, no HAZMAT issues have been reported," fire officials wrote in a statement. "No injuries have been reported." Photos were posted to social media showing grain spilling to the ground from a train car above. A Facebook user also posted [**photos of the scene**](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DLWq7BBUj/). > [Train derailed into the James](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1ump1s5/train%5Fderailed%5Finto%5Fthe%5Fjames/) > by [u/squidkneek94](https://www.reddit.com/user/squidkneek94/) in [rva](https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/) The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation said the trail is temporarily closed to accommodate emergency crews. Dock Street is also expected to remain closed while the operation continues. *This has been a breaking news update.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9341-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9343-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9346.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9349.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9350.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9352-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9353.jpeg) ### UPDATE: Water restoration achieved, full repairs to take 'several weeks' URL: https://www.richmonder.org/developing-some-richmond-water-customers-lost-pressure-overnight/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T16:32:39.000Z A broken water main caused water pressure to drop across Richmond overnight, with residents in several neighborhoods reporting little to no water as of early Friday morning. The city's Department of Public Utilities first noticed the low pressure issue around 1:30 a.m. The city said Friday evening that all customers should have pressure that is "within normal conditions," with pressure continuing to increase as storage tanks fill. Earlier in the day, officials said the repair process will be a lengthy one. "DPU’s initial assessment shows that extensive repairs will be needed, and are expected to take several weeks," they wrote. "During that time, we will continue to maintain service to all users, and water disruption is not anticipated." A city spokesperson said the water remains safe to drink across the city and in portions of Henrico County served by the Richmond water treatment plant. ### What happened At 2:36 a.m., the city sent out a message through its alert system: “Crews are responding to the report of a water main break at Trafford Pump Station and Westhampton Pump Station.” That alert turned out to be inaccurate. The second message said the break, which came on a 3-foot line, was later identified as being "parallel to the canal." The city has not identified the exact location of the break, but officials said it was in the downtown area near the floodwall, north of the James River. Richmond "diverted flow" from Henrico to handle the situation, officials said, which appeared to cause some Henrico residents to also experience lower pressure. On Friday morning, the Country Club of Virginia announced it was closing its Westhampton clubhouse until further notice because of the water issues. The club said its golf course would still be open. For residents, the news brought back memories of the Jan. 2025 water crisis, when the city was without water for five days. New water trouble could be particularly jarring for some Richmonders heading into a long Fourth of July weekend when temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees. The weather led city officials to [cancel Richmond’s annual fireworks display](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cancels-july-4-fireworks-due-to-extreme-heat/) at Dogwood Dell. ### Mayor responds In an email to the City Council Friday morning, Mayor Danny Avula said that even though things "are in good shape," the communication could have been quicker. "I recognize how sensitive all things water are, and should have pulled together a quick summary for you all earlier in the morning, ideally before you started hearing from media or constituents," the mayor wrote. Despite the somewhat sluggish communication, Avula stressed that the city's "actual response was exactly what it needed to be." The city's 6 p.m. press conference emphasized that the response kept water flowing for residents. "This was an isolated water main break; however DPU mitigated this interruption by balancing system demands throughout the nine pressures zones in the system and working closely with our regional partners," the city wrote. "Drinking water remained safe during these activities and continues to be due to the decisive action taken by staff and their dedication to our customers. "DPU continues to coordinate with its regional partners and may adjust system operations further to address any localized pressure concerns." City administrators have cited the restoration of the water plant as something that has built trust among residents. Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II referenced it earlier this week [in the latest edition of his podcast](https://richmond.com/exclusive/804-richmond/). In the episode, he said: “I remember early on, I think it was probably about six months before I came, we had the water crisis, and now most recently, we just endured two back-to-back brutal winter storms, and the one thing that was consistent is when you turned that faucet on, water came out. Very big deal.” *Visit Richmonder.org throughout the day for the latest on this breaking news story.* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### July 3 Newsletter: America's birthday weekend URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-3-newsletter-americas-birthday-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T10:00:51.000Z **Weather:** Another day of triple-digit heat. Tomorrow's fireworks display is [**canceled in Richmond city**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cancels-july-4-fireworks-due-to-extreme-heat/), though Henrico and Chesterfield's celebrations will continue. **On this date** in 1863, General George Pickett, a Richmonder, orders a failed charge on Union troops at Gettysburg that is considered a turning point in the Civil War. Pickett’s written report of the charge was rejected by Robert E. Lee, who reportedly considered it too negative, and no records of it exist. **Today's edition made possible by donors to The Richmonder:** As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Richmonder relies on community funding to bring you the news. [**Learn more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) --- *On this Fourth of July weekend, enjoy some of our reporting on Richmond's history.* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-45.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-dig-for-the-distant-past-on-belle-isle/) ### A dig for the distant past on Belle Isle Belle Isle is the busiest of the James River Park System’s over 60 parcels. Half of the park system's daily visits are to the 54-acre island. It is also, infamously, the site of a Civil War prison camp for Union soldiers. It hosted intense industry for 100 years before the war and 100 years after. All of these uses left their mark on the island. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-dig-for-the-distant-past-on-belle-isle/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/20250803_153252-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/is-this-fan-monument-an-ode-to-heroic-efforts-or-an-act-of-fictional-self-glory/) ### Is this Fan monument an ode to heroic efforts or an act of 'fictional self-glory'? The story of “Arnold’s Picket” took place during the 1781 British invasion of Richmond during the Revolutionary War. Governor Thomas Jefferson’s name was besmirched for not calling out the militia sooner, leaving him no choice but to abandon Richmond, a small town that only the year before had become the capital of the rebelling Virginia colonists. 💥 To add insult to injury, the hit-and-run mission against Richmond was led by the traitor Benedict Arnold. In 1819 – nearly 40 years later – the militia officer who was in charge during that dark day in Richmond history stepped forward with a heroic story that, after subsequent telling, credited him with Arnold’s “repulsion” from Richmond. [**Is it true? Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/is-this-fan-monument-an-ode-to-heroic-efforts-or-an-act-of-fictional-self-glory/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2PKG716.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/dukes-delegates-and-duels-how-a-charcoal-warming-machine-witnessed-centuries-of-virginia-history-2/) ### Dukes, delegates and duels: How a charcoal ‘warming machine’ witnessed centuries of Virginia history [](https://www.richmonder.org/author/danielpayne/) Since the mid-18th century the state’s lawmakers have tended to convene in the winter months, and thus in the years before central air they required some way to heat their legislative chambers, if only to keep pneumonia at arm’s length. The stove's European creator wrote rapturously that the triple-decker structure—shipped over to the U.S. in multiple boxes—was “a masterpiece not to be equalled in all Europe” and one that “does honour to Great Britain.” Of course, the colonial lawmakers just a few years later did honour to Great Britain in their own way by joining a revolution against it. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/dukes-delegates-and-duels-how-a-charcoal-warming-machine-witnessed-centuries-of-virginia-history-2/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3702-2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/exploring-richmond-meet-5-of-the-citys-most-unique-trees/) ### Exploring Richmond: Meet 5 of the city's most unique trees They’re well known for being the “lungs of the earth,” providing shelter for wildlife and possessing extraordinary natural beauty, but trees are also time travelers and living museums. Richmond is home to many of these overlooked storytellers with tales that keep the memory of someone alive or perhaps remind us that some history isn’t as ancient and faded into obscurity as one might think. [**Meet a few of the area’s notable trees whose stories are worth knowing.** ](https://www.richmonder.org/exploring-richmond-meet-5-of-the-citys-most-unique-trees/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_2261.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-history-before-the-fall-line-trail-there-was-the-ashland-electric-railway/) ### Richmond history: Before the Fall Line Trail, there was the Ashland Electric Railway Local hikers eager to walk the length of the Ashland-to-Petersburg Fall Line Trail upon its completion several years from now may be intrigued to know that a sizable part of the path will run alongside a long-vanished trolley railway, one that used to carry passengers from Broad Street up to downtown Ashland every hour. Designed by Frank Sprague, the system would grow to over 80 of miles of tracks within the local region before cars and buses forced its retirement in 1949\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-history-before-the-fall-line-trail-there-was-the-ashland-electric-railway/) --- ### More history from The Richmonder [The century-old trend Richmond once went crazy for: open rooftop classroomsFor several decades in the first half of the 20th century, hundreds of students who shuffled through Richmond Public Schools took their lessons, their lunches and even their daily naps on the roofs of the city’s schools — rain or shine, heat or freeze.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7e1b737a-1f38-462f-8b63-7a44c4668ec9.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screen-Shot-2024-12-20-at-10.30.00-AM-1-1-5001c13e-2e87-4de5-aacf-08565c5af998.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-century-old-trend-richmond-once-went-crazy-for-open-rooftop-classrooms/) [Richmond, Bermuda are forever linked through a momentous stormJamestown, Shakespeare and an airline are linked through one momentous storm.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2cf34cb8-52da-44b6-a8d5-b9ef4130bf97.png)The RichmonderRich Griset![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_046863-bff6c16d-a89c-447e-9a8d-def6362e3143.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-bermuda-are-forever-linked-through-a-momentous-storm/) [What’s in a flag? Richmond’s has a lot to unpackIn 1991, City Council received a $12,000 donation from an anonymous donor for design work in connection with a new city flag.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-2d588b2a-4e0f-4b80-9d21-862d586f3f7d.png)The RichmonderMax Posner![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-2.16.36---PM-c3b8d79c-1ae3-43d3-9839-66a3dd2f7dcd.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) --- ### The editor's desk Did you know The Richmonder reaches more than 160,000 people across the region each month? Our audience has grown 3% or more in each of the last 12 months. That's only possible because of the generosity of our donors, who understand the civic value of fair-minded, nonpartisan news about their community. If you're one of those 1,300+ donors, thank you! If not, [**now is the perfect time to join!**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Letter: Squirrels’ plan for winter holiday event at risk over roadwork planned near ballpark entrance URL: https://www.richmonder.org/letter-squirrels-plan-for-winter-holiday-event-at-risk-over-roadwork-planned-near-ballpark-entrance/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T20:30:50.000Z Work to build a road near the entrance of Richmond’s new CarMax Park could jeopardize offseason events planned at the stadium, a lawyer for the Richmond Flying Squirrels ownership said in a recent letter to the city, including a holiday “WinterWorld” attraction. In a June 22 letter to Richmond’s Economic Development Authority, a lawyer said Navigators Baseball, the ownership group behind the Squirrels, has plans in the works to spend more than $3 million on WinterWorld. The vision, according to the letter, includes an ice rink, ice slide and a “holiday lighting program.” With little communication from city representatives about resolving the stadium access dispute, the letter says, those plans are “at risk” and the team’s ability to generate revenue during the offseason “is being undermined.” “Let us be blunt: the Navigators are the only entity in this area currently generating revenue and economic activity,” ArentFox Schiff attorney Kelli Scheid Smith wrote on behalf of the Navigators. “It is remarkable that the EDA — whose stated mission is economic development — appears indifferent to the economic damage that will be inflicted on the one operational asset in the Diamond District.” The Diamond District project was publicly funded with $130 million in city-backed bonds. Those bonds are expected to be paid off through new money generated from the revitalized area, which means the city has a financial interest in the ballpark getting as much use as possible. The letter — which The Richmonder obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request — is the latest in a series of confrontational exchanges involving Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, the city and the private developers working on the bigger Diamond District redevelopment project anchored by the new ballpark. Thalhimer Realty Partners is the lead entity in Diamond District Partners, the LLC representing the private development side of the project. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. In May, DiBella [filed a defamation lawsuit](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) against Thalhimer developer Jason Guillot over a heated encounter the two men had on the ballpark’s suite level on opening night. DiBella has not sued the city, but his lawyers have repeatedly raised the possibility in correspondence with Richmond officials. Mayor Danny Avula and his administration have largely avoided getting into a tit-for-tat with DiBella, a New York native whose career as a boxing promoter landed him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. [Lou DiBella’s dog bit Diamond District developer on Flying Squirrels opening night, according to account from Thalhimer execsTwo of the top leaders behind Richmond’s Diamond District project gave their account of a confrontation with Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, portraying the baseball team’s owner as “out of line” as he threatened to put the developers “out of business.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8fa71a97-3ba7-4d11-ba20-1d9e785dbaff.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay27-1-17bb1f89-f0b5-4cab-ae11-d75eec00596b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/) The city has routinely declined to comment on the letters from DiBella’s lawyers. The Avula administration has signaled the Diamond District is progressing as planned by issuing press releases about positive milestones being achieved, such as the EDA [successfully purchasing](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/RELEASE--Mayor-Danny-Avula--Richmond-Economic-Development-Authority-Announce-Closing-on-Acquisition-of-VCU-Sports-Backers-Stadiu.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=S%5FhDB1c35lk) Sports Backers Stadium from VCU. That freed up a parcel critical to development near CarMax Park and broader plans for a hotel, apartments, retail and restaurants. Media outlets have reported on the more hostile aspects of the situation through publicly available court documents and FOIA requests for correspondence related to the project. The city has seemed reluctant to offer documents or information laying out its own stance, often taking the maximum amount of time the law allows to fulfill FOIA requests for specific letters that presumably wouldn’t involve extensive searches to locate. When the City Council was asked earlier this year to [approve a $14.7 million loan](https://www.richmonder.org/council-approves-14-7m-loan-to-keep-diamond-district-project-on-track/) from the city’s emergency reserves to allow the Sports Backers Stadium purchase to move forward, the legislative body was assured the project was going well. In their correspondence with the city, the Navigators have pointed to that loan as an example of “the financial deterioration surrounding the project.” [Regional group plans to pick up 80% of the current cost overruns on Diamond District project“Obviously, 100% would have been great, but 80% – we can figure it out.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-dc539e1e-b871-4883-8730-b51acf67d316.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-12-11-at-3.12.06---PM-0b58bd4f-10a2-4771-bb3b-6bfac09e30fb.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/regional-group-plans-to-pick-up-80-of-the-current-cost-overruns-on-diamond-district-project/) The city’s largely silent approach to the issues that have upset DiBella doesn't appear to be cooling off the situation. “That the EDA and DDP continue to ignore this matter — or worse, to treat it as someone else’s problem or not a problem at all — is unacceptable,” the June 22 Navigators letter says. A spokesperson for the EDA said the June 22 letter had been received, but declined to comment on its contents. Thalhimer also declined to comment. DiBella has been feuding with Thalhimer over a small parcel of land near the ballpark’s entrance where Thalhimer wants to put a sports bar that DiBella claims will undercut the Squirrels’ concession business. DiBella has tried to buy the parcel from Thalhimer, without success. The Squirrels owners have also signaled little desire to finish a planned deal with Virginia Commonwealth University to allow the school’s baseball team to play at the ballpark as long as VCU chips in its own rent money. Because VCU wanted to lock in the deal to play at CarMax Park before selling Sports Backers Stadium, the Squirrels’ inability to reach an agreement with VCU has contributed to the Diamond District delays. The new ballpark was publicly financed, which means the city’s economic development arm owns the facility and leases it to the Squirrels for $3.2 million in yearly rent. The ownership group has accused the city, essentially the team’s landlord, of failing to deliver on its end of the deal and being unresponsive to concerns about the venue being disrupted by surrounding construction. In a broader letter sent to the city on June 11 by a different law firm, the Navigators said a disorganized and shifting approach has thrown the 67-acre Diamond District project off track, resulting in the new ballpark being finished as surrounding development, including the road by the main entrance, is just beginning. The early-June letter, sent by the Quinn Emanuel law firm based in New York, asked for a meeting with the EDA and city officials to “discuss the status of the project, the obstacles preventing completion of the surrounding development and potential paths forward.” “The Stadium is open, and the Flying Squirrels are playing baseball. But the broader district that justified the project remains substantially incomplete,” wrote Quinn Emanual partner Luke Nikas. “While the Navigators are confident in their ability to pursue legal claims and remedies arising from the conduct described in this letter, filing a lawsuit will not, standing alone, timely deliver the broader Diamond District.” [Photo retrospective: The Diamond’s final seasonPhotographer Ryan M. Kelly was on hand for the 40th and final season of baseball at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia. A new stadium is being built in The Diamond’s parking lot, and will open next summer when the Richmond Flying Squirrels return.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-dc98f798-6904-4441-a84a-86300669d36a.png)The RichmonderRyan M. Kelly![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/RMK_Diamond_FlyingSquirrels35-1-e1031b35-3b60-4579-ab5a-07bc02fbbc84.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/photo-retrospective-the-diamonds-final-season/) The June 11 letter said the $3.2 million rent is “among the highest rent obligations in Minor League Baseball,” without asking or demanding that the rent be lowered to make amends for “the divergence between what was promised and what was ultimately delivered.” DiBella’s defamation suit is related to an alleged threat DiBella directed at Guillot during the argument. DiBella claims Guillot falsely reported to city officials that DiBella had threatened to kill him and his family. Guillot and Thalhimer have [rejected that allegation as false](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/), contending DiBella did indeed threaten Guillot during the incident but Guillot never reported it as a death threat. Though there appear to be multiple fronts opening up in the Diamond District dispute, it’s unclear how the parties will resolve the immediate impasse over how the ballpark can host non-baseball events after the Squirrels season ends in September. The annual “Squirrel-O-Ween” event scheduled for late October could also face disruption from the roadwork planned for the area, the letter says. The letter also mentions the possibility of a 13,000-person concert being planned for the ballpark around mid-October. The EDA offered a brief response to the team owners’ first letter in May raising concerns about entrance obstructions. On June 5, EDA Director Angie Rodgers sent an email indicating Diamond District Partners could start the roadwork on Oct. 19\. Rodgers said it was her understanding that would be “after the largest fall event planned for the venue.” “They will complete that work before the park’s opening day in 2027,” Rodgers wrote. “Between October 19, 2026 and opening day, the VIP entrance will be available. Based on the planned events/attendance, please confirm that this works.” In their follow-up letter a few weeks later, the Navigators said it did not work, alleging the city and Diamond District Partners had “failed to provide any substantive resolution despite repeated requests.” The Navigators proposed their own solution. They said the team “must” be able to keep at least half of the main entrance open between Oct. 26 and Nov. 1 for the Halloween-themed event. Construction could resume on Nov. 2, the Navigators letter said, but the roadwork must be “completed in its entirety” by Nov. 11. “The Navigators require 100% use of the main entrance beginning November 11, 2026, in order to prepare for the opening of WinterWorld on November 18, 2026,” the letter says. “For the avoidance of doubt, DDP shall not be permitted to resume or restart road construction at any point following the conclusion of WinterWorld but the Navigators agree to discuss in good faith.” The letter said the team is willing to “forego” the concert planned for mid-October and “other events for a period of six weeks.” The correspondence raised the possibility the team owners could seek a court injunction to “maintain the status quo.” “Given your non-response to our previous correspondence related to this matter, and taking into account what has already been invested in these upcoming events, the Navigators are moving forward as outlined in this letter,” the attorney for the Navigators wrote. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Witnesses dispute police account of pepper spray usage in Scott’s Addition URL: https://www.richmonder.org/witnesses-dispute-police-account-of-pepper-spray-usage-in-scotts-addition/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T11:21:05.000Z A large World Cup gathering outside a Scott’s Addition restaurant ended with Richmond Police deploying chemical agents to disperse the crowd after fighting broke out. At 9:28 p.m. Tuesday night, RPD officers responded to a disorderly conduct call at Cochiloco restaurant, where soccer fans were watching Mexico’s elimination round game. Caleb McNeely and Sean Luangkhamdeng, two content creators who were at Cochiloco, taped the encounter. Luangkhamdeng said fighting erupted outside between four males – whom he believed to be teenagers – both before and after officers arrived. Both men counted at least 20 officers on scene, as well as members of Richmond Fire Department. RPD stated additional numbers were necessary due to additional fights that started breaking out. While waiting for backup, security personnel directed officers to a man whom McNeely and Luangkhamdeng described as “completely drunk.” RPD confirmed that the person was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, which the two men said he “definitely deserved.” In a press release, Richmond Police said officers used “department-issued foggers” outside the restaurant to disperse the crowd and “bring the situation under control.” However, they said they did not use the foggers, which use the same ingredients as pepper spray, inside the restaurant. McNeely and Luangkhamdeng both contested this. “It’s literally on video of them spraying (from) multiple angles,” McNeely said. The two men said officers only gave one warning to leave the restaurant before deploying the chemicals inside and outside. McNeely said his eyes still hurt and Luangkhamdeng said his asthma worsened the effects. Luangkhamdeng said he understood needing to break up the fighting, but didn’t see why officers needed to use foggers for four fighting teenagers, given the large number of “peaceful” bystanders and a sizable police presence. He added that he believed there was no need to spray inside when all the fighting took place outside the restaurant. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. “People were jumping through the back of the restaurant, jumping over the counter, jumping through the windows, girls crying, guys crying (and) coughing,” McNeely said. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards issued a statement about the department’s response. "We're proud to see our community come together to celebrate the World Cup,” he wrote. “While the vast majority of those in attendance celebrated responsibly, officers acted quickly and in accordance with department policy when isolated incidents threatened public safety. We remain committed to ensuring Richmond is a safe place for everyone to celebrate." Cochiloco, which was closed Wednesday and is set to reopen Thursday, released a [statement](https://www.cochilocorva.com/june30?fbclid=PAdGRleASyOoxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAac0M48iskQ48TFlObsn9sOD8q9vZ8IviLu%5F6K5pK1WhM9Hx%5FQunFJEUF7QIaQ%5Faem%5FABRAtQD7GnlShksuHHjKXA) that said the match “brought a significantly larger crowd than expected, and the area became extremely crowded.” They said they believe the match's significance as an elimination game contributed to the size, which “created concerns” for guests, neighbors and the community. As a result, they will not be hosting watch parties until further notice, including Mexico’s next match on Sunday. While neither Luangkhamdeng or McNeely said they condoned the fighting, they don’t believe it was an accurate reflection of the crowd or Richmond as a whole. “It’s super easy to cherry pick the 30 seconds when everything went wrong, but the hours after that and before that were amazing,” Luangkhamdeng said. “Friends and family were still able to celebrate a win.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*. This story has been updated.* ### New VUU artwork, commissioned for America's 250th, will be unveiled on Sunday URL: https://www.richmonder.org/new-vuu-artwork-commissioned-for-americas-250th-will-be-unveiled-on-sunday/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T21:55:58.000Z Commissioned by Virginia Union to coincide with America’s 250th celebration, "Unfinished Declaration" reimagines the Declaration of Independence by replacing its text with Frederick Douglass’s 1852 address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” a landmark speech intentionally delivered on July 5 to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society as a critique of American hypocrisy. Haywood Watkins III is the conceptual Richmond artist behind the piece. He was noted recently for his large-scale piece called Shrine: A Motherhood, which [fashioned more than a thousand flowers into bouquets](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/shrine-to-motherhood-art-installation-may-7-2026) to commemorate the disparity of Black women’s mortality rates due to pregnancy complications, and was unveiled on Mother's Day. Dr. Felicia Cosby, who directs the Center for African American History and Culture at VUU, said she immediately understood Watkins' vision. “The purpose of Unfinished Declaration is to invite the public to reflect on both the promise and the paradox of American democracy,” she said. She added: “Haywood shared his vision of reframing Douglass’s words within the visual structure of the Declaration of Independence. The connection was immediate. It felt serendipitous, perhaps even divinely ordered, because his idea aligned so closely with our vision, VUU’s mission, and the work of our Center for African American History and Culture.” In the speech, Douglass declares: “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim." At over 5,000 words, the speech is longer than the Declaration of Independence. Despite this length, Watkins said, “I really felt adamant that the entire speech needed to be included in the exhibit.” He pointed out that the structure of the speech is what makes it timeless, “where the beginning is a really intelligent sleight of hand, disarming the audience to settle everyone into the ride you’re about to take them on.” He added: “Democracy is a forever project, and I think Douglass spoke about that quite eloquently. My goal is to uplift Frederick Douglass through his speech, not as a Founding Father but as a founding element, a founding person of the nation where we have so many different people we can celebrate for this 250th anniversary.” Richmond actor Ruffin Prentiss will read an abridged version of Douglass’s speech at the sold-out event, which [begins Sunday at 3 p.m.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unfinished-declaration-tickets-1992002213243) [VHMC previews next weekend’s ‘Illumination’ event for debate participantsThe projection will run each night from June 25-28.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a322a3dd-f92d-421c-850a-42dd7b791a73.png)The RichmonderMax Posner![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IllumiNation-7424-8e6c6cd5-c906-4506-b2fc-8114419ea39c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/vhmc-previews-next-weekends-illumination-event-for-debate-participants/) Watkins hopes those who see the piece will reflect on the unfinished nature of democracy. “I don’t think it will be a perfect society,” he said. “But if we are going to move toward perfection, it requires, in Douglass’s words, ‘agitation.’ Agitate, agitate. We have to continuously roll up our sleeves and be willing to sacrifice time, power, and resources to ensure we get to a place where we’re closer to ‘all men are created equal.’” Cosby agreed. “The central question Douglass raised in 1852 is still with us,” she said. “What does freedom mean when its rights, protections, and opportunities are not experienced equally?” ### Richmond cancels July 4 fireworks due to extreme heat URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cancels-july-4-fireworks-due-to-extreme-heat/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T21:53:02.000Z The city of Richmond announced Wednesday afternoon that it has canceled its annual Fourth of July celebration at Dogwood Dell. "While the annual celebration is a cherished Richmond tradition and an important part of the Festival of Arts, as well as this year's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary, City leaders determined that proceeding with the event would present unacceptable health and safety risks for attendees, performers, volunteers, staff, and first responders," the city wrote in a press release. Henrico County's fireworks event on July 3 will now begin at 7 p.m., and Chesterfield County's July 4 celebration at the county fairgrounds will now begin at 6 p.m. [‘Heat dome’ will bring triple-digit temperatures to Richmond during holiday weekendThe National Weather Service is calling it a “potentially historic” heat wave.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1fdcd224-bce6-44e7-82b1-10bca97aedcb.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2F8CM5E-1e0e9491-780e-418d-bb5f-8707a1a0c4ac.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/heat-dome-will-bring-triple-digit-temperatures-to-richmond-during-holiday-weekend/) The moves are in response to expected triple-digit temperatures that will last through the weekend. *This has been a breaking news update.* ### July 1 Newsletter: Beating Kings Dominion URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-1-newsletter-beating-kings-dominion/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T10:00:01.000Z **Weather:** The heat is coming. 100 looks unlikely today, but is possible starting tomorrow. **On this date** in 1940, a combination of a new tax to fund World War II operations and the widespread introduction of parking meters into metro areas leads to a penny shortage as the U.S. Mint cannot keep up with demand. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0402-0409-041625-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/FullSizeRender-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/i-tracked-kings-dominions-lines-all-summer-heres-how-to-skip-them/) ### I've been monitoring ride times at Kings Dominion all summer. Here's how to beat the lines Reporter **Ned Oliver** did the research so you don't have to. Here are some of his top takeaways: - Start at the back of the park, and work your way to the front, which is the opposite of how most people do it. - On a weekday evening, and particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, lines are virtually nonexistent after 5 p.m. - Let the data guide you – if wait times are high for a ride, skip it and return later. [**Read more takeaways on how to maximize your theme park day here.** ](https://www.richmonder.org/i-tracked-kings-dominions-lines-all-summer-heres-how-to-skip-them/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_2321-1-1--3--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) ### Hathaway report: RPS director asked subordinates to help him disable security cameras; dozens of purchases remain unaccounted for Ronald “Bobby” Hathaway, the former director of facilities for Richmond Public Schools, was accused of enlisting subordinates to help him disable security cameras to return a zero-turn lawn mower to the facilities site undetected, according to an internal investigation a city judge recently released to The Richmonder under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Hathaway denied ever doing such to investigators despite the two subordinates – a supervisor and technician – confirming the incident taking place. “Mr. Hathaway’s claims are demonstrably false,” investigators wrote. “He utilized his position to coerce subordinates into committing a security breach for his personal benefit. This constitutes a gross abuse of authority.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/F6T9YR-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-was-a-hotbed-of-peach-innovation-in-the-late-1800s-but-many-are-now-lost-to-history/) ### Richmond was a hotbed of peach innovation in the late 1800s, but many are now lost to history Have you ever tasted a fragrant Millhiser peach, or a juicy Lyons? Unless you were alive over a century ago in Richmond, likely not. These peaches were once rising stars in the pomology world, and all originated here in the city. Beginning around the mid-to-late 1800s, Richmond was in a peach frenzy of sorts. Peach growing was becoming trendy and thought of as a great investment thanks to the increasing popularity of new fruit canning and drying technology. [**Read their stories here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-was-a-hotbed-of-peach-innovation-in-the-late-1800s-but-many-are-now-lost-to-history/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2DW0FD2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rezoning-opponents-seek-16-000-signatures-in-attempt-to-put-code-refresh-on-the-ballot/) ### Rezoning opponents seek 16,000 signatures in attempt to put code refresh on the ballot Opponents of the code refresh, an effort to rewrite Richmond's decades-old zoning laws, are taking their battle to the public. Longtime Virginia political figure Paul Goldman filed Monday in Richmond Circuit Court, seeking to change the city's charter to require major rezoning efforts be put in front of voters. His filing would also allow the city to institute rent control measures, though it would not mandate that they be used. [**Read more, including why the vote can't actually change the charter, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rezoning-opponents-seek-16-000-signatures-in-attempt-to-put-code-refresh-on-the-ballot/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2F8CM5E-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/heat-dome-will-bring-triple-digit-temperatures-to-richmond-during-holiday-weekend/) ### 'Heat dome' will bring triple-digit temperatures to Richmond during holiday weekend Temperatures across the Richmond area will break 100 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as part of what the National Weather Service is calling a "potentially historic" heat wave. The temperatures are being caused by a condition called a "heat dome," where high pressure in the atmosphere traps hot air, and then stays largely stagnant. Equally concerning to NWS forecasters are overnight lows that will hover in the 70s, meaning there will be little cooling relief. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/heat-dome-will-bring-triple-digit-temperatures-to-richmond-during-holiday-weekend/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/260323_050_aj_MR-web_gv_sr_900px.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-breathes-life-into-the-fight-against-pulmonary-fibrosis) ### VCU physician-researcher Patricia Sime breathes life into the fight against pulmonary fibrosis When Patricia Sime, M.D., was training, she met a patient with lung scarring, or pulmonary fibrosis, and asked a simple question: How do we treat her? The answer – “We can give oxygen, but not much else” – stunned her. Sime, now chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at VCU, became determined to find a better answer. Sime's research is influencing how fibrosis is studied and treated around the world, leading to the development of treatments for a disease that for decades had few to no treatment options. [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-breathes-life-into-the-fight-against-pulmonary-fibrosis) --- ### In other news - [**Fourth of July 2026 in Richmond: Fireworks, Festivals, and More**](https://rvamag.com/community/fourth-of-july-2026-in-richmond-fireworks-festivals-and-more.html) (RVA Mag) - CarMax Park, Dogwood Dell and the Chesterfield Fairgrounds have their traditional fireworks, while Henrico will offer a symphony performance with a laser light show at Meadow Farm. - [**The Richmond Kickers' new jersey lets fans pick a possum**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/22/richmond-kickers-new-possum-jersey) (Axios) - The jersey costs $98 and comes with one possum patch, with additional available for $10 each. - [**Hanover supervisors mull raising equipment taxes on data centers**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-06-26/hanover-data-center-tax-rate-dibble-tarczynska-good-jobs-first-jlarc) (VPM) - The county currently taxes data centers at one of the lowest rates in the state. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9138.jpeg) From left: Intern Haidyn Brockelman, Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin, Kings Dominion Expert Ned Oliver, Editor Michael Phillips and Reporter Eleanor Shaw. Ned was kind enough to invite us along as he tested his Kings Dominion line theories. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Hathaway report: RPS director asked subordinates to help him disable security cameras; dozens of purchases remain unaccounted for URL: https://www.richmonder.org/hathaway-report-rps-director-asked-subordinates-to-help-him-disable-security-cameras-dozens-of-purchases-remain-unaccounted-for/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T23:24:15.000Z Ronald “Bobby” Hathaway, the former director of facilities for Richmond Public Schools, was accused of enlisting subordinates to help him disable security cameras to return a zero-turn lawn mower to the facilities site undetected, according to an internal investigation a city judge recently [released to The Richmonder](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/) under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Hathaway denied ever doing such to investigators despite the two subordinates – a supervisor and technician – confirming the incident taking place. “Mr. Hathaway’s claims are demonstrably false,” investigators wrote. “He utilized his position to coerce subordinates into committing a security breach for his personal benefit. This constitutes a gross abuse of authority.” Investigators recommended an immediate termination of his employment, while demoting the supervisor from their role and issuing a letter of reprimand – last chance – to the technician. According to a source familiar with the matter, the two employees are no longer working for the district. Instead, Hathaway submitted a letter of resignation on April 23, two days after the investigators’ recommendation. “I want to express my sincere appreciation not only for your personal support and guidance, but also for the support I have received from Richmond Public Schools as a whole,” he wrote in an email to Sandra Lee, director of employee and labor relations. The documents also detail another investigation conducted into Hathaway’s misappropriation of RPS funds and abuse of authority. A whistleblower alleged that the former director spent $86,000 in purchases that weren’t used in schools. It is unclear from the report if purchases were confirmed as appropriate. Investigators identified about $5,000 in potential purchases Hathaway made that did not have a rationale for purchasing. However, the full extent of his alleged embezzling is unclear, as the report does not contain a full accounting of the dollar value of the theft conducted. Investigators also noted that the audit into items bought was limited in scope because Hathaway did not link invoices to work orders, a protocol that employees are supposed to follow. “The Director of Finance stated the effort to link the information was like ‘looking for a needle in the haystack,’” investigators wrote. As a result, the investigation has been referred to the Richmond Police Department for a more in-depth forensic investigation. Spokespeople from RPS and the department confirmed that the division filed a police report this past May and that the investigation is ongoing. “Any restitution would follow their investigation,” said Alyssa Schwenk, RPS director of communications. Investigators also looked into allegations of a hostile work environment, where staff members accused Hathaway of exhibiting “bullying tendencies.” While investigators could not substantiate the claims because there was no corroborating evidence, they noted that multiple detailed accounts suggested a culture of “bullying and disparate treatment based on race and personal vulnerability.” The report overall points to an issue of “significant systemic vulnerabilities,” lack of processes, procedures and oversight within the facilities department that allowed Hathaway to conduct his alleged acts, which “posed a high risk to Richmond Public Schools.” When asked why certain systems were not in place, Schwenk said that the division’s needs around infrastructure and internal systems “have long outstripped our means.” The division has been long plagued with old school buildings – averaging 80 years old – that teachers previously said have had exposed asbestos, mold and faulty HVAC units to regulate temperature. “We work carefully to extend their lifespan while investing in upgrades,” she said. [As RPS battles maintenance backlog on a shoestring budget, long-term solutions continue to prove elusive“Decades of neglect can’t be fixed in five years or ten years.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1ff45c63-c9b4-4336-84e8-0b7f3f459124.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0033-67c51822-0695-4ec7-9bd8-1c55b97b3e6f.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/) She pointed to an [internal audit conducted last year that found several weaknesses](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/rps-pcard-audit-oct-30-2024) in the division’s procurement card process, specifically that staff were not properly logging their purchases to either avoid going over budget or hide unauthorized purchases. “We’ve implemented new processes to our p-card and purchasing systems, increasing oversight and transparency,” she said. “As soon as we were alerted to possible misconduct earlier this year, we took immediate action and began an investigation.” The findings of Hathaway’s financial misconduct come at a time when school leaders are making cuts to the division’s budget – including [the recent last minute cut to teacher stipends](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-adopts-next-years-budget-makes-last-minute-cuts-to-teacher-bonuses-to-save-money/) – saying that RPS is strapped for resources. The division initially redacted the investigation heavily when The Richmonder requested the document through a Freedom of Information Act. The Richmonder sued, and the division [had to turn over and completely unredact the report](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/) following a court order. Hathaway previously was critiqued for his role leading up to a 2022 fire at Fox Elementary School. In the months before the fire, a Richmond Fire Department official accused him of “[extreme neglect](https://www.wtvr.com/news/problem-solvers/problem-solvers-investigations/fox-fire-email-september-27-2022)” over annual inspections of the district’s schools. ### **‘The cameras needed to go down’** Two investigations were conducted into Hathaway, including a review of a security breach he allegedly facilitated on February 4 this year, the same day administrators, including Superintendent Jason Kamras, learned of an anonymous complaint regarding Hathaway’s conduct. Hathaway, who was already under investigation before the incident, tapped on the technician and supervisor to conduct the breach, telling the supervisor that “he needed to return the lawnmower and that ‘the cameras needed to go down.’” Investigators said Hathaway was informed to not make contact with any RPS employee or go to any RPS facility other than the Norrell School building. Both Hathaway and the supervisor were at the facilities services site that evening, while the technician reported to the supervisor over the phone. The technician initially claimed to investigators that they were accessing previous camera footage in search of a missing green ladder. John Beazley, the division’s director of security and safety and one of the investigators on the case, confirmed that the technician was viewing live footage rather than old. The technician owned up to it, and said that they were instructing the supervisor on how to disconnect the camera cables and confirming if the cameras were indeed off when the supervisor pulled the cables. “\[Technician\] claimed \[they\] did not question the instructions to disable security because \[supervisor\] was a supervisor and Mr. Hathaway was the director,” investigators wrote. The investigation also uncovered a second security breach two days later, where the technician assisted with shutting off the cameras for the supervisor to “hide the removal of scaffolding.” The supervisor, after first claiming he was at the site to retrieve a brush spinner and was not waiting for anyone, corroborated the claims. But Hathaway denied them repeatedly, saying that he did not meet with anyone and went to the facilities services site to retrieve his wallet. Investigators noted that a camera from RPD tracked him sitting outside of the facilities services location for thirty minutes before returning the equipment. Hathaway said he was talking to his daughter, which investigators found to be “demonstratively false.” [The Richmonder wins FOIA lawsuit against School Board over redacted documents“Disclosure of these documents is exactly the degree of sunshine FOIA contemplates in a free and open form of governance.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ccd4fdb0-62d3-4553-878b-04290117dac1.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/judge-gavel-1-59e093f8-bcb3-4a51-b706-e6a58f889b47.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/) ### **Purchases made without documentation of school use** Internal investigators also issued a report following a second investigation into Hathaway’s alleged misconduct following a whistleblower’s complaint alleging that he misused funds on equipment not used in schools. Investigators found that Hathaway’s ability to purchase items and approve invoices “presented a gross conflict of interest that was exploited on numerous occasions.” The items he bought that investigators reviewed either had no rationale for purchasing, no use in schools or were not found on site with no account of their storage or use. The documents included two sets of various purchases Hathaway made between 2023 to 2026\. The first set contains items Hathaway bought between October 2025 and January 2026, mostly coming from Southern Refrigeration Corporation. These were purchases the whistleblower alleged were not used for school facilities. These purchases cost the division $86,018, with a majority coming from a December 2025 invoice. It was an invoice that totaled $77,165 from Trane Technologies, an HVAC equipment supplier based in Hanover County. The invoice does not specify what item was purchased. It is unclear if these purchases were deemed appropriate for use in schools. Investigators randomly selected about 53 items purchased at Lowe’s and Southern Refrigeration Corporation from a range of invoices in the second set. Almost all purchases – varying from a deck stain, nail guns, home thermostat and a lock box used to secure a home door – were tied to a location code for an RPS school or facility, rather than a work order. About 33 of the items – costing nearly $5,000 – were not linked to an RPS work order to support the purchase or were not used at all in schools. Those purchases were also made with funds from the federal Carl Perkins grant, an annual grant intended to develop and improve career and technical education for students. Investigators noted that many of the purchases also remain unaccounted for, as the lack of an attached work order rendered them “untraceable.” The most expensive purchase noted in this set was “pressure treated lumber,” which can be used for outdoor projects like decks, gazebos, ramps, costing the division $2,119.04\. There was no work order to support the purchase and the location code attached to the purchase was “48,” an invalid code, investigators noted. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **‘Bullying tendencies’** The whistleblower also alleged that Hathaway “exhibited bullying tendencies and fostered a hostile work environment,” which investigators could not substantiate. But investigators acknowledged that the various accounts suggest a culture of bullying and unfair treatment. Multiple department staff members interviewed for the investigation said that Hathaway displayed racial and cultural bias, resulting in “good men” leaving RPS due to his behavior. He was accused of targeting employees of color, specifically Black employees, speaking brazenly towards them and giving more work to them, though the report did not confirm those allegations. For example, “during the most recent storm, witnesses noted that all Black men recruited for snow removal were assigned manual (shoveling) duties, while the four available plow trucks were assigned exclusively to white recruits,” investigators wrote. The allegation was deemed unfounded. The whistleblower also claimed that employees were allowed to make comments about Latino workers in the custodial department, adding that there was also a comment made about the superintendent using his position to speak out against ICE. Those comments also could not be verified. ### **A systemic breakdown** Investigators highlighted multiple systems that failed to be in place while Hathaway conducted his activity. “The Facilities Department has no formalized process for receiving any deliveries, verifying the necessity of purchased items, managing inventory delivery/storage or confirming that purchased materials were used for intended work orders,” investigators wrote. The department operated on an “honor system” when using RPS property, which investigators said allowed unchecked access and borrowing of that property. Hathaway was accused of using RPS equipment for personal and business use, which he denied. But investigators could not verify the claim since the department does not track its inventory. Investigators learned that the p-card “lacks the necessary oversight to prevent unauthorized or undocumented spending,” investigators said. It was also easily accessible to anyone, as the report noted it was stored in a staff member’s office, which was concerning to investigators. Hathaway was also the hiring manager for employees within the department, and the whistleblower alleged that he hired individuals who worked at his personal business. Investigators said the allegation was unfounded. But they also revealed that the division’s Talent Acquisition Department, which helps recruit and hire employees, did not maintain recruitment information to determine if the qualified personnel were being hired. All of those records were kept with Hathaway and “without administrative oversight.” Officials appeared to have previously stepped in to install systems to easily track the department’s activities, specifically former Chief Operating Officer Dana Fox who implemented a work order system two years ago. But investigators noted that the system was neglected and ignored. Investigators have recommended multiple systematic changes to the department, with the most immediate being establishing internal controls and oversight on purchasing and managing the department’s tools and assets. Schwenk, the communications director for the division, said the division has been working on updating internal processes within the department “to ensure multiple eyes on purchases, explicit systems for tracking stock items and guidelines for how and when to bring in external contractors.” The Richmond School Board’s internal auditor will also conduct a review of the department’s processes, and the auditor’s plan will be presented in the upcoming Board meeting this July. “We're always working to improve our processes, striving to be better and careful stewards of taxpayer funds,” she said. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### I tracked Kings Dominion’s lines all summer. Here’s how to skip them URL: https://www.richmonder.org/i-tracked-kings-dominions-lines-all-summer-heres-how-to-skip-them/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T21:10:12.000Z A friend recently asked me if I was a roller coaster enthusiast. "Not really," I replied. "Why?" "Because you just spent the last five minutes talking about your strategy for avoiding lines at Kings Dominion," they said. Fair. I guess I do like roller coasters. (Though not in a way that makes me want to film myself riding them or spend any time researching manufacturers and track layouts.) Maybe what I like more is feeling like I’m beating the system. And at this point, I’d like to think I’ve got Kings Dominion pretty much figured out. ### **The case for weekday evenings** I’ll cut to it. I have been methodically tracking wait times for Kings Dominion’s most popular rides all summer. After crunching the numbers, I’m here to make the case for the weekday evening visit. It is the best way to breeze through the park, and maybe even to feel like you’re winning, if that’s possible in a place that charges $35 to park. It may feel counterintuitive to buy a ticket on a day when you can only stay for a few hours. And by all means, if you can swing it, spend all day there. But if you work a nine-to-five and the best you can do is slip out an hour early, it’s still absolutely worth it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9140-1.jpeg) Kings Dominion shares wait time data online, as well as in the park. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) That’s because on weekdays — and to be clear I’m talking Monday through Thursday; Friday is its own beast — the lines are five times shorter, and often nonexistent. Average wait times across the park peak at just 13 minutes between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. By 5 p.m., the average wait has dropped to seven minutes. It just gets better from there. By your final hour in the park, between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., the average line is just three minutes. In practice, those numbers mean you’re walking straight on to most rides. And over four hours, you will likely cover more ground than you could in an entire Saturday, when lines for some rides can climb as high as two hours. ### **A data scientist is born** I became a Kings Dominion season pass holder the same way I imagine many people do: On a whim after pricing out a single ticket and seeing that a season pass only cost $15 more after accounting for fees and parking. The theme park won that round, but they wouldn't catch me with any more of their upsells. At least that's what I told myself until I found myself in the park on a Saturday (whoops), eating a $9 pretzel and feeling dismayed about a completely full queue for the only proper roller coaster my extremely adventurous 4-year-old son is tall enough to ride. In a moment of weakness, I scanned a QR code on a sign advertising single-ride Fast Lane passes, which let you skip the line for one attraction. At $10 a rider, I held strong and passed. (Sorry, son, back to Planet Snoopy.) But I was intrigued to see that QR code also led me to a page that [showed live wait times](https://kd.sffastlane.com/) for most of the park’s attractions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9096.jpeg) Here, hiding in plain sight to drive sales and feed a pricing algorithm, was a source of truth in an opaque world of long, snaking lines. When I got home, I set about vibe coding the first and most important web application of my journalism career. The resulting program, which took about three hours to build, [lives on a webserver](https://nedoliver.com/kd-tracker/), where every five minutes, it visits the Kings Dominion Fast Lane site and logs the current wait times for each ride listed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9160.jpeg) Tumbili (left) and Rapterra are two of the park's newest attractions, and draw big crowds on weekends. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) ### **Secrets, revealed?** When I started this project, I thought I might uncover something like a secret, optimal route through the park. Instead, my main takeaway is that the day of the week is the most important variable visitors can control. Monday through Thursday are the best days on average, and, if you want to get super granular, Tuesdays and Wednesdays seem to be the absolute lightest, especially in the evening, which is what makes the post-work visit not only feasible, but arguably ideal. After that Sunday is your best option, followed by Friday, then Saturday. In terms of timing your day, crowd patterns follow roughly the same curve throughout the week. The day starts with a steady build through 1 p.m., when crowds peak until 3 p.m. and slowly taper off into the evening. If you must go on a weekend, be at the gate the moment the park opens at 11 a.m. and consider taking a break in the middle of the day to eat lunch off-site. Then head back in the afternoon when crowds are lighter again. From there, all the standard advice you might have heard is borne out by the data. When the park opens, skip the rides closest to the entrance (looking at you, Tumbili and Dominator), which see an early surge in queue times, and head straight to the back of the park, where rides like Flight of Fear and Twisted Timbers tend to see low waits for the first hour. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. My biggest tip, though, is to keep an eye on wait times using the [Fast Lane site](https://nedoliver.com/kd-tracker/) while you’re at the park. Let the numbers guide you, especially in the afternoon and evening, when it’s common for crowds to surge at one coaster while another sits nearly empty. There are also [third-party sites](https://www.google.com/search?q=kings+dominion+wait+times&oq=kings+dominion+wait&gs%5Flcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgAEEUYOxiABDIJCAAQRRg7GIAEMgYIARBFGDkyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyCAgEEAAYFhgeMgYIBRBFGD0yBggGEEUYPTIGCAcQRRg90gEIMzk4MGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) that provide live updates using the same data stream, though unlike the Fast Lane site, they don’t always display when rides close due to maintenance issues — a real issue at Kings Dominion, where Pantherian and Flight of Fear, in particular, can spend a significant portion of each day closed for repairs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9157.jpeg) Pantherian, the park's most intense roller coaster, was previously named after NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder) ### **Was it worth it?** In retrospect, maybe it shouldn’t have taken me a month and a half of data collection to conclude that going to the park on a weekday while most people are at work would mean shorter lines. Then again, theme parks are inherently opaque. Kings Dominion isn't going to tell you that Saturday is a bad idea. They want the park full. They're the ones who built those winding corrals that hide just how long the line really is. So maybe what the data offers is confidence in an alternative. Skip the Fast Lane pass. Say no to another upsell. And do it without risking an unsuspecting stroll into a two-hour line on a Saturday afternoon. But, as they say, the house always wins. Enjoy your $9 pretzel. *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ### Richmond was a hotbed of peach innovation in the late 1800s, but many are now lost to history URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-was-a-hotbed-of-peach-innovation-in-the-late-1800s-but-many-are-now-lost-to-history/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T21:09:15.000Z Have you ever tasted a fragrant Millhiser peach, or a juicy Lyons? Unless you were alive over a century ago in Richmond, likely not. These peaches were once rising stars in the pomology world, and all originated here in the city. Beginning around the mid-to-late 1800s, Richmond was in a peach frenzy of sorts. Peach growing (and pomology experiments in general) was becoming trendy and thought of as a great investment thanks to the increasing popularity of new fruit canning and drying technology. Local plant nurseries searched high and low for novel varieties that could become the wave of the future, either creating their own or finding Richmonders who possessed unusual options. Despite basking in glory for a few decades, Richmond’s creations faded by the ‘30s, pushed aside by more resilient and higher-yielding varieties. However, some of their unique stories live on. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Jackson-Peach.png) (USDA) ### **Jackson** This vivid red peach was discovered growing in the late 1880s on Jackson Street. Ripening in June, Jackson was marketed by sellers as “having never been known to rot”, making it ideal for markets. Henrico-based fruit enthusiast Normand Smith was especially fascinated by this peach. Smith, once a member of the Virginia State Board of Agriculture, grew some at his former farm on Charles City Road (now the BFI Landfill), often selling the peaches to local dealers. In an 1897 Southern Planter snippet, the newspaper relayed how Smith brought them Jackson samples, and after examining and tasting, noted the variety seemed “an acquisition worth propagating.” ### **Pendleton** Pendleton was a large yellowish-red peach considered to be “unequaled in size, quality and flavor” in 1894\. The fruit, which ripened around early October, was twice the size of Heath Cling (an enduring heirloom that can weigh up to half a pound) and was touted as ideal for canning. ### **Jennings** Jennings originated in the River City, and was offered by the Franklin Davis Nursery Company in the early 1900s. The vigorous, August-ripening variety produced thick-skinned fruit with a lemon-tinted top that dissolved into dark red. While succulent, Jennings tended to be stringy and greatly resembled Elberta – a popular heirloom peach still around today. The nursery declared Jennings as “one of the finest, largest and handsomest yellow peaches we have seen.” The Baltimore Sun even agreed. On August 20, 1903, a Jennings peach was displayed at its headquarters, which was quoted in the nursery catalog as saying: “A specimen of this peach was exhibited at our office, which weighed a pound and measured twelve inches in circumference each way, and was without a visible flaw or blemish.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Millhiser-Peach.png) ### **Millhiser** Created by Richmonder M. Millhiser in the late 1800s, this namesake was a large freestone (a stone fruit type where the flesh doesn’t cling to the pit) that could reach up to 12 inches in circumference. The aromatic peach, which ripened in early October, was pale green with hints of red and produced a flesh that melted in one’s mouth. Millhiser was originally promoted as promising and superb with the fruit “being the admiration of all who have seen it.” The cultivar was even grown at the New York Agricultural Experimental Station in Geneva which explored the peach’s possibilities. By the 1910s, the tables turned and nurseries were almost begrudgingly offering Millhiser, now calling it “unsatisfactory.” The experimental station recorded in a 1916 report that it now considered Millhiser of “doubtful value” and that the tree was susceptible to leaf curl. ### **Starke** Starke was found growing in Ashton Starke’s yard at 915 West Franklin Street. Starke, an agricultural businessman, exhibited his homegrown fruit at the 1895 State Fair, winning first prize with seedlings from this award winner available to the public about a year later. The peach featured a yellowish, bright red skin that, when cut, exposed a deep yellow interior that intensified to red near the pit. As with many Richmond-created peaches, Starke ripened in early autumn and was considered very similar to Elberta but much juicier. ### **Lyons** Another prize-winning peach, Lyons was first uncovered in Monroe Ward. The whitish-red freestone was exceptionally luscious and often compared to the sugary Stump the World, another lost heirloom that was popular in regional landscapes at the time. J.B. Watkins & Bro. (which today operates as Watkins Nurseries) remarked in their fall 1897/spring 1898 Elmwood Nurseries catalog as “hoping to see \[Lyons\] as generally planted as they deserve.” At their Midlothian nursery, one three or four-foot-high tree went for $0.25 (around $10 today). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/butler-peach---usda.jpg) (USDA) ### **Butler Late** One of the last of the group to vanish, Butler (sometimes Butler’s) late was a large greenish-white red freestone. It was found in the garden of Richmonder J.T. Butler, hitting the market around the late 1880s ,with trade catalogs instantly proclaiming the peach as magnificent, valuable and a promising, profitable sort that could help extend the short peach season thanks to the fruit ripening in September and October. Butler late was one of Richmond’s more widely available peaches, being sold in advertisements and nursery catalogs from Tennessee to Delaware. It was grown at both the Arlington Experimental Farm in northern Virginia and the New York Agricultural Experimental Station to determine its true potential, but the latter later noted in a 1916 report that the variety “lacked in size and flavor” on the station grounds, perhaps crushing Butler late’s hopes for the future. ### Rezoning opponents seek 16,000 signatures in attempt to put code refresh on the ballot URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rezoning-opponents-seek-16-000-signatures-in-attempt-to-put-code-refresh-on-the-ballot/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:32:04.000Z Opponents of the code refresh, an effort to rewrite Richmond's decades-old zoning laws, are taking their battle to the public. Longtime Virginia political figure Paul Goldman filed Monday in Richmond Circuit Court, seeking to change the city's charter to require major rezoning efforts be put in front of voters. His filing would also allow the city to institute rent control measures, though it would not mandate that they be used. Here's what you need to know about the initiative: ### Legal implications Under Virginia law, Richmond voters cannnot directly change the city charter. Only the General Assembly has the authority to do that. So while the initiative would not immediately change the law on passage, it would provide an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinion on a key issue shaping the city's future. [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-31cbe4ea-8322-4e07-a7e8-5242d635f183.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-004e7ef4-4c0c-494e-9427-5987bfe80dfc.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) ### Timing Goldman's filing seeks to put his measure on the ballot in November 2027, more than a year from now. While that allows him time to gather signatures and run a messaging campaign, city officials have previously indicated they hope to wrap up the code refresh process by the end of this year. [As Richmond’s rezoning begins to solidify, a proposal to allow more duplexes may be on shaky groundAs might have been expected, Richmond City Council’s first public meeting on the proposed citywide rezoning was a freewheeling affair.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-62d59d70-d317-4d03-8c4f-bb0de0c6764b.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/9CF6F93A-DB4E-4D24-B7FC-60D9E46002B7_1_201_a-1fb838eb-abd0-4575-a3dd-d8633c40674f.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) ### Signatures For a petition to make it on the ballot, it must receive signatures from 10% of the number of voters who participated in the highest-turnout election over the last five years. In the 2024 presidential race, 109,290 Richmonders voted, meaning Goldman would need 10,929 valid signatures. In an email, he said the number he is going for is 16,000, because all signatures must be verified, and any duplicates or county residents are thrown out. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Cost Goldman expects the signature gathering to cost about $50,000, money he said he believes he will be able to raise. *This is a breaking news story and will be updated.* ### 'Heat dome' will bring triple-digit temperatures to Richmond during holiday weekend URL: https://www.richmonder.org/heat-dome-will-bring-triple-digit-temperatures-to-richmond-during-holiday-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T13:12:55.000Z Temperatures across the Richmond area will break 100 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as part of what the National Weather Service is calling a "potentially historic" heat wave. The temperatures are being caused by a condition called a "heat dome," where high pressure in the atmosphere traps hot air, and then stays largely stagnant. Equally concerning to NWS forecasters are overnight lows that will hover in the 70s, meaning there will be little cooling relief. [Richmond’s free public pools are a way to stave off summertime heatThese pools are free and provide swimming lessons for all ages at no charge.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-14a59fde-ffb1-4407-8fe0-61b4069bd37a.png)The RichmonderEleanor Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6434-922cacb3-daee-491c-a360-6e1127ead23f.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-free-public-pools-are-a-way-to-stave-off-summertime-heat/) The conditions won't be unique to Richmond, as they are expected to impact large portions of the Midwest and East Coast, and comes right as many Americans head outside for the Fourth of July weekend. "Be sure to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and ensure access to A/C or cooling centers," the NWS wrote. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Richmond offers cooling centers across the city, including one at Southside Plaza. Neighboring counties also offer options, and the Virginia Department of Health has a [**searchable map**](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-public-health-tracking/climate-weather/cooling-centers/) with all locations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-29-at-9.11.41---AM.png) The heat index is a measure of how hot the temperature feels, and is forecasted to reach as high as 109 in Richmond. (National Weather Service) *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### June 29 Newsletter: Crafting Shockoe's future URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-29-newsletter-crafting-shockoes-future/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T10:00:09.000Z **Weather:** High of 89\. Last night's rains caused flooding issues, but also helped alleviate [**drought conditions**](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-county-upgraded-to-severe-drought-as-dry-summer-continues/). **On this date** in 1994, Virginia State Police announce they will no longer routinely investigate car crashes involving less than $1,000 in damage. **Today’s email sponsored by Richmond Region Tourism**, celebrating the 19.1 million visitors our region welcomed in 2025\. Richmonders can get involved by taking an [**I Am Tourism class**](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/partners/events/i-am-tourism/). --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-46.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-finalists-share-how-theyd-turn-a-shockoe-parking-lot-into-affordable-housing/) ### Three finalists share how they'd turn a Shockoe parking lot into affordable housing Richmond is working to turn some of the lots it owns but isn't using into affordable housing, an initiative that was on display Saturday at Main Street Station. Three groups presented what they'd do on the site to help ease Richmond's housing crunch. [**Read more, and see the renderings, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/three-finalists-share-how-theyd-turn-a-shockoe-parking-lot-into-affordable-housing/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-42.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-advocacy-chimborazo-elementary-opens-new-playground/) ### After years of advocacy, Chimborazo Elementary opens new playground What was once an empty asphalt area with old exercise equipment is now a newly vibrant and modern playground designed by Chimborazo Elementary School’s students. Over 150 volunteers gathered at the Church Hill school on Thursday to build the playground, which includes a new swingset, zipline, an updated basketball court, and a nearly human-sized chess board. Construction was completed in just a matter of hours. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-advocacy-chimborazo-elementary-opens-new-playground/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-43.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/styrofoam-ban-for-all-food-outlets-begins-july-1/) ### Styrofoam ban for all food outlets begins Wednesday A state ban on expanded polystyrene food containers (commonly referred to as Styrofoam) will expand to all food outlets on July 1\. For the first year, the ban was only in place for large chains. Community members will be able to anonymously report non-exempt, non-compliant businesses through an online form after the July 1 deadline. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/styrofoam-ban-for-all-food-outlets-begins-july-1/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-44.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/because-of-delayed-primary-theres-no-early-voting-location-on-richmonds-southside/) ### Because of delayed primary, there’s no early voting location on Richmond’s Southside Virginia’s congressional primaries are happening later than normal this year, which means the Hickory Hill Community Center won't be available for early voting. 🗳️ It probably won't impact many voters. During the last Republican Senate primary in 2024, only about 150 people cast early ballots in person across all sites. Officials said the site will be available again for the November general election. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/because-of-delayed-primary-theres-no-early-voting-location-on-richmonds-southside/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/ProPhotoVA_Corgi_racing-19.jpg) (Dan Collins) ### Dogs horsing around As a change of pace during the first week of live racing, Colonial Downs brought out Corgis to race on Saturday, though spectators were not allowed to wager on them. Willow, owned by Liz Parlor, finished as the top dog. --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-b5dd383f-9d7e-4675-9dd3-0a5487de9067.png)](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/partners/events/i-am-tourism/) ### **Tourism is a force for good** Tourism strengthens our economy, supports the places that make living here special and builds community pride. Last year, the region welcomed 19.1 million visitors – that’s 800,000 more people than in 2024\. The latest visitor numbers included 7.3 million overnight trips as well, a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Richmond Region Tourism offers free [**I Am Tourism classes**](http://www.iatrva.com/) throughout the year to help residents learn about all the things to do in their own backyard. --- ### In other news - [**Pridefest will continue this year thanks to 'angel donor'**](https://www.richmonder.org/pridefest-will-continue-this-year-thanks-to-angel-donor/) - Richmond's largest LGBTQ+ celebration will take place on Sept. 12. - [**Man charged as alleged City Hall embezzlement scheme approaches $3 million**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F7ac1ee9d-0b11-4c53-be9b-4ab680502965.html) (Times-Dispatch) - The newspaper previously reported that officials were investigating millions of dollars' worth of transactions facilitated by Reginald Thomas, a former procurement analyst for the Richmond Fire Department. - [**Virginia’s new gun laws motivate buyers to snatch up semi-automatic rifles and more at busy Henrico gun show**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/virginias-new-gun-laws-motivate-buyers-to-snatch-up-automatic-rifles-and-more-at-busy-henrico-gun-show/) (Henrico Citizen) - "Saturday was insane. ... They wanted to get as much as they could before the ban comes in." --- ### The editor's desk Just learned that New York City used to have a designated day where [**every renter's lease expired simultaneously**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving%5FDay%5F%28New%5FYork%5FCity%29), and is imagining the gridlock that would ensue if that happened here. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Three finalists share how they'd turn a Shockoe parking lot into affordable housing URL: https://www.richmonder.org/three-finalists-share-how-theyd-turn-a-shockoe-parking-lot-into-affordable-housing/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T12:54:55.000Z Richmond is working to turn some of the lots it owns but isn't using into affordable housing, an initiative that was on display Saturday at Main Street Station. Michelle Brown Peters, the city's deputy director of Housing and Community Development, introduced three finalist groups that have proposed plans for the site. City Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) was among the representatives in attendance as the public got a first look at the plans. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.27_212-N.-18th-Street_Development-Presentations-23.JPG) The current site of 212 N. 18th St., a paved parking lot in Shockoe Bottom. On Saturday, three development teams proposed redevelopment concepts. The parcel in question is on N. 18th Street, right next to the train station. ### The Richman Group The first presenters, the Richman Group, touted their experience in developing rental units. "We're one of the largest investors in multi-family development (nationally)," said Andre Blakley, president of TRG Community Development. "On the development side, we're vertically integrated. We have in-house architecture, property and asset management." He said his group is also working on [**the Mosby South project**](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-oks-initial-master-plan-for-redeveloped-mosby-court-south/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-28-at-12.27.50---PM.png) The group's plan for the Shockoe site included 75 parking spots, although they noted that with the Main Street Station parking lot adjacent, there is the potential to replace that with green space if the city wishes. "We did not see a need for a heavy use of commercial, just given everything that's around the area and the access to a lot of commercial retail and various amenities," a representative said, while adding that they are planning for a daycare space and an art gallery within the site. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.27_212-N.-18th-Street_Development-Presentations-7.JPG) Local artist Sir James Thornhill speaks as a strategic partner of The Richman Group. He would help create an on-site art gallery. Their proposal is for of 42 one-bedroom units at approximately 620 square feet, 32 two-bedroom units at 850 square feet, and eight three-bedroom units at about 1,161 square feet. ### Shockoe Shines David White touted his group's experience with development in the Shockoe Bottom area, noting that employees "swam out of out offices when (Hurricane) Gaston came to visit," as well as its vertically-integrated structure. "We're local and we build to hold," he said. "We maintain ownership of the properties over the long haul." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.27_212-N.-18th-Street_Development-Presentations-10.JPG) David White, with Historic Housing LLC, presents Shockoe Shines' proposal, titled "Seabrook." His group has the Bakery apartment building which will be right across the street from the new development. He said more development will help bring more foot traffic to the area, which will hopefully improve the safety as well. He said his group's focus is on density, with no surface parking lots. The plan calls for 181 one-bedroom units and 29 two-bedroom units, as well as a rooftop outdoor space and a pool. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-28-at-1.24.01---PM.png) White finished by touting that his project is ready to proceed immediately, and said it is not dependent on any competitive tax credit processes. ### Jair Lynch The final group to present was Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners, which said it is currently a top 10 affordable housing developer in Virginia, and members of the group worked on the 17th Street Market project. "Our proposal here aligns with the mayor's main two goals for housing," Greg Ward said on behalf of the group. "First, we're directly increasing the affordable housing supply, and we're doing so in an area that is a high opportunity area." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.27_212-N.-18th-Street_Development-Presentations-15.JPG) Greg Ward, director of development at Jair Lynch, leads his team's presentation. The group's proposal is for 135 affordable homes, with flexible ground-floor space that could be used as a community space. It would have an internal parking area that is screened, so it's not dominating the view from the street, along with a commitment to public art. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-28-at-1.34.19---PM.png) Representatives from the group touted their track record in the community, as well as their commitment to minority hiring throughout the process. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Next steps Merrick Malone, the city's director of housing and community development, said in closing remarks that picking between the three groups is going to be "a hell of a decision." "I thought we got three high, high-quality presentations," he added, noting that the city wants to continue work to create more of these opportunities with land it currently owns. [Richmond to seek proposals to redevelop city-owned parking lots in Shockoe, Manchester into affordable housingThe plans are part of a broader push by the city to repurpose properties Richmond owns but isn’t using for housing amid an affordability crisis.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e9b5f727-2775-4825-aed2-7675afe91afd.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/FC0BWX-0b135eaa-eda4-437c-b34a-464479040ba8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-to-seek-proposals-to-redevelop-city-owned-parking-lots-in-shockoe-manchester-into-affordable-housing/) *This article has been updated to fix typos.* ### AI is increasingly being used to write news. We’ll never allow it. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/ai-is-increasingly-being-used-to-write-news-well-never-allow-it/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T00:22:14.000Z Fears and hopes for artificial intelligence are found in almost every industry. Here in local news, we’re no different. The promise is easy to understand: Profits are best made at scale, but local news is almost impossible to do well at scale – it involves paying writers to attend community meetings, ask questions and check facts, ultimately creating hours of work per story. We’re already seeing AI news pop up in the Richmond area. RICtoday’s parent company [**recently bragged to an industry publication**](https://www.amediaoperator.com/news/6am-citys-secret-weapon-400-newsletters-with-no-staff/) that his company achieved profitability by removing humans. The group now sends 400 newsletters a day created with no human interaction. Each newsletter “costs less than a dollar a day,” their co-founder said. Likewise, Axios has entered into a partnership with the parent company of ChatGPT. [**In an article, they bragged**](https://www.adweek.com/media/axios-local-openai-2026/) that their AI tools were used to generate 43 different versions of the same chart for each Axios community’s local newsletter. 📝 Here at The Richmonder, we’re not anti-progress. But we believe the core value of local news is not having the most articles or clicks, but being in the community, representing you and your concerns when decisions are being made. Our news team attends meetings, asks questions and participates in the civic discussion. We are on the streets and in courtrooms watching out for your tax dollars. And yes, that work is expensive. **That’s why we’re a nonprofit and rely exclusively on community support to stay afloat.** Last year we spent 85% of our budget on the real, live humans who produce our work. [Donate now!](https://richmonder.org/donate) In a world where it’s increasingly hard to tell what’s real, we’re building our identity around our team. They’re real. They’re Richmonders. And they work for you, every day. Michael Phillips Founder mphillips@richmonder.org *P.S. – We’re working with an industry standards group to develop an AI policy to govern use of the technology in our newsroom. In an internal survey, every participant indicated they don’t want AI-written news stories in The Richmonder.* [***Your 100% tax-deductible donation***](https://richmonder.org/donate) *helps that community work flourish. Thank you!* ### After years of advocacy, Chimborazo Elementary opens new playground URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-advocacy-chimborazo-elementary-opens-new-playground/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T18:29:09.000Z What was once an empty asphalt area with old exercise equipment is now a newly vibrant and modern playground designed by Chimborazo Elementary School’s students. Over 150 volunteers gathered at the Church Hill school on Thursday to build the playground, which includes a new swingset, zipline, an updated basketball court, and a nearly human-sized chess board. Construction was completed in just a matter of hours. “We are so excited to have this playground at Chimborazo Elementary because we’ve been waiting so long to have this,” Evelyn, a second grade student at the school, said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/chimbo-playground-1.jpg) Volunteers gather for a photo after cutting the ribbon on the new playground. The school collaborated with CarMax Foundation and Kaboom!, a national nonprofit that works to end playspace inequities, to build the nearly $150,000 playground. CarMax also provided a $5,000 check to the school’s PTA during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “The sheer amount of resources it takes to bring kids solid play structures is unfathomable, and I had zero idea of what it would take when we got started,” said Denise Hicks, a school parent and member of the PTA. “And now we know.” Kaboom! also worked with students and families and helped bring their visions to life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/chimbo-playground-3.jpg) The playground comes after years where 3rd through 5th graders had to play in the barren area. The Church Hill neighborhood school requested that the Richmond Public Schools division include $250,000 in the budget for the playground, but was rejected in consecutive years. The school’s PTA then worked with the Richmond Ed Fund to establish a fundraising page, before [news stories](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chimborazo-elementary-playground-fundraiser-sept-8-2025) grabbed the attention of CarMax, which has been a longtime partner with Kaboom! ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Chimborazo has a playground on the other side of the building, but Principal Cordell Watkins said it is hard to fit the school’s population of nearly 450 students on one playground. “People don't think about this, but you have 50, 60 kids playing on a playground at one time, and we want to create a safe environment,” he said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/chimbo-playground-4.jpg) About 172 students can now use the new playground. Watkins said the school has seen exponential academic growth among students, and the new playground is a great way to reward the success. “We've been working hard, the kids deserve to play hard too,” he said. The playground will be open to students early next week, with first access to students in summer school classes, before the rest of the students come back to school in August. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### Styrofoam ban for all food outlets begins July 1 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/styrofoam-ban-for-all-food-outlets-begins-july-1/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T18:07:25.000Z A state ban on [expanded polystyrene food containers](https://www.richmonder.org/polystyrene-ban-begins-tuesday-but-small-businesses-are-exempt-for-another-year/) (commonly referred to as Styrofoam) will expand to all food outlets on July 1\. For the first year, the ban was only in place for large chains. Starting Wednesday in Virginia, any business that provides food services – including food trucks, delis, cafeterias, independent restaurants and caterers – will be required to stop using foam food containers and transition to “high-performance alternative materials.” These include aluminum foil, paper and cardboard. [Polystyrene ban begins, but small businesses are exempt for another yearLarge vendors with 20 or more locations in the state must stop using the containers by Tuesday.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-5f958376-d95f-4821-8de9-6ba789a14b54.png)The RichmonderIan Stewart![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/BK3MR3-fe9e821f-a68d-4599-871b-a5456c91e51d.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/polystyrene-ban-begins-tuesday-but-small-businesses-are-exempt-for-another-year/) By law, localities are allowed to grant a one-year exemption to eligible food vendors if they can demonstrate that complying with the ban would create “undue economic hardship.” While the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality notified all impacted businesses, Tamara Jenkins from the city's Office of Strategic Communications & Civic Engagement said Richmond will provide additional support through a summer-long “direct business outreach” designed to help vendors understand the policy change and make the transition to a foam-free model. Community members will be able to anonymously report non-exempt, non-compliant businesses through an online form after the July 1 deadline. When a complaint is received, the Office of Sustainability will first reach out to the business directly to make sure they understand what’s expected of them and connect them with relevant resources. “We’re not looking to penalize anyone out of the gate,” Jenkins said in an email. She added that if violations continue after the initial outreach, businesses will be subject to state enforcement, including $50 fines from the Virginia Attorney General’s office for every day of non-compliance. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. This ban is part of a [2021 bill](https://www.deq.virginia.gov/land-waste/waste-management/litter-prevention/foam-free-resources) that the Virginia General Assembly passed, which aims to phase out single-use foam containers. EPS containers have “documented harms to public health, the natural environment, and community cleanliness,” according to a press release from the Office of Sustainability. They suggested a three-step process for restaurants to ensure a “smooth transition” before the ban takes effect: clearing their existing stock, choosing sustainable packaging alternatives and promoting their commitment to improving community health. The city encourages local businesses to consult its [Foam Free Richmond page](http://rvagreen2050.com/foam-free-richmond) for more resources, including a list of sustainable packaging options and exemption applications. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### Pridefest will continue this year thanks to 'angel donor' URL: https://www.richmonder.org/pridefest-will-continue-this-year-thanks-to-angel-donor/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T17:52:59.000Z Richmond’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, Pridefest, will take place again this year on September 12 at Midtown Green, despite what organizers described as a significant loss of corporate sponsorships last year. James Millner, Virginia Pride’s director, said those funding losses were offset with help from an angel donor. Millner declined to comment on the donation amount, but said it helped bridge the financial gap. However, he added that the organization is still being “conservative in their planning” in order to keep Pridefest as lively as possible going forward. [Catching up: Pridefest met its funding goals in a challenging environmentNationwide pressure to roll back DEI initiatives led several corporate sponsors to pull funding from the event, putting pressure on organizers to find a way to fill the gap.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-44482ef9-2dd2-4f07-9f42-cd9d95ca0903.png)The RichmonderHazel Hoffman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Pridefest2023-125--2--97a76da4-bf71-48e8-8095-2fc61d738467.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/catching-up-pridefest-met-its-funding-goals-in-a-challenging-environment/) Attendees shouldn’t expect Pridefest to be drastically different from previous years, he said. They can still expect a plethora of “wonderful things,” including roughly 200 vendors and a variety of entertainment. Millner stressed the festival’s importance, especially in the current political atmosphere. He noted that nearly every online post made about Pride events, including Pridefest, garners “hateful comments.” “In a world where we are constantly barraged with folks that are telling us that we do not belong in the society of this country, or this region, Pridefest is a way to say, ‘Yes, we do,’” he explained. “We do belong; we’re part of the fabric.” [Photos: Officials raise pride flag in City Hall ceremonySeveral local events are scheduled for Pride Month in June.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a3141f2c-bf59-45e9-9d8e-7b6f3f4b94db.png)The RichmonderJulianne Tripp Hillian![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-13-321d977e-1e41-4d0f-a783-61ff0fef311f.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-officials-raise-pride-flag-in-city-hall-ceremony/) To him, the festival’s success cannot be accurately measured with metrics about attendance numbers or ticket sales. Instead, it lies in witnessing beautiful moments like “seeing a family bring their transgender child for the first time, or seeing same-sex couples exist unapologetically.” Millner said the festival has been a success if people leave the event with a sense of belonging. “What gives me optimism is that in the face of (everything), we’ve moved forward,” he said. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### Because of delayed primary, there’s no early voting location on Richmond’s Southside URL: https://www.richmonder.org/because-of-delayed-primary-theres-no-early-voting-location-on-richmonds-southside/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T17:49:46.000Z Virginia’s congressional primaries are happening later than normal this year after the failed Democratic attempt to redraw the state’s political map. Because of that delay, the Hickory Hill Community Center — the only satellite location for early voting in South Richmond — couldn’t be used for the 45-day early voting window ahead of the Aug. 4 primaries, according to local election officials. The unavailability of Hickory Hill is unlikely to impact large numbers of voters, because the only contest on the ballot in Richmond is the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Pushing the primaries deeper into summer collided with the youth programming schedule at Hickory Hill, which runs camps for children and teenagers from June 8 to Aug. 7\. For this year’s primary, early voting happens from June 18 to Aug. 1. “We’ve been advised that this is a one-time scheduling conflict, and that Hickory Hill is expected to remain available for future elections,” Registrar David Levine told a City Council committee on Wednesday. Hickory Hill will be “back with us in November,” Levine added. Richmonders who want to vote early can do so at the city election office on Laburnum Avenue. Starting July 19, another site for in-person early voting will open at City Hall. Absentee voting allows city residents to receive ballots through the mail and either mail them back or take them to a ballot dropbox. Full details on early voting options can be found on the [city elections website](https://www.rva.gov/elections-press-releases-and-announcements/news/richmond-elections-early-voting-and-drop-box). Because of the change with Hickory Hill, Levine said, a ballot dropbox at City Hall will be set up earlier than usual. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Given Richmond’s heavily Democratic tilt, there aren’t many Republican voters in the city who take advantage of early voting. During the last Republican Senate primary in 2024, only about 150 people cast early ballots in person across all early voting sites. Perhaps because of the lack of high-interest races in Richmond, the one-time loss of Hickory Hill hasn’t generated as much controversy as prior debates over the ease of voting access on both sides of the James River. Council members asked a few questions about how Levine would communicate the change to the public, but didn’t seem particularly alarmed that early primary voting won’t occur at a city-owned facility the Council has designated for early voting. When the Richmond Electoral Board tried to scale back early voting sites in 2023, citing cost concerns, the move was [widely denounced](https://virginiamercury.com/2023/07/27/gop-electoral-boards-move-to-cut-richmond-early-voting-sites-may-have-been-illegal/) by local officials. After then-Mayor Levar Stoney and others pointed out the move may have been illegal, the Electoral Board reversed course. [What was behind Richmond’s low voter turnout?Just 62% of eligible Richmond voters cast a ballot, the worst presidential cycle turnout in recent history, and well below the state average of 68%.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8f64f88c-9482-42d0-9939-801f2057d1d6.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/MainStStation-poll-1-40d6e2ad-5e86-49c9-ba48-9286125b7601.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-was-behind-richmonds-low-voter-turnout/) This year’s GOP Senate primary hasn’t drawn much attention due to the party’s long odds of unseating U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. With Democrats energized in opposition to President Donald Trump, their party swept Virginia’s statewide races last year and is hoping to flip several Republican-held congressional seats in November. The three candidates running for the GOP Senate nomination are Bert Mizusawa, David Williams and Kim Farington. In April, voters approved a redistricting plan that could have brought more electoral interest to Richmond’s primary season. The map split the city into two congressional districts, meaning some Richmond Democratic voters would have been choosing a candidate to run against incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican whose 1st District covers parts of the Richmond region’s suburbs. The Supreme Court of Virginia struck down the redistricting plan on grounds the General Assembly didn’t follow the proper process for amending the Virginia Constitution. That ruling left Richmond fully contained in the 4th District, where Democratic U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan is expected to have a smooth path to re-election. Even though the redistricting move failed in the courts, the Democratic-led General Assembly had to push back the election calendar to allow enough time for the April 21 special election, when voters were asked if the redistricting should go forward. [Meet the VCU art alum behind the viral opossum voting stickerThe traditional “I voted” sticker has a distinctly Richmond twist inside city limits.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e30be07b-678b-481c-abd3-2ccd5cecafcd.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/asiarorick-1-07429533-8aa6-4b19-a7c6-ff0753cd503e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/opposum-voting-sticker-features-vcu-students-design/) Pushing the primary from June to August has other ramifications, Levine explained to Council members. With different holidays to work around, there was no early voting on Juneteenth, and early voting sites will be closed on July 3 ahead of Independence Day. Because new voting laws take effect July 1, local election offices are now required to offer two days of early voting on Sundays, which will occur on July 19 and July 26. During Wednesday’s briefing on election logistics, Levine was also asked about the Richmond School Board’s [recent discussion](https://www.richmonder.org/citing-disruption-richmond-school-board-will-consider-no-longer-allowing-voting-at-schools/) of possibly ending the use of public school buildings as polling places. [Citing disruption, Richmond School Board will consider no longer allowing voting at schools“Learning gets impacted because we don’t meet.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f5c2af27-1fe6-453b-8e0f-408977922d87.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/AlbertHillMS-Addison-67c113c4-0d12-4df7-8c32-da7c7b843230.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/citing-disruption-richmond-school-board-will-consider-no-longer-allowing-voting-at-schools/) “I hope that that does not become the case,” Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) said to Levine. “But I’m curious, are you scenario planning for that? What does that relationship look like right now?” Levine said he and his staff are in coordination with Richmond Public Schools on the issue. He also noted that a 2013 federal commission on elections stressed the “importance” of using schools as polling places. “They talked about the accessibility that exists,” Levine said. “They talked about the fact that people are aware of those buildings.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Henrico County upgraded to 'severe drought' as dry summer continues URL: https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-county-upgraded-to-severe-drought-as-dry-summer-continues/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T19:36:06.000Z As dry conditions continue, local authorities are continuing to monitor water levels and may request voluntarily conservation measures be taken. In the areas north and west of Richmond, including parts of Louisa and Caroline counties, mandatory restrictions are in place limiting when residents can water their lawn, wash cars, and do other water-intensive activities. Henrico County officials said they are releasing 64 million gallons of water per day from the Cobbs Creek reservoir to help avoid mandatory restrictions. The [U.S. Drought Monitor](https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips%5F51760), which is a service of several government agencies in collaboration, is labeling most of Henrico as being in an "Extreme Drought," the second-highest level, while Richmond city and Chesterfield County are in a "Severe Drought," a level lower. In a press release, Richmond officials said that if river levels don't improve by July 1, the region will issue an advisory asking residents to voluntarily conserve water. "The recent dry weather and lack of significant rainfall in western Virginia will likely lead to voluntary water conservation in the metro Richmond area," city officials wrote. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office [said earlier this month](https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/june-releases/name-1119790-en.html) the drought conditions statewide at the moment are the worst since 1941, and said if conditions continue, statewide mandates may be put in place. The last time a drought emergency was declared statewide was in 2002. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### June 26 Newsletter: Leaving Planet Money URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-26-newsletter-leaving-planet-money/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T10:00:28.000Z **Weather:** Temperatures hit the 90s today, with rain moving through tomorrow. **On this date** in 2002, Hanover's Board of Supervisors votes against building a soccer complex for the Richmond Strikers. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-40.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/former-npr-host-mary-childs-is-starting-a-new-podcast-but-keeping-her-richmond-roots/) ### Former NPR host Mary Childs is starting a new podcast, but keeping her Richmond roots Known for her role on NPR’s popular “Planet Money” podcast, she's branching out with her own interview program, “Mary in America.” From her coworking space in Richmond, she shared her vision for the show, the challenges of life post-NPR, and how she picks her interview subjects. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/former-npr-host-mary-childs-is-starting-a-new-podcast-but-keeping-her-richmond-roots/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-37.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-science-educator-jackie-mcdonnough-enters-race-for-6th-district-school-board-seat/) ### Longtime science educator Jackie McDonnough enters race for 6th District School Board seat She will be vying for the position against Anne Holton, who was chosen by the School Board earlier this year to fill the seat on an interim basis. Some of the pillars of McDonnough’s campaign are strong collective bargaining and higher pay for teachers, new and improved school facilities, no new charter schools in the division, and no ICE in schools. She also emphasizes the need for better and equal treatment of students across schools. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-science-educator-jackie-mcdonnough-enters-race-for-6th-district-school-board-seat/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-39.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-nations-travel-bloggers-are-in-richmond-this-week-they-say-living-your-best-life-is-hard-work/) ### The nation’s travel bloggers are in Richmond this week. They say living your best life is hard work TBEX bills itself as “the largest community of travel creators and influencers in the world.” Tourism boards bid aggressively for a chance to convince the creators to come to their town, and this week, Richmond is the spot. 🖼️ There is, of course, the glamorous travel life seen on Instagram and Pinterest. Participants are being wined and dined all week, and taken to see the region’s most photogenic sites. But there are also classroom-style sessions at the convention center for the 400 attendees, where participants discuss the rigors of bookkeeping, the challenges of diversifying revenue streams and what to do about the rise of AI. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-nations-travel-bloggers-are-in-richmond-this-week-they-say-living-your-best-life-is-hard-work/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-36.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-games-were-fun-but-these-are-the-moments-ill-remember-from-the-high-school-sports-season/) ### The games were fun, but these are the moments I'll remember from the high school sports season Reporter **Weldon Bradshaw** writes: "Since 1970, I’ve been blessed with myriad opportunities to provide game coverage and features about high school sports in Central Virginia, first for the Richmond News Leader, then the Times-Dispatch, and more recently The Richmonder." He revisits some of the moments that stuck with him from the past season, as athletes across the region learned lessons that will stick with them for life. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-games-were-fun-but-these-are-the-moments-ill-remember-from-the-high-school-sports-season/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-41.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/dukes-ends-hot-tomato-summer-after-five-year-run/) ### Duke's ends 'Hot Tomato Summer' after five-year run The event, which began in Richmond and later spread to seven Southern cities, partnered dozens of restaurants to promote tomato-mayo dishes concocted for the event. 🥪 Duke's is a part of Sauer Brands, a Richmond brand that dates to 1887. Sauer's food businesses were sold to Falfurrias Capital Partners in 2019\. Falfurrias then sold the brands to Advent International, which describes itself as "a leading global private equity investor," last year. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/dukes-ends-hot-tomato-summer-after-five-year-run/) --- ### In other news - [**Multicultural Festival will bring the world to Richmond Raceway this weekend**](https://www.richmonder.org/multicultural-festival-will-bring-the-world-to-richmond-raceway-this-weekend/) - Dozens of vendors, artisans and performers representing cultures from around the world will share space at Richmond Raceway this Saturday. - [**Massive Eli Lilly project in Goochland awaits SCC approval of new Dominion transmission line**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/24/massive-eli-lilly-project-in-goochland-awaits-scc-approval-of-new-dominion-transmission-line/?utm%5Fcampaign=RBS%20Newsfeed&utm%5Fmedium=email&%5Fhsenc=p2ANqtz--KbRoqh83MtKnh0nx8-GWcI1n-uT1puIeegvPCfeZiVrLBx0R71-pItY6exQVvLRNtFGzlkuylZjlR343V82llFH6wig&%5Fhsmi=425266641&utm%5Fcontent=425266641&utm%5Fsource=hs%5Femail#newsletter) (Richmond BizSense) - Much of last Tuesday’s hearing was a debate about where the new transmission line would be placed. - [**Richmond's Confederate statues remain in storage. What's the plan?**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/confederate-statue-plan-june-24-2026) (CBS 6) - "Decisions regarding their long-term future continue to be guided by care, listening, and engagement with community stakeholders, artists, historians, and subject matter experts," A Black History Museum representative said. --- ### The editor's desk Thanks to Rich Meagher for having me on [**RVA's Got Issues**](https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/2026/06/24/is-carmax-park-a-win-for-richmond/) to talk all things baseball in Richmond. Though unfortunately we did not cover the most important Flying Squirrels story of the moment – they've brought back the [**hot dog stuffed inside a giant pickle**](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=848073258038540). *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Former NPR host Mary Childs is starting a new podcast, but keeping her Richmond roots URL: https://www.richmonder.org/former-npr-host-mary-childs-is-starting-a-new-podcast-but-keeping-her-richmond-roots/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T20:51:38.000Z For seven years, Mary Childs was known as a cohost on NPR’s popular “Planet Money” podcast. Now she’s launching her own show, “[**Mary in America**](https://www.youtube.com/@MaryinAmerica),” an interview program that “jumps into the minds of the most interesting people.” While Childs tapes her new show in New York, she’s still very much Richmond-based, and chatted with The Richmonder from her coworking space at No. 303 (the former Common House). A published author as well, she discussed the differences between interviewing for print, with its follow-up opportunities, and a podcast, where the host must come prepared with a strong understanding of the episode’s subject and guests to create lively dialogue. Childs wants the episodes to be thoughtful conversations rather than simple information-sharing sessions. Her background in economics and finance has inevitably shaped how she sees the world and how she thinks about culture. However, she said there will be episodes that have “zero percent economics.” A future episode with an illustrator whose work has anthropological roots will focus on discussing “the human mind and behavior.” The guest selection process begins with a question, rather than a celebrity name. Once a question is chosen, Childs and her team look for who would be best suited to answer it. Given that the podcast is “a question-motivated vehicle,” interviewees must be more than simply interesting and knowledgeable; they must be able to help answer a complex question over the course of 45 minutes. “We think deeply about what our questions are, why we have those questions, why those questions matter, what the effect of the answers are, try to feel around and find all the different answers that we want from this person,” Childs explained. The podcast is also available in video form on YouTube. She said it is funded by Eldridge Industries, a holding company with a media portfolio. While she’s no stranger to hosting a podcast, she’s accustomed to interviews where listeners don’t need to be clued into concepts or what a guest does. “It’s so hard,” she admitted. “At ‘Planet Money,’ and in every other job I’ve had so far, I didn’t have to reveal for the audience, I didn’t have to be aware of the audience.” She likened it to bringing a new friend into a conversation where everyone already knows each other. “It's a fun challenge to try to remember to stay in the moment with the guests, but also remember that there's a third party watching and do that work,” Childs said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Part of ensuring audiences can follow the conversation is providing enough background information – like an article they wrote or their field of work – before moving to the next topic. If she forgets to do so, executive producer Katherine Sullivan will point it out after the interview. While it’s possible to record and tuck in the missed information, the goal is to get everything in one sitting. Childs approaches each interview with a flexible framework designed to help viewers follow along without detracting from the conversation or steering it in an inorganic direction. She enters each interview with several key points and an idea of where the conversation will end, but she won’t cut off a guest if they take a different tack. “I think of the questions as rocks in a stream, and then the conversation flows around (them),” she explained. [Podcast studio, music and dance rooms touted in early tour of new Richmond high schoolSuperintendent Jason Kamras said the division aims to make the school “the premier arts high school in Central Virginia.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-525fdc06-7592-438a-9be0-b7104e17739e.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/rhsa-tour-3-b4f87e54-c115-4091-a305-e2ff320bd2f6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/podcast-studio-music-and-dance-rooms-touted-in-early-tour-of-new-richmond-high-school/) Another issue Childs has to navigate is how to make the episodes multiplatform-friendly. “I've been trained to think of them as totally separate worlds, she said. “You have your podcast people, and your video people, and social video, and they don't actually feed each other.” Childs started “Mary in America” at the end of May, interviewing Nobel economist Alvin Roth. Since then, she’s interviewed New York Times-bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez and art market lawyer Leila Amineddoleh. While she expressed appreciation for her time at NPR, she felt this opportunity was too good to pass up. Podcasts are often discussion- and opinion-based, but Childs has the goal of a “fact-focused” model with open dialogue with her guests. She does this by drawing on her 15 years of journalism experience, which has enabled her to connect with and learn from knowledgeable people. “I’ve gotten a lot of practice at learning who's serious and who knows what they're talking about, and discerning between people's opinions, if they're rooted in fact, expertise and reality,” she said. “I'm not gonna bring somebody who, I think, is gonna just make things up and tell me a bunch of nonsense.” While she acknowledged many podcasts’ appeal stems from the unscripted things people say – like on comedic or hot-take styles – that’s not what her podcast is about. To her, “Mary in America” is “basically a journalism project” centered around her interest in social and cultural infrastructure. [A TikTok cooking star became a Richmonder this spring. She’s a fan.Her boyfriend, Ryan Shellow, signed with the Richmond Kickers this year.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-040a1ec2-80a0-4188-b868-2efc7a1bb3cb.png)The RichmonderSarah Huffman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/unnamed-1-9604ba2b-18cb-49d9-930d-0cf0743c0b1b.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-tiktok-cooking-star-became-a-richmonder-this-spring-shes-a-fan/) The set is currently based in New York largely because it’s easier to schedule guests who are already traveling there for one reason or another, like a conference or annual event. However, Childs doesn’t want it to be “just a New York show.” She expressed interest in speaking with guests like University of Richmond professor Dr. Samantha Seeley and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “I just think that there's so much richness and fun to be had across the country,” she said. “Being able to pull from other people's geographic areas is really exciting, and can be contributive.” Childs acknowledged that there are plenty of podcasts out there with a similar framework, but believes “Mary in America” has “an edge” in the way it answers complicated questions without oversimplifying them and finds wonder in the complexity. Childs hopes this podcast will “bridge that gap” between specialized language and those who may not have the same level of fluency in the topic. “I think there are a lot of things out there that do that, but a lot of them are not built for a mass audience,” she said. Childs said she’s had a lot of fun getting to “build the world that (she wants) to live in.” She hopes audiences will be able to share in her excitement and know they can always come back each week to learn something new or learn more about a subject they’re already interested in. Childs added that she loves hearing from viewers and listeners, and getting show ideas from others. “This show is built to answer questions and to help people understand the world, so what people are wondering about is what I want to know,” she said. “We're going to make it its own rewarding place and its own destinations.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### The nation’s travel bloggers are in Richmond this week. They say living your best life is hard work URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-nations-travel-bloggers-are-in-richmond-this-week-they-say-living-your-best-life-is-hard-work/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T18:47:38.000Z Bianca Alba is Richmond’s ideal tourist. She grew up in Northern Virginia, but this week is her first time visiting. She’s having a blast, and has already visited a sunflower farm in New Kent County, eaten at Ruby Scoops ice cream, and met a NASCAR driver. But what tourism officials really love about her is that she’s broadcasting the trip to thousands of followers on her social media feed, “[**This Latina Travels**](https://www.instagram.com/thislatinatravels/?hl=en).” Alba is here as a participant in TBEX, which bills itself as “the largest community of travel creators and influencers in the world.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9079.jpeg) Tourism boards from around the country set up booths for a "speed networking" session with content creators. About three times a year, TBEX gathers in a new destination. There is, of course, the glamorous travel life seen on Instagram and Pinterest. Participants are being wined and dined all week, and taken to see the region’s most photogenic sites. But there are also classroom-style sessions at the convention center for the 400 attendees, where participants discuss the rigors of bookkeeping, the challenges of diversifying revenue streams and what to do about the rise of AI. Influencers: They’re just like us! > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaAcDwcRJdF/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Lauren Gay (@outdoorsydiva)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaAcDwcRJdF/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) ### **Chasing eyeballs** Richmond has been working to land the TBEX conference for years, Richmond Region Tourism President Katherine O’Donnell said. “Word of mouth is very important in travel,” she said. “Whether that’s coming digitally or from human-to-human interaction, both of those matter a lot. “The amount of reach that will be gathered and earned and shared through all this content is something we would never be able to replicate on our own, through advertising or our own social media.” She said other cities that have hosted the conference have told Richmond organizers the boost they received has lasted for many years after participants left. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-25-at-2.43.38---PM.png)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ-zMJaBlzV/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==) An Instagram post from user **\_*the\_reel\_sarah showed her experience in Richmond. ([link](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ-zMJaBlzV/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)) Richmond Region Tourism funds its activities in part through a 2% hotel room tax that is collected regionally. That money is being put into initiatives like this week’s conference – RRT is throwing parties at the Jefferson, Richmond Raceway and L’Opossum. Richmond is far from the only city hoping to get in on the action, though. Inside the convention center, a full ballroom is devoted to booths from cities around the world hoping to entice influencers to visit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9082.jpeg) Ithaca, New York had a waterfall, Alabama was offering trail mix, and Tempe, Arizona was handing out sunscreen. “Epic weekends start in Wichita,” declared a booth promoting the Kansas town which held a TBEX last year. (“Wichita really pulled out all the stops,” one attendee said.) The group goes international, too, with a trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan later this year. Rick Calvert, TBEX’s CEO, said that 70% of the attendees are creators as their full-time jobs. “We picked Richmond because we’re always looking for a place with great stories to tell,” he said. “I’m a history buff myself, so that was an easy sell for me. But what we didn’t know was the vibrant modern culture you have here in Richmond.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9063-1.jpeg) Christopher Mitchell teaches a session on the future of travel blogging. ### **A changing industry** Margot Lassalle led a work session on Thursday wearing a shirt that said “Travel. Monetize. Repeat.” The job is glamorous, but the workload is intense as influencers try to stay on top of a competitive field, while also navigating changing algorithms at sites like Instagram and Google. “It’s a hard job, especially to make a living at it,” Calvert said. “It’s a very tiny percentage of people who post on TikTok or Instagram or YouTube who actually make money doing it. And it’s a lonely job. We’re out there exploring the world, but the rest of the time we’re on our computer editing and preparing our content.” He said one reason people return to the TBEX conference, which had a ticket price of $747 this week, was the opportunity to be around like-minded people. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9075.jpeg) Several Richmond area attractions set up booths at the conference. During those sessions, AI was a major focus of the talks. Creators have seen website traffic plummet since Google began featuring its AI results at the top of search pages. At one session, Christopher Mitchell of Stay22 cited research his group did showing 70% of creators use AI to help them produce their work. He, and others, remained optimistic though. “I always tell people, AI will never replace authentic storytelling,” Alba said. “Algorithms change all the time, trends change all the time, but your story is unique. Your story is yours, and AI is not affecting it.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9086-1.jpeg) Participants enjoyed "Visit Richmond" mocktails during their downtime on Thursday. Calvert agreed, noting the long-term staying power of the industry as it has transitioned from blogs to podcasts to videos. He said people who met at TBEX events are now married and are continuing to create compelling content. “AI can’t yet taste a hamburger,” he said. “And younger generations are super AI-resistant, which is interesting.” > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXuEEPqDicv/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Scott & Megan | NYC & Travel (@boboandchichi)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXuEEPqDicv/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Their classroom time done, the creators then returned to the convention center hallway, where several Richmond institutions had booths promoting evening events – a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the attractions, and another day at the office for the influencers. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Duke's ends 'Hot Tomato Summer' after five-year run URL: https://www.richmonder.org/dukes-ends-hot-tomato-summer-after-five-year-run/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T15:18:07.000Z Duke’s, the locally-beloved mayo behemoth, says it’s dropping its [Hot Tomato Summer](https://hottomatosummer.com/) restaurant partnership after a five-year run. The event, which began in Richmond and later spread to seven Southern cities, partnered dozens of restaurants to promote tomato-mayo dishes concocted for the event. Duke’s Mayo said in an email to The Richmonder that, “as a brand, we’re shifting our focus to some new and exciting things – and we hope to stay connected moving forward.” “We're truly appreciative of the restaurants who have brought this program to life and showed up for Duke's along the way.” Duke's is a part of Sauer Brands, one of Richmond's most famous homegrown businesses, dating to 1887\. Sauer's food businesses were sold to Falfurrias Capital Partners in 2019\. Falfurrias then sold the brands to Advent International, which describes itself as "a leading global private equity investor," last year. The Hot Tomato Summer event was a local favorite, introducing locals to instant classics like tomato basil ice cream with a mayo swirl [from Scoop](https://www.instagram.com/p/DMNdD3zuunw/) and bagels that both looked and tasted like tomatoes [from Baltik’s](https://www.instagram.com/p/DMiWU7aucNz/). At its peak, more than [100 restaurants](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/18/dukes-hot-tomato-summer-2024-restaurants) in the city participated. *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ### The games were fun, but these are the moments I'll remember from the high school sports season URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-games-were-fun-but-these-are-the-moments-ill-remember-from-the-high-school-sports-season/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T12:33:45.000Z Sports journalism is an exercise in storytelling. It’s also an exercise in trust. Precise and lively storytelling combine to make your work readable. Trust makes your work possible. Since 1970, I’ve been blessed with myriad opportunities to provide game coverage and features about high school sports in Central Virginia, first for the *Richmond News Leader*, then the *Times-Dispatch*, and more recently *The Richmonder*. My goal each time I put fingers to keyboard is twofold: first, create an accurate and fast-flowing narrative that makes readers feel as if they can see what I see, hear what I hear, and feel the emotion of the moment and second, but no less important, tell the story behind the story. Quite often, I’ve asked coaches and athletes to speak into my recorder in moments of high emotion with very little time to collect their thoughts, and it’s up to me to determine what’s appropriate for public consumption and what’s best left unsaid. I’m grateful that they’ve trusted me to get it right. And whether I’m writing about championship events or covering evolving teams competing before sparse crowds composed of friends and family, I do my best to honor the participants’ efforts as they exult in victory or process the disappointment of defeat. What follows is a sampling of moments (among many) from the 2025-2026 school year that left an impression. ### Playing to the finish Highland Springs lost to Maury 25-7 in the VHSL Class 5 championship football game on a frigid December night at Bridgeforth Stadium on the campus of James Madison University. The Springers, talented as they were, fell behind 19-0 after a quarter and could never recover. Coach Loren Johnson’s guys battled to the end, but injuries to key players, costly mistakes, and the Commodores’ well-proven might conspired to dash their chances. After the handshake line and trophy presentation, Johnson faced a bank of cameras and recorders from the statewide media and responded to each question with grace and equanimity. “Injuries took a toll more than anything,” he said. “Lot of guys banged up, but that’s not an excuse. We did some things we wanted to do. It just wasn’t enough.” As the Maury contingent celebrated nearby, Johnson added, “Because of their (his players’) age, it takes a little bit more to see (the big picture). When they get older, they’ll remember the resilience and the toughness that it took to get to this point and they’ll be happy about what they did. They may not be happy about the result, but they’ll be happy about what they did as young men.” Senior quarterback Antoine “Buddy” Richardson suffered a shoulder injury in the first half. His career, it appeared, had come to an all-too-abrupt end. Instead, he summoned the courage and resolve to return in the third quarter. “During halftime, I was looking at my team,” he said. “Everybody had their heads down. I just felt like with me being the leader, if I come out and give it all I’ve got, my guys will feed off my energy and keep playing until the clock hits zero.” ### Support from near and far Steward’s girls basketball team fell 68-57 to Virginia Academy in the VISAA Division II state championship game. Though the Patriots, loaded as usual, were seeking a six-peat, the Spartans refused to back down. “The best thing about our group is that they believe they can win any time they step on the floor, no matter who they’re playing,” Coach Kara Bacile said. “It’s such a powerful thing for them to believe in themselves and believe in each other. “That belief gives you confidence when you get on the floor with teams that might be better than you on paper.” Offering support, boisterous at times, from the stands directly across from the Spartans’ bench were a dozen or so members of Bacile’s family as well her extended family from Monacan High School, where she played for four seasons and graduated in 2011. “That’s one of the most beautiful things about the game,” she said. “We all should remember at the end of the day that the game and all you’ve worked so hard for mean nothing without the people who are most important in your life. “None of us get to where we want to be or achieve the milestones we want without people who invest in you and really care about you and support you. Those relationships mean so much.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Fair play One mid-April afternoon, I ventured over to Thomas Jefferson High School to watch the Vikings take on Huguenot in baseball. From the outset, the visiting Falcons had difficulty gaining traction, and after two innings the home team held a convincing 13-0 lead. After Vikings pitcher Graeme Cox retired the side in the top of the third, Harold Henry, TJ’s respected veteran coach, directed his guys to forego their turn at bat and stay in the field. Same deal in the fifth, and the game ended in short order because of the 10-run lead after five innings mercy rule. The final score, of course, was 13-0\. It could have been much worse. No need, Henry said afterwards. Rather than allow his guys to light up the scoreboard and pad their stats, he taught them a great lesson about fair play and sportsmanship. “We’re a city school just like them,” said Henry, who’s coached the Vikings for 25 years. “We’re trying to respect them. We don’t want to embarrass anybody. We’ve been on the other side too many times. These guys know I don’t try to do anything like that.” ### More memories There were other moments, as well. There was Thomas Dale football coach Kevin Tucker helping Chris Whitehead, LC Bird’s edge rusher par excellence and LSU commit, off the turf on a blistering hot afternoon in Chester after Whitehead was down for several minutes while athletic trainers treated him. There was Powhatan’s Ben Whitver, who set the VHSL career record for receiving yards (3,501 on 208 receptions) in the Indians’ finale with Cosby, reflecting humbly on his noteworthy accomplishment. “My main goal is to get yards for my team and get my team into the end zone,” the Penn State signee said. “This (the record) is truly a blessing. All glory goes to God.” There was the disconsolate crew in the Armstrong football locker room after the Wildcats’ dream of a Region 2A title (and more) fell nine yards short in their late November 19-14 defeat at the hands of Poquoson. Sure, they’d lost a football game, and their previously undefeated season had come to a crashing halt. Sure, their spirits had taken a hit. Sure, tears flowed aplenty. Through the pain, though, there was resolve. “The dream never stops,” said Coach Jeremy Pruitt. “We just fell short this year. We’ll get it going again. That’s the sweet thing. You just pour so much into the kids. You have to keep doing it over and over until you finish.” Then there was Matoaca’s Kaylee Hodges, a junior righthander nonpareil, University of Tennessee commit, and two-time Virginia Gatorade Softball Player of the Year who pitched the Warriors to the VHSL Class 5 state championship this past season. Each time out, she performs with eye-of-the-tiger focus, razor-sharp precision, and a team-first mindset, but my enduring memory of her wasn’t just her stellar performances in the circle, especially in the state semis and finals two weeks ago at John Champe High School when the hopes and dreams of the Matoaca community past and present rested on her shoulders. [Matoaca walks off a winner in state softball title gameIn an epic pitching duel pitting two Division I commits, Matoaca was a 2-1 winner.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3a3f8c36-8c1f-487f-a5aa-128c4ff51136.png)The RichmonderWeldon Bradshaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/722038636_27212650808344987_1263322961350746499_n-4e565238-7f5a-48eb-91b8-2f766b7d9d90.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-walks-off-a-winner-in-state-softball-title-game/) It came after a mid-season home game with Colonial Heights, which Hodges and Co. won easily, when a group of giddy young girls from Matoaca Elementary clad in their Warriors’ jerseys waited patiently afterwards to spend time with their resident rock star. “It’s so awesome to see them here,” Hodges said. “They’re here to watch all of us play and have fun as a team. “I love being a role model for them. So do the other girls.” ### The Richmonder wins FOIA lawsuit against School Board over redacted documents URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-wins-foia-lawsuit-against-school-board-over-redacted-documents/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T00:02:27.000Z The Richmond School Board improperly redacted documents related to an investigation into alleged misconduct by a school division employee, a Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday. The documents are related to the departure earlier this year of Ronald “Bobby” Hathaway, the former director of facilities and custodial services for Richmond Public Schools. The school division conducted an investigation into Hathaway before he left the role, but kept most details of the investigation secret by heavily redacting documents before releasing them in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. “Disclosure of these documents is exactly the degree of sunshine FOIA contemplates in a free and open form of governance,” Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland wrote in his decision. Richmonder reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin sued in an effort to make the information available to readers and the general public, objecting to the redactions as overly broad. She was represented by attorney Andrew T. Bodoh. The School Board contended the redactions were permitted under Virginia’s FOIA statute, which allows “personnel information” to be withheld. [The Richmonder is taking legal action against the Richmond School Board. Here’s why.We did not arrive at this decision lightly, but we believe it is an important action to take as part of our mission to shine a light on how taxpayer dollars are used.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8785d76e-01a6-4224-a5dc-6f4636dc782d.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8803-1ce16dba-5729-4030-9298-43e0585c7b4d.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-is-taking-legal-action-against-the-richmond-school-board-heres-why/) The judge ordered the School Board to release unredacted copies of the documents to Ifatusin and pay The Richmonder’s attorney fees. “The documents in question do not contain data, facts or statements that are of a private nature,” Thorne-Begland wrote in his decision. “They contain allegations of malfeasance, discrimination, and favoritism by public employees and the investigative steps and conclusions reached by the board in reviewing the allegations.” The School Board has the ability to appeal the ruling if it wishes. [Read the full court ruling hereFull court ruling.pdf232 KBdownload-circle](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/06/Full-court-ruling.pdf "Download") Virginia FOIA’s personnel information exemption has long been a point of legal contention, with media outlets arguing local officials use it too widely to conceal information from the public and governments arguing they have a duty to employees to safeguard sensitive details. In 2022, the Supreme Court of Virginia handed down a ruling that [narrowed the situations in which the personnel exemption can be applied](https://virginiamercury.com/2022/10/23/virginia-supreme-court-upholds-open-courts-narrows-foia-personnel-exemption/). In [Hawkins v. South Hill](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opnscvwp/1210848.pdf), the court held “that data, facts, and statements are private if their disclosure would constitute an ‘unwarranted invasion of personal privacy’ to a reasonable person under the circumstances.” RPS was also sued after refusing to release large portions of an investigation into a June 2023 shooting outside Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony. In that case, a judge [ordered that the document be released](https://virginiamercury.com/2024/01/16/judge-orders-release-of-richmond-graduation-shooting-report-with-limited-redactions/) to the public with minimal redactions, a win for news organizations. When documents from Wednesday’s ruling are released, Ifatusin and The Richmonder will report on their contents, as well as any steps RPS is taking to recover lost property and prevent similar situations from happening in the future. *The Richmonder is a nonprofit news outlet started in September 2024 to fill the gaps left behind by the decline of legacy news outlets. The outlet is funded by reader donations and distributes a* [*three-times-a-week newsletter*](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) *in addition to its website.* *The lawsuit was funded out of the outlet’s general budget. The Richmonder’s largest single source of funding is the more than 1,300 members who* [*contribute on a monthly or one-time basis*](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/)*.* *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Multicultural Festival will bring the world to Richmond Raceway this weekend URL: https://www.richmonder.org/multicultural-festival-will-bring-the-world-to-richmond-raceway-this-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T19:50:45.000Z Dozens of vendors, artisans and performers representing cultures from around the world will share space at Richmond Raceway this weekend. This year's [Multicultural Festival: Imagine 2026](https://www.reestablishrichmond.org/multicultural-festival-2026) is held in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day (June 20), and will be put on by Richmond's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, Henrico County’s Outreach & Engagement Agency and ReEstablish Richmond. ReEstablish Richmond and the city had both been running multicultural events in June, and combined them five years ago. This year, Henrico County joins the mix. The festival, year by year, has been growing in size. “Last year, we had between three and four thousand folks, and we expect more this year,” Kate Ayers, executive director of ReEstablish Richmond, said. [Nonprofit helps immigrants settle when they arrive in RichmondReEstablish Richmond offers all newcomers education, which includes in-person group services to develop skills.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-79917c36-884c-401b-a45c-78ec19faabd2.png)The RichmonderTim Wenzell![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/reestablish-richmond-sewing--1--3111fb6f-e5d6-4901-af6e-0048cd4873d9.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/nonprofit-helps-immigrants-settle-when-they-arrive-in-richmond/) This year’s festival will highlight food trucks representing 20 different cultures across five continents. “I think it’s beautiful that you can taste different pieces of culture, from the sweets of Latin America, a main course from the Middle East, and another snack from Southeast Asia,” Ayers said. “This festival is really grounded and committed to engaging immigrant communities. While some food vendors have established restaurants, some do not. A good number of them are just getting started, and because they are newer, they have a lot more barriers for entry into bigger festivals.” In addition to the many food vendors, the festival will include a number of different artisans selling crafts representing their cultures. There will be an art installation from Columbian artist Alfonso Perez Acosta, famous in Richmond for his street art, including The Barefoot Circle at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and several pieces of art on the Trust buildings in The Fan. “He’s painted these art pieces (for the festival exhibit) with three different people depicting the past, present, and future of immigrants and newcomers to Virginia,” Ayers said. “The festival will also include a community quilt project that will reflect on the theme of welcome and belonging.” Ayers said there will be a station for festivalgoers to add their own art on the quilt using paint and markers, “to contribute to what it means to belong in a community.” As for the musical and dance acts performing, the lineup will include River City Taiko, a community ensemble that plays traditional Japanese drums, along with Afghan musicians using their native instruments, as well as other musicians who are getting started and wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunities at larger venues such as the Folk Festival. “The festival helps get them grounded here," Ayers said. "It gets them confident. They can celebrate their culture here.” For children attending the festival, the science museum will have tables with activities, and there will also be stations for face painting, balloon artists and mask-making, as well as literacy activities. The opening ceremony to the festival will begin at 1 p.m., and festivities will run until 8 p.m. Admission is free, with a donation requested. ### Longtime science educator Jackie McDonnough enters race for 6th District School Board seat URL: https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-science-educator-jackie-mcdonnough-enters-race-for-6th-district-school-board-seat/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T12:45:30.000Z When a national report came out in [1983 deeming the American educational system a failing one](https://jhibel.faculty.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/2016/03/A-Nation-at-Risk-1983.pdf), Jackie McDonnough felt inclined to change her career path. “For me, it said, you should go into education. You had a good education. You enjoyed school,” said McDonnough. “And I wanted my son to live in a world where everybody had an opportunity, not just him.” She announced this month that she will be running to fill the 6th District seat on the Richmond School Board in the upcoming special election. She will be vying for the position [against Anne Holton](https://www.richmonder.org/anne-holton-will-run-for-her-richmond-school-board-seat-in-novembers-special-election/), who was chosen by the School Board earlier this year to fill the seat on an interim basis. Some of the pillars of McDonnough’s campaign are strong collective bargaining and higher pay for teachers, new and improved school facilities, no new charter schools in the division, and no ICE in schools. She also emphasizes the need for better and equal treatment of students across schools. There’s “this feeling that there's still some things that are not working right for all kids,” she said. But in an interview with The Richmonder, McDonnough also vocalized skepticism with the school division’s overall operations by asking about the full use of the School Board’s power, whether or not policies can be streamlined and more transparency around the division’s budget. McDonnough has so far been endorsed by the Richmond Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, Richmond For All, and Democratic State Del. Charles Schmidt. *Richmond's 6th District* ### **A career in education** An immigrant from Trinidad, education has been “paramount” in her life, she said. She started teaching in Richmond Public Schools in the 1990s after nine years of teaching in Chesterfield County Public Schools, educating at Chandler Middle School – now known as Community High School – and East End Middle School – which later became Franklin Military Academy. “I specifically wanted to teach in my neighborhood,” she said. “What that did for me was I got to know the kids. And some of their parents.” She later left to become the director of science education at the VCU School of Education, where she helped get the first National Science Foundation funded program at the school. The program allowed her to place middle and high school teachers into high-need schools in Richmond and surrounding counties. That in turn led to the Richmond Teacher Residency program that she also helped start and oversee. After retiring from VCU, she became more civically engaged by being on the board of directors for the Highland Park Restoration and Preservation Program, and helping Highland Park Quality of Life, a civic association, where she serves on the advisory board. McDonnough said she knows the 6th District, living and teaching in the Highland Park area for over 40 years. “I know stuff about this community from the bottom up,” she said. “It's not just the fact that I live here, but people I know live here. My children live here. My nieces and nephews live here. Cousins live here. And their kids are in the schools.” ### **Student treatment, teacher pay** In her press release, McDonnough shared that she believes that “every student regardless of background, race, or zip code must have access to high quality education.” But while campaigning and speaking with residents, she said not everyone feels that is taking place. “They need to be able to come up in a world and learn in a school system that works for them.” she said. On student academics, she said the division has overall made gains in literacy, but added that COVID-19 pandemic impacted Richmond schools’ test scores, which have not reached pre-pandemic levels yet. [Richmond schools highlighted nationally for reading recovery, literacy gainsLike many school divisions across the country, RPS had witnessed significant student achievement losses coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-976775c4-467c-4e80-86d2-05fe6f2a72cd.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/_LHJ-27-57b285ba-1b52-496d-a95f-c82a9cc452b9.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-highlighted-nationally-for-reading-recovery-literacy-gains/) She said the division needs a “solid curriculum,” and should “distill the information” from universities to see how their research can work in Richmond classes. The division should also work to bring teachers with good evaluations from other schools together to help inform how other teachers can effectively teach their classes. But the division is experiencing a lot of teacher turnover, she said, and is losing highly qualified teachers, especially at a time when the division needs more. As of April, the division was down 93 teachers. The division should work at keeping the teachers through more pay, which can be achieved through collective bargaining, she said. The extra pay should also extend to non-instructional employees too, she added. “Collective bargaining gives teachers the kind of voice that they’ve never had before,” she said. However, following the administration’s changes to the process approved by the Board last year, she asked if the procedure is “going to hold” and allow for effective negotiating that could help with more pay. Richmond Education Association – the union representing Richmond educators – [recently declared an impasse on negotiations](https://www.richmonder.org/teachers-union-declares-impasse-in-negotiating-with-rps-will-head-to-mediation/) due to a variety of issues, including raises. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Board actions** McDonnough believes that school boards “don’t have that much power,” largely because they cannot levy taxes, and ultimately questioned whether the Board is fully using the power it does have. “You have power to see what’s going on and to help direct with policy and direct the budget being put together,” she said. Those policies should be determined and based on research and evidence by looking at what is working in other school divisions, and “doing a deeper dive on some policies that are not working” within Richmond schools. She pointed to a practice conducted where the School Board grants the Superintendent [budget transfer](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DTNSGE7299E6/$file/FY26%20Budget%20Transfer%20Authority%20for%205-12-2026%20Board%20Meeting.pdf) and [hiring powers](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DTNSFH7274EF/$file/Hiring%20Authorization%20for%205-12-26%20Board%20Business%20Meeting.pdf) during the summer, calling the practice “unusual.” The Board should have more meetings rather than just the first two days of the month, and she called for the public to have a better understanding of the Board’s role. “I think it’s part of what democracy is,” she said. She also suggested the need for a forensic audit into the division’s budget, something the REA has also called for this past budget cycle. Regarding hiring and staff within RPS, she said that the Board should have access to and look more closely at teacher evaluations, adding that teachers have told her that other colleagues are not held accountable. When asked about Superintendent Jason Kamras’ handling of the school divisions, she said she does not “know enough to answer that question,” but has been pleased with the people he has hired in science education. ### **School infrastructure** Deteriorating school infrastructure is an issue that has been plaguing Richmond Public Schools, as the average age of a school building in the city is over 80 years old. [As RPS battles maintenance backlog on a shoestring budget, long-term solutions continue to prove elusive“Decades of neglect can’t be fixed in five years or ten years.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-51dd8e02-0257-45a9-8d59-331e838be0f6.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0033-8da2c595-35e6-43f3-a2d5-36c3df1ef4eb.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/) For that reason, McDonnough said there is a need to rebuild schools, not only in the 6th District, but across the Northside broadly. "Yes, the population is growing on the Southside, but population is also beginning to grow on the Northside," she said. For years, McDonnough said that she and 6th District City Councilor Ellen Robertson had talked about putting up a new school at Overby Shepherd Elementary, “and that has not happened.” “We’re putting a lot of money into maintaining very, very old buildings,” she said. The longtime Highland Park resident is ultimately leaning on her deep understanding of the community and believes that it’ll allow her to effectively represent the district. “I've lived here a long time. I have more on the ground knowledge in terms of what goes on in schools and how schools are run because I've been in schools,” she said. “And because of my understanding of how we could use research to further some of the goals we have for kids in schools.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ### June 24 Newsletter: Mayo's missing piece URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-24-newsletter-mayos-missing-piece/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T10:00:37.000Z **Weather:** The humidity is briefly gone, and today's high of 84 should be pleasant. **On this date** in 1974, news radio WRVA's traffic helicopter returns to the skies after crashing a month earlier. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0402-0409-041625-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-31-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/land-conservancy-buys-last-privately-owned-part-of-mayo-island/) ### Land conservancy buys last privately owned part of Mayo Island The purchase sets the stage for Richmond to own the island in its entirety as it is turned from an industrial site into a large public park. Mayor Danny Avula called the acquisition “critical to the ongoing effort to transform Mayo’s Island into a vibrant public park and riverfront destination.” ⛽ The land includes a service station constructed in 1933\. Possible uses could include a space for recreational activities or education, an outpost for maintenance work, or a concessions stand. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/land-conservancy-buys-last-privately-owned-part-of-mayo-island/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-32.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/state-budget-deal-includes-15m-to-help-richmond-demolish-coliseum/) ### State budget deal includes $15M to help Richmond demolish coliseum The budget also includes $20 million to help fix the water treatment plant, and $50 million for the ongoing combined sewer overflow project. 🏨 Sen. Lamont Bagby said a “respectable-sized hotel” on the former coliseum site could open up “a great deal more conventions and expos” at the adjacent convention center. “I’m confident that folks see the value of supporting the capital city,” Bagby said. “Oftentimes, as the capital city goes with economic development, so goes the commonwealth.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/state-budget-deal-includes-15m-to-help-richmond-demolish-coliseum/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-33-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/dpw-had-to-retrieve-3-400-illegally-dumped-tires-last-year-it-hopes-cameras-could-help/) ### DPW had to retrieve 3,400 illegally dumped tires last year. It hopes cameras could help. As Richmond continues to pour time and money into cleaning up illegally dumped trash and tires, the Department of Public Works is hoping that putting cameras at the most active dumpsites could help deter bad actors. 🗑️ Most of the people the city has caught illegally dumping trash or tires have not been Richmond residents but have come into the city from the surrounding counties. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/dpw-had-to-retrieve-3-400-illegally-dumped-tires-last-year-it-hopes-cameras-could-help/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-34.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/council-rejects-proposals-to-create-new-layer-of-review-for-code-refresh/) ### Council rejects proposals to create new layer of review for code refresh The Richmond City Council voted Monday to reject a pair of proposals that could have slowed down the city’s code refresh initiative by creating a new process for citizen review. Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), who serves on the Zoning Advisory Council, said the city has already taken several steps to respond to citizen input, including adding more members to the advisory council that already exists. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/council-rejects-proposals-to-create-new-layer-of-review-for-code-refresh/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-show-of-unity-city-officials-unanimously-approve-tweaks-to-collective-bargaining-rules/) ### In show of unity, city officials unanimously approve tweaks to collective bargaining rules The changes broaden what city unions can bargain over to include procedures for how public workers are chosen for promotions and transfers. Rules for work assignments and scheduling were also added to the collective bargaining framework ahead of an upcoming round of labor negotiations. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-show-of-unity-city-officials-unanimously-approve-tweaks-to-collective-bargaining-rules/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/260323_050_aj_MR-web_gv_sr_900px.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-breathes-life-into-the-fight-against-pulmonary-fibrosis) ### VCU physician-researcher Patricia Sime breathes life into the fight against pulmonary fibrosis When Patricia Sime, M.D., was training, she met a patient with lung scarring, or pulmonary fibrosis, and asked a simple question: How do we treat her? The answer – “We can give oxygen, but not much else” – stunned her. Sime, now chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at VCU, became determined to find a better answer. Sime's research is influencing how fibrosis is studied and treated around the world, leading to the development of treatments for a disease that for decades had few to no treatment options. [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/she-breathes-life-into-the-fight-against-pulmonary-fibrosis) --- ### In other news - [**Teachers’ union declares impasse in negotiating with RPS, will head to mediation**](https://www.richmonder.org/teachers-union-declares-impasse-in-negotiating-with-rps-will-head-to-mediation/) - The union rejected an RPS proposal for 2% raises, saying the offer is less than inflation. - [**Chesterfield taps Kalamazoo’s Kevin Catlin for county leadership**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-06-23/kevin-catlin-chesterfield-county-administrator-joe-casey-kalamazoo-miller-harris) (VPM) - The 35-year-old will begin work on Aug. 24. - [**SwimRVA-North remains closed after death of 9-year-old boy**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/swimrva-still-closed-after-drowning-june-23-2026) (CBS 6) - A medical examiner report confirmed that King Overton's death was a drowning. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-35.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/vhmc-previews-next-weekends-illumination-event-for-debate-participants/) Tomorrow night is the public debut of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's "[**IllumiNATION**](https://www.richmonder.org/vhmc-previews-next-weekends-illumination-event-for-debate-participants/)" project, which will run nightly all weekend long in front of the building. Arthur Ashe Boulevard will be closed each evening to facilitate the event. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### DPW had to retrieve 3,400 illegally dumped tires last year. It hopes cameras could help. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/dpw-had-to-retrieve-3-400-illegally-dumped-tires-last-year-it-hopes-cameras-could-help/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T00:00:11.000Z As Richmond continues to pour time and money into cleaning up illegally dumped trash and tires, the Department of Public Works is hoping that putting cameras at the most active dumpsites could help deter bad actors. “I don’t want to pick up tires from the same location three or four times. None of us do,” DPW Operations Manager John Walsh told a City Council committee Tuesday. “That’s why we’re trying to get ahead of some of these things.” Over the last year, DPW has received 423 complaints about illegal dumping in the city and has picked up over 3,400 illegally dumped tires, many of which were thrown out at the same sites. Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) said she was “sick and tired” of calls about illegal dumping. Those retrieval operations come at a price. In addition to hourly labor costs, auto repair businesses or tire shops typically charge a $4 disposal fee per tire. One job cleaning up 224 tires cost about $2,110 alone, said Walsh, between the tire disposal fees, equipment used and roughly 36 hours of worker time. Altogether, collection of illegally disposed tires cost the city about $35,000 last year. “While that doesn’t seem like a huge number when you’re talking about a budget the size of Richmond’s, understand that that number is in addition to our normal everyday processes,” said Walsh. “That’s a number that you don’t necessarily budget for. We absorb it because we have to.” Time spent picking up illegally dumped trash and tires also takes away from the routine work that DPW is charged with doing, like normal trash routes and bulk pickups. Over the past year, the city has been able to successfully prosecute two cases of illegal tire dumping, with the courts ordering the perpetrators to reimburse Richmond for the cost of the cleanup. But in many cases it is difficult for the city to determine who was responsible for an illegal trash pile. Still, Walsh said that most of the people the city has caught illegally dumping trash or tires have not been Richmond residents but have come into the city from the surrounding counties. “Really, it’s an alley problem,” he said. “Where you have alleys, you have opportunity for these sorts of things to happen.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. To cut down on dumping, DPW is planning to mount inexpensive trail-style cameras on properties owned by the city that see the most frequent problems. Walsh said the department had consulted with the city attorney’s office about the issue and concluded that like any other resident, the city can put cameras on its own property as long as they are trained primarily on the site or on alleys surrounding them. “We have to be careful as to how we put these up, but there’s not really a legal challenge to it unless you misuse it,” he said. Data storage and security are another consideration. In response to a question from Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District), Walsh acknowledged that “in the event you can’t show that the data storage is good, then you could have some chain of custody issues with the evidence.” However, he continued, “the courts have been pretty consistent that those systems are good for evidence production.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### In show of unity, city officials unanimously approve tweaks to collective bargaining rules URL: https://www.richmonder.org/in-show-of-unity-city-officials-unanimously-approve-tweaks-to-collective-bargaining-rules/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T19:00:02.000Z Richmond officials are back on the same page when it comes to the collective bargaining rights of the city’s unionized workforce. The City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve tweaks to the city’s collective bargaining rules, with full support of Mayor Danny Avula’s administration and union organizers. The changes broaden what city unions can bargain over with management to include procedures for how public workers are chosen for promotions and transfers. Rules for work assignments and scheduling were also added to the collective bargaining framework ahead of an upcoming round of labor negotiations. “I’m grateful to our labor partners, City Council, and all those who helped shape and advance these amendments,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a news release after the vote. “Collective bargaining has strengthened our workforce and helped us better serve residents. Tonight’s vote reinforces Richmond’s commitment to supporting city employees and building a stronger city for everyone." Bill Pantele, an attorney and former City Council member who now works with the Richmond Coalition of Police union, thanked city officials ahead of Monday’s vote for working together to bring the proposal to a smooth finish. Despite fears about collective bargaining, he said, “it’s worked out very well here in Richmond.” “We’re very happy that we’re at this place where we’re all together,” Pantele said. At the state level, Democratic leaders are at odds with each other over how fast and how far to expand collective bargaining. Under current law, local governments can choose to adopt collective bargaining. Richmond made that choice several years ago. In May, Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a Democratic-supported bill that would have allowed collective bargaining even in cities and counties that don’t want it. Diverging views on the topic also flared up in Richmond after Avula wrote a letter to Spanberger raising concerns about the state bill might, a move the pro-union side in Richmond found confusing since it came from a mayor who has professed support for collective bargaining. [After governor’s veto, Avula says Richmond is ‘better off’ with collective bargaining“We actually really believe collective bargaining is good and Richmond is better off because of that.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-985bf4e9-0d19-45b2-87ca-f458070099f2.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_JP101181-web-fcc5179b-a343-4da9-8b2c-771eb89f79dc.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-governors-veto-avula-says-richmond-is-better-off-with-collective-bargaining/) That dispute seemed to fade with Monday’s vote, which served as a unified show of solidarity with the city’s workers. “The ordinance adopted reflects what we all understood from the beginning: collective bargaining works best when workers have consistent rights and processes," SEIU 512 President Lanoral Thomas said in a release. City Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said the passage of the ordinance shows Richmond’s commitment to “continuous quality improvement” and a “people first, people always” mindset. “This is one of those times where we get to really be an example for everyone in the commonwealth on what good government looks like,” Donald told the Council. “And I applaud you for taking the lead on that.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District), the initial sponsor of the collective bargaining changes the Council approved, also thanked the Avula administration. “All of us came together and listened,” Trammell said. “It’s not been easy, but we got it done.” Proponents of the changes approved Monday said they mostly cleaned up some points of confusion that emerged in the city’s first round of collective bargaining negotiations. The police union in particular has raised concern about the appearance of favoritism influencing who rises through the ranks of the Richmond Police Department and said adding systems for promotions to collective bargaining was a way of addressing that. There was some earlier confusion about whether the revised rules would apply only to police and fire unions or all of the city’s five collective bargaining units. In the end, the changes applied to all unions equally. The ordinance’s path to approval was made easier after it was amended to remove a provision that would have sent disputes not involving wages and benefits to a binding arbitration process. To ward off any issues with the effective date of the ordinance, it specifies the broader bargaining rules apply to “any active negotiations" that were underway as of Monday’s vote. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Land conservancy buys last privately owned part of Mayo Island URL: https://www.richmonder.org/land-conservancy-buys-last-privately-owned-part-of-mayo-island/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T18:53:06.000Z The Capital Region Land Conservancy has acquired the last privately owned parcel of land on Mayo Island, setting the stage for Richmond to own the island in its entirety. Mayor Danny Avula called the acquisition “critical to the ongoing effort to transform Mayo’s Island into a vibrant public park and riverfront destination.” “By bringing the entire island under unified ownership, we can advance plans that expand public access, celebrate the river’s natural beauty, and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors for generations to come,” he said in an announcement of the purchase. [New Mayo Island park ‘on track’ to open in fall of 2026A plan to turn Richmond’s Mayo Island into a mostly natural park is still on schedule to be completed by the fall of 2026.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7b2b771a-9140-4c5e-a886-8bc27277a633.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-3.36.08-PM-0e44968f-9d07-41f9-8fea-c79f75758495.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-mayo-island-park-on-track-to-open-in-fall-of-2026/) Capital Region Land Conservancy Executive Director Parker Agelasto said that the purchase had required more than five years of work and negotiations. The conservancy expects to ultimately transfer the parcel to the city. Richmond has been working to transform the once-industrial Mayo’s Island into [a large public park dominated by meadows and wildflowers](https://www.richmonder.org/new-mayo-island-park-on-track-to-open-in-fall-of-2026/?gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=23758155596&gbraid=0AAAAA99ncLmPv2XWz9NXje8UvaByAPBbA&gclid=CjwKCAjw3ejRBhAdEiwADkqPn34XGe-qUZumMuPXMdQ2S7af08uA1Rw3bTEsw8f9%5Fxe4VLiON6wfWRoCmCwQAvD%5FBwE) since the city acquired roughly 15 acres of the island in 2024. While [the $15 million sale granted the city control over nearly all of Mayo’s Island](https://www.bayjournal.com/news/growth%5Fconservation/from-parking-lot-to-public-park-richmond-buys-historic-mayo-island/article%5F335e070a-c129-11ee-8d41-5f1dcd02b387.html), it didn’t include a quarter-acre that remained under the ownership of an LLC controlled by Louis A. Heindl, the founder of Hanover Concrete. Heindl bought that parcel in 1973 from the Virginia Boat Club. [According to Richmond BizSense](https://richmondbizsense.com/2024/01/17/theres-one-part-of-mayo-island-the-city-didnt-buy-meet-the-guy-who-owns-it/), he operated a concrete plant there for several years before leasing it to Reynolds Metals and Wise Recycling. The land includes a 1,290 square foot building constructed in 1933 as a service station. While it no longer operates in that capacity, the city said the building is “expected to remain and play an important role in the future operation and activation of Mayo Island Park.” Possible uses could include a space for recreational activities or environmental education, an outpost for maintenance work, or a concessions stand, among other options. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Heindl said his family was “delighted” by the conservancy’s purchase and is “confident that the CRLC will be a thoughtful steward of this property, preserving its rich history and heritage for generations to come.” The city also said the acquisition would remove one requirement it has faced in [redesigning the Mayo Bridge](https://www.richmonder.org/heres-richmonds-first-crack-at-designing-a-new-mayo-bridge/), which crosses over the island to connect Shockoe Bottom with Manchester. “Under private ownership, the city was required to provide adequate access to a public right-of-way,” the city said in its release. “Removing this condition allows for alternative considerations on how \[the bridge\] will intersect with Mayo Island Park.” While the Heindl parcel is small, it “is important to realizing the full potential of Mayo Island Park by closing a significant hole in the center of the park and creating future opportunities for the development of the space,” said Agelasto. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Council rejects proposals to create new layer of review for code refresh URL: https://www.richmonder.org/council-rejects-proposals-to-create-new-layer-of-review-for-code-refresh/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T14:02:57.000Z The Richmond City Council voted Monday to reject a pair of proposals that could have slowed down the city’s code refresh initiative by creating a new process for citizen review. Several Council members said they felt the city could do a better job of engaging residents about the sweeping overhaul of the city’s zoning rules to both modernize an outdated system and make it easier to build more housing. However, a majority of members said they saw little need to formally stand up a new commission given the extensive work done over the last two years. The city already has a Zoning Advisory Council that, according to the city website, is supposed to “be the voice of Richmonders in the room” as officials work on the zoning overhaul. Councilor Nicole Jones (9th District) said residents still feeling unheard on code refresh is a sign of “lazy engagement” by city officials. But instead of creating another commission, Jones said, the city should do more with the considerable resources it already puts into communications and neighborhood outreach. “All this does is highlight what we need to do as a city,” Jones said. “We need to get serious as it relates to engaging every citizen.” Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) agreed, saying it’s already the Council’s job to listen to public feedback and push to have it incorporated into the code refresh as officials prepare to release a third draft of the plan. “I believe that it is our responsibility to be the watchdog of this process,” Breton said. He added that Council members also have “the option and the responsibility to withhold our vote until we’ve heard enough.” Councilors Reva Trammell (8th District) and Kenya Gibson (3rd District) had introduced competing proposals aimed at the same basic idea: giving residents a stronger say in what happens to their neighborhoods even if it might slow or complicate the code refresh process. Supporters of the code refresh — which aims to rewrite a zoning ordinance that has not been comprehensively overhauled since the 1970s — say allowing denser housing in a city with limited amounts of buildable land will help ease Richmond’s housing affordability crisis and create more homes for people struggling to find a place to live. Critics argue the process has been too driven by developers whose plans often draw pushback from residents who want to preserve the look and feel of their neighborhoods. [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7e26e481-28ab-4f9b-907d-4d1885163890.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-a2e29522-5902-4db9-8016-e3fe35e574c6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) The debate involves complicated land-use questions like what types of housing can be built by right and what requires a special permit. One of the [most contentious issues](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) is debate over whether duplexes should be allowed on lots traditionally used for single-family homes. Trammell called her [proposal](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7981403&GUID=F5A035CC-A010-42FF-996A-556C80AB8D25&Options=ID|Text|&Search=code+refresh) a “Code Refresh Review Commission.” Gibson labeled [hers](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7994282&GUID=DD80A121-ACA7-427B-BA0C-8EA2EB4BF4AA&Options=&Search=) the “Resident Planning Review Commission.” The two proposed commissions would have been advisory, meaning they could give input, recommendations and reports, without the authority to block or change the code refresh on their own. Both commissions would have had 18 members, with rules limiting participation by people with a financial interest in real estate development. Gibson’s commission would have set aside seats for renters in addition to homeowners. Gibson said residents should take “center stage” in the code refresh discussion. “When it comes to local politics, there’s no industry that has more influence than developers,” Gibson said. “They contribute to campaigns. They show up at Council meetings. So how can we offset that immense influence?” If the Council ends up lacking information when the time comes to vote on the code refresh, Gibson said, “we have no one to blame but ourselves.” Both proposals failed on 6-2 votes, with Gibson and Trammell opposing each other’s version. Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District) voted for both. Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) was absent from the meeting and did not vote. Trammell said she has heard resident pushback to the code refresh “loud and clear.” She also said she supports an emerging effort to try to give Richmonders a direct vote on the rezoning through a ballot referendum, just as the public was given the opportunity to say yes or no to a casino a few years ago. “Why not give you all the opportunity to vote for this?” Trammell said to the crowd in the Council chamber. “Let’s do a referendum. Because that’s what I’m working on right now.” Local activist Paul Goldman, who ran for Council in 2024 but lost to Breton, has said he’s exploring possible legal action related to the code refresh. During a public comment period Monday night, support or opposition for the two proposals largely fell along the same dividing lines as the code refresh itself. Maria Düster, a member of the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition that supports the rezoning, said her group supported the intent of the commission proposals but felt they would not have the desired effect of solving “significant gaps and inequities in the community engagement process.” “We are concerned that these commissions may reproduce many of the inequities that they seek to address,” Düster said. “This commission's work will be unpaid, privileging those who can afford to work for free.” Supporters of the commission proposals said they would empower residents to give more input on the future of neighborhoods they know best. “They invested in their properties, maintained their neighborhoods, and contributed to the city's tax base. Yet many remain unaware of these changes,” said Betsey Gardner, a resident of the West End’s Stonewall Court neighborhood. “This is an issue of fairness to them.” Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), who serves on the Zoning Advisory Council, said the city has already taken several steps to respond to citizen input, including [adding more members](https://www.rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/mayor-avula-expands-zoning-advisory-council-broaden-community) to the advisory council that already exists. “I’ve heard every voice,” Robertson said. According to a recent [city report](https://richmondva.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15576602&GUID=BBDC3715-F8C2-47EE-8ED1-0F75EA9A43D2), almost 5,000 residents were directly engaged in the initial phases of the rezoning through “webinars,open houses, panel discussions, roundtables, pop-ups, office hours, neighborhood and civic association meetings, stakeholder interviews, and advisory council meetings.” The city planning department says it has attended 98 rezoning meetings, in addition to mailing a rezoning postcard to all households late last year. Richmond’s population now stands at a little more than 237,000 residents, according to the latest [U.S. Census Bureau estimates](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/richmondcityvirginia/PST045224). Robertson suggested the Council should first decide how many of the city’s residents need to be reached for officials to feel comfortable there’s been enough community engagement, then ask Mayor Danny Avula’s administration to come up with a plan to achieve that goal. “Is it 50 percent? Is it 100 percent? Is it 25 percent?” Robertson asked. “I don’t know. But we need to be able to say that.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Teachers’ union declares impasse in negotiating with RPS, will head to mediation URL: https://www.richmonder.org/teachers-union-declares-impasse-in-negotiating-with-rps-will-head-to-mediation/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T21:11:02.000Z The union representing Richmond’s teachers, as well as other support personnel, associates and central office staff, has declared an impasse in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement. In a press release, the Richmond Education Association cited a handful of issues, including raises. According to the release, Richmond Public Schools has proposed a 2% salary increase for each of the next three school years. “Two percent adjustments fail to keep pace with inflation, cost-of-living increases, and increases to health insurance rates, resulting in an overall reduction in real wages for RPS employees,” the press release said. Under new rules adopted earlier this year, after an impasse is declared, the two sides will jointly agree on a mediator, and are required to participate in at least four sessions, which the REA said are scheduled to begin in mid-July. If no agreement is reached in mediation, each side presents its final offer in writing to the School Board, which will make a determination on any unresolved issues. RPS spokesperson Alyssa Schwenk said the district will continue to negotiate in good faith. “In a difficult budget year — which included the layoffs of nearly 50 staff — RPS negotiated in good faith to develop a contract that balances rewarding our hardworking teachers and support staff with our own financial constraints,” she wrote. “As the stewards of nearly half a billion in taxpayer dollars, RPS strives to be efficient while doing more with less, and to be transparent about how we're spending funds. One area we continue to be transparent about is our limitations: we rely on the City and the Commonwealth for revenue and must be realistic about what we might expect in future fiscal years. “We would love to meet each and every bargaining request, but we also cannot put ourselves in a situation where commitments to one group of employees may necessitate consequences for another group of employees, should state or local funds not materialize in future years.” [School Board votes yes on changes to collective bargaining proceduresThose in favor of the change noted that they did not hear specifics on what changes union members were upset with during public comment.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-229abfea-997c-4ac9-9fbd-0b6b1ee5fe6a.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-2-1-fcc31eff-413f-472c-be5f-eeea1b1f6491.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-votes-yes-on-changes-to-collective-bargaining-procedures/) Under Virginia law, any financial commitments made during collective bargaining are only enforceable if the proper funding exists. Hannah Clayman, who is serving as the lead negotiator for REA, said of the 24 proposals that were made, the two sides were only able to reach an agreement on five of them, meaning 19 proposals will head to mediation. In 2021, Richmond became the first school district in Virginia to allow its employees to collectively bargain. Since that time, collective bargaining has been credited with helping to raise the standard of living for RPS employees, with teachers [now making more](https://www.richmonder.org/data-richmond-teachers-are-making-more-than-neighboring-counties-this-school-year/) than their counterparts in the surrounding counties. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Those raises have also been cited as producing strain on the yearly budget, with Superintendent Jason Kamras saying earlier this year that collective bargaining obligations [accounted for nearly all](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-offers-new-budget-asking-for-additional-city-funding-to-reinstate-raises-other-programs/) of the city’s increased spending on schools. On the whole, the School Board has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the process. “It’s a beautiful process. It’s something that most districts are not afforded,” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez said earlier this year. “There are a lot of districts that will not touch collective bargaining with a 10-foot pole. But we have courageously embraced the process because we believe in the process.” A General Assembly bill that would have allowed employees in all localities to collectively bargain was vetoed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger earlier this year. As the latest round of bargaining takes place, though, the union isn’t seeing eye to eye with the district at the moment. [As RPS battles maintenance backlog on a shoestring budget, long-term solutions continue to prove elusive“Decades of neglect can’t be fixed in five years or ten years.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-26d6ef04-bbcc-4181-a143-a66f13139be0.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0033-04cc2c76-8c18-4cb5-8d41-8e0964c5a8b5.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/) In the press release, the REA cited other sticking points, including dedicated workdays for Exceptional Education teachers to complete federal compliance requirements, and the ability to donate paid sick time to colleagues who have used all of their allotted medical leave. (Schwenk said employees can currently donate days to other employees for employee sick leave under specific conditions.) The press release said that the two sides were able to reach a tentative agreement on building safety, an issue after [mold and HVAC issues](https://www.richmonder.org/as-rps-battles-maintenance-backlog-on-a-shoestring-budget-long-term-solutions-continue-to-prove-elusive/) were reported at the start of the past school year. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* *Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin contributed to this story. This article has been updated to reflect the positions that REA bargains on behalf of.* ### State budget deal includes $15M to help Richmond demolish coliseum URL: https://www.richmonder.org/state-budget-deal-includes-15m-to-help-richmond-demolish-coliseum/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T22:51:37.000Z The Virginia budget deal announced last week includes $15 million to fund the planned demolition of the Richmond Coliseum, a major state funding boost for a top city priority. The pending budget includes funding for several other big-ticket items on Richmond’s wishlist. It has $20 million to help fix up the city’s water treatment plant after the 2025 infrastructure crisis and another $50 million for the city’s ongoing combined sewer overflow project, which will help keep sewage out of the James River during heavy rain. “I would have to challenge somebody to find me a budget that’s been better for Richmond in the last few decades than this budget,” said Sen. Lamont Bagby, a Democrat whose district covers most of Richmond and part of Henrico County. “This budget is doing a lot to support Richmond.” In a statement, Mayor Danny Avula said "Richmond’s specific needs were prioritized" in the two-year budget on the verge of being adopted, the first to pass under Gov. Abigail Spanberger's administration. "These commitments will help Richmond advance long-term infrastructure needs, support families, and improve quality of life across our neighborhoods," Avula said. "We thank the General Assembly and the administration for their partnership and for recognizing the essential role of a thriving Capital City for the future of the Commonwealth." The overdue state budget was approved by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates Monday. It now goes to the governor for final review, but it’s unclear if she’ll propose any additional changes with state officials looking to avoid the possibility of a government shutdown on July 1\. The [delay](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5Ff1f48f53-d9c5-4725-98a0-058b138227d0.html) with the state budget was largely caused by disagreement among Democrats over how to handle tax breaks for Virginia’s data center industry. The city had already publicized its requests for more water and wastewater funding, but the coliseum-related money appeared to be a late addition. Money for the coliseum demolition was added to the budget for the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. [Convention center authority OKs drawing up of ‘demolition documents’ for ColiseumDemolition of the 55-year-old downtown arena, which has sat vacant since 2019, has been a slow process.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-37bb7b4a-41e1-4895-bfb1-6b0697fbd682.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/316B4025-7383-44B0-8675-5A57C5200686_1_201_a-1c55a4d0-1f15-43f0-8caa-f3568bd4dd13.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/convention-center-authority-oks-drawing-up-of-demolition-documents-for-coliseum/) Bagby said he was working to add the coliseum funding to the budget but didn’t want to go public with the effort prematurely. “I didn’t want to get folks’ hopes up and not be able to deliver,” Bagby said. Once a local venue for concerts, sports and circus performances, the coliseum has been sitting unused since being shuttered in 2019\. It’s now surrounded by fencing and razor wire, serving as little more than an eyesore in a prominent area city officials are looking to revitalize. Removing the towering coliseum structure is a key first step in the mixed-use City Center redevelopment plan, which started under former Mayor Levar Stoney and has continued into Avula's term. The coliseum parcel is about 7.3 acres of the 9.5-acre area eyed for redevelopment. Avula has said he’d like to see a new hotel built where the coliseum now stands, an addition officials say will help the Greater Richmond Convention Center bring more conferences and events to downtown. Bagby said a “respectable-sized hotel” could open up “a great deal more conventions and expos.” “I’m confident that folks see the value of supporting the capital city,” Bagby said. “Oftentimes, as the capital city goes with economic development, so goes the commonwealth.” With the money for water infrastructure, Richmond officials alone won’t be deciding how it’s spent. [Avula requests $80M in state funding for Richmond’s water systemAvula said state assistance is needed to avoid saddling Richmond residents with higher utility bills or delaying infrastructure projects.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4b2d3c52-e4bd-4f7c-b433-b5a7c75f9fa2.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7671-64e03f34-f84a-44e9-aee2-006592ff04c8.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-requests-80m-in-state-funding-for-richmonds-water-system/) To help avoid the appearance of rewarding local infrastructure mismanagement with state funding, the state budget creates a “Richmond Regional Water Workgroup” to oversee how the $20 million is used. In addition to the city, that body will include representation from Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, as well as state health officials. The work group will be expected to file yearly reports with both state and local officials by Nov. 1. Richmond Public Schools could also benefit from several provisions in the pending budget. One would give Richmond the option of creating an additional 1% sales tax in the city to fund school construction and repairs. That proposed tax would need approval from voters, but city officials have already said they intend to put the issue on the ballot. School leaders [have said](https://www.richmonder.org/hed-proposed-rps-budget-has-no-new-raises-central-office-layoffs-and-eliminates-summer-school/) the tax, if approved, could generate $50 million a year for RPS projects. [RPS has designed a new Woodville Elementary, but there’s still not enough money to start the projectThe funding shortfall has loomed over the project for years, casting doubt among school officials about whether it will ever happen.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-0eab1fb5-741d-45fe-90b1-f789f2fb717f.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/woodville-5aaf9086-bfb7-4638-b699-1a1e0dee8fca.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-designed-a-new-woodville-elementary-but-theres-still-not-enough-money-to-start-the-project/) The City Council will have to pass a resolution in order to put the sales tax referendum in motion. Avula has said he intends to pursue the sales tax option in Richmond if approved by the state. “​​We want to use every tool we can to bring more funding in for school construction,” Avula said last month. “We know it's a big need for our city.” The sales tax proposal was filed as standalone state legislation. It was eventually wrapped into the budget, which meant it was delayed and couldn’t be signed into law by Gov. Abigail Spanberger after the legislative session wrapped this spring. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Money to hire an outside consultant to work on revisions to Virginia’s school funding formula is also included in the pending budget. Richmond officials have long said they feel the formula is flawed and doesn’t fully take into account the needs of high-poverty school divisions. “Richmond supports modernizing the state funding formula for public education,” the city said in its 2026 legislative agenda. “The current funding formula does not adequately address the needs of Richmond Public Schools as the current Local Composite Index (LCI) formula does not account for fiscal stress that Richmond faces.” The budget includes $1.25 million for funding formula work over the next two years. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) *Correction: This article was updated after publication to reflect the correct amount of funding the city is receiving for water infrastructure. It is $20 million, not $25 million.* ### June 22 Newsletter: Making the news URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-22-newsletter-making-the-news/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T10:00:18.000Z **Weather:** High of 94\. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible but not a certainty. **On this date** in 1978, the clock outside the Science Museum begins working again for the first time since railroad companies vacated the building two years earlier. **Today’s email sponsored by Richmond Region Tourism**, celebrating the 19.1 million visitors our region welcomed in 2025\. Richmonders can get involved by taking an [**I Am Tourism class**](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/partners/events/i-am-tourism/). --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-29.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-hall-is-making-its-own-news-and-paying-the-rtd-to-distribute-it/) ### City Hall is making its own news, and paying the RTD to distribute it Each Sunday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch runs the "Richmond Report," a look at the latest news from City Hall, as told by City Hall. The $22,000 deal with the newspaper also includes an event and podcast series. 📰 Sponsored content deals are increasingly common as media companies search for new ways to make money in a challenging industry. But City Hall collaborating with the newspaper marks a shift in a relationship that’s historically been somewhat fraught. Henrico and Chesterfield counties also have their own podcasts to communicate with residents, but create them in-house. The Richmonder obtained the sales pitch sent to the city. “Control the narrative before it controls you,” it said. [**Read more, and see the Richmond Report, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-hall-is-making-its-own-news-and-paying-the-rtd-to-distribute-it/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-28.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) ### As Richmond’s rezoning begins to solidify, a proposal to allow more duplexes may be on shaky ground City Council’s first public meeting on the proposed citywide rezoning was a freewheeling affair. - One councilor declared that if approved, "Your American Dream is going to be gone." - Another noted that increases in density are consistent with the city's master plan, which was approved in 2020. A third criticized misinformation from both sides, adding, "I think we will make very common sense decisions that reflect the needs of our communities, because that’s what we’re here to do.” With a third draft of code refresh imminent, there's now also the threat of a lawsuit or public referendum from a local activist. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8073-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-rrha-announce-agreement-on-framework-for-gilpin-court-redevelopment-with-one-for-one-replacement/) ### City, RRHA announce agreement on framework for Gilpin Court redevelopment with one-for-one replacement The final agreement will allow all “eligible households” to return to the redeveloped Gilpin if they choose, and include outreach to help residents become eligible. 🏘️ The overhaul of Gilpin, the city’s oldest and largest public housing community, is expected to take at least 10 years. A city official said one of the focuses of the redevelopment will be the revitalization of Jackson Ward as “a premier Black-centered neighborhood in our city.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-rrha-announce-agreement-on-framework-for-gilpin-court-redevelopment-with-one-for-one-replacement/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-30.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/manchesters-track-coach-leaving-after-42-years/) ### Manchester's track coach leaving after 42 years Gene Bowen graduated from George Wythe in 1976, then attended VCU before launching into a distinguished career that included a state title. “When the kids are trying and you can see it in their faces and they perform well, it gives you a feeling I don’t think you can get in too many other jobs,” he said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/manchesters-track-coach-leaving-after-42-years/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-b5dd383f-9d7e-4675-9dd3-0a5487de9067.png)](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/partners/events/i-am-tourism/) ### **Tourism is a force for good** Tourism strengthens our economy, supports the places that make living here special and builds community pride. Last year, the region welcomed 19.1 million visitors – that’s 800,000 more people than in 2024\. The latest visitor numbers included 7.3 million overnight trips as well, a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Richmond Region Tourism offers free [**I Am Tourism classes**](http://www.iatrva.com/) throughout the year to help residents learn about all the things to do in their own backyard. --- ### In other news - [**Getting married in Richmond now costs nearly $40,000**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/17/richmond-virginia-cost-of-getting-married-2026) (Axios) - Richmond hosted 6,290 weddings last year, down from a peak of 7,397 in 2016, according to industry research firm the Wedding Report. - [**Virginia Rep readies “Come From Away,” a musical about the extraordinary kindness of Canadians after Sept. 11.**](https://www.styleweekly.com/northern-exposure-4/) (Style Weekly) - The show has earned rave reviews internationally. - [**Motorcyclists honor 9-year-old King Overton after SwimRVA incident**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/06/21/motorcyclists-honor-9-year-old-king-overton-after-swim-rva-incident/) (12 on Your Side) - Organizers said over 600 people came out to the memorial ride. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8989-1.jpeg) Kudos to the Richmond Forum, as well as the hundreds of other organizations around town who organized the National Speech and Debate Tournament last week. More than 7,000 participants arrived from all over the county, and experienced the best of our city and its people. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### As Richmond’s rezoning begins to solidify, a proposal to allow more duplexes may be on shaky ground URL: https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-rezoning-begins-to-solidify-a-proposal-to-allow-more-duplexes-may-be-on-shaky-ground/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T00:22:46.000Z As might have been expected, Richmond City Council’s first public meeting on the proposed citywide rezoning was a freewheeling affair. The June 15 work session had been called by Mayor Danny Avula’s administration [to get feedback on three major outstanding questions](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-to-take-up-three-big-code-refresh-questions-duplexes-churches-and-household-numbers/) ahead of the release of a third draft of the code refresh: How many unrelated people should be able to live in a single household? How should places of worship be rezoned? And how many housing units should be allowed on a residential lot? Councilors, however, wanted to talk about much more. There were questions about how the rezoning could help alleviate the city’s affordable housing crisis, how the city is working with Richmond Public Schools to ensure buildings are prepared for potential influxes of students and what growing density could mean for infrastructure like utilities. Three, including President Cynthia Newbille (7th District), asked about the status of Richmond’s Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, a preservation roadmap seen by many as [a critical complement to the code refresh that cleared the Planning Commission](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cultural-heritage-plan-clears-hurdle-but-robertson-vows-long-list-of-amendments/) in November but has never made it to the Council for final approval. In one impassioned speech, Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) called the rezoning a “disaster” and promised residents that if it passed, “Your American Dream is going to be gone.” Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) declared that “the affordable housing crisis has been fueled by private equity, and you would be delusional to believe that private equity will get us out.” Others took a more optimistic tone. Councilor Andrew Breton (1st District) said that in his view, “the broad strokes of what I’ve been seeing are consistent with what I would expect from the Richmond 300 plan,” referring to the city’s master plan approved in December 2020\. “We are legalizing growth in our dedicated nodes,” he said. “We are legalizing more housing types in all our neighborhoods.” And Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District), while decrying what she called “disinformation on both sides” of the issue, expressed confidence the city will end up with a workable overhaul of the zoning code, which hasn’t been comprehensively updated since 1976\. “I think we can do it,” she said, pointing out both Henrico and Chesterfield counties have successfully carried out rezonings in recent years. “We’re behind. We’ll get it together, and I think we will make very common sense decisions that reflect the needs of our communities, because that’s what we’re here to do.” Still, as Mayor Danny Avula’s administration moves toward finalizing the third draft, tensions remain high between supporters of the proposal, who say it is a critical tool to help increase housing supply and offer more types of housing amid an affordability crisis, and opponents, who say it will destroy neighborhood character, give too much leeway to developers and erode the existing single family fabric of many communities. Those tensions may not be easing. On Friday, local activist and attorney Paul Goldman announced he intends to explore legal avenues to halt the code refresh, calling it “a plan only real estate developers like President Trump would find fair!” in an email sent out to media outlets. It’s too early to say where things will land. Planning Director Kevin Vonck said this week that the administration is hoping that the third draft is the final one that ultimately goes to the City Council for its vote. That will almost certainly undergo heavy vetting: “We’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do before we even think about voting on this,” Trammell said at the June 15 meeting. But both the City Council meeting and work sessions held on the following days with the Planning Commission and Zoning Advisory Council — a nonvoting body that has been helping shape the different code refresh drafts — offered some glimpses of how officials may be thinking. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/E7F7BCD1-910F-4E44-B43C-646E1C752174_1_201_a.jpeg) After last week's presentation, members of City Council lamented misinformation on both sides of the debate. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) When it came to how many unrelated people should be allowed to live in a single household, many backed the idea of raising the threshold from its current three to five or six or relying on occupancy rules laid out in the building code. Attitudes were generally positive when it came to a proposal to rezone places of worship in a range of ways depending on the surrounding neighborhood rather than zoning them all as mixed use, although confusion was evident about how Richmond’s plans could be affected by the recent passage of “Yes In God’s Backyard” legislation that preempts local zoning when a church develops affordable housing. Perhaps most striking were conversations around the idea of allowing duplexes on all residential lots by right, a proposal that has been controversial in Richmond as well as numerous other cities. No member of the City Council explicitly either endorsed or denounced the idea at their work session, although it was clear some remain more receptive to it than others. “People are looking for a way to get their leg into the housing market, and anything we can do to make it easier for people to find those starter homes is something I want to encourage,” said Breton, while Lynch said worries about demolitions means that “for some of our neighborhoods, one principal dwelling and then the \[accessory dwelling unit\] is probably where we’re going to land.” But at the meetings of the Planning Commission and ZAC — groups generally seen as more receptive to density — some shifts in thinking were evidently underway, with several members who have supported duplexes in the past recommending that the city hit pause on the idea. “I don’t want to see us get hung up on a proposal that’s going to bring in so few units … that we slow down the progress of code refresh as a whole,” said Elizabeth Greenfield, who serves as vice chair of the Planning Commission and chair of the ZAC. “I would like to maybe pull that piece back, let’s study it a little more, and keep the bigger prize of overhauling our zoning code, which is so desperately needed, moving forward.” [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7e26e481-28ab-4f9b-907d-4d1885163890.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-a2e29522-5902-4db9-8016-e3fe35e574c6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) ### **Duplexes plus ADUs** No issue has been as much of a lightning rod as the proposal to allow more units than one on residential lots. Richmond isn’t alone in its interest in moving away from its reliance on single family neighborhoods. Cities across the nation, facing steep housing prices and smaller households, [have been increasingly loosening longstanding rules that restricted most of their residential parcels to single family homes](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/18/upshot/cities-across-america-question-single-family-zoning.html). In Richmond, the Planning Department has estimated about 59% of the city’s land is zoned for single family residential living. That began shifting in 2023, when the City Council passed an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units — small structures often called granny flats or carriage houses — on most residential lots. Earlier this year, the state enacted a law [requiring all local governments in Virginia to allow ADUs](https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/16/a-new-law-will-make-it-easier-to-build-a-tiny-house-in-your-back-yard-starting-next-year/) on lots zoned for single family residential. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The first draft of the rezoning would have allowed any residential lot to have two housing units in addition to an ADU. But the idea received furious backlash from many residents either upset at the prospect of more houses in their neighborhood or concerned it would incentivize developers to tear down existing homes and pack the resulting lots with expensive houses. In response, the Avula administration introduced [significant changes in the second draft](https://www.richmonder.org/residential-density-dominates-ongoing-code-refresh-discussions/). Under the new “preservation bonus” approach, a property owner could only build the second unit if they kept the existing structure standing. Someone who knocked down a building would only have the right to construct what they are currently allowed to: a single home and an ADU. At the same time, the Planning Department introduced “contextual” rules limiting how tall new homes in residential areas could be based on the height of adjacent houses. The contextual rules would “be harder to administer because it's going to require checking things out more closely,” Vonck acknowledged to the Planning Commission Tuesday. “But overall I think it's better for the neighborhood in terms of having more organic growth that fits with what's there today.” Some residents saw the second draft plan as a reasonable compromise. Others were unmoved, still seeing it as an assault on single family-only neighborhoods. Most of the city’s nonprofit affordable housing developers were also dismayed by the change, but for a different reason. Allowing duplexes, they maintain, is one of the few ways available to bring down construction costs because of the economies of scale it offers. [Residential density dominates ongoing code refresh discussionsPlanning Department officials have held 42 meetings with civic associations on the refresh.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-cc5b8db2-4e41-40e0-b2b0-85ed983b655a.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/8413AC01-FAFA-4AF9-B937-A91503F61EE6_1_102-1-f4c9c0f5-2406-47f4-abd1-883514325c84.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/residential-density-dominates-ongoing-code-refresh-discussions/) Other groups like Housing Opportunities Made Equal, which offers legal representation to residents in fair housing cases, have further argued that allowing the construction of a greater range of housing types across the city is one of the best ways to ensure that the rezoning occurs equitably. Without the provision, they say, the wealthiest, least dense neighborhoods effectively get to opt out of any changes that could allow residents with more limited financial means to live there. For more than a year, the duplex issue has been battled at the Zoning Advisory Council, with little change in either side’s stance. At the body’s work session Wednesday, the disagreements were still obvious. Retired attorney Charlie Menges called duplexes a “nonstarter.” “Let’s focus on where in the city would you really have to make a difference in terms of generating affordable housing,” he said. “But don’t do it in established neighborhoods that have their own character and have their own contribution to making the city of Richmond what it is.” Others have held fast to the preservation bonus as a workable compromise that multiple communities can get behind. “I think it has landed in maybe the best possible place,” said Charlie Wilson. “It could inspire some creative thinking in how we use existing buildings.” But several of the ZAC’s younger members continued to argue that duplexes provide critical flexibility for families containing multiple generations, older people who want to age in place and younger people facing steep rents and home prices beyond what their wages will support. “I don’t think that ADUs and duplexes should just be discounted,” said Riley Champine. “I agree that it's probably not the thing that makes a huge dent in affordability, but what it does do is it allows for more flexibility.” [Developer uses city’s ADU law to build 100 backyard cottagesGranny flats. In-law suites. Backyard cottages. We’re still not quite sure what to call them, but they’re starting to pop up all over Richmond.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f90db31b-4dbf-401c-b562-43839db316c3.png)The RichmonderNed Oliver![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6848--1--0bd6d7ff-7134-4d77-a780-a5faa9393424.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-uses-citys-adu-law-to-build-100-backyard-cottages/) Casey Overton framed the disagreement in generational terms. “I can almost guarantee that the people with the most concerns, fears, and complaints will not be here in 50 years,” she said. Many younger people, she continued, “tend to be pro-density, pro-flexibility, not because we're short-sighted or because we don't think that there will be any drawbacks, but because we understand that even the drawbacks kind of make up for some of the costs that we would incur from restricting ourselves.” Still others, however, indicated that while they personally would like to see duplexes in the final plan, they don’t see a clear path forward for it given widespread opposition. “It feels politically more expedient to just do away with that and move forward and get something passed that allows us to make a difference in the areas where we can truly make a difference,” said Brian White, who sits on both the Planning Commission and ZAC. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/111C28FE-FAAE-499B-87B3-7705539D7215_1_201_a.jpeg) The third draft of code refresh is expected to be released in the coming weeks. (Graham Moomaw/The Richmonder) ### **Projections and fears** For several of those members, the findings of two studies by consultant RKG on what development is likely to occur in Richmond as a result of the code refresh appeared to be a driving factor. Those analyses projected that even under the most intense development scenario, residential detached neighborhoods — an estimated 44,000 parcels with unconnected single family homes — [would see the addition of just under 300 new units annually](https://www.richmonder.org/study-finds-rezoning-impacts-will-be-limited-in-single-family-neighborhoods-due-to-lot-layouts-economics/). By comparison, areas[ zoned for mixed use could see between 1,200 and 1,600 new units annually](https://www.richmonder.org/latest-study-finds-rezoning-will-spur-most-new-housing-in-mixed-use-corridors-from-urban-core-through-west-end/). “It’s not as scary as folks think it is,” said Greenfield during the Planning Commission meeting. “But the fact that we’ve been spending so much time on it, I’m afraid we’re overlooking some of the larger pieces of code refresh that we really need to move forward.” [In code refresh, proposal to allow small businesses in neighborhoods draws mixed reviewsDepending on where you put it, the neighborhood store is a blessing or a curse.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-488f2e16-e1df-4c88-b6bf-3b658e96f362.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/BE91CEA7-6FF2-41A0-A4D1-1BA094EEC61F_1_201_a-71270c78-4a95-4949-ba0b-77cf869b64c3.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-code-refresh-proposal-to-allow-small-businesses-in-neighborhoods-draws-mixed-reviews/) In particular, she pointed to more widely accepted goals of the rezoning, including cutting down on the number of lots where existing development doesn’t comply with zoning (a situation called “nonconformity”), [reducing the number of special use permits the city has to process](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) and [adding in tree canopy requirements](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-rezoning-allows-more-development-should-it-also-require-more-trees/), which don’t currently exist. Fixing nonconformities [has been a major goal of the rezoning from the outset](https://www.richmonder.org/the-next-50-years-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-envisions-a-denser-city-what-will-that-look-like/). Because rezonings in the 1960s and 1970s called for larger lots than in many cases already existed in Richmond, thousands of properties became “nonconforming,” meaning that if they burned down today they could not be rebuilt in the same form by right. Vonck told The Richmonder that roughly 27% of the city’s parcels today do not conform with the lot size requirements of the current code. Far more are likely nonconforming based on their lot width or use, although a citywide analysis hasn’t looked at those factors. [Neighborhood-specific analysis](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/Neighborhood%20Scale%20Analysis%20May%202025.pdf) found that in some places, as many as 80% of all lots didn’t comply with current zoning. Throughout all three meetings last week, frustrations were evident among a number of officials at what they described as “misinformation” and “fearmongering” around what level of change the code refresh is likely to produce. [Code refresh opponents air AI-generated ad showing woman with a ‘bacterial infection’ from the James RiverThe digital file is watermarked as being generated by Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-37cb9cd5-1eed-4c99-a048-547b6e639a5b.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-29-at-11.50.31---AM-506c62b4-ff16-4924-9c4c-bf0613b1b73f.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh-opponents-air-ai-generated-ad-showing-woman-with-a-bacterial-infection-from-the-james-river/) “It needs to be said clearly: ‘No, there is not a rezoning that’s going to put multifamily 10-story buildings on your block next to your single family homes,’” said Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District). “There are a lot of folks that still believe that’s true. Some of the myths that are out there just need to be said upfront.” Some of that may be due to the technical language of the zoning ordinance, which “is not a common language to the average person,” she said. “It’s so easy to be misled and confused or believe anything that someone’s telling you, because we’re not painting this picture. We need to paint this picture.” Lynch urged residents and leaders “to approach the code refresh from a fact basis.” “Code refresh is not going to be the solvent to our affordable housing crisis. It’s just not,” she said. “Code refresh is not going to poison people in the James and cause boils on people’s skin. It is not going to re-redline Richmond. It is not going to overnight explode a million people into the city, and it also is not going to do really anything demonstrative for people that are truly struggling in poverty in this city.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*.* ### City Hall is making its own news, and paying the RTD to distribute it URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-hall-is-making-its-own-news-and-paying-the-rtd-to-distribute-it/ Last updated: 2026-06-21T11:56:19.000Z Since taking office in early 2025, Mayor Danny Avula has touted his administration’s work to overhaul how the city communicates. That’s included a beefed-up presence on Instagram and other social media platforms, a new email newsletter titled “[Hey, Richmond](https://www.rva.gov/hey-richmond-newsletter)” and an untraditional [State of the City event](https://www.richmonder.org/we-are-managing-so-much-change-mayor-experts-discuss-the-path-ahead-for-richmond/) where the mayor sounded more like an upbeat talk-show host than a politician giving a speech. Now, as part of a paid content deal with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the city has its own podcast hosted by Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. The podcast is part of a broader sponsored content package in which the city pays the RTD for the opportunity to reach the paper’s audience directly, without being filtered through news reporters. In its sales pitch on how a paid content deal could help the city, RTD representatives said it “reduces reactive press.” “Communicate through structured storytelling instead of interviews,” the RTD pitch said. “Control the narrative before it controls you.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Richmond-Report-Volume-1.jpg) The "Richmond Report" is printed and distributed as part of the Sunday newspaper. In addition to the “Richmond 804” podcast, the partnership also involves printed newsletter-style content in Sunday newspapers and a live “Executive Conversation” event. The print “Richmond Report” content has been running in the paper’s Metro Business section for several weeks. The total cost to the city is $22,000 for a deal that envisions 12 newsletters, six podcast episodes and one event. Donald’s office is overseeing the initiative and has described it as a limited trial run in response to the RTD’s proposal. The cost might not reach $22,000, the CAO’s office said, but won’t exceed that amount. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-701e6b2a-962d-45a1-99ce-012cb9c6fe80.png) A sales deck sent to the city proposing the partnership. (Richmonder FOIA request) The sponsored content deal goes beyond routine advertising for government programs or events. “This gives the CAO a consistent platform to communicate progress, vision and transparency directly with residents and the business community,” the newspaper’s business team wrote in a summary of its proposal. The printed component — which looks more like an article than an ad but has a sponsored content disclaimer — included a May 10 headline that read “Avula administration delivers world class services on behalf of Richmonders.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/richmond-report-4-1.jpg) The Richmonder obtained documents outlining the deal by filing a Freedom of Information Act request with the city. The RTD’s pitch to Donald was marked “CONFIDENTIAL PROPOSAL.” It was released as a public document because it involves the use of public funds. After The Richmonder filed the June 1 FOIA request for documents showing the deal’s cost, the city and the RTD seemed to formalize a lower price than originally planned. An RTD representative emailed Donald’s office with the “final approved pricing” on June 5, saying the $22,000 quote reflected a lower rate negotiated by the CAO. An earlier quote said $27,000. A city invoice with an original date of April 17 was revised on June 9, the records show. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Monica Manney, a newly hired spokesperson for the CAO’s office, said the effort is “aligned with Richmond’s seventh pillar, a city that tells its stories.” She was referring to the [seven pillars](https://www.rva.gov/mayors-office/pillars) of Avula’s mayoral action plan. The storytelling pillar focuses on telling the truth about Richmond’s history of racism and slavery, but officials also invoke it to mean more general efforts to communicate with the public. “I’m excited to move forward with a partnership with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the number one storytelling entity for the city of Richmond and the surrounding region, to ensure that we correctly tell the story of our operations and activities and that our residents know what we’re doing on their behalf,” Donald said in an introduction for the first podcast episode. The launch podcast episode focused on public-private partnerships. The featured guests were leaders from Venture Richmond, the Metropolitan Business League and ChamberRVA. Late last year, the RTD’s news side [published an article](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F3ab6ede1-db0a-4d6f-b1e4-797a78369326.html) noting that Donald was declining interview requests from the paper’s City Hall reporter, Samuel Parker. The rationale given by city officials was that the newly hired CAO wanted to focus on the work of improving city government and preferred not be in the media spotlight. The mayor’s office gave a similar explanation to The Richmonder last summer when it turned down requests to interview Donald shortly after he was announced as Avula’s pick for CAO. The RTD’s proposal to Donald said the paid content in the paper could be “A monthly storytelling series showing how the city is improving operations and shaping Richmond’s future — replacing the need for constant interviews or reactive press.” Donald’s photo recently appeared in a front-page RTD banner ad promoting the second episode of the new podcast, a conversation with a city employee titled “Richmond Gave Me My First Job.” [Henrico](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/henrico-happenings/id1464211591) and [Chesterfield](https://www.chesterfield.gov/5483/Chesterfield-Behind-the-Mic-Podcast) counties also have their own podcasts to communicate with residents. The counties create their podcasts in-house. For the upcoming fiscal year, Richmond’s Office of Strategic Communications has a $3.7 million budget, enough for about 25 full-time staff positions. In a statement, RTD President and Publisher Kelly Till said the paper “regularly works with a wide range of advertisers and organizations on sponsored content and marketing initiatives.” “As a matter of practice, our advertising and sponsored content operations are separate from our newsroom, which maintains full editorial independence,” Till said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-e7c0f568-ee9b-482e-9d55-8cdc5e6c621b.png) Sponsored content deals are increasingly common as media companies search for new ways to make money in a challenging industry. But the collaboration between Richmond’s daily paper and City Hall marks a shift in a relationship that’s historically been somewhat fraught. Long before Avula was elected mayor, city officials have griped about what they see as relentlessly negative media coverage that often puts Richmond under more intense scrutiny than neighboring counties. At a city leadership retreat a few months after he took office, Avula [said](https://www.richmonder.org/at-all-day-retreat-richmonds-elected-leaders-focus-on-improving-trust-and-transparency/) the local media environment is “brutal on our staff.” Journalists covering City Hall often have a different perspective, viewing much of their work as shedding light on dysfunction that impacts the day-to-day lives of Richmond residents, like last year’s infrastructure failure that knocked out the city’s water system for almost a week. In a recent city-sponsored survey, just 23% of respondents said they get excellent or good government service in Richmond for what they pay in taxes, down from 32% on the same question in 2021. The city-driven content for the RTD takes a more unabashedly positive outlook than what’s typically found in the paper’s news pages. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/richmond-report-7.jpg) The Richmond Report has touted national awards and recognitions, saying the city “continues transforming into a national model for service excellence.” It has also highlighted efforts to fix old water meters, plant trees, repair potholes, buy more fire trucks and reduce violent crime. An edition focused on highlights of the latest city budget — which kept tax rates level but increased utility bills for city residents — called the spending plan a “roadmap to a thriving Richmond.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Manchester's track coach leaving after 42 years URL: https://www.richmonder.org/manchesters-track-coach-leaving-after-42-years/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T15:20:54.000Z All along, Gene Bowen knew he was destined to coach. His sport, he thought, would be football. Little could he have imagined more than 50 years ago when he was charting his course that it would be track and field or that he would spend 42 years heading the program at Manchester High School. Though serving as a varsity-level head coach is time- and labor-intensive, Bowen has savored the experience, or at least most of it. The detail work of managing staff and athletes in 15 indoor and 17 outdoor events as well as hosting meets and traveling to myriad weekend invitationals can be overwhelming at times, but the benefits, he said, have outweighed the challenges. “The feeling that you get from coaching is unbelievable,” he said one morning recently as he sat in the Manchester fieldhouse team room a few days before the VHSL Class 6 championship meet. “When the kids are trying and you can see it in their faces and they perform well, it gives you a feeling I don’t think you can get in too many other jobs.” Though Bowen uses the term “jobs,” he really means “calling,” for that’s what coaching has been for him. Over the years, he’s worked with young, evolving athletes and made them better and stellar athletes and made them great. Along the way, he’s created championship teams, received numerous coach of the year honors (though he hasn’t kept count), and, perhaps most gratifying, earned the respect of the track and field community. He’s also surrounded himself with good assistants and empowered them to use their knowledge to summon the best from the athletes entrusted to their care. Now, at 69 years old, he’s retiring. It’s time, he said. No one had to tell him. He just knew. “With Gene, it’s always been about the kids,” said Will Byrnes, the Lancers’ long-time distance coach. “When I was young, he made it clear: Don’t make it about you. You’re trying to help kids do their best in track and field. “At Manchester, he’s made a really big commitment of time and effort to make us competitive. What makes him happiest is seeing kids improve as they continue to work hard.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_2553.jpeg) Gene Bowen and Manchester runner Caleb Painter at the VHSL Class 6 championship. Painter was the last Manchester runner for whom Bowen recorded splits. A 1976 George Wythe High School graduate, Bowen played baseball (catcher, outfield) and football for the Bulldogs and earned honorable mention All-Metro honors as an offensive lineman his senior year. He cites GW coaches Frank Butts (football), Bob Booker (basketball), Philip Mourtzakis (baseball), and Bob Gary (multiple sports) as mentors who shaped his life and gave him direction. “All of them had a great influence on me,” Bowen said. “I idolized them. I was borderline juvenile delinquent. I didn’t go to jail or anything, but, oh, my gosh, I got in trouble a lot. Athletics saved me.” Bowen had no track and field experience when he stumbled into the sport when he was fresh out of VCU in 1981 and serving as a substitute teacher at Swift Creek Middle School. “They asked me if I wanted to coach track,” he recalls. “I wanted a (full-time health and physical education) job, so I said, ‘Sure, I’ll do track.’ That’s how I got started.” He also coached football at Swift Creek and a couple of years later coached JV at Manchester, but there was something about track that excited him. In 1984, he succeeded the late Jim Triemplar (who coached at Dinwiddie and Atlee as well as Manchester) and never looked back. Triemplar became a great resource for him, as did Jim Holdren, who has coached cross country and track in Central Virginia, most recently at Maggie Walker Governor’s School, since 1964\. “I ended up giving up football because track was more rewarding,” he said. “Since I didn’t know much about track, I went to a lot of clinics. If there was a clinic nearby in the ‘80s and ‘90s, even some that weren’t nearby like Philadelphia, Washington, and Baltimore, I went. The VHSL had a strong coaches clinic back then. I went every single year.” He was a sponge for information. That desire never waned. In time, he developed sufficient expertise, especially in the horizontal jumps, that he was often served as a presenter. Why the horizontal jumps? “I happened to have some athletes who were good at that,” Bowen said. “They were sprinters first. My philosophy was that if you’re a sprinter, you’re a jumper. The vast majority did both. Some ended up being really good.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Under Bowen’s guidance, the Lancers' boys and girls teams have earned numerous district and regional titles. The pinnacle of his career came in 2015 when the boys won the VHSL Class 5A (as it was then called) state title at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. The Lancers won three events — the 1000 (David Lucas, 2:31.44), the high jump (Zach Marshall, 6-4), and the 4x800 relay (Lucas, Andrew Akright, Joe Hewett, Ben Taminger, 7:55.90) — and used their depth to amass 61 points to finish ahead of 35 other teams. “Things just fell together,” Bowen said. “The stars aligned. That day was incredible. It was our day.” Now, that his career has ended, Bowen says he’ll miss the day-to-day connections with athletes and colleagues and indulging his passion for his chosen profession. Replacing him will be no easy task. “Gene did everything from scheduling to coaching the coaches,” said Manchester athletic director Greg Woodle. “He’s never looked for accolades. It’s been about the kids and the sport of track. He’s been in coaching for all the right reasons.” ### City, RRHA announce agreement on framework for Gilpin Court redevelopment with one-for-one replacement URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-rrha-announce-agreement-on-framework-for-gilpin-court-redevelopment-with-one-for-one-replacement/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:23:24.000Z City officials and leaders of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority say local negotiations over the redevelopment of Gilpin Court are nearing the finish line, with an agreement expected to be finalized in the coming days. The final agreement will allow all “eligible households” to return to the redeveloped Gilpin if they choose. RRHA is in the process of redeveloping the city’s public housing projects, replacing them with mixed-income neighborhoods. Officials cautioned at a Wednesday meeting that the overhaul of Gilpin, the city’s oldest and largest public housing community, will be a lengthy one, lasting at least 10 years. Thad Williamson, a senior policy strategist on the mayor’s team, said there is “a little bit of legal work to do,” but the final proposal will be presented to the RRHA Board of Commissioners and City Council later this summer. He said the City Council isn’t required to approve it, “but we want them to see it, to understand it, because we want the City Council and the administration to be completely on the same page.” While planning for the redevelopment began several years ago with the crafting of the Jackson Ward Community Plan, the process became contentious last year, with residents concerned about a lack of details and the potential of displacement. City officials also expressed unhappiness with RRHA, leading to a letter from Avula demanding a seat at the table. [Avula says he cannot back Gilpin redevelopment plan unless housing authority meets eight demands“The things he is asking for RRHA to do are in no way outlandish or outside of scope. It is actually what they are required to do.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c8f0aa99-15d0-4ed0-9449-cb0c14d6dce3.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8073-29e6b356-cbd5-47da-9d72-74c92496be75.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-says-he-cannot-back-gilpin-redevelopment-plan-unless-housing-authority-meets-eight-demands/) Late last year, [the RRHA board accepted Avula’s proposal for a ‘joint governance’ plan](https://www.richmonder.org/rrha-board-accepts-mayors-joint-governance-proposal-for-gilpin-redevelopment/) and agreed to begin negotiating a formal memorandum of understanding for how that would work. It’s that MOU that is now reaching completion. Both the city and RRHA celebrated the final agreement this week as being resident-focused. Sharon Ebert, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer, said at the Wednesday meeting that one of the focuses of the redevelopment will be the revitalization of Jackson Ward as “a premier Black-centered neighborhood in our city.” Gilpin Court is part of the Jackson Ward neighborhood, but was separated from it with the construction of interstate highways in the 1950s. “The redevelopment activities will recognize and incorporate Black art, culture and traditions in what we do,” Ebert said. “And it will provide a defined range of neighborhood services and amenities accessible to all the residents. “I think this is important because it's not just housing, it's wrapping around housing, all the things that every other person would want in their neighborhood so that they don't have to go outside of it to seek those services and amenities.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. RRHA, along with the city, will create a Joint Gilpin Transformation Working Group to oversee the work, which will be led by Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II’s office. Early plans for Gilpin suggested that the site could have 1,306 housing units in various price ranges. The new agreement commits to one-for-one replacement of the 781 “deeply affordable” housing units Gilpin had, which would be spread both within the current footprint of the site and throughout the city. The plan will also provide a right to return for eligible households, and a commitment from the city and RRHA to make a “concerted effort” to make sure all Gilpin residents are in good standing to be able to take advantage of that offer. [Gilpin Court redevelopment meeting turns testy as residents express skepticism about redevelopment planThe plans detailed Thursday call for the gradual development of 1,306 new rental units at a range of price points on the existing Gilpin Court site.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-be4e67b9-95fc-42a6-b5f8-217fde0be2cb.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/25F61AE3-0802-4F1B-9663-3482AADE5AAC-d85f2914-fff7-4d5b-91f8-c835fcf239c7.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/gilpin-court-redevelopment-meeting-turns-testy-as-residents-express-skepticism-about-redevelopment-plan/) According to a press release from the city: “As part of assuring good standing for residents, the Authority will allow an outside partner (approved by the City) to review tenants’ rent and lease compliance information as requested and consented by tenants.” “Addressing conditions in our public housing communities is an urgent moral and policy imperative,” Avula wrote in the press release. “Doing it the right way—the way that engages, respects and protects public housing residents—requires a framework that positions Richmond and its residents for success. The collaborative framework we are establishing will allow us to marshal all our resources towards a shared vision and a shared plan.” [Planning Commission OKs initial master plan for redeveloped Mosby Court South“This is a multiyear project, so the density will be incremental.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-0f8ec517-6c29-42ef-9c09-d6d876bb91ef.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-20-at-4.28.46---PM-4ef9722b-591d-468d-85a0-68dc6967c602.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-oks-initial-master-plan-for-redeveloped-mosby-court-south/) RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith called the agreement “a major breakthrough in our efforts to create a better future for the residents we serve.” “I’m appreciative of the collaborative approach the Mayor and his team have taken to work through the issues and come to this agreement,” he wrote in the press release. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### June 19 Newsletter: DPU's billing glitch URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-19-newsletter-dpus-billing-glitch/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T10:00:12.000Z **City and county offices are closed today** in observance of Juneteenth. **Weather:** Showers set the tone for a steamy weekend. High of 86. **On this date** in 1995, Richmond’s Planning Commission decides to place a monument to Arthur Ashe on Roseneath Road, bringing it closer to the other monuments than initially planned. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_5660-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-dpu-billing-glitch-impacted-about-15-000-customers/) ### City: DPU billing glitch impacted about 15,000 customers Richmond's Department of Public Utilities said Wednesday that about 15,000 accounts were impacted by an issue that caused customers to be told their utility payments did not arrive. 🚰 The issues date back to a May 26 switch to a new billing and customer service system. Many customers who have signed up for online autopay services received "past due" bills over the last few weeks. The city says it will fix those accounts automatically and waive all late fees. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-dpu-billing-glitch-impacted-about-15-000-customers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-26.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/thalhimer-denies-allegations-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-flying-squirrels-owner/) ### Thalhimer denies allegations in defamation suit filed by Flying Squirrels owner In a new legal filing, Diamond District developer Jason Guillot says he was threatened by Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, but didn’t report what had happened as a death threat. Thalhimer’s response also pushes back against DiBella’s claim the development team was trying to undercut ballpark concessions by building a sports bar on the disputed 0.8-acre parcel. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/thalhimer-denies-allegations-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-flying-squirrels-owner/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/CBBA3A83-8C3F-4416-901E-78F954BE7D9F_1_201_a--1---1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-chief-judge-orders-city-officials-to-beef-up-courthouse-security/) ### Richmond’s chief judge orders city officials to beef up courthouse security The chief judge of the Richmond Circuit Court has ordered the city to provide more sheriff’s deputies for courtroom security, saying there’s been growing disorder at the John Marshall Courts Building. “Over the last several months, there has been fighting in the public corridors, an overnight break in, an escape from custody by a defendant and an attack by a defendant on court personnel,” a Circuit Court clerk said in a press release. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-chief-judge-orders-city-officials-to-beef-up-courthouse-security/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-27.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-again-delays-action-on-financial-transparency-measures/) ### City Council again delays action on financial transparency measures Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee voted to put off a request to investigate the city’s failure to publish a payment register for another month. In May, the same committee chose to put off the matter until June. Mayor Danny Avula has proposed changing the law to allow the city to resume publishing a slimmed-down version of the payment register. The Council seems to prefer to take up both proposals at the same time. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-again-delays-action-on-financial-transparency-measures/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2P1FNH5--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/juneteenth-events-around-richmond-2/) ### Juneteenth events around Richmond Saturday evening brings major events at Henrico's Dorey Park and Richmond's Midtown Green, while this morning's events include a parade, picnic and speakers in Church Hill. [**See a full list of events here.** ](https://www.richmonder.org/juneteenth-events-around-richmond-2/) --- ### In other news - [**‘Devastating’: Mother of 9-year-old pulled unresponsive from SwimRVA pool says he was there to learn to swim**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/devastating-mother-of-9-year-old-pulled-unresponsive-from-swimrva-pool-says-he-was-there-to-learn-to-swim/) (8News) - Henrico Police and SwimRVA have been careful not to call the incident a drowning, as the medical examiner will determine cause and manner of death. - [**Emails: Squirrels owners offered $1.75M for disputed parcel beside CarMax Park; Thalhimer wanted $3M**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/18/emails-squirrels-owners-offered-1-75m-for-disputed-parcel-beside-carmax-park-thalhimer-wanted-3m/) (Richmond BizSense) - “The Mayor and city officials are aware of this offer and are supportive,” a Squirrels representative wrote to Thalhimer. - [**Richmond has taxed 2.8 million plastic bags — but who's paying?**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/18/richmond-plastic-bag-tax-whos-paying) (Axios) - A Virginia Tax spokesperson said the agency has received 517 sales and use tax returns containing plastic bag tax data since January, but can't share more detailed info. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8962-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/were-the-nations-top-news-startup/) Wrapping up a great week at the nonprofit news conference in Pittsburgh, where we were named the [**nation's best startup**](https://www.richmonder.org/were-the-nations-top-news-startup/)! *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### City Council again delays action on financial transparency measures URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-again-delays-action-on-financial-transparency-measures/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T00:50:17.000Z Richmond officials stopped following a City Council-approved transparency law seven years ago. After an earlier delay on proposals to address the issue, the Council still hasn’t decided what to do about it. On Wednesday, a Council committee discussed the possibility of initiating a formal investigation into the city’s failure to publish a monthly payment register. That proposal has been put forward by Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District), who regularly pushes for more outside oversight of city operations. This week, the Council’s Finance and Economic Development Committee voted to put off the investigation request until its July meeting. In May, the same committee chose to put off the matter until June. Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District), who chairs the finance committee, said the suggestion to investigate was “very serious.” “This is very important legislation,” Robertson said. “And I think we need to get this right.” The Council voted in 2015 to routinely post the register online to allow the public to keep tabs on city spending. The city published the data for several years, but stopped in 2019 due to concerns it was taking up too much staff time and creating too much risk of inadvertent disclosures of confidential information. Mayor Danny Avula has proposed changing the law to allow the city to resume publishing a slimmed-down version of the payment register. The mayor’s team has said his proposal would still provide more transparency than what currently exists, without overburdening the city by having staffers review large amounts of data to find and redact potentially sensitive text like social security numbers or the names of people receiving social services payments. [Avula rolls out plan to relaunch city government’s payment register“I will be perfectly honest to say this fell into the category of important, but not urgent.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8451de7f-f7c8-4833-ad5d-89889f670d61.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/D4A58CF4-D75E-4A7F-90E4-E867734F7059_1_105_c-2c0af696-ad40-4418-9eb7-1e715fd16c07.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-rolls-out-plan-to-relaunch-city-governments-payment-register/) The mayor’s proposal was also on Wednesday’s committee agenda, but the administration asked for it to be put off until July. The Council seems to prefer to take up both proposals at the same time, though the body could conceivably choose to investigate the issue before deciding how it wants to proceed with Avula’s plan. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Gibson contends an investigation would help the Council better understand the validity of the administration’s concerns about publishing the payment register and give the elected body a firmer understanding of what type of information city officials want to redact. “The Council would have additional visibility and could ensure that ahead of voting to reduce what is publicly available — essentially reducing the transparency — that we would do our due diligence in reviewing the documentation,” Gibson said Wednesday. Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren explained that, if the body wanted to do the investigation, it would go through the Council’s Organizational Development Committee. All nine members serve on that committee, and could decide what documents and testimony was needed to understand the payment register issue. If the Council’s informational requests were denied, Warren said, the Council could then invoke its subpoena power. During a public comment period, one speaker urged the Council to support Gibson’s call for an investigation. A city “striving for excellence,” said Northside resident Almonte Canselo, shouldn’t choose less transparency just because other local governments don’t typically publish financial data as detailed as what the Richmond law requires. “If we welcome accountability, it would only make sense to make it as easy as possible to find this information,” Canselo said. The two proposals will come back for the committee’s July 15 meeting. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Thalhimer denies allegations in defamation suit filed by Flying Squirrels owner URL: https://www.richmonder.org/thalhimer-denies-allegations-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-flying-squirrels-owner/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T21:09:09.000Z In a new legal filing, Diamond District developer Jason Guillot says he was threatened by Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, but didn’t report what had happened as a death threat. DiBella filed a defamation lawsuit last month against Guillot and Guillot’s employer, Thalhimer Realty Partners, claiming a heated encounter at the new CarMax Park resulted in Guillot falsely telling city officials DiBella had threatened to “kill” Guillot and his family. DiBella claims he made a joking comment about hurting Guillot and his family that was taken out of context and weaponized against him in an ongoing dispute over a small piece of Thalhimer-controlled land next to the new ballpark. In a response filed Thursday that was [first reported by Richmond BizSenze,](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/18/breaking-news-thalhimer-files-response-to-squirrels-owners-defamation-lawsuit/?utm%5Fcampaign=RBS%20Newsfeed&utm%5Fmedium=email&%5Fhsenc=p2ANqtz--tvkqfuCbou17rFmMQCfnxvRcie-vEYaTHi4nS2CtbEf5jHZjicXJxxzam8ldaScBHQjInOk2UDBdscjW4xCbyUQkcQw&%5Fhsmi=424522026&utm%5Fcontent=424522026&utm%5Fsource=hs%5Femail) the Thalhimer defendants argued it’s DiBella himself using intimidation tactics by filing a “baseless” lawsuit built around something Guillot did not actually say. “Although the Complaint concedes that Lou DiBella threatened Guillot in various ways, Guillot never reported to anyone at the City of Richmond and/or the Economic Development Authority that DiBella ‘threatened to kill Guillot and his family,’” the Thalhimer response says. “City officials will confirm that Guillot made no such statements.” DiBella alleged Guillot told the city the threat had occurred during an argument at CarMax Park in April, on the opening night of the new baseball stadium. As the encounter wrapped up, DiBella claims he told Guillot he would never hit him and repeated an “approximate quote” from the 1982 film “Diner,” saying: “But if I did hit you, I’d hit you so hard, I’d hurt your whole family.” The exact quote from the movie is “I’ll hit you so hard, I’ll kill your whole family.” Angie Rodgers, Richmond’s director of economic development, later called DiBella about the incident. In a sworn declaration attached to Thalhimher’s response, Rodgers said Guillot never told her DiBella had threatened to kill him and his family and never suggested as much in her April 9 call to DiBella. Guillot wrote a contemporaneous memo to the city relaying his version of events. That memo mentioned that DiBella’s dog bit someone and pooped in the Thalhimer suite and said DiBella had threatened to “bitch slap” Guillot. However, the memo did not mention any threat to kill. DiBella claimed the city and Thalhimer — the lead developer in charge of the broader Diamond District mixed-use redevelopment that includes the new ballpark — were essentially teaming up to harm him as the parties continue to work through details of the project. Thalhimer’s response says the company has no incentive to do so, because it already has the piece of land DiBella is trying to buy. “Defendants already own the parcel, and they have no need to exert leverage against DiBella,” the response says. “It is DiBella, through this meritless lawsuit and other legal threats, who seeks to pressure the Defendants to sell the parcel.” Guillot and Thalhimer are being represented by a team of local attorneys from William Mullen. DiBella is being represented by Alexandria-based law firm Clare Locke. Thalhimer’s response also pushes back against DiBella’s claim the development team was trying to undercut ballpark concessions by building a sports bar on the disputed 0.8-acre parcel. The plan, according to DiBella’s suit, was to name the establishment “Parney’s Pub” after former Squirrels executive Todd “Parney” Parnell. DiBella’s legal filing claims Parney alerted him to the plan, but Thalhimer alleges it was Parney who approached the development team with the idea as far back as the spring of 2024. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Richmond’s chief judge orders city officials to beef up courthouse security URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-chief-judge-orders-city-officials-to-beef-up-courthouse-security/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T14:26:05.000Z The chief judge of the Richmond Circuit Court has ordered the city to provide more sheriff’s deputies for courtroom security, saying there’s been growing disorder at the John Marshall Courts Building. In Monday’s edict, Chief Judge Jacqueline S. McClenney ordered at least three deputies to be on hand when judges are hearing criminal dockets, and at least two deputies for civil dockets. Circuit Court Clerk Ed Jewett announced the move in a news release Thursday morning that said there have been an “increasing number of security incidents.” “Over the last several months, there has been fighting in the public corridors, an overnight break in, an escape from custody by a defendant and an attack by a defendant on court personnel,” Jewett said in the release. “The judges are concerned about the safety of the public, the members of the bar and court staff.” Courthouse security is primarily the responsibility of Sheriff Antionette V. Irving, who also runs the city jail. The sheriff’s operations are determined in part by how much funding her office receives from the city. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The Circuit Court judges have already taken legal action against the city over courthouse conditions writ large, ramping up pressure for local officials to provide more money to fix up the building or potentially build a new, more modern courthouse. An initial hearing in that matter has been set for June 30. [A new courthouse is needed, but funding and details remain in disputeRichmond’s seven Circuit Court judges threatened to take legal action against the city if it didn’t begin to tackle a situation they described as “untenable.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8d157bc6-4e5d-4113-a527-1f587e5df63d.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7533-38f9093e-1055-4756-9b1b-fc2570b66903.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-new-courthouse-is-needed-but-funding-and-details-remain-in-dispute/) McClenney’s order notes that the judges have “communicated with and met and conferred with the Sheriff of the City of Richmond on multiple instances.” Irving did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning. In March, a man was [charged with a felony](https://www.richmonder.org/man-charged-after-break-in-at-richmond-courthouse-officials-plan-funding-boost-for-security/) after he allegedly broke into the John Marshall courthouse late at night and smashed an interior door. In May, Blackwell Elementary School was briefly placed on lockdown after an inmate escaped custody at the courthouse, according to [the Richmond Times-Dispatch](https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/article%5F6e5c83f2-69fc-4b22-ad8f-5feebd5b1201.html). Under Virginia law, if judges disagree with a local sheriff on security protocols, the dispute can be referred to the state Compensation Board, which has oversight over the budgets of elected constitutional officers like sheriffs, prosecutors and court clerks. The state board helps to resolve those disputes “in accordance with existing budgeted funds and personnel.” [Richmond courthouses now allow cell phones, but only in locked pouchesRichmond officials are finally allowing members of the public to take phones into city courthouses.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9b11594c-b8c7-42ee-b077-88fbaf85926d.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Copy-of-5-Top-View-w-Phone-edc258d1-dc85-43c1-b9c0-a845ac43dccd.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-courthouses-now-allow-cell-phones-but-only-in-locked-pouches/) Virginia law also allows local governments to assess a fee on criminal and traffic cases to have some of the costs for courthouse security be borne by courthouse users instead of the general public. Richmond assesses a courthouse security fee of $5, according to the [city code](https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO%5FCH12FI%5FARTIVFESE%5FS12-113CRTRCACOCOEECOSEPE). State [law](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title53.1/chapter3/section53.1-120/) allows a fee of up to $20. “We encourage the city administration to continue working with all the stakeholders to develop and fund the personnel and the building improvements needed to make the courthouses in the city of Richmond safe again,” Jewett said in his release. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Juneteenth events around Richmond this week URL: https://www.richmonder.org/juneteenth-events-around-richmond-2/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T14:26:42.000Z Multiple events will take place across the region marking the Friday holiday. City and county offices will be closed on Friday in observence. ## Thursday ### Talk on integration and civil rights *2-3 p.m.; Chesterfield Baptist Church; 16530 Hull Street Road* Organized by the Chesterfield County Parks & Rec department, the program will explore “the harsh realities of Jim Crow, segregation and integration across the Richmond region and learn how individuals and communities pushed back to spark change nationally.” [Registration required](https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chesterfieldparksrec/activity/search/detail/25794?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US). ### Black History tour of the Valentine *6-6:30 p.m.; The Valentine; 1015 E. Clay Street; Parking at 407 N. 10th St.* A [free tour](https://thevalentine.org/event/black-history-short-story-tour/) of the Valentine’s collection focused on Black History in the Richmond region. ### Workshop on Freedom Papers & Free Black Registries *6:30–7:30 p.m.; Bon Air Library, Community Room, 9103 Rattlesnake Road, North Chesterfield* Hosted by Chesterfield Public Library, [the event](https://chesterfield.libnet.info/event/16496379) explores “how Freedom Papers and Free Black Registries reveal what freedom looked like in Richmond's history.” ## Friday ### Parade, picnic and worship service in Church Hill *8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.; St. John's Church, 2401 E. Broad Street & 1708 N. 22nd St.* A group of local Episcopal churches is hosting [a celebration](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/event/church-hill-juneteeth-2026-celebration/50816/) that will begin at St. John’s Church for a parade to Peter Paul RVA, where a worship service featuring remarks from Times-Dispatch Columnist Michael Paul Williams, will be followed by a performance by the Audacious Diamonds and picnic with children’s activities. ### Free day at the garden *9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave.* Admission to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be free. The garden is also hosting [a lineup of events](https://www.lewisginter.org/event/juneteenth-free-community-day/) and music, beginning with a story time for kids and ending with an interactive presentation on African heritage crops and will have food trucks on site. ## Saturday ### Kids music celebration *10-11 a.m.; Clover Hill Library; 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian* Musician Mama Kemi will lead kids in joyful music and movement, celebrating Opal Lee and Juneteenth. For grades K–5\. Free, but [registration recommended](https://chesterfield.libnet.info/event/16554385). ### Gospel celebration at VUU *Noon–3 p.m.; Barco-Stevens Lawn, Virginia Union University* Virginia Union University's Center for Gospel Music will present a [free outdoor concert](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-free-gospel-concert-tickets-1989406845428) “designed to uplift, reflect, and bring our community together in the spirit of liberation and joy.” Headlined by Pastor Shirley Caesar and featuring VUU’s Gospel Choir. ### Big outdoor festival with fireworks *4–10 p.m.; Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico* Henrico County’s [annual festival](https://henrico.gov/calendar/juneteenth-celebration-2026/) includes hundreds of local vendors, a kids zone, train rides, live music and DJs. Art of Noise and Soul Expressions are headlining. Capped off with a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. ### Jubilation in June *4-9 p.m.; Midtown Green, 2401 W Leigh St, Richmond* The [celebration](https://praiserichmond.com/jubilation-in-june/) at the former training camp site will include DJs, live music and food trucks. ### City: DPU billing glitch impacted about 15,000 customers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-dpu-billing-glitch-impacted-about-15-000-customers/ Last updated: 2026-06-18T13:52:10.000Z Richmond's Department of Public Utilities said Wednesday that about 15,000 accounts were impacted by an issue that caused customers to be told their utility payments did not arrive. In an [online post](https://rva.gov/public-utilities/accountupdate?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=ctct), officials said the process of correcting those accounts is scheduled to wrap up Thursday. "In these cases, payment files from one of DPU’s payment processors were not received as expected," the city wrote. [DPU suspends water cutoffs as billing glitches continueSome customers of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities are still experiencing billing problems as the department works to transition to new backend systems.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c5189e5e-bb79-44ba-a770-3d91a9aa255a.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8922-1-9c46cdde-f4e1-4330-b363-af9d190b94a8.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/dpu-suspends-water-cutoffs-as-billing-glitches-continue/) ### What happened? On May 26, the city switched to a new billing and customer service system. At the time officials touted a successful launch, and Wednesday's post reiterated that. "While the launch was successful and key milestones were achieved — including accurate account data conversion and system functionality — some issues have occurred with third-party billing and payment processing vendors," it said. [Some DPU billing accounts showing errors after system upgrade, city says it will automatically fixResolution is expected to occur within one to two business days, according to the city.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-5b071cd4-55a6-4627-8599-5c59ca9532f5.png)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_5598-2df453e9-0f3f-42d5-8f5a-91277a100170.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/some-dpu-billing-accounts-showing-errors-after-system-upgrade-city-says-it-will-automatically-fix/) The new system has assigned each customer a new account number. The new numbers are 10 digits long, and replace previous account numbers. ### Why did people receive mailed bills? Many customers who have signed up for online autopay services received "past due" bills over the last few weeks. "During the conversion, DPU’s bill print vendor did not properly reference customer email addresses and the bills defaulted to mail delivery," the post said. "The vendor has corrected this issue and has resumed email delivery for those customers signed up for paperless billing." ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What happens next? The city said that all late fees will be waived, and that customers do not need to take any action. The delayed processing of payments that wraps up Thursday will be reflected on future bills. The city operates a customer service line at 804-646-4646, but wait times may be significantly higher than normal. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### VHMC previews next weekend's 'Illumination' event for debate participants URL: https://www.richmonder.org/vhmc-previews-next-weekends-illumination-event-for-debate-participants/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T19:36:13.000Z To celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture will run a projection that brings the nation's history onto the screen in front of the museum. Attending the projection [**is free**](https://virginiahistory.org/events/americas-250th/illumination#do-i-need-tickets). It will run nightly from June 25-28 beginning at 9 p.m., and Arthur Ashe Boulevard will be closed each night in front of the museum. [Up for debate: Major national event arrives in Richmond this weekendStarting Sunday, thousands of students will descend on Richmond to compete in one of the world’s largest academic competitions.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7ad0322e-f3c6-4221-9ac4-b2bead2bce2b.png)The RichmonderHaidyn Brockelman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-2.30.22---PM-083501c6-81a0-44ef-b1b9-af7fd61216c5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/up-for-debate-major-national-event-arrives-in-richmond-this-weekend/) On Tuesday, the museum ran the projection for students in town for the National Speech and Debate Tournament. Here's what it looked like: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7436.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7449.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7483.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7512.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7549.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7561.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7644.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IllumiNation-7651.jpg) ### We're the nation's top news startup! URL: https://www.richmonder.org/were-the-nations-top-news-startup/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T18:29:08.000Z Richmonders love being the best. We're the [**best river town**](https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-river-towns-america/), the [**best city to visit**](https://www.cnn.com/travel/richmond-virginia-best-towns-america), and have [**the best burgers in America**](https://rvamag.com/eatdrink/goodeats/richmond-named-best-burger-town-in-the-nation.html). Today's big news is about ... the news. The Richmonder was named national [**Startup of the Year**](https://inn.org/about/our-work/nonprofit-news-awards/2026-award-winners/startup-of-the-year/) by the Institute for Nonprofit News, a group that oversees more than 500 newsrooms and creates industry standards. 🗳️ The award cited The Richmonder's “experienced small staff with a well-stated mission and intense community engagement.” We agree! It's great to hear national validation of what we've known for a while: **Richmond is hungry for community, connection and reliable local news.** Less than two years in, we now reach more than 160,000 Richmonders each month through our newsletter, website and social media channels. Personally, it's been rewarding to see the hundreds of meetings, mountains of paperwork and long nights slowly turn into a community institution Richmonders can be proud of. As a reader of The Richmonder, you are part of our success. On behalf of the entire team, thank you! There's never been a better time to [****join the 1,300+ members**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) who allow us to bring Richmond paywall-free local news. ****Our members are our single largest source of funding.** [Donate now! ](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) We look forward to celebrating our award with you in the coming days, and continuing to build and grow our impact across the Richmond region! With gratitude, Michael Phillips Founder [**mphillips@richmonder.org**](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org) **P.S. – Our peers across the country tell us that we have one of the best newsletter "open rates" in the business, at more than 65%. We'll continue to listen as you tell us what you want to see. If you aren't yet a member, please* [***join us now!**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) ### June 17 Newsletter: Finding lost money URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-17-newsletter-finding-lost-money/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T10:00:36.000Z **Weather:** High of 90, mostly sunny **On this date** in 2009, Food Lion overtakes Ukrop’s as the area’s top grocery store by sales volume, the first time Ukrop’s is not No. 1 in more than two decades. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/3CR756N--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-expects-millions-in-unbudgeted-taxes-from-airbnb-rentals-its-unclear-where-the-money-will-go/) ### Richmond expects millions in unbudgeted taxes from Airbnb rentals. It’s unclear where the money will go Three days after City Council closed the books on the budget, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration announced the city would be getting millions of dollars in previously uncollected revenue by fixing a tax issue with short-term rentals. While the announcement showed progress in the city’s efforts to more aggressively collect unpaid taxes, the timing also raised eyebrows for some Council members pushing for clearer insight into how the city collects and spends money. Councilor Nicole Jones said she doesn’t see the short-term rental issue as the administration intentionally keeping the Council in the dark about how much money it has. But, she said, it shows the process could be improved through better planning. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-expects-millions-in-unbudgeted-taxes-from-airbnb-rentals-its-unclear-where-the-money-will-go/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/FullSizeRender.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/martin-agency-and-ex-exec-settle-metoo-era-lawsuit-out-of-court/) ### Martin Agency and ex-exec settle #MeToo-era lawsuit out of court The Martin Agency and former Chief Creative Officer Joe Alexander settled a long-running lawsuit stemming from his ouster in 2017 amid allegations of sexual harassment. Neither side would comment on the resolution. AdWeek reported at the time that “he left the company after several sexual harassment claims about him were made with the agency.” Alexander has consistently denied the harassment claims and told the Wall Street Journal at the time that one of the allegations was “a consensual incident I am not proud of.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/martin-agency-and-ex-exec-settle-metoo-era-lawsuit-out-of-court/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-25.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/two-more-city-properties-including-former-school-once-earmarked-for-planned-parenthood-could-be-surplused-for-affordable-housing/) ### Two more city properties, including former school once earmarked for Planned Parenthood, could be surplused for affordable housing Right now, no specific proposals are on the table. Instead, officials are planning to issue a request for qualifications this summer to find developers who can put forward potential visions for what the properties could be. Those moves would continue a push by Mayor Danny Avula’s administration to tap into the pool of unused or underused properties the city owns to encourage their development into affordable housing. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/two-more-city-properties-including-former-school-once-earmarked-for-planned-parenthood-could-be-surplused-for-affordable-housing/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-24.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/bernie-henderson-advisor-to-governors-and-the-very-epitome-of-an-engaged-citizen-dies-at-75/) ### Bernie Henderson, advisor to governors and ‘the very epitome of an engaged citizen,’ dies at 75 Bernard “Bernie” Henderson, a longtime figure in Richmond and Virginia Democratic politics who served under several state governors and was a fixture in the local funeral home industry in his later years, died on June 8 at age 75\. Former Mayor Levar Stoney described Henderson as “one of the kindest men I ever met in political life” and “a gentleman to his core with an unwavering love for the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Former Governor Tim Kaine said “if there was something big and unusual that maybe we didn’t have a playbook for, Bernie would always get asked by the chief of staff to come in and help.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/bernie-henderson-advisor-to-governors-and-the-very-epitome-of-an-engaged-citizen-dies-at-75/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-23.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/dpu-suspends-water-cutoffs-as-billing-glitches-continue/) ### DPU suspends water cutoffs as billing glitches continue Some customers are still experiencing billing problems as the department works to transition to new backend systems. Officials said customers who have already submitted a payment and “received confirmation that it was processed” should not send the payment a second time. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/dpu-suspends-water-cutoffs-as-billing-glitches-continue/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/260414_024_aj_900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/next-step-vcu-expands-to-richard-bland-college-and-brightpoint-community-college) ### NEXT Step VCU expands The dual-admissions program, which now includes three college partners, provides transfer students with personalized support, cost savings and a clear route to a VCU degree. “The NEXT Step partnership reflects the future of public higher education: institutions working together and serving the public good,” said VCU President Michael Rao. “At VCU, we believe higher education should expand opportunity and eliminate barriers. We see talent everywhere and in everyone, and our responsibility is to help more hard-working students clear the path for the completion of a degree that leads to a meaningful career in a timely way.” [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/next-step-vcu-expands-to-richard-bland-college-and-brightpoint-community-college) --- ### In other news - [**Sen. Tim Kaine opens National Speech and Debate Tournament**](https://www.richmonder.org/sen-tim-kaine-opens-national-speech-and-debate-tournament/) - Kaine imparted the two “most important communication lessons” he has learned over the years: creating genuine connections with audiences and becoming a better listener. - [**Tiffany & Co. closing its only Richmond store at Stony Point Fashion Park**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/tiffany-stony-point-fashion-park-june-16-2026) (CBS 6) - Earlier this year, Saks Fifth Avenue closed its Stony Point location after the store's parent company filed for bankruptcy. - [**Kickers head coach Darren Sawatzky leaving club after seven seasons**](https://www.wric.com/sports/kickers-head-coach-darren-sawatzky-leaving-club-after-seven-seasons/) (8News) - Assistant Coach Brian Ownby will take over as Interim Head Coach for the rest of the 2026 USL League One season. --- ### The editor's desk Greetings from Pittsburgh and the annual Institute for Nonprofit News conference. For the first time ever, local-focused outlets now outnumber national outlets as INN members, an encouraging industry trend. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Martin Agency and ex-exec settle #MeToo-era lawsuit out of court URL: https://www.richmonder.org/martin-agency-and-ex-exec-settle-metoo-era-lawsuit-out-of-court/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T21:07:01.000Z The Martin Agency and its former chief creative officer settled a long-running lawsuit stemming from his ouster in 2017 amid allegations of sexual harassment. Joe Alexander had accused the company of destroying his reputation in a 2024 lawsuit filed in Richmond Circuit Court seeking $50 million in damages – his second legal filing against the company, which rebranded earlier this year to MARTIN\*. In a court filing last week, attorneys for Alexander and the Martin Agency asked a judge to dismiss the case, writing that “all matters of controversy between them have been resolved to their satisfaction.” The filing included no additional information about the resolution and neither lawyers for Martin nor Alexander responded to a request for comment. An email to Alexander last week was unanswered. Alexander worked at the Richmond-based ad agency in senior roles for 26 years, leading work on accounts for prominent brands like Geico, Walmart and Benjamin Moore paint. When his departure was first announced, AdWeek [described him](https://www.adweek.com/agencies/the-martin-agencys-chief-creative-officer-joe-alexander-is-out-after-26-years/) as an “elder statesman in the ad industry.” A week later, the [publication reported](https://www.adweek.com/agencies/the-martin-agency-chief-creative-officer-joe-alexander-exits-after-multiple-sexual-harassment-complaints-sources-say/) “he left the company after several sexual harassment claims about him were made with the agency.” The Wall Street Journal followed up the next month with [an article detailing](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ousting-an-accused-harasser-wasnt-enough-ad-agency-staff-wanted-to-know-why-1513161001) a 2013 confidential settlement in which Alexander was accused by a female copywriter of making unwanted advances, touching her inappropriately and trying to kiss her. The copywriter also alleged he invited her to his hotel room during a commercial shoot for Walmart and got naked after she arrived. The Journal reported the woman received $275,000 as part of the agreement, which also barred her from further employment with Martin and its parent company. Alexander has consistently denied the harassment claims and, of the behavior described in the settlement, he told the Journal at the time that the event was “a consensual incident I am not proud of.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Since his departure from Martin, he filed two lawsuits against the agency alleging reputational damage. The first, filed in 2019, alleged Martin defamed him by reposting news articles about the agency’s new CEO, Kristen Cavallo, which referenced and recapped the allegations against him. That case was dismissed and a subsequent appeal by Alexander was unsuccessful, with [the court ruling](https://law.justia.com/cases/virginia/court-of-appeals-unpublished/2025/0272-24-2.html) that nothing in the articles spoke to the validity of the sexual harassment allegations, only that they existed. In Alexander’s second lawsuit, filed in 2024, he alleged Martin Agency executives defamed him in statements made to news outlets, which the agency also subsequently posted on its website. The first involved [a profile of Cavallo in Ad Age](https://adage.com/article/special-report-agency-list/ad-age-2019-executive-year-kristen-cavallo-martin-agency/2163416/) in which she was named ad executive of the year, where she references being appointed after a “MeToo scandal” and pulling the pieces together after a “crisis.” The second concerned a 2023 [article in Virginia Business](https://virginiabusiness.com/the-view-from-the-top/) naming Cavallo business person of the year. In it, Elizabeth Paul, the agency’s chief strategy officer, attributed a portion of the agency’s business woes in 2017 to a crisis caused by a person she refers to as “He Who Shall Not Be Named.” Richmond Circuit Court Judge Jacqueline McClenney dismissed both claims in 2024, ruling the statements in question weren’t capable of defamatory meaning. [Branch director Kristen Cavallo will return to her role as CEO of MartinDanny Robinson is retiring to accept a residency as an artist in France.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c9bb17f4-7887-4af0-84b8-7250d2c78213.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-03-26-at-12.48.04---PM-99bd51e1-0a3f-4c8f-b473-7d2a8ff23c8d.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/branch-director-kristin-cavallo-will-return-to-her-role-as-ceo-of-martin/) But in a ruling earlier this year, she said a third claim could go forward alleging Martin broke the terms of the 2013 confidential settlement between the company, Alexander and the former copywriter who alleged he harassed her. The alleged breach came when Martin reposted a [2018 news story by Refinery29](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/12/217506/the-martin-agency-women-executives-times-up) headlined “The Morning After,” which recounted prior reporting about the contents of the settlement as part of a larger story about the agency’s post-MeToo trajectory as “one of the only large firms in the country to be led by a female duo.” Martin had argued in court filings that the information could no longer be considered confidential because it had been so widely published. It also contended that the agreement only bound Martin executives and that there was no evidence they had a role in posting the article on the agency’s website. McClenney called the argument about confidentiality “unpersuasive” and wrote questions about who was responsible for posting the article on Martin’s website were a matter of “genuine dispute.” As recently as April, the case appeared headed for a three-day trial, with Alexander planning to call a roster of current and former Martin execs as witnesses: Cavallo, Tasha Dean, Beth Rilee-Kelly, Steve Humble and Britt Flippo Wall, as well as an economist who planned to testify about the potential income Alexander lost as a result of his departure. On April 24, four days before the trial was scheduled to begin, lawyers for Martin and Alexander asked for a continuance. Nothing further was filed until last week, when both sides asked the court to dismiss the case. *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ### Two more city properties, including former school once earmarked for Planned Parenthood, could be surplused for affordable housing URL: https://www.richmonder.org/two-more-city-properties-including-former-school-once-earmarked-for-planned-parenthood-could-be-surplused-for-affordable-housing/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T13:54:10.000Z Two more city properties could be headed toward conversion into affordable housing. Richmond officials are considering surplusing the Richmond Police Department’s former First Precinct headquarters on Q Street in Church Hill and an old school on Chamberlayne Avenue once envisioned as a new Planned Parenthood clinic with the goal of seeing them redeveloped with affordable units. “The number one priority is affordability,” Richmond Director of Housing and Community Development Merrick Malone told a City Council committee Tuesday. In particular, he added, the city would like to see development that serves multiple incomes — a goal officials have repeatedly said aims to prevent the concentration of poverty. Right now, no specific proposals to declare either property surplus are on the table. Instead, officials are planning to issue a request for qualifications this summer to find possible developers who can put forward potential visions for what the properties could be. Those moves would continue a push by Mayor Danny Avula’s administration [to tap into the pool of unused or underused properties the city owns](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-vow-to-begin-using-surplus-city-properties-to-spur-affordable-housing-development/) to encourage their development into affordable housing. [Richmond officials vow to begin using surplus city properties to spur affordable housing developmentBecause the city chooses who it sells to, it can help determine what the development will look like.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c2b06034-cabf-456d-835f-dba5aa23e886.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/1DF80C8F-0CF1-48E8-8770-14D900B8A7B2_1_201_a-5b34dd29-38c3-4e61-a473-75aee28d9bdc.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-vow-to-begin-using-surplus-city-properties-to-spur-affordable-housing-development/) In fall 2025, officials announced they would be issuing requests for proposals to redevelop [two city-owned parking lots in Shockoe Bottom and Manchester](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-to-seek-proposals-to-redevelop-city-owned-parking-lots-in-shockoe-manchester-into-affordable-housing/). Malone said Tuesday that no developer submitted a bid for the Hull Street site in Manchester, with the city hearing from some potential partners that it was too small. “We have to rethink how we approach that,” he said. The properties at 2503 Q St. and 4929 Chamberlayne Ave. would be the latest additions to that list. The Q Street property fronts on North 25th Street and stretches over almost an acre of land to North 26th Street. It was most recently assessed at $1.26 million. Since 1989, it had been home to RPD’s First Precinct. In April, however, [the precinct moved to a newly constructed building outside the Richmond City Justice Center](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-police-unveil-long-awaited-first-precinct-building-in-church-hill/) that offered more space and flexibility. [Richmond police unveil long-awaited First Precinct building in Church HillThe 20,000 square foot building is neighbors with the Richmond City Justice Center and Oliver Hill Courts Building.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c8cce1f1-7a46-44cd-b740-21b980ffcd11.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_1463-130d74d1-0c71-4ae3-95b3-54bee5006ed5.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-police-unveil-long-awaited-first-precinct-building-in-church-hill/) The Chamberlayne property was once the site of the Brook Hill School, which the city acquired from Henrico through the 1942 annexation. While it has an assessed value today of almost $1.4 million, the City Council in 2024 voted to sell the property to Planned Parenthood, a controversial decision that sparked a lawsuit. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Although the lawsuit failed, the project never came to fruition, and [the city said earlier this year that it intended to add the property to its surplus list](https://www.richmonder.org/planned-parenthood-clinic-not-moving-forward-in-northside-after-citys-10-property-deal/). Today, the site also sits near the Crossings at Mulberry, a mixed-income community that lies right across the Henrico County line. *This story has been updated to correct the address of the former First Precinct building.* *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Richmond expects millions in unbudgeted taxes from Airbnb rentals. It’s unclear where the money will go URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-expects-millions-in-unbudgeted-taxes-from-airbnb-rentals-its-unclear-where-the-money-will-go/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T20:18:49.000Z When the Richmond City Council was finalizing the city’s latest budget this spring, members repeatedly asked questions about whether all the money the city collects was showing up in the numbers. Getting a firm grasp on how much revenue the city has, Council members suggested, is particularly important during budget review. Under a strong mayor form of government, that’s when the city’s legislative body has the most power to decide how tax dollars are spent. “Once we’ve adopted the budget, we’re out of the game,” Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District) said at one meeting. Three days after the Council closed the books on the budget, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration announced the city would be getting millions of dollars in previously uncollected revenue by fixing a tax issue with short-term rentals. The money wasn’t disclosed to the Council during budget season, which meant there was no opportunity for the legislative body to ask questions or try to formally add it to the budget as members searched for more revenue to make their math work. The extra money from rentals on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO added up to $5.6 million in delinquent taxes and penalties, according to the city. That amount included $4.3 million in overdue taxes, plus about $1.3 million in interest, penalties and fees. According to a city spokesperson, the administration collected the $5.6 million on May 5, almost a week before the Council’s May 11 budget vote. Resolving the non-compliance issue, the city said, will also mean another $2 million in annual recurring revenue going forward.The new budget that takes effect July 1 projects only $351,554 in short-term rental taxes for fiscal year 2027. When asked why the issue was revealed a few days after the Council’s budget vote and not when the budget was still open, a city spokesperson said the money wouldn’t have been available to spend immediately, because lodging taxes first go to the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority (GRCCA) before excess amounts are returned to the city. Similarly, the city said the $2 million in recurring revenue that was announced won’t happen in the budget year set to begin in a few weeks. Instead, it’s expected to start coming in for the fiscal year that starts next summer. While the announcement showed progress in the city’s efforts to more aggressively collect unpaid taxes, the timing also raised eyebrows for some Council members pushing for clearer insight into how the city collects and spends money. “We have to do a better job collectively about being transparent about what is coming into our coffers, even if it’s not in the projected revenue,” Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) said in an interview. Short-term rental companies are supposed to collect an 8% lodging tax and submit the money to local governments on a monthly basis. Richmond officials have said the city wasn’t getting the full amount owed, but haven’t clarified exactly why the taxes weren’t being collected before and who paid the $5.6 million to clear the overdue balance. Instead, the city has repeatedly pointed to confidentiality laws that protect taxpayer information from public disclosure. Where the money will ultimately end up is also unclear. Municipal budgeting is always reliant on projecting how much tax revenue might be available before the city actually has it in hand. But lodging taxes are particularly complicated. Under the terms of a regional agreement, hotel and other lodging taxes first go to the authority that oversees the convention center to help attract more visitors and conferences to the Richmond area. When revenues exceed what the GRCCA needs, local governments receive money back in the form of rebate payments. “The city does not currently retain or control the funds; rather, we identified it through collections, and it will go to GRCCA, who coordinates the total collections from localities and calculates final rebate amounts,” Avula spokesperson Mira Signer said when asked why the issue wasn’t mentioned during budget season. “Eventually a portion would be rebated back to the city and could be appropriated through the standard budget process or an amendment.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Shortly after the city announced the extra revenue on May 14, Henrico County official Brandon Hinton — who serves as GRCCA’s finance chair — said the city should eventually get back the full $4.3 million in unpaid taxes because Richmond had already covered its contractual share of GRCCA’s costs. The city should receive that rebate at some point after the current fiscal year ends, and the timing means the Avula administration will likely have the first shot at proposing how it’s spent. Under the city charter, the Council can propose amendments to the mayor’s spending plan during the normal budget process. But mid-year amendments to spend excess money can happen “only upon the recommendation of the mayor.” Most local tax dollars go into the city’s $1.1 billion general fund, which pays for the routine operations of city government. Adding a few extra million into the pot wouldn’t be a hugely substantial increase. However, the Council often only makes a few million dollars’ worth of amendments each year. That means the discovery of even small amounts of unallocated money can help Council members fund more of that they want while keeping the budget balanced. During this year’s budget process, Councilor Nicole Jones (9th District) [voiced frustration](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-agree-to-scrap-flawed-housing-relief-program-to-free-up-money-for-other-uses/) after it became clear there would be no money to fund her request for a $1.5 million splash pad at Southside’s Broad Rock Sports Complex. In an interview, Jones said she doesn’t see the short-term rental issue as the administration intentionally keeping the Council in the dark about how much money it has. But, she said, it shows the process could be improved through better planning. “When the money comes afterward, it’s like ‘Oh, we could’ve had it for this,’” Jones said. Though local officials largely avoided service cuts this year, the exception was the elimination of the Richmond Virtual Academy, an online school removed from the Richmond Public Schools budget due to a lack of funding. The academy is set to close despite pleas from parents who said the online option was [a lifeline](https://www.richmonder.org/for-some-richmond-students-virtual-school-became-a-lifeline-now-its-about-to-disappear/) for students seeking an alternative to in-person school due to learning disabilities or being bullied. The annual cost of the virtual academy — which both School Board and Council members said they would’ve liked to keep if the money could be found — was estimated at $3.2 million, less than the amount the city could be taking in soon from overdue short-term rental taxes. Even before the city resolved the tax compliance issue, short-term rental revenues were coming in well ahead of what the city projected for the budget year that’s coming to a close. As of the [end of April](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/April%202026%20-%20Monthly%20Financial%20Synopses%20%28Final%29.pdf), short-term rental tax revenue was just over $350,000 for the fiscal year, or about 319% of the roughly $110,000 projected in the budget. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Bernie Henderson, advisor to governors and ‘the very epitome of an engaged citizen,’ dies at 75 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bernie-henderson-advisor-to-governors-and-the-very-epitome-of-an-engaged-citizen-dies-at-75/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T19:13:06.000Z Bernard “Bernie” Henderson, a longtime figure in Richmond and Virginia Democratic politics who served under several state governors and was a fixture in the local funeral home industry in his later years, died on June 8 at age 75\. His death was announced [in an obituary](https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesdispatch/name/bernard-henderson-obituary?id=61684661) and by several Richmond organizations, including the group Richmond First, whose president Jim Jernigan described Henderson as “a cherished long-standing member” of the nonprofit. “He was a dear friend to all of us — the very epitome of an engaged citizen,” Jernigan wrote. Henderson is survived by his wife Marie Jimenez Henderson and their two daughters, along with several grandchildren and extended family members. His obituary described his “lifelong interest in politics,” one that included the notable experience of having served as a door-to-door campaigner for President John F. Kennedy in 1960 when Henderson himself was not yet a teenager. Henderson worked for multiple Virginia Democratic politicians in earlier decades, including state Dels. Junie Bradshaw and William Ferguson Reid and as well as state Sen. William F. Parkerson, Jr. He also served as a staff member in the office of U.S. Rep. W. Pat Jennings. His decades-long resume in Virginia politics saw him serve in numerous major state government departments, including leadership roles in the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, the State Corporation Commission, and the Virginia Department of Commerce. Former Mayor Levar Stoney [described](https://x.com/LevarStoney/status/2065170224622514633) Henderson as “one of the kindest men I ever met in political life” and “a gentleman to his core with an unwavering love for the Commonwealth of Virginia.” He told the Richmonder that he first met Henderson when applying to serve as a governor’s fellow under Mark Warner during Warner’s 2002-2006 term. Henderson was on the interview panel and Stoney recalled him smiling warmly during the process. In 2023 Stoney mounted a bid for Virginia governor but suspended his campaign in April of 2024 and entered the race for lieutenant governor. After making that decision, “I received a handwritten note from Bernie,” he said. “The note encouraged me, thanked me, told me that it was a mature decision to run for lieutenant governor, that I should not hold my head down, and that one day he looked forward to calling me governor.” “We framed that note in our campaign office, because it was the nicest thing that anyone ever said to me,” he said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Henderson left full-time government employment at the conclusion of Gov. Tim Kaine’s administration in 2010, having served as Kaine’s interim secretary of the commonwealth and acting associate chief of staff. Though semi-retired, he would go on to serve roles in the McAuliffe and Northam administrations, including on the board of the Virginia War Memorial. Kaine told The Richmonder that when Kaine himself was sworn in as lieutenant governor in 2002, Henderson “had been in \[the state government\] a long time.” He said when he was elected governor in 2006, Henderson was working in the state Department of Health Professions. But “he had this unique ability to get to know everyone in the state government,” Kaine said. “Even though he had a particular function in just one agency, we used to kind of think of him as a ‘miracle worker’ in the state government—if you couldn’t figure out how to get something done, you’d call Bernie,” he said. He played roles in major events in Richmond’s history, Kaine said, including helping manage Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the state in 2007\. He also helped address the aftermath of the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech. “If there was something big and unusual that maybe we didn’t have a playbook for, Bernie would always get asked by the chief of staff to come in and help,” Kaine said. Henderson managed multiple funeral home locations in Virginia and Maryland for several years and eventually served as president of the local Woody Funeral Home for about half a decade. His interest in the subject went beyond the professional: the Kiwanis Club of Richmond [says](https://richmondkiwanis.org/clubevents/henderson) he was a “collector” of “facts about the deaths and funerals of presidents,” which he would present in history lessons to local civic groups. Kaine noted that with his background in funeral management, Henderson would also help oversee funeral arrangements for major public figures in Virginia. “Bernie would get involved to make sure the funeral was not only a credit to the person who was being memorialized but that it reflected Virginia’s appreciation of that person,” he said. Henderson even helped with the funeral of Kaine’s father-in-law, former Gov. Linwood Holton, who died in 2021\. At Holton’s funeral, “Bernie assembled the volunteers and coordinated with the church,” Kaine told the Richmonder. “I don’t even remember asking him to do it,” he said. “He just kind of knew he needed to do it. It was enormously helpful to my wife’s family and to all of us.” Even beyond extensive political work and service in the funeral industry, Henderson was a notably active member in Richmond civic life. [A 2017 nomination form](https://www.chamberrva.com/wp-content/uploads/vfb/2017/02/Bernie-Henderson-CLOY-Nomination.pdf) for that year’s Henrico Community Leader of the Year award listed Henderson’s service on numerous boards and in multiple nonprofit presidencies, including those of the Jewish Family Services of Richmond, the Richmond First Club, the Virginia War Memorial, the Shepherd Center of Richmond and others. Friends and colleagues shared warm memories of the longtime political leader online after his passing. He was described as “caring, intelligent, conscientious, thoughtful,” “the most humble man I ever knew,” “deeply involved in the community,” and a man with “a big smile, a big hug and kind words.” Lacyn Barton, a manager of funeral revenue and merchandising at Service Corporation International, who has done funeral work in the region for years, wrote on Henderson’s obituary that he was “a skilled funeral professional, a terrific boss, a wise confidant, and one of the greatest storytellers I've ever known.” She described him as “a loving second father whose guidance, humor, and unwavering belief in others shaped countless lives,” including her own. The funeral profession “has lost one of its finest, and I have lost someone I loved deeply,” she said. She thanked Henderson for teaching her the “appropriate times” to "write, phone, talk, whisper, nod, wink, or smile.” “I'll carry his lessons, his stories, and his friendship with me always,” she said. Stoney, meanwhile, described himself as “grateful for his friendship, his guidance, and his encouragement.” “He was the consummate Virginia gentlemen,” Stoney said. “He will be missed by so many.” ### DPU suspends water cutoffs as billing glitches continue URL: https://www.richmonder.org/dpu-suspends-water-cutoffs-as-billing-glitches-continue/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T19:16:22.000Z Some customers of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities are still experiencing billing problems as the department works to transition to new backend systems. On Monday, DPU announced it was suspending water cutoffs and the installation of [flow restrictors](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-newest-psa-was-made-with-ai/) until the billing issues can be resolved. Any erroneous late fees will also be removed from customer accounts, according to DPU. “The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is aware that some recent utility payments are not currently reflected in customer account balances due to a payment processing issue,” the department said in a news release Monday evening. “DPU is actively working with this payment processor to identify and resolve any remaining payment posting delays as quickly as possible.” As part of the system transition, DPU previously said customers would be getting new account numbers, but stressed that the city would still be able to keep tabs on payments using old account numbers. Some customers recently received text messages indicating they had an overdue balance and promoting signups for monthly payment plans, even if the last month’s bill was paid. Those messages appeared to be tied to new account numbers. City officials said earlier Monday that they were still looking into the issue to find out what had happened. The news release that went out at 5:40 p.m. didn’t go into great detail about what kinds of issues the department was working through or how they might impact customers. Officials said customers who have already submitted a payment and “received confirmation that it was processed” should not send the payment a second time. On June 1, the city said DPU was aware of a “system glitch” that was preventing some payments from being posted to customers’ accounts. Two days later, the city signaled the glitch had been fixed. A few weeks later, the issues appear to be lingering. “DPU appreciates customers’ patience and understanding as work continues to resolve the issue,” Monday’s release said. “Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Sen. Tim Kaine opens National Speech and Debate Tournament URL: https://www.richmonder.org/sen-tim-kaine-opens-national-speech-and-debate-tournament/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T14:46:01.000Z Speaking to hundreds of attendees in the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Monday morning, Richmonder and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine opened the National Speech and Debate Tournament by encouraging competitors to focus less on perfection and more on connection. Kaine drew from his experiences both in public office and as a musician – he is a self-taught harmonica player – and imparted the two “most important communication lessons” he’s learned over the years: creating genuine connections with audiences and becoming a better listener. He spoke to the first session of the "Congressional Debate" event, which will simulate public service over the next week. It is just one of several events being held at venues around the city. [Up for debate: Major national event arrives in Richmond this weekendStarting Sunday, thousands of students will descend on Richmond to compete in one of the world’s largest academic competitions.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-0823748b-284a-4b78-a4a2-420082f3687d.png)The RichmonderHaidyn Brockelman![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-2.30.22---PM-de5ce02c-8871-4d7d-9e5c-99f13d231251.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/up-for-debate-major-national-event-arrives-in-richmond-this-weekend/) Kaine admitted he doesn’t remember how he got started in speech and debate in high school, but said he was likely prompted by someone who knew he was “very introverted.” He still considers himself to be an introvert, despite his decades-long career as a public servant and speaker. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3254.JPG) Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) speaks to delegates from across the country. The first lesson was about his harmonica-playing “side gig.” Kaine often performs with the Dave Kline Band on both the harmonica and vocals. He recalled one such performance that was nearly derailed by Senate scheduling conflicts, the unexpected absences of the two lead vocalists, and Kaine’s already “bad mood.” Despite the hiccups, he said he still considers it one of his best shows and came away with what he now calls his everyday mantra. “It ain’t about perfection, it’s about connection,” he explained. “If you can create a sense of the community and connection, that is the most important thing you can do as a communicator.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3275.JPG) The second lesson tied in to his Spanish fluency. During his 2016 campaign with Hillary Clinton, he often appeared on Spanish-language radio and became accustomed to addressing Latino-heavy audiences. After one such segment, he recalled a host telling him the most remarkable part of the interview was not his ability to speak Spanish, but his willingness to listen in the language listeners felt most comfortable using. “It wasn’t that I could speak Spanish,” he explained. “It’s that I could listen to people in the language that they thought was most important.” Kaine said that being a better speaker means being a better listener because it helps someone better understand and connect with their audience. Kaine finished his speech by remarking on the upcoming 250th birthday celebrations across the country, which he said some may see as “a wake or requiem.” He emphasized that the only way to ensure the “democratic principles” that have led to this anniversary continue on is by “updating and innovating” rather than remaining stagnant. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3285.JPG) Participants took the Oath of Office as they do in the United States Congress. “This is a moment in the life of our nation where the need to be a good listener has never been more important,” he said. “It’s going to serve you and our country very, very well in years to come.” In a post-ceremony interview, Kaine emphasized the importance of speech and debate programs, crediting his own experience with shaping his communication styles. In high school, Kaine did extemporaneous debate, which involves giving a speech that the student has practiced, but not memorized. As a result, he doesn’t use a speechwriter or written text. “A listener would much rather have you kind of be in the moment with them, even if you're searching for a word or repeating yourself, than giving a perfect speech from the text,” he said. Beyond public speaking, Kaine said speech and debate teaches students lifelong communication skills. He also expressed support for expanding access to speech and debate programs, noting that extracurricular opportunities can be among the first things schools lose when budgets become strained. “We have to help kids gain these experiences that can point them toward a path that they'll be happy in for the rest of their lives,” he said. *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org) ### June 15 Newsletter: Bringing back the batteau URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-15-newsletter-bringing-back-the-batteau/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T10:00:47.000Z **Weather:** A high of 85 brings a little relief from record-setting heat. **On this date** in 1999, the Little Oil Company, which spilled 20,000 gallons of oil into the James River, donates a portion of its Southside land to the James River Park Fund as part of a settlement. **Today’s email is sponsored by Richmond Region Tourism**, celebrating the 19.1 million visitors our region welcomed in 2025\. Richmonders can get involved by taking an [**I Am Tourism class**](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/partners/events/i-am-tourism/). --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-21.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/) ### Richmond's Flag, Part 3: Modern day boatmen recreate the freedom of the batteaux era When the James Center was built in 1983, workers dug up the first nearly-intact recreation of a batteau boat, which was used to ferry goods up and down the river in the late 1700s and is now featured on Richmond's flag. 🛶 That led to a weeklong summer festival, the 41st edition of which begins this Saturday. The festival is a moving recreation of history. As the sun passes over replica batteaux, the boats are propelled downstream by crew members pushing on wooden poles as they walk the length of the boat. Throughout the days, crews play music, cook on the boats, fish, or simply admire river grasses passing below. At night, some crew members sleep aboard the boats, another practice of the early boatmen. [**Read more, and meet Richmonders who built their own batteau, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/) **Also catch up on** [**Part 1**](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) **and** [**Part 2**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/) **of the series.** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-22.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-walks-off-a-winner-in-state-softball-title-game/) ### Four local teams win state titles on spring jubilee weekend In a highly-anticipated battle of star pitchers, Matoaca was trailing with two outs left in the game, but rallied to win the school's first state softball title. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-walks-off-a-winner-in-state-softball-title-game/) - [**King William uses run-rule victory to claim state softball title**](https://www.richmonder.org/king-william-uses-run-rule-victory-to-claim-state-title/) - [**Atlee soccer**](https://www.wtvr.com/sports/atlee-wins-girls-soccer-state-championship-june-13-2026#google%5Fvignette)and [**New Kent baseball**](https://www.wtvr.com/sports/new-kent-wins-class-3-baseball-state-title-june-13-2026) were also winners (stories from CBS 6) - [**Hanover, Freeman fall in girls lacrosse finals**](https://www.richmonder.org/hanover-freeman-fall-in-girls-lacrosse-finals/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2CA92676-D1C2-4645-A961-2AE14F93AF8A_1_105_c-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lavender-hill-owner-sues-city-city-council-over-sup-denial/) ### Lavender Hill owner sues city, City Council over SUP denial In a June 9 complaint filed in Richmond Circuit Court, Nadia Anderson argued that the denial was “arbitrary, capricious, not fairly debatable, and contrary to the applicable provisions of the City of Richmond Charter and Code.” The Lavender Hill permit has been one of the most controversial special use permits to come before the City Council over the past year, attracting large turnouts of both opponents and supporters to public hearings. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/lavender-hill-owner-sues-city-city-council-over-sup-denial/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_7854--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/judge-dismisses-defamation-suit-over-professorial-drama-at-vcus-wilder-school/) ### Judge dismisses defamation suit over professorial drama at VCU’s Wilder School A Richmond judge has thrown out a defamation lawsuit involving a former VCU instructor and the replacement scholar who took over his public administration course after he was abruptly fired. Questioning his own firing by the Wilder School, Bill Leighty’s court filings said, was protected speech on “a matter of public concern.” Leighty said he was fired after refusing to ask Mayor Danny Avula a hard-hitting question about the city’s relationship with VCU, a question Leighty believed former Gov. Doug Wilder was pushing to have asked. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/judge-dismisses-defamation-suit-over-professorial-drama-at-vcus-wilder-school/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-at-speed-90-copy.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/hallman-le/) ### During America's 200th birthday, a Richmond racer took on the grueling 'Le Mans' French endurance test with his team It was 1976\. America was celebrating its bicentennial, and “Big Bill” France, NASCAR’s founding father, wanted to parade his American-car series on a new stage. He picked Junie Donlavey, the legendary Richmond race car owner. When the drivers cranked up the engines of the NASCAR-style entries, they filled the air with a deep guttural sound, unmistakable among the high-pitched whines of the road-course specialist machines. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/hallman-le/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-b5dd383f-9d7e-4675-9dd3-0a5487de9067.png)](https://www.visitrichmondva.com/partners/events/i-am-tourism/) ### **Tourism is a force for good** Tourism strengthens our economy, supports the places that make living here special and builds community pride. Last year, the region welcomed 19.1 million visitors – that’s 800,000 more people than in 2024\. The latest visitor numbers included 7.3 million overnight trips as well, a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Richmond Region Tourism offers free [**I Am Tourism classes**](http://www.iatrva.com/) throughout the year to help residents learn about all the things to do in their own backyard. --- ### In other news - [**Merger expert: Virginia regulators need more time for NextEra–Dominion**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-06-12/dominion-energy-nextera-merger-ceur-scc-hempling-baine-green) (VPM) - Once a merger application is filed to the SCC, a statutory 180-day clock begins. - [**Richmond Flying Squirrels clinch first-half division title**](https://www.wtvr.com/sports/richmond-flying-squirrels-clinch-division-title-june-13-2026) (CBS 6) - In minor league baseball, the team in first place halfway through the season is guaranteed a playoff spot. - [**Goochland to weigh 900-megawatt data center campus under new tech zone**](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/development/article%5Fc9b1293d-636d-4a7b-9b5d-e8335b3d909d.html#tracking-source=home-top-story) (Times-Dispatch) - The 900-megawatt, 872-acre campus would rank among the largest energy-intensive developments in Virginia. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8856-1.jpeg) A Richmond first for me: Until this weekend, I had never seen a GWAR concert. There was...so much fake blood. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Lavender Hill owner sues city, City Council over SUP denial URL: https://www.richmonder.org/lavender-hill-owner-sues-city-city-council-over-sup-denial/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T13:31:54.000Z The owner of event planning business Lavender Hill is suing the city of Richmond and City Council over the council’s denial of her request for a special use permit that would have allowed her to hold up to 52 outdoor events a year at a property in the near West End. In a June 9 complaint filed in Richmond Circuit Court, Nadia Anderson argued that the denial was “arbitrary, capricious, not fairly debatable, and contrary to the applicable provisions of the City of Richmond Charter and Code.” The Lavender Hill permit has been one of the most controversial special use permits to come before the City Council over the past year, attracting large turnouts of both opponents and supporters to public hearings. This May, [the City Council voted to deny the permit](https://www.richmonder.org/after-late-night-procedural-maneuvering-lavender-hill-event-space-permit-is-voted-down-by-city-council/), apparently persuaded by the numerous neighbors who said the outdoor events Anderson had already held on the site were too loud and disruptive, causing windows to rattle and children to be woken up. Their decision followed [a vote recommending denial of the permit from the Planning Commission](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-votes-against-west-end-outdoor-event-space-that-has-drawn-noise-complaints-from-neighbors/). Now Anderson says that the council “improperly” based its denial on neighbor opposition “rather than on objective evidence.” “Statements by Council members suggesting that the application would require neighboring property owners’ agreement or community consensus as a condition of approval constitute an unlawful delegation of governmental zoning authority to private citizens,” she wrote in the lawsuit. [After late-night procedural maneuvering, Lavender Hill event space permit is voted down by City Council“In the end, we weren’t able to bridge the gap.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-5924994a-9e0f-45f8-a5b9-40c316824cbc.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2CA92676-D1C2-4645-A961-2AE14F93AF8A_1_105_c-17be3e67-20b1-4ea2-92a1-2a0ef581fe23.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-late-night-procedural-maneuvering-lavender-hill-event-space-permit-is-voted-down-by-city-council/) Both the City Council and the Planning Commission routinely seek neighbor input on special use permits, [a tool outlined in the city charter that lets the city waive existing zoning rules](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) for a project as long as it doesn’t lead to any of six specific detrimental impacts. Under [the charter](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/charters/richmond/), the council has the power to grant an SUP if it: - “will not be detrimental to the safety, health, morals and general welfare of the community involved, - will not tend to create congestion in streets, roads, alleys and other public ways and places in the area involved, - will not create hazards from fire, panic or other dangers, - will not tend to overcrowding of land and cause an undue concentration of population, - will not adversely affect or interfere with public or private schools, parks, playgrounds, water supplies, sewage disposal, transportation or other public requirements, conveniences and improvements, and - will not interfere with adequate light and air.” During a presentation this February aimed at reviewing the duties and responsibilities of the Planning Commission, Richmond planner Alyson Oliver described those six requirements to the commission as “minimum criteria.” “While every special use permit needs to accomplish these things, or I guess not do these things, just because it meets all of that criteria doesn’t mean that the Planning Commission is required to approve them,” Oliver said. “There’s lots of land use decisions and considerations that you might make when deciding whether a special use permit is appropriate.” Anderson, however, is pointing to a 1975 case known as [City of Richmond v. Randall](https://law.justia.com/cases/virginia/supreme-court/1975/740207-1.html) in which the Supreme Court of Virginia found the city had improperly denied a property owner an SUP to construct a three-story medical and office building. In that case, the court determined that the city’s denial was based on “essentially opinion testimony of lay witnesses” and had not been reasonable. In the current case, Anderson contends that because the Planning Department concluded her proposal met all six criteria in the charter, the City Council “may not then deny the permit based solely upon political pressure or neighbor opposition without producing affirmative evidence that the use is fundamentally incompatible.” In response to an inquiry, a City Council spokesperson said that the council “was recently made aware of this development and, consistent with its policy on pending legal matters, will not be commenting.” The city provided no comment. Anderson is representing herself in the lawsuit, which also argues that the City Council violated its own rules of procedure in its May decision and that the denial constitutes an “unequal administration of the City’s zoning authority” because SUPs have been issued for other properties to hold outdoor events. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Background on the dispute** Lavender Hill sits at 1705 Commonwealth Ave. in the Sauer’s Gardens neighborhood of the near West End and is legally allowed to hold indoor events as well as operate a separate accountancy business run by Anderson. In July 2024, Anderson applied for an SUP to also hold outdoor events on the site after receiving a notice of violation from the Planning Department following two neighbor complaints. Anderson has argued that because her property lies on a parcel zoned for transit-oriented development (TOD-1), its use for outdoor events is appropriate. She has pointed in particular to adjoining commercial uses: a wine shop sits next door, while a VFW hall is across the street and the busy West Broad Street corridor is a half-block to the north. [Planning Commission votes against West End outdoor event space that has drawn noise complaints from neighbors“The proposed use is too loud, too close to the affected residences,” the area’s City Councilor said.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-30631c01-3cd5-4c53-a4b4-6b853c88c799.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2CA92676-D1C2-4645-A961-2AE14F93AF8A_1_105_c-3db08bba-13ef-4439-a7d5-7c040e0bc377.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-votes-against-west-end-outdoor-event-space-that-has-drawn-noise-complaints-from-neighbors/) “The proposed occupancy of 120 persons is modest and consistent with assembly uses commonly permitted in urban mixed-use districts,” she wrote in her lawsuit. “Richmond’s own zoning staff reported no finding that the use would be incompatible with the TOD-1 district.” Planning Department staff ultimately recommended approval of the proposal, which would have allowed up to 52 outdoor events per year that could operate between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Amplified music would have to end at 9 p.m. Neighbors, however, vigorously objected. While Lavender Hill is surrounded by commercial uses to the north, they have emphasized that it sits across an alley from a block of residential homes. They have also pointed to [a 2023 city ordinance](https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/ordinances/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=1258434) restricting outdoor “recreation and entertainment uses” within 100 feet of a residential parcel — a radius that would include a number of surrounding homes. [Jury still out on near West End outdoor event spaceControversy continues to rage over whether a near West End event space that adjoins a residential area should be allowed to hold outdoor events.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-7364ff6b-3a99-494b-9be1-69180bad1bbf.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2CA92676-D1C2-4645-A961-2AE14F93AF8A_1_105_c-2-d9d96bd1-3e5f-49cc-a675-e0b4baa28bb6.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/jury-still-out-on-near-west-end-outdoor-event-space/) Anderson has said she has only held a limited number of outdoor events on the site since she purchased it in 2021\. But in public hearings, neighbors have said that a number of those gatherings were highly disruptive and that allowing up to 52 events annually would have major impacts on their quality of life. “You can’t do the things you would normally do in your house when one of these events is going on,” neighbor Sidney Bragg told the City Council during a January hearing. *This story has been corrected to reflect that Anderson filed her SUP application in July 2024.* *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ### Judge dismisses defamation suit over professorial drama at VCU’s Wilder School URL: https://www.richmonder.org/judge-dismisses-defamation-suit-over-professorial-drama-at-vcus-wilder-school/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T09:00:48.000Z A Richmond judge has thrown out a defamation lawsuit involving a former VCU instructor and the replacement scholar who took over his public administration course after he was abruptly fired. D. Pulane Lucas, a health policy researcher, [filed the suit](https://www.richmonder.org/wilder-school-faculty-member-sues-fired-instructor-whose-course-she-took-over/) late last year against former state government official Bill Leighty. Lucas claimed Leighty had unfairly criticized her handling of the graduate-level course she stepped in to teach. In a June 4 order, Circuit Court Judge Clarence N. Jenkins Jr. dismissed the case with prejudice, agreeing with Leighty’s side that there was no basis for the case to go any further. Leighty’s attorneys argued that none of his comments had the “defamatory sting” the law requires. Questioning his own firing by the Wilder School, Leighty’s court filings said, was protected speech on “a matter of public concern.” “The court can read for itself and see that the emails are not defamatory,” wrote Leighty attorney Barbara A. Queen. Richard Hawkins III, an attorney for Lucas, indicated the case may not be over yet. “Although we have nothing but respect for Judge Jenkins, we disagree with his decision,” Hawkins said. “We are currently exploring our options for appeal." An attorney for Leighty declined to comment. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Leighty was let go mid-semester from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs in March of 2025 after [a dispute](https://www.richmonder.org/former-gov-doug-wilder-accused-ex-wilder-school-adviser-bill-leighty-of-prejudicial-conduct-before-he-was-fired-emails-show/) with former Gov. Doug Wilder, who works at the school in a position that would not give him direct control over the hiring and firing of staff. Leighty said he was fired after refusing to ask Mayor Danny Avula a hard-hitting question about the city’s relationship with VCU, a question Leighty believed Wilder was pushing to have asked during a virtual Wilder School event with Avula. A onetime chief of staff to former Govs. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Leighty publicly criticized the Wilder School over his firing. It was that criticism, some of it leveled in a letter written to the VCU Board of Visitors, that led to the defamation suit from Lucas. Lucas, who has taught business and economics courses at Reynolds Community College, claimed Leighty had defamed her by relaying information he said he had heard from former students about what was happening in his former course. Leighty’s letter to VCU leaders suggested the course had slipped in educational quality, and pointed to perceived overlap between material Lucas was using at VCU and a separate nonprofit she runs, Policy Pathways Inc. Leighty said he was told Lucas called the topic of public administration “so boring,” a comment he said left students “quite shocked and dismayed.” Lucas said the comment was stripped out of context, insisting she had actually said that teaching a 7 p.m. class straight from a textbook would be “so boring” without real-world case studies. In a court filing urging the judge to let the case proceed, the attorney for Lucas argued Leighty had made statements of fact, not opinion, and had failed to check whether they were true. Taken together, the Lucas filing says, he was trying to show “he was a much better teacher than Dr. Lucas and that things would have been better off at VCU if *he* was still the teacher of the class.” Leighty also raised the possibility that Lucas may have been hired because of her past associations with Wilder, a comment Lucas interpreted as a false insinuation she had been romantically involved with the former governor. In a court filing, Leighty’s lawyer insisted Leighty “stated no such thing” and said the accusation was an attempt to “exaggerate and misclassify the facts.” “In this instance, Leighty felt that his termination was unlawful and communicated with members of the administration and student government to protect the integrity of VCU and the Wilder School,” Leighty’s attorney wrote. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org). *VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### Atlee baseball falls to Woodgrove in Class 4 state championship URL: https://www.richmonder.org/atlee-baseball-falls-to-woodgrove-in-class-4-state-championship/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T12:46:12.000Z PURCELLVILLE – Mike Morris huddled with players following Atlee’s 2-1 loss to Woodgrove in the Class 4 state championship game Saturday, and they talked about the journey. The script, the coach said, doesn’t always go according to the plan. Atlee’s postseason was filled with twists and turns, rewrites and edits. It provided thrills and nail-biting moments, and the Raiders often teetered on the brink. Two years after Atlee made history by winning its first state baseball championship, there was no denying the hurt in that huddle. They had survived the playoff gauntlet by “just push(ing) the sun up in the sky for another day of baseball,” Morris said. Now it was early afternoon in Purcellville, and the sun was setting. “The lessons are in the losing,” Morris told his team. “But the memories will be ours forever and the relationships will be ours forever. Just like in life, it doesn’t always go as you scripted it or wanted.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. What Atlee wanted, of course, was its second title in two years, which would send its group of seniors off in style. But in a razor-tight game, the slightest of mistakes can make the difference. Woodgrove pounced on two of those mistakes to grab the state title. With the score tied at 1 in the top of the sixth and runners on first and second, Woodgrove’s Colton Dabkowski grounded to second. Atlee tried to turn a double play to get out of the inning. Second baseman Cooper Molloy flipped to shortstop Max Baedke for the out, but Baedke’s throw sailed high over first baseman Tyler Rutman’s head. Woodgrove’s Brady Miller sprinted around from second and scored on the play for the 2-1 lead after singling in Woodgrove’s first run earlier in the inning. Woodgrove reliever Bryan Miller walked Atlee catcher Ryan Costanzo to start the bottom of the seventh, putting the tying run aboard. Morris inserted courtesy runner Dylan Mohr, a sophomore, at first. Woodgrove had started the frame with its own substitutions. Miller had moved from behind home plate to pitch, and junior Josiah Cameron had taken his place at catcher. Cameron spied Mohr straying too far off the bag between pitches. He fired to first and cut down Mohr diving back to the bag. The threat was over. Two straight fly outs gave Loudoun County-based Woodgrove (20-5), which opened in 2010, its first baseball state championship. Morris consoled Mohr after the game. “I wasn’t gonna let that kid beat himself up over getting picked off, because there could have been 10 other occasions in the game, other things happened that could have been the difference in winning or losing,” Morris said. Runs were at a premium Saturday. After 4 1/2 scoreless innings, the Raiders pushed one across in the bottom of the fifth when Molloy singled on a liner to right, sending teammate Barrett Bucholz to third. Bucholz had singled with two outs the previous at-bat. He looked on from third as Molloy sprinted toward second, eyeing a double. But the throw from right was on the money and Molloy threw on the brakes about eight feet from the bag. He turned back to first, caught in a rundown. But Woodgrove bobbled the exchange and Bucholz sprinted home for the 1-0 lead. It was the second influential play Bucholz had been involved in in the last two days. During Friday’s dramatic 3-2 semifinal win over Jefferson Forest, he beat out a bunt in the bottom of the seventh and was on base when Baedke singled for the walk-off victory. So when he scored Saturday, it felt like Atlee was once again doing what Morris said: pushing the sun up into the sky for a little more baseball, one more time. “After we got through some of the emotions, I said, ‘Guys, I need you to promise me that you will leave this field with no regrets,” Morris said. “Because what you accomplished over the last four years in our high school and what you have done for this program, all of those things are huge.” Molloy and Bucholz led Atlee with two hits apiece. Starting pitcher Thomas Layne threw five innings and allowed three hits, walked one and struck out three before giving way to William Motley, who threw 1/3 of an inning and was charged with the loss and both Woodgrove runs. Each team finished with five hits. Woodgrove freshman Brady Miller earned the win. He threw six innings, yielded one run (earned), walked four and fanned five. Bryan Miller earned the save. Morris’ journey with this year’s seniors began long before they were freshmen trying to break into the varsity ranks. He coached a number of them in travel baseball leagues when they were 11 years old, he said. “Your story is not ending today,” he told the seniors after the game. “This chapter of your story is closing, but your story is such a great opportunity that will continue on, and you’ll start your next chapter. And that’s yet to be written.” ### King William uses run-rule victory to claim state title URL: https://www.richmonder.org/king-william-uses-run-rule-victory-to-claim-state-title/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T12:13:03.000Z The girls in the visiting dugout Saturday afternoon fell behind by one run early. That’s when they started chirping away. “Wah-dee, Wah-dee,” King William players yelled. They weren’t screaming for anyone in particular, or sounding their nickname into the air around the Moyer Complex in Salem. They were chanting a hashtag, over and over. WADY: We Ain’t Done Yet. Far from it. Appomattox County’s brief lead melted away on a humid afternoon as King William broke out the bats and then received a lock-down performance from senior pitcher Jillian Smith to claim its second Virginia High School League Class 2 state softball title in three years with a 14-4, run-rule victory in six innings. “We just screamed that and kept saying that we’re gonna do this. We’re gonna come back,” Smith said after firing a complete game. The Cavaliers trailed 1-0 after the first inning. “We’ve done it before and, obviously, we did it again.” King William (21-3) put to bed memories of last year’s 4-1 state championship loss to Central (Woodstock) and hoisted the trophy again. The Cavaliers last did so in 2024, with a 2-0 win over Randolph-Henry. “Coming into this year, knowing we had a ring was kind of moot, if that makes sense,” King William co-coach Elizabeth Welshonce said. Not that they didn’t appreciate the rings they worked for two years ago. “We wanted another one. We were hungry to get it again,” Welshonce added. Sometimes, teams of destiny have a special spark about them. This year’s King William players, appearing calm and relaxed Saturday, wanted something more than just more hardware. They wanted to soak in the moment as one unit. “We were hungry just to be here together for as long as possible, and we did that,” Welshonce added. “That’s really all we wanted.” So they took stock. Then they walloped the Raiders (23-3). ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The two teams have a recent history. King William defeated Appomattox 5-2 in last year’s Class 2 state semifinals. In 2024, also in the semifinal round, the Raiders and Cavaliers battled into extra innings, with King William pushing across the winning run in the bottom of the eighth. The third matchup was all King William. The Cavaliers belted out 13 hits and leaned on its strong senior class for 10 of those knocks. Shortstop Addie Kirby went 3 for 4 with two RBI, catcher Hollyn Krukowski added two hits and Smith enjoyed a perfect day at the plate. That was, perhaps, unexpected; Smith hadn’t hit well in Salem previously. Prior to Saturday, she was 2 for 11 at the Moyer Complex, for a .181 average there, dating back to the 2024 state semifinals. “I’ve always had kind of a Salem Slump, that’s what we like to call it,” she said. But Smith went 3 for 3 with a double and three RBI on Saturday and got on base four times. She allowed one earned run (four total), walked one and struck out one in her six-inning performance in the circle. Smith allowed nine hits, so the Raiders had their chances, but the King William defense also stepped up. Appomattox scored in the first off an infield single by Kaysen Kesler, but the Cavaliers cut down freshman Maison Kelso advancing to third on the play to limit the damage. And the following inning, as Appomattox threatened with runners at second and third and one out, King William third baseman Adalyn Mills snagged a liner off the bat of Regan Shields and turned a double play, stepping on third before Makenzie Elliott could scramble back. “\[Smith\] threw really good pitches, but I think what helped her was the defense behind her,” King William co-coach Jim McGuckin said. “They hit the ball hard and we made some plays behind her that were game-changing plays.” King William reeled off 12 straight wins at one point this season, but entered the state tournament limping from an 8-7 loss to Poquoson in the Region 2A finals on June 4\. The Cavaliers led 7-0 after four innings in that game, but Poquoson stormed back with a four-run fifth before putting up three runs in the seventh and earning the walk-off in the ninth. “That was a great point in our season,” McGuckin said. “They kept coming back and kept coming back and we could feel that momentum shift, and we couldn’t get it back.” But … We Ain’t Done Yet, says the hashtag. Trailing Strasburg 4-0 after six innings in Tuesday’s state quarters, King William rallied for a four-run seventh and took the lead in the eighth. Smith shut down Strasburg in the final two frames. Her team went on to claim a 5-0 victory with her in the circle again in Friday’s semifinals. Smith gave up four hits in the complete-game effort. Appomattox, meanwhile, took care of Poquoson 10-8 in the other semifinal, scoring four times in the sixth. But the Raiders, back-to-back Class 2 state champions in 2021 and 2022, couldn’t recapture the come-from-behind magic Saturday. King William, armed with the lessons it has learned this postseason, made sure of it. Asked if they could take a few late-game breathers with a large lead late, McGuckin was adamant. “Never,” he said. “Because we had that Poquoson game in the back of our heads,” he added. “Nobody said it, but everyone remained focused and knew we’ve got to keep going. We cannot take our foot off the gas at any moment.” Smith was happy to get the run-rule win; it meant she didn’t have to pitch the seventh inning. She planned, she said, to get back in the circle for her travel team Sunday, roughly 24 hours after throwing her final high school game. McGuckin thought about his senior class before exiting the field. They’d been through a whole range of athletic ups and downs: two state championships, a disappointing title game loss, setbacks that could have doomed runs like this year’s. And he thought about the team’s theme, another acronym. INAM: It’s Not About Me. “We’re fighting society,” he said of the idea behind that theme. “Social media, it’s always 'Look at me.' But this group embraced that theme. And I think it made all the difference.” ### Hanover, Freeman fall in girls lacrosse finals URL: https://www.richmonder.org/hanover-freeman-fall-in-girls-lacrosse-finals/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T02:08:14.000Z You would think a program playing in its sixth consecutive Class 5 state girls lacrosse championship game would have nerves like steel. But with only two senior starters, would the Douglas Freeman Mavericks be ready for the moment in a title game rematch against Riverside? In spite of a quick start by the Rams, Douglas Freeman was in very familiar territory. “That’s been our schtick this season. I was as cool as a cucumber and I think our girls were very relaxed saying, okay, this is what happens,” Mavericks head coach Christina D’Angelo noted. “Our team usually takes about a quarter to feel out a game.” Thus, no panic when the Rams scored four times in under four minutes for a 6-2 advantage after one period. When back-to-back goals to start the second by Emma Hopgood and Ursula Borgerson were answered by Riverside to give them a 7-5 halftime lead, D’Angelo’s squad regrouped and came out firing. There are few games in any sport where one play stands out above the rest. Unfortunately, for the Mavericks, one did. After goals by VCU commit Hannah Kantanen and Mikaela Gilbert tied the match at seven, Douglas Freeman had the ball looking for its first lead. Gilbert attacked to the right of the point, found an opening, and hurled a shot toward Riverside goalkeeper Tamara Abuziad, just as teammate Emerson Beazley made a cut to the front of the net. The ball hit Beazley, shaking her up momentarily. During the official timeout, a yellow card was assessed to Gilbert, described to the Maverick bench as a dangerous shot. Being her second yellow, Gilbert headed to the sideline. “We thought it was her leg. We didn’t see a ricochet,” D’Angelo explained. “She was fine, but then they called the yellow card, we all were like, what?” For the final twenty-two minutes of the contest, the Mavericks never stopped battling, but the hill became a mountain as the Rams scored twice late in the third, once early in the fourth, then held off a gutsy Maverick charge to win the championship by a 10-7 count. “Honestly, I was proud of holding them off for so long after that,” D’Angelo said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Credit first must go to junior Inna Erbe and the Maverick defense. Knowing their offense was now hampered, Erbe gave her teammates several chances to turn the game in their favor. Erbe completed the game with seven saves. “She gave us ample opportunities to get that game under control, if not at least tie it for overtime,” D’Angelo opined. But credit also must go to Riverside’s defense. The Mavericks were in their offensive zone for two minutes after the Rams’ final tally, but effectively clogged the inside and denied spin moves by Douglas Freeman. With good precision, the Rams used their speed to force the Mavericks into the perimeter, then raced back to deny in front of Abuziad. The Mavs offense stormed back down the field, spending another three minutes on the attack. Borgerson’s shot near the end of the stretch bounced off the post. The effort was there, the results desired were not. In retrospect, D’Angelo said a hard lesson was learned by both her and her Mavericks. “I was shocked that we couldn’t pull it off. When you’re getting a free shot from the cage and you can’t finish that, at that level, it’s not your day.” And there’s something else she and the returning Mavericks can use as motivation come 2027. “Sometimes losses go further in life. They’re going to remember that. There was definitely a sense of humility,” D’Angelo proclaimed. “We were about as sloppy as we’ve been all season….we beat ourselves.” The Mavericks end with a 20-2 mark and a bitter taste of what it’s like to be on the losing end of two straight title tilts. Freeman’s first two championships, in 2021 and 2022, were wins over the Rams. With an impressive returning nucleus returning Borgerson, who led the Mavericks with three goals, Erbe, Gilbert and others, it will take a tough team to deny these girls a seventh trip to the big stage. ### Hawks fall in first-ever title game appearance Also Saturday afternoon, the historic ride of Hanover girls lacrosse ended in the Class 4 state championship as a back and forth game was seized by three-time defending champion Western Albemarle in the third period, turning a one-goal halftime edge into a six-goal lead en route to a 14-6 victory in Leesburg. The Hawks were making their first-ever state title game appearance after winning two one-goal affairs in the state quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. Hanover kept pace with the Warriors, playing in their seventh consecutive state championship match. Class 4, Region A player of the year Molly Quinn led the Hawks’ charge, keeping them close with a tally midway through period two to cut the deficit to 4-3\. The junior led Hanover with four goals. Addie Marshall and Emily Lawrence scored one each. But Annie Alhusen was key to positioning Western Albemarle for the match, scoring as time expired in the first and near the end of the second quarter to give the Warriors the lead for good. Their defense took center stage in the second stanza, allowing just one Hanover tally, coming with 7:04 remaining. It was a difficult task for the newcomers to the title game to try to end the three-year run of the Warriors. But Hanover can be proud of the accomplishments in 2026 that have set up the program for years to come. ### Richmond's Flag, Part 3: Modern day boatmen recreate the freedom of the batteaux era URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T13:45:45.000Z 🗒️ This is Part 3 of a three-part series. Also see [Part 1](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) and [Part 2](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/). From 1983 to 1985 the site of what is now the James Center, with its high-rises and parking deck, was being excavated. As men and machines dug into the mud, unlikely artifacts surfaced: the remnants of 63 vessels used to navigate the James River and Kanawha Canal. This location, where the vessels were unearthed was the site of the city’s former center of commerce: The Great Turning Basin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-1e5bdac2-aada-41ad-98d8-1f4cca7733ae.jpeg) Photograph taken from the south side of Richmond’s Canal Basin, with the ruins of the city in the background, April, 1865\. (Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division) At the Turning Basin, boats carrying goods from upland Virginia would unload their cargo in exchange for other goods to be brought back upstream on the James (and later the completed James River and Kanawha Canal), or simply turn around to return home. Knowing the location’s past, two canal history enthusiasts, Dr. William E. "Bill" Trout lll and James "Jimmy" Moore III had a hunch that historical artifacts might be found there. After the pair talked their way into the site and began finding boats in the mud, they were adamant that proper archaeology be undertaken. State highway archaeologist Lyle Browning was recruited to help facilitate the dig and brought expertise and organization to the endeavor. The three consecutive summers of digging were described by Richmond Times-Dispatch writer James Wamsley as "The Jamestown of the canal boat business." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/_00014_V_88_40_80-jpg637535620850322281.jpg) Dr. William E. "Bill" Trout, III sits in the hull of a wooden packet boat uncovered at the site of Richmond's Turning Basin during construction of the James Center office complex, August, 1983\. Theodore Haxall Canal Boat Photograph Collection. (Courtesy of the Valentine) Of the many artifacts and boats unearthed, one notable find was ‘Boat 28,’ the best-preserved specimen of a James River Batteau discovered up until that point. Before the boat was found, descriptions of James River Batteau were available, but the exact details of their dimensions and construction were not. Ruthless scrutiny of the 58-foot-long, 7-foot-wide batteau opened the door to a concrete understanding of the materials and structure of the James River Batteaux, which were the floating backbone of Virginia’s shipping economy from the late 1700’s through the mid 1800’s. According to Dr.Trout in a recount of the excavation, the remains of 48 James River Batteaux were found at the James Center dig. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-e8abe5a2-2ff1-4cbd-9d82-581a26a8166b.jpeg) The remains of a batteau uncovered at the site of the James River and Kanawha Canal turning basin in downtown Richmond during construction of the James Center office complex in August, 1983\. (Courtesy of the Valentine) Boat 28 was documented with exacting precision, thanks to the efforts of CSX developer Henry Faison and others. An aerial camera owned by the Virginia Highway Department took large-format stereo photographs, which allowed for the production of scale drawings. This knowledge paved the way for people to build their own replica batteaux. These replica batteaux were present in June 1985, when the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society, an organization formed in 1977 to "preserve and enhance Virginia’s rich inland waterways heritage in all its fascinating aspects," held the inaugural James River Batteau Festival, an 8-day summer journey down the James from Lynchburg to Maidens Landing upstream of Richmond. June 20th is launch day for this year’s 41st edition of the festival. The festival is a moving recreation of history. As the sun passes over replica batteaux, the boats are propelled downstream by crew members pushing on wooden poles as they walk the length of the boat. Those operating the 'sweeps,' long oars at either end, turn the boats to maneuver through rapids, just as the early boatmen did. Throughout the days, crews play music, cook on the boats (batteaux were known to have hearths onboard for cooking fires, and some replicas do too), fish, or simply admire river grasses passing below. At night, some crew members sleep aboard the boats, another practice of the early boatmen. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-666a88de-fbca-4a5b-806c-bfa81d9c5af9.jpeg) ‘Night on the River’ illustration by David Hunter Strother in **Virginia illustrated: containing a visit to the Virginian Canaan, and the adventures of Porte Crayon and his cousins*, 1857. On launch day for this year’s festival, the batteau ‘Jubilee,’which references a line in the song ‘Sugaree’ by the Grateful Dead, will begin its ninth journey down the James as part of the Festival, proudly flying the Richmond flag. Last year, the boat’s flag was retired as the boat passed Bremo Bluff and the Jubilee eclipsed 1,000 miles of river travel. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-b4f8c5d9-5c04-4fda-948f-2dfda6af4dd4.jpeg) The Richmond Flag retired from use after 1,000 miles of travel aboard the Jubilee in June 2025\. (Bryan Dierkes) Zach Gills, a 37-year-old from Henrico County, is the Captain of the Jubilee. Some of Zach’s earliest memories are floating the James on his father’s batteau,the J.R. (James River) Mudcat, during the festival. The experience had a profound effect on Gills; he would draw scenes from the trips in elementary school. In 2017, Gills and a group of like-minded friends, some of whom also had early experiences aboard batteaux, cut down three white oak trees on Gills’ parents’ land. They milled the lumber, had it dried, and handmade the various parts such as ribs, gunwales, and custom iron fittings. The work to build the boat began in January and concluded with a finished Jubilee in June, just in time for that year’s Batteau Festival. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/465919432_10226016168541780_4660764842402579214_n.jpg) Rock Mittler saws a part for the batteau Jubilee in April 2017\. (Philip Smith) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/465872307_10226016168781786_53145506209732571_n-1.jpg) Ribs for the batteau Jubilee in April 2017\. (Philip Smith) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/465905866_10226016170341825_1713898379794157498_n.jpg) From left: Cody Artigilia, Zack Gills, Philip Smith, Jesse Artigilia, and Rick Mittler hold up a rib for the Jubilee in April 2017\. (Philip Smith) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/656978971_10231541612794831_461229028408184513_n.jpg) From left: Jubilee crew members Matt Pellman, Atticus the dog, and Captain Zacck Gills with a finished nose cone of the Jubilee in April 2017\. (Rick Mittler) To Gills, batteaux travel is the best way to experience Virginia*, “...*you're right in the core. You're seeing the heart of Virginia from the mountains into the ag \[agriculture\] of the Piedmont, and you kind of see that whole transition as you go down…it's a beautiful part of our state.” Batteaux travel wasn’t easy when the boats transported thousands of pounds of goods downstream, and it still isn’t. Gills considers it “...the hardest fun you can have,”as was put by a former batteaux captain, Lisa O'Sullivan. Gills considers the experience building and navigating the batteau a source of pride, one which provides a unique perspective and appreciation of what humans were doing in pre-industrial time periods “before we had machines, before we had industry, before we had computers…And I feel like you need more of that these days, you know? A lot of people don't understand what they're capable of.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-cfa27b2f-19f7-466f-bd5f-4ef280f10118.jpeg) The crew of the Jubilee pole down the James River at the 40th Annual James River Batteau Festival in Lynchburg last June. ### **Raising the Jubilee** A unique part of owning a batteau is storing it. With their wooden construction and limited use during the year, batteaux are stored underwater in the offseason to prevent them from rotting. On a sunny Saturday in the middle of May, many of the Jubilee’s crew members assembled at a pond on a property in Ashland to haul the 42 foot, 9 inch boat up from the bottom of a mud and leach-filled pond, empty it of water, scrub its hull and ribs, patch leaks, and make other improvements in advance of this year’s Batteau Festival. As the afternoon progressed, music floated in the spring air as the crew joked around, reminisced, and worked on the boat. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-cc2c2914-7d3b-4193-92f9-67a9dcb3f9fb.jpeg) Zack Gills, captain of the batteau Jubilee, pulls the batteau up from the bottom of a pond where it is stored when not in use in Ashland on Saturday, March 16, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-ed4d1c03-c772-4678-9247-8aa668344870.jpeg) Zack Gills, captain of the Jubilee, and the crew of the boat bail water from the boat while raising it from the bottom of a pond where it is stored in Ashland on Saturday, March 16, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-0c38388e-9187-4449-9a9a-b148b13e33ad.jpeg) The crew of the Jubilee scrub the inside of the boat after raising it from the bottom of a pond where it is stored in Ashland on Saturday, March 16, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-f6008020-d530-4b4a-91e5-cc74b669c282.jpeg) Bryan Dierkes (left) and Travis South, crew members of the Jubilee, bail water and scrub mud from the inside of the boat after raising it from a pond where it is stored in Ashland on Saturday, March 16, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-60ad7af5-f7c4-484b-b378-7c21d73a6bf4.jpeg) Caleb Pellmann, crewmember of the Jubilee, drills in braces for the boat's sunshade at a pond where it is stored in Ashland on Saturday, March 16, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-da0f13c0-f8fb-43da-8438-abb813aa263a.jpeg) Vance Nepomuceno, crew member of the Jubilee, stretches a strand of tarred fibers known as oakum used to patch leaks in the batteau at a pond where it is stored in Ashland on Saturday, May 16, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-2c81eb5f-0402-491c-bd3a-3cdf98ca3434.jpeg) Jubilee crew members make improvements to the boat at a pond in Ashland. Following the day’s work, Richmonder and Jubilee crew member Bryan Dierkes enjoyed a break from canoeing and fishing on the Upper Section of Richmond's fall line rapids. As the sun set behind the arches of the Atlantic Coastline Bridge and trains traversed its rails, Choo Choo Rapids flowed gently a few hundred yards upstream of where Dierkes cast his line into the water. In the time period when the batteaux were relied on to transport tobacco and other goods downstream, Choo Choo Rapids were the site of ‘Grant’s Dam,’ a structure which backed up water, funneling it into the James River Canal System, which allowed the batteaux to bypass the steepest section of the falls of the James en route to unloading their cargo at the City’s Turning Basin. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Dierkes grew up in Richmond, taking frequent trips to the banks of the James with his father, where he developed an appreciation and love for the river. While studying at VCU, the river was always a place he could go when he was stressed. "I’d come down and fish. Texas Beach, Pony Pasture, Boulevard Bridge area," he said. "And it just became a place where I felt like I could relax." Dierkes started paddling on the river to access more places to fish, and eventually became a whitewater raft guide with an appetite for the intensity he found when navigating rapids. That intensity transformed into to a more zen-like state of mind as he gained experience on the river. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-ce700b66-5122-4cb9-9daa-fbdfe108855a.jpeg) Bryan Dierkes canoes down Choo Choo Rapids on the James River in Richmond, May 16, 2026. Through happenstance, Dierkes met Gills, and in 2023 he joined the crew of the Jubilee. For Dierkers, traveling downriver aboard the batteau has provided the spice that he remembers from when he was a beginner on whitewater: “When you're in a 43-foot boat, that's almost 5,000 pounds, and you're feeling the current and the weight of that boat go through a class 2 or 3 – there's nothing else like it. That energy from when you first started paddling whitewater comes back.” River travel on the clear waters and rapids of the James provides Captain Zack Gills a sense of freedom that he says is hard to come by these days: > “You're out there and no one's really telling you where you can and can't go, what you can and can't do…And in the same way, I think that same degree of freedom existed back then as well. I mean, when the batteaux were a big part of the economy, a lot of the crews were enslaved Africans. And I like to believe that they had the most free experience that you could have in that situation…It’s kind of cool to think that maybe the boatmen of that age were living a more free type of life.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-b436101f-a50b-40c0-8095-bef663202034.jpeg) ‘Looking down New River from landing above Stuck's, Sec. 86, Batteau Tam O'Shanter,’ Jedediah Hotchkiss photograph album of views along railroad lines and rivers from near Staunton, Virginia, to Huntington, West Virginia, June 15, 1872\. (Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division) June 19th will mark the kickoff of the 41st annual [Virginia Batteau Festival](https://www.vacanals.org/batteau), an eight-day, 120-mile float from Lynchburg to Maidens Landing west of Richmond. Everyone is welcome to paddle alongside these replica batteaux as they navigate along a 200-year-old route, stopping in historic towns and cities along the way. 🗒️ This is Part 3 of a three-part series. Also see [Part 1](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) and [Part 2](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/). *This article has been updated with additional details about the dig.* ### On Faith and Values: Kindred spirits: Friendship is a holy gift URL: https://www.richmonder.org/on-faith-and-values-kindred-spirits-friendship-makes-everything-better/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:29:24.000Z During my wife’s surgery and subsequent physical therapy through the early part of this year, I watched with amazement and gratitude as her friends showed up almost nightly at our door with delicious homecooked meals or restaurant take-out for us to have for dinner. Some even stayed and ate with us. It might have been the best solid month of eating of our lives, so I managed to only be somewhat bitter that Cathy had asked them not to include dessert. Now that the kids are grown, we don’t cook much, and I’m actually contemplating signing up for some kind of major organ transplant just so Cathy can alert her kitchen-savvy friends. It takes real love to be a real friend. Our family went through the loss of my Dad about three years ago, and a friend of one of my sisters flew to Pennsylvania from Florida for just one night to show up at the visitation the evening before his funeral. That kind of friend is a miracle. Cathy’s friends feeding us for a month was a miracle. Certainly, those two circumstances were out-of-the-ordinary, but the groundwork had been laid for the miraculous because those folks had track records of being there for the ordinary as well. When that’s the case, folks can easily become family. I’ve heard it said that family members often don’t grow up under the same roof and that, too, is a delightful miracle. So is just having someone in this world who knows and still loves you. To have or to be a friend is a great gift, but it’s more than that, too. To me, it feels like an absolute must: I need people who know where I’ve been and where I’m coming from, who don’t shy away from just about any subject, and who will share what’s on their own hearts, too. And I like to think that they need me for the same reasons. To make a new friend is exciting, ripe with potential; to have an old friend to talk “back in the day” with is a treasure. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. I’ve come to believe that one of the reasons that we find friendship so life-giving is that there’s also an element of holiness to it. I hadn’t thought much about that until recently, when I read these thoughts on friendship by the late pastor and author Tim Keller: “Before anything existed, there was friendship…\[it\] was never created. There was never a time in which friendship was not, because from all eternity, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit were knowing and loving and delighting in each other. Friendship is at the roots of reality. It’s at the bottom of all things.” I love that Keller thinks of friendship and faith as being so intertwined. If having and being a friend can be so integral to the faith I profess, if it’s actually a sustaining force for the Trinity, then maybe it should be integral and a sustaining force in my life, too. Because what’s a better description of living a life of faith than this picture of friendship painted by Scott Sauls, in his book *Befriend*?: “Real friends see each other as long-term companions and give to each other the rare gift of long-term loyalty. Instead of using each other, they serve each other…In real friendship, the flourishing of other people takes priority over our own goals and ambitions.” Or this more familiar one, from the apostle Paul: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” That’s often read at weddings, but I think its meaning goes well beyond spouses (though it’s helpful if they’re friends, too). Going forward, I’m hoping to be more conscious of who I cross paths with, both purposefully and randomly, and of offering them friendship, even if only in passing, because friendship is a holy gift. ### Matoaca walks off a winner in state softball title game URL: https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-walks-off-a-winner-in-state-softball-title-game/ Last updated: 2026-06-14T00:01:50.000Z ARLIE – It’s a dream no more. Now, it’s reality, big as life, bright as a mid-June day. With their 2-1 victory over Lightridge in the VHSL Class 5 championship softball game contested Saturday afternoon on the diamond at John Campe High School, the Matoaca Warriors reached the mountaintop in their inexorable quest for competitive excellence, and they took their final glorious steps in the most exciting of ways. In an epic pitching duel pitting two Division I commits, the Lightning (24-1) scraped together a run in the top of the sixth and led 1-0 when Coach Scott Driskill’s crew came to bat in the bottom of the seventh. Where there were outs left, the Warriors knew, there was hope. They’d come too far, worked too hard, and paid their dues with an enormous amount of sweat equity. They’d been down before and come back. What better time to do it again than now? “We have a bunch of kids who came together, and when they faced adversity, they stood up,” said Driskill, whose team finished 26-1\. “Our leadoff batters in the seventh were 6-7-8-9\. Nobody wants that. Guess what? They sucked it up, did what they had to do, and next thing you know, we’re state champions.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. With energy flowing from the Warriors’ dugout and the large contingent of Matoaca faithful shouting encouragement from the bleachers and along the fence, Savannah Wright (2-for-3) led off the bottom of the seventh by beating out a chopper to the left side of the infield for a single. She moved to second on Kaylee Millner’s exquisitely executed sacrifice bunt, then to third on a wild pitch. Maddi Wray followed by drawing a walk on a 3-2 count to put runners on first and third, then yielded to pinch runner Zy’Aisha Marbury. After Marbury stole second, Makennah Harler, the No. 9 hitter, got under an attempted bunt and popped it in the air but reached first on an infield error to load the bases with one out. Next up was leadoff hitter Abby Davis, who drilled a shot on the ground to Lightning first baseman Avery Sullivan, who stepped on the bag as Wright scored the tying run. Then with two outs, Raven Crabtree stepped to the plate. With the outfield playing in, the senior second baseman, in her final at bat in a Matoaca uniform, drilled a waist-high 0-1 fastball to the wall in leftfield sending Marbury home and igniting a spontaneous celebration amongst the passionate contingent who traveled from lower Chesterfield County to witness the Warriors’ softball program’s first ever state championship. “Their pitcher (Georgia Tech commit Peyton Robinson) was throwing it more outside, and with her speed I just wanted to make barrel contact,” Crabtree said. “When I saw that pitch, it was so pretty. I knew I had to take it somewhere. “I just wanted a big moment for our team. I’ve been telling the girls (that) it’s not about one individual player. It’s about all of us coming together and being a team. While I did walk it off, it wasn’t just me alone. It was really a team win, for sure.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8879.jpeg) Lightridge, whose campus is located two miles from John Champe, created its lone run with two outs in the top of the sixth. Cara Welton headed to first when she was hit by a pitch and was replaced by pinch runner Natalie Welton, who proceeded to steal second, then score when Emmi Harris followed with a sharp single to left center. It was the lone hit off Kaylee Hodges, the Warriors’ junior righthander par excellence. “My mentality was, yeah, that happened, but there’s nothing I can do about it,” said Hodges, a University of Tennessee commit. “All I can do is go at the next batter, try to get a weak hit, a strikeout, a ground out, whatever, and do the best I can, not think about the past. “We knew we had to score to win anyway. That lit a fire under us.” Though time was fleeting and hits were at a premium withthe flamethrowing Robinson (four hits, nine K’s, 77 strikes among 101 pitches) in the circle, there was no panic in the Warriors’ dugout. “Coach Berkeley (Driskill) told us we play better when we’re behind anyway,” Crabtree said. “We took that momentum and carried it into the last inning, knowing we had to give it our all.” Hodges, a two-time Virginia Gatorade Softball Player of the Year, was perfect through 5.2 innings. With her typically solid repertoire of pitches, she allowed only one hit and no walks and struck out 10\. Of her 71 pitches, 58 were strikes. A rise-to-the-moment .551 hitter with nine home runs, Hodges was on deck when Crabtree delivered her championship-winning hit. “We do it for our people we play with, we do it for our coaches, we do it for our fans,” Hodges said. “It’s one at-bat at a time. That last inning, we really pulled it out. “Oh, my goodness. I’m so excited. I’m beyond proud of my teammates.” ### During America's 200th birthday, a Richmond racer took on the grueling 'Le Mans' French endurance test with his team URL: https://www.richmonder.org/hallman-le/ Last updated: 2026-06-13T15:43:33.000Z The 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans starts Saturday at 10 a.m. Richmond time. For at least a few people, the world-famous endurance race brings back a flood of 50th\-anniversary memories. It was 1976\. America was celebrating its bicentennial, and “Big Bill” France, NASCAR’s founding father, wanted to parade his American-car series on a new stage. He got his pals at the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organizers of the 24 Heures du Mans, to create a two-car class for their race. So, which race teams would fill those two starting spots in the race on the 8.5-mile road course about 130 miles from Paris? Big Bill picked a couple of reliable team owners – Hershel McGriff from Bridal Veil, Ore., and Wesley Christian “Junie” Donlavey from Richmond. Donlavey fielded race cars on NASCAR’s top tour for a career spanning more than 50 years. He died in 2014 at 90\. One of the few Donlavey Racing crew members still living in 2026 is Kenny “Ding” Bell, 84\. He continues to work with cars out of the same Swansboro Motor Co. shop, a little south of the James River, where Donlavey housed his race team. Bell and a partner find ready-for-the-junkyard beaters and transform them into dazzling classic show cars. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/kbell.jpg) Kenny "Ding" Bell in the Swansboro Motor Co. office with some of the Donlavey Racing trophies. (Dick Conway) The Le Mans trip in ’76 was unlike anything Bell had done before. He’d been a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, but had been stationed outside the states. For this race, the team’s itinerary included sight-seeing stops in London and Paris. And the train from Paris to Le Mans turned out to be a local, “so we stopped at every pig path. It took an extra two hours, but we got to get a great look at the French countryside and small towns.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-Brooks90-copy.jpeg) Dick Brooks, Donlavey's longtime driver in NASCAR events, straps on his helmet, complete with his blood type indicated on the side. (Photos by Randy Hallman) Donlavey had assembled a three-driver team for the team’s Ford Torino. - Dick Brooks, who drove several NASCAR seasons for Donlavey, including 26 events for him that year; - Dick Hutcherson, a versatile star driver who would stack up 14 career wins on NASCAR’s top tour, and who had finished third at Le Mans driving a Ford GT40 in 1966, part of Ford’s epic sweep of the top three spots; - Marcel Mignot, a 22-year-old Frenchman added to the team to help things go more smoothly, who would compete nine times at Le Mans with a best finish of 6th in 1979 famously driving a car with a paint job by Andy Warhol. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-drivers2-90-copy.jpeg) Donlavey's three Le Mans drivers confer before the race: Frenchman Marcel Mignot (left, who three years later will famously run Le Mans in a car painted by Andy Warhol), and the two American drivers, Le Mans veteran Dick Hutcherson (top), and Donlavey regular Dick Brooks. The team qualified 55th, the very back of the field. But rose through the standings as the race wore on. Years later, Bell would point out that some of the gain was due to the team’s urgent NASCAR-style pit stops, which were a shock to teams pitting nearby. “They treated a pit stop almost like a rest break,” Bell would say. “We were in a hurry, even if we were changing drivers.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-engine90-copy.jpeg) Donlavey's crew works on the Ford Torino's engine prior to the 24-hour race. The crew member to the far right is Robert Morris. Bell also noted that the pits were full of people – extra team members, gendarmes in their uniforms, some onlookers. “It’s a wonder nobody got run over,” Bell said. McGriff shared driving duties with his son, Hershel Jr. The race was over almost as soon as it started for them. Their Dodge couldn’t handle the French fuel – lower-octane than its American counterpart – and the engine failed after two laps. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/_M-Junie-shop90-copy.jpg) Race team owner Junie Donlavey pauses outside his team's shop in June 1976 with the Truxmore-sponsored Ford his team had prepared to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bell said Donlavey’s team “had de-tuned our engine to fit the fuel. We were fine.” Both American cars caught the attention of French race fans during practice that week. They were bulky – like big brothers to the sports cars and sleek prototypes fielded by all the other teams. And the when the drivers cranked up the engines of the two NASCAR-style entries, even de-tuned they filled the air with a deep guttural sound, unmistakable among the high-pitched whines of the road-course specialist machines. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-paint90-copy.jpeg) Painter Howard Pinchefsky, long a member of the Donlavey team, adds to the Ford's hood the number 90 in its classic font. Fans fondly nicknamed the Dodge and the Ford “Les deux monstres,” the two monsters, and when a local newspaper used the phrase in a headline, the name stuck. “We were fast on the straightaways,” Bell would point out later, “and our car punched a big hole in the air. The other teams like to get behind us to pick up speed in the draft. But we had to brake sooner to get that big heavy car slowed down and through the corners. Our drivers gave hand signals to let the car behind know when they were about to brake.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-pits90-copy.jpeg) A gendarme watches as Dick Hutcherson brings the Donlavey Ford to the pits. With Brooks and Hutcherson handling the driving, the Donlavey Ford had completed 104 laps, nearly 900 miles, and had risen 21 positions to 34th \-- when the car’s transition failed. It happened about ten and a half hours into the race, more than twice as long as their NASCAR events lasted. “We knew what had happened,” Bell recalled this week, leaning against a workbench in his shop. “We could have fixed it and got back in the race. But the car had stopped way out on the backside of the course, and they wouldn’t tow it back to us. We didn’t see the car again until the next day after the race was over.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-Kenny90-copy.jpeg) Kenny "Ding" Bell has a thoughtful moment before the start of the motorsports endurance classic. The Donlavey Ford got credit for a 40th\-place finish. That was best, it can be noted, in the two-car class that had been created for the race. The winning Porsche 936, driven by Belgian Jacky Ickx and Gijs van Lennep of the Netherlands, logged 349 laps Hutcherson died in 2005 at 73, Brooks in 2006 at 63 – each of natural causes. McGriff Sr. is 98, said to be the oldest living former NASCAR driver. McGriff Jr. is 79 and reportedly still racing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-Richard90-copy.jpeg) Richard Donlavey, Junie's son, attaches a light to illuminate the race car's number during the night. The specially prepared Ford Torino they drove that one time at Le Mans was shipped back to Richmond. Eventually, it was moved out of the shop and away from Richmond. Donlavey would say later that he didn’t know for sure what had become of it. Likewise, Bell said this week that he couldn’t be certain about the car’s provenance. However, for those who experienced the look and sound of that “monstre,” memories persist. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LM-program-copy.jpeg) The 1976 Le Mans program cover mentions the Trophee Daytona-Le Mans for combined performance in the 24-hour races at the two venues. ### Matoaca softball's dream season extended; at least 7 other teams will play for state titles Saturday URL: https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-softballs-dream-season-extended-at-least-7-other-teams-will-play-for-state-titles-saturday/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T21:46:43.000Z ALDIE – The dream lives on. “Yes, it does,” said Matoaca softball coach Scott Driskill in the aftermath of the Warriors 7-3 victory over Kellam in the first of two Class 5 semifinal games contested Friday on the sunbaked diamond at John Champe High School. “This is the first time we’ve ever won a regional championship or been to the state semifinals. Now, it’s the first time we’ve ever been to the finals.” The dream? That’s an easy one. “One more game,” Driskill added, smiling pointing heavenward. “I’m not sure they know how big the moment is. They’re young ladies. They’re all awesome. I’m not sure all of them get how big what happened today was or how big what’s going to happen tomorrow will be, whether we win or lose.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0819.JPG) Matoaca coach Scott Driskill is seeking his first state title. On this toasty, clear, sweat-inducing morning, the Warriors (25-1) jumped on Kellam (Virginia Beach) early, rode the powerful and precise right arm of Kaylee Hodges, and then, when the Knights made a game of it, used timely hitting, defensive acumen, and their innate strength of will to fend them off. “We put them (the Knights) in a hole,” Driskill said. “It’s hard to dig out of a hole when you’re facing No. 7 (Hodges) on the mound. “Give them credit, though. They came back. We knew that sooner or later it would happen. They did, and guess what? We came right back.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0276.JPG) Kaylee Hodges was the state softball player of the year last year. Driskill’s crew scored three runs in the first. With one out, Raven Crabtree was hit by a pitch and stole second. Hodges then drew the first of three walks on 3-2 counts and was replaced by courtesy runner Zy’aisha Marbury. After Crabtree and Marbury advanced on a wild pitch, catcher Hayden Longacre, the cleanup hitter, followed with a sharp single to left center sending both across the plate. “It was my first at-bat, and I was looking to come out hard,” said Longacre. “I was just trying to get some hard contact to get them in because it was our first chance for an RBI.” Then with two outs, Savannah Wright drilled a double to the centerfield wall scoring Keira Burnette, who had entered as a courtesy runner for Longacre. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0110-1.JPG) Kaylee Hodges and Raven Crabtree celebrate a successful defensive inning. The Warriors went up 4-0 in the third when Crabtree singled, advanced to second when Hodges walked, to third on a fielder’s choice, and scored when Wright reached base on an infield error. The Warriors were cruising. Little the Knights (22-4) were doing was working. Victory seemed at hand. Then came the wake-up call. Avonlea Flanagan led off the Kellam fourth with a first-pitch double to left. Karley Boone then dropped a bloop single to short center. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0394.JPG) Zy'aisha Marbury is stunned after being called out on a close play at third base. After Hodges recorded a strikeout which appeared to stem the Knights’ momentum, Layla Capps followed with a home run into the parking lot behind the 200-foot leftfield wall that scored courtesy runners Gracie Jones and Emma Blakey, cut the difference to 4-3, and ignited a spontaneous celebration amongst the Kellam faithful. “I’m kind of used to that from travel ball because you face really good hitters,” said Hodges, the two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia and a University of Tennessee commit. “It happens. “It’s, OK, just go at the next batter. You can’t live in the past. If you do that, your headspace isn’t going to be good. “She had a great hit. She got a great swing on that pitch. I left it down in the zone. It was supposed to be a rise ball, but it didn’t really move. I knew what I needed to do. I knew what changes I needed to make in my pitches, and I did that.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. From that point, Hodges allowed only two runners to reach base. A picture-perfect Longacre to shortstop Abby Davis throw caught one stealing. Hodges stranded the other by striking out the final two batters in the seventh to end the game. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0220.JPG) Abby Davis makes contact during Friday's game. As Hodges was spinning excellence from the circle, Wright provided three much-needed insurance runs in the fifth. Longacre singled to the leftfield wall and yielded to courtesy runner Burnette, Tori Ankiel reached on a fielder’s choice, and Wright followed with a shot that sailed over the rightfield wall and into Lobo Drive, which runs adjacent to campus. “Inside pitches have always been my favorite,” Wright said. “I’m always looking for that when I’m up in the count. I had one strike on me, so it was still batter’s count. I saw it was a fastball inside. I just turned on it and took it yard.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0467.JPG) Savannah Wright is greeted at home after her home run. Hodges, a junior, allowed five hits, walked none, and struck out 17\. She delivered 102 pitches, including 81 strikes. Next on the agenda for Matoaca is Lightridge, which defeated Granby 7-0 in the other semifinal and has its own star in Peyton Robinson, who is committed to play at Georgia Tech. First pitch in the state championship game at John Champe is 11 a.m. Saturday. “We honestly work together as a team,” Hodges said. “We love each other. You really don’t have to be the best team out there as long as you love each other and play for each other. You want to live in the moment and have fun because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some people, and we just want to take advantage of the moment.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A1165-1.JPG) Midlothian and Kempsville players tussle for the ball during a soccer semifinal. Kempsville won, 2-0. ### In other games: With one result still pending, there are eight local high school teams who will play for high school state titles on Saturday. **Girls lacrosse:** Class 5 Douglas Freeman vs. Riverside, 12:30 pm, at Freedom-South Riding Class 4 Western Albemarle vs. Hanover, 12:30 p.m., at Heritage ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A0634.JPG) James River's Landon Smith was part of a Rapids rally, but the team ultimately fell to Great Bridge. **Baseball:** Class 5 Glen Allen vs. Great Bridge, 11 a.m., at John Champe HS Class 4 Atlee vs. Woodgrove, 11 a.m., at Woodgrove HS Class 3 New Kent vs. Turner Ashby, 11 a.m., at Abingdon HS Class 2 TBD ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2D8A1292.JPG) Olivia Lombardo of Midlothian and Alanna Mitchell of Kempsville chase a loose ball in Friday's game. **Softball:** Class 5 Matoaca vs. Lightridge, 11 a.m., at John Champe HS Class 2 Appomattox vs. King William, 11 a.m., at Moyer Sports Complex (Salem) **Girls soccer:** Class 4 Atlee vs Heritage, 1 p.m., at Woodgrove HS ### The Richmonder is taking legal action against the Richmond School Board. Here’s why. URL: https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-is-taking-legal-action-against-the-richmond-school-board-heres-why/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T15:16:56.000Z Earlier today The Richmonder’s education reporter, Victoria A. Ifatusin, filed a lawsuit on behalf of our readers and the general public in Richmond Circuit Court, requesting that key details in a Richmond Public Schools investigation into embezzlement by a senior employee be unredacted. We did not arrive at this decision lightly, but we believe it is an important action to take as part of our mission to shine a light on how taxpayer dollars are used. In April, RPS informed Ifatusin that employee Ronald “Bobby” Hathaway was no longer with the district, following an investigation into alleged improprieties. The Richmonder, along with several other local news outlets, requested the contents of that investigation under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. As [documented by CBS 6](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/rps-facilities-department-investigation-may-5-2026), the school district responded with a heavily redacted document that provided little insight into the details of the case. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-30387dd7-c058-47a1-b898-30a5d12f8fef.png) The Richmonder sent a letter to the Richmond School Board identifying our objections to the release and asking for it to reconsider the redactions. The school district informed us earlier this week they believe the document meets disclosure standards. The Richmonder is retaining Andrew T. Bodoh to represent the public interest in this case. Bodoh said in a statement that FOIA laws are designed in part for situations like Hathaway’s. "Virginia's first constitution, adopted this month 250 years ago, declared public employees to be the people's 'trustees and servants.' It told us to guard against 'the danger of maladministration,'” Bodoh wrote. “This principle gave birth to Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. A rule to protect public employees' legitimate privacy should not shield reports of financial mismanagement." Ifatusin said the case represents an important step in The Richmonder’s commitment to keeping a watchful eye on those in power. “Lawsuits like this are a method of last resort for reporters,” she said. “Our mission is to provide local news that contributes to a thriving and successful school system. Proper management of funds is essential to that success, and taxpayers are legally entitled to an accounting of how their money is being used.” In the filing, Bodoh notes that records related to the misuse of public equipment and funds are not exempt under FOIA law. “It is unlawful to withhold information … because disclosure would not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy to a reasonable person, precisely because the public has a genuine interest in ensuring that public assets are not being mismanaged,” he wrote, referring to past precedent on FOIA set by Virginia’s Supreme Court. Founder and Editor Michael Phillips said the case will not impact The Richmonder’s commitment to professional and thorough reporting on local education and other civic matters. RPS was also sued after refusing to release large portions of an investigation into a June 2023 shooting outside Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony. In that case, a judge [**ordered that the document be released**](https://virginiamercury.com/2024/01/16/judge-orders-release-of-richmond-graduation-shooting-report-with-limited-redactions/) to the public with minimal redactions, a win for news organizations. The Richmonder is a nonprofit news outlet started in September 2024 to fill the gaps left behind by the decline of legacy news outlets. The outlet is funded by reader donations and distributes a [**three-times-a-week newsletter**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) in addition to its website. The lawsuit will be funded out of the outlet’s general budget. The Richmonder’s largest single source of funding is the more than 1,300 members who [**contribute on a monthly or one-time basis**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/). *Contact Founder Michael Phillips at* [***mphillips@richmonder.org***](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### June 12 Newsletter: Waving the flag URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-12-newsletter-waving-the-flag/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T10:00:48.000Z **Weather:** We've got a shot at 100 as the mini-heat wave continues. **On this date** in 1967, the Supreme Court issues a unanimous ruling in Loving v. Virginia, allowing interracial marriage. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/FINAL-FINAL-1.png)](https://www.localadventuresrva.org/) **Today's newsletter sponsor is L.O.C.A.L. Adventures:** On June 19 we are hosting a [Juneteenth Sunrise Meditation Paddle on the James River](https://givebutter.com/juneteenth-sunrise-meditation-paddle-ks031t)—a community fundraiser featuring guided meditation, paddleboarding, and reflection as we honor freedom, community, and the approaching summer solstice. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-2.16.36---PM-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) ### What’s in a flag? Richmond’s has a lot to unpack In 1991, City Council received a $12,000 donation from an anonymous donor for design work in connection with a new city flag. The figure on the flag is a faceless boatman paddling a batteau boat. 🛶 Batteaux were long, flat-bottomed, wooden boats designed by Virginian Anthony Rucker with the help of his brother Benjamin in the early 1770’s. At one point, one quarter of the entire crop of tobacco from Virginia and North Carolina traveled down the James to Richmond on these boats. [**Learn more here in Part 1 of our series.**](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/) ### Richmond's Flag, Part 2: Honoring the legacy of Black boatmen In the time of the boatmen facilitating trade along the James River and later the canal system, as many as 98% were people of color. One researcher found that this unsupervised travel, going up and down the river while stopping in different places, created a literal waterway to freedom, with lists of freedmen registered as boatmen found in contiguous counties along the James. [**Read more here, and watch for Part 3 in Monday's newsletter.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/CW2J47-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-to-take-up-three-big-code-refresh-questions-duplexes-churches-and-household-numbers/) ### City Council to take up three big code refresh questions: duplexes, churches and household numbers When the City Council meets next week for its first public work session on Richmond’s proposed rezoning, three issues will top its agenda: how many housing units can be on a single lot, how places of worship should be zoned and how many unrelated people can make up a household. - Mayor Danny Avula’s administration is trying to take the temperature of the officials who will be voting on it in the future to determine which plans are politically viable and which are not. - Avula cautioned, though, that while increasing supply can help plateau costs, they're unlikely to drop due to rising costs. As the rezoning moves more into the City Council’s court and a final proposal takes shape, Avula acknowledged that the plans will remain controversial given the wide range of views among the city’s roughly 241,000 residents. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-to-take-up-three-big-code-refresh-questions-duplexes-churches-and-household-numbers/) **CATCH UP:** [**The Richmonder's past coverage of code refresh**](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-17.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/up-for-debate-major-national-event-arrives-in-richmond-this-weekend/) ### Up for debate: Major national event arrives in Richmond this weekend Starting Sunday, thousands of students will descend on Richmond to compete in one of the world's largest academic competitions. Two local participants told **Haidyn Brockelman** that speech programs have changed their lives. “We always have these mental constructs of what we can and can’t do, but you don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’ve pushed yourself past that,” one said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/up-for-debate-major-national-event-arrives-in-richmond-this-weekend/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/where-to-watch-the-world-cup-in-richmond/) ### Where to watch the World Cup in Richmond Unfortunately for Richmonders, the closest soccer action to us is in Philadelphia and Atlanta. The U.S. plays its first game of the tournament tonight at 9 p.m. ⚽ The Richmond Kickers and Ivy will host watch parties when the United States plays, showing the game on the big screen at City Stadium. Free tickets are required. In addition, plenty of bars and restaurants will be airing the games, many with food and drink specials. [**See a list here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/where-to-watch-the-world-cup-in-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-19.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/momma-beth-marschak-is-remembered-as-one-of-richmonds-original-activists/) ### 'Momma Beth' Marschak is remembered as one of Richmond's original activists Richmond has lost another pioneering icon in the LGBTQ+ community. Romayne “Beth” Marschak died last week at the age of 75. Her younger sister said Marschak's house caught on fire, and she died from smoke inhalation. Those who knew her paid tribute to Marschak as somebody who “cared deeply about the human rights for all people.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/momma-beth-marschak-is-remembered-as-one-of-richmonds-original-activists/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/2.jpg)](https://www.localadventuresrva.org/) L.O.C.A.L. Adventures is a Richmond-based nonprofit helping youth develop confidence, curiosity, and connection through mindfulness, outdoor adventure, creativity, and time in nature. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, [L.O.C.A.L. Adventures](https://www.localadventuresrva.org/) has helped over 750 underserved youth develop resiliency through yoga, paddling, hiking, art, and nature-based programs. --- ### In other news - [**Squirrels owner to EDA: Diamond District roadwork cannot obstruct CarMax Park entrance**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/11/squirrels-owner-to-eda-diamond-district-roadwork-cannot-obstruct-carmax-park-entrance/) (Richmond BizSense) - Lou DiBella said the city told him that planned roadwork will close the entrance for four months this winner, infringing on his ability to hold events at the stadium. - [**Chesterfield debuts free park with splash pad and heron slide**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/10/chesterfield-splash-pad-river-city-sportsplex-park) (Axios) - The Park is part of the county's effort to make River City Sportsplex more usable outside of sporting events. - [**Roanoke Valley and Richmond metro have become magnets for people moving out of Fairfax County**](https://cardinalnews.org/2026/06/10/roanoke-valley-and-richmond-metro-have-become-magnets-for-people-moving-out-of-fairfax-county/) (Cardinal News) - Migration data released by the IRS shows an uptick in the number of people moving out of Fairfax County and into the Richmond metro. --- ### The editor's desk This weekend brings two milestone birthdays, for our summer reporting fellow Ned Oliver and Axios Richmond's Karri Peifer. May all your Flag Day dreams come true. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### City Council to take up three big code refresh questions: duplexes, churches and household numbers URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-council-to-take-up-three-big-code-refresh-questions-duplexes-churches-and-household-numbers/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:22:58.000Z When the City Council meets next week for its first public work session on Richmond’s proposed rezoning, three issues will top its agenda: how many housing units can be on a single lot, how places of worship should be zoned and how many unrelated people can make up a household. “Those are going to be the three questions we dive into, and I think from a city perspective, we’ll be offering up alternatives which we feel, based on what we’ve heard, are a good compromise path forward,” said Planning Director Kevin Vonck. But, he continued, “There’s no right or wrong answer on these. What we’re looking for is to get to an answer.” As Richmond prepares to roll out the third draft of the proposed rezoning, known as the code refresh, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration is trying to take the temperature of the officials who will be voting on it in the future to determine which plans are politically viable and which are not. In a series of work sessions that will be held June 15 through 17 with the City Council, Planning Commission and Zoning Advisory Council — a body that has no voting power but has been advising the Planning Department on the drafting of the plans — the administration will be seeking feedback on the big three questions, all of which have sparked controversy among residents. Particularly important will be the reactions of the City Council, which will have the final say on any new zoning plan. “Ultimately it’s the City Council that decides, and it’s our job as the administration to give them the information and equip them to be able to make those decisions,” said Avula. [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-beab884f-0f66-4df7-94a5-02fd64cbf6bb.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-69a12099-a3ec-4443-bedb-b323d27a8ed2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) While Avula, Vonck and top city housing officials Sharon Ebert and Merrick Malone offered few details of the administration’s stance on the three major issues during a press briefing Thursday, [a document](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8068109&GUID=4594D18C-7209-4B16-8886-3DE40D03F3CF&Options=&Search=) posted ahead of the meetings indicates how the city may be thinking about them. According to that, planners are envisioning a greater range of zoning designations for places of worship rather than rezoning them all as mixed use of up to three stories. Occupancy standards could be modeled after state code that ties square footage to the number of residents. Perhaps most prominently, officials are generally sticking with the “preservation bonus” included in the second draft that would allow duplexes on residential properties by right as long as the existing home is not demolished. As in earlier drafts, residential lots would continue to be allowed a maximum of three housing units on any residential lot — a duplex as well as an accessory dwelling unit, which the city began allowing by right in 2023\. Under the new proposal, however, the maximum number of buildings allowed would be reduced from three to two. ADUs could also be slightly larger, although they would be prohibited from being taller than the primary dwelling. Also still in play, although not mentioned in the document: tree canopy requirements, which are not part of the city’s current zoning code. “The state authorized us to put in tree canopy minimums, and then we're going to move forward with having those in,” said Vonck. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Housing and zoning** On Thursday, Avula and other officials repeatedly emphasized the need to overhaul the zoning code, which has not been comprehensively updated in 50 years, and the impact that rewriting the rules could have on flattening the steep increases in housing prices that Richmond has seen over the past decade. The mayor was firm that he doesn’t expect prices to decline significantly as a result of any zoning rewrite. Both labor and material costs seem likely to remain high for the foreseeable future; construction costs, said Malone, have risen 45% since the pandemic. “It’s important for us to manage people’s expectations about just how affordable we can get,” Avula said. But he maintained that increasing the supply of housing units on the market can help those prices plateau and, when coupled with other anti-displacement policies, could allow more residents to stay in the city. “Every body of experts across our country, when you look at the housing crises that most cities are facing, the core answer is more supply,” he said. “Now that supply has to be done thoughtfully, it has to be done with different houses of different sizes across the entire city, and there's got to be subsidized components of that. But the core focus is more supply.” [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-d0b2b449-4b15-40ca-b617-0fdc8762f60b.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-53e4dcc3-ddbd-4edf-8703-1b870ffb80fa.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) In the third draft, as in earlier versions, [much of that new supply is expected to come from development along commercial corridors](https://www.richmonder.org/latest-study-finds-rezoning-will-spur-most-new-housing-in-mixed-use-corridors-from-urban-core-through-west-end/) like Broad and Hull streets, Midlothian Turnpike and Brookland Park Boulevard. Those are the areas “where we're trying to incentivize people to build,” said Ebert. “Those are the areas that have the largest water mains and sewer mains. Those are the ones where we have bus stops.” As the rezoning moves more into the City Council’s court and a final proposal takes shape, Avula acknowledged that the plans will remain controversial given the wide range of views among the city’s roughly 241,000 residents. “This is messy, complicated, nuanced, very specific policy-driven kind of work. And it’s not easy, and it shouldn’t be,” he said. “Not everybody is going to be happy.” Some members of the City Council have already been vocal about concerns. Both Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) and Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) have put forward proposals to create new citizen bodies outside of the Zoning Advisory Council to oversee the code refresh process, although other councilors have appeared more skeptical about the idea. “The work that has been done through this process with the advisory board that has been sitting for the past months, almost two years, has been extensive, has been very extensive,” said Councilor Ellen Robertson (6th District) during a June 1 meeting. (Robertson also serves on the ZAC and the Planning Commission.) The Council has put off any decision on those proposals until after next week’s work sessions. *This story has been updated to clarify the third draft's recommendation for maximum units and buildings on residential lots.* *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*.* ### Richmond's Flag, Part 2: Honoring the legacy of Black boatmen URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T15:13:16.000Z 🗒️ This is Part 2 of a three-part series. Also see [Part 1](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) and [Part 3](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/). *"...we were intercepted with great craggy stones that \[stand\] in midst of the river, where the water falleth so rudely and with such a violence as not any boat can possibly pass..."* These words by Captain John Smith from ‘A True Relation of Virginia’ in 1608 describe the Falls of the James in Richmond, the most dramatic stretch of the 340-mile-long river. The roar of the falls marks the point where the river crosses the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line, a geologic feature where rapids form as rivers cut into bedrock and transition from the Piedmont to the Atlantic Coastal Plain regions of states along its length. In Richmond, the falls marked a stopping point for early seafaring vessels traveling upriver. To facilitate trade with the interior of Virginia and other points west, special boats were required to contend with the river’s fall line and additional rapids found upstream. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/_AXP5507.jpg) Hollywood Rapids on the James River. The city's rapids prevented seafaring vessels from traveling past the city to engage in trade. The James River Batteau was created for this task. The long, flat-bottomed, wooden boat was designed by Virginian Anthony Rucker with the help of his brother Benjamin between the 1760’s and early 1770’s, and could carry large quantities of goods such as hogsheads (large barrels) of tobacco, grains, iron ore, and coal, while being maneuverable enough to travel down the rapids and shallows of the James. With no keel and a shallow draft (amount of the hull under the water), batteaux reached up to 60 feet in length and were capable of transporting up to 12 hogsheads of tobacco, with an estimated total capacity of over 10,000 pounds, give or take. Batteaux ferried innumerable quantities of goods down the James River to Richmond and back upriver. The boats were typically crewed by three boatmen: two propelled the boats by walking down the boats' gunwales pushing on iron-tipped wooden poles, braced on the bottom of the river. The headman operated the boat’s ‘sweep,’ a long wooden oar at the back and/or front of the boat that helped turn the craft while weighed down by thousands of pounds of goods. Navigating these boats was grueling work, which most often fell upon the backs of the enslaved and freedmen. ### Industrial Athletes and Architects of Freedom Hearing Viola Baskerville recount history is enlightening. Among her accomplishments, Baskerville is a former Richmond City Council member, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and Virginia’s Secretary of Administration from 2006-2010\. Her activism helped place the Arthur Ashe Jr. Monument on Monument Avenue, and the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial at the State Capitol. She is currently the President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Greater Richmond, Virginia Chapter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-c6a5f24e-0491-4d1e-9e79-960618898ce7.jpeg) Viola Baskerville, author of a forthcoming book about Black boatmen of the James River poses for a portrait at Great Shiplock Park on Thursday, May 21, 2026. For the last six years, she has been researching and writing a book that chronicles over a century of history, with the working title: "Black Boatmen of the James River: Industrial Athletes, Architects of Freedom.” Baskerville stumbled on the idea for her book while researching another project. She came across “...a list of free Negroes in Buckingham County whose occupations were listed…all Black men who indicated either they were carpenter, or boatman, or a laborer. And I kept seeing the category boatman over and over again.” Her research has determined that in the time of the boatmen facilitating trade along the James River and later the canal system, up to 98% were people of color. Baskerville proposes that it is no accident that physically demanding batteau travel was uniquely suited to the enslaved and freedmen: “…a lot of African Americans that came to this country, or that were enslaved and brought to this country…a lot came from countries where there were rivers...So this innate knowledge and syncopacity, with the river…I would submit that they came with the knowledge of how to read a river. How do you know when the current is shifting? How do you know where to put your pole? …You had an innate ability...to understand how to pole these boats downriver.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/LATROBEBATTEAU-1.jpg) ‘Three Black men pole their bateau, a long flat-bottomed boat, through the rapids on the James River above Richmond.’ Watercolor in [**An essay on landscape, explained in tinted drawings*](https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma990004885850205756&context=L&vid=01LVA%5FINST:01LVA&lang=en&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=LibraryCatalog&query=any%2Ccontains%2C1798)**, Volume 2, 1798-1799* by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of the architects of the U.S. Capitol building. Bruce G. Terrell states in his research report “The James River Bateau: Tobacco transport in the Upland Virginia, 1745-1840,” that the trip from Lynchburg to Richmond and back by batteau “in sufficient water, averaged about fifteen days. During periods of low water, the same trip could take up to four weeks.”These trips were largely unsupervised, with the boatmen traveling up to 30 miles downriver each day. Baskerville found that this unsupervised travel, going up and down the river while stopping in different places, created a literal waterway to freedom, with lists of freedmen registered as boatmen found in contiguous counties along the James. These free boatmen who delivered goods made way for entire lineages of freedmen, passing the occupation on to their sons and nephews. For some enslaved boatmen, the occupation was a pathway to becoming emancipated and given land. For others, it was a way to escape the South via the Atlantic, or over the mountains if traveling upriver to Lynchburg. > “...enslaved people were meeting up with the boatmen, and the boatmen were helping them to freedom - coming down the James River, getting to Richmond. And then the freedom seekers would seek a path to get from the port in Richmond onto a boat and get to Norfolk. That would then take them up the Atlantic coast to freedom.” Baskerville credits the boatmen as being architects of a regional network for freedom seekers, which utilized the main stem of the James as well as its tributaries like the Rivanna and the Appomattox. She has found that certain places along the river served as sanctuaries for enslaved people meeting up with the boatmen. In these places, freedom seekers could get lost in the crowd, exchange their clothes for outfits that made them appear to be freedmen, and adopt aliases. She established this through 'runaway ads' repeatedly placed in newspapers in those places by enslavers and companies that owned slaves who worked as boatmen. These ads describe fugitive slaves and where they may be found "...Whether they may be lurking around Richmond, or meeting up with the boatmen." Some of these places include Lynchburg, the Dover (coal) Pits in Goochland, and Richmond, where a duality existed: "...the ships that brought people, enslaved people, to the Port of Richmond, were also ships that took freedom seekers away from Richmond and to Norfolk, and to ports that would send them back to freedom. So in a sense, the river and the water, for African-Americans, I think, in Richmond has been symbolic, both of freedom and mobility..." Baskerville's research has surfaced figures that estimate that in the time of the batteaux’s use on the river for shipping from the late 1700’s through the early 1840’s there were up to one million trips undertaken by 8,000 batteaux. A letter to the editor of The Virginia Argus in 1810 states "It is probable there are a thousand boats that navigate the river above the falls..." ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### From river to canal The arrival of goods aboard batteaux to their destination was never a guarantee. Batteaux could wreck on unseen rocks, floods could swamp or overturn boats, and low river levels could create protracted delays without enough water filling in shallow sections of the river. In 1785 a bill was passed in Virginia establishing the James River and Potomac River Companies to facilitate the use of the rivers for commerce. George Washington was made president of both. Another bill facilitated altering the James’ riverbed for safe passage of batteaux, by methods such as excavating channels that the boats could travel through, though floods had a habit of destroying those improvements. Washington had conceived of a canal system and overland route that would connect the Atlantic to the Mississippi beginning in Richmond. In the decade following the establishment of the James River Company, the beginning of Washington’s James River Canal System was completed: two canals and a series of locks which began six and half miles upstream of Richmond near what is now Bosher’s Dam, ending at Richmond’s ‘Great Turning Basin,’ a large pool which occupied a space bounded today by 8th and 11th Streets, and Canal and Cary Streets, where boats unloaded their cargo and turned around for the journey back to points west of the city. After its construction, the canal allowed batteaux travelling downriver to circumvent Richmond's falls. Much of the canal system in Richmond, including the site of the Great Basin, has been covered by development or simply filled in with dirt. Even still, remnants of the system are visible at various points, such as an overgrown stretch sandwiched between the CSX Rail Line and Northbank Trail at Hollywood Cemetery, and ‘Washington’s Arch’ in Pump House Park, a point where George Washington visited aboard a batteau in 1791 while serving as the nation’s first president. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-bdae478e-a207-418a-8b3c-74f7f4c093ef.jpeg) 'Richmond from the Waterworks,' lithograph by William J. Bennet, 1833\. Note the batteau on the canal. (Courtesy of the Valentine) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-433ecc20-c2e1-4db3-b59a-3b7a90cbae0e.jpeg) A view of the Northbank Trail, Kanawha Canal, CSX Rail Line, and downtown Richmond from Hollywood Cemetery on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-a92dd91e-36ed-469b-914c-c2e241e018ef.jpeg) Photo of "Washington's Arch" and the lower canal, originally a part of George Washington's James River Canal System, from 'Art Work of Richmond Part 3,' by the W.H. Parish Publishing Company, 1897\. (Courtesy of the Valentine) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-b23fd989-afa7-4084-8beb-349e09dc79f5.jpeg) "Washington's Arch" and the lower canal, originally a part of George Washington's James River Canal System, in Pump House Park. In 1840, The James River and Kanawha Canal System, a 197-mile-long canal which connected Richmond to Lynchburg, largely built by slave labor, was completed. The canal allowed boats to undertake travel free from the unpredictable nature of the James. The completion of the canal made river travel via batteaux obsolete. Even still, Black boatmen continued to ferry goods aboard succeeding boats such as canal and packet boats. Eventually, the rise of the railroads and their speed rendered the canals obsolete. As the river has progressed from artery for commerce to one of recreation today, it’s important to Baskerville that we preserve the legacy of these boatmen and make them more than a silhouette of the past. “These people were African Americans and they had names…And they were critical to the development of Richmond's industry and its growth,” she said. She wonders, have you heard of: *“...The Banks Brothers, or the Hill brothers, or the Johnson family, or Peyton Mayo, The Mayo family. Or have you heard of Philip Hampton, or Richard ‘Dick’ Roane?”* Baskerville found Dick Roane in a newspaper article. He was a Black boatman who was murdered by Union soldiers in 1866 by being struck and thrown into the canal at 18th and Dock Streets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-16aa830c-20b5-477b-9035-ed1c376a73f6.jpeg) The canal near 18th and Dock Streets, where Dick Roane was reportedly thrown into the canal after his murder. *In Part 3, on Sunday, learn about modern boatmen recreating the batteaux tradition.* 🗒️ This is Part 2 of a three-part series. Also see [Part 1](https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/) and [Part 3](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/). ### Up for debate: Major national event arrives in Richmond this weekend URL: https://www.richmonder.org/up-for-debate-major-national-event-arrives-in-richmond-this-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T18:52:09.000Z Starting Sunday, thousands of students will descend on Richmond to compete in one of the world's largest academic competitions. The National Speech & Debate Tournament, hosted annually by the National Speech & Debate Association, will bring roughly 7,000 students representing 1,500 schools to the Richmond area from June 14-19\. Competitors will participate in a variety of speech and debate events at schools throughout the area, the Greater Richmond Convention Center and the Altria Theater. [The finals will be livestreamed](https://www.speechanddebate.org/live/) on the National Speech & Debate website, as public tickets are not available. Richmonders can get involved by [volunteering to support](https://richmondforum.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=109768) event operations and hospitality at tournament venues. This year marks the first time in 26 years that the tournament has been hosted in the Mid-Atlantic – landing the tournament was an initiative led by the Richmond Forum. ### **Local flavor** Among the competitors will be 16 Richmond-area students representing eight schools. For Jasmine Franco, a rising senior at Clover Hill High School, qualifying for Nationals came as a surprise. As a first-year competitor in the Lincoln-Douglas debate event, she was so sure her season was over after her district preliminary rounds that she was already thinking about lunch, and had her phone on silent when notifications for advancing competitors were sent out. “I laughed so hard because I was like, this is a joke, someone’s pranking me,” she said. When her name was announced as a Nationals qualifier, she was so shocked she nearly forgot to walk up and receive her award. For Taylor Thomas, a recent Petersburg High School graduate, qualifying carried a different significance. This year's tournament marks her third appearance at Nationals and gives her another opportunity to perform “a nite with beau willie brown” by Ntozake Shange, a piece she first competed with as a sophomore. The piece explores the effects of war and PTSD on veterans and their families, themes Thomas said she believes are important for audiences to understand. “That's really what my motivation was my whole senior year,” Thomas said. “I want to do justice for this piece (and) justice for myself within this piece.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. While their paths to Nationals were different, both students described themselves as shy before joining speech and debate. Franco credited her older sister with introducing her to the activity. “She’s super extroverted and loves to talk,” Franco said. “She joined speech and debate, and she was doing really well. I would hear all of her fun stories of the trips they would go on, and the people she would meet.” At the time, Franco considered herself “a very timid person” and initially dismissed the idea of participating herself. Her sister, who was leading the club when Franco joined, assured her she did not need to be an expert public speaker to get started. “I thought it would be a good way to help me kind of break out of my shell, meet people at the club, learn a new skill,” Franco said. Thomas joined Petersburg High School's speech program – known there as forensics – after encouragement from a friend. Even after that friend left the activity, Thomas stayed. “My coach always used to tell me, ‘At least your best friend brought me a longtime person,’” Thomas said. Both students said speech and debate helped them gain confidence. “I was the type of person to keep my head down in the hallways,” Thomas said. To both students, the program’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Franco said speech and debate taught her how to research issues, evaluate evidence and communicate complex ideas. She emphasized the importance of programs that teach students how to think critically and engage thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints. “It's really important that students have the option and the exposure to learning how to collect data, collect research, and form thoughts and ideas and arguments, and be able to articulate that,” she said. Franco added that speech and debate encourages students to look beyond their own perspectives. “Everybody can have arguments,” she said. “You have to understand the other side because … you have to make an argument for both the pro side and the negative side.” Despite the two competing in different categories, both described their experiences as transformative. While Franco currently competes in Lincoln-Douglas debate, she didn’t initially want to. When she moved to Virginia, she hoped to continue doing Public Forum, a two-person team debate format. When she couldn’t find a partner, her coach suggested the “pretty similar” Lincoln-Douglas format. The transition was so difficult, she told her dad she wanted to quit. “I remember my dad telling me, ‘You need to let yourself fail, and you need to keep going,’” she recalled. Thomas faced challenges of her own. One obstacle involved adapting the delivery of certain words to meet competition expectations. Since pronunciation can affect scoring, she worked closely with her coach and teammates to practice words that consistently gave her trouble. Both competitors said they’re excited to have this year’s tournament in Richmond. Franco said she’s most excited to watch the final round. “I'm honestly really excited about that more than my own debating,” she remarked. Thomas said she’s most excited to see fellow seniors she’s competed with since they were freshmen. “We’ve also built connections with each other that give us ways to rely on each other,” she said. “We might practice with each other while we're at the tournaments, we might go off, do fun things, play games on our phones, take our minds off of the competition.” While both students are proud of how far they’ve come, they acknowledge other people’s hesitance to join speech and debate, especially if they believe they’re not outspoken or skilled enough. However, Franco believes that’s even more reason to join. “You only get better at public speaking by doing it more often,” she said. “We always have these mental constructs of what we can and can’t do, but you don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’ve pushed yourself past that.” Thomas said speech and debate is about more than public speaking. She encourages hesitant students to view it as an opportunity to build relationships and open doors for their future. “Speech has opened so many doors for me, not just as a person,” Thomas said. “It's (opened) gateways for myself, going into college and going out into the real world now.” *Contact Intern Haidyn Brockelman at* [*hbrockelman@richmonder.org*](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ### 'Momma Beth' Marschak is remembered as one of Richmond's original activists URL: https://www.richmonder.org/momma-beth-marschak-is-remembered-as-one-of-richmonds-original-activists/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T14:38:56.000Z Richmond has lost another pioneering icon in the LGBTQ+ community. Romayne “Beth” Marschak, whose decades of civil rights engagement and book "[Lesbian and Gay Richmond](https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/lesbian-and-gay-richmond-9780738553689?srsltid=AfmBOooK4A2JyvOM7k8crvwZq36HTJypLQreN3QsZ4tomxgMHFjvsowD)**"** brought the history of the Queer community to the forefront, passed away last week at the age of 75. “Her house caught on fire and she died from smoke inhalation,” said her younger sister, Cheryl Marschak. “It was in the middle of the night, so I like to think that she died in her sleep.” The news of Marschak’s passing was shared by the Virginia Department of Health. “Beth worked with VDH and the Division of Disease Prevention (DDP) for over two decades. She joined VDH as a Hotline Counselor and then transitioned to a Contract Administrator several years later,” officials wrote on their [website](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/2026/06/05/tribute-romayne-beth-marschak/). “She had also been extremely involved in community, civil rights, and human rights activism in Richmond throughout much of her life. She was a pillar in the LGBTQ+ community, making connections through her activism work.” Her deep-seated roots in community activism began as far back as middle school, said Cheryl. “She was always very independent and wanted to do things herself, even things that were in those days considered guy things,” she said. “When she was in middle school, she wanted to take shop, which was not available, and they didn't let her.” Going against the grain of what was considered appropriate at the time was a family affair, said her sister. “To be honest, we both got political together,” said the younger Marschak. “It was my senior year of high school and (her) first year of college, when the Democrats controlled the state, but they were conservative. It was the Byrd machine. We jumped parties and joined the Republican Party for the state elections and were active in the Young Republicans and got (Linwood) Holton elected. That's the first activism I remember either of us being involved in.” Cheryl said from then on, her sister continued being politically active, in both the anti-Vietnam and Civil Rights movements. Both sisters also attended Westhampton College at the University of Richmond in the mid 1970s, which was strictly for women. “One thing I remember her mentioning all the time was that she did apply to the University of Virginia back in the day,” said her nephew Charlie Gilmer, “and was actually just plain out rejected because she was a woman, and they were not accepting women at the time. So then she ended up going to Westhampton.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Beth-Marschak-stands-below-her-picture-at-the-Library-of-Virginia.-Courtesy-of-Cherly-Marschak.jpeg) Marschak's photo is on display as one of the "Faces of Virginia" at a Richmond museum. (Cherly Marschak) ### **Being out in the 1970s** In her forays into activism, Beth Marschak began to find a community of like-minded people, such as founding the Women’s Center after graduating Westhampton. The group met at the YMCA. “We had a hotline for women, we both were part of that,” said Cheryl. “And that's where she started getting more involved with a lot of women and connecting up with more lesbian women.” Being out as a lesbian was risky at the time, said her long-time friend Barbara “Bobbi” Weinstock. “Most people were closeted because you had no job security. You had no protections whatsoever,” said Weinstock. “And so Beth and I and a couple of other folks were the only ‘out’ lesbians around.” Weinstock met Marschak at feminist women's rally in the summer of 1975 but became closer the following year. “I had just recently been elected to the board of the National Lesbian and Gay Task Force. So I was involved in a lot of national lesbian, gay activities. And Beth and I just kind of totally linked up,” Weinstock said**.** Because of Marschak’s involvement in both Richmond and national groups, like the Women’s Political Caucus, both she and Weinstock started attending conferences together, including Richmond’s Human Rights Commission in 1978\. “We were working on getting a human rights ordinance that included sexual orientation,” said Weinstock. “I think that's probably the first real big thing that she and I worked on together.” During this time, Marschak also cofounded the group Richmond Lesbian-Feminists. The group gave closeted lesbians a safe space to meet. “There were a fair number of people, but it was a very closeted group. People were really fearful,” said Weinstock, but the group became a magnet “because they wanted (to be) part of a community, but they needed to be invisible.” Mary Dean Carter was an original member of the group. “We worked together in the organization and several others, including Richmond Womensbooks,” said Dean Carter. “She was funny, clever, wise and stubborn. But most of all she was kind, compassionate and loyal. She always showed up for me. Always. She was a powerhouse in a quiet understated way — a trailblazer and a hellraiser. She cared deeply about the human rights for all people.” James Milner, Virginia Pride Director at Diversity Richmond, agrees that Marschak was a trailblazer. “Beth is certainly well known in the LGBTQ community as a storyteller of our history and a preserver of it,” he said. “But Beth also fought for justice for all marginalized communities, whether \[it was for\] Black communities, immigrant communities. She was a fierce and proud lesbian feminist and fought fiercely for women's rights. She brought all of that with her into every space that she entered.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Embracing all communities** As an example of Marschak’s outreach efforts, in the mid-2000s, while working for the Valentine Richmond History Center (which included creating and leading bus tours highlighting the history of the LGBTQ+ community), Marschak met the artist Free Bangura in the basement of the museum. “There was a talk being given. It was concerning the slave trail, as they were calling it at the time,” said Bangura, who now lives in Sierra Leone. “And as I was sitting there listening to the dialogue, I remember shooting my hand up in the air almost involuntarily, and saying emphatically to everyone in the room, ‘stop calling my ancestors slaves. Their condition was to be enslaved.’” Bangura said everyone, including city officials, were calling the proposed route the "slave trail," “Some people tried to push back, but I remember Beth shaking her head like, no, stop interrupting her,” Bangura said. “I remember Beth also walking up to me and saying that she was very proud of the way that I represented that.” They soon became friends, and that encounter led Bangura to create her own history project called Untold RVA. “Every time I turned around, she was always at things that I was announcing for Untold. She would make it a point to be there, even if she didn't tell me she was coming,” said Bangura. “If she wasn't there, she would call me and give me a pep talk beforehand and just encourage me to be bold and courageous. She always said, ‘don't back down from the bullies.’ She was just the type of person where she would just show up at the intersections of justice movements and historical reclamation efforts.” In the early nineties, Marschak continued being a mentor for younger women, like Lora Beldon, who came out while attending VCU. “I joined the Richmond Lesbian-Feminists because I wasn't really a bar-type person back then,” Beldon said. “Beth was one of the first people to really sit down and talk to me because here I was, this absolute baby, and everybody else was at least like 10, 20, 30 years older.” Beldon said she wanted to do more in the community. “I'm a helper just like she is. She's just this huge helper,” she said. “And everyone she meets is helped along the way. One of her nicknames is ‘Mama Beth.’ And that's always how everyone kind of saw her, at least of my generation.” For now, the family said they are planning to honor Beth with a big event sometime in mid-July. ### **Virginians pay tribute** In the week since her passing, tributes have been pouring in on social media. Lisa Cumbey, designer and creative director at the William A. Harrison Foundation, wrote the following: “When I first met Beth Marschak, she was already an icon in the LGBTQ community. She had a quiet, quirky way, and would tell stories from personal experience about things the rest of us just read about in books or underground papers. She was a lifelong advocate not just for our community, but justice and equality everywhere it didn't exist. She's one of those people that you just kind of assume will always be here, with that knowing glint in her eye. It's a shock to learn of her sudden passing.” **The Library of Virginia via** [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/LibraryofVA?%5F%5Fcft%5F%5F[0]=AZa1dDI%5FLqbvSXg8Q%5F5Dnue3juJwhjG5jlBM5fr3ayHx9zUcEp15vAqjjCV6OJz1r%5Fsl%5F-meDsggJeEJkRWx0dnRVFJpWIKM6%5FNLwrjWUN%5Fyp-7TS2NdadrCxbQOpfb470QHDIWV64%5FBvWOmj7GylULO5F-Ju5UsbsdmbbruZrVnOA&%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=-UC%2CP-R): "The Library is saddened to hear about the passing of Beth Marschak. Beth was an activist for equal rights, a historian of Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community and a strong supporter of the Library over the years. She attended many of the Library's events and always asked insightful questions, most recently showing her support for the opening of JXN Haus. She's pictured here at a First Fridays event and at a book talk in October of last year, both at the Library." **Diversity Richmond** via [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/DiversityRichmond/posts/it-is-with-deep-sadness-and-profound-gratitude-that-we-mourn-the-passing-of-beth/1434689712034657/): "It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we mourn the passing of Beth Marschak, a beloved leader, historian, advocate, and friend whose impact on Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community will be felt for generations." **Mayor Danny Avula -** [**via Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/61558317329646/posts/pfbid02xPm4Jy92CA9GivUAkkdadsWPfoXcZ5EPmcYCh8AMe4qQXeqXNnsFuzHwk9L2mtu2l/?fs=e&fs=e)"I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Beth Marshak, a lifelong Richmonder and steadfast social justice advocate. Beth dedicated her life to advancing LGBTQ rights, and championing the equality, justice, and dignity of all people. As we mark Pride Month, a time to celebrate visibility, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, her passing feels especially heartbreaking for so many in Richmond. "Our city has lost a faithful champion whose voice and vision helped make Richmond more just, more humane, and more inclusive. May Beth’s legacy continue to guide and inspire us in the work ahead." **Equality Virginia** (via [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/100064769974148/posts/pfbid0ReaXM2j5CpscVdohEUYdG1Q5SsuUejVTPBroDuGPBiF5GXQo6jfV59pV8RphTbLEl/?fs=e&fs=e)) "is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Beth Marschak, a pioneering lesbian activist and community leader whose impact on the city of Richmond and LGBTQ+ Virginians across the Commonwealth cannot be overstated. "In 1975, Beth helped found the Richmond Lesbian Feminists, creating spaces for belonging and advocacy when LGBTQ+ people faced overwhelming discrimination, isolation, and fear. Through decades of organizing and community care, she helped shape a more visible and more resilient LGBTQ+ movement in Virginia. "We are grateful for her leadership, her vision, and her unwavering commitment to justice. Our thoughts are with her loved ones, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched as we honor her memory." *This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Lisa Cumbey's name.* ### June 10 Newsletter: Sail away URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-10-newsletter-sail-away/ Last updated: 2026-06-10T10:00:55.000Z **Weather:** High of 89 with scattered thunderstorms. **On this date** in 1997, the state tax department bans smoking in employee working areas. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/20251016_Setting-Topgallnt-in-Race_Credit-David-Sites---2--2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/learn-about-the-three-historic-boats-harboring-in-richmond-this-weekend-for-sailfest/) ### Learn about the three historic boats harboring in Richmond this weekend for SailFest The Virginia Museum of History and Culture is partnering with the City of Richmond to bring three tall ships to the riverfront this weekend. 🎆 The festival will also feature a major fireworks display, including 250 drones, Saturday evening at 9 p.m. The Oosterschelde, Pride of Baltimore II, and Virginia will travel up the James River from Norfolk and anchor at Dock Street for the weekend celebration. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/learn-about-the-three-historic-boats-harboring-in-richmond-this-weekend-for-sailfest/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-9.28.26---PM.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-residents-no-1-request-for-new-neighborhood-walkable/) ### Henrico residents’ No. 1 request for new neighborhood? ‘Walkable’ Henrico County’s Planning Commission is expected to vote tomorrow night on a plan guiding the redevelopment of two key pieces of land off of Interstate 95. At the meeting with neighbors, the group that put together the plan for Henrico asked a key question: “Will this really happen?” Their short answer: “maybe,” though they noted that even if the full project as envisioned doesn’t come to fruition, the area still has “strong development potential” as the county rethinks what its neighborhoods of the future should look like. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-residents-no-1-request-for-new-neighborhood-walkable/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/ScottsAddition2-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/latest-study-finds-rezoning-will-spur-most-new-housing-in-mixed-use-corridors-from-urban-core-through-west-end/) ### Latest study finds rezoning will spur most new housing in mixed-use corridors from urban core through West End The study said areas like Scott's Addition, Manchester and the Diamond District "have rents high enough to support" increased development. 🏘️ Overall, the group predicts that rezoning would produce roughly 1,200 to 1,600 housing units in areas zoned for mixed use, 25 to 80 units in residential multifamily areas and 70 to 110 units in residential attached neighborhoods. The lack of projected development in mixed-use corridors on the Southside raised an eyebrow from one zoning advisory member. The city has hoped that the rezoning, among other efforts, could spur increased development in places like Southside Plaza. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/latest-study-finds-rezoning-will-spur-most-new-housing-in-mixed-use-corridors-from-urban-core-through-west-end/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-16.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/bill-martins-belongings-will-be-sold-in-estate-sale-to-benefit-valentine-museum/) ### Bill Martin’s belongings will be sold in estate sale to benefit Valentine museum Bill Martin’s historic 1809 home in Church Hill is opening to the public beginning Thursday for an estate sale. Martin’s wit is apparent in the belongings, which include a throw pillow embroidered with the text “Please leave by 9” and cocktail napkins that read “Please pretend you’re having fun.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/bill-martins-belongings-will-be-sold-in-estate-sale-to-benefit-valentine-museum/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-11-Large.jpeg) ### Coverage of the VHSL state tournaments - [**Freeman girls lacrosse rolls to sixth straight state title game; boys' late rally falls short**](https://www.richmonder.org/freeman-girls-lacrosse-rolls-to-sixth-straight-state-title-game-boys-late-rally-falls-short/) - [**New Kent advanced to the state semis with a softball win**](https://www.richmonder.org/new-kent-advances-to-state-semis-with-softball-win/), and the Trojans [**also picked up a big baseball win**](https://www.richmonder.org/new-kent-baseball-slugs-its-way-into-state-semis/) - [**Atlee baseball affirms powerhouse status in quarterfinal win**](https://www.richmonder.org/atlee-baseball-affirms-powerhouse-status-in-quarterfinal-win/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/260414_024_aj_900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/next-step-vcu-expands-to-richard-bland-college-and-brightpoint-community-college) ### NEXT Step VCU expands The dual-admissions program, which now includes three college partners, provides transfer students with personalized support, cost savings and a clear route to a VCU degree. “The NEXT Step partnership reflects the future of public higher education: institutions working together and serving the public good,” said VCU President Michael Rao. “At VCU, we believe higher education should expand opportunity and eliminate barriers. We see talent everywhere and in everyone, and our responsibility is to help more hard-working students clear the path for the completion of a degree that leads to a meaningful career in a timely way.” [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/next-step-vcu-expands-to-richard-bland-college-and-brightpoint-community-college) --- ### In other news - [**Avula admin announces ‘soft relaunch’ of city purchasing card system**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-announces-soft-relaunch-of-city-purchasing-card-system/) - For now, the city isn’t dramatically expanding the number of purchasing cards in circulation. - [**Council OKs new tax deferral program letting homeowners delay impact of higher assessments**](https://www.richmonder.org/council-oks-new-tax-deferral-program-letting-homeowners-delay-impact-of-higher-assessments/) - The Avula administration’s stance appeared to soften as more and more Council members signed onto the tax relief proposal en route to a 9-0 vote. - [**Richmond lands $8 million grant for student trades program**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-lands-8-million-grant-for-student-trades-program/) - The partnership has the goal of producing 500 Richmond students that will complete paid, work-based experiences in skilled trades by the end of the 2028-2029 school year. - [**Accountability questions remain over former Shoosmith Landfill**](http://vpm.org/news/2026-06-08/shoosmith-chester-sludge-toxic-waste-water-sturtevant-leachate) (VPM) - State Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R–Chesterfield) said state-level involvement may be necessary to address ongoing issues at the landfill. - [**RRHA gets key financing for 400 East Grace**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F456ed1c1-641c-4312-a071-4ed4dce2f2b6.html#tracking-source=home-top-story) (Times-Dispatch) - The vouchers make up the difference between market rents and what eligible low-income tenants can afford — 30% of their income. --- ### The editor's desk Bill Martin's "Please leave by 9" throw pillow deserves its own display at the Valentine. A classic piece of Richmond history. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Atlee baseball affirms powerhouse status in quarterfinal win URL: https://www.richmonder.org/atlee-baseball-affirms-powerhouse-status-in-quarterfinal-win/ Last updated: 2026-06-10T09:54:08.000Z Atlee baseball fans have become accustomed to victory. It wasn’t always that way. When Mike Morris arrived as coach in 2022, he’d watched Hanover build a baseball dynasty, and watched his sons play for competitive Mechanicsville squads. During that time, the Raiders had talent, but were never able to parlay it into deep playoff runs. Now that Morris has firmly entrenched the “Play For The A” mentality, the Raiders have enjoyed great success, winning the Class 4 state championship in 2024, followed by a state semifinal appearance last year. But, for said mentality to work, you’ve got to convince teenagers to eschew any personal goals, and do whatever it takes to succeed as a squad. A total team performance was on full display Tuesday night, as Atlee dispatched Churchland High School out of Portsmouth 11-2 to clinch a third consecutive berth in Class 4’s state semifinal. Leading the way was Thomas Layne, who deftly maneuvered through 4 ⅔ innings, striking out seven Truckers. Layne, who fanned 11 in the Raiders’ 3-2 win over Eastern View in the first round of the Class 4, Region B playoffs 13 days ago, was pumped to see his name in the lineup. “I was really excited. I was a little nervous at the start,” Layne confessed. “I’ve pitched a good amount this year, more than I thought, and I just go to the mound, try to throw strikes.” Layne, one of 14 seniors playing their final game on home turf, notched two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 first inning. Atlee (22-1) got to work at the plate, as Cooper Molloy reached second on a deep drive to left field which was dropped by Isaiah Bunch, scoring on a Tyler Rutman double later in the frame. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The Truckers answered in the second, taking advantage of two Raider errors to tie the game at one as Daniel Sellers’ grounder in the hole at shortstop was bobbled by Max Baedke, allowing Michael Rodgers to score. Two batters later, the play of the night denied Churchland its only real chance to take the lead when Sellers left second base not realizing Trent Arrington’s rope to center was going to be caught. He watched helplessly at third base as Atlee completed the double play. After that, the Raider offense took over, scoring three in the second, two more in the third, then answering Churchland’s other run in the top of the sixth with five of their own in the home half of the inning. Brayden Robinson scored three runs and drove in another, while Andrew Miller reached base three times on a hit and two walks, scoring twice. Every Atlee starter reached base at least once, and seven different Raiders plated a run. When Churchland breathed life into its cause on a two-out walk in the top of the fifth, Morris ended Layne’s stay on the mound, as Chase Mottley came on in relief. Mottley fired three pitches, the last of which fell into the strike zone thanks to a nasty off-speed pitch, stranding the runner. Layne threw 75 pitches, Mottley 34 in his 2 ⅓ innings, allowing a run and a hit in the sixth. “Mottley was great – he threw amazing tonight,” Layne said with a smile. “He came in and shut them down.” The performance by the duo on the hill gives Atlee the blessing of top-line starters available for Morris in Friday’s Class 4 state semifinal against Jefferson Forest. VMI commit Chase Blumberg and Richmond signee Evan Salapka will be well rested and ready to go. Morris was thrilled with how Layne set the pace and how Mottley finished the job. “I’m not surprised,” Morris explained. “Thomas (Layne) threw big in the region quarterfinal for us, he’s pitched other big games like Benedictine. And Mottley’s curve started landing after June 1st. We joked that he’s a summer pitcher.” Throughout the game, the home dugout was filled with chants, shouts, noises, and, most importantly, purpose. They cheered the pitchers and the defense, and rallied around them constantly. Nary a negative word was uttered. It’s a shining example of that aforementioned culture that has allowed the Raiders to become the kings of Hanover County high school baseball. But that’s not enough. The Class of 2026 saw four members start as freshman, six of them start as sophomores on the 2024 state title team. When asked, Morris said the disappointment of falling short of the championship contest last year hasn’t been a continuous focal point of the 2026 Raiders. He challenged them once, earlier this season. “We tied to keep it in perspective. We remember what 2024 felt like, and we remember what 2025 felt like,” Morris noted. “Use 2026 to feel one of those two feelings.” Morris’ deep roots in Hanover County baseball helps him understand the crown jewel this senior class truly is. Ten of them played together on Atlee Little League’s 2019 District V championship team, which finished as runner-up at the Tournament of Champions that summer in Greenville, North Carolina. “Let’s keep this going for them,” Morris told his team when discussing the seniors. “The trophies are going to be great, but if our focus is on our brothers, and don’t lose sight of what we’re trying to do, we’re fighting for something that’s real. Eighteen years of emotions, friendships, and being present. These guys love each other.” They’ll need it all: emotion, drive, discipline and execution. Jefferson Forest enters at 21-2, coming off a miracle come-from-behind 2-1 extra inning win over Loudoun Valley in their state quarterfinal. The other semifinal pits Jamestown and Woodgrove, which gets the advantage of being the host school for the final two rounds. Host sites are determined well in advance of the postseason. First pitch at Woodgrove for the Raiders Friday is at 10am. ### What’s in a flag? Richmond’s has a lot to unpack URL: https://www.richmonder.org/whats-in-a-flag-richmonds-has-a-lot-to-unpack/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T15:12:08.000Z 🗒️ This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Also see [Part 2](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/) and [Part 3](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/). This Sunday is Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777\. July 4th is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776\. Though not as glamorous as either of these occasions, May 24th marked the 33rd anniversary of the adoption of Richmond’s flag by city ordinance. In August 1992, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that 5th District City Councilmember Henry W. Richardson requested that the Richmond City flag no longer be flown at Richmond International Airport, due to complaints he had received. The complaints were about the old version of the city standard, which was designed by City Council Member Carlton McCarthy and was adopted in 1914\. The old flag displayed a different design on each side: the front was a precursor to the city’s seal, and the back depicted a shield containing Confederate stars and bars and the motto ‘*Deo Vindice*,’ typically translated as "God will vindicate." With different designs on each side, the old flag had to be handmade, and carried an estimated cost of $400 in 1963 (a cost of more than $4,300 today, adjusted for inflation). That year, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that the old flag was hardly visible around town: “Rarely is the flag seen waving over public buildings. As a matter of fact, it’s seldom seen anywhere. There seems to be a great conspiracy at City Hall to keep the city flag out of sight. CITY MANAGER EDWARDS has a flag in his office, but it is so faded that it doesn’t look right. City Clerk W.T. Wells has a moth-eaten flag in his office but he’s ashamed to display it.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-86b84696-64c9-4ebf-98c1-0007da374689.jpeg) Clipping from an issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch showing the two sides of Richmond’s former flag, January 1953\. (Courtesy of the Valentine) In 1991, City Council received a $12,000 donation from an anonymous donor for design work in connection with a new city flag. A committee was formed to oversee the process. On May 24, 1993, the current design based on a proposal by committee member and graphic designer Michael Davis, was approved. Noted in “Richmond and its Flag,” a document by Robert W. Waitt from the flag’s dedication ceremony on Brown’s Island, the flag’s design illustrates the span of the city’s history. The red and blue colors are a throwback to 1784, when 5-time Mayor Robert Mitchell affixed ribbons of those colors with the city seal on documents: “The blue signifies the river (the James) from which all life flows, and the red is for the infernal red clay that is always under our feet.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/MaxPosnerFlagBatteau-4580.jpg) Richmond's current flag, which is now 33 years old. The arc of nine stars represents current U.S. states that were once part of the Commonwealth of Virginia and called Richmond their capital early on in the nation’s history: Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The figure at the center of the flag is said to have been inspired by ‘The Headman,’ a sculpture by Paul DiPasquale on Brown’s Island. The figure on the flag, a faceless boatman paddling a batteau, symbolizes “the tens of thousands of anonymous individuals, composed of a multiplicity of nationalities and races, who through the ages determined Richmond’s homogeneous character and contributed to the City’s success, growth and progress.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-8e677dd0-40ec-4d28-8e53-875af306e961.jpeg) "The Headman" by Paul DiPasquale on Brown’s Island. (Viola Baskerville) The Flag Committee conceded that although airplanes, trucking, the railroad, and ships cemented Richmond as a hub for commerce in the mid-Atlantic, the batteaux and the people who piloted them best represented the city’s “historic and pioneering commercial transportation character.” What are batteaux? Who were these faceless boatmen? ### Older than the nation itself Before railroads and highways crisscrossed the nation, rivers were relied on to transport goods. In Virginia, the James River was the primary artery. Richmond became a major hub for the exchange of goods which came down the James from upland Virginia, and inland aboard ships traveling upriver from the Atlantic. This was due to the river’s falls and rapids, which prevented the seafaring vessels from traveling any farther upriver than the city. Rose tobacco canoes (two dugout canoes lashed together) were an early form of transport goods on Virginia’s waterways. After many of them were destroyed in a flood, a new craft was engineered to ferry goods from Virginia’s interior down the James and its rapids to Richmond, and then back upriver: The James River Batteau. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-f071f61e-62f1-4624-a316-a6929002f747.jpeg) Hollywood Rapids on the James River. The city's rapids prevented seafaring vessels from travelling past the city to engage in trade. Batteaux (plural for batteau), were long, flat-bottomed, wooden boats designed by Virginian Anthony Rucker with the help of his brother Benjamin between the 1760’s and early 1770’s. According to author Bruce G. Terrell in his research report “The James River Bateau: Tobacco transport in the Upland Virginia, 1745-1840,” the dimensions of batteaux varied. The boats could reach up to 60 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and had a shallow draft (the amount of a boat’s hull below the waterline) of around 12 inches. Three men typically piloted a batteau: two men pushed on iron-tipped, wooden poles braced on the river bottom to propel the boats, and a 'headman' operated a long wooden oar known as a 'sweep' at the end of the batteaux to turn them. Sometimes there were two sweeps per batteau. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-15.png) “Descending the New River Rapids.” Illustration by J. Wells Champney from ‘The Southern states of North America: a record of journeys in Louisiana, Texas, the Indian territory, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland,' 1848-1896. Terrell reports that batteaux typically weren’t in service longer than 1-2 years. The boats are said to have been broken down at the end of their life and sold for lumber. Legend has it that some of that lumber may have been used to help build homes in Richmond and other places. Batteaux were designed to carry large quantities of goods, including hogsheads (large barrels) of tobacco, grains, iron ore, and coal down the James and its rapids to Richmond. The boats were capable of transporting up to 12 hogsheads of tobacco and had an estimated total capacity of around 10,000 pounds, give or take, depending on a boat's dimensions. Terrell goes on to state that at one point, one quarter of the entire crop of tobacco from Virginia and North Carolina traveled down the James to Richmond. River travel was not easy or without risk. The amount of time needed to travel between destinations and the amount of cargo the batteaux could carry was heavily dependent on the river level. Variability in river levels throughout the year and shallow rapids made shipping unpredictable - cargo was lost or spoiled at the whim of the river. Thomas Jefferson lamented a delay in shipping due to low river levels in 1819: *“I am really miserable at the state of our river, and the continuance of the most obdurate drought ever known…I have between 3\. And 400 barrels of flour now ready and wait only for a good rain…”* Most of the manual labor required to pilot these boats to Richmond and back upstream fell on the same shoulders as much of the labor at this point in American history: those of African Americans, both enslaved and freedmen (people who had been born free or released from slavery). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/20260521-_AXP6038--1-.jpg) One of the earliest known photos of a batteau on the Haw River in North Carolina, loaded with cotton around 1905\. Featured in volume 15, issue 1 of The Tiller Magazine, Spring 1994\. Courtesy of the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society. These Black boatmen are among those "tens of thousands of anonymous individuals" represented by the city flag. To Viola Baskerville, a former Richmond City Council member who has been writing a book on the Black boatmen of the James, the flag and logo don’t go far enough to memorialize these men and their contributions to Richmond given the white silhouette. “There's so many people that don't realize that these people were African Americans. And this symbol is on our city vehicles. It's on our city water bills. It's on everything that the city does.” There is a version of the city logo that features an African American Headman based on Paul DiPasquale’s sculpture. At present, this logo is only used during Black History Month and on Juneteenth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/twoseals.jpg) The city logo based on the sculpture (left), and the traditional logo. *In Part 2 of this series on Friday, learn more about Baskerville’s research and the Black Boatmen of the James, and in Part 3 on Sunday, we will meet people keeping the tradition of piloting batteaux alive today.* 🗒️ This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Also see [Part 2](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-2-honoring-the-legacy-of-black-boatmen/) and [Part 3](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-flag-part-3-modern-day-boatmen-recreate-the-freedom-of-the-batteaux-era/). ### Freeman girls lacrosse rolls to sixth straight state title game; boys' late rally falls short URL: https://www.richmonder.org/freeman-girls-lacrosse-rolls-to-sixth-straight-state-title-game-boys-late-rally-falls-short/ Last updated: 2026-06-10T02:56:25.000Z The motto of Douglas Freeman’s girls lacrosse team, "Unbreakable," proved itself in the state semifinals against Stone Bridge on Tuesday night. “Unbreakable works for us, because we were saying that even if we win or lose, our culture and what we believe in and our mission would not be broken,” coach Christina D’Angelo said. The Mavericks shut out the visitors until the fourth quarter, only allowing one tally in a 14-1 romp. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-12.JPG) This is Freeman's sixth consecutive trip to the state title game. Mikaela Gilbert was able to find the ball throughout the game, and used that control as an opportunity to connect with her teammates. She had two assists and a goal in the second quarter, and lead the team with four total goals. “I think taking a second and having control of the offense helps me personally feel calm,” Gilbert said. “Knowing that my teammates trust me with that, and especially just seeing that ball go in, resets and makes everything flow.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-8.JPG) Mikaela Gilbert led the team with four goals. The Mavericks tacked on six goals in the second quarter to go into the half 9-0\. Continuing their shutout in the third quarter, VCU commit Hannah Kantanen brought the score to 10-0 to enact a running clock. Two more brought the score to 12-0 before the final 12 minutes, lengthening the deficit for the Bulldogs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-9.JPG) Gilbert said that the momentum from halftime carried into the later quarters. “Definitely after our halftime, we just knew that if we kept going, we'd be state finalists again,” she said. To keep the shutout, goalkeeper Inna Erbe held down the defense. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-6.JPG) Inna Erbe shut down Stone Bridge for three quarters on Tuesday night. D’Angelo said the goalkeeper "thrives under pressure” and keeps getting better every year. “The shutout for that long – incredible,” D’Angelo said. “She’s such a work horse, she's so humble, and just she always gets better at this point every year.” D’Angelo also tells her team to focus on the defensive side of the game, which gives them more opportunities to keep control of the ball. “To see them working that hard defensively was so cool,” D'Angelo said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-3.JPG) Freeman's Campbell Crawford prepares to pass to a teammate. Already up 13-0, Stonebridge's lone goal came in the fourth quarter with 3:30 to go. However, a last goal from Kantanen pushed Freeman to the state finals. D’Angelo said that going to the state title game has been different each of the last six years. “The combination of kids is so different, and there's always kids on the team that have never been there, they bring that magic, because they're so hopeful,” D’Angelo said. “We want to do it for \[the new members of the team\]. We want them to get there with us and to experience it, so it does feel different every year.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Girls-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-17.JPG) The Mavericks will face Riverside on Saturday for a chance at the state title. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Fourth quarter surge ultimately isn't enough for Freeman boys** Directly following the girls' victory, the boys played their semifinal game, also against Stone Bridge, but lost 12-8. The Mavericks had a packed stadium to support them. “I will put our atmosphere here up against any other lacrosse team in town,” coach John Neal said. “I don't think there's any question. So, it meant a lot for us to be here.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-2.JPG) Freeman huddles before Tuesday's game. A two-goal run by Evan Diers gave the boys team an early lead, but was broken by Southbridge's Cole Leier. However with 2:06 left in the first, the Mavericks pushed ahead to a two-goal lead with a score from Ben Rader. Rader also scored with six seconds left in the first half, trimming a deficit. “I thought it would re-energize us and give us some momentum going into the second half,” Neal said. But a struggle with possession in the third quarter led to a four-goal run that shut out the Mavericks. “Possessions were tough, particularly in the third quarter,” Neal said. “We did not have a lot of possession time, but credit to (Stone Bridge). They play very aggressive, well-conditioned, they play faster.” Rader came back in the fourth with 6:09 on the clock to end the drought and start a 4-0 run, but ultimately Freeman couldn't catch up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-15.JPG) Freeman players hug as their season comes to an end in the state semifinal round. With one of his largest senior classes last season, Neal said this year's players stepped to “fill big shoes from last year.” “Several of them stepped up on the field as players and contributors, but a couple guys stepped up as vocal leaders, and it was great,” Neal said. “This is an experience these guys will keep with them forever, and those that are coming back, we're just gonna dial in and work a little harder.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-12.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-10.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-8.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-6.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-3.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/6.9_FreemanHS-Boys-Lacross-SemiFinals_JTH-1.JPG) More photos from Tuesday night's game. ### New Kent baseball slugs its way into state semis URL: https://www.richmonder.org/new-kent-baseball-slugs-its-way-into-state-semis/ Last updated: 2026-06-10T02:03:53.000Z He was supposed to bunt. Instead, Austin Uzzle drilled a three-run home run into the woods behind the 315-foot left field fence at New Kent to give the home team Trojans the insurance runs they needed to secure a convincing 12-5 victory over Goochland in the Class 3 baseball quarterfinals Tuesday afternoon. “There were runners on first and second,” said Uzzle, a junior rightfielder, whose dinger scored Jakub Bowen and Drew Staskiel, both of whom had walked. “I missed the bunt. It was a foul ball. Thank God I missed that bunt. “The second pitch was a ball. Then, I caught the fastball that he gave me. Hit it halfway up the trees. “It was amazing. Just hitting a home run in a state playoff game is great, but after I was supposed to bunt, it was awesome.” The Trojans (23-2) exploded for six runs in the first inning and appeared headed for an easy, mercy-rule victory. Staskiel led off with a single to center and advanced to second on Uzzle’s bunt single. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Dylan Bowman’s single to center scored Staskiel. After Bowman stole second, Keegan Branch stroked a sharp single to left scoring Uzzle and Bowman while Branch advanced to second on the throw to the cutoff. Jonathan Hochman then drilled a sharp single to left scoring Branch. Lane Boyette landed on first after being hit by a pitch, and a balk enabled Dayton Meekins, a courtesy runner for Hochman, and Boyette to advance a base. Jaxon Foreman’s sacrifice fly to right scored Meekins. New Kent’s final run of its monster first came when Jakub Bowen reached on error sending Boyette across the plate. “Something lit a fire under us today,” Uzzle said. “We were hitting really well. I love my teammates. They push me to get better every day. We have a great team.” Fast starts haven’t been part of New Kent’s modus operandi this season. “Our kids came out swinging the bat,” said New Kent coach Trevor Ronan. “We didn’t stop from there. We never start off that hot, but with all the work the kids have put in, I think that translated into the game. “We kept communicating with them, telling them not to let up, keep on putting up runs, and try to end the game early.” The Trojans added three more runs in the second, but the Bulldogs (19-6) responded with five in the top of the fourth to cut their deficit to 9-5 and give them a glimmer of hope. The big blow that inning came from catcher Will Johns, whose grand slam scored Reece Smith (pinch runner for Chase Hicks, who singled) as well as Bohdan Pisko and Kinyon Ross, who walked. Boyette, a senior righthander, pitched 3.2 innings, allowed three hits and four runs, and struck out six. The fastball, he said, was his money pitch. “The coaches told me that their first four batters were lefties,” he said. “I wanted to stay on the outside corner. I threw my two-seam and let that thing ride right on the corner. The umpire was giving me a ball off the plate, and I made sure I took advantage of that.” As he did with his early six-, then nine-run cushion. “That was definitely a huge relief,” he said. “This was a big game. I was confident about (the team’s fortunes). I was a little nervous for myself. “My teammates popped off in the first inning. They got me some runs. They got me feeling a lot more confident on the mound. That helped me a lot.” Tucker Powell, a junior lefthander, closed the game out for the Trojans, allowing no hits or runs in the final three innings while striking out five. “Lane pitched so well,” Powell said. “I knew I had to come in and throw strikes because I had a great defense behind me. “I needed to go in there and pound the zone. That’s what I did, and I knew I had good bats behind me.” Next up for the Trojans is a state semifinal matchup with Spotswood at 10 a.m. Friday at Abingdon High School. “To be honest,” Boyette said, “this feels familiar. This isn’t the first time we’ve been here. It won’t be the last. We’re coming for it all.” ### New Kent advances to state semis with softball win URL: https://www.richmonder.org/new-kent-advances-to-state-semis-with-softball-win/ Last updated: 2026-06-10T02:00:47.000Z As the New Kent Trojans took the field for the top of the seventh inning in their Class 3 quarterfinal softball matchup with visiting Skyline Tuesday afternoon, the lively strains of that oh-so-familiar Queen classic “We Will Rock You” blared from the speakers atop the press box. It was no in-your-face statement by any means. It was simply an affirmation that Coach Maria Bates’ crew was rocking and rolling after a bit of a slow start, they’d achieved total control, and now they were just three outs away from their sixth consecutive trip to the state semifinals. Then, when sophomore righthander Sierra Carter sealed the deal with a two-out strikeout with runners on first and third, the Trojans and their legion of faithful supporters celebrated not just their 7-3 victory but their opportunity to extend their season. “The main goal is to win,” said senior centerfielder Mariah Leonard, a four-year starter and the Bay Rivers District player of the year. “But we’re all playing for each other and playing for God. I couldn’t ask for a better team to go out with.” The game ended much more swimmingly for the Trojans (18-6) than it began. Carleigh Baugher, Skyline’s leadoff hitter, opened the game by drilling a hanging screwball over the left field fence to serve notice that the Hawks (13-11) had come to play and were unfazed by New Kent’s history of excellence. “We just reset,” Leonard said. “We’re a good hitting team. We had to take a deep breath after that and trust each other. We had to keep our composure and keep playing for each other.” Which the Trojans did, of course. They evened the game in the bottom of the first when sophomore third baseman Ava Brandon stroked a single to left scoring Kenley Rowe, who had drawn a walk and advanced to third on Riley Waldron’s single. Skyline (Front Royal) answered by adding two runs in the third to go up 3-1 when Kaitlynn King drilled a single to center scoring Baugher, who had singled, and Kinley Llewellyn, who reached on a fielder’s choice. “We’ve been battle tested all year long,” said Bates, who replaced six starters from last year’s team that reached the state semifinals. “That’s how it’s been this season. They score some. We come back. “This team’s grown up really quick. We have to score runs to win anyway, so that (the 3-1 deficit) didn’t really shake us.” The Trojans stung Skyline with four runs in the home half of the third. Leonard, a Lenoir-Rhyne signee, led off with a single to center and moved to third when Rowe reached on an error. Rowe then stole second, and Waldron followed with a single, also to center, that scored both Leonard and Rowe. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Raegan McKeever entered as a courtesy runner for Waldron and scored when Brandon crushed a waist-high, right-down-the-middle fastball over the leftfield wall. “Honestly, I was trying to battle it off a little bit because she had two (strikes) on me,” Brandon said. “Since she was up on me in the count, I knew I had to protect my teammates and get them in because the game was still tight.” New Kent scored twice more in the fourth. Once again, Leonard led off with a single, then moved to second on Rowe’s sacrifice bunt and to third on Kendall White’s sac fly to right. Waldron’s double to left scored Leonard. Brandon followed with a double, also to left, that scored McKeever (Brandon’s courtesy runner). “I had to get everybody home,” Brandon said. “I just took a deep breath and thank God for the opportunity I have right now. It’s just nice to help everyone else out.” While the Trojans were pounding out 11 hits, five for extra bases, Carter, a sophomore righthander, held the Hawks at bay. She threw 114 pitches, 69 for strikes, scattered nine hits, struck out five, walked one, and, in the final four innings, allowed only one runner to reach third base. Baugher’s lead-off dinger got her attention, for sure, but she adjusted quickly and quickly found her rhythm. “I’ve been playing for 13 years,” said Carter. “I understand that that’s part of the game. People are going to get good hits. You have to take a deep breath and pitch to the next batter. “I have an amazing defense behind me. I could never ask for a better one.” Next up for the Trojans is a return trip to the state semis at 10 a.m. Friday in Abingdon where they’ll face the home team Falcons, who defeated Rustburg 4-1 in their quarterfinal matchup. Their goals are understood: win two more games. “One at a time,” Bates said. “We’re thankful to be back.” ### Avula admin announces ‘soft relaunch’ of city purchasing card system URL: https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-announces-soft-relaunch-of-city-purchasing-card-system/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T21:27:02.000Z After a year of reviewing and changing policies for how city employees buy goods and services with government-issued purchasing cards, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration says it has put enough safeguards in place for a “soft relaunch" of the program. Avula suspended the program in April of 2025 after an internal audit and reporting by the Richmond Times-Dispatch found major problems with how the purchasing cards were being used, many dealing with sloppy protocols and a general lack of oversight. [The audit](https://www.richmonder.org/audit-finds-significant-weaknesses-with-richmonds-government-purchasing-cards/), officially released last June, said those weaknesses led to at least $5 million in “questionable expenses.” The city has now implemented many of the auditor’s recommendations on how to tighten the rules for the purchasing cards. Informally known as P-cards, the system was meant to streamline small purchases that need to be made quickly. For now, the city isn’t dramatically expanding the number of purchasing cards in circulation. But Procurement Director Rene Almarez said the city is doing a 90-day “soft relaunch” to test how the new rules are working. “We've developed tracking tools, monitoring, and enforcement to make sure that in the future — in the near term, and in the long term, that we have great oversight and insight into what cardholders are purchasing,” Almarez said at a media briefing Tuesday morning. “And it provides guidance to the cardholders as well to know what their limitations are on the card.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Officials said there are currently 73 purchasing cards in circulation, a significant reduction from the 320 issued before Avula curtailed the program in an attempt to cut down on excessive spending. The city had to issue a few new cards during January’s winter weather, according to officials, so that Social Services employees could quickly buy food and hotel rooms for people who needed help in an emergency. “The P-card reset, the subsequent work is a great example of the kind of transformation that we’re working to achieve across City Hall,” said Avula, who stressed that “financial controls and spending” have been a major focus since he took office in early 2025. City leaders said they can’t guarantee there will be no future problems with improper purchases. But they expressed confidence that the overhauled system — which includes stricter rules for reconciling expenses, limits on transaction amounts and escalating disciplinary measures for violations — will help prevent future mistakes or intentional abuse. “It is impossible to believe that there won’t be an error. That just doesn’t happen,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “The issue is when there is an error, when there is a challenge, do we have the framework in place to be able to catch it, identify it and resolve it. And that piece is what we are just as focused on.” The city has also hired an outside company called [Card Integrity](https://cardintegrity.com) to help monitor spending patterns with the cards and help spot anomalies like split purchases, where an employee may be dividing a large purchase into multiple smaller purchases to avoid triggering spending limits. According to the city, Richmond will pay the company a subscription rate of either $1,400 a month or $16,800 annually. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Learn about the three historic boats harboring in Richmond this weekend for SailFest URL: https://www.richmonder.org/learn-about-the-three-historic-boats-harboring-in-richmond-this-weekend-for-sailfest/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T20:02:37.000Z The Virginia Museum of History and Culture is partnering with the City of Richmond to bring three tall ships to the riverfront this weekend. The Oosterschelde, Pride of Baltimore II, and Virginia will travel up the James River from Norfolk and anchor at Dock Street for the weekend celebration. Beyond boarding and learning the history of the three vessels, visitors can enjoy live music, cultural performances, and waterfront festivities. The festival will also feature a major fireworks display, including 250 drones, Saturday evening at 9 p.m. The ships are arriving as part of the larger [Richmond SailFest](https://virginiahistory.org/events/americas-250th/richmond-sailfest) — a free, family-friendly festival taking place all weekend in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. “They all have their own unique stories, in terms of what they were used for, or what they had been recreated to portray,” said Michael Plumb, Vice President for Education and Engagement at the VMHC. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/DARWIN200_-Oosterschelde_Tahiti_Photograph-by-Tom-Dixon.jpg) The Oosterschelde (Tom Dixon) The Oosterschelde is a Dutch three-masted topsail schooner. The oldest of the three vessels, it dates back to the early 1900s when it was used in the Netherlands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/20210805_Baltimore-to-St.-Michaels_Credit-Susan-Hale--2-.jpg) The Pride of Baltimore II (Susan Hale) The Pride of Baltimore II is a recreation of a topsail schooner that would have been prominently used in the Chesapeake Bay in the early 19th century around the War of 1812\. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Virginia--Photo-credit-Nauticus---Julia-Wallace-.jpg) The Virginia (Julia Wallace/Nauticus) The Virginia is also a recreated schooner that would have been used as a pilot vessel in Virginia in the early 1900s, serving as a guide for other vessels arriving to harbors in the Hampton Roads area. Plumb explained the undertaking that is bringing the three vessels up to Richmond from Norfolk. With the help of the Army, causeway sections will be brought up the James for the ships to tie off and dock to at the event site. Additionally, with assistance from the city, ramps will be in place to facilitate safe transit from the event site down to the causeways for easy access to the ships. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Those who are interested in touring the ships can visit VMHC’s [website](https://virginiahistory.org/events/americas-250th/richmond-sailfest) to preorder tickets at no cost. Pre-registration for tall ship tour tickets is currently sold out, but a limited number of tickets will be released each morning of the event and will be available until they sell out. The larger event — which will be held at Dock Street Park and Intermediate Terminal in Richmond — kicks off at 11 a.m. on Friday, continuing through 6 p.m. with ship access and live entertainment. The festival will continue Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [One of the rarest copies of the Declaration of Independence is coming to RichmondThe Virginia Museum of History and Culture said it is just one of only two paper copies known to exist.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-357826f2-c7e7-4c1c-861d-8990899e16c4.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/unnamed-378317fa-0f8b-4dc9-87e8-ac4f28ce553f.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/one-of-the-rarest-copies-of-the-declaration-of-independence-is-coming-to-richmond/) “That's how \[VHMC\] tries to operate, is to get people to engage with history in unexpected ways,” Plumb said. “These ships, and the festival environment that we created around it … is a very special way to kick off this period of commemoration, and we jumped at the chance.” Two stages at the event site will showcase a variety of music and performances, including Garden Variety String Band, the Richmond Symphony, and the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, among others. “It has taken a lot of work from the team to gather that lineup, but we’re really proud of what we have,” said Plumb. “That's a big thing that I think will be exciting for folks.” [‘We the People’ exhibit at VMHC is part of extensive programming for America’s 250th birthdayThe exhibit features individuals born in 68 countries who sought freedom, opportunity, and refuge by immigrating to the United States.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-94e378dd-fbe7-4bd3-987f-4a15cee70856.png)The RichmonderTim Wenzell![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/VMHC_We-The-People_Wide-Gallery-View-with-Yellow-Wall-and-Display-Cases_Courtesy-of-VMHC-8c1308a3-bb5f-4991-ac58-2215f14c3ad2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/we-the-people-exhibit-at-vmhc-is-part-of-extensive-programming-for-americas-250th-birthday/) Further, two traveling versions of VHMC-produced exhibitions — “[Give Me Liberty](https://virginiahistory.org/exhibitions/give-me-liberty)” and “[We the People](https://virginiahistory.org/exhibitions/we-the-people)” — will be at the event site as part of the 250th anniversary celebration. “We really do feel like there is something for everyone,” said Plumb. “Whether it's the music, whether it's the food and drink, whether it’s some of these other opportunities to learn about the past, or really think about the future of things like the James River.” A full schedule of events and performances for the weekend can be found on VMHC’s [website](https://virginiahistory.org/events/americas-250th/richmond-sailfest#Schedule). No registration is required to visit the event site during the hours of the festival. ### Henrico residents’ No. 1 request for new neighborhood? ‘Walkable’ URL: https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-residents-no-1-request-for-new-neighborhood-walkable/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T13:38:21.000Z Henrico County’s Planning Commission is expected to vote Thursday night on a plan guiding the redevelopment of two key pieces of land off of Interstate 95. In a [**presentation to residents last week**](https://henrico.gov/planning/planning-commission-pod-subdivisions/best-products-reimagined-and-brook-road/), the county showed renderings of what planners envision the future looking like along Brook Road, to the west of I-95, and the Best Products Reimagined area, to the east of the highway. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-830f2c82-b29c-4be9-b821-73312158e72d.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-a9ed0be5-8f5c-4856-87b2-203db6573266.png) The county noted that while Highway 1 was once the main north-south artery along the East Coast, there is no longer the same level of regional traffic, which has brought economic decline along the stretch. “Aging one-story commercial corridors characterized by expansive and often underutilized parking lots present significant opportunities for transformation,” planners said. “These areas can evolve over time into more compact, walkable, and mixed-use environments that accommodate new housing, employment, retail, and public spaces while retaining economic activity and strengthening the long-term viability of the corridor.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-a51759f5-665e-417e-9e7e-72dbf2ef5712.png) At the Best Products site, planners are working with a full blank slate. They showed where a future trail can connect the area to the under-construction Fall Line Trail. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The development itself is currently planned to be anchored by a 17,000-seat arena, though a request for development proposals is ongoing after the failure of the Green City project. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-d5b5078d-1e73-4b2a-ab5c-98f1cab0588f.png) Renderings show ground-floor retail anchoring a mix of living, working and hotel spaces. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-a822b1aa-3fc6-46be-b9be-c2c7b293326f.png) At the meeting with neighbors, the group that put together the plan for Henrico, Able City East, asked a key question: “Will this really happen?” Their short answer: “maybe,” though they noted that even if the full project as envisioned doesn’t come to fruition, the area still has “strong development potential” as the county rethinks what its neighborhoods of the future should look like. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ### Where to watch the World Cup in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/where-to-watch-the-world-cup-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T19:26:26.000Z The World Cup starts this Thursday, with matches taking place across North America for the next month. Unfortunately for Richmonders, the closest action we'll get is Philadelphia and Atlanta. However, plenty of bars and restaurants will be airing the games, many with food and drink specials... ### Penny Lane Pub Every four years, Richmond's media heads down Franklin Street to [document the city's soccer scene](https://richmond.com/news/local/beers-before-noon-at-penny-lane-pub-as-the-world-cup-kicks-off/article%5Fb888e4b0-8a4b-54c4-b095-0fc0dbfc4dba.html) through its original British pub. This year will be no exception. *421 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219* #### **House of Futbol** [House of Futbol](https://houseoffutbolrva.com/) in the Diamond District will host watch parties. According to owner Edward Florez, his idea “is to show or play every single game of the World Cup.” Guests will be able to enjoy coffee, finger food, and “the beautiful game (we) call soccer.” *1365 Overbrook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220* #### **Gus’ Bar and Grill** Gus’ Bar and Grill was packed as Arsenal won the Premier League this year, and will be showing “all World Cup matches” on its televisions. *2701 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220* #### **Scotty’s Taphouse** [Scotty’s Taphouse](https://scottystaphouse.com/) in Scott’s Addition will show every game on their 23 TVs and big screen. They will also have a rotating "Wings Around the World" feature with internationally inspired wing sauces celebrating countries competing in the World Cup, and Casamigos Goal Shooter specials after every goal (available for five minutes following each score). *1304 Mactavish Ave, Richmond, VA 23230* #### **British Embassy Fish and Chips** [The British Embassy Fish and Chips](https://britembassy.com/) will show all matches “in a true British football atmosphere.” They will have a limited menu with “a full selection of (their) savory meat pies, plenty of sausage rolls and an abundance of beer.” *1116 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219* #### **Game Plan Bar** [Game Plan Bar](https://gameplanbar.com/) in Midlothian will have a USA World Cup Pop-Up with themed cocktails, “Game Plan Glizzies,” and World Cup- and America 250-inspired decor. *101 Heaths Way Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114* #### **Kitchen RVA** Performance Pickleball RVA in Regency Shopping Mall will have a watch party at its bar and restaurant. Renée Laaser, Director of Events, said the group stage matches – lasting from June 11 to 27 – will be shown on their four 85-inch TVs with a “state-of-the-art stadium audio system” and “food and drink specials.” She added that the event will be open to the public. *8641 Quioccasin Rd, Henrico, VA 23229* #### **Importante Bodega Bar RVA** [Importante Bodega Bar](https://www.importanterva.com/) in Carytown will be showing all the matches live and serving “authentic Spanish cuisine and refreshing drinks.” *3031 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. #### **Industrial Taphouse West** [Industrial Taphouse West](https://industrialtaphouse.com/) in Short Pump plans to broadcast the World Cup, according to Assistant General Manager Rhianna Reese. They will be showing all the matches across their 10 TVs, as well as drink specials, which have already started. Reese said they might do food specials, but they “haven’t fully decided on those” yet. *12912 Plaza Dr, Henrico, VA 23233* #### **Wood + Iron** [Wood + Iron’s](https://www.woodandirongameday.com/) Short Pump location will be showing the matches and “offering featured drinks,” according to Marketing and Catering Director, Casey Ryan. The sports bar also has locations in Scott's Addition and Midlothian. *12288 W Broad St, Henrico, VA 23233* #### **Bingo Beer Co** [Bingo Beer Co.](https://bingobeerco.com/location/bingo-scotts-addition/#weekly-events) in Scott’s Addition is hosting a watch party for the first U.S. match on Friday at 9 p.m. in their Beer Garden, with “plenty of cold beer to go around.” *2900 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230* #### **River City Roll** [River City Roll](https://www.rivercityroll.com/music-events) in Scott's Addition is hosting watch parties for the June 12 and June 19 USA matches. They will have “drink specials, freebies, and nonstop patriotic chaos.” *939 Myers St, Richmond, VA 23230* ### Glory Days Grill Glory Days locations will show all the World Cup games, and is featuring beer pairings from around the globe, as well as offering 30 wings for $30. *10466 Ridgefield Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23233* #### **Rosie Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant** [Rosie Connolly’s](https://www.instagram.com/rosieconnollyspub/) in Shockoe Bottom is hosting watch parties with day-of updates on their social media. *1548 E Main St A, Richmond, VA 23219* #### **Parlay Bar & Lounge** [Parlay Bar & Lounge](https://parlayrva.com/) in Scott's Addition will show every match on their ParlayTron in the outdoor patio, as well as on their projector screen and TVs indoors. *3117 W Leigh St Suite A, Richmond, VA 23230* #### **The Park RVA** [The Park RVA](https://www.thepark.com/event/world-cup-specials/) will show every match, with drink specials, and PBR and Tecate Buckets. *1407 Cummings Dr, Richmond, VA 23220* #### **Las Palmas Mexican and Seafood** [Las Palmas Mexican and Seafood](https://www.facebook.com/laspalmasrichmond) in the West End will show every match. *8415 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294* #### **Galley RVA** [Galley RVA](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579500008497) in Stratford Hills will show every match, offering beer buckets and pizza. *2805 Hathaway Rd, Richmond, VA 23225* #### **Local Pizza and Brewery** [Local Pizza and Brewery](https://localpizzaandbrewery.com/) in Chesterfield is showing matches “all summer long.” They will have “authentic Neapolitan pizza,” beer, specialty cocktails, and a wine selection. *6921 Commons Plaza, Chesterfield, VA 23832* #### **Kickback Jack’s** [Kickback Jack’s](https://www.kbjacks.com/richmond-va-west-broad-st) Richmond locations will show every match. *10330 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235* #### **Frank’s Ristorante Italiano** [Frank’s Ristorante Italiano](https://www.franksrva.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSUEPFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJHNmV0WUQwMHhjUU9LUkdTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvrXOOgiej4csCmMvdtRAuKVAH0tcOhrnMfw%5Fh-iZTdOgH3YNehUmdXC6GW3%5Faem%5FIRKm8wZrqgqU5OHcl0Raow) at Stony Point will show the matches on their two TVs and big screen. *3054 Stony Point Rd, Richmond, VA 23235* Would you like your restaurant listed? Please email [hbrockelman@richmonder.org ](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)with details. ### Council OKs new tax deferral program letting homeowners delay impact of higher assessments URL: https://www.richmonder.org/council-oks-new-tax-deferral-program-letting-homeowners-delay-impact-of-higher-assessments/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T11:45:47.000Z The Richmond City Council voted Monday to give some city homeowners the option of putting off property tax hikes until they sell the property or can better afford to pay. The tax deferral program — passed by a unanimous vote — was pitched as a way to give people struggling to afford a Richmond home some relief from rising tax bills, without reducing the city’s real estate tax rate. Participants in the new program would only be able to defer payment of a higher tax liability above 105% of what they paid the previous year. Under that formula, if a property owner who paid $1,000 in taxes last year got a new bill for $1,200, they could defer up to $150. Councilor Sarah Abubaker (4th District), the lead sponsor of the proposal, said it would be a way to offer broad tax relief as she and others continue to work toward possibly lowering the tax rate to offset rising bills. “Affordability is not just a challenge for low-income residents, it's increasingly a concern for middle-class families, seniors and long-term homeowners who want to remain in the neighborhoods they helped to build,” Abubaker said in a statement after the vote. “A thriving city depends on maintaining affordability across the spectrum.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The tradeoff for homeowners is that the deferred taxes would create a lien on their property until the unpaid amount is paid off with interest of up to 2%. The plan includes several limits restricting the overall tax liability that can be deferred. For many participants, the program would offer a way to keep their tax bills more consistent from year to year, then pay off the difference when their home is sold. The deferred amount must be paid by the owner after a sale or transfer of the property, or by the owner’s estate if the person dies before getting caught up. Mayor Danny Avula’s administration previously had [expressed opposition](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-administration-says-deferral-program-would-cost-city-millions-require-20-new-finance-staffers/) to the plan, warning it could create another burden for the already struggling Finance Department and potentially require a hiring spree to implement effectively. The Avula administration’s stance appeared to soften as more and more Council members signed onto the tax relief proposal en route to a 9-0 vote. In response to the administration’s concerns, Abubaker delayed the implementation of the tax deferral program until the 2028 tax year and added a provision giving the executive branch time to come up with an implementation plan by early 2027. “I want to thank Council for pursuing our shared goal of supporting residents amidst rising costs of living," Avula said in a news release Monday night. "I especially want to acknowledge the implementation timeline because it is important that the administration have time to build a thoughtful and realistic plan. We look forward to working with Council during the implementation period to better understand the operational and fiscal requirements involved.” [Richmond CAO floats possibility of reducing real estate tax rate next yearSupporters of lowering the tax burden have argued ever-growing tax bills are contributing to Richmond’s housing affordability problem.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-6cff4dd8-de10-4ff3-b0e5-560022a8ad16.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/25D444A1-CF3F-4FA9-82D6-86DB41F61FE5_1_105_c-1-6d52b05e-4767-4d8e-a008-20440e927095.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-cao-floats-possibility-of-reducing-real-estate-tax-rate-next-year/) It’s unclear how many Richmond homeowners might take advantage of the new program, but Abubaker characterized it as a useful option to have available. “If this program helps even one Richmonder reduce financial stress by allowing them to direct a portion of their real estate tax obligation toward more immediate needs, then this effort will have been worthwhile,” Abubaker said. In other action from Monday meeting, the Council voted to: ### **Restore Richmond Ambulance Authority control over medical 911 calls** Settling a [lengthy dispute](https://www.richmonder.org/little-resolution-in-sight-in-fight-over-who-should-handle-medical-911-calls/) over who should have primary control over medical 911 calls, the Council voted to restore the Richmond Ambulance Authority’s power to directly communicate with callers on the front end. In the summer of 2024, the city’s own Department of Emergency Communications had taken over as the main point of contact with callers. [Ambulance authority, city department battle over who will field Richmond 911 callsThe groups are are vying for control over 911 calls for medical emergencies, with both arguing they can provide better service to city residents in need.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e5dfd5d7-7422-449a-9b68-1dd70c71483b.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/5730942B-4CFB-4C8B-9FD1-4888790D3F38_1_105_c-0bd691a0-6521-4602-84a2-9cba34d9f66f.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/ambulance-authority-city-department-battle-over-who-will-field-richmond-911-calls/) The change was defended as a move toward speed and efficiency. However, RAA officials said it was causing confusion because details of some calls were getting lost in translation as the city relayed information to the ambulance authority. The ordinance the Council approved Monday restored the previous protocol in which medical 911 calls were immediately routed to RAA. The Council seemed willing to reverse the prior decision after receiving data indicating that even though speed had improved with the city handling calls itself, accuracy — responders understanding what kind of medical emergency they were responding to — had suffered. “We would be negligent not to make a change,” said Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District). Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) agreed, but added that as someone with firsthand experience in a 911 situation that ended in death, it was important for the city to get any change right. “This is not something that’s perfunctory,” Newbille said. Ahead of the final vote, there was late-breaking concern over whether the return to the old system could be accomplished within the 30-day timeline the ordinance required. Similar to the tax deferral program, the Avula administration spent months resisting the 911 proposal only to see it approved in a 9-0 Council vote. The administration and the Council agreed to continue working on a longer-term plan to have RAA and the city’s emergency dispatchers working out of the same location. “I am fully committed to delivering the highest quality emergency services for all of our residents,” Avula said in his release. “I am excited and look forward to working with Council on a future ordinance to codify the implementation plan for a co-located model that will do just that.” ### **Clarify rules on clearing snow or ice from sidewalks** The Council approved a revised law laying out whose responsibility it is to clear sidewalks after winter weather. The [changes](https://www.richmonder.org/januarys-ice-storm-inspires-a-reworking-of-city-rules-on-who-must-clear-sidewalks/) were inspired by January’s weather that left the city under thick sheets of ice for an extended period, with low temperatures preventing the ice from melting on its own. [January’s ice storm inspires a reworking of city rules on who must clear sidewalksFor properties with three or more housing units, sidewalk-shoveling responsibilities fall to the landlord.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-ed3fd8c3-4ed5-492e-b3d4-2f98cab17d36.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6067-32b1d890-7011-492c-b5de-72e0e7e12944.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/januarys-ice-storm-inspires-a-reworking-of-city-rules-on-who-must-clear-sidewalks/) The new ordinance clarifies that adjacent property owners also have a responsibility to take care of ice in addition to snow, but gives a reprieve to renters in larger apartment buildings. For properties with three or more dwelling units, according to the new law, the sidewalk shoveling duties fall to the landlord. The revisions also downgrade the penalty for non-compliance, changing it from a low-level misdemeanor offense to a civil penalty with a $100 fine. The new ordinance includes exceptions for property owners who are over 65 or disabled. It also allows the city to waive penalties when a state of emergency has been declared. ### **Approve having an expert panel look at the John Marshall courthouse** Under legal pressure from local judges to fix up the John Marshall Courts Building, the Council approved a [resolution](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-will-set-up-expert-panel-to-review-courthouse-conditions/) to create an expert panel to review conditions at the downtown facility. The Council passed a resolution to work with the Avula administration to create a list of seven possible contenders for the five-person panel. Virginia law that lays out a detailed process for how the state-run court system should handle building disputes with the local government. That law envisions panels like the one being created in Richmond, specifying that at least three of the panel’s members be professional architects or engineers. [Richmond officials will set up expert panel to review courthouse conditionsCouncil President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) has proposed a resolution to appoint the panel.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-752e2e73-d36c-41fc-acdc-1747b3a476bf.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7533-d9dbe844-b4f1-41e0-bb35-c7e99022e319.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-will-set-up-expert-panel-to-review-courthouse-conditions/) The panel’s recommendations will inform an [ongoing legal dispute](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-judges-take-legal-action-against-city-government-over-courthouse-conditions/) over whether the city should be forced to spend more money on the courthouse. ### **Advance a complex land deal on Southside’s Commerce Road** To clear the way for a [major-mixed-use development](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-eyes-former-southside-industrial-sites-for-generational-redevelopment/) off Commerce Road in Southside, the Council approved a package of legislation intended to free up nearly 13 acres of publicly owned property for the project’s developer, City Central LLC. Roughly 8.2 acres of the property has belonged to the Richmond Public Schools, adding a layer of complexity to the transaction involving two public bodies instead of one. The school division has used the property primarily for office and storage space. The other city-owned property has been used by the Richmond Police Department for property and evidence storage. Under the $7.4 million deal, the developer must help the city find alternative sites for RPS to relocate to and ensure the school division is kept whole in the transaction. [Developer eyes former Southside industrial sites for ‘generational’ redevelopmentThe size of the potential development is similar to Libbie Mill in Henrico.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8d534cb5-a78b-4cc5-b8b3-2d651fee7f15.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Rendering-of-Ingram-dev-01875eba-2326-48d3-82d9-c5d9fff94fa5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-eyes-former-southside-industrial-sites-for-generational-redevelopment/) Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) opposed the Commerce Road proposals, saying she wasn’t against the development per se but could not support the city’s habit of bending or breaking its own rules for how public property is sold. Under the city code, public property is not supposed to be sold unless it has been declared surplus and gone through a competitive bidding process. The city routinely sidesteps that rule by waiving it in the legal text of land deals presented to the Council for approval. ### **Empower DPU to get tougher on stormwater violations** The city [hasn’t](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-no-penalties-richmond-dpu-wants-the-power-to-fine-stormwater-violations/) been going after developers and industrial facilities for violations of stormwater, erosion and other water discharge rules meant to keep unwanted material out of the city’s sewers and waterways. That could change under an ordinance approved Monday night that gives the Department of Public Utilities the power to levy and collect civil fines for those violations. [After years of no penalties, Richmond DPU wants the power to fine stormwater violations“We have no record of DPU ever sending any of these violations through the city attorney’s office.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-59611e4b-a106-42dd-8313-4a33c2695218.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/city-hall-sign-1f7aa3fc-ac17-4d10-a67b-cc0bb75a6ce9.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-no-penalties-richmond-dpu-wants-the-power-to-fine-stormwater-violations/) Previously, enforcement had to go through the city attorney’s office, according to the city, and officials concluded it wasn’t worth it to go through a potentially costly court process for low-dollar fines. Officials have said they believe violations are occurring, but it’s unclear how many fines could be expected under the streamlined, DPU-led process. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### Bill Martin’s belongings will be sold in estate sale to benefit Valentine museum URL: https://www.richmonder.org/bill-martins-belongings-will-be-sold-in-estate-sale-to-benefit-valentine-museum/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T01:06:26.000Z Bill Martin’s historic 1809 home in Church Hill is opening to the public beginning Thursday for an estate sale. Martin, who served as the director of the Valentine for 32 years, was [struck and killed](https://www.richmonder.org/valentine-director-bill-martin-died-on-sunday/) by a driver while walking downtown in December. “Per Bill's request, all proceeds of the sale will be donated to his beloved Valentine Museum. This is who Bill was at his essence, always looking for ways to help others,” the [ad announcing the sale](https://www.estatesales.net/VA/Richmond/23223/4934070) said. “This is a once in a lifetime chance to see this amazing 217 year old home and support the Valentine Museum at the same time!” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-13.png) Reproduction colonial chandelier (Great Estates) The sale includes objects ranging from historic furniture to kitschy throw pillows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-11.png) Victoria and Beale China set and vintage bamboo silverware (Great Estates) Among the items highlighted are a mid-19th century stereoscope viewer with photos, signed and unsigned art pieces (many by local artists) and so many ceramic crocks. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-12.png) Martin’s wit is also apparent in the belongings, which include a throw pillow embroidered with the text “Please leave by 9” and cocktail napkins that read “Please pretend you’re having fun.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-10-1.png) Antique German Magic Lantern (Great Estates) The sale runs through Sunday, per [the announcement](https://www.estatesales.net/VA/Richmond/23223/4934070), which says the exact address will be posted Wednesday. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-14.png) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Richmond lands $8 million grant for student trades program URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-lands-8-million-grant-for-student-trades-program/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T20:17:56.000Z The Richmond Ed Fund, a nonprofit that helps fund initiatives within Richmond Public Schools, announced an $8 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies that will help launch a new program, RVA Builds. The partnership between RPS, the City of Richmond and several businesses has the goal of producing 500 Richmond students that will complete paid, work-based experiences in skilled trades by the end of the 2028-2029 school year. The investment is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' new [$90 million national skilled trades initiative](https://www.bloomberg.org/press/bloomberg-philanthropies-announces-first-of-its-kind-national-skilled-trades-initiative-to-accelerate-high-school-students-into-high-wage-in-demand-trade-careers/). Richmond was one of nine cities chosen for the opportunity. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-4.17.06---PM.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/06/rps%5Frelease%5Fbloomberg.pdf) Read the full press release [here](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/06/rps%5Frelease%5Fbloomberg.pdf). Participating students will complete at least 120 hours of paid work. After graduation, industry partners have agreed to pay at least $23 per hour in total compensation. In the press release, officials said that the initiative is in response to growing regional workforce needs, as the construction field alone has hundreds of projected annual openings that pay more than a living wage. “Fewer than 15 RPS graduates enter registered apprenticeships each year, and the largest employers of recent graduates are fast-food chains,” officials said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. It also stems from the division’s Passion4Learning, a pillar of the RPS’ five year strategic plan, that partly focuses on Richmond’s public high school redesign and creating clearer pathways to college, career and national service. The Ed Fund will annually publish information on student participation, job placements, wage progression and retention data from the program. For cities looking to replicate the program, the organization will also develop a “Richmond Playbook” that will document the program’s design, contracts, curriculum and tools. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org)*. This article has been updated.* ### Latest study finds rezoning will spur most new housing in mixed-use corridors from urban core through West End URL: https://www.richmonder.org/latest-study-finds-rezoning-will-spur-most-new-housing-in-mixed-use-corridors-from-urban-core-through-west-end/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:27:56.000Z An expanded study of how Richmond’s proposed rezoning is likely to spur development projected that the majority of new housing would be built along mixed-use corridors in and around the city’s urban core and westward through the West End. “[The analysis](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/RKG%20-%20Richmond%20Development%20Scenarios%20-%20Economic%20Analysis%20-%20MX%20-%20RM%20-%20RA.pdf) that we did showed that the areas that had the greatest potential are commercial corridors,” said Kyle Talente, a principal at RKG, the economic planning and real estate consultancy the city has hired to assess the potential impacts of the code refresh in light of Richmond-specific parcel, market and construction data. The greatest redevelopment likelihood was predicted to occur along corridors in two parts of the city RKG has designated as Subareas 3 and 4, which cover neighborhoods including downtown, the Manchester area, Jackson Ward, Oregon Hill, VCU’s main campus, Scott’s Addition, the Fan, the Museum District and the West End. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-ef5eb235-2e16-4cc6-9add-592d8be31de0.png) Those projections are only for those parcels that would be zoned as mixed-use under the code refresh. Overall, RKG predicts that rezoning would produce roughly 1,200 to 1,600 housing units in areas zoned for mixed use, 25 to 80 units in residential multifamily areas and 70 to 110 units in residential attached neighborhoods. When combined with the results of [an earlier study by RKG of how the refresh could impact residential detached neighborhoods](https://www.richmonder.org/study-finds-rezoning-impacts-will-be-limited-in-single-family-neighborhoods-due-to-lot-layouts-economics/) — communities made up primarily of traditional single family homes — the analysis finds that about 2,100 housing units could be produced annually as a result of the rezoning. Richmond Planning Director Kevin Vonck said that estimate is in line with the city’s current housing trends, which see the production of between 2,000 and 2,500 units annually. Crucially, he noted, the RKG projections are only for market-driven development and do not include any affordable projects, which nearly all rely on financing tools like federal low-income housing tax credits, performance grants and other incentives or subsidies. While Vonck told The Richmonder he didn’t currently have an estimate of how many extra units were likely to be produced annually as a result of the rezoning, he emphasized that Richmond has seen hundreds of affordable units added to its stock in recent years. “The actual production is probably going to be higher” than the RKG figures, he said. “It’s not going to be 10 times higher, but I think it is showing some increase in what we’re being able to produce. … This does seem to be unlocking housing possibilities that we don’t have.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/ScottsAddition3.JPG) The study said areas like Scott's Addition, Manchester and the Diamond District "have rents high enough to support" increased development. (Sarah Vogelsong/The Richmonder) In a discussion of the latest study by the Zoning Advisory Council this May, member Philip Hart — a real estate attorney and past president of the Westhampton Citizens Association who has been critical of some of the code refresh’s pro-density proposals — said the projection that the most housing units would flow to mixed-use corridors was “exactly what [Richmond 300](https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/master-plan) was talking about.” “This is, in my view, corroborating the decision that was made back when Richmond 300 was done,” he said. The lack of projected development in mixed-use corridors on the Southside raised an eyebrow from ZAC member Damian Pitt, an associate professor of urban planning at VCU. The city has hoped that the rezoning, among other efforts, could spur increased development in places like Southside Plaza. “It sounds like you’re projecting that none of that’s going to work and nothing’s going to get built there, which I find a little hard to believe,” he said. Talente confirmed that RKG’s model does not show much housing growth in Southside’s mixed-use corridors, although he emphasized that it could occur in small pockets and that the city can encourage growth there through incentives. “This is assuming that there is no other interaction from the city, either through abatements or through incentives or through other means where they can address some of the financial challenges of doing a project,” he said. [What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond’s most powerful tool to get around zoning rulesThe Richmonder reviewed five years of SUP data to determine where these permits are driving the most development, what kind of development it is and how long the public review process is taking.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8bcdb723-5a8a-4bc4-a495-75f525d23e83.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/B5D11A6F-6D46-44CF-8D9C-59D2E672D46D_1_201_a-32f655ac-29ca-42c7-b942-defaed683096.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) Those kinds of incentives would not be new to Richmond, which has tried to stimulate the growth of affordable housing through [performance grants — many of which have gone to Southside projects](https://www.richmonder.org/it-might-be-richmonds-biggest-push-to-create-affordable-housing-but-many-residents-dont-even-know-it-exists/) — and its [Affordable Housing Trust Fund](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-six-city-councilors-strike-compromise-on-funding-affordable-housing-trust-fund/). Other strategies are possible: Henrico County, for example, waives certain permitting and utility connection fees for projects that receive money from its trust fund. “It goes back to us in terms of OK, from a public perspective, what are some of the things that we can do to either catalyze or incentivize development along these particular corridors?” Vonck told The Richmonder. One change that he said could unlock some development: [the addition of a north-south Pulse line](https://www.ridegrtc.com/community/projects/brt-expansion/), a project that is currently in its planning phase. “From a city perspective, I think adding the transit in would help incentivize that,” he said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Residential multifamily and attached neighborhoods** Outside of mixed use, the latest RKG study found only modest growth in residential multifamily districts, those that allow multi-unit residential buildings of varying sizes. The least dense of those zones, RM-A, would allow multifamily buildings with up to six units. The most dense, RM-C, would allow an unlimited number of units. Talente said that given the way those districts have been applied in the current rezoning proposal, they serve as “more a preservation zone than a redevelopment catalyst.” “Only about 2% of the parcels are financially realistic redevelopment candidates,” he said. Ultimately, RKG has projected that between 27 and 81 units could be produced in those areas annually. “As of right now, the data is showing that the current value of those parcels is too strong from a demand perspective to justify acquisition, redevelopment and teardown,” he said. Vonck said those projections illustrate the ongoing absence of “missing middle” — or medium-density — housing in many Richmond neighborhoods. [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-960341b1-f94d-4034-930f-bcf8b01c86c7.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-71d44e9f-2626-4830-9724-4f9a0b6013f2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) Richmond developers “are kind of bifurcated,” he said. “You’ve got people who are really good at building single family homes and townhomes, and you’ve got people who are really good at building apartment complexes over 150 (units). There’s not a huge cadre of developers who do these missing middle pieces.” As in residential multifamily districts, residential attached districts are projected to produce a limited number of new units annually: 72 to 108, according to RKG. Today, most parcels that would be rezoned as residential attached are already built out with rowhouses, said Talente, with only about 12% classified as vacant or underutilized. “As a result, there really are limited redevelopment opportunities,” he told the Zoning Advisory Council. Many of those opportunities will also be found in Subareas 3 and 4, although RKG found that there were possibilities for infill development in vacant lots citywide. “Development pencils out in all six subareas,” the consultants wrote, noting that Subarea 6 encompassing much of the Southside had potential for building “simply because it has more undeveloped land available than more dynamic subareas.” Teardowns for redevelopment are also a possibility in residential attached areas, although RKG has projected they only would make financial sense in Subareas 3 and 4 and would likely hover around 10 per year. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Churches** One factor not considered in the latest RKG modeling was the potential development of properties used as churches and other places of worship, which are scattered throughout the city. The consultants assumed that churches would be unlikely to develop regardless of market conditions. But ZAC Chair Elizabeth Greenfield, who also works for the Home Building Association of Richmond, disagreed with that decision. “I don't think we should write off churches, especially after the General Assembly has given the enabling authority for churches to develop into by right multi-family housing,” she said. Under the Faith in Housing Act (also known as Yes In God’s Backyard, or YIGBY) passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger earlier this year, religious institutions statewide will be allowed to develop residential and mixed-use projects by right — regardless of local zoning — on their property as long as at least 60% of their units are affordable. That law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027 and expire on Jan. 1, 2031\. [Near West End church is under contract to be turned into 72 housing units; developer selected from dozens of bidsThe density debate along Grove Avenue continues to stay active, and up next is potentially one of the area’s most transformational projects to date.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-974f4f5c-a7c7-473b-af66-12d547656e72.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3727-d15e5130-df96-42da-8a79-bddfa1bc70de.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/near-west-end-church-is-under-contract-to-be-turned-into-72-housing-units-developer-selected-from-dozens-of-bids/) How many churches are likely to exercise their new right in Richmond remains unclear, although some projects are underway. At St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Highland Park, [Commonwealth Catholic Charities is developing 56 units](https://www.richmonder.org/amid-affordable-housing-push-homes-for-the-lowest-incomes-are-a-tough-nut-to-crack/), half of which are earmarked for extremely low-income families. Other churches, like the Seventh Street Christian Church in the near West End, have redevelopment plans underway, although to date they are focused on market-rate units. How to rezone places of worship has been a challenge for Richmond’s Planning Department. Most recently, it proposed rezoning all those parcels as mixed-use properties, although the decision has received pushback from some residents concerned it could allow too much density in residential neighborhoods. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org). ### June 8 Newsletter: A pint-sized portfolio URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-8-newsletter-a-pint-sized-portfolio/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T10:00:39.000Z **Weather:** Summer is here for good. High of 86. **On this date** in 1945, Virginia’s Supreme Court rules that interstate buses passing through are still subject to the state’s laws, which required Black riders to sit in separate areas. The court upheld a fine for a Black woman who refused to give up her seat and was arrested. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-af262cfc-8a84-4abe-a16b-ef0d16ce4f23.jpeg) **Today's newsletter sponsored by the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society,** offering legal help to qualifying city residents in certain housing matters. [**Learn more here.**](https://cvlas.org/get-help/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-6.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-uses-citys-adu-law-to-build-100-backyard-cottages/) ### Developer uses city's ADU law to build 100 backyard cottages Granny flats. In-law suites. Backyard cottages. We’re still not quite sure what to call them, but they’re starting to pop up all over Richmond. Developer Frank Cava is using the law to create pint-sized houses as an affordable, efficient way to grow his rental portfolio and boost housing supply in the city. His first unit listed for rent is on Fairfax Avenue off Richmond Highway. It’s priced at $1,609 a month and he accepts housing vouchers. He said reactions so far have been split between “that’s way too small” and “that’s amazing.” [**Read more, and see one of the houses, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/developer-uses-citys-adu-law-to-build-100-backyard-cottages/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/8D38B418-A53D-438F-90A8-CD6B42C106BC_1_105_c-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-announces-anti-displacement-week-as-housing-costs-remain-high/) ### Mayor declares 'Anti-Displacement Week' in Richmond As housing prices remain at record highs in Richmond and the region, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration has announced the city’s first Anti-Displacement Week. The effort, which includes a lineup of information sessions and events from this Monday through Friday, aims to get more Richmonders aware of the programs and services the city offers to help residents who are at risk of being forced out of their homes due to rising costs. [**Learn more about those programs here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-announces-anti-displacement-week-as-housing-costs-remain-high/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-7.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-governors-veto-avula-says-richmond-is-better-off-with-collective-bargaining/) ### After governor’s veto, Avula says Richmond is ‘better off’ with collective bargaining The mayor upset some labor supporters this year by taking issue with a state bill that would have changed unionization rules for local government employees, but he emphasized recently that he believes collective bargaining has been a good thing for the city. 💼 Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover have not adopted collective bargaining, meaning the bill could have had a bigger impact on the counties than the city itself. City Council will soon discuss changes to collective bargaining in Richmond, potentially giving unions greater power to negotiate over the general rules for promotions, transfers and filling job vacancies. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-governors-veto-avula-says-richmond-is-better-off-with-collective-bargaining/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-8.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/one-of-the-rarest-copies-of-the-declaration-of-independence-is-coming-to-richmond/) ### One of the rarest copies of the Declaration of Independence is coming to Richmond Ahead of the United States’ 250th birthday, one of the rarest surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence is now on display at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Because this copy is printed on paper rather than parchment, and because it bears the visible imprint of the copperplate, scholars say it is likely one of just six test versions created ahead of a parchment run in 1823\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/one-of-the-rarest-copies-of-the-declaration-of-independence-is-coming-to-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-9.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-are-the-parking-rules-for-public-meetings-at-city-hall-the-city-is-looking-into-it/) ### What are the parking rules for public meetings at City Hall? The city is looking into it The combo of hourly time limits and unpredictable meeting lengths means going to a public meeting to engage with the local government can cost a few bucks and the risk of a $30 parking ticket. After an inquiry from The Richmonder, a spokesperson said the city is reviewing its policies on parking near City Hall during public meetings. “Historically, parking enforcement has been suspended around City Hall during City Council meetings,” he said. “The city is currently reviewing this practice.” “Coming to do any kind of business downtown should be free,” one Councilor said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/what-are-the-parking-rules-for-public-meetings-at-city-hall-the-city-is-looking-into-it/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_5046--1--2-1.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/confident-and-humble-hanover-boys-and-girls-prevail-in-state-lacrosse-quarterfinals/) ### Coverage of spring sports state tournaments - [**Varina freshman turns heads, wins titles at state track meet**](https://www.richmonder.org/varina-freshman-turns-heads-wins-titles-at-state-track-meet/) - [**'Confident and humble,' Hanover boys and girls prevail in state lacrosse quarterfinals**](https://www.richmonder.org/confident-and-humble-hanover-boys-and-girls-prevail-in-state-lacrosse-quarterfinals/) - [**James River wins region baseball title with come-from-behind victory**](https://www.richmonder.org/james-river-wins-region-baseball-title-with-come-from-behind-victory/) - [**Matoaca scores in 1st, hangs on to win first region softball title**](https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-scores-in-1st-hangs-on-to-win-first-region-softball-title/) --- ### Today's sponsor: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-dbaa093a-7d39-4cb0-b465-d95d6642b843.jpeg) ### Central Virginia Legal Aid Society Are you a city of Richmond resident with a housing issue? The City of Richmond supports access to legal help for city residents with certain housing matters. CVLAS provides free civil legal services to qualifying\* households. If you live in the city of Richmond you can apply for free civil legal services involving certain housing issues such as eviction, foreclosure, housing voucher problems, lockouts, utility cutoffs, and self-help evictions, repairs, and unlawful detainer expungements. [**CVLAS can help!**](https://cvlas.org/get-help/) *\*to qualify your household must meet federal income guidelines* --- ### In other news - [**Former RPS employee’s defamation suit has its first hearing, but without her lawyer**](https://www.richmonder.org/former-rps-employees-defamation-suit-has-its-first-hearing-but-without-her-lawyer/) - “In truth, I was just down the hall,” he said of the mix-up. - [**VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art opens installation inspired by 1865 burning of Richmond**](https://www.richmonder.org/ica-opens-installation-inspired-by-1865-burning-of-richmond/) - The exhibition includes a “sweeping assemblage of charred Colonial-style cabinets.” - [**Vehicle fires rise in Central Virginia as temperatures climb**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/06/07/vehicle-fires-rise-central-virginia-temperatures-climb/)(12 on Your Side) - At least three have been reported in recent days from Chesterfield to Petersburg. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8752.jpeg)](https://thevalentine.org/explore/exhibitions/building-a-city-richmonds-landmarks/) The Valentine has a new exhibit, "Building a City," which includes replicas of famous Richmond landmarks. Some are built from Legos, though nobody has yet made a replica of the new Chesterfield Lego plant with Legos. - Also, The Richmond Forum is still looking for volunteers to help set up for the National Speech and Debate Tournament this Thursday and Friday. [Sign up here](https://richmondforum.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=109768). *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### After governor’s veto, Avula says Richmond is ‘better off’ with collective bargaining URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-governors-veto-avula-says-richmond-is-better-off-with-collective-bargaining/ Last updated: 2026-06-07T23:26:23.000Z The recent veto of a bill to expand public-sector unions in Virginia won’t change much for Richmond, Mayor Danny Avula said recently, because the city already has collective bargaining and nothing happening at the state level changes that. Asked last month what he thinks of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s veto of a Democratic proposal to expand collective bargaining for public employees, Avula said “for Richmond, I don’t think it matters.” “We actually really believe collective bargaining is good and Richmond is better off because of that,” Avula said. “We are very willing to work with legislators and to work with other localities that have done this to help make sure we can get the details of it right.” Avula upset some labor supporters this year by taking issue with a state bill that would have changed unionization rules for local government employees and allowed collective bargaining in places where local leaders don’t want it. Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties have not adopted collective bargaining, meaning the bill could have had a bigger impact on the Richmond area’s counties than the city itself. Spanberger vetoed the legislation, saying she was for it in principle but disagreed with the General Assembly on the specifics. In a letter to Spanberger, Avula didn’t express outright opposition to the bill. But he warned it could create new complications for localities like Richmond that already have collective bargaining. The mayor said the legislation could increase costs for Richmond in a variety of ways, including the possible addition of constitutional offices like sheriffs and prosecutors to the collective bargaining framework, as well as binding arbitration procedures to resolve management-labor disputes that could put “meaningful and escalating upward pressure on long‑term budgets.” Richmond adopted collective bargaining for government and school employees in 2022\. Local leaders remain outwardly supportive of having a unionized workforce, arguing it will pay off in better services and a higher standard of living for city workers and teachers. However, collective bargaining is also frequently invoked in budget discussions as a cost driver that gives city and school officials less flexibility to keep spending somewhat level. [Data: Charts showing insights on Richmond’s financesA deep dive on collective bargaining, fiscal stress, property taxes, debt, pensions and more, as told through charts presented at The Richmonder’s live event.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9d8e0623-2bbf-4fc2-8896-968b6075f067.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/EM4W20-b9c1f455-cc59-483a-a9df-a5d233b8a014.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/data-charts-showing-insights-on-richmonds-finances/) For the newly approved budget that takes effect July 1, the city expects to spend an additional $22 million to honor labor deals with its five collective bargaining units, taking up more than half of $42.5 million in year-over-year revenue growth. When the City Council was considering lowering the city’s real estate tax rate last year, the mayor’s team [enlisted union allies](https://rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/mayor-avula-applauds-action-protect-core-services-avoid) to help make the case that rejecting across-the-board tax relief for property owners protects living wages and “good union jobs.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Richmond passed collective bargaining under a 2020 law that allowed local governments to opt in to union labor, without making it mandatory. The just-vetoed bill would have given all local public employees the right to unionize with or without the permission of a local governing body or school board, as well as the state workforce. Spanberger proposed several amendments to scale back and delay the collective bargaining proposal. After the General Assembly rejected her suggestions, the governor vetoed the bill. [School Board votes yes on changes to collective bargaining proceduresThose in favor of the change noted that they did not hear specifics on what changes union members were upset with during public comment.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3400ccee-5ea1-4d0a-89ca-4b71f2647426.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-2-1-8c1f65dd-c069-4d0e-8505-c5094b7ce1c0.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-votes-yes-on-changes-to-collective-bargaining-procedures/) That decision has drawn outrage from union organizers who saw it was a betrayal of Spanberger’s professed support for labor. Many local governments had opposed the bill and praised the governor for what they saw as a move to preserve local autonomy over how government functions. Addressing the backlash in a [recent interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS1i5E5XWnI) with social media personality Tevin Davis, Spanberger pointed to the local government feedback as a factor in her veto decision. Without specifically naming Richmond or Avula, she mentioned input she had received from localities “that already have collective bargaining.” “This bill, based on some of the provisions, would have superseded and kind of changed the nature of the agreement that they were proud of that fit their community and the work that they had long done to try and get to a really good collective bargaining agreement,” Spanberger said. [Richmond Council asks state for law allowing city to prevent ‘rent gouging’The request is among the city’s top three legislative priorities for the 2026 session.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-c093aa55-0d7c-4aeb-b2f2-9581dd88fcf3.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_5111-d33c99fc-46a1-4fc6-8381-b8dbd54ecd21.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-council-asks-state-for-law-allowing-city-to-prevent-rent-gouging/) State Sen. Mike Jones, a Democrat who represents both Richmond and Chesterfield, said he hopes local governments can be part of the discussion about what kind of collective bargaining bill could pass in the General Assembly’s 2027 session, when Democrats will still have full control of the statehouse. “In my opinion, this is an area for Richmond to lead in. Here’s how much it costs us. Here’s how we did it. Here’s why we did it,” said Jones, who served on the City Council when Richmond adopted collective bargaining. “It’s going to be tough to get something like this passed if every locality is going to continue to say we can’t do it because of the costs.” Collective bargaining isn’t about turning public employees into millionaires, Jones said, it ensures government workers can make enough to afford to live in the localities they serve. “I am so pro-union it’s not even funny,” Jones said. “But politically, how do we move through it?” ### **City Council considers changes to bargaining process** As the collective bargaining push remains stalled at the state level, a new debate over union rights is emerging in Richmond. The City Council is currently considering [an ordinance](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7981406&GUID=43E2ACC7-E647-4B43-803E-D7E2AF0FEB4F&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=collective+bargaining) to change the city’s collective bargaining structure, potentially giving unions greater power to negotiate over the general rules for promotions, transfers and filling job vacancies. The proposal would also have the city shift from advisory arbitration to binding arbitration if there’s a deadlock on non-economic workplace conditions that don’t involve wages or benefits. The pending ordinance has at least three patrons: Councilors Reva Trammell (8th District), Kenya Gibson (3rd District) and Sarah Abubaker (4th District). Supporters of the proposal say it will bring needed clarity to collective bargaining rules and address issues that arose during the first round of negotiations a few years ago. Brendon Leavy, president of the Richmond Coalition of Police, said there’s “favoritism” in the policy department that could potentially be addressed if unions had more input into how promotions work. “It’s no power grab. It doesn’t give the union any unilateral authority to be in a room when someone is promoted,” Leavy told a Council committee last month. “But we want to be able to discuss procedures and how they come to those types of decisions.” The proposal has led to some friction over whether it should only apply to public safety unions involving police and firefighters or cover all bargaining units. At a Council meeting last week, several union members said the city shouldn’t have different policies for different unions it negotiates with. Avula’s administration has struck a cautious tone on the pending proposal. As drafted, the Council paperwork said the change isn’t expected to have a major fiscal impact on the city. Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II told the Council he wasn’t so sure about that. “We do believe that there is some fiscal impact,” Donald said, asking the Council for more time to evaluate what the proposed changes would mean. Several Council members said they felt a sense of urgency to act soon, because a new round of negotiations are set to start by July 1. Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) suggested making a final round of edits to the proposal at the body’s June 8 meeting so that it could be put to vote on June 22. “If we don’t do that then we might as well just throw this ordinance in the trash,” Lynch said. “It’s just not going to be meaningful if we don’t pass it before then.” According to the Council’s agenda for Monday, the collective bargaining proposal is set to be amended and continued to June 22\. The upcoming amendments to the plan were not publicly available as of Thursday. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Varina freshman turns heads, wins titles at state track meet URL: https://www.richmonder.org/varina-freshman-turns-heads-wins-titles-at-state-track-meet/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T10:27:31.000Z LYNCHBURG — Imani Moore had just completed her work in the long jump Saturday when she stepped onto the track for the state finals of the 100-meter dash. “My legs were dead,” she said. They suddenly sprang to life. Moore, a freshman standout from Varina High School, blazed to the finish, looking cool and calm the entire way at the Virginia High School League’s Class 4 championships, held in conjunction with the Class 3 event at Liberty University. She clocked a time of 11.67 in the 100, impressed with victories in the 200-meter dash and the long jump and helped Varina’s 4x100 relay team to the state title, too, in what amounted to another remarkable showing from the 15-year-old who broke onto the high school scene by winning four events at the indoor championships in March. If her legs were tired, it didn’t show. Moore’s 100 and 200 times were the fastest in the state Saturday, better than any other girl who competed across the league’s six classifications. During prelims, she bested the Class 4 mark of 11.63 set in 2022 by Madison Whyte of Heritage (Newport News). Whyte went on to star at the University of Southern California, claimed gold medals at the 2022 World Junior Championships and 2023 Pan American U20 Championships, and is a member of Team USA. And to think, she’s only a freshman. “I don’t think she has a ceiling,” her mother and co-coach, LaKeasha Moore, said after Imani’s 100 victory. “It’s really untapped. We haven’t even gotten into weight lifting, we haven’t even done any hill work. Each year I’m progressing her, doing a little bit more at a time so she’s not tapped out at such a young age.” Moore has now won seven track and field state titles in four months’ time. At the indoor championships, she celebrated titles in the 55 and 300 dashes and long jump. She repeated her state championship in the long jump Saturday, leaping to 19 feet, 9 1/4 inches to eclipse the meet record of 19-01 1/2 set by Atlee’s Josie Rempe in 2024\. “It means a lot to me, actually,” Moore said of that meet record. “And I’ve still got a ways to go. I’ve still got three more years.” Varina also won the state 4x100 relay title behind Rayanah Johnson, Moore, Kya Ingram and Jalynn Seward. The Blue Devils finished third behind champion Blacksburg and runner-up Halifax County in the same event at last year’s outdoor championships. But something about this year felt special. Felt almost predetermined, like nothing could keep them from the crown. “We believed in ourselves,” Johnson, a sophomore, said after she and her teammates combined for a time of 47.58\. “We said we can do it. We felt like it was already ordained for us to win it, and we just put it all out on the track.” They won by more than a second over runner-up Halifax, avenging last year’s loss. “We really wanted it last year,” Seward said. “We worked hard for it, and now we won it this year. I feel like we got what we deserved.” It was a sweet ending to a season that had rocky patches. As Varina’s sprint relay team tried to perfect its craft, there were moments when it didn’t feel like things would come together enough to seriously contend for a state title. “This year, I can say, has been one of the most revealing years and also one of the hardest,” Seward said. “When I say hardest, there have been times when I feel like I was down, times when races weren’t OK, even times when the relay wasn’t great. And we just had to come back from that and show that we could overcome the obstacles in front of us.” Asked about Varina’s star freshman, Seward and Johnson smiled. “That’s my baby girl,” Seward said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. In her final event of the day, the 200 dash, Moore headed to the finish line with that same composed demeanor, looking as calm and within herself as when the day began. “What more can she do, folks?” the PA announcer asked the crowd. She’d done enough. Factoring in points earned from the relay, Moore was responsible for 40 points. Varina placed third in the team standings with 45 total points and finished behind champion Blacksburg (88.33), which won its fifth straight Class 4 title, and runner-up Phoebus (51). And all that output from a girl who was still going strong when her day was winding down. “She is a go-getter,” LaKeasha Moore said. “Even in practice, if I'm telling her we’re gonna go 70% today, she will go all out. It’s hard to reel her in. She’s so determined, she’s so focused. She works extremely hard, even with her nutrition. She is just very meticulous with how she competes. She doesn’t like to lose, so she’s very hard on herself when she feels like she doesn’t do too well, and that motivates her to do even better. She's very, very special, I will say that.” Imani Moore has found sudden success on the track. Her main goal, though, is to remain consistent. She was all that, and more, on Saturday. “You know, some people say freshman flop,” Moore said, a reference to a first-year phenom who subsequently fails to live up to the hype. “I don’t want to be a freshman who flops. I want to keep progressing.” On the boys side, Varina junior Xavier Curry won the pole vault and set a new meet record with a vault of 16 feet, 4 3/4 inches. He won by nearly a foot and a half and eclipsed the 16-foot Class 4 mark set by Blacksburg’s Leighton McGee (William & Mary) in 2025\. The Atlee boys placed third in the team standings (41 points) behind Churchland (68 points) and Charlottesville 52). Jamestown (39) was fourth and Varina (34) placed fifth. *This article has been updated to note Moore’s record time came in a preliminary race.* ### Developer uses city's ADU law to build 100 backyard cottages URL: https://www.richmonder.org/developer-uses-citys-adu-law-to-build-100-backyard-cottages/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:24:21.000Z Granny flats. In-law suites. Backyard cottages. We’re still not quite sure what to call them, but they’re starting to pop up all over Richmond. The city has issued building permits for nearly 117 accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — the official name used by the planning department — since the city’s zoning code was amended to allow them citywide. Nearly half of those are the work of a single developer, Frank Cava, who is building the units in the backyard of rental homes he already owns. So far, he’s taken out more than 50 building permits and told The Richmonder he ultimately hopes to build 100 of the structures. Cava, who said his portfolio caters to Housing Choice Voucher holders (formerly known as Section 8), described the pint-sized houses as an affordable, efficient way to grow his rental portfolio and boost housing supply in the city. “We can build them in 60 to 70 days,” said Cava. “That’s faster than we can get Dominion here to hook up the power.” ### ADUs will be allowed statewide The structures [will be legal to build](https://virginiamercury.com/2026/04/16/a-new-law-will-make-it-easier-to-build-a-tiny-house-in-your-back-yard-starting-next-year/) in every Virginia city and county after July 1, 2027, when a law passed this year by the General Assembly takes effect requiring local governments to permit the structures in residential areas, including those zoned only for single family homes. In Richmond, they’ve been permitted since September 2023, when the City Council voted to allow them by-right in all city residential zoning districts. Before that, owners had to petition individually for project approval – an expensive and time-consuming endeavor that largely limited the structures to existing carriage houses in the Fan and Church Hill. # Granny flats in Richmond, mapped --- Accessory dwelling units have started popping up all over the city since 2023, when the City Council voted to allow the structures in all residential zones. Use the timeline below to watch the map fill in, month by month. Sept. 2023 – May 15, 2026 Permits to date — across all years Built — Final inspection completed Issued — Permitted, in progress Permit status Built Issued —— Permits by month Source: City of Richmond building permits Supporters of the change said they hoped the new rules would help ease the city’s housing shortage, specifically by increasing the supply of affordable units. The city’s ordinance sets a few ground rules for the structures, limiting their size to no more than a third of the floor area of the parcel’s main dwelling unit, or 500 square feet, whichever is greater. Property owners still must follow all the underlying zoning requirements, such as how far structures must be from property lines and how much of the lot itself can be covered. In Cava’s case, he calculated that about 100 of the more than 180 mostly single family properties in his portfolio in Richmond have space for an ADU in the rear. ### A growing rental empire Cava said he began assembling his portfolio in Richmond in 2009 after 10 years working for Ryan Homes. He said many of his tenants pay with Housing Choice Vouchers, which many landlords refuse, despite it being a violation of state housing law. He told the Richmonder he considers it both profitable and a net social good to work with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authorty, which issues the vouchers. “I think I’m the largest private owner of single-family homes that accepts vouchers,” he said. “I’m cool with that. I think it’s helpful.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_7036.jpeg) One of Cava's new accessory dwelling units, located in the backyard of a South Richmond rental he owns on East 21st Street. Work is wrapping up on his first few ADUs now. The structures are simple — bright white siding, a columned porch, with 500-square-feet of living space. The unit is broken up into a main room that contains a kitchen on one wall and a living room area on the other. That main room opens to two 10-foot-by-10-foot bedrooms, with a bathroom in the center. His first unit listed for rent is on Fairfax Avenue off Richmond Highway. It’s priced at $1,609 a month. He said reactions so far have been split between “that’s way too small” and “my lord that’s amazing.” He’s betting there will be enough people in the latter camp to fill the units, noting many people are happy to trade space for new construction housing with modern finishes and fixtures. He said for tenants with housing vouchers, his main competition is RRHA, and he thinks even though they’re small, his units compare favorably to the city’s public housing developments. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Mixed reactions from neighbors Some neighbors are less enthusiastic about the additions. “Who would want to live in something like that?” asked Judy Hicks, a longtime homeowner whose backyard directly abuts the new units on Fairfax Avenue. She said the alley the building’s front door faces is a magnet for drug activity and thefts. She also complained about a loss of privacy that comes with having the new structure so close to her backyard. She said she didn’t understand why Cava didn’t just build a duplex or redevelop one of a handful of vacant lots visible from her backyard. “I don’t know who’s going to move in. I don’t know how they’re going to act,” she said. She said she’s asked Cava to build a privacy fence. Not all neighbors have a problem with ADUs going up next door. On Delaware Avenue in North Richmond, where a property owner built a two-story ADU in his backyard last year, his neighbor shrugged it off when asked by a reporter how he felt about the structure. “We don’t really mind,” said the homeowner next door. “It’s just not that big of a deal.” *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org). *Dominion Energy is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ### How we reported this story After the General Assembly voted to legalize accessory dwelling units statewide, we got curious how (or whether) property owners in Richmond were taking advantage of a 2023 decision by the City Council allowing the structures locally. Because the city's online repository of building permits doesn't support searching documents in a way that would turn up ADUs, we used an AI tool to scrape the data, which we then manually verified. The resulting dataset revealed a spike in interest in the structures recently and that one property owner in particular — developer Frank Cava — was responsible for most of those plans. We contacted Cava, interviewed him about his plans and toured of one of the ADUs he has under construction. We also talked to neighbors of ADUs that were being built or had already been constructed how they feel about the units. ### City announces Anti-Displacement Week as housing costs remain high URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-announces-anti-displacement-week-as-housing-costs-remain-high/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:22:34.000Z As housing prices remain at record highs in Richmond and the region, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration has announced the city’s first Anti-Displacement Week. The effort, which includes [a lineup of information sessions and events](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/RELEASE--Mayor-Danny-Avula--City-Leaders--and-Community-Partners-Announce-Anti-Displacement-Week--More-Ways-to-Stay-.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=lijSaZIJy3g) from this Monday through Friday, aims to get more Richmonders aware of the programs and services the city offers to help residents who are at risk of being forced out of their homes due to rising costs. Using U.S. Census data about individuals who spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs — a widely used metric to classify a household or person as “cost-burdened” — the Avula administration estimates that about 40% of Richmonders are at risk of displacement. A City Council-requested [review of all of the city’s anti-displacement initiatives](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/Inventory%20of%20Programs%20and%20Initiatives%20that%20Mitigate%20the%20Displacement%20of%20Residents.pdf?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=ctct) turned up 30 different programs that last year provided $36 million in aid of some kind to more than 18,000 households. Those range from federally funded programs like Community Development Block Grants and utility assistance to the city’s eviction diversion program and [a guaranteed income program](https://www.rva.gov/community-wealth-building/richmond-resilience-initiative) Richmond has run since 2020 that pays participating households $500 per month. They also include the city’s efforts to produce more affordable housing, including [its Affordable Housing Performance Grant program](https://www.richmonder.org/it-might-be-richmonds-biggest-push-to-create-affordable-housing-but-many-residents-dont-even-know-it-exists/), the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the endlessly controversial overhaul of the zoning ordinance known as code refresh. A number of initiatives are geared specifically toward tax relief for residents aged 65 or over and those with permanent disabilities. Last year, the city spent almost $5.8 million on a program that lets certain people in those groups either receive real estate tax exemptions or have their assessments frozen. This year the city allotted $7.4 million in funding to the effort. Less well-known is [a program](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/DPW%5FApplication%5FExemptionfromSolidWasteRecyclingFees.pdf) that lets renters who are disabled or over age 65 avoid paying solid waste and recycling fees. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. City officials have said the inventory of all Richmond’s anti-displacement work can help the city better grasp both what it’s already doing and what gaps or overlaps exist. The report “makes clear that while the city has invested substantial financial and human resources into critical anti-displacement efforts, those programs have not always been coordinated or fully utilized by the residents they are meant to support,” said Richmond Director of Housing and Community Development Merrick Malone in the announcement of the week. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org). ### 'Confident and humble,' Hanover boys and girls prevail in state lacrosse quarterfinals URL: https://www.richmonder.org/confident-and-humble-hanover-boys-and-girls-prevail-in-state-lacrosse-quarterfinals/ Last updated: 2026-06-07T16:45:17.000Z With 2:20 remaining in Friday’s Class 4 state girls lacrosse quarterfinal, Molly Quinn gripped her stick and set her eyes on returning her Hanover Hawks to the lead, ready for a free position shot. “We didn’t want this to be our last game. We want to make it further than anyone in Hanover history,” Quinn noted. The junior did her part, firing what would be the game-winning shot past Meridian goalkeeper Sarah Bockelman for a 7-6 advantage. But it took a titanic defensive effort in the final minutes to seal Hanover’s victory and send the Hawks to a Tuesday state semifinal match at home against Dominion. 0:00 /0:06 1× The Mustangs won the ensuing draw control, quickly attacking the net. But Hanover (16-2) net minder Cassidy Gustafson stood strong between the pipes, even after her defense committed an unforced turnover to give Meridian possession back with 55 seconds left. Meridian earned a free position to set up its final charge, as Zoe Gale charged from behind the net, firing a shot that sailed just above the crossbar. A desperation pass into the front of the net area was caromed into a Hanover defender’s stick, and the Hawks had survived. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The final minutes were a microcosm of a game whose margins were razor-thin from the start. Meridian took an early 2-1 advantage into the second period. Junior Izzy Greth, feeling the game develop into one where goals would come at a premium, fired a shot past Bockelman to tie the game at two. Later, in the second half, after Meridian scored the first two goals after intermission to retake the lead at 4-3, Quinn scored the second of her three goals to square the match again. The Mustangs took a 5-4 lead to the fourth, as an apparent Hanover goal was nullified due to a crease violation with 9 minutes left. But Meridian turned the ball over, and Greth struck again, sending a one-hopper in the net to tie the game at five. “It’s knowing that you know you need this for the team,” Greth explained. “I wanted to make sure we were keeping on track, and not fall too behind. The feeling of tying (a game) is really like no other feeling. You know you’re back now.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_5040--1-.JPG) Hanover defender Katherine Alexander (white) drives back Meridian attacker Lenea Paradiso during the Hawks' 7-6 win over the Mustangs in Friday's Class 4 state girls lacrosse quarterfinal. Fifty seconds later, Lenea Paradiso got Meridian back in front. The Hawks answered thanks to a great assist by Berkley Wilson, spinning around a defender, then feeding Bella Elliott who tied the match at six apiece, setting up the Quinn and defensive heroics that helped the Hanover girls reach their second Class 4 state semifinal in three seasons. Quinn and Greth were freshmen when their state journey ended in the semifinals at the hands of Rockbridge. And, leaving the field Friday, they did not know who their next opponent would be, and whether they would host or hit the road. Quinn explained how teams, and players, can handle that. “Honestly, sports is always a 90% mind game, so, from here on out, we’ll focus on what we can,” Quinn said. “We’re going to play the game the way we know how to play and not worry about the unknowns. We’ll go into the next game confident and humble.” For a team searching for its first-ever state championship game berth, that combination could be key to success. ### Hanover boys sprint to early lead in victory Next it was the Hanover boys, who took to the home turf to battle perennial Class 4 state participant Western Albemarle. The Hawks had practiced all week with a confidence maybe not experienced before in team history after finally getting the “Atlee monkey” off their back, thanks to a thrilling 8-7 overtime victory over the Raiders in the Class 4, Region A title game the previous Friday. It was a measure of revenge for losing in the state semifinal two years ago to their rivals. With the Raiders behind them, at least for now, the Hawks prepped for the team that sent them home in the 2023 state tourney, the Warriors. The first half was dominated by Hanover, which used a 4-0 run early in the first quarter for a 5-1 lead as sophomore Brady Bond had two goals and an assist. In all, five different Hawk players found the back of the net for a 7-2 lead after twelve minutes. Then senior Braeden Kubala joined the party, firing in two goals in just 33 seconds, upping the lead to 9-2\. The Warriors, veterans of the postseason, seemed to be sleepwalking. Western Albemarle was able to get within six by halftime, trailing 10-4. As soon as third period action began, fans, and the Hawks, discovered quickly that the Warriors were wide awake. They became much, much more physical, completely shut down the Hanover offense, and grinded out four goals over a 16 minute span. Now 10-8, the Warriors had all the momentum, and Hanover seemed awry. Enter senior attacker Tate Whitaker. He’s not the biggest player on offense, but his speed can be deadly. Combine it with excellent accuracy with the stick, and he was just the elixir the Hawks needed. Whitaker answered what would be Western Albemarle’s final goal with two of his own, the first unassisted with 5:14 left in the game to give Hanover its first tally since before halftime. Then, Whitaker scored with exactly four minutes to play after receiving an assist from the other side of the field from junior Jason Eager that simply had to be seen to be believed. “It took us a minute to step up and get something going,” Whitaker recalled when asked about the absence of the offensive until the final five-plus minutes. “They were getting too close, and we just needed to finish it out.” And as for Eager’s contribution, which sailed past several defenders en route to Tate’s netting? Whitaker smiled widely. “It was an absolutely amazing pass from Jason. I just happened to be in the right spot, and canned it in the top right corner.” The Warriors self-destructed after that, committing two penalties in the final 2:27 that doomed any hope of a comeback. Hanover now prepares for Salem, which eliminated Broad Run 13-5 in another quarterfinal. The boys’ team, too, seeks to earn its first trip to a state championship game. If they can put together two halves that mirror Friday’s first half, it just might be their destiny. The Hanover/Dominion girls semifinal begins at 6pm, followed by the Hanover/Salem boys matchup approximately thirty minutes after the girls’ match concludes. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Matoaca scores in 1st, hangs on to win first region softball title URL: https://www.richmonder.org/matoaca-scores-in-1st-hangs-on-to-win-first-region-softball-title/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T13:38:31.000Z Last season, a 2-0 semifinal loss against Midlothian knocked Matoaca out of the running for the region 5C title. This season, the top-seeded Warriors flipped the script on the second-seeded Trojans, winning 1-0 and taking home the title for the first time in program history. “I've been doing softball since 2003, I got to the finals a couple times, but never won,” said Matoaca coach Scott Driskill. As expected, the game came down to a duel between two of the area's best pitchers. Matoaca's Kaylee Hodges, a Tennessee commit, struck out 13. Midlothian starting pitcher Erika Fiege kept the Warriors at bay for the final six innings, striking out five. But a first-inning run by the Warriors was enough for the victory. In the bottom of the first, Hayden Longacre doubled to bring Raven Crabtree home for the first and only run of the game. Longacre was focused on one thing – contact. “I closed my eyes and then swung as hard as I could, and then I just started sprinting. That was so fun,” Longacre said. “I was looking for hard contact, I wasn't trying to place it anywhere, I wasn't trying to hit it over, I was just trying to swing hard and make contact.” Crabtree's sprint home was close, and Midlothian's catcher had the ball right in front of the action, but amid great commotion in the crowd, the umpire called obstruction and allowed the run. For Hodges, a tight margin is an expectation anytime the two powerhouse teams meet. “We knew it would be close, we knew they were amazing," the star pitcher said. “They were gonna be able to hit the wall. We knew that Erica was gonna attack us early.” Coming back for the rematch against Midlothian, Longacre said their practice Thursday night was mostly “mental.” “We were just sitting down and talking about what pitches to throw and what to expect from every single player, because that's just the amount of talent it was gonna be,” she said. This win secures Matoaca as a host Tuesday in the quarterfinal round of the state tournament. “I feel like you know what to expect, I feel like you can understand the hops better on the field because you practice on it every single day, so it's like you kind of know what the ball's gonna do a little bit more,” Hodges said. Having a packed house as well keeps the energy up and serves as motivation. “I feel like it gives us more energy and motivation to win, because we have everybody here,” she said. “Last year when we played at Midlo, it was nice, but we didn't have everybody there, so here it's more energy.” The Warriors will host Riverbend, who they defeated in the regular season 6-0. “We have to come back,” Longacre said. “Just because we've seen them one time this season, we have to come back harder this time.” Midlothian will travel to Lightridge for its matchup, with both games set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. ### What are the parking rules for public meetings at City Hall? The city is looking into it URL: https://www.richmonder.org/what-are-the-parking-rules-for-public-meetings-at-city-hall-the-city-is-looking-into-it/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T10:27:14.000Z Richmond residents attending City Council meetings used to be able to park for free in a city-owned lot a few blocks away from City Hall. A few years ago, that lot was turned into an off-street bus transfer station, eliminating the most obvious free parking option for people traveling by car. That mostly left paid on-street parking as the fallback. But the combo of hourly time limits and unpredictable meeting lengths means going to a public meeting to engage with the local government can cost a few bucks and risk a $30 parking ticket. At least one meeting attendee has gotten a ticket recently, which prompted Councilor Reva Trammell (8th District) to raise the parking issue at the last Council meeting. If residents have to pay to make their voices heard at Council meetings, Trammell argued, some might simply choose not to come. “Coming to do any kind of business downtown should be free,” Trammell said in an interview Friday. [Richmond issues about 11,000 parking tickets a month. We dug into the data.In total, offenders paid $42.9 million in parking tickets over an 8-year period.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a8d057b1-dc6e-4a6a-87ad-b04b7a5457ce.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8660-1-4ecbe755-63d4-4db3-9fb8-ec0659509e81.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-issues-about-11-000-parking-tickets-a-month-we-dug-into-the-data/) Though most paid parking spots downtown stop requiring payment after 6 p.m. — the same time that regular Council meetings start — some of the zones closest to City Hall now require payment until 8 p.m. It was that change that led to the ticket Trammell was concerned about. She said it shouldn’t be complicated for the city to set those zones back to 6 p.m. to better align with the Council meeting schedule. “That’s something that can be solved right now,” Trammell said. After an inquiry from The Richmonder, city spokesperson Ross Catrow said the city is reviewing its policies on parking near City Hall during public meetings. “Historically, parking enforcement has been suspended around City Hall during City Council meetings,” Catrow said. “The city is currently reviewing this practice.” Catrow said the city waived the parking ticket mentioned by Trammell. [Richmond expands no-parking rules for bike lanes to include buffer zonesDrivers parking near Richmond’s bike lanes will have to give cyclists a little more room under a policy change the City Council approved last week.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-b4c34297-b171-4827-9c9f-feb5faee27a1.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_9150-8650bd9b-6ea8-4618-ac57-b27a8d09e6d0.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-expands-no-parking-rules-for-bike-lanes-to-include-buffer-zones/) The non-enforcement policy doesn’t appear to have been clearly communicated to the public. There are no signs near City Hall saying the parking rules aren’t enforced on Council nights, meaning people could be paying to avoid a ticket even if ticketing is suspended. Council leaders are also looking into the issue. “City Council was recently made aware of parking concerns affecting public meeting attendance,” the Council said in a statement to The Richmonder. “As resident participation is a priority, Council leadership will be asking \[the\] city administration to review parking enforcement on meeting nights and report back with findings and recommendations.” The city owns several parking lots and garages in the downtown area, including a paid parking deck near the shuttered Richmond Coliseum a few blocks from City Hall. Those facilities don’t offer free parking for City Hall visitors. City employees and Council members park in a garage beneath City Hall that isn’t open to the public. Though the Council’s regular Monday-evening meetings start at 6 p.m., they hold informal prep sessions starting at 4 p.m. where discussion can occur on business coming up that night. The Council’s standing committees also hold early-afternoon meetings at times when the paid on-street parking rules are in effect. The parking policy could also impact other public bodies that hold meetings at City Hall. The Richmond School Board meets there on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and also appears to have been operating under the assumption the paid parking rules wouldn’t be enforced on School Board meeting nights. The Planning Commission — which handles land-use issues that sometimes draw strong neighborhood interest and sizable crowds — has its meetings on Tuesday nights. Catrow noted there are some free on-street parking areas “within several blocks of City Hall.” He said residents can use the city’s [parking map](https://cor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a49210548bc24ad08d7dc0bf1e2c77b3) to find the free areas. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. He stressed that taking the bus to City Hall is also free, as is the bike parking on the Broad Street side of the building. “Importantly, City Council meetings are also hosted via Microsoft Teams — including public comment and public hearings on papers — for people who can’t make the meetings in person,” Catrow said. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ### James River wins region baseball title with come-from-behind victory URL: https://www.richmonder.org/james-river-wins-region-baseball-title-with-come-from-behind-victory/ Last updated: 2026-06-07T00:38:43.000Z They believed. Even as they suffered through a nightmarish first inning in the Region 5C championship baseball game Friday night, the James River Rapids believed. Even later as they struggled to overcome their mistakes, claw pitch by pitch into contention, and somehow, someway sway the momentum in their favor, Coach Pete Schumacher’s guys believed without reservation that they possessed the right stuff to climb from the abyss, take down visiting Glen Allen, and claim their second consecutive regional title. Their 13-11 come-from-far-behind victory before an overflow crowd at the Dave Cottrell Field was validation of their ability to turn their abiding belief into resilience-driven action. “We’re not the kind of team that’s ever out of it,” Schumacher said amidst the joyous, post-game celebration. “We’ve been preaching that all year long, and they’ve bought in. “They’ve never really given up, and after the first inning, we huddled them together and said, ‘Look, we’re going to chip away. Have confidence. You guys know you can do this.’ And they did.” The Jaguars (15-6) scored six runs in the top of the first and appeared on the fast track to a mercy-rule blowout. After starting pitcher Nolan Anthony hit the first two batters (Cooper McPherson and Daniel Nienaber), Colby Seay singled to score McPherson, and Caleb Whitehead doubled to score Nienaber and Seay, then advanced to third on the unsuccessful throw to the plate. Alex Awad followed with a bunt single scoring Whitehead. At that point Matt Schumacher relieved Anthony, who remained in the game, fortuitously so, as the Rapids’ designated hitter. Awad ultimately scored on Owen Holsomback’s fielder’s choice, and Levi Jones, who singled, scored on Colin Whidbee’s sacrifice bunt. All told, Glen Allen scored its six runs on four hits, three hit batsmen, and three stolen bases, and the Rapids (19-3) were beginning their long, arduous journey back. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. After entering in the toughest of situations, Schumacher held the Jaguars at bay through five innings. The sophomore righthander allowed one run and five hits and threw 51 of his 73 pitches for strikes. “My whole mindset was to get my team back in the game,” he said. “Give us a fighting chance. I tried to dominate one pitch at a time, slow myself down, and slow the game down for my teammates. “I had no doubt in our chances, even after the first inning. I had zero doubt that they’d rally behind me and pick me up.” Thanks to two runs in the second (Conner Sprouse and Matthew Baggett) and two more in the fourth (Baggett and Jake Schumacher), the Rapids cut their deficit to 6-4. They took firm control with six runs in the fifth. Brian Consuegra (courtesy runner for Alex Adams, who singled) scored on a wild pitch to trim Glen Allen’s advantage to 6-5. Ultimately, Anthony came to the plate with Alex Kish (pinch runner for Sprouse) on third, Jake Schumacher (walk) on second, and Owen Wears (hit by pitch) on first. With one powerful swing of the bat, the 6-5 junior cleared the bases with a grand slam home run into the woods behind the rightfield wall to the unmitigated delight of the Rapids’ faithful. “I couldn’t be more proud of Nolan,” said Matt Schumacher, who picked up the win. “It says something about him to battle through adversity like he did. To give up six runs in the first and not let it affect him as a hitter is unbelievable.” After the emotion generated by Anthony’s stunner began to subside, Eli Hulette laced a standup double to center field and ultimately scored from third when Sprouse was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The Rapids were rolling and rallied for three more runs (scored by Wears, Landon Smith, and Hulette) in the sixth to go up 13-6. “We just trusted one another and picked each other up,” said Hulette, a junior second baseman. “Honestly, it comes from the bench. They kept the energy up the entire game. “Once we scored in the second inning, we knew we could do this.” Though down and reeling, the Jaguars had enough fuel in their tank to score five times in the top of the seventh to turn the blowout into a cliffhanger. “That’s the one positive we can take from what happened tonight: we fought back in the last inning,” said Glen Allen coach Dave Savino, whose team travels to Riverbend, the Region 5D champion, on Tuesday for the Class 5 quarterfinals. “We just have to flush this. This kind of game happens. It’s baseball. We have to get back after it on Monday.” The Jaguars quickly loaded the bases in visitors’ half of the seventh. Whidbee’s single scored Jones, and McPherson’s grand slam to left scored Henry, Holsomback, and Whidbee. With two outs, Seay doubled to right and moved to third on Whitehead’s single to right. With the tying runs on base and the go-ahead run at the plate, Nate Reed, the Rapids’ fourth pitcher, forced a ground ball which resulted in a short (Grant) to second (Hulette) put-out that brought the game to conclusion. “Credit Glen Allen,” said Schumacher, the coach, whose team hosts Region 5D runner-up John Champe in the state quarterfinals Tuesday. “It’s one thing to put up six to start the game. It’s another to put up five in the last inning when you’re down and all the momentum has shifted.” That said… “Honestly, this is how we’ve responded all season long,” he added, referencing his team’s resilience and resolve when faced with challenges. “There’ve been a couple of times when we’ve been down like that or had an inning with crooked numbers. “These guys have always responded.” *This article has been updated to reflect Glen Allen’s opponent Tuesday.* ### May's top stories and more: From the Audience Desk URL: https://www.richmonder.org/mays-top-stories-and-more-from-the-audience-desk/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T10:00:32.000Z *Sent this by a friend?* [***Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.***](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) It’s the first Saturday of a new month, so I’m sending a rundown of your favorite stories from the old month. And then I’m sharing a photo and inviting you to do the same. ### **May’s most read story** [Richmonder will be first Black woman to drive in a national NASCAR seriesSpurlock will race at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR truck series.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4f2d15e2-b842-4b55-bf8f-4d2d37dcf862.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/3ED0KC2-d0852ee6-54ad-4069-b6ad-ece6e335e9a4.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonder-will-be-first-black-woman-to-drive-in-a-national-nascar-series/) Dystany Spurlock’s [**NASCAR dream**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonder-will-be-first-black-woman-to-drive-in-a-national-nascar-series/) was the most read story in May. While she wasn't able to make the field in her first attempt at joining the circuit, our homegrown baddie qualified the following weekend. A big Richmond high five to you, Dystany! ### **May’s second-most read story** [A former Virginia Union student returned to finish his degree – alongside his daughterFour decades ago, Reggie told his mother, Shirley B. Tennyson, that he would one day finish college.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-4a0fe127-3460-4606-a630-55461905ceb3.png)The RichmonderBen Cates![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Untitled-design-5-9fa2767e-22da-48e0-95ec-8a881ef41e93.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-former-virginia-union-student-returned-to-finish-his-degree-alongside-his-daughter/) Keeping with the theme of inspirational Richmonders, [**Reggie Tennyson’s graduation story**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-former-virginia-union-student-returned-to-finish-his-degree-alongside-his-daughter/) captured a lot of hearts. Turns out, a 64-year-old finally grabbing his Virginia Union University diploma alongside his daughter is a feel-good story with mass appeal. There could very well be a Part 2, because Reggie is starting his master’s degree in the fall. ### **Squirrels gone wild** [Flying Squirrels owner sues Diamond District developer over heated encounter at new ballparkAs Richmond officials celebrated the opening night of the city’s new baseball stadium last month, a tense conversation happened in a hallway near the team offices of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-69a9126b-638e-419f-887c-98b3b1f05031.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay03-b142edb1-2878-4d1e-9ea4-01042ef1647c.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) The [**story about the lawsuit**](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) between the owner of the Flying Squirrels and the developer of CarMax Park has Richmond riveted. Congrats to Graham Moomaw for his work uncovering the details – even the target of the lawsuit didn’t know about it until The Richmonder called for his comment. ### **For the fun of it** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-3a3c0265-c902-4c7f-b903-9f1817462015.jpeg) I snapped this on a recent Saturday morning bike ride.Youngsters gathering at the Belle Isle Nature Exploration Area with the Lee Bridge above feels, to me, quintessentially Richmond. Belle Isle has come so far in the 25 years I’ve been enjoying it, so it makes me especially happy to see groups of youngsters, our future leaders, enjoying it too. Got a picture that makes you glad you’re a Richmonder? Email it to [**bweisbrod@richmonder.org**](mailto:bweisbrod@richmonder.org). We might feature it in an upcoming newsletter, or on our social media! Just add a sentence or two on why you like it. Did you know there are still people in our community who don’t know the important work we do delivering impactful news about Richmond? Help us spread the good word! Send this to a friend, and then enjoy your weekend everyone! Beth ### Former RPS employee’s defamation suit has its first hearing, but without her lawyer URL: https://www.richmonder.org/former-rps-employees-defamation-suit-has-its-first-hearing-but-without-her-lawyer/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T20:50:32.000Z In a contentious defamation lawsuit between Richmond Public Schools and Maggie Clemmons, the district’s former chief talent officer, a hearing scheduled for Friday morning turned strange when one of the parties was not in court at the appointed time. Neither Clemmons nor her lawyer were present in the courtroom on Friday morning when the proceedings were set to begin. RPS lawyer Ben Rottenborn told Judge Devika E. Davis that he had not received any emails or messages from Richard F. Hawkins III, the lawyer for Clemmons, ahead of the hearing. Davis’ law clerk called Hawkins twice to no avail, then the judge insisted on moving forward with the hearing. In an email later sent to The Richmonder, Hawkins said he was arguing a different matter before a different judge at the same courthouse at the time the hearing was held. “Signals got crossed between persons in the two respective courtrooms because Judge Davis mistakenly thought I had left the courthouse when I had not and then proceeded to hear oral argument,” he wrote. “In truth, I was just down the hall.” With the absence of the complainant party, Davis sustained RPS’ arguments, and suggested that the defendants prepare an order explaining what happened. Davis said in the courtroom that if Hawkins’ absence was a matter of an emergency, she would be willing to rehear the case. Hawkins later said in his email that the judge has “invited the plaintiff to file a ‘Motion to Reopen’ the case, so that a complete oral argument can occur,’ even though Davis did not directly dismiss the case. “The case is not over,” he said. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **Case background** The morning was initially expected to be about a motion from RPS essentially asking the court to throw out the suit altogether. Clemmons [had originally filed a similar federal lawsuit](https://www.richmonder.org/former-rps-chief-talent-officer-sues-school-board-members-kamras-over-meeting-where-18-employees-called-for-her-dismissal/) last year that she moved into Richmond Circuit Court a month later. The dispute centers around a School Board meeting held in February last year, where 18 employees accused Clemmons of creating a hostile work environment, discriminating against employees of color and violating division policies during public comment. Clemmons alleges in her complaint that the leaders knew in advance that the employees were planning to defame her, changed policy to allow it, didn’t protect her from the defamation that she said caused harm and conveyed to the public that the allegations were true. [Former RPS chief talent officer sues School Board members, Kamras over meeting where 18 employees called for her dismissalThe lawsuit alleges that it was “settled policy” of the School Board not to allow complaints against specific employees during public comment.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-9278c89f-c932-48b2-a2b4-23a22bf5d15b.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_2321-1-1-8c60fcbb-057d-4682-a722-38257b3da7fe.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/former-rps-chief-talent-officer-sues-school-board-members-kamras-over-meeting-where-18-employees-called-for-her-dismissal/) In an email to school leaders sent on Jan. 31, 2025 – prior to the Feb. 4 meeting – former Richmond Education Association President Anne Forrester attached a 58-page letter containing the employees’ complaints. “We will be seeing you at the February 4th School Board meeting and hope you can look us in the eyes and show us the respect we have long deserved,” the end of the letter reads. Clemmons’ lawyers called the comments “false, malicious and defamatory on their face.” The division additionally helped spread the defamation by publishing the meeting online on YouTube, which “is still available for public view.” Lawyers for Clemmons added that personnel matters are only to be discussed during closed sessions for leaders, a requirement of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As a result, she asked for more than $6.35 million in damages. Lawyers for RPS rejected the complaint in a filing uploaded March this year, taking the stance that the case is a matter of First Amendment rights. Rottenborn, who previously defended actress Amber Heard against Johnny Depp, argued on the grounds of Virginia’s anti-SLAPP laws which are designed in part to protect against baseless lawsuits that could restrict freedom of speech. RPS, "cognizant of their constitutional obligation to permit freedom of speech in a public forum, did not prohibit the employees from speaking,” the filing reads. How RPS is liable for defamation was a “headscratcher” for Rottenborn, since the employees made the comments and not the school leaders themselves, who are being sued. The letter sent to Board members in advance also “can’t be the basis of defamation,” Rottenborn told the judge. The allegations made by employees at the Feb. 4 meeting are “opinions,” counsel for RPS said, and FOIA allows school employees to speak on personnel matters during public comment. Rottenborn added during the hearing that FOIA allows officials to discuss the results of personnel matters in closed session. It is the division’s standard practice to also live-stream, record and save recordings of the School Board meetings on YouTube, RPS said. State law “affords a fair report privilege,” lawyers wrote, shielding the division from liability for defamation. State FOIA also requires that such meetings are public and open, and “school boards across the Commonwealth often seek to promote open access to their meetings online.” “You don’t know what they’re going to say,” Rottenborn told the judge at the hearing, adding that RPS could not have predicted what was going to be said in a meeting that was live-streamed. RPS also pointed to a [legal opinion issued in 2016](https://www.oag.state.va.us/files/Opinions/2016/15-020%5FMorris.pdf) by then-Attorney General Mark Herring suggesting that the public is protected in its ability to address school employees by name during public comment periods at school board meetings. The opinion does not explicitly state whether such protections are extended to employees of the district. RPS also objected to multiple FOIA requests made by Clemmons’ lawyers, mainly surrounding communications between Board members, Kamras and the employees. Counsel for RPS in turn asked the court to “quash” the plaintiff’s subpoena to hand over the communications, calling the requests “overbroad and unduly burdensome.” Just a few days before the hearing, lawyers for Clemmons filed a rebuttal to RPS’ objections, essentially asking the court to throw them out. “This is not a First amendment or free speech case. Rather, it is a personnel and government case about public actors who knowingly disregarded established policy and barely batted an eye when they got a preview of a forthcoming assault on a colleague to enable a group of disgruntled subordinate employees to make false and defamatory accusations about their boss in the most public way possible,” lawyers wrote. But at the hearing, Davis said she had not seen the plaintiffs’ rebuttal. Parties involved in lawsuits are supposed to give courtesy notices to the judge when filing new court documents, even if they are already filed with the court clerk. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### One of the rarest copies of the Declaration of Independence is coming to Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/one-of-the-rarest-copies-of-the-declaration-of-independence-is-coming-to-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T15:54:59.000Z Ahead of the United States’ 250th birthday, one of the rarest surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence will be on display at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The document, which can be viewed from June 7 to July 4, was produced in the 1820s when then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned an official reproduction of the 1776 Declaration, which by then had become so faded and fragile that the museum said “there was concern it would become illegible and lost forever.” [A meticulous copy of the original engraved by William J. Stone](https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2003/fall/stone-engraving.html) onto copperplate was used to produce 201 parchment copies of the Declaration in 1823\. Only 31 are known to survive, according to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The museum’s senior director of curatorial affairs, Andrew Talkov, called the Stone engraving “the basis for nearly all modern reproductions of the Declaration.” In 2021, one of those parchment Declarations [sold at auction for $4.4 million](http://com/declaration-independence-copy-lost-attic-177-years-sold-4-4m-1606716) after it was discovered in the attic of a Scottish home. The Sweet Briar Declaration is believed to be even rarer. Because it is printed on paper rather than parchment, and because it bears the visible imprint of the copperplate, scholars now say it is likely one of just six test versions created ahead of the parchment run. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/unnamed--1-.jpg) The print reads: "of J.Q. Adams Sec. of State, July 4th 1823." (VMHC) The Virginia Museum of History and Culture said it is just one of only two paper copies known to exist. According to contemporary coverage by the Associated Press, the Sweet Briar Declaration was donated to the college in 1984 by Rosemary Frey Rogers, an alumnae of the school who said she had discovered it in the bottom of an old chest in her attic. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### ICA opens installation inspired by 1865 burning of Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/ica-opens-installation-inspired-by-1865-burning-of-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:26:02.000Z VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art is hosting the Southern debut of a gallery-sized art installation intended to evoke the burning of Richmond by the Confederacy as it fled Richmond at the close of the Civil War. The exhibition, by artist Abigail Deville and called “Deo Vindice (Orion’s Cabinet),” includes a “sweeping assemblage of charred Colonial-style cabinets.” The exhibition is open now, and runs through Aug. 18\. Entrance is free. The work made its debut in Los Angeles last year. It was commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, as part of its MONUMENTS exhibition, which included the remains of several heavily graffitied Confederate statues that once stood in Richmond. The exhibition's title is a reference to Richmond’s former Jefferson Davis statue, which bore the words “Deo Vindice,” a Latin phrase that means “God will avenge.” “In the MONUMENTS exhibition, Deo Vindice was situated among decommissioned Confederate statuary and other artworks that interrogate the unresolved legacies of Lost Cause revisionism and myth-making,” said Amber Esseiva, the senior curator and director of curatorial affairs at the ICA, said in an announcement. “Presenting the work here in Richmond allows us to continue that essential inquiry into power, erasure, and public memory in the historically charged context our location provides.” The statue of Davis will return to its spot at Richmond's Valentine Museum later this month. The ICA exhibition includes two events: **On June 19 (Juneteenth) from 3 to 5:30pm,** the museum will host “Black Histories: An Afternoon of Programs at the ICA featuring Abigail DeVille Performance / Our Ancestors Were Messy Show” Per the museum, “participants include Nichole Hill, the creator of the Our Ancestors Were Messy podcast; Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist, author, cultural critic, and contributing opinion writer for The New York Times; and Kymberly S. Newberry, Visiting Assistant Professor of Art History, University of Richmond. A live activation of archival documents through a choral performance will be held in the exhibition Deo Vindice (Orion’s Cabinet). Through history, live storytelling, and immersive gallery experiences, we explore how Black history is not just remembered but also lived.” **On July 31 at 6pm**, the museum will host “MONUMENTS: An Evening with Abigail DeVille, Hamza Walker, Hannah Burstein, and Devon Henry.” The talk will probe what it means “to build, or dismantle, a monument in the twenty-first century? As our urban landscape undergoes a radical transformation, the question of who we honor and how we represent collective memory has moved to the forefront of the global cultural conversation.” “Walker and Burstein, members of the curatorial team behind MONUMENTS, join Henry, whose company managed the removal of several Confederate monuments across the United States, for a conversation alongside DeVille on public memory, representation, and the future of monuments.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### King William falls to Poquoson in region baseball final URL: https://www.richmonder.org/king-william-falls-to-poquoson-in-region-baseball-final/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T11:48:11.000Z The pressing question facing the King William Cavaliers isn’t so much what happened to them Thursday night in the Region 2A baseball championship game because what happened was painfully obvious. The Poquoson Bull Islanders, their longtime nemesis, came to town as if on a mission, jumped on them early and often, and scored a 12-7 victory to claim their sixth consecutive regional title, the third straight at the Cavaliers’ expense. The question, then, is this: How will Coach Kenny Waters’ guys respond to the unanticipated gut punch they sustained before their home crowd, considering that their season is still alive with a VHSL, Class 2 quarterfinal matchup at Strasburg, the Region 2B winner, on the docket for Tuesday? “You’ve got to be a grown man,” said senior right fielder Stevie Walton, the lone returner from the team that played for the state title a year ago. “You’ve got to suck it up and keep playing ball and having fun. It’s about being loose and fighting to the very end. “Coach Waters said it best in practice. He believes that our path is our path. How we get there will be determined by tonight.” Tonight, to the Cavaliers’ chagrin, seemed doomed from the outset. After a scoreless first inning, the Islanders (13-11) strung together four singles and capitalized on three errors to take a 3-0 lead from which the Cavaliers, try as they might, could never recover. “When you give a good ball club more opportunities, whether it’s, you should have caught a ground ball or you should have caught a fly ball, you get yourself in a bad situation,” said Waters. “That’s what we did tonight. We were able to come back and scrap together some runs. Seven runs will win you a lot of games, but we gave too many runs away to be successful. We’ll flush this and keep working on fundamentals, and hopefully next game, we’ll make a few more plays.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The Islanders, who pounded out 15 hits and availed themselves of five King William errors, scored thrice more in the top of the third to go up 6-0. “After we got our first hit, it lit the torch to the point where everybody carried the momentum and helped contribute to the whole,” said senior catcher Daniel McAdams, who went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in. “Our pitcher (Dan Sperling) definitely set the tone. That helped us get to where our bats were on fire and we could not be stopped.” When their hopes were spiraling downward, the Cavaliers (19-5) rallied and halved their deficit with three runs in the bottom of the third. Chase Jukes stroked a one-out single, the first hit off the heretofore invincible Sperling. Courtesy runner Anthony Myers entered in his stead and advanced to second when Javon Lewis walked. Xavier Shelton followed with a double to center field, scoring both Myers and Lewis. Walton (2-for-4, one run, two RBI) then singled to left sending Shelton home and giving the Cavaliers a glimmer of hope. It was short-lived, however. The Islanders’ six-run fourth inning was their undoing. Nolan Riley and Lucas Hatok led off with walks, Logan Keesee’s single loaded the bases, and Sperling’s double to right scored Riley and Hatok. Kaden Hurd then walked loaded the bases once again. Dominic Galacgac (3-for-4, three runs, three RBI) followed with a sharp, too-hot-to-handle, infield single to score Keesee and Rylan Phillips, Sperling’s courtesy runner. A single by Lucas Power (4-for-4, one run, one RBI) scored Hurd, and Galacgac scored when McAdams was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. “That (KW’s three-run third) was a wakeup call for us,” McAdams said. “When we got the big lead, we coasted. We definitely woke up and put up a big inning.” While the Islanders were building a 12-3 lead with their bats and ability to string hits together to produce runs, Sperling, save for the Cavaliers’ third inning outburst, allowed them little of consequence. The 6-2 senior righthander pitched six innings, allowed four runs on five hits, struck out seven, and walked two. He threw 63 of his 101 pitches for strikes. “Jesus is awesome,” Sperling said. “Jesus really helped me out today. That was my whole mentality. I just put my trust in Him and in my teammates the whole way through.” That said… “Curve ball was struggling early, but we figured it out later on,” he added. “Fastball was hot and heavy the whole day.” In the KW sixth, Dallas Thompson singled with one out. Pinch runner Julius Schools replaced him, stole second, and scored on Chace LeBaron’s double to left. The Cavs added three runs in the bottom of the seventh, but they were too few, too late. Walton’s double to left scored Lewis, who reached first after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second on Shelton’s single. Shelton and Walton then scored on errors before reliever Brody Bunting ended the rally and game with two strikeouts. “We’ve been blessed to have good kids who buy into the system,” said Poquoson coach Craig Zimmerman, whose squad hosts Region 2B runner-up Central Woodstock in the state quarterfinals Tuesday. “They come to compete every day. We’ve been a lot of close ball games this year, and that preparation has helped us for now: the postseason.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### June 5 Newsletter: Lesser-known museums URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-5-newsletter-lesser-known-museums/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T10:00:01.000Z **Weather:** High of 93\. Tomorrow's high of 97 would be a record if it happens. **On this date** in 1976, the first June Jubilee is held downtown. The event grew to become a major fixture in the Richmond arts scene before fading away in the 90s and ultimately merging into other events. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/MAN-82-June-Digital-Ads_728x90.png) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Manchester Spotlight**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/a-taste-of-manchester/)**:** Manchester’s vibrant, walkable food scene is filled with local flavor, from soulful seafood to mouthwatering barbecue, perfect for your next date night. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Richmonder_AroundTown_Texture_040825--1-.jpg) ### Need something new? Try these four lesser-known museums in Richmond Summer is upon us, and with it comes the desire to get out of the house and do something fun. Reporter **Rich Griset** offers these suggestions: - The Richmond Railroad Museum - Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum - Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives - The Anderson, Richmond's original art museum [**Learn more about all four here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/need-something-new-try-these-four-lesser-known-museums-in-richmond/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/survey-says-richmonds-got-problems-but-residents-are-loyal/) ### Survey says: Richmond’s got problems, but residents are loyal The results of an official, city-sponsored survey of Richmond residents depict a loyal but frustrated citizenry. 📊 The good: 80% of city residents surveyed said they’d recommend living in the city and themselves plan to remain here for the next five years. The bad: Satisfaction with city services and quality of life fell in 33 other areas. And ratings of city governance fell below national benchmarks in every question. [**See the results here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/survey-says-richmonds-got-problems-but-residents-are-loyal/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/meadow_renderings--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-backs-31-townhouse-development-in-randolph/) ### Planning Commission backs 31-townhouse development in Randolph Richmond’s Planning Commission gave its support Tuesday to a plan that would add 31 townhouses to a vacant block in Randolph. City Council must still give its approval. The company, Audeo, plans to sell the townhomes, which would be between 1,400 and 2,000 square feet, for “the high $400s to the $600s,” a price range a representative characterized as the “missing middle.” Several neighbors said they would welcome the addition of homes to the property but thought 31 was too many given its most recent division into eight lots for detached single family homes. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-backs-31-townhouse-development-in-randolph/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-4.png) ### Longtime CBS 6 crime reporter Jon Burkett announces he will step away Late last week, Cally Logan, a local teacher and author, met CBS 6 reporter Jon Burkett while he was on an assignment, and offered him a loaf of her homemade sourdough bread. The interaction was one of thousands that Burkett has had over the years as the station's "Crime Insider" and one of Richmond's most famous journalists. Burkett announced Thursday morning he will leave the job in September, on the 26th anniversary of his start with WTVR. He said the pressures of the job have contributed to health issues, including gout. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-cbs-6-crime-reporter-jon-burkett-announces-he-will-step-away/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-5.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/russell-wilson-retires-as-one-of-richmonds-greatest-athletes-ever-but-is-he-a-hall-of-famer/) ### Russell Wilson retires as one of Richmond’s greatest athletes ever. But is he a Hall of Famer? Russell Wilson’s journey is the stuff movies are made of. Undersized and overlooked, he defied expectations in high school, college and finally in the National Football League to become one of the most famous players in the biggest sporting league in America. It’s a tribute to Richmond’s sports scene that Wilson may not even be the greatest local athlete of his generation. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/russell-wilson-retires-as-one-of-richmonds-greatest-athletes-ever-but-is-he-a-hall-of-famer/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/CR3_7477.jpg)](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/a-taste-of-manchester/) ### A Taste of Manchester Manchester’s food scene is friendly, easy to explore, and packed with great options. [**Learn more about eating out in Downtown Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood!**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/a-taste-of-manchester/) --- ### In other news - [**Richmond officials will set up expert panel to review courthouse conditions**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-will-set-up-expert-panel-to-review-courthouse-conditions/) - Local judges have accused the city of neglecting its duty to keep the courthouse in decent shape. - [**Who paid the $5.6M in outstanding Airbnb, Vrbo taxes? Officials can’t say**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F031e7d3e-efc6-4702-9764-27bea33a2e75.html) (Times-Dispatch) - A city spokesperson confirmed that the $5.6 million had not originated from “mom and pop” Airbnbs, but added that he could not provide any further details on the source of the funds. - [**Richmond's school lottery is getting more competitive**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/03/richmond-public-schools-open-enrollment-applications-lottery?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=newsletter%5Faxioslocal%5Frichmond&stream=top) (Axios) - RPS saw a nearly 40% increase in open-enrollment applications for 2026-27 compared with two school years ago --- ### The editor's desk Two new summer interns arrived this week! [**Haidyn Brockelman**](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org) is joining us after graduating from William & Mary, and will work as a reporter, and [**KJ Jones**](mailto:kjjones@richmonder.org) , from James River High, is helping our development team. Welcome! *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Need something new? Try these four lesser-known museums in Richmond URL: https://www.richmonder.org/need-something-new-try-these-four-lesser-known-museums-in-richmond/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T18:41:40.000Z Summer is upon us, and with it comes the desire to get out of the house and do something fun. The charms of Richmond’s better-known museums — your Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, your Virginia Museum of History and Culture, your Science Museum of Virginia — are well known and well documented. But what of Central Virginia’s lesser-known institutions? Just in time for summer, here are four local museums that are slightly off the beaten path. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8744.jpeg) The museum is just south of the James River, in Manchester. ### Richmond Railroad Museum Broad Street better watch out: dinosaurs and dragons are attacking the city. Or, at least, they’re attacking a model replica of the city found at the [Richmond Railroad Museum](https://www.richmondrailroadmuseum.com/). Look closely at the museum’s massive model railroad layout of buildings, landscapes and waterways and you’ll find current and former Richmond landmarks — Miller & Rhodes, Thalhimers, the Governor’s Mansion — as well as some reptilian visitors to the River City. “We try to cater to all different ages,” explained George Saunders, museum committee chair and no known relation to the fiction writer, of the model train diorama that took 15 years to construct. “Three to 103, we get it all.” Housed in the restored 1914 Southern Railway Station just south of the Mayo Bridge, the Richmond Railroad Museum offers visitors a deep dive into the history of Virginia’s trains. The station, which once served both passengers and freight, was donated to the organization by the railway after part of the building was destroyed by flooding in 1972\. The nonprofit now owns the building, the land it sits on, and 10 acres in Chesterfield where it stores roughly 40 railroad cars. The museum devotes exhibition space to railroad dining memorabilia, Richmond’s long defunct streetcar system, and our triple crossing of railroad lines near Belle Isle. The museum on Hull Street includes a steam engine, rolling stock, and a Seaboard System caboose. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8747.jpeg) “People love taking selfies on that thing,” said Saunders of the latter. *The Richmond Railroad Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays and located at 102 Hull St. Admission is free-$10\. For more information visit richmondrailroadmuseum.com or call 804-231-4324.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8229.jpeg) ### Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum As the first production farm tractor built with a cab, the 1938 Minneapolis-Moline UDLX Comfortractor had a unique selling point: “Farm during the day, drive to town at night!” A gleaming metal beast in traffic cone orange, the UDLX looks like the love child of a tractor and a Model-T. Both the Comfortractor and its story can be found at [the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum](https://keystonetractorworks.com/) just off of I-95 in Colonial Heights. The massive 130,000-square-foot facility houses more than 400 vehicles, including some 150 trucks and 180 tractors. The collection got its start when Keith Jones, the co-founder and former CEO of Richmond-based Abilene Motor Express, purchased his aunt and uncle’s 1950 John Deere Tractor in 1989\. “He started collecting tractors then, going to different auctions,” said Dylan Simmons, assistant curator at the museum. “The rest is history.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8237.jpeg) A Shelby Cobra is among the cars on display. Jones opened his collection to the public as a museum in 2010\. For tractor aficionados, the main room of the museum is packed with John Deeres, Farmalls, Olivers and International Harvesters from the 1910s through the 1970s. For gearheads of other persuasions, the museum has 18-wheelers, wreckers, firetrucks, Studebakers, Harleys, 1950s Ford Thunderbirds, 1955 and 1957 Chevrolets, and a replica of the first ever Virginia State Police car. The museum also has a 1967 Cadillac DeVille that was loaned to the production of the James Brown biopic “Get On Up” starring Chadwick Boseman. The museum houses a variety of other collectibles as well, including tobacco displays, old soda bottles, antique washing machines and other bric-a-brac. The facility also has an event space that has seen use for banquets, birthday parties, weddings and funerals. A major draw for locals is the Keystone Grill, a greasy spoon in the front of the museum that fries its bacon seven days a week; Simmons is partial to a lunchtime steak and cheese. *The Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum is located at 880 W. Roslyn Road, Colonial Heights. For more information visit keystonetractorworks.com or call 804-524-0020.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8742.jpeg) ### Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives An oyster fork might seem like an innocuous piece of cutlery, but for Congregation Beth Ahabah it was once the basis for outrage. [Edith Lindeman Calisch](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/thoroughly-modern-edie/), longtime film and theater critic for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and daughter-in-law of Beth Ahabah’s longest-serving rabbi, caused a commotion when she served oysters to fellow members of her congregation at a banquet. “It was scandalous, because oysters are not kosher,” explained Dana Isaacoff, director of the [Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives](https://www.bethahabah.org/bama/) on West Franklin Street. “It’s the Yiddish word ‘treif.’” An oyster fork from that infamous banquet is one of the many items Beth Ahabah has collected over the years. The museum was first established as an auxiliary organization to the synagogue in the mid-’70s to collect and preserve artifacts that were important to the congregation. That collection includes letters, scrapbooks, blueprints of the synagogue, scrapbooks, and other artifacts. At a climate-controlled archive off site, the museum has more than 180,000 pages of historical information about Jews in Richmond. The museum moved into its current space in January 2025\. Isaacoff and museum archivist Tracy Herman are thrilled with their new digs, noting that their previous location didn’t have an HVAC system. Though Beth Ahabah’s controversial oyster fork is not on display at the moment, the exhibition “Rituals of the Jewish Lifecycle” is. The exhibit uses artifacts to represent different phases of Jewish life, including a tallit worn during a bar mitzvah and shrouds for the burial of the dead. The museum also has family documents and correspondence from Lewis Strauss, a former congregant who played a key role in America’s development of nuclear weapons. Strauss attended services at Beth Ahabah while [growing up nearby on West Avenue](https://richmondbizsense.com/2023/09/08/richmond-reared-lewis-strauss-brought-to-life-by-robert-downey-jr-in-oppenheimer-guest-commentary/). In the 2023 film “Oppenheimer,” Robert Downey Jr. portrayed Strauss as an antagonist to Cillian Murphy’s J. Robert Oppenheimer; Downey won an Oscar for the role. Herman encourages Richmonders to visit the Virginia Holocaust Museum but stresses the need to learn about other parts of Jewish history as well. “There is such a prominent focus on that, that people often overlook what was here before and after, and the profound effect that Jewish families had helping to build this city,” Herman said. “There is a very deep and rich history that people may not be aware of.” *Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives is located at 1121 W. Franklin St. For more information visit bethahabah.org or call 804-358-6757.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/VCUarts_Building_TheAnderson_Entrance.jpg) (Courtesy of VCUarts) ### The Anderson At a February 1983 fundraising event for [the Anderson Gallery](https://arts.vcu.edu/community-campus/the-anderson/), one patron took the evening’s heated theme of “Tropical Madness” so seriously that he burst into flames. That night, prominent local arts patron Patsy Pettus arrived at the costume gala with a Carmen Miranda-inspired hat and her 15-year-old son Ted in tow. The teen was recovering from surgery and decided to wear a poncho to embrace the tropical motif. Leaning back against a table topped votive candles, the teen accidentally lit his costume on fire; two quick-thinking New Yorkers tackled Ted and rolled him on the floor, putting out the flames. As this anecdote attests, The Anderson has had a colorful history. The building originally served as the horse stables for Lewis Ginter’s house on West Franklin Street. In 1931, the structure became an art gallery, serving as the first place in Richmond to exhibit modern artists. Henry H. Hibbs Jr., the provost of Virginia Commonwealth University’s predecessor Richmond Professional Institute, incorporated the gallery into the school as its first library. When James Branch Cabell Library opened in 1970, the Anderson reverted back to a gallery. “It predates the VMFA,” explained Taylor Moorman, research and collections specialist at Cabell Library. “It was the school’s only place to show artwork. It’s a really important space for the school.” The Anderson Gallery, as it was then known, became a nationally-renowned art museum, and was championed by businesswoman and philanthropist Frances Lewis (Lewis died in January [at the age of 103](https://virginiabusiness.com/frances-lewis-co-founder-of-best-products-and-major-art-collector-dies/)). Over its many years as an art gallery, the Anderson has shown African textiles, old master prints and Yoko Ono’s “Fly” installation. It also once housed [a Van Gogh that Hibbs donated](https://www.styleweekly.com/off-the-wall-3/) to the school. The gallery closed in 2015 but has found new life in recent years. The Anderson now exhibits student work, serving as a teaching gallery for VCUarts. It’s closed to the public during the summer but will reopen on August 28 for “The Latent Image of Us,” a solo show of Baltimore-based artist Kei Ito’s work. *The Anderson is located at 907½ W. Franklin St. For more information visit arts.vcu.edu/community-campus/the-anderson/ or call 804-828-7720.* *Want to suggest a museum or attraction for us to check out? Email* [*news@richmonder.org*](mailto:news@richmonder.org)*. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Survey says: Richmond’s got problems, but residents are loyal URL: https://www.richmonder.org/survey-says-richmonds-got-problems-but-residents-are-loyal/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T18:38:17.000Z The [results](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/OCA%202026-10%20Service%20Efforts%20and%20Accomplishments%20%28SEA%29%20-%20Community%20Survey%205.22.26.pdf) of an official, city-sponsored survey of Richmond residents depict a loyal but frustrated citizenry. First, the good: 80% of city residents surveyed said they’d recommend living in the city and themselves plan to remain here for the next five years, the survey, conducted by mail earlier this year, found. That’s the same percentage as when the same question was asked in 2021, when the periodic survey, [mandated by city code](https://library.municode.com/VA/richmond/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO%5FCH2AD%5FARTIVDE%5FDIV22DECISERE), was last conducted. The bad: Satisfaction with city services and quality of life fell in 33 other areas. And ratings of city governance fell below national benchmarks in every question. The survey, called the National Community Survey, was administered by the data analytics firm Polco, which has conducted similar assessments in communities around the country. The firm mailed 4,000 surveys to randomly selected households in February. They reported receiving 268 responses, giving the survey a plus or minus 6 percentage point margin of error. Overall confidence in city government dropped from 27% to 24%, and the value of services for the taxes paid dropped from 32% to 23%. Polco marked those ratings as lower and much lower, respectively, compared to national benchmarks. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-04-at-2.36.03---PM.png)](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/OCA%202026-10%20Service%20Efforts%20and%20Accomplishments%20%28SEA%29%20-%20Community%20Survey%205.22.26.pdf) The comparison on the right is against national benchmarks. The biggest decreases in citizen perceptions were in employment opportunities (-20%), availability of quality food (-19%), land use, planning and zoning (-19%) and overall economic health of the city (-17%). Utility services came in as the lowest ranked facet of the city’s quality of life, a result unlikely to surprise anyone living in the city during the six-day water crisis in January 2025. [A year after water crisis, Richmond officials express confidence in revamped treatment plant“We’re a night and day difference from where we were last January.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-22843a8d-e9b8-492c-8822-22e049b98ea9.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_5627-1-dc5d3daa-3b56-4dcd-abcf-14d49d9c546e.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-year-after-water-crisis-richmond-officials-express-confidence-in-revamped-treatment-plant/) There were a number of bright spots in the survey, with the city performing especially well in questions about the arts, culture and entertainment. Ratings preservation of historical and cultural heritage increased from 54% to 64%. Opportunities to attend cultural activities rose from 69% to 77%, attracting people from diverse backgrounds increased from 55% to 70%, ratings for fitness opportunities increased from 65% to 76%. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-04-at-2.36.53---PM.png) The comparison on the right is against national benchmarks. Sonya Wytinck, the executive vice president of data and insights at Polco, told City Council members this week that it had generally seen ratings go down in municipalities compared to surveys administered during the COVID crisis, when she said many governments were receiving praise for their responses to the crisis. She described it as a post-COVID halo wearing off. Mayor Danny Avula wrote in response to the survey results that “we all understand that we have significant work ahead to improve the performance of city government and to deliver better outcomes for city residents.” *Contact Reporter Ned Oliver at* [*noliver@richmonder.org*](mailto:noliver@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Longtime CBS 6 crime reporter Jon Burkett announces he will step away URL: https://www.richmonder.org/longtime-cbs-6-crime-reporter-jon-burkett-announces-he-will-step-away/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T18:03:18.000Z Late last week, Cally Logan, a local teacher and author, met CBS 6 reporter Jon Burkett while he was on an assignment, and offered him a loaf of her homemade sourdough bread. On Thursday, Logan recalled feeling “blown away” by how sincere Burkett was when he spoke to her and her father. She characterized him as “a force of good” and an example of “what it means to be a good neighbor who seeks justice and goodness.” The interaction was one of thousands that Burkett has had over the years as the station's "Crime Insider" and one of Richmond's most famous journalists. Burkett announced Thursday morning he [will leave the job in September](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/cbs-6-crime-insider-jon-burkett-untold-june-4-2026), on the 26th anniversary of his start with WTVR. Burkett, whose reporting from the scenes of major crimes has been a staple in Richmond for years, said the pressures of the job have contributed to health issues, including gout, and for the health of his family he believes it is time to leave his role, though he will continue to live in Central Virginia. He made the announcement on the station's "Untold" podcast.[**The full podcast can be seen here.**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPcvDYyiVxU) Burkett relayed an emotional conversation he had with his doctor. "He goes, 'I'm going to cut to the chase here, Jon. ... I know you have a lot of people that care about you,'" Burkett recalled. "And he goes, 'How old was your dad when he died?' That's 56\. And he looked at me and he said, 'Are you trying to beat him?'" Burkett, a Chesterfield native, served in the Navy before starting at the station. Over the weekend he reported about [a Florida man](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/orlando-lombard-publix-assault-may-29-2026) who assaulted multiple employees at the Short Pump Publix. That's when he met Logan. Later that night he shared [a Facebook post](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JS3AxLLGj/) where he spoke about meeting Logan and thanked the “master of making sourdough bread” for the best bread he had eaten in decades. While Logan said she felt honored by his words – she noted her “face actually turned red” – she said the gift wasn’t planned. When Burkett was speaking with her father, she ran inside to grab something and saw the freshly baked loaf she had made that morning. “I doubt he gets a lot of gratitude,” Logan said. “It wasn’t much, but I felt like giving him the loaf was a small way to express my thanks.” She added that some people do their job “to collect a paycheck” while others do it because “it’s their calling.” She said Burkett was the latter. As a school teacher, Logan said she’s no stranger to working hard in the background. As for Burkett, he said on the podcast his next job is lined up, and it will "make sense" to people who have followed his career. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org) *and Haidyn Brockelman at* [***hbrockelman@richmonder.org***](mailto:hbrockelman@richmonder.org)*.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Russell Wilson retires as one of Richmond’s greatest athletes ever. But is he a Hall of Famer? URL: https://www.richmonder.org/russell-wilson-retires-as-one-of-richmonds-greatest-athletes-ever-but-is-he-a-hall-of-famer/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T10:40:22.000Z Russell Wilson’s journey is the stuff movies are made of. Undersized and overlooked, he defied expectations in high school, college and finally in the National Football League to become one of the most famous players in the biggest sporting league in America. On Wednesday, Wilson put out a 3-minute video on social media announcing he will join the CBS broadcast team this year instead of playing football. He didn’t use the word “retire” (athletes always leave that door propped open), but it’s unlikely we see him on a football field again. > Thank You, Football. > > Love, #3 [pic.twitter.com/hqlS7kWQpy](https://t.co/hqlS7kWQpy) > > — Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) [June 3, 2026](https://x.com/DangeRussWilson/status/2062298629071601828?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) Wilson’s legacy is secure. He was a state champion at Collegiate, where he also served as class president. He was the Big Ten quarterback of the year as he led Wisconsin to a Rose Bowl appearance. And of course, he was a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks. He won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award for faithfully visiting patients at the local children’s hospital each week wherever he played, and his family story has served as an inspiration to many – Wilson’s great-great grandfather was a freed slave who started a farm in Kentucky, beginning [a legacy of education](https://richmond.com/sports/article%5F47fd8579-220c-5270-8ef7-c09cc5f84b30.html) that was passed down to his entire family. Greatness in sports invites comparison to other greatness. Wilson will get stacked up both against other Richmond sporting legends, and, in five years, will be sized up by the committee responsible for selecting the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It’s a tribute to Richmond’s sports scene that Wilson may not even be the greatest local athlete of his generation. Justin Verlander is a baseball legend, a World Series champ and former MVP. (Both also have famous wives – singer Ciara for Wilson and model Kate Upton for Verlander.) NASCAR’s Denny Hamlin is also a contender in that conversation. Comparing across eras and sports is even harder. Willie Lanier won a Super Bowl 44 years before Wilson did, Arthur Ashe overcame racism to become an icon for millions, and how do you even start comparing Wilson’s athletic feats to another Richmond icon, Triple Crown-winning horse Secretariat? (Longtime RTD sportswriter John O’Connor tried a few years ago, [placing Wilson fifth](https://richmond.com/sports/local/collection%5F02a282fc-0118-5b94-ac5b-3fd5df7435f8.html#9) on his list). Nationally, it’s the Hall of Fame conversation that is polarizing. Only five players are allowed into the Hall each year, and there’s currently a traffic jam at the quarterback position, where Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers and other greats of their era are awaiting their nod. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/3B0CW4C.jpg) Russell Wilson started his college career at N.C. State, where he also played baseball and was drafted professionally. (File photo) Wilson’s metrics place him exactly on the line. Every quarterback with three or more Super Bowl appearances is or will be a Hall of Famer. Wilson has two, which historically is not a guarantee. He’s made nine Pro Bowls. Every other quarterback in that club has or will be a Hall of Famer. But Wilson also never received a single vote for the league’s MVP award. His passer rating with the Seahawks, a measure of a quarterback’s efficiency, is 101.8\. If he had never played again, that would place him third all-time. But he did play again, two stints that went poorly in Denver and Pittsburgh. Late-career flops are rarely held against athletes (see Brett Favre and Michael Jordan). But Wilson was 33 years old when he was traded to Denver for a king’s ransom, and appeared to have many more successful years of play in him. His career will always be defined in part by the goal-line interception that cost the team a Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots. But looking past that, he was one of the most successful running quarterbacks in an era that redefined the game. The 50 voters who decide the Hall of Fame don’t weigh in publicly on such matters. Longtime NFL writer Frank Schwab, who is not a voter, offered his thoughts yesterday, [speculating that](https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/whats-russell-wilsons-legacy-he-looked-like-a-hall-of-fame-lock-but-then-the-last-4-years-happened-182820167.html) in five years voters may remember his peak more than focusing on the valley. Wilson can also do himself a favor with a memorable TV career, which has helped other athletes raise their level of fame later in life. Wilson, whose dad gave him “practice” interviews as a youth football player to prepare him, has always been a media natural – last year, he was invited to host the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. The most successful athletes on television are more than just engaging, though. They’re unafraid to give their opinions, even controversial ones. Whether Wilson warms up to that element remains to be seen. Regardless of his post-career success, Wilson’s story is one of the greatest in Richmond sports history. He famously went unrecruited by one of his family’s top college choices, UVA. The Seahawks signed a different quarterback the year Wilson was drafted. Yet every time, he turned those obstacles into motivation, and came out the victor. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Planning Commission backs 31-townhouse development in Randolph URL: https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-backs-31-townhouse-development-in-randolph/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:30:09.000Z Richmond’s Planning Commission gave its support Tuesday to a plan that would add 31 townhouses to a vacant block in Randolph. The proposal by developers Audeo Partners for the 0.75 acre property that lies on the eastern side of the 900 block of South Meadow Street would add 15 three-story attached homes to Meadow and 16 to the alley that runs parallel to it, which would be paved, improved and renamed Field Way. The clusters of houses would be separated by three swaths of land that the developer intends to plant with pollinators and native species. “In the spirit of increasing density according to the master plan, I think this is a beautiful project,” said Commissioner Dakia Knight. But Commissioner Rebecca Rowe, who cast the lone dissenting vote against issuing a special use permit for the plan, argued that 31 homes was “too much for this lot” given surrounding development patterns that have much lower intensities of use. “I’m very much in favor of increased density, but I think this is exactly the kind of project that scares people when it comes to the refresh,” she said, referring to Richmond’s ongoing rewrite of its zoning ordinance. “It is not a gentle increase.” The plan will still need to get the blessing of the City Council to receive an SUP and move forward. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. On Tuesday it received significant pushback from neighbors, who worried that despite the one- or two-car garages each home would have, the number of new units proposed was too high for an area with narrow streets that they said already suffer from parking and traffic congestion. “The streets just weren’t made wide enough,” said John Smith, a resident of the adjacent Blair Street. “There is just no parking.” Toni Mounce, another neighbor on Blair Street, said that the narrowness of the roads has “on more than one occasion” made it difficult for first responder vehicles to access emergencies. In one instance, “a neighbor’s car was hit by a fire truck that could not get to a house that was burning down,” she said. [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-17c625b6-e2f2-4539-a87d-162ce0fbaf2d.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825-29563e74-b3f5-411d-acee-0d60bed7304a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) Not every neighbor agreed: Charlie Trochlil, a resident of Powhatan Street who told the Planning Commission he could see the site from his backyard, said that he doesn’t share concerns about either traffic or parking and would welcome the new development. “Winder \[Street\] and Powhatan have an incredible amount of available parking,” he said. “My wife and I got married in our backyard. Fifty people swarmed our house on a Friday afternoon, and nobody had to go more than a block away to park their car.” Both Richmond Planning Director Kevin Vonck and Lori Markham, a development consultant representing Audeo Partners, told the Planning Commission the townhome plan had been reviewed extensively by multiple city departments including Richmond Fire and the Department of Public Works, and that officials had signed off on it. As part of its special use permit, Audeo would install a new fire hydrant as well as sidewalks, curbs and gutters in the newly renamed Field Way alley. The developer would also be required to install eight wheelchair-accessible ramps around the site and plant 15 street trees on South Meadow, Blair and Winder. [Third draft of code refresh to be rolled out in phases starting in JuneThe Planning Department will first release a proposal on how to handle some of the most controversial policy issues.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-56160d1f-363a-449f-b09d-efc054db2936.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2025-11-18-at-9.02.13---PM-395a663c-e67a-4460-b44d-bf15ffe648c7.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-rolled-out-in-phases-starting-in-june/) ### **Sale by Virginia Home** Currently, the South Meadow properties are owned by the Virginia Home, a nonprofit that runs a residence for adults with permanent physical disabilities in a six-story building diagonal from the site. The group acquired the eight parcels comprising it more than a decade ago with the thought of using it for additional parking, but those plans never came to fruition. After discovering what CEO Doug Vaughn described as “pressing maintenance needs” at the residence facility and receiving a $25 million donation, the Virginia Home decided to relocate to Hanover County, where it could expand its capacity. The organization [broke ground on that $128 million project in November](https://richmondbizsense.com/2025/11/19/the-virginia-home-breaks-ground-on-128m-facility-in-hanover/). As a result of the relocation, the Virginia Home decided to [sell both its Randolph properties to Audeo Partners](https://richmondbizsense.com/2025/11/05/d-c-developer-zeroes-in-on-virginia-homes-byrd-park-building-for-apartment-conversion/) for redevelopment. Markham said that Audeo plans to sell the townhomes, which would be between 1,400 and 2,000 square feet, for “the high $400s to the $600s,” a price range she characterized as the “missing middle.” As of April, the [median sales price](https://cvmls-public.stats.showingtime.com/docs/lmu/2026-04/x/RichmondCity?src=page) for a condo or townhouse in the city of Richmond was $325,000\. For a single family home, the median was $425,000\. “They’re not the subsidized housing, and they’re not the million-dollar townhouses,” Markham told the Planning Commission. Several neighbors said they would welcome the addition of homes to the property but thought 31 was too many given its most recent division into eight lots for detached single family homes. One resident said 12 to 15 units would be more reasonable, while another floated a total of 15 to 18 as long as they were priced for first-time homebuyers. Chris Walsh, an adjacent resident on South Meadow, said reducing the density would provide “at least some nod to the neighborhood,” although he acknowledged it might not be financially viable. Markham told the Planning Commission that building fewer townhouses on the site would require them to be sold at higher prices. In either scenario, “it’s the same amount of infrastructure work,” she said. “So that cost, spreading it over 31 houses allows the houses to be marketed at a lower price.” [What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond’s most powerful tool to get around zoning rulesThe Richmonder reviewed five years of SUP data to determine where these permits are driving the most development, what kind of development it is and how long the public review process is taking.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-3b7ea2a4-ab57-4f10-a4b6-613402fbff36.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/B5D11A6F-6D46-44CF-8D9C-59D2E672D46D_1_201_a-c7c25b27-3b26-4993-9962-91b089a693df.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) Ahead of the vote to recommend approval of the project, several commissioners acknowledged both the density and road congestion issues neighbors raised but nevertheless concluded that the plan ought to receive a special use permit. The developers “have made attempts to meet the issue with parking by delivering garages,” said Knight. “We can’t change the width of the streets, and as we grow as a city, we have to grow and accommodate through those changes.” Commission Chair Rodney Poole said that while the proposed density was “on the upper end of where I personally would like to see,” Richmond had committed itself to greater density in its master plan. “They can’t solve the congestion on the streets; that’s just not possible,” he said. “This is Richmond. It is an older city. And that’s a problem.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Richmond officials will set up expert panel to review courthouse conditions URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-will-set-up-expert-panel-to-review-courthouse-conditions/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T18:52:05.000Z The Richmond City Council intends to create a five-person expert panel to review the condition of the John Marshall Courts Building after local judges accused the city of neglecting its duty to keep the courthouse in decent shape. Council President Cynthia Newbille (7th District) has proposed a resolution to appoint the panel, which Virginia law envisions as a way to bring the expertise of architects and engineers to help assess the conditions of a courthouse. Richmond’s Circuit Court judges have invoked a state process allowing the judicial branch to effectively sue the local government in their home jurisdiction for more courthouse funding. Chief Judge Jacqueline S. McClenney [initiated the process](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-judges-take-legal-action-against-city-government-over-courthouse-conditions/) in early May, taking legal action against all nine members of the City Council. (Richmond’s mayor has the most control over the city budget, but the Council still serves as the governing body) [Past reports](https://www.richmonder.org/a-new-courthouse-is-needed-but-funding-and-details-remain-in-dispute/) on the courthouse, which was built in 1978, have noted the building suffers from aging systems and technology. It also has several fundamental security issues, including a glass exterior that isn’t bulletproof. At least three of the members of the panel, must be professional engineers or architects, and they cannot be from the same firm. The panel will make recommendations on “construction or repairs deemed necessary” to both the city and the outside judge assigned to oversee the courthouse dispute. Last month, the Supreme Court of Virginia selected Petersburg-area Judge Ray P. Lupold III to handle the case. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The range of outcomes in the case is unclear, but the city could potentially be ordered to spend significant sums of public money on the courthouse that have not yet been budgeted. Any costs incurred for the panel’s work will have to be paid by the city, but that amount is not yet known. The fiscal year 2027 budget that begins July 1 includes $15.6 million for courthouse upgrades. The maneuver combines $10 million in funding that had been planned for fiscal 2028 with about $4.6 million already budgeted for the project, with an additional $1 million added to the mix. The city’s capital budget plan envisions no additional courthouse funding through fiscal 2031. [Man charged after break-in at Richmond courthouse, officials plan funding boost for securityWhen questioned by police, according to court documents, the suspect claimed he is a CIA agent and said he went into the building with a knife because he had seen another figure inside who looked like him.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-8b4592ea-145b-45cf-ab71-477a404fdaa8.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/image1-1-e1086dba-4808-4ef7-9a69-d387018d0fc4.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/man-charged-after-break-in-at-richmond-courthouse-officials-plan-funding-boost-for-security/) The judges seem to want more done on a faster timeline. A full replacement for the John Marshall building, which was built in 1978, was previously estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. City officials have been mostly tight-lipped on the courthouse matter, in keeping with Richmond’s cautious approach to commenting on anything connected to litigation. Last week, the Council held a closed meeting to discuss legal issues, which appeared to be the body’s first chance to talk about the courthouse dilemma in private. [A new courthouse is needed, but funding and details remain in disputeRichmond’s seven Circuit Court judges threatened to take legal action against the city if it didn’t begin to tackle a situation they described as “untenable.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-a184afc7-d7f0-496e-a768-5622272fe504.png)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_7533-3163f24d-9678-4d2d-a4b9-9626c167e652.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-new-courthouse-is-needed-but-funding-and-details-remain-in-dispute/) The resolution to establish the panel is on the Council’s agenda for Monday’s meeting. It’s on the consent agenda, a package of mostly routine business items usually deemed unworthy of standalone discussion or debate. The pending resolution calls for Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II to work with Council leadership to develop a list of seven qualified candidates for the panel by June 15. Virginia law gives local governments the option to create an expert panel after being accused of neglecting a courthouse. However, the panels are mandatory if local judges have already alleged the court facilities “are in fact insecure or out of repair, or otherwise pose a danger to the health, welfare and safety of court employees or the public.” Richmond’s chief judge leveled that accusation word for word in her May 6 show cause order to the city. [Richmond courthouses now allow cell phones, but only in locked pouchesRichmond officials are finally allowing members of the public to take phones into city courthouses.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-225dd320-0b48-45b2-903c-de7a91ba35ca.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Copy-of-5-Top-View-w-Phone-71b8e669-adbb-432d-addb-6934f6dd703f.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-courthouses-now-allow-cell-phones-but-only-in-locked-pouches/) When asked for comment on the proposed expert panel, the Council gave a terse reply that pointed to the state law but offered little insight into the Council’s thinking. “Res. No. 2026-R023 was introduced in accordance with [Va. Code § 15.2-1643](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter16/section15.2-1643/),” Council Chief of Staff RJ Warren said in an email. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 7th inning run lifts Midlothian into state softball tourney URL: https://www.richmonder.org/7th-inning-run-lifts-midlo-into-state-softball-tourney/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T10:48:19.000Z There’re no guarantees. None. Certainly not at playoff time. Take your opponent lightly, and your season will most assuredly come to an inglorious end. That was the message, plain and simple, that Midlothian softball coach Mark Whitt preached to his team as its Region 5C semifinal matchup with Clover Hill approached. Though they’d defeated the Cavaliers twice during the regular season, the Trojans listened well, they took him at his word, and when the outcome weighed in the balance Tuesday, they delivered. Man, did they deliver! With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Giana Caranante hit a single to shallow right field. Midlo stalwart Erika Fiege followed with a clutch double down the left field line sending Caranante to third. Next up was senior Charlotte Corcoran, who with the infield in dropped a picture-perfect bunt down the first base line allowing Caranante, who broke with the pitch, to race home, then slide under the tag with the winning run. The Trojans’ 3-2 victory, no easy feat on this bright, clear evening, propels them into Friday’s 5C championship game on the road against the top seeded Matoaca Warriors, who defeated No. 4 Franklin County 8-1 in the other semifinal. “As soon as the playoffs begin, it’s a whole new season,” said Whitt, whose team, the No. 2 seed, improved to 19-3\. “Records don’t matter. No matter how good you are, you have to show up every single night,” “(Being better) on paper doesn’t mean anything. You play the game for a reason. It’s won or lost on the field.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. From the beginning, the visiting No. 6 Cavaliers (12-8) served notice that they would be no pushover. “We weren’t in any pre-season or mid-season ranking,” said Clover Hill coach Matt Trinite. “We just continued to fight and battle, and when we got to playoff time, the girls who have been there before took the reins of this team. “It showed Friday when we upset (No. 3) Deep Run (4-1 in eight innings). We brought that in today and almost knocked off the defending (Class 5) state champion.” The Trojans took a 1-0 lead in the second when Josie Renschler reached base on a fielder’s choice, stole second, and ultimately scored when Erin Lowe smacked a single to left. Undeterred, the Cavaliers answered quickly with two runs in the top of the third. Freshman shortstop Alexis Rothschild led off with a walk on a 3-2 pitch and advanced to second on Reagan Abbott’s sacrifice bunt, then moved to third when Cayla Wright followed with a single to centerfield. Senior catcher Kristyn Niles then drilled a double to centerfield scoring both Rothschild and Wright to put the Cavs up 2-1. “It was a playoff dogfight,” Whitt said. “Our girls responded.” Though the Cavaliers worked their way out of runners-in-scoring predicaments in the first and third, the Trojans manufactured a run in the fourth to forge a tie. Renschler reached once again on a fielder’s choice and moved to second when Lea Foldenauer walked. Lowe then stroked a double to left sending Renschler home. From that point, Fiege, a senior lefthander, shut the Cavaliers down. All told, the Roanoke College commit threw 84 pitches, 62 for strikes, allowed three hits and one walk, and struck out 12. “Clover Hill has some great bats,” she said. “When Kristyn hit that two-run off me, my team was, ‘We’ve got your back. We got this. Just go pitch your game.’ “That’s what I did. I locked in, hit corners, and got in my groove.” Fiege, who sports a 0.67 earned run average, struck out the side in the top of the seventh. “She’s a leader,” Whitt said. “She’s been a warrior all year long. We have three pitchers, but all her starts have been against playoff teams. She took it to another level. She’s the ultimate, ultimate competitor.” Fiege’s rise-to-the-moment opposite field double down the left field line in the home half of the inning was her second hit of the night. “I was excited,” she said of her final at-bat. “I was seeing her (the pitcher) well. I love to hit as much as I love to pitch and play defense. I’m ready for any situation. I just love to be in pressure situations. That’s where I thrive.” When Corcoran stepped to the plate, she looked to Whitt, who signaled what he called a “safety squeeze.” “Charlotte has the option to bunt it,” Whitt said. “It wasn’t a straight-up squeeze where she has to put it down. G read it perfectly. She took off as soon as she saw it down. She got a great jump.” As she raced to first, Corcoran missed the excitement at the plate. “If the pitch is there, get it down,” Corcoran said. “It takes a lot of thought process. You have to make sure you’re pushing it to the right spot because if you don’t, it messes up the entire thing.” The pitch to Corcoran, a righthanded batter, was a fastball on the outside corner of the plate. “There was definitely a lot of pressure, but it was good pressure,” she said. “It worked out really well.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### June 3 Newsletter: Diamond drama URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-3-newsletter-diamond-drama/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T10:00:44.000Z **Weather:** Temperatures remain blissful before a late-week warmup. High of 81. **On this date** in 1957, City Council votes against a proposal to build a playground in Bellevue after neighbors protested, saying it would decrease property values. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0312-0319-032625-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-vcu-appear-to-set-a-september-deadline-for-squirrels-agreement-in-new-contract/) ### City, VCU appear to set a September deadline for Squirrels agreement in new contract The lease for CarMax Park instructs the Richmond Flying Squirrels to work “in good faith” with VCU to reach an agreement allowing the Rams baseball team to play at the new stadium. What exactly that language means could be the next legal frontier in a project that has turned increasingly acrimonious. ⚾ VCU has reached an agreement to pay the city its portion of rent for the stadium. The contract allows VCU access to the facility "no later than Sept. 1" for fall practices. The Squirrels say any agreement without their permission is unlawful. A city spokesperson said the agreement "envisions" that the deal with the Squirrels will get completed by then. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-vcu-appear-to-set-a-september-deadline-for-squirrels-agreement-in-new-contract/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/childrens-museum-of-richmond-gives-first-peek-at-major-renovation-auctions-old-exhibits/) ### Children’s Museum of Richmond gives first peek at major renovation, auctions old exhibits For the first time in 25 years, the Children’s Museum of Richmond is undergoing a major renovation at its Downtown location. - Skylights now adorn the ceilings of the new exhibits, allowing natural light to shine onto the Magic Meadow and Itty Bitty River City. The new exhibits will open to the public on June 16\. As for the old exhibits, they're being auctioned off this week online. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/childrens-museum-of-richmond-gives-first-peek-at-major-renovation-auctions-old-exhibits/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/image-2.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/chosen-co-developer-for-fay-towers-at-edge-of-gilpin-court-withdraws-proposal/) ### Chosen co-developer for Fay Towers at edge of Gilpin Court withdraws proposal A group selected by Richmond’s public housing authority to act as a co-developer for the overhaul of Fay Towers has backed away from a proposed partnership, saying additional research found the project would be too expensive. The 11-story towers that sit on the edge of Gilpin Court were once home to about 200 public housing units for seniors before deteriorating conditions led RRHA to relocate residents beginning in 2016. The latest plan would convert the existing 200 studio and one-bedroom units into approximately 150 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, with all units affordable. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/chosen-co-developer-for-fay-towers-at-edge-of-gilpin-court-withdraws-proposal/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/grad-fight-1--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-adopts-next-years-budget-makes-last-minute-cuts-to-teacher-bonuses-to-save-money/) ### RPS adopts next year’s budget, makes last-minute cuts to teacher stipends to save money The Richmond School Board unanimously adopted its budget for fiscal year 2027 – a budget that is somewhat living on a prayer due to state uncertainty, and includes new cuts to some teacher pay. - To make the numbers work, teachers filling in for an absent colleague will now receive $35 per hour instead of $55 for lost planning periods and other additional time. - The final budget includes a 75/25 split in health care insurance increase costs with employees. The Board also provided an update on the RHSA move-in timeline, noting it will be a "rushed" process to get ready for the first day of school. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-adopts-next-years-budget-makes-last-minute-cuts-to-teacher-bonuses-to-save-money/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_8352.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/legendary-new-york-filmmaker-visits-richmond-on-thursday-to-screen-best-products-documentaries/) ### **Legendary New York filmmaker visits Richmond on Thursday to screen Best Products documentaries** On Thursday night, the Branch museum will bring in New York filmmaker Howard Silver for a sold-out screening of his documentary about Best Products showrooms, followed by a Q&A. Architect Don O'Keefe, who assembled the exhibition with his students at Harvard, reflected on the impact of the Best Products showrooms and the exhibition. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/legendary-new-york-filmmaker-visits-richmond-on-thursday-to-screen-best-products-documentaries/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/260414_024_aj_900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/next-step-vcu-expands-to-richard-bland-college-and-brightpoint-community-college) ### NEXT Step VCU expands The dual-admissions program, which now includes three college partners, provides transfer students with personalized support, cost savings and a clear route to a VCU degree. “The NEXT Step partnership reflects the future of public higher education: institutions working together and serving the public good,” said VCU President Michael Rao. “At VCU, we believe higher education should expand opportunity and eliminate barriers. We see talent everywhere and in everyone, and our responsibility is to help more hard-working students clear the path for the completion of a degree that leads to a meaningful career in a timely way.” [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/next-step-vcu-expands-to-richard-bland-college-and-brightpoint-community-college) --- ### In other news - [**Some DPU billing accounts showing errors after system upgrade, city says it will automatically fix**](https://www.richmonder.org/some-dpu-billing-accounts-showing-errors-after-system-upgrade-city-says-it-will-automatically-fix/) - Richmond officials said there is no action needed by customers, and resolution is expected to occur within one to two business days. - [**Richmond gets $850K in federal funds for Shockoe stormwater projects**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-gets-850k-in-federal-funds-for-shockoe-stormwater-projects/) - The funds will alleviate flooding in Shockoe Bottom, near where the city is planning a variety of projects to tell the history of the slave trade. - [**Chesterfield memorial grows for police K9 Knight**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/knight-memorial-grows-june-2-2026)(CBS 6) - The 5-year-old German Shepherd/Malinois mix was shot and killed in the line of duty when police responded to a domestic disturbance call on Sunday afternoon. - [**Man charged with DUI after jeep ends up in Richmond’s Kanawha Canal**](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/man-charged-with-dui-after-jeep-ends-up-in-richmonds-kanawha-canal/) (8News) - There were two people in the vehicle at the time. - [**How much are lawsuits against GRTC costing taxpayers? Officials won’t say**](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F372d0e9e-db01-4f80-b267-688647adc4f7.html?utm%5Fsource=richmond.com&utm%5Fcampaign=breaking-news&utm%5Fmedium=cio&lctg=a2f1070bb25fc3f114&tn%5Femail%5Feh1=a1a759122ba23fd55cee8218fc1b86fdde8b63562251095bb7b24af121b3870c) (Times-Dispatch) - Since January 2025, at least a dozen people have sued GRTC over collisions and other incidents. --- ### The editor's desk After reading about the Children's Museum auction, I suggested on the group chat that we add [**an animatronic tree**](https://bid.cannonsauctions.com/Public/Auction/AuctionItemDetail?AuctionId=rpsJEu%2bfQcegLdNm4BjoYQ%3d%3d&pageNumber=pf6Q%2bhJtdeleDd9FfYpy9w%3d%3d&pageSize=O5OaPaZE1XrTjGtTQItkaw%3d%3d&showFilter=iBcS%2b4ptjknZQtCojbueqQ%3d%3d&sortColumn=C9SY4KX74WJIILYqur0bmw%3d%3d&AuctionItemId=H0yeTChfMaKbidR6JUwTLA%3d%3d&Filter=ITUHdU2DoqWvw89vAOs0Dw%3d%3d) to the newsroom. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### City, VCU appear to set a September deadline for Squirrels agreement in new contract URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-vcu-appear-to-set-a-september-deadline-for-squirrels-agreement-in-new-contract/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T00:45:02.000Z The lease for CarMax Park instructs the Richmond Flying Squirrels to work “in good faith” with VCU to reach an agreement allowing the Rams baseball team to play at the new stadium. What exactly that language means could be the next legal frontier in a project that has turned increasingly acrimonious. Last October, the three groups (VCU, the Squirrels and the city) held a joint press conference to announce they had reached an agreement. Under the deal, VCU would lease the stadium from the city for about $400,000, while paying the Squirrels $300,000 per year to cover their share of maintenance costs. However, getting to the finish line has proven to be harder than anticipated. VCU reached an agreement with Richmond’s Economic Development Authority late last week on its portion. That contract is contingent on the Squirrels and VCU coming to terms, which is referred to by the EDA as the “Use Agreement.” In the VCU-EDA deal, it spells out that the contract is to begin: “the later of i) date of the start of VCU 2026 ‘fall ball’ and ii) the date of execution by VCU of the Use Agreement, but no later than September 1, 2026.” The "fall ball" college baseball period traditionally begins in September. Read literally, the contract could be interpreted to mean that VCU will begin having access to CarMax Park this fall. Richmond Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sharon Ebert appeared to hint at such during a presentation to City Council earlier this year. At the time, the Squirrels had said they would not be able to reach a deal with VCU and were planning to move forward without them this season. “We now have learned that the (Squirrels) do not want to go forward with the operating agreement, so we'll most likely be doing that as well,” Ebert said at the time. [Lou DiBella’s dog bit Diamond District developer on Flying Squirrels opening night, according to account from Thalhimer execsTwo of the top leaders behind Richmond’s Diamond District project gave their account of a confrontation with Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, portraying the baseball team’s owner as “out of line” as he threatened to put the developers “out of business.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-f794b235-e1a7-4982-9ef5-294041dbe266.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay27-1-d45c5ae2-8a5c-42da-9c78-f35a087e17c7.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/) Squirrels owner Lou DiBella took objection to that, and sent a letter to the EDA stating the team would use legal action if the city tried to give VCU a lease without the Squirrels’ permission. On Monday night, a team spokesperson responded to a Richmonder request about the most recent contract. “We are unaware of any deadline or legal obligation to maintain the field for VCU or the baseball facilities it uses within the ballpark,” they wrote. “Our obligation is to negotiate in good faith, which we have done for years." ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. If the “good faith” clause is ultimately adjudicated, the city may point to comments by the team in a lawsuit the team filed last week. “DiBella and the Squirrels have no obligation to maintain the field and stadium and share MLB-used spaces with VCU, and DiBella has been clear that he currently does not intend to do so,” the suit says. In repeated inquiries from The Richmonder, city officials would not directly answer the question of what they would do if the September deadline passes. [Flying Squirrels owner sues Diamond District developer over heated encounter at new ballparkAs Richmond officials celebrated the opening night of the city’s new baseball stadium last month, a tense conversation happened in a hallway near the team offices of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-18a3e231-27a4-40ce-b721-0732bc79614a.png)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay03-f19f79dc-ab87-4e27-a3b8-24f54521db19.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) A spokesperson for the EDA wrote: “The current agreements envision that the operating agreement between VCU and the (Squirrels) will be completed no later than September 1, 2026, so that VCU can begin Fall Ball in CarMax Park.” A VCU spokesperson also did not directly answer a question about the agreement, writing: "We’re looking forward to working with all partners to complete the next steps of this important community project." *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* *Reporter Graham Moomaw contributed to this report.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### RPS adopts next year’s budget, makes last-minute cuts to teacher stipends to save money URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rps-adopts-next-years-budget-makes-last-minute-cuts-to-teacher-bonuses-to-save-money/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T01:24:35.000Z The Richmond School Board unanimously adopted its budget for fiscal year 2027 – a budget that is somewhat living on a prayer due to state uncertainty, and includes new cuts to some teacher pay. After the Board initially approved a budget requesting a $12 million increase from the city, Mayor Danny Avula [provided $8.2 million more](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-announces-8-2-million-proposed-increase-to-rps-budget-short-of-12-million-ask/), leaving a roughly $4 million gap. The majority of that comes from closing the Richmond Virtual Academy, which would’ve cost the division $3.2 million to run another year. But a new cut from the administration is a reduction in hourly rates – $55 to $35 – for teachers when substituting for other teachers due to their absences and for lost time in planning periods. This would save Richmond Public Schools roughly $800,000, the remainder of the gap. “This felt like an unfortunate but a timely one to consider,” Superintendent Jason Kamras said to members. The budget still covers other collective bargaining agreements, Kamras noted, like raises and step increases for all employees. It also includes a 75/25 split in health care insurance increase costs with employees. Public comment included members from the Richmond Education Association – the union representing RPS educators – requesting the Board reject the budget until the hourly rates can be reinstated. The group is currently in negotiations with administrations for a new agreement as their current contract ends this June. “There are people who will not be impacted as much if you cut appropriately and you budget appropriately,” said Chloe Tremper, a teacher at Thomas C. Boushall Middle School. Some commenters said money could be saved if they cut 10% from the higher-paid leaders in the division. “Why are these cuts being considered? Why are these cuts from the bottom and not from the top?” asked Hannah Clayman, a teacher at Albert Hill Middle School. In response to Board members’ questions for the administration’s reasoning behind the cut, Kamras said the hourly rates are higher than most school divisions, and with budget constraints, it felt necessary to bring it “closer to industry standards.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. There was little pushback from the governing body overall about the administration’s decision to reduce teacher pay. Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District) was the only member who was “worried” about the timing of negotiations with the cut. While acknowledging that teachers were still getting raises and step increases, he added that teachers still have a 25% share of health care insurance increase costs, along with having to pay out of pocket for vision insurance. “What are the other alternatives? Because I was honestly hoping today that maybe we would have a few items that we could discuss and come to a consensus on rather than just one option," he said to Kamras. “To be honest, I’m really not sure where else at this late stage we would be able to identify any savings,” Kamras responded. “It is certainly by no means ideal.” In addition to the teacher pay reduction, the division opted out of a one-time, $1,500 bonus the state provides for meeting its standards of quality – legal minimum requirements for public school programs and staffing the divisions must provide. Kamras said the division has more positions beyond what is required by the state, and it would cost $6 million to take the $1.5 million the state is providing for the bonuses. Without naming where, he said one neighboring school division is giving the bonus, while the other isn’t, for similar reasons. The budget is also assuming a $20 million increase in state funding, even though the General Assembly has not passed a budget. The House of Delegates is expected to meet on June 18 and the Senate on June 22, as the budget is due and supposed to begin on July 1. Kamras said there is a “strong possibility” that the division will get the $20 million increase, which includes some one-time funding and can be used for a variety of purposes. Still, school district leaders noted that the division would have to come back to the drawing board to adjust the budget if the state gives more or less. “So we have in this budget proposal $20 million that we don’t know that we’re going to get,” Cheryl Burke (7th District) said. “That sounds like my type of banking.” The budget also does not account for rising fuel costs, a recent cost pressure impacting everyone. “We have not increased our estimates for fuel simply because we would have to cut even more out of the budget,” Kamras said. “We’ll see how things develop.” The capital improvement budget specifically now includes $500,000 to begin a bus loop project at Westover Hills Elementary and $100,000 for stadium lights at Thomas Jefferson’s football field, proposals brought forward by Hedgepeth and Vice Chair Matthew Percival (1st District) respectively. Other Board members overall appeared content with the final budget, with Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District) saying that the Board had to balance the needs of the administration while considering feedback from school staff and constituents. “And because of that, we were able to add several things back in that will positively impact RPS,” she said. This year’s budget process has been an arduous one. [Kamras had initially proposed several cuts](https://www.richmonder.org/hed-proposed-rps-budget-has-no-new-raises-central-office-layoffs-and-eliminates-summer-school/), including laying off 46 central office employees, closing elementary and middle summer school, reducing mental health services and shuttering Richmond Virtual Academy. That led to sweeping criticism and confusion from school employees, drawing them to public comment to express their opposition. The administration eventually walked back some cuts following its funding increase from the city. But central office layoffs and the closure of the division’s virtual school remained. ### **RHSA timeline** As Richmond High School for the Arts gets closer to its open date, school officials admitted that the move-in date for teachers will be a “rushed” one. The timeline is as follows: - July 31: the building must be in “substantial completion.” - Aug. 17: the building will be open for teachers and staff to move in. - Aug. 24: first day of school and first day in the new building for students. Katie Ricard, Board representative for the 2nd District, brought up William Fox Elementary’s opening last year, saying that teachers then felt rushed when they had to move in. “For RHSA, I just wanted to say that out loud that careful consideration is given to try and give them the opportunity to get their classrooms ready so that they don’t feel rushed or stressed before the start of school,” she said. “We are absolutely going to be in a rushed scenario,” Chief Operating Officer Patrick Herrel responded. [New high school timeline accelerated after flooding at RHSACrews will work seven days a week to get the new building ready.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-71f28b76-e02a-4fa7-b9b7-2cc25f554241.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-22-at-6.21.19---PM-3fab5c8c-eb46-4dfd-8e26-05d8a8fd2973.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-high-school-timeline-accelerated-after-flooding-at-rhsa/) He said that the administration will work on having a system where teachers can report issues they need addressed, a lesson from Fox Elementary’s opening. Following the recent flooding at Richmond High School for the Arts, the administration decided to close the old school and put funds that would’ve gone towards repairs to the new school. It is unclear how much costs will be for contractor S.B. Ballard to work overtime to get the school up and running. The Southside school is also soon [going to be the first to implement the division’s high school redesign](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DUGQTL6ADD16/$file/RHSA%20Passion4Learning%20Update%20-%2006.01.26%20Board%20Work%20Session%20%281%29.pdf) that anchors all five comprehensive schools into specific themes and fields, like government, human services, technology, and business, as part of RPS’ Passion4Learning plan that is included in the Dreams4RPS strategic plan. For RHSA, that means incorporating art-related classes into the school’s curriculum, like dance, fashion, theater, and film studies. Luke Hostetter, deputy chief of staff, said that the courses would be integrated slowly over time. Ninth graders in the 2027-28 school year will be the first to experience the new model. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org). *The headline of this article has been updated*. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Children’s Museum of Richmond gives first peek at major renovation, auctions old exhibits URL: https://www.richmonder.org/childrens-museum-of-richmond-gives-first-peek-at-major-renovation-auctions-old-exhibits/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T20:59:15.000Z For the first time in 25 years, the Children’s Museum of Richmond is undergoing a major renovation at its Downtown location. The [Dream Big Capital Campaign](https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/dreambigfaq/) will be rolled out in phases. At a sneak preview of Phase I exhibit transformations last week, Danielle Ripperton, CMoR's executive director, explained that one goal is to adapt with the times. “The building has been well loved,” she said. “We know that the needs of children have changed as well as their learning styles.” The old exhibits, as well as other equipment and costumes from the museum, will find new life [**through an online auction**](https://bid.cannonsauctions.com/Public/Auction/AuctionItems?AuctionId=rpsJEu%2bfQcegLdNm4BjoYQ%3d%3d&Title=mfgdW33BTSHzNl%2fXIJQvcgMeIsha11pLWu3AFIEJ%2f78YV0TudtO0rBJYBj32TwyNAHe0oGdKJfOl0vXI7hl1z2xrbrxXQbI%2bboAikcKoi60%3d&AuctionTypes=NgSeqERyNa2NrG7qtFk2Pg%3d%3d&image=299tQf9YK73JmiEfcUBMzRG8YJsTbJKsmrlpuVFytG9vJ47VAHoF3nbeVZe1TOMT0Nb5HdOzr8Ec3HHC9fhZVCj1VI%2fexUDdc%2bKaGB3OAh8%3d&totalItems=gkDPKGvU4u8O%2bSGJdHeseA%3d%3d&viewtypeId=lJcZNvWR1ahMAdw4fXV00Q%3d%3d&filter=ITUHdU2DoqWvw89vAOs0Dw%3d%3d&pageNumber=pf6Q%2bhJtdeleDd9FfYpy9w%3d%3d) that will run until Thursday evening. As for the new, skylights now adorn the ceilings of the new exhibits, allowing natural light to shine onto the Magic Meadow and Itty Bitty River City. A new Skybox Climber, featuring spiral staircases and bouncing bridges, includes a periscope for visitors to get a 360 view on the museum’s roof. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9478.jpeg) The RVA Waterway, an interactive tiny James River, brings visitors all the way from Pony Pasture through Downtown Richmond with water jets, fountains, and movable dam mazes. The Nature Lab features murals and sounds of native Virginia animals, including a nature sounds matching game with local wildlife. The Nature Lab also includes screen kiosks where visitors can digitally paint and customize their own butterflies to “release” into the magical forest. Walls throughout the exhibits are adorned with murals of local wildlife and Downtown skylines — underscoring the “Richmond” in Children’s Museum of Richmond. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9471.jpeg) Ripperton said CMoR has worked with the occupational therapy program at Virginia Commonwealth University for the past several years to ensure accessibility within the exhibits. During listening sessions ahead of the Phase I renovation, Ripperton said that input from VCU representatives allowed CMoR to achieve their goal of access for children with diverse needs and abilities. “The occupational therapy program at VCU has helped us over the past 10 to 15 years make sure that … universal design is part of the process that we use as we're thinking about what can work for children of all abilities,” said Ripperton. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9459.jpeg) Final touches are being put on the exhibit before the public unveiling later this month. For example, CMoR’s existing cave exhibit will be enhanced with an addition that provides a wheelchair accessible corridor. The newly renovated cave — known as Cave 2.0 — will also feature fossil touch panels, an echo chamber, and an infinity well for visitors to enjoy. “We tried to make sure that we had an opportunity to re-envision them in a way that would be updated, innovative, accessible, but also make sure that we didn't lose any of those fan favorites,” Ripperton said. In addition to physical accessibility, all signage throughout the newly renovated exhibits will have both English and Spanish translation. A soft opening for CMoR members and donors is June 15 at noon. Following a ribbon cutting, play will be open throughout the museum for members until 3 p.m. The grand opening to the public is June 16 at 9:30 a.m., during the museum’s normal operating hours. Nancy Belleman, CMoR Board alumna and member of the Campaign Leadership Committee, said that she sees this renovation as an opportunity to propel CMoR into a new era of children learning through play. “It's not just a refresh and a refurbishment — this is moving it into the 21st century,” Belleman said. “Not in a high-tech way, but in a very thoughtful and very innovative way. So I'm hoping the next generation will love it.” The second phase of exhibit renovations will begin in early 2027 and conclude in June 2027. The major renovation is in partnership with design firm Roto, local architects Quinn Evans, and RMT Construction. As a nonprofit organization, CMoR looks to community support for transformations such as the Dream Big Campaign. To learn more, visit CMoR’s [website](https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/dreambigfaq/). ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Legendary New York filmmaker visits Richmond on Thursday to screen Best Products documentaries URL: https://www.richmonder.org/legendary-new-york-filmmaker-visits-richmond-on-thursday-to-screen-best-products-documentaries/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T20:34:49.000Z Architect Don O'Keefe is not modest about the importance of Richmond-based retailer Best Products, and its celebrated impact on the world of store design. “In terms of those Best stores and their international recognition, I think that it’s the most important design story to come out of Virginia since the time of Thomas Jefferson,” he said earlier this week. O'Keefe oversaw the creation of the exhibit about Best Products currently showing at the Branch Museum of Design, and on Thursday night, the museum will bring in New York filmmaker Howard Silver for a sold-out screening of his documentary about the Best showrooms, followed by a Q&A. O’Keefe is the principal architect of O'Keefe & Associates, a design practice in New York City, Tokyo, and Richmond. He also runs the website architecturerichmond.com, a nonprofit that writes about local architectural history. O’Keefe serves on the Advisory Board for the Branch. For the Best exhibit, he said, “We were thinking about shows that would be great for the Branch Museum and Best Products seemed like an obvious choice. It’s such an important story in the history of American design, known not only in Richmond, but nationally and internationally as well.” [These 11 store designs shook up the world of retail – and started in Richmond“The whole concept behind it was to take something that no one even considered architecture ... and then transforming it.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-347a3088-3d38-4224-9f89-d090a3238e36.png)The RichmonderRich Griset![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Notch-1-361b71b0-ffdb-4475-8d0c-2c3e38765e37.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/these-11-store-designs-shook-up-the-world-of-retail-and-started-in-richmond/) To create the exhibit, O’Keefe worked with his students when he taught a course in the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. “The students researched the history of Best Products," he said. "They got to meet some of the people involved, asked questions, and helped develop ideas for the curation of the show.” Best Products became famous by classifying itself as a warehouse store instead of a retail outlet, a legal loophole that allowed them to undercut retail pricing at the time. The founders, Sydney and Frances Lewis, were Richmond philanthropists who took an interest in the art scene and were major donors to the VMFA. “They loved art and also ran this retail business,” O’Keefe said. “In the early 70’s, they began to wonder how to combine those two interests.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. That led to a collaboration with architect James Wines to design outlandish showrooms, which garnered national attention. Though Wines was trained primarily as a sculptor rather than an architect, he was nevertheless tasked with re-imagining a Best store that already existed as a box store on Midlothian Turnpike. This re-imagined design came to be known as “The Peeling Building,” where another layer of brick was added with the illusion that it was peeling off the building. “They built it and it got a lot of attention,” O’Keefe added, “not only from people around town, but from architecture and even general interest magazines from around the world.” O’Keefe emphasized that this upwelling of interest kicked off a huge trajectory of architecture and design experimentation, all funded by the Lewis family. “The building answered the question of how to bring art into these innocuous suburban landscapes,” O’Keefe added. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/Best-Peeling-Building.jpg) (Archive image) The Best Products headquarters in Henrico, another designed space (this by Hardy Holzman Pfifer Associates from New York), is also featured in the exhibition. “More than 3,000 people worked there at one time,” O’Keefe said. “It’s an enormous arcing form two stories tall and covered with gigantic glass blocks in a pattern so they are clear. It’s primarily translucent glass blocks with clear ones set into that, creating an enormous, repeating diamond shape, which is a reference to the façade of the Doges Palace in Venice.” The entrance to the headquarters is perhaps its most striking feature. “In front of the building there are these two enormous stone eagles 14 feet high," he said. "They came from the top of an art deco skyscraper in New York called the Airlines Terminal Building, which was demolished in the 1970s. The Lewises obtained them to use for an entryway into the Best headquarters.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/best-HQ-1.jpg) The building is currently being demolished, though the eagles will be preserved. (Archive photo) In the stores themselves, the Lewis’s sent pieces of artwork to hang behind the registers, and sometimes this art was both valuable and interesting. They even had a program where they paid artists to create images that would go on the sides of their 18-wheeler delivery trucks. “They called them rolling billboards, and we have a little of that in the exhibit,” O’Keefe said. The exhibit is on display until June 21. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Richmond gets $850K in federal funds for Shockoe stormwater projects URL: https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-gets-850k-in-federal-funds-for-shockoe-stormwater-projects/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T19:07:39.000Z The city of Richmond will receive $850,000 in federal funds to alleviate flooding in Shockoe Bottom near where the city is planning a variety of projects to tell the history of the slave trade. A jumbo-sized check was presented Monday at a Main Street Station ceremony attended by federal, state and city representatives. The city actually received two versions of the check: One touting the involvement of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and the other showing the name of U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, both of whom advocated for the funding. Though officials didn’t specify exactly what stormwater projects the money will fund, they said it will help Richmond’s ongoing efforts to turn the low-lying Shockoe Valley into a historic site focused on the experiences of enslaved Africans. “It’s kind of difficult to tell that complete story and have visitors enjoy and immerse themselves if every few years it floods,” McClellan said as she reminded the crowd of the 2004 flooding in Shockoe caused by Hurricane Gaston. Warner said the efforts in Shockoe are particularly important at a time when President Donald Trump’s administration seems to want to go back to a “1950s sanitized version” of history. “America’s history, Virginia’s history… is not a straight line,” said Warner, who reminded the audience he used to live “right up the street” at the Virginia governor’s mansion. “We have to tell the good and the bad.” [Shockoe Institute opens, confronting Richmond’s history and role in slavery“It is only in the telling of our whole story, not as we wish it to be, but as it was, that our future can be made better than our past.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-e4d6ce6a-0862-49db-a7b0-73c7b7f211eb.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/shockoe-institute-7-4bcf731f-8839-4d5d-85ba-ac8e795bb8e2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/shockoe-institute-opens-confronting-richmonds-history-and-role-in-slavery/) The city recently celebrated the [opening](https://www.richmonder.org/shockoe-institute-opens-confronting-richmonds-history-and-role-in-slavery/) of the Shockoe Institute, which has installed a permanent historical exhibit on the lower level of Main Street Station that spotlights the former Confederate capital’s legacy as a slave-trading hub. The Institute’s arrival was seen a significant milestone in a decades-long effort to better commemorate the historic significance of Shockoe through sites such as the African Burial Ground, Lumpkin’s Jail, the Richmond Slave Trail and plans for a national slavery museum. “We are here today to celebrate our federal representatives’ support and partnership to protect some of our most sacred and precious historic resources in the city that ultimately will help us continue to tell the fullness of our history,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “These federal dollars that are coming here today are actually going to help us face some of the challenges we can have with historic preservation in a floodplain. And we are very, very grateful.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Chosen co-developer for Fay Towers at edge of Gilpin Court withdraws proposal URL: https://www.richmonder.org/chosen-co-developer-for-fay-towers-at-edge-of-gilpin-court-withdraws-proposal/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:22:12.000Z A group selected by Richmond’s public housing authority to act as a co-developer for the overhaul of Fay Towers has backed away from a proposed partnership, saying additional research found the project would be too expensive. “We did an initial level of due diligence and came up with what we believed was a workable plan,” said Tim Pryor, vice president of acquisitions for The NHP Foundation, the nonprofit affordable developer selected by the authority this spring. “After receiving the partnership offer, we conducted additional research and ultimately realized the effort was cost prohibitive.” The 11-story towers that sit on the edge of Gilpin Court were once home to about 200 public housing units for seniors before deteriorating conditions led the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority [to relocate residents to three new buildings between 2016 and 2021](https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/one-of-the-things-this-brings-to-people-is-hope-officials-residents-celebrate-renovation-of/article%5F767e95d5-2d47-56bd-a6d0-df75b4290296.html?utm%5Fcampaign=snd-autopilot&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fsource=facebook%5FRichmond%5FTimes-Dispatch&fbclid=IwY2xjawSKpJxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFTM2pqN2Zib2xtblJsSDNHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhuVrgd8WHbDb9j0C3tgztDdBDdLl29XSTRneWMH3ohKncbaf1IzneEvOd-a%5Faem%5FDoM6xBOL0-YygyheAF5sSA). Since then, the structure has sat empty while RRHA has sought a developer who can work with the authority to redevelop the site. The most recent request for proposals issued by RRHA for the redevelopment produced four responses, said authority spokeswoman Angela Fountain. The winning proposal belonged to NHP, which planned to work with the Hanson Company, a local business that has also developed the [affordable mixed-use Eggleston Plaza project in Jackson Ward](https://vibrantcommunities.us/news/eggleston-plaza). On April 28, NHP Foundation Senior Vice President of Development Mansur Abdul-Malik thanked members of the RRHA Board of Commissioners’ Real Estate Committee for the “opportunity to work on such a transformative and historic project.” But on May 12, the group withdrew its proposal after its second round of due diligence. “We are grateful to the RRHA for their willingness to consider us as a partner,” Pryor told The Richmonder. “We just couldn’t make the opportunity work for us.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. With the foundation out of the race, RRHA commissioners will now have the chance to evaluate the second-highest-scoring proposal for the redevelopment. The latest plan envisioned by RRHA for Fay Towers would convert the existing 200 studio and one-bedroom units into approximately 150 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The authority has said it prefers for all units to be affordable, with amenities like an exercise facility, laundry and playroom on the ground floor. “No commercial/retail component exists currently and none will be added upon rehabilitation,” it wrote in the [latest RFP](https://mvendor.cgieva.com/Vendor/public/IVDetails.jsp), which was issued Aug. 1. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/71AD3286-B143-405A-80B7-D4626B16FC1D.jpeg) A capital needs assessment of Fay Towers from 2025 found that the building was “in poor physical condition” but was “currently structurally sound.” (Sarah Vogelsong/The Richmonder) The authority has also envisioned a revamped Fay Towers as serving as an initial tranche of replacement housing for some Gilpin Court residents while the redevelopment of that public housing community gets underway. “Relocation will begin by relocating families who elect to relocate to Fay Towers and the first phase of newly constructed units on RRHA-owned property,” states the [Jackson Ward Community Plan](https://rrha.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/JacksonWardCommunityPlan-231117.pdf), a roadmap for redevelopment drawn up in 2023\. “These properties, known as the Build First Initiative, will allow families to move to off-site Project-Based Voucher units prior to any demolition taking place.” A capital needs assessment of Fay Towers from 2025 found that the building was “in poor physical condition” but was “currently structurally sound.” *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Lou DiBella’s dog bit Diamond District developer on Flying Squirrels opening night, according to account from Thalhimer execs URL: https://www.richmonder.org/lou-dibellas-dog-bit-diamond-district-developer-on-flying-squirrels-opening-night-according-to-account-from-thalhimer-execs-2/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T20:23:55.000Z Two of the top leaders behind Richmond’s Diamond District project gave their account of a confrontation with Richmond Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella, portraying the baseball team’s owner as “out of line” as he threatened to put the developers “out of business.” The account was written in a memo sent to city officials the morning after opening night at the new CarMax Stadium. DiBella, who owns the Flying Squirrels, [filed a defamation lawsuit](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) against the developers last week, laying out numerous gripes with the work done by Thalhimer on the Diamond District. In the April 8 memo, Jason Guillot, who oversees the project, and Maritza Pechin, Thalhimer’s director of development, laid out their version of events. The two were invited to a suite on the second level of the stadium. The suite belonged to the Richmond Economic Development Authority. Late in the game, an “unleashed and unaccompanied dog came bursting into the room,” according to the account. As Pechin attempted to corral the dog, it “attacked Maritza’s hand and then defecated on the carpet, on her hand and on Jason’s right shoe.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/06/FvsYJ9NWAAA9K_U-1.jpeg) DiBella's dog, Topolina ([social media post](https://x.com/loudibella/status/1655943855752220675/photo/1)) The account continues that DiBella then comes into the suite, finds his dog, and begins laughing. The memo says: “Lou chortled, ‘Haha! My dog s--- in the Thalhimer suite!’ “He went on to say that he thought it was hilarious and that he didn’t train his dog to do this, but that he thought it was appropriate given how much he hates us.” [Read the full memo hereRichmonder - Thalhimer executives memo.pdf141 KBdownload-circle](https://www.richmonder.org/content/files/2026/06/Richmonder---Thalhimer-executives-memo.pdf "Download") The dog encounter was referenced in a text message included with DiBella’s lawsuit, where Richmond EDA Director Angie Rogers is attempting to reach out to DiBella two days after the event, and a day after the memo. Rodgers writes that she would rather talk by phone than an email or text, which is subject to Freedom of Information Act laws, to which DiBella replies that “i thought you were calling me about the nonsense with my dog.” Rodgers, however, was referring to a heated confrontation after the dog incident, which is also covered in the memo. In DiBella’s version of events, Guillot, from Thalhimer, asks DiBella when he’s going to hit him, to which DiBella said he jokingly quoted a line from the movie “Diner,” saying he won’t hit Guillot but if he did he’d do so so hard he’d hurt his entire family. [Flying Squirrels owner sues Diamond District developer over heated encounter at new ballparkAs Richmond officials celebrated the opening night of the city’s new baseball stadium last month, a tense conversation happened in a hallway near the team offices of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay03-4f5a24edb442f1db859e48844e77111b8183641755b377b18b6528b383c50d67.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) The two were arguing over a piece of land next to CarMax Park controlled by Thalhimer. While a small portion of the overall $2.4 billion Diamond District development, it sits directly next to the baseball stadium, and DiBella has indicated he believes Thalhimer is planning to put a sports bar there, which would eat into concession sales at baseball games. DiBella’s lawsuit claims the city and Thalhimer tried to use the incident at the stadium to strong-arm him in an ongoing dispute over whether VCU’s baseball team will also be allowed to play at CarMax Park. In the memo, written by Guillot and Pechin, they lay out their version of the dispute. They wrote: “Lou and Larry (Botel, one of DiBella’s associates) continued to corner Jason and told him that if he and Diamond District Partners (DDP) don’t relinquish control of a parcel of land outside the ballpark and sell it to them to develop, that Lou himself would do everything in his power to put DDP out of business, adding that if DDP tries to develop that parcel ourselves, that he (Lou) would come after Jason and his family with everything he has. “Lou then went on to belittle Jason, telling him that he’s just a broker and has no experience developing property, and that he (Lou) could do a better job with the Diamond District himself. Jason countered this and told Lou he’s no developer himself, which incensed Lou. “Lou then threatened to ‘bitch slap’ Jason twice in front of people in the hallway.” The memo concludes by noting that a Flying Squirrels representative, Jamie Gordon, offered medical assistance to Pechin on her dog bite wound. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The following morning, Guillot said he received a text from Botel that said “Sorry about last night,” which he took as “confirmation that he knows Lou was out of line.” The ongoing conflict, which was pulled out into the open on Thursday with DiBella’s lawsuit, has put a damper on an otherwise successful first two months at the stadium, which opened to generally strong reviews and ticket sales. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula declined to take questions about the Diamond District at an unrelated event on Monday afternoon, and lawyers for DiBella did not immediately return a request for comment. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* *Reporter Graham Moomaw contributed to this report.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Some DPU billing accounts showing errors after system upgrade, city says it will automatically fix URL: https://www.richmonder.org/some-dpu-billing-accounts-showing-errors-after-system-upgrade-city-says-it-will-automatically-fix/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T17:37:28.000Z The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities said some customers are receiving errors related to a recent switch of billing systems. "Some utility payments have been received but not applied to customer accounts," the department wrote in a Monday email. "DPU is working with our payment processor to correct this error and apply those payments that have not fully processed." DPU said that there is no action needed by customers, and resolution is expected to occur within one to two business days. *This has been a breaking news update.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### June 1 Newsletter: Linking local life URL: https://www.richmonder.org/june-1-newsletter-linking-local-life/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T10:00:11.000Z **Weather:** Pleasant temperatures continue. Sunny with a high of 81. **On this date** in 1943, as World War II soldiers return home injured, plans are announced for what is now the McGuire VA Medical Center. The land was previously used as a horse-racing track. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/MAN-82-June-Digital-Ads_728x90.png) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Manchester Spotlight**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/a-taste-of-manchester/)**:** Manchester’s vibrant, walkable food scene is filled with local flavor, from soulful seafood to mouthwatering barbecue, perfect for your next date night. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-33.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/finding-community-just-became-easier-with-new-online-directory/) ### Finding community just became easier with new online directory Risa Gomez sees what many Richmonders do: Chatting with each other online is a poor substitute for actual community. But she's doing something about it. Gomez started collecting information on how and where Richmonders are meeting up, which ultimately became the [Social Connectory](https://socialconnectory.com/) website. 🎥 She said she was inspired by a Richmonder screening last year of the film "Join or Die," about the importance of community bonds. The site debuted in March and now includes 11 categories — from civic engagement opportunities to coworking spaces to theater and music calendars, as well as places to volunteer. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/finding-community-just-became-easier-with-new-online-directory/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_6930-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-after-renaming-school-board-member-seeks-to-honor-george-wythe-again/) ### Three years after renaming, School Board member seeks to honor George Wythe again Board member Emmett Jafari wants RPS to declare July as "George Wythe Month." - The school bearing his name was changed three years ago, along with others that had ties to the Confederacy and slavery. - Jafari noted that while Wythe owned slaves, he freed them later in life and pushed for emancipation. - He said he doesn't want to rename the school back to George Wythe yet, but may pursue that down the line. Richmond’s School Board meets tonight, but it’s unclear how much support Jafari has for his motion. The member who represents the school's district said the renaming process had extensive community input, and the matter is closed. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-after-renaming-school-board-member-seeks-to-honor-george-wythe-again/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-29-at-11.50.31---AM-1.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh-opponents-air-ai-generated-ad-showing-woman-with-a-bacterial-infection-from-the-james-river/) ### Code refresh opponents air AI-generated ad showing woman with a ‘bacterial infection’ from the James River The Richmond Civic League, led by former City Council member Marty Jewell, paid to air an anti-code refresh advertisement showing a digitally-generated woman growing unsightly sores after swimming in the James River. 🤖 The digital file is watermarked as being generated by Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Jewell said the story in the ad is true, but did not provide a name or other proof. There are no news stories over the timeframe cited that match the content of the video. [**Read more, and see the video, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh-opponents-air-ai-generated-ad-showing-woman-with-a-bacterial-infection-from-the-james-river/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5730942B-4CFB-4C8B-9FD1-4888790D3F38_1_105_c--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/little-resolution-in-sight-in-fight-over-who-should-handle-medical-911-calls/) ### Little resolution in sight in fight over who should handle medical 911 calls Since February 2025, the Richmond Ambulance Authority and the city’s Department of Emergency Communications have been locked in a struggle over who should field 911 calls for medical emergencies. - The dispatch center, which currently fields calls, notes that average call times are down 34% since its takeover. - The ambulance authority says calls are being incorrectly processed, with 29% marked as noncompliant by a standards board. Whether returning calls to the RAA has support remains unclear. Many of the financial figures remain in dispute, and councilors have struggled at times to parse the technical data on response quality. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/little-resolution-in-sight-in-fight-over-who-should-handle-medical-911-calls/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-34.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-officials-raise-pride-flag-in-city-hall-ceremony/) ### Photos: Officials raise pride flag in City Hall ceremony June is Pride Month, and the city marked its beginning on Friday with a ceremony recognizing Richmond's LGBTQ+ community. Several more events are scheduled throughout the month, including a block party lunch next Friday at City Hall. Participating local restaurants will also offer "Dine Out for Pride" from June 21-27\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/photos-officials-raise-pride-flag-in-city-hall-ceremony/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/CR3_7477.jpg)](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/a-taste-of-manchester/) ### A Taste of Manchester Manchester’s food scene is friendly, easy to explore, and packed with great options. [**Learn more about eating out in Downtown Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood!**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/a-taste-of-manchester/) --- ### In other news - [**One day after Squirrels owner’s lawsuit, the city announces agreements with VCU, but uncertainties remain**](https://www.richmonder.org/one-day-after-squirrels-owners-lawsuit-the-city-announces-agreements-with-vcu-but-uncertainties-remain/) - Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced that the city’s EDA has executed key agreements with VCU that were holding up development of the Diamond District project. - However, the city did not make those documents available, and VCU officials were unable to immediately confirm key provisions. - [**James River defeats Douglas Freeman in 11-inning thriller**](https://www.richmonder.org/james-river-defeats-douglas-freeman-in-11-inning-thriller/) - Sophomore Drew Acuto stroked a sacrifice fly to right field in the bottom of the 11th inning to send Jayden Grant home with the deciding run. - [**Shooting suspect in custody after 2 officers injured in Chesterfield neighborhood, police say**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/gumfork-place-shooting-may-31-2026) (CBS 6) - Officers were responding to a domestic situation in the Clover Hill Farms neighborhood. - [**Some Richmond parking spots too narrow to avoid buffer fines**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/29/richmond-parking-enforcement-bike-buffer-cars-wide) (Axios) - Richmond will resume ticketing drivers Monday for parking fully or partially in bike-lane buffer zones, but some of the spaces don't meet city minimums for width. - A spokesperson told Axios that as an old city, some lanes might be narrower than standards, and drivers whose cars don't fit "should find an alternate parking location." --- ### The editor's desk Super inspired by today's lead story, and glad we could play a small role in a great new website! *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Three years after renaming, School Board member seeks to honor George Wythe again URL: https://www.richmonder.org/three-years-after-renaming-school-board-member-seeks-to-honor-george-wythe-again/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T23:33:55.000Z Richmond School Board member Emmett Jafari (8th District) would like RPS to declare July as George Wythe Month, according to a document provided to The Richmonder. The proposed recognition comes just months before the new Richmond High School for the Arts building, the school formerly named for Wythe, is set to open for students. Jafari told The Richmonder that he introduced the proclamation to ensure that there is a full telling of his story and his contribution to abolition and “the ultimate sacrifice of his life,” especially in light of the country’s 250th anniversary. The Southside high school was renamed [three years ago](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/four-richmond-schools-will-have-new-names-following-school-board-vote/) due to Wythe’s slaveowning history. It was added to a list of three other schools the Board agreed to change for also having names tied to the Confederacy and slavery. Jafari, who is Black, noted that while Wythe owned slaves, he [freed them later in life](https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/wythe-george-1726-or-1727-1806/) and pushed for emancipation. “I’m not saying the man was perfect,” he said. “To me, it’s not just whether or not you owned slaves, it’s what you did in your life to change that institution.” When asked if he wants to rename the school back to Wythe, he said that’s not his focus right now, but may be down the line. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-31-at-12.24.20---PM.png) The new school's gym has been completed, with RHSA logos on the seats. (RPS) Richmond’s School Board meets on Monday night, but it’s unclear how much support Jafari has for his motion. Stephanie Rizzi, Board representative of the district the school is in, said the renaming process was an extensive one that included a committee consisting of community members who helped choose the new name. “As far as I know, the community has spoken,” she said. The rest of the School Board has “basically denied” putting his proposal on a meeting agenda, Jafari said, and [pointed to school policy](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BHPRAW6CAA38) stating that Board members may add or remove items from the agenda when motioned, seconded by another member and adopted by a majority vote. After it is seconded, Board members can have discussions about the motion before an official vote, something Jafari said he’s not even being allowed. “I’m very concerned about that,” he said. “It censors me.” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez said in a statement that Board members should “feel empowered” to bring forward matters they believe are important, but it is ultimately up to the entire governing body to decide the next steps on matters following discussions of them. “The request brought forward by Mr. Jafari is no different,” she said. [Podcast studio, music and dance rooms touted in early tour of new Richmond high schoolSuperintendent Jason Kamras said the division aims to make the school “the premier arts high school in Central Virginia.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/08/rhsa-tour-3.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/podcast-studio-music-and-dance-rooms-touted-in-early-tour-of-new-richmond-high-school/) Jafari was a staunch supporter of the [Armstrong-Kennedy High School name change recently](https://www.richmonder.org/richmonds-armstrong-high-will-be-renamed-in-2027-after-surprise-vote/). He also went to Maggie Walker High School when it was created for Black students during segregation. The school [had been abandoned since 1990](https://mlwgs.com/about/history/), and later rebranded in 2001 and now operates as a public regional magnet school. “What we do at our schools when we decide to dash the names … it really impacts the African American community at large,” he said. He added that while running for his seat, he met voters along the way who expressed dissatisfaction with the name change and felt excluded from the renaming process for the school. It was one of the reasons why he ran for the position. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. If adopted, the proclamation would be read alongside other recognitions the Board announces at its monthly meetings, like student achievements, holidays and observances. Particularly, the notice would be read yearly every July. “BE IT RESOLVED AND PROCLAIMED that the courage and sacrifice of Virginia Son George Wythe be forever remembered by RPS and Her Scholars; that His name remain enshrined in our lessons and upon the school built in His honor; that this Board act forthwith to restore and honor His legacy,” the document reads. The proclamation, which Jafari states he is asking on behalf of his constituency and alumni of the former school, frequently refers to Wythe as “Virginia Son” and credits him for breaking from family custom of owning slaves and “advancing principals that supported a colorblind republic.” [New high school timeline accelerated after flooding at RHSACrews will work seven days a week to get the new building ready.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-22-at-6.21.19---PM-bfeea880c455adf1ff0464308d52feccbf66767b7fdd1f69933e42033589ec44.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/new-high-school-timeline-accelerated-after-flooding-at-rhsa/) George Wythe, the first signer of the seven signatures of Declaration of Independence from Virginia, was a lawyer, judge and the first law professor in the country teaching at the College of William & Mary. He served as a mentor to other founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Marshall. Wythe had actively owned slaves in his early life but later pushed for emancipation and abolition while still being a slave owner. After his wife died in 1787, he freed most of his slaves and owned none by the time of his death. His grand-nephew poisoned Wythe after he named an [enslaved man a beneficiary in Wythe’s will](https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/wythe-the-death-of-george-1806/). [Former VCU star, Wythe alum is rebuilding the RHSA basketball team, which won a nail-biter on FridayA late free throw lifted the Bulldogs to their second victory of the season.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderWeldon Bradshaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_3186-5b8b564f4c69b6c1ed00eba4e8269fe1b95b394cb3d8835e5130500fae245940.JPG)](https://www.richmonder.org/former-vcu-star-wythe-alum-is-rebuilding-the-rhsa-basketball-team-which-won-a-nail-biter-on-saturday/) Jafari said he believes that students in RPS should know the full history of the Wythe. He added that it felt necessary to recognize him today, and ensure that he “is not lumped in with sedition and treason.” “I feel driven to make sure that the story about the man gets out,” he said. But Rizzi feels differently. “I think it’s time we look forward to the future,” she said. The Richmond School Board will also discuss accelerating the opening of the new [Richmond High School for the Arts](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DUGQTL6ADD16/$file/RHSA%20Passion4Learning%20Update%20-%2006.01.26%20Board%20Work%20Session%20%281%29.pdf) building at the Monday meeting, after flooding caused a premature end to the school year at the old building. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Finding community just became easier with new online directory URL: https://www.richmonder.org/finding-community-just-became-easier-with-new-online-directory/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T13:51:04.000Z Risa Gomez sees what many Richmonders do: Chatting with each other online is a poor substitute for actual community. But she's doing something about it. “The former surgeon general released [a white paper](https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf) about the loneliness epidemic. I think it's just been this trend of disconnection,” she said. “And I think social media has a lot to do with it. I think people are waking up to the fact that social media is providing a hollow connection. It is really not fulfilling them. You get all these likes and all these comments, but it's not truly genuinely fulfilling people. You still feel lonely.” With those barometers in mind, Gomez started collecting information on how and where Richmonders are meeting up, which ultimately became the [Social Connectory](https://socialconnectory.com/). The spark for the idea came about after attending an event put on by The Richmonder. “The Richmonder hosted a documentary screening of '[Join or Die](https://joinordiefilm.com/),' she said. “It's the idea of the decline of civic engagement and how it's an effect on the health of the community and the fabric of community.” During a Q&A session after the screening, she said people began saying that it would be great to have some way for Richmonders to know how to get engaged. “There's not a central resource for things that are coming up in civic government or how to join a bowling league. People can Google, but you can only find so much through Google,” Gomez said. “I just started collecting things on this spreadsheet. I follow a few specific social media influencers. I started collecting these clubs that I could find on Instagram. And the spreadsheet started growing and growing.” While collecting data, Gomez also started working with a web developer and with brand development and social media creator Hannah Sikora, who, like Gomez, says the name “Social Connectory” is a play on the word directory. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-22-at-6.49.21---PM.png)](https://socialconnectory.com/) The Social Connectory website. “So it's like an old school phone book directory and being a social connector,” said Sikora. “That's what I think she is and what a lot of people in Richmond are. It's a small town, small city. And we all are constantly like, ‘Are you going to this thing? Do you know this person?’ That name came about to be a connector.” And the site is literally that – a connector. It links users to where other organizations are posting their events. Gomez said the Richmond community already has some great resources, such as those posted in CultureWorks, Style Weekly and RIC Today. “They do a really great job at consolidating events and doing weekly updates of things to do. So I didn't want to recreate that because that's already out there in multiple places,” Gomez said, adding that there’s also a ton of great LGBTQ+ resources out there too, that her site points to. “I'm not recreating those things, but I am pointing to them. I'm kind of a concierge, not a competitor sort of thing,” said Gomez, whose license plate is a condensing of the phrase "I show up." [After federal funding upheavals, Richmond nonprofits say they are bruised but not brokenFor 77 days this fall, Allison Bogdanović didn’t know whether the rent could continue to be paid.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/KGGCGB-07de4ce04eef33c5902cedcbde0463f2caa012b40d3136d3817de44a750e8679.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-federal-funding-upheavals-richmond-nonprofits-say-they-are-bruised-but-not-broken/) ### Connecting people Matt Adkins knows all about the [loneliness epidemic](https://weillcornell.org/news/america%E2%80%99s-loneliness-epidemic-what-is-to-be-done). The licensed counselor in Chesterfield County meets with clients who are experiencing it all the time. “So many psychological and emotional problems are \[the\] result of feelings of disconnection, whether it's disconnection from community, nature and the environment,” Adkins said. “These are all things that show up in a therapeutic environment.” For years he has been looking for ways to help his clients find ways to reconnect with people in person. That’s why he was happy to stumble across the website. “I don't remember exactly how I found it. But I'm certain that it came out of my work with a client, trying to help them find ways of finding connection in the community,” he said. “This is always a recurring theme in my work is that I have a lot of people that report feeling disconnected, feeling isolated, and not knowing where to find community. So I end up as a therapist oftentimes trying to help them find ways to connect.” The site debuted in March and now includes 11 categories — from civic engagement opportunities to coworking spaces to theater and music calendars, as well as places to volunteer. “There are so many nonprofits that do such great things in Richmond,” said Gomez. “And people know that I volunteer and I'm always getting asked, ‘How do I volunteer? What do I volunteer for? How do I really get engaged?’ So I list a lot of great nonprofits. Right now it's over 460 things.” Her work in Richmond's community goes back years. “I've always been involved in the community,” she said. “I volunteer a lot for a lot of different things: VPM Community Advisory Board, on the board of Bridge Park. I was on the organizing committee for TEDxRVA, TEDxGraceStreetWomen, RVA MakerFest. I do a lot with Richmond Folk Fest, too.” [Take a look inside VPM’s new Broad Street headquartersThe building is tentatively scheduled to open in May, following an extensive and elaborate moving process.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_4338-ecdd35a872a2b40add5d823325ade2ed0210a9ea91834fd81e66095cd150b2b5.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/take-a-look-inside-vpms-new-broad-street-headquarters/) There are no plans to monetize the site, though Gomez said she does hope to sell banner ads as a way to help with the minimal costs. “It's primarily the only way I'm going to raise any revenue for my hosting fees and for marketing,” she said. “And I want to feature organizations in that banner ad space that have that like-minded community sense.” Adkins said he’s passed the site along to not only his clients but to his therapist colleagues as well. “The response has been really good. This is the kind of thing that I think oftentimes people are overwhelmed by,” Adkins said. “They know that they want connection. They know that it is out there. But then where to find it becomes a very overwhelming task and I see a lot of people just kind of give up because it's too much to figure out on their own.” *This article has been updated to correct the organizing committees that Gomez participates in.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Little resolution in sight in fight over who should handle medical 911 calls URL: https://www.richmonder.org/little-resolution-in-sight-in-fight-over-who-should-handle-medical-911-calls/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T16:39:42.000Z Since February 2025, the Richmond Ambulance Authority and the city’s Department of Emergency Communications have been locked in a struggle over who should field 911 calls for medical emergencies. More than a year later, a proposal is before the City Council to give the responsibility back to the ambulance authority after it was transferred in 2024 to the city’s dispatch center as part of an effort to centralize services recommended by the Robert Bobb Group consultancy. But after multiple hearings on the subject, there appears to be little resolution in sight, with both sides committed to their position that they are the best agency to be in charge of medical calls. “Mayor Avula believes the current model of 911 call response more effectively serves residents than the model proposed by the ordinance, is more fiscally responsible, and is operationally more efficient,” Lawson Wijesooriya, Avula’s chief of staff, wrote to City Council members May 10\. The administration has pointed in particular to a 34% drop in the average time it takes a 911 dispatch worker to categorize what kind of medical problem a caller is facing and how severe it is as proof that Emergency Communications does a better job than RAA. “A one-minute faster response can be critical in emergencies,” the mayor wrote in a memo at the time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/data-src-image-cf21189b-6326-4ed5-b490-94d8aa67441e.png) The ambulance authority, however, continues to argue that Emergency Communications is processing calls incorrectly, leading to confusion and incorrect resources being sent to emergencies. “It’s not a race; it needs to be accurate,” said Chip Decker, CEO of the authority. “And our data shows we’re more accurate.” [Richmond Ambulance Authority wants to talk to 911 callers againThe shift is one of “several things that we need to unwind” from Mayor Levar Stoney’s administration, said the head of the RAA.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/2F90T5F-2-1e75c0fce8b8e0133e1e2bf91ca289b53f24e97b83329686e9117386bc635168.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-ambulance-authority-wants-to-talk-to-911-callers-again/) In a memo sent by Decker to the City Council May 18, Decker said that the administration’s emphasis on call processing times is out of step with the standards used by emergency dispatch accreditors to evaluate agencies. Furthermore, he said, those times don’t reflect how long it takes for an ambulance to be dispatched, since vehicles are sent out before the processing is complete. The accrediting body “does not use raw processing speed as a measure of success,” he wrote. “Speed without accuracy is not the objective of emergency medical dispatch. Accurate call classification, proper resource allocation, and effective caller questioning are the standards by which high-performing dispatch centers are measured.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. In its defense, RAA has marshaled compliance scores from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, pointing out that the accreditor classified 29% of the calls handled by Emergency Communications over a six-month period as noncompliant with standards. Over a comparable time period, only 6% of RAA’s calls were classified as noncompliant. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/data-src-image-1a2e3574-27e5-41f4-afa0-3b9247338bcb.png) The Avula administration has defended its own stance by saying that the prior system of transferring callers with a medical emergency from the communications center to RAA caused confusion among people in need of aid and was out of step with national trends toward consolidating emergency communications. Maintaining two call centers, the city says, is costly, requiring investments that “would not be necessary if we move to a fully consolidated and co-located model.” Studies including the Robert Bobb Group analysis “have emphasized the importance of consolidating rather than dividing call-taking functions, noting inefficiencies and additional cost burdens associated with maintaining two emergency communications centers,” Avula wrote. RAA has said it is unaware of any data showing that callers struggled with the prior system. Furthermore, it has been firm that returning medical calls to the authority would not cost the city anything, since RAA still maintains a communications center to handle pre-scheduled non-emergency medical services. To date, the authority has won the support of three councilors — Reva Trammell (8th District), Sarah Abubaker (4th District) and Kenya Gibson (3rd District) — and the Public Safety Committee, which has twice approved the transfer proposal and has engaged in several antagonistic exchanges with the city’s director of emergency communications, Stephen Willoughby. Whether it can get the support of the full Council remains unclear. Many of the financial figures remain in dispute, and councilors have struggled at times to parse the technical data on response quality. “I’m still trying to make sense as to is it better,” said Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District) on Thursday. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Code refresh opponents air AI-generated ad showing woman with a ‘bacterial infection’ from the James River URL: https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh-opponents-air-ai-generated-ad-showing-woman-with-a-bacterial-infection-from-the-james-river/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T12:27:49.000Z The Richmond Civic League, led by former City Council member Marty Jewell, paid to air an anti-code refresh advertisement showing a digitally-generated woman growing unsightly sores after swimming in the James River. The Civic League has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the city’s rezoning initiative, one of the stated goals of which is to allow more homes to be built inside city limits. One of the group’s objections to increased density is that Richmond’s sewer system overflows into the James River during periods of intense rain. (City officials have said the issue is tied to [rainfall, not population](https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/CSS%20Slides%20January%202022.pdf). State law requires the problem [be addressed by 2036](https://www.rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements-public-utilities/news/city-richmond-combined-sewer-overflow-cso).) In the ad, which was run on streaming video websites, a woman visits the James River for a swim, then is seen on her couch scratching her badly-infected legs. “In July 2025 I went for a swim in the James River, near Belle Isle,” she said. “I had no idea that the raw sewage outflow was nearby. I developed a horrible bacterial infection from that swim.” The digital file is watermarked as being generated by Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and a computerized voice speaks over the Civic League logo. “The city’s acts in code refresh rezoning are unconscionable,” it said. “We urge you to email your councilperson demanding they fix this horrid pollution first.” *Watch the video below:* 0:00 /0:32 1× ****NOTE: This video was generated with artificial intelligence.** Jewell said he was unavailable for an interview by telephone because of health issues, but would respond to emailed questions from The Richmonder. In response to four questions – where the ads were running, whether the group considered labeling the content as AI, if the video was based on a true story and who was funding the ads – he responded with a 1,116-word email focusing on the sewer issue. “Richmond citizens will forever be in your debt if you can report on this and shed new light,” he wrote. “A great starting place is the web document [on City Council's site](https://rva.gov/city-stuff/news/city-richmonds-2026-general-assembly-legislative-agenda) where they report to the GA that the current cost to repair our defective water and sewer system is 1.8 billion dollars. Money we don't have and are unlikely to secure.” He did not respond to follow-up questions about the use of AI. He wrote that “the incident in the James is a true story” but did not point to any specific news story or offer any name or contact information for the person impacted. There are no news stories over the timeframe cited that match the content of the video. Jewell said that, “regarding costs, Richmond Civic League simply lines up donors as available for particular expenses.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Jewell said his group believes that the city should offer a ballot referendum on the rezoning initiative instead of putting it in the hands of City Council. “So yes, Richmond Civic League will continue to engage citizens and help give them the voice they deserve,” he wrote. A follow-up email was not returned as of press time. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### James River defeats Douglas Freeman in 11-inning thriller URL: https://www.richmonder.org/james-river-defeats-douglas-freeman-in-11-inning-thriller/ Last updated: 2026-05-30T12:02:21.000Z He didn’t expect to play, and why should he? Drew Acuto, after all, was just a sophomore who’d earned a late-season promotion to the James River Rapids’ varsity baseball roster after spending most of the spring laboring in relative anonymity on the JV. His role, he knew, was to watch, listen, learn, and support his guys. His time to shine would one day come. That he also knew. Little could he imagine that it would come so soon. Friday night, amidst the tension thick in the air, Acuto stroked a sacrifice fly to right field in the bottom of the 11th inning to send Jayden Grant home from third with the deciding run in the Rapids’ 5-4 victory over visiting Douglas Freeman in the quarterfinal round of the Region 5C playoffs. “Our coaches always tell us, ‘You’ve got to be ready for your moment,’” Acuto said. “The goal was always sac fly. The first pitch was up. I thought I had a chance to put it somewhere in the outfield. “The second pitch was a fastball right over the plate. I just let it rip. What happens, happens.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Grant, a senior shortstop and VMI signee, began the final half-inning by beating out a sharp single to the left side of the infield. He then stole second and moved to third on a single to right by freshman catcher Alex Adams. Scoring from third on a shot to Freeman right fielder Jack Adams was no sure thing. In the seventh inning, Adams cut down a runner at the plate with a laser from deep right. An inning later, another pinpoint throw held another runner at third. Grant, though, was undeterred. “I was going, no matter what,” he said. “Drew did his job. Once (the ball) was in the air, with my speed, I knew I’d be safe.” He was, of course, but barely. Adams unleashed another strike, but, sliding headfirst, Grant narrowly avoided the tag. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_4318.JPG) Jayden Grant “All credit to that right fielder,” said JR coach Pete Schumacher. “He has a cannon. All three of his throws were great. “Jayden is our fastest guy. Even when (Acuto’s sac fly) was shallow, I’m going to give him a chance to make an athletic play. His slide was the difference.” The No. 3 Rapids (18-3) went up 1-0 in the bottom of the third when Matthew Baggett drew a bases-loaded walk scoring Alex Kish, a pinch runner for Eli Hulette, who led off with a single. After Adams’ diving catch of a sinking line drive got Freeman (14-8) out of a bases-loaded jam, the No. 6 Mavericks put up two runs in the fourth when Thomas Page singled home Adams and Page scored on a fielder’s choice. The Rapids regained the lead an inning later when Brian Consuegra (courtesy runner for Alex Adams, who singled) scored on a fielder’s choice and Eli Bower scored on a bases-loaded walk. With two outs in the top of the seventh, Matthew Berrey delivered a double to center field to send Ben Bleicher (single) and Brady Finn (fielder’s choice) home and put Freeman ahead 4-3. With the game on the line, JR’s Owen Wears hit a sharp single to left scoring Consuegra (pinch runner for Conner Sprouse, who was hit by a pitch) to tie the game before Adams’ monster throw from right prevented the winning run from scoring. The game then went into extra innings. What had seemed a fast-paced matchup early on evolved into a four-hour marathon. Then, Acuto’s bat brought it to conclusion and set off a celebration amongst the James River faithful. “The electricity was there,” Acuto said. “Everybody was awesome. There was so much adrenaline. So much was going through my head. “I wouldn’t have been in that situation if my team wasn’t fighting all game. We had a huge team effort from the pitchers, the hitters, and even the dugout bringing all the energy. I’m just glad I could be part of it.” Each team used four pitchers who unleashed a total of 385 pitches. Nolan Anthony (no runs, no hits, three strikeouts, 38 pitches, 26 for strikes) shut down the Mavericks over the final three innings and earned the win. “There’s confidence as soon as Coach calls my name,” Anthony said. “That comes from the dugout.” His curve and fastball were the magic, he said. Experience and mindset helped as well. “Take a moment,” he said of his ability to control what he could control. “Relax. Focus on the catcher’s mitt.” After the post-game handshakes, the Rapids adjourned to their customary spot in left field to debrief and reflect. Joy abounded, for sure. Then, they went about their business of restoring the Dave Cottrell Field, their home turf, to pregame condition. “My teammates played with energy and energy and energy,” said Grant. “We can do anything. Anything is possible when we play with energy, effort, and hard-fought at-bats.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Photos: Officials raise pride flag in City Hall ceremony URL: https://www.richmonder.org/photos-officials-raise-pride-flag-in-city-hall-ceremony/ Last updated: 2026-05-30T00:20:10.000Z Richmond government officials held a ceremony on Friday morning to mark the start of Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Several more events are scheduled throughout the month, including a block party lunch next Friday at City Hall. On June 11, the Allianz Amphitheater will host "OutLoud RVA Happy Hour," a free event, and on June 12 the Richmond Flying Squirrels will host a Pride Night, which will be a ticketed event. Participating local restaurants will offer "Dine Out for Pride" from June 21-27\. More events can be found [**here**](https://linktr.ee/virginiapride?utm%5Fsource=ig&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fcontent=link%5Fin%5Fbio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGngLzfD5raWbZ0XvW9rJeR-9I1kvfljChxDZ38YgCJ6fm2sddYpmJ3HIuugEg%5Faem%5FcKHuLOPNg43yNVUa6FRwqQ). Photos: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-1.JPG) Aneesah Smith, Equity & Inclusion Advisor for Richmond City's Office of Equity and Inclusion welcomed guests to the city's annual Pride flag-raising ceremony. (Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian for The Richmonder) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-4.JPG) Richmonders sported accessories while gathered outside of City Hall. The event was held in partnership with Virginia Pride, Diversity Richmond and other community organizations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-5.JPG) James Millner, VA Pride Director, speaks at the ceremony. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-6.JPG) Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross, Executive Director at Diversity Richmond, speaks during the event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-7.JPG) Qing Imzadi with URGC/Black Pride RVA, speaks during the event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-11.JPG) Sunflower Mo, a spoken word artist, performed during the event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-12.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-14.JPG) Richmond Mayor Danny Avula speaks at the ceremony. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-15.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-17.JPG) Mayor Danny Avula and City Councilmember Kenya Gibson presented the 2026 Pride Month Proclamation to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/5.29_Pride-Flag-City-Hall_JTH-21.JPG) Officials gather for a photo after Friday's ceremony. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### One day after Squirrels owner’s lawsuit, the city announces agreements with VCU, but uncertainties remain URL: https://www.richmonder.org/one-day-after-squirrels-owners-lawsuit-the-city-announces-agreements-with-vcu-but-uncertainties-remain/ Last updated: 2026-05-30T00:04:41.000Z Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced Friday afternoon that the city’s Economic Development Authority has executed key agreements with VCU that were holding up the development of the Diamond District project. Those three agreements are the purchase of Sports Backers Stadium from VCU, an “access agreement” to begin work before the Sports Backers Stadium deed is officially conveyed, and a lease giving VCU’s baseball team the city’s permission to play at CarMax Park. However, at least one of those deals is contingent on the Flying Squirrels coming to a separate agreement with VCU, which has not happened. City officials said they could not immediately provide the agreements, and VCU officials were unable to immediately say whether those deals were contingent on the Squirrels’ lease agreement. Thursday night, Squirrels’ owner Lou DiBella filed a lawsuit against Thalhimer Realty Partners, the site’s lead developer, alleging a number of delays and obstructions from the group and the city throughout the process of building a new stadium for Richmond’s minor-league baseball team. The city did not respond to that lawsuit but [issued a press release](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Mayor-Danny-Avula-Announces-Major-Diamond-District-Agreements-Signed--Advancing-Transformative-Development-.html?soid=1141729857239&aid=vAaJxtdGd4o) on Friday with the VCU announcements. “It’s another exciting day in Richmond!” Mayor Danny Avula wrote. “The Diamond District is all about creating a thriving new neighborhood with housing, parks, recreation, and economic opportunity for generations to come. “The best things take time and hard work, but in the end, they’re worth it. I’m so proud we’ve hit this milestone.” VCU's statement also did not address the school's relationship with the Squirrels. "We’re looking forward to working with all partners to complete the next steps of this important community project," a spokesperson wrote. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The $2.4 billion Diamond District development consists of both the CarMax Park baseball stadium and a mixed-use neighborhood with housing, retail and office space. While the stadium began to operate this April, further development of the site is contingent on VCU vacating the sports facility it has on the site, known as Sports Backers Stadium. (The facility once held Sports Backers’ offices but is not owned by Sports Backers.) VCU had previously held up that transaction because it had not reached a deal for its baseball team to play at the new stadium. Last October, all three parties held a press conference to announce they had agreed on terms, but those contracts were never executed. [What is Sports Backers Stadium and why is it holding up Diamond District development?While the stadium is named for Sports Backers, a local nonprofit that promotes active living, it is not owned by the group.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/02/IMG_6868.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-sports-backers-stadium-and-why-is-it-holding-up-diamond-district-development/) The agreement between VCU and the Squirrels appears no closer after DiBella’s lawsuit on Thursday, in which he stated that he is not currently interested in a deal. “DiBella and the Squirrels have no obligation to maintain the field and stadium and share MLB-used spaces with VCU, and DiBella has been clear that he currently does not intend to do so,” the suit says. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Goochland baseball earns first postseason win since 2018 URL: https://www.richmonder.org/goochland-baseball-earns-first-postseason-win-since-2018/ Last updated: 2026-05-29T10:28:17.000Z The incessant chatter resonating from the Goochland Bulldogs’ dugout Thursday night spoke volumes. It wasn’t just the words, though, or the high decibel level with which those words were delivered. Instead, it was the spirit and passion with which they flowed for seven quick innings and the boundless hustle they generated, the upshot of which was a 6-0 victory over visiting Fauquier in the quarterfinal round of the Region 3B baseball playoffs. “You have to keep the energy up, keep the momentum up, and keep the guys rolling,” said junior righthander Charlie Harrington, whose one-hit masterpiece held the Falcons at bay. “It’s just positive talk and trusting the work you’ve put in. It’s been three months of work. We’re ready.” The Bulldogs, 18-4 and the No. 1 seed, earned their first postseason win since 2018 by scoring two runs each in the first, fourth, and sixth. Harrington, meanwhile, threw just 77 pitches including 60 for strikes, struck out eight, walked none, and allowed a mere three base runners, none of whom advanced past second. “Everything was working,” he said. “I was laying my curveball, slider, changeup, and fastball in the strike zone. Just threw strikes and let my defense work.” The No. 8 Falcons from Warrenton ended their season 10-11\. “You have to have confidence going into every game, no matter what seed they are,” Harrington said. “You treat (every opponent) the same.” With one out in the first, Sam Farkas walked, then scored Goochland’s first run on Jackson Bell’s double to the 330-foot right field wall. Logan Everett followed with a two-out single to left, which enabled Bell to score from second on a head-first tone-setting slide that sent dust a-flying, even though there was no attempt to catch him at the plate. “Coach (Wes) Farkas (in the third base coaching box) kept waving me through,” Bell said. “I said, *I’m going to lay out. I’m going to create some energy here.* Sliding headfirst creates a lot of buzz. I didn’t know there was no throw, but looking back, I’d do it again.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Everett led off the home half of the fourth by reaching first on an error and moved to third on Jack Barber’s infield single. Chase Hicks followed with a single to left, scoring Everett and moving Barber to second. Kinyon Ross drew a walk to load the bases; then, Bohdan Pisko delivered a sacrifice fly to left to score Barber and put the Bulldogs up 4-0. With the game moving quickly, Barber led off the sixth with a single to left and advanced a base on a passed ball. He moved to third when Ross reached first on a fielder’s choice. Will Johns followed with a shot to left, which resulted in an error allowing Barber and Ross to race home with ease. On this clear, breezy, mid-70’s evening, joy abounded amongst the large, engaged contingent of Goochland faithful in attendance. “The community is very supportive of every one of us,” Bell said. “You walk into somewhere local like Courthouse Marketplace for breakfast and see a bunch of people who know you play baseball and are very supportive.” The Bulldogs have won nine of their last 11 games. Three of their four losses this season have been to Class 4 signatories. What has enabled them to achieve success? Strong pitching, of course. Solid defense, for sure. Hot bats, definitely. There’s more, though… “It starts with your senior leadership,” said Farkas, their veteran coach. “We have great senior captains (Sam Farkas, Johns, and Bell, who share the role with Harrington). Even the non-captain seniors have had a great approach and want to see the team succeed. “What I love about this group is they’re very unselfish. These guys root for each other. It’s a very unique dynamic to have the talent and effort, and they really like each other. “They want to leave a legacy, not just have a great regular season. We’ve talked about, we’ve worked hard in the regular season, but let’s not be done.” So as they move deeper into the post-season, the Bulldogs have their collective eye trained on the prize. At the same time, they’re having the ride of their lives. “Playing with the guys is awesome,” Harrington said. “Spending every day with them…I wouldn’t want it any other way.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### May 29 Newsletter: Kindness rocks URL: https://www.richmonder.org/may-29-newsletter-kindness-rocks/ Last updated: 2026-05-29T10:00:20.000Z **Weather:** A high of 80 makes for a beautiful Friday in Richmond. **On this date** in 1736, Patrick Henry is born on the Studley plantation in Hanover County. As a young man, he played the fiddle to entertain guests at the Hanover Tavern, which his father-in-law owned. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/MAN-81-May-Digital-Ads_Style-Weekly_728x90.png)](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Manchester Spotlight**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/)**:** River views and rooftop pools are just the start of what the Manchester neighborhood has to offer! --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/ml1--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rock-star-her-painted-rocks-are-spreading-joy-across-the-globe/) ### Rock star: Her painted rocks are spreading joy across the globe Starting small five years ago, Mary Lynn Taylor painted an initial batch of 18 rocks and left some scattered around her neighborhood for walkers to come across. Others went to grocery cart return spots, parking spots for veterans and people with disabilities, post offices, windowsills — you name it. That's led to about 1,300 more, which have been found across the globe. She lists among her favorite Kindness Rocks messages *You matter*, *Hope*, and *You are enough*, adding that “I hope that someone who is having a bad day or experiencing a hard time will find one of my rocks and know that someone out there cares.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rock-star-her-painted-rocks-are-spreading-joy-across-the-globe/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-30.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/launched-to-great-fanfare-richmonds-civilian-review-board-is-growing-restless-as-its-workload-remains-minimal/) ### Launched to great fanfare, Richmond’s Civilian Review Board is growing restless as its workload remains minimal Since February, the group has reviewed just two cases involving alleged misconduct by Richmond police officers, agreeing with the department’s investigations in both cases. That’s in contrast to the five to 10 cases they were told to expect to review each month. The consultant who helped Mayor Levar Stoney launch the board said things are working as expected. “You live in a city where those things don't happen all the time. That's a good place to live,” he told members. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/launched-to-great-fanfare-richmonds-civilian-review-board-is-growing-restless-as-its-workload-remains-minimal/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-31.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/fight-disrupts-john-marshall-high-school-graduation-ceremony-4-detained-by-police/) ### Fight disrupts John Marshall High School graduation ceremony; 4 detained by police Graduation proceedings for the John Marshall High School class of 2026 were disrupted on Wednesday when a fight broke out in the middle of the ceremony, followed by additional fights outside the Siegel Center after the ceremony. Superintendent Jason Kamras had died his hair blue for the ceremony to celebrate the school's 100% graduation rate. A day after the incident, VCU Police charged a 20-year old with disorderly conduct and damage to private property. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/fight-disrupts-john-marshall-high-school-graduation-ceremony-4-detained-by-police/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-32.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/januarys-ice-storm-inspires-a-reworking-of-city-rules-on-who-must-clear-sidewalks/) ### January’s ice storm inspires a reworking of city rules on who must clear sidewalks Among the proposed changes: - Ice is specifically included, in addition to snow. Residents must clear it within six hours after it stops falling, or by 11 a.m. the next morning if overnight. - At properties with three or more housing units, the landlord is responsible. - The fine for violators drops from $250 to $100\. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/januarys-ice-storm-inspires-a-reworking-of-city-rules-on-who-must-clear-sidewalks/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/city-hall-sign-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-no-penalties-richmond-dpu-wants-the-power-to-fine-stormwater-violations/) ### After years of no penalties, Richmond DPU wants the power to fine stormwater violations Although officials with Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities say violations of stormwater, erosion and other water discharge rules are likely occurring every year, the city has issued zero fines for those infractions. The proposed approach would let DPU impose and collect the penalties for water quality violations itself, without having to go through a formal judicial process. Penalties could be collected administratively for erosion and stormwater violations at construction sites, the failure of an industrial facility to adequately treat any discharges into the city’s stormwater system and any release of pollutants into the city’s sewers or waters. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-no-penalties-richmond-dpu-wants-the-power-to-fine-stormwater-violations/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/The-Eddy-Rooftop-2.jpg)](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/) ### **Make Manchester your new home** Manchester is an energized neighborhood just south of the James River in Downtown Richmond, known for its riverfront views and ever-growing lineup of things to do. With easy access to Belle Isle, Brown’s Island, and Downtown, plus a mix of local restaurants, breweries, shops, and arts spaces, it’s a go-to spot for exploring year-round. [**Read more here.**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/) --- ### In other news - [**Flying Squirrels owner sues Diamond District developer over heated encounter at new ballpark**](https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/) - In the ongoing dispute over whether VCU will play baseball at CarMax Park, the lawsuit says the Squirrels “have no obligation to ... share MLB-used spaces with VCU, and (owner Lou) DiBella has been clear that he currently does not intend to do so.” - [**Manchester cruises in softball quarterfinals**](https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-cruises-in-softball-quarterfinals/) - Coach Will Willis and his staff arrived at 8:30 a.m. to work on making the field playable after rainstorms. - [**266,000 Affected by Data Breach at Radiology Associates of Richmond**](https://www.securityweek.com/266000-affected-by-data-breach-at-radiology-associates-of-richmond/) (Security Week) - According to the healthcare organization’s incident notice, the data breach occurred on or about July 25, 2025, when hackers accessed its internal systems. - [**Hanover supervisors reject data center project on Mountain Road**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/05/28/hanover-supervisors-reject-data-center-project-on-mountain-road/?utm%5Fcampaign=RBS%20Newsfeed&utm%5Fmedium=email&%5Fhsenc=p2ANqtz-8Kl2V44ay1K3qqHIqBIGV96A38xh7V7Eg5EM6eWpImBhjByIifDT-0B0L%5FbdaX3bZsTuLZfbUqvOqK%5FDFrkS3cJ1EX1g&%5Fhsmi=421025693&utm%5Fcontent=421025693&utm%5Fsource=hs%5Femail#newsletter) (Richmond BizSense) - The Tract project was anticipated to utilize an average of 600,000 gallons of water per day through a connection to the county’s water and sewer service. - [**Maymont President & CEO Parke Richeson to retire**](https://maymont.org/press/pr-transition/) (Press release) - The board will begin a national search for a new leader. --- ### The editor's desk Happy Greek festival weekend! I'm just here for the baklava. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### Rock star: Her painted rocks are spreading joy across the globe URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rock-star-her-painted-rocks-are-spreading-joy-across-the-globe/ Last updated: 2026-05-29T01:11:31.000Z Between the pandemic and a riot at the U.S. Capitol, life was looking a bit bleak in January 2021. All the gloominess in the air left even the chronically-upbeat Mary Lynn Taylor feeling, as she remembers, “saddened and heartsick.” Not being one to wallow in those kinds of feelings for long, though, she got busy instead. “I felt compelled to add a bit of unexpected light and kindness to the world around me,” said Taylor, who lives in Henrico County. “I turned off the news, turned on some music, and got to work. Painting rocks became my outlet.” So was born Kindness Rocks, which Taylor takes both literally and figuratively. Five years later, her “outlet” has sent rocks adorned with her artistry and positive sentiments on missions both near and far, creating pockets of the kinds of light and kindness she wants to spread. Five years later, she has no intention of letting up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/MaryLynn1.jpg) Mary Lynn Taylor holds a fresh batch of her rocks. Starting small, Taylor painted an initial batch of 18 rocks and left some scattered around her neighborhood for walkers to come across. Others went to grocery cart return spots, parking spots for veterans and people with disabilities, post offices, windowsills — you name it. She had no way of knowing who ended up with those first 18 rocks, but said it really didn’t matter. “It was enough just to think about someone finding one as they went about their day,” she said, “and maybe getting a smile in a time that was so fraught with negativity.” Since the rock-bottom feelings experienced by so many during that January, Taylor estimated that she’s painted some 1,300 Kindness Rocks. Today, they’re reaching way past her neighborhood and, in fact, some have gone global, spreading a message of kindness and hope more widely than she would ever have guessed. So far, with the help of family and friends, Kindness Rocks have found their way into the hands of lucky folks as far and wide as in an ice cream shop in Scotland, the Roman Colosseum, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland, a restaurant windowsill in Honduras and Londonderry, Northern Ireland. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Kindness has certainly rocked domestically, too. Some of the U.S. landing spots include a Baltimore Orioles spring training game, Epcot, a park bench in Santa Fe, New Mexico, various hangouts in Pine Island, Corolla, Duck, Avon, and Emerald Isle in North Carolina, the town of Fish Creek Falls, Colorado, a wall mural in Nashville and of course sites all of Virginia. Taylor’s rocks have also been placed so far at spots in the states of Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. You don’t have to leave town to see one, though. Here in Richmond, you may come across one just about anywhere. Just a few of the locations they’ve been spotted to date: BJ’s, Chianti, Chez Max, Silver Diner, Kroger, Partner MD, FeedMore, Ukrop’s Market Hall, The Boat House at Sunday Park, St. Mary’s Hospital, Supper Club, Mosaic, the University of Richmond, Tuckahoe YMCA, Starbucks, Richmond International Airport and Stella’s. Knowing all that leaves Taylor “gobsmacked,” she says. “To think of someone stumbling across a Kindness Rock in Scotland is a little overwhelming, but so cool. It’s mind-boggling to think that he or she found something that started in my kitchen.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/MaryLynn2.jpg) Today, Kindness Rocks rock Instagram, too. Borrowing the enthusiasm and social media savvy of one of her daughters, Taylor launched her online presence ([kindnessrocks.mlt](https://www.instagram.com/kindnessrocks.mlt/)) almost three years ago. That Instagram address now appears on the back of the rocks she produces, which has led to Taylor receiving photos from folks who find them, along with promises to pass them along. Perhaps the best encounters, though, are the ones that happen in person. The Taylor family takes an annual beach vacation and the entourage usually includes daughters, the sons-in-law, and, perhaps most importantly, a couple young grandchildren. “Whenever we go to the beach,” said Taylor, “I bring a batch of painted rocks. Our grandchildren love to help me hide them as well as gift them to people we pass during our ocean strolls. They delight in finding just the right spot or just the right person for one of Mimi’s rocks.” On one of those ocean walks, Taylor’s 3-year-old granddaughter saw a woman coming toward them along the waterline and whispered to her grandmother, “That lady needs a rock.” With a little encouragement, and with Mimi standing close by, she approached the woman and offered her a rock. The woman was speechless for a bit and then, with tears in her eyes, told Taylor, “I have been going through a really tough time lately and I was out here walking and asking God to show me a sign that things are somehow going to get better. And then this precious child gave me this rock.” In a different episode, her grandson decided to give a rock to an older fellow who looked “a bit curmudgeonly,” according to Taylor. But, she said, when he realized what he’d been given, “His whole face morphed. He had a huge smile and told us he couldn’t wait to give it to his wife.” Taylor and her husband, John, are big fans of Pole Green Produce in Hanover County. On one visit, while checking out with her fruits and veggies, Taylor left a rock by the cash register. Moments later, she heard a squeal and someone yelling, “Hey! That was the ROCK LADY!” “I told John I could die now,” Taylor said with a laugh. Her artistic side came out early in childhood. “I was always making something out of clay, or drawing or painting pictures,” she said. “In both junior and senior high school in Martinsville, I had wonderful and encouraging arts and craft teachers, and it still makes me smile remembering that along with learning how to write a term paper, I also learned how to hand tool leather and make my own pocketbook.” As an adult, she’s gone down just about every art avenue she’s come across, including decoupage, quilting, knitting, stained glass, calligraphy, water color, pottery, glass painting, sketching, acrylic and oil painting. Turning her attention to Kindness Rocks has led her into an unexpected community of fellow enthusiasts. “It’s astounding the number of fantastic rock groups \[pun intended, she laughs\] there are out there to follow. The people are generous and welcoming, and I’ve learned different painting techniques, received tried and true recommendations for materials to use, and gotten great design ideas from other ‘rockers’. Sometimes I paint detailed and intricate designs that are very time-consuming and sometimes it’s more about the word or words I choose to highlight.” She lists among her favorite Kindness Rocks messages *You matter*, *Hope*, and *You are enough*, noting that “I hope that someone who is having a bad day or experiencing a hard time will find one of my rocks and know that someone out there cares.” Nowadays, she always keeps at least a couple in her car so when she sees a good spot for one of those or her many other messages, she’s ready. Her “studio” is a kitchen counter covered in heavy duty plastic, and not long after she finishes hiding a batch of rocks, she’s busy on the next one. Her arsenal of tools includes a wide variety of brushes, acrylic paint, and paint markers, as well a water-based gloss varnish, because every rock gets three coats of protection before it’s pronounced ready for the world. A typical batch takes several days to finish and produces anywhere from 18-30 rocks. Taylor has been industrious in finding sources for Kindness Rocks raw materials. She’s done everything from digging rocks up at a friend’s farm to finding them in hardware stores and even ordering them on Amazon. Her recent go-to source has become Ed’s Landscaping & Garden Center on Mechanicsville Turnpike, where for $5 a bucket, she can hand-select the rocks she wants to paint. “My hope for Kindness Rocks is that there is a ripple effect, that finding a rock will bring happiness to the finder and that they, in turn, will spread that kindness to others,” she said. She’s not asking a lot. “Everyone has the power and the choice to share kindness with others,” she said. “I think we owe it to ourselves and to each other to take the time to care about the little things.” And those “little things,” she hopes, when taken together, can end up meaning a lot. Taylor points to one of her favorite quotes, from author C.J. Peterson: “Hearts that beat to the tune of kindness can change the rhythm of the world.” One rock at a time. 📝 Tom Allen previously wrote a "Faith and Values" column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is the retired editor of the Virginia Journal of Education and the author of two books, "Grace Happens" and "Roll With It." Contact him at tomed1@hotmail.com. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Flying Squirrels owner sues Diamond District developer over heated encounter at new ballpark URL: https://www.richmonder.org/flying-squirrels-owner-sues-diamond-district-developer-over-heated-encounter-at-new-ballpark/ Last updated: 2026-05-29T12:02:17.000Z As Richmond officials celebrated the opening night of the city’s new baseball stadium last month, a tense conversation happened in a hallway near the team offices of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Squirrels owner Lou DiBella got into an argument with local developer Jason Guillot, who’s playing a leading role in Richmond’s ambitious Diamond District redevelopment project. That exchange has now escalated into a federal defamation lawsuit, with DiBella claiming Guillot took a movie quote out of context to falsely report back to the city that DiBella threatened to kill him and his family. The lawsuit filed Thursday claims Guillot and the city then tried to use the alleged threat as leverage against DiBella as part of an ongoing dispute over how the $2.4 billion Diamond District project is proceeding. The suit claims DiBella caught wind of the allegedly defamatory comment after Richmond Economic Development Director Angie Rodgers raised the issue with him in a phone call on April 9\. The story Rodgers relayed to DiBella in that call, according to the suit, was that DiBella had threatened to harm Guillot if the team couldn’t get control of a small parcel of land next to the new CarMax Park. “In other words, Guillot falsely and brazenly told the head of economic development at the EDA — the primary City official overseeing the Diamond District project — that DiBella had tried to extort Guillot with threats of physical violence,” the lawsuit says. The suit names Guillot and his company, Thalhimer Realty Partners, as defendants. Guillot declined to comment Thursday evening, as he and others involved in the project seemed to just be learning of DiBella’s legal salvo. No matter how the case plays out in court, it’s the latest example of tension over a major Richmond development project spilling into public view. In addition to taking aim at the private developer leading the project, DiBella also accuses the city of misleading the public about the viability of the plan after some of the original developers involved pulled out of the project. “Thalhimer, the City, and the EDA continued to lie — to DiBella, the MLB, and the people of Richmond — even after RVA Diamond Partners fell apart because they could not go through a lengthy, public solicitation process again and still meet the deadlines imposed by MLB to open a new stadium in Richmond,” the lawsuit says. Mayor Danny Avula’s office said it had not seen the suit and could not immediately respond to a request for comment. ### Five major accusations from Thursday’s lawsuit: 1) When Richmond’s EDA ceded stadium development to the Squirrels, they held back a small plot of land adjacent to the stadium for an “African American-owned food court,” to satisfy minority business requirements, according to the team. DiBella alleges that the developers then shopped that plot to former team executive Todd “Parney” Parnell to create a sports bar that would directly compete with the Squirrels’ concession sales. 2) The city’s originally chosen development group, RVA Diamond Partners, “considered building the Squirrels’ new stadium an act of philanthropy,” according to the lawsuit, and "the principal of Republic (one of the developers) described it as an albatross that they were only building because they were forced to.” As a result, the lawsuit said, they proposed a subpar stadium. 3) When Major League Baseball convened a meeting to ask about stadium construction falling behind schedule, DiBella alleges that the city represented that the RVA Diamond Partners group was still intact, though he alleges that the city knew at the time two of the three partners had withdrawn. 4) DiBella said along with the stadium, developers were supposed to open "housing, a hotel, and retail space,” but those have not yet been started, hurting the Squirrels’ business. 5) In the ongoing dispute over whether VCU will play baseball at CarMax Park, DiBella said that the Squirrels “have no obligation to maintain the field and stadium and share MLB-used spaces with VCU, and DiBella has been clear that he currently does not intend to do so.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/040726_CarMaxPark_OpeningDay16.jpg) The alleged confrontation took place in a hallway as a capacity crowd of 9,585 watched the first baseball game at CarMax Park. (Ryan M. Kelly for The Richmonder) ### **The disputed parcel** The lawsuit only offers DiBella’s version of the confrontation that occurred during the first home game at CarMax Park. In the weeks leading up to opening night, the suit says, DiBella and Squirrels co-owner Larry Botel had been focused on a 0.8-acre parcel of land next to the planned entrance to the new stadium. DiBella says the team was told the area would be used for a Black-owned food court that wouldn’t compete with the Squirrels’ concessions business but would help the city meet its minority business participation goals. However, the suit claims Botel had heard rumors of a plan to build a sports bar “somewhere in the Diamond District” named for former Flying Squirrels CEO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “Parnell learned from a Thalhimer-affiliated broker shortly before opening day that Thalhimer planned to put the sports bar named after Parnell on the 0.8-acre parcel,” the suit says. “Parnell — who did not want the bar named after him to compete with the Squirrels — immediately informed DiBella and Botel of Thalhimer’s plan.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **The confrontation** It was against that backdrop that the confrontation involving DiBella, Botel and Guillott allegedly occurred on opening night. With only a security guard around, the suit says, DiBella began raising concerns that Thalhimer and the city weren’t living up to their promises and ended up with a new ballpark surrounded by “nothing but a construction site.” DiBella claims he didn’t mention the 0.8-acre parcel other than saying he “knew Guillot was now trying to compete with the Squirrels on the team’s front lawn.” The alleged threat from DiBella occurred as the heated exchange was wrapping up. “As DiBella was leaving, Guillot called out unprompted: What are you going to hit me?’ DiBella responded unequivocally that he would never hit Guillot,” the suit says. DiBella then repeated an “approximate quote” from the 1982 film “Diner,” saying: “But if I did hit you, I’d hit you so hard, I’d hurt your whole family.” The exact quote from the movie is “I’ll hit you so hard, I’ll kill your whole family.” The lawsuit claims the comment was intended to be a joke, not an actual threat of violence. “Throughout the entire discussion, Guillot never moved, flinched, or did anything to indicate that he felt threatened by or afraid of DiBella,” the suit says. [The Squirrels stopped playing ball with VCU. But if things get messy, it’s taxpayers who would strike outThe project was set in motion with verbal agreements, but VCU hadn’t signed a final contract stipulating terms.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Aerial-View--1--3a5f162fc6fc65055d896d1ab091ac13d231ab4443d18bb47d46d19845576272.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-squirrels-stopped-playing-ball-with-vcu-but-if-things-get-messy-its-taxpayers-who-would-strike-out/) ### **The call from Rodgers** DiBella says he learned Guillot had relayed the incident to the city after receiving a phone call two days later from Rodgers, the city’s top economic development official. She allegedly said she had heard a “serious allegation” about DiBella. DiBella then became “upset,” the suit says. He told Rodgers Guillot was “lying,” urged her to speak to Botel about what happened, then hung up. A subsequent text exchange was attached to the lawsuit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/rodgerstext.jpg) “I will not be disrespected by you. Open an investigation if you wish,” DiBella wrote. In response, Rodgers said: “I’m trying to say something to you that I really don’t want to put in email.” DiBella says he took the exchange to mean others involved in the Diamond District project were attempting to use Guillot’s accusation as a “pressure point” in “ongoing business dealings,” including a dispute between the Squirrels and VCU over the terms of allowing the university’s baseball team to play at CarMax Park. “DiBella and the Squirrels have no obligation to maintain the field and stadium and share MLB-used spaces with VCU, and DiBella has been clear that he currently does not intend to do so,” the suit says. “That’s why Rodgers used Guillot’s false allegation that DiBella engaged in criminal conduct to pressure DiBella to let VCU use CarMax Park.” [What is Sports Backers Stadium and why is it holding up Diamond District development?While the stadium is named for Sports Backers, a local nonprofit that promotes active living, it is not owned by the group.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/02/IMG_6868.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-sports-backers-stadium-and-why-is-it-holding-up-diamond-district-development/) DiBella is being represented by Alexandria-based law firm Clare Locke, which specializes in high-profile defamation cases. He’s asking for damages in the “tens of millions of dollars.” *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org). *Michael Phillips contributed to this story. This article has been updated to reflect that DiBella said he intended for the phrase to be taken as a joke.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### January’s ice storm inspires a reworking of city rules on who must clear sidewalks URL: https://www.richmonder.org/januarys-ice-storm-inspires-a-reworking-of-city-rules-on-who-must-clear-sidewalks/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T19:35:16.000Z The winter storms that left Richmond frozen under thick sheets of ice in January are fading into the past as summer arrives. But the City Council is thinking about the next one. Officials are considering changes to a [local law](https://librarystage.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO%5FCH24STSIPUWA%5FARTIIUSSTSIPUWA%5FDIV1GE%5FS24-34DURESNPASI) that requires Richmond residents to clear snow off city sidewalks or risk a criminal penalty. As it currently exists, the ordinance only covers snow, which caused some confusion this year over how it applies when the main problem is ice that won’t melt on its own. Though the law doesn’t appear to have been strictly enforced, it says “every occupant” of property next to a paved sidewalk has a “duty” to clear snow from the sidewalk within six hours after snow stops falling. If snow stops overnight, sidewalks must be cleared by 11 a.m. the next morning. Violations are punishable as a low-level misdemeanor with fines of up to $250, plus any costs the city incurs from having to clear the snow itself. Anyone over 65 years old or physically disabled is exempt from the criminal penalty. The new [proposal](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7981399&GUID=3F4C1F99-DC19-496B-BD39-76ACC5A97D72&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=sidewalk) from Councilor Katherine Jordan (2nd District) would clarify that the rule also applies to ice, while downgrading the punishment to a civil fine of $100. “We had a number of individuals and constituents across the city faced with difficult situations where they were not able to leave their home or safely go down the sidewalk or get out and about,” Jordan said at a Council committee meeting Wednesday. “And there's a lot of confusion about who is in charge of clearing the sidewalk. Did they have to clear the sidewalk because it’s ice and not snow?” Jordan said her proposal would create a more “straightforward” way for the city to deal with non-compliance when complaints come in about uncleared sidewalks causing a safety hazard. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The revised ordinance also clarifies sidewalk-clearing rules for apartment dwellers who don’t own the property. The current law applies to any occupant, creating an obligation for renters regardless of whether they’re renting a house or a unit in a larger building or complex. Jordan’s proposal says that for properties with three or more housing units, sidewalk-shoveling responsibilities fall to the landlord. Jordan said she thinks it’s “absolutely appropriate” for multi-unit property owners to take responsibility instead of expecting tenants to buy and store their own snow shovels. At Wednesday’s committee meeting, Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) asked how the rule should apply in severe storms like the back-to-back events in January, when the city was telling residents it couldn’t clear the roads because the ice was too thick and temperatures were too low. “If the city wasn’t able to shovel the streets, is it fair?” Gibson asked. “How do we approach that when there are times even the city with its equipment is perhaps not able to do that work?” Jordan noted that her plan empowers the chief administrative officer to waive fines when a state of emergency has been declared, which was the case in January. Enforcement of the rule, she said, would most likely be about responding to specific complaints, not scouring the city to bust people for unshoveled sidewalks. “We are complaint-driven most often,” Jordan said. “There is flexibility in here.” Director of Public Works Bobby Vincent told the Council members it’s “much easier” for residents to take care of sidewalks closest to them than it is for the city to take on that amount of work. “We want our citizens to be aware, to be as proactive as possible,” Vincent said. “They can do that simply by just putting down some sand and salt prior to the event.” The city issued more than 300 warnings to property owners during the January ice event, [according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch](https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/article%5F521c9fbf-008c-4220-8691-0735e3e6e66d.html), but it’s unclear how many of those escalated to actual fines or other enforcement. The city produced a 40-page [after-action report](https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026.03.09-CAO-WinterWeatherAfterActionReport.pdf) on January’s winter weather. That report didn’t explain how the city enforced the sidewalk rule, apart from saying officials encouraged residents to clear sidewalks “if you’re able.” Council staffers said they had found no evidence of any fines being collected under the rule in the city’s most recent budget year. The revised version of the law cleared committee this week and now heads to the full Council for a final vote. It’s on the agenda for the Council’s June 8 meeting. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### After years of no penalties, Richmond DPU wants the power to fine stormwater violations URL: https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-no-penalties-richmond-dpu-wants-the-power-to-fine-stormwater-violations/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T17:32:27.000Z Although officials with Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities say violations of stormwater, erosion and other water discharge rules are likely occurring every year, the city has issued zero fines for those infractions. “We have no record of DPU ever sending any of these violations through the city attorney’s office,” Lee Crowell, a deputy director for the department, told a City Council committee Wednesday. As a result, DPU is now asking for a change to city code that would let Director Scott Morris levy and collect civil penalties from companies and people that break the rules in an effort to discourage bad behavior and allow the city to recover some of its costs for investigating and monitoring violations. Changing the code would ensure “that we actually have the tools before us that allow a more equitable response to the types of violations that we see on a regular basis,” said Crowell. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Currently, DPU has to go through the courts to impose and collect civil penalties — a process that Morris and Crowell said is burdensome in terms of both time and resources and requires the involvement of the city attorney’s office. “It’s also a highly disproportionate use of resources when we’re talking about a few hundred dollars to maybe a couple thousand dollars in penalties,” said Crowell. The proposed approach, which [state law](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter21/section15.2-2122/) allows Richmond to adopt, would let DPU impose and collect the penalties for water quality violations itself, without having to go through a formal judicial process. [3-year construction project in Woodland Heights will add a 6 million gallon tank to prevent sewer overflowMore than 10,000 truck loads will be needed to remove the dirt and rock in place now.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/P4PH79-9b1c7ffa56a6139a3ffff39e9d18505491f009f739d6ddde44cf90accd670c31.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/3-year-construction-project-in-woodland-heights-will-add-a-6-million-gallon-tank-to-prevent-sewer-overflow/) Penalties could be collected administratively for erosion and stormwater violations at construction sites, the failure of an industrial facility to adequately treat any discharges into the city’s stormwater system and any [release of pollutants](https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code%5Fof%5Fordinances?nodeId=CH28UT%5FARTVIIIST%5FDIV3ILDICO) into the city’s sewers or waters. The amount of the penalties would be subject to caps laid out in state law and would depend on the type of violation that occurred. The [civil penalty for a stormwater and erosion violation](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title62.1/chapter3.1/section62.1-44.15:54/), for example, cannot be less than $100 or more than $1,000, although that fine can be imposed for every day the violation occurs. In total, the penalty can’t exceed $10,000\. Exactly how often those infractions are occurring isn’t clear. Asked by Councilor Kenya Gibson (3rd District) for an estimate of frequency, Crowell said he could only speculate, but “it wouldn’t be in the hundreds of cases.” Money collected from the penalties would flow into the city’s stormwater fund. To go into effect, the proposal will need to win a vote of approval from the full City Council. It sailed through the Council’s Governmental Operations Committee with no resistance Wednesday. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Manchester cruises in softball quarterfinals URL: https://www.richmonder.org/manchester-cruises-in-softball-quarterfinals/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T11:53:50.000Z Manchester’s 14-0 victory over J.R. Tucker in the quarterfinal round of the VHSL, Region 6A softball playoffs Wednesday afternoon featured an impressive display of offensive firepower by the home team Lancers. In a fast-moving game played under overcast skies that threatened to unleash a deluge at any minute, Coach Will Willis’s crew hammered out 11 hits, five of them home runs, into an assortment of spots in the woods behind the 180-foot outfield fence, while freshman righthander Kam Bryant spun a no-hitter, all in a shade under an hour from her opening pitch to the final out. What was truly impressive, though, was that the field was playable in the first place. You see, a series of powerful downpours the day before and into the night dropped four-plus inches of rain on parts of Southside, and when Willis and his staff arrived at 8:30 a.m. to survey the damage, they saw an uber-soggy quagmire in dire need of repair. Undaunted by the Herculean task ahead, to work they went. “Coach (Mike) Happel and I started sweeping water off the field with some brooms,” Willis said afterwards as the rain began to fall. “Once we were done with that, we started nail dragging and throwing down a whole lot of Turface (to absorb water, especially from the dirt infield). “We’d give it time to rest. Then we’d nail-drag again. Then, we’d put down more Turface. We probably put close to 10 bags of Turface down and worked it into the field.” Eight hours after they began, the field was safe-afoot and ready for action. “Walking out here this morning, I was a little discouraged,” Willis acknowledged. “I wasn’t in the mindset that we’d get this game in, but once we got it (the Turface) worked in, we had a nice dry field for the girls to play on.” Play, they most certainly did: with spirit, passion, intentionality, and intensity. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. With one out in the bottom of the second, Kenzie Butler set the tone with a home run to center field. Ayslin Long followed with a single to left and moved to second when Bryant was hit by a pitch. Melissa Rodriguez walked to load the bases. Then Bree Musselman, the No. 9 hitter, stroked a single to left, and a fielding error allowed Long, Bryant, and Rodriguez to score while Musselman landed safely on third. Ally Bates, batting leadoff, reached on an error allowing Musselman to score. Emma Newsom then drilled a home run to left center to send Bates home and put Manchester up 7-0. The No. 4 Lancers (13-8) were just getting started. As the No. 5 Tigers (11-9) attempted to stop the onslaught, Jayla Roberson stroked a double to left and moved to third when Butler reached base on an error. Long, Manchester’s senior catcher, then drilled a home run high over the centerfield wall to scored Butler and Roberson and give the home team a 10-0 cushion. “All of us were hyped,” Long said. “We all try to support each other. If somebody makes a bad play, we pick them back up. When the energy’s up, all of us want to do well.” The Lancers brought more of the same in the home half of the third. With two outs, Bates singled to center and moved to second on Bri Cryderman’s single to left. Newsom followed with a moonshot home run to center scoring Bates and Cryderman. Roberson, a freshman shortstop, followed Newsom with a dinger of her own, this one over the left field wall. “Our offensive game was amazing,” said Newsom, a senior third baseman, in classic understatement. “Our chemistry has been really, really good recently. Going into the playoffs, it’s getting stronger.” Which will serve them well when they travel to Chesapeake on Tuesday to face No. 1 Grassfield, which logged a 10-0 victory over No. 8 L.C. Bird on Wednesday. “Today, we were just relaxed,” Newsom said. “We play much better when we’re relaxed and having fun. After that Cosby game (a 12-11 victory on May 21), we’ve been on a high. We haven’t beaten Cosby in four years. That energy just rolled into this game. We’re having a lot of fun playing the game of softball right now.” While the Lancers bats were blazing, Bryant faced just 18 batters in five mercy-rule abbreviated innings, struck out six, walked just one, included 46 strikes among her 61 pitches, and relied on her defense to support her. “My off-speed (pitches) had really great drop movement,” said Bryant. “That’s how I had success. I’m a grounders pitcher. I have a lot of grounders hit off me. I’m very proud of my defense. They provide me with outs and quick innings.” The Lancers offensive pyrotechnics provided a pleasurable lift as well. “There’s nothing like the joy of seeing the ball fly off my teammates’ bats and over into the woods,” Bryant said. “I’m ecstatic, especially when you know you’ll go out there and have a cushion to work with because you know your teammates have your back. “That provides me with the confidence to keep on pushing.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Fight disrupts John Marshall High School graduation ceremony; 4 detained by police URL: https://www.richmonder.org/fight-disrupts-john-marshall-high-school-graduation-ceremony-4-detained-by-police/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T15:11:55.000Z Graduation proceedings for the John Marshall High School class of 2026 were disrupted on Wednesday when a fight broke out in the middle of the ceremony, followed by additional fights outside the Siegel Center after the ceremony. Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said the ceremony was able to be finished, and other school ceremonies will proceed as scheduled, with additional security on site. 0:00 /0:11 1× ([Facebook video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1498949581908974)) In 2023 a graduation ceremony for another RPS school, Huguenot High, [ended in tragedy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%5FRichmond%5Fshooting) when a graduate and his step father were shot outside the event. Noting that, Kamras and other officials said they wanted to emphasize that no guns were found, no shots were fired and the situation was handled according to plan. “Obviously this was an extremely disappointing disruption,” Kamras said. “I want to be clear that all the safety protocols that were in place went as expected.” VCU Police Major Nicole Dailey said one person was detained in conjunction with the first fight, and three others were detained after separate altercations broke out after the ceremony. She said she could not comment further on what caused the fight or what the connections were between individuals involved, stating that it is all part of an ongoing investigation. A day after the incident, VCU Police charged 20-year old Evan J. Williams Jr. with disorderly conduct and damage to private property. Detectives are exploring more charges against him. More charges are likely to come for the other individuals detained. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards made a plea to the community to not escalate the conflict. “We're asking members of our community … to understand that as bad as today is, we know how bad it has been in the past,” he said. “We don't want to see this retaliation. We're going to be highly present. We're going to have zero tolerance.” Richmond Police later charged Trevor Richardson, age 22 of Richmond, the same day with carrying a concealed weapon near the graduation venue. He did not approach or enter the venue with the firearm, the department said in a press release. It is unclear if Richardson was connected to the fight that occurred inside. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/grad-fight-2.jpg) Flowers and other gifts are sold outside the Siegel Center after Wednesday's ceremony. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) The graduation was worked by VCU Police, Richmond Police and RMC Events, in addition to the RPS Care and Safety team. The day was a somber one to begin with, as John Marshall was honoring Zion Terry, who was supposed to graduate on Wednesday but was shot earlier this year. His younger sister, Sadie – another RPS student – was also shot and died a few days later. [‘An exceptional young man’: Zion Terry, who was shot this week, will be honored as John Marshall’s prom king on SaturdayHis life was “marked by excellence, growth, and a deep commitment to his future.”![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderDaniel Payne![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/678997212_1552228563575740_5280918628071477357_n-1-1-6fc53a0c061e513569d3c97424c365fc1b6a98eae2119e696f700a22e5275e46.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/an-exceptional-young-man-zion-terry-who-was-shot-this-week-will-be-honored-as-john-marshalls-prom-king-on-saturday/) School Board members in attendance wanted to make sure the positive stories of the graduation were told alongside the fight. “This is an isolated incident between a group of people and should not take away from the work and dedication that these students have brought to come to this moment,” Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez said. Kamras dyed his hair blue, John Marshall’s color, for the ceremony to celebrate the school achieving a 100% graduation rate this year. “I also want to make a plea to everyone attending graduations,” Kamras said. “Whatever acrimony, whatever concerns you may have with anybody in the community, leave that at home or don't come to graduations. Our celebrations need to be exactly that: celebrations. “Our young people deserve this moment of joy, and that is what we plan to give them.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) *and Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*. This story has been updated to include a press release from RPD and VCU Police. VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Launched to great fanfare, Richmond’s Civilian Review Board is growing restless as its workload remains minimal URL: https://www.richmonder.org/launched-to-great-fanfare-richmonds-civilian-review-board-is-growing-restless-as-its-workload-remains-minimal/ Last updated: 2026-05-27T15:57:36.000Z After three months and five meetings, the newly formed Richmond Civilian Review Board is unsatisfied. Since February, the group has reviewed just two cases involving alleged misconduct by Richmond police officers, agreeing with the department’s investigations in both cases. That’s in contrast to the five to 10 cases they were told to expect to review each month. At a recent May meeting held at the West End Library, board members expressed that dissatisfaction, offering vocal skepticism about how the Richmond Police Department decides which cases it funnels to the board. “The entity that's being exposed to public scrutiny is deciding whether or not the conduct that they want to put in front of the scrutinizer falls into these categories,” said Board member Evan Feinman, who rattled off several questions about the department’s objectivity. “If I were asked by any member of council, by the mayor’s staff, by a journalist, by anybody else, I would say, ‘I'm on the Civilian Review Board, and I honestly can't tell you (what’s going on),’” Feinman said. “I don't have any particular insight.” The framework in which the Richmond Civilian Review Board operates is “by far the most common model” across the country, responded Will Pelfrey, a professor at VCU teaching criminal justice who serves as a consultant to the board. There are some locations that operate differently, he added, but it’s a small pool. Pelfrey was commissioned by Mayor Levar Stoney [to suggest how the board should be formed](https://www.wvtf.org/news/2022-03-02/richmond-gets-competing-recommendations-for-civilian-oversight-of-police) after a City Council task force recommended sweeping powers and authority for the board. The model ultimately adopted was based on Pelfrey’s work. He added that the low number of cases the board is seeing is actually a good sign. “You live in a city where those things don't happen all the time. That's a good place to live,” he told members, referring to categories of cases the board is assigned to examine. RPD feels the same way, calling the low caseload “positive news for both policing in Richmond and the community as a whole.” “Fewer qualifying cases can reflect fewer circumstances involving serious force, custody-related injuries or citizen appeals requiring that level of review,” the department wrote in a statement. “Even so, the board’s oversight role remains important and valued.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/crb-2.jpg) Will Pelfrey, VCU professor and Civilian Review Board consultant, responds to board members' questions. He told the group that the low number of officer-involved cases the board examines is a sign of living in a good city. (Victoria A. Ifatusin/The Richmonder) At the same time, Pelfrey acknowledged that the low number also poses the question: “Are there cases that (the police’s Internal Affairs Division) reviews that should come to CRB that are not?” Under the group’s current standard operating procedures and policies, the Richmond Police Department decides which cases the board can take up, among cases that fall into the specific categories the body is allowed to review – use of force incidents, deaths in custody and officer-involved shootings. Those cases are first investigated by the department’s Internal Affairs Division before they are passed on. The department said in its statement that the categories of cases reviewed by the board are established in the city’s code, and RPD in turn follows those requirements. Any conversations about potential changes to the group’s authority would “involve City leadership and policymakers.” RPD “respects the board’s role and welcomes continued dialogue to ensure the process is clearly understood and functions as intended,” the department wrote. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Pelfrey said the anticipated number of cases was based on the average number of internal and external complaints the Richmond Police Department receives a year – which is around 100\. Many of those complaints, he said, are usually unfounded. So far, the board has also [agreed with both findings](https://apps.richmondgov.com/applications/boardscommissions/DisplayAttachment.aspx?CFilePath=Civilian%20Review%20Board%20Case%202025-0048.pdf) of the internal affairs’ investigation into the two cases the body has reviewed so far. In its latest case, the board agreed with the department’s investigation into a November 2025 incident where two officers were accused of recklessly deploying their tasers onto a suspect who was in handcuffs around an HVAC unit, a flammable object. The suspect was fleeing while officers were attempting to detain him. One of the officers, who is Black, was also accused of using a racial slur against the suspect, who is also Black. The board did note, however, that it was not aware of any disciplinary action taken against the officers involved. Board member David Poole asked how the CRB can expand its net to accept more cases, which prompted further questions from the board as to whether it can include issues involving the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office [had three deaths in 2025](https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/article%5F00e79208-aaf4-4c9f-9ea2-9ae1cf4ea4b8.html) occurring at the Richmond City Justice Center. The jail has had [seven deaths in custody between 2022 and 2024](https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/12-people-died-in-riverside-regional-jail-from-2022-through-2024-state-review-shows/). Pelfrey responded that conducting oversight on the Sheriff’s Office is very rare, largely because that group rarely interacts with the public the way police officers do. [An early look at crime in 2026: violent crime down, burglaries of shuttered vape shops and a lot of traffic ticketsThe drop in murders is particularly significant given that over the past 10 years, Richmond has averaged 14 homicides in the first quarter of the year.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Police-lights-eb12e735e34a5e7af5bf1c79019df26ca7e94df58dc511d4ee729bb2e17a7057.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/an-early-look-at-crime-in-2026-violent-crime-down-burglaries-of-shuttered-vape-shops-and-a-lot-of-traffic-tickets/) The Sheriff’s Office manages courts and jails, services warrants and handles evictions, all actions that make them rarely involved in taking people into custody for a specific reason, he said. While not impossible, doing so would require some level of permission from RPD, as it is in charge of issues cases to the CRB. “The police department has very little authority or interest in the jails,” he said. CRB Manager Joseph Lowery added that it would also require another ordinance from City Council, which could take some time. The board took about five years in total to get up and running, with several controversies and disagreements along the way. Now in operation, Feinman believes more changes to the group’s policies are necessary. “I don't think any of my fellow CRB members would disagree that we do not believe that the current SOP is well designed for the board to accomplish its mission. Especially if that mission is … let's make sure that the public can have confidence that RPD is doing what it's supposed to be doing,” he said. [Pelfrey had previously predicted](https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5466417&GUID=0FBE2C2C-90B1-4791-852E-379422DA09D6) that there would be a need for revisions to the CRB’s operations, saying the group’s “first iteration will not be perfect,” as seen in his presentation about his recommendations to City Council back in 2022\. He told board members at the May meeting that their questions and potential revisions need to be posed to RPD. Issues about transparency were also raised. After the board had approved its findings of the most recent case they reviewed, Lowery told members that the document of the findings won’t be publicly available until the city attorney gives a final stamp of approval, even though the document was discussed at a public meeting. The pushback was instant. “The whole purpose of this group is transparency and creating public confidence. Every time we close the door, narrow the aperture, go behind a curtain, we hurt the ability of the body to accomplish that core mission,” Feinman said. [RPD releases video showing police fatally shooting woman holding gunThe nearly 6-minute video shows the woman fired just as officers were reaching the top of an open-air staircase.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderGraham Moomaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-9.56.40---AM-e7f6560e06fdf719a116a206cda8f4bf28a97475e93d79557da78b0c9a16b66d.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-releases-video-showing-police-fatally-shooting-woman-with-gun/) Board Co-Chair Shawn Singleton asked if the city attorney would make changes to the document before it is uploaded online and before she could see them. “I need assurance as an individual whose name is on what this report is stating, to be ensured that what I said is in this report before it is posted,” she said. “I feel like I need a review of what they have reviewed.” Feinman suggested asking Lowery to let the board know if any changes have been made so that the body can review it before it is published. To reach some sort of middle ground in the time being, the board decided to read the full report out loud at the meeting. Despite the overall skepticism from the board, Pelfrey appeared content, happy with the board’s questions. “These are great questions, and exactly what I would have expected you guys to be asking after a few months of doing this,” he said. *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org). *David Poole previously worked as The Richmonder's Founding Development Director, but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### May 27 Newsletter: Data dig: Five years of SUPs URL: https://www.richmonder.org/may-27-newsletter-data-dig-five-years-of-sups/ Last updated: 2026-05-27T10:00:19.000Z **Weather:** The heat is back, and the humidity stays. High of 88. **On this date** in 1771, about 150 people are killed as 12 days of intense rain upstream led to a wall of water sweeping down the James River through Richmond. The river crested at about 45 feet higher than normal. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Copy-of-vcu-Richmonder-0219-0226-030525-900x150px.jpg)](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Virginia Commonwealth University**](https://www.vcu.edu/uncommon/)**:** 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. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8617-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) ### What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond’s most powerful tool to get around zoning rules For over 65 years, anyone hoping to step outside the lines drawn by Richmond’s zoning ordinance has had a powerful tool at their disposal: the special use permit. Reporter **Sarah Vogelsong** reviewed and mapped five years of SUPs to determine where these permits are driving the most development, what kind of development it is and how long the public review process is taking. Among the discoveries: - More SUPs have been proposed in the 7th District than any other, but more total units have been approved in the 6th District. - There are pockets of the city relatively untouched, like Richmond's southwestern corner in the 4th District. - Just 34 projects accounted for more than 80% of all new units approved (below) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/secondmap-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) Although the SUP isn’t new, it’s gotten more buzz in recent years as Richmond’s real estate market has heated up and officials have embarked on an overhaul of the city’s zoning, a project known as the code refresh. [**Read more, and see the interactive maps, here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/) **ALSO IN HOUSING:** [**Third draft of code refresh to be rolled out in phases starting in June**](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-rolled-out-in-phases-starting-in-june/) - The Planning Department will first release a proposal on how to handle some of the most controversial policy issues, then release the full draft. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-rolled-out-in-phases-starting-in-june/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_2321-1-1--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-approves-substitute-teacher-outsourcing-contracts-in-split-vote/) ### School Board approves substitute teacher outsourcing contracts in split vote After two nights of long conversations earlier this month, the Richmond School Board voted 5-4 to approve a contract that would outsource the hiring of some substitute teachers for Richmond Public Schools. 👩‍🏫 Previously skeptical members changed their tune and expressed a willingness to “take a risk,” citing the division’s teacher vacancies. RPS is short 93 teachers as of last month. A second company, based out of Richmond, will also be tasked with finding some of the new subs. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-approves-substitute-teacher-outsourcing-contracts-in-split-vote/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-4-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-launches-new-platform-to-manage-foia-requests/) ### City launches new platform to manage FOIA requests As Richmond officials continue to try to improve their process for handling public records and transparency, the city has launched a new online portal for filing and tracking Freedom of Information Act requests. The new online platform will supplement the FOIA library the city is also close to finishing. The library will serve as a digital archive of documents the city has released under FOIA, making government records available to the wider public, not just the person who filed the request. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-launches-new-platform-to-manage-foia-requests/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/260408_0215_jm900.jpg)](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-aims-to-be-an-international-hub-for-research-vp-rao-says-in-annual-address) ### VCU aims to be ‘an international hub’ for research, VP Rao says in annual address During the recent annual State of the Research event, P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., VCU vice president for research and innovation: - Detailed VCU’s robust research growth - 109% growth in sponsored research funding since 2018. - Reinforced that research is fundamental to VCU’s mission - from undergraduate projects to licensed innovations. - Provided an overview of the university’s research accomplishments, including recognizing some of VCU’s most notable faculty researchers. - Announced VCU’s ambitious new goal to reach $1 billion in sponsored research funding. [**Read more.**](https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-aims-to-be-an-international-hub-for-research-vp-rao-says-in-annual-address) --- ### In other news - [**VCU baseball outlasts rain, opponents to make NCAA tournament; Rams will face UNC on Friday**](https://www.richmonder.org/vcu-baseball-outlasts-rain-opponents-to-make-ncaa-tournament-rams-will-face-unc-on-friday/) - The Rams are coached by former player Sean Thompson, who at 30 years old is one of the youngest coaches in college sports. - [**Neglected Chesterfield landfill needs $173 million to prevent environmental 'catastrophe'**](https://richmond.com/news/local/business/article%5Fda8ae8a0-7926-4a93-a71f-ad658eb49f39.html) (Times-Dispatch) - The private company that runs the 335-acre dump said in court that its revenue had depleted and its costs spiraled, leaving no money to pay for maintenance. - [**A cash crunch put Swift Creek Mill Theatre on hiatus. Now its leaders are pondering its next act.**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/05/26/a-cash-crunch-put-swift-creek-mill-theatre-on-hiatus-now-its-leaders-are-pondering-its-next-act/) (Richmond BizSense) - The theater previously had a long-term “angel” donor ensuring bills and staff were paid, though that arrangement ended in 2020. --- ### The editor's desk [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8427.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-design-committee-oks-revised-browns-island-plan-members-weigh-corporate-vibe-vs-wildness/) Work is well underway on [**the new Brown's Island**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-design-committee-oks-revised-browns-island-plan-members-weigh-corporate-vibe-vs-wildness/), which will be out of service all summer, but will be majorly transformed when it reopens. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Want to support The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/celebrate-local-news-day-by-wearing-your-support-for-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### City launches new platform to manage FOIA requests URL: https://www.richmonder.org/city-launches-new-platform-to-manage-foia-requests/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T22:13:30.000Z As Richmond officials continue to try to improve their process for handling public records and transparency, the city has launched a [new online portal](https://rva.gov/foia?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=ctct) for filing and tracking Freedom of Information Act requests. The new online platform will supplement the FOIA library the city is also close to finishing. The library will serve as a digital archive of documents the city has released under FOIA, making government records available to the wider public, not just the person who filed the request. The new system, built on [JustFOIA](https://www.justfoia.com/?utm%5Fterm=justfoia&utm%5Fcampaign=S-Branded-US&utm%5Fsource=google&utm%5Fmedium=cpc&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=20569918260&gbraid=0AAAAAqQezbh8%5FJ2zby%5FW7hV3QbOfZ-lCC&gclid=CjwKCAjwidXQBhAZEiwA4egw6FOSICNT%5F8KIAcU0sAC14lKnDXNsXJ489n0kc6BQsPOEa4Hm6R46jxoCtsMQAvD%5FBwE) records management software, covers the “entire FOIA request lifecycle,” according to the city, including gathering records, reviewing them for possible redactions and payment by the requester. “Sharing public information promptly with the media and our residents is a priority that I have made clear throughout the administration,” Mayor Danny Avula said in the news release. “We’ve increased training across the organization, hired a new FOIA manager, and I’ve communicated repeatedly to leadership in my cabinet meetings that FOIA is not only just a legal requirement but a responsibility we need to take seriously.” City communications director Ross Catrow, whose office oversees public records requests, said the new platform will be a “game-changer for the way the city handles FOIA.” The FOIA library has a July 1 launch deadline under an ordinance the [City Council approved](https://www.richmonder.org/council-recap-officials-ok-foia-library-that-gives-city-discretion-over-what-to-publish/) late last year. Some FOIA-related headaches have persisted for the Avula administration. The city recently paid $549,000 to [settle a lawsuit](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-settles-lawsuit-by-former-foia-officer-without-disclosing-how-much-money-shell-get/) filed by former FOIA officer Connie Clay, who alleged she was fired after clashing with other city officials over the city’s past failures to comply with FOIA. The city did not admit fault in the lawsuit, but paid a private law firm hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the case for roughly two years. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond’s most powerful tool to get around zoning rules URL: https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-an-sup-meet-richmonds-most-powerful-tool-to-get-around-zoning-rules/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:40:07.000Z For over 65 years, anyone hoping to step outside the lines drawn by Richmond’s zoning ordinance has had a powerful tool at their disposal: the special use permit. Outlined in the city charter, the SUP lets the city waive any existing zoning rule for a property as long as the City Council concludes doing so wouldn’t lead to any of six potential negative consequences, like congestion, fire hazards or harming the water supply. While property owners can get around zoning rules in other ways — variances, for example, or rezonings — the enormous flexibility the SUP offers has made it far and away the most popular choice in Richmond, with the City Council considering about 100 annually. People seek SUPs for all sorts of reasons: to build residential complexes with hundreds of units, to use a home as a daycare, to pour a driveway, to construct a duplex in a neighborhood where only single family homes are allowed and even to build a single family home on a parcel that is zoned for it but doesn’t meet lot size requirements. ## Five years of Richmond special use permits --- Every SUP proposed since the adoption of Richmond 300, mapped by location and sized by the number of new residential units produced. Use the timeline to watch them multiply over the past five years. Play All time District All Type All Type: Residential Non-res | Units: 1050200500 No matter the purpose, all SUPs undergo the same process. City departments typically spend about six months reviewing them before an ordinance laying out what’s allowed is drafted. That ordinance goes to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation, and then to the Council for another public hearing and a final decision. Although the SUP isn’t new, it’s gotten more buzz in recent years as Richmond’s real estate market has heated up and officials have embarked on an overhaul of the city’s zoning, a project known as the code refresh. Planning Director Kevin Vonck has repeatedly said one goal of the code refresh is to cut down on the number of SUPs the city has to handle by allowing more development and uses by right. In particular, he said the aim is to reduce “silly” SUPs — projects that duplicate what already exists in a neighborhood but don’t meet current zoning standards imposed after development occurred. Additionally, he has contended that because the SUP process is so long, it can sometimes encourage applicants to ask for more than they initially wanted since there’s little time or financial advantage to a more modest proposal. “If I’m going to go through the effort of a legislative process, I might ask for more,” he told The Richmonder earlier this spring. “Instead of a single family, I’m going to ask for a duplex.” #### Read what the Richmond City Charter says about SUPs **The council shall have the power to authorize by ordinance adopted by not less than six affirmative votes the use of land, buildings, and structures in a district that does not conform to the regulations and restrictions prescribed for that district and to authorize the issuance of special use permits therefor, whenever it is made to appear that such special use will not be detrimental to the safety, health, morals and general welfare of the community involved, will not tend to create congestion in streets, roads, alleys and other public ways and places in the area involved, will not create hazards from fire, panic or other dangers, will not tend to overcrowding of land and cause an undue concentration of population, will not adversely affect or interfere with public or private schools, parks, playgrounds, water supplies, sewage disposal, transportation or other public requirements, conveniences and improvements, and will not interfere with adequate light and air. – Richmond City Charter § 17.11(b)* But some residents see SUPs as a critical protection for neighborhoods, a chance for residents to weigh in on whether a proposal brings enough benefits to justify waiving the rules for it. Jerome Legions, head of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League, [previously told The Richmonder](https://www.richmonder.org/for-many-neighborhood-associations-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-is-too-much-too-fast/) that the SUP process “forces conversations between the developer and the community.” With so much focus on the SUP and the ways in which it is transforming neighborhoods, The Richmonder embarked on this project to determine where these permits are driving the most development, what kind of development it is and how long the public review process is taking. We looked at the past five years because planners began reviewing projects in 2021 in light of the Richmond 300 master plan, which [the City Council approved in December 2020](https://www.vpm.org/news/2020-12-11/city-council-approves-richmond-master-plan-with-amendments-coming). While that document doesn’t set zoning for any particular parcel, it lays out a roadmap for how the city wants to develop and, importantly, encourages Richmond to embrace greater density. Officials routinely refer to Richmond 300 while considering SUPs. Here’s what we found. ## **The most SUPs have been proposed in the 7th District** Of the 485 SUPs proposed over the past five years, a full quarter of them — 123 projects — were for the 7th District, which covers Richmond’s East End. No other district came even close to that number. That finding barely budges when considering approvals. Denials of SUPs are rare, partly because applicants tend not to bring proposals up for public consideration until they get a recommendation of approval from city staff and think they have a good shot at persuading Council that their project is a good idea. Of the 485 SUPs that at least started the public process, seven were denied and 13 withdrawn. ## **The most housing units approved through SUPs have been in the 6th District** Of the 7,475 housing units approved through SUPs over the past five years, more than one-third — representing 2,522 units — have been in the 6th District, a long swathe of the city that runs from Highland Park in the north through downtown to just south of Manchester. No other district came close. The findings for the 7th District are particularly interesting: Even though that district has had a disproportionate amount of SUPs, it saw the third-lowest number of units approved through the process, indicating most of the permits are for smaller-scale, infill construction. Another outlier: the 4th District in Richmond’s southwestern corner, which had just 50 new housing units approved through SUPs over the past five years. ## **Just 34 projects accounted for over 80% of all new units approved** Projects color-coded by housing type. Click any marker for details. 34 projects The vast majority of new housing approved through the SUP process comes from 34 projects that would construct 50 or more residential units. Of those, 15 would produce market-rate housing (3,567 units), 14 would produce affordable housing (2,086 units), three would be senior housing (291 units) and two student housing (278 units). Some of those permits are concentrated in areas already associated with high density: four in Scott’s Addition and five in and just outside Manchester, for example. But others, like four affordable developments in Highland Park and two around Walmsley, represent new introductions to neighborhoods. Like all SUPs, not all of these projects have come to fruition. ## **Most residential SUPs only add a small number of units** Of the 321 SUPs proposed that would have added housing units, almost three-quarters were for small projects — those that added anywhere from one to five new units to a neighborhood. The percentages stay roughly the same when looking only at approved SUPs, which would eliminate four single-unit projects, seven small projects and one medium project. ## **There appears to be little rhyme or reason in how long approvals take** Across all SUPs, the average amount of time it took for the City Council to make a decision on a project was 46 days from the time the ordinance outlining its conditions was made public. (That time is in addition to the city’s internal review of all SUPs, which the Planning Department has said takes roughly six months.) How long the decision took doesn’t appear to have much to do with how big the development was. The fastest decision — 20 days — was for the NOON Ingram affordable housing project in Oak Grove. The slowest concerned an illuminated sign on Virginia Union University’s bell tower (672 days) and [a development on Jahnke Road](https://www.richmonder.org/over-neighbor-objections-planning-commission-greenlights-compromise-plans-for-jahnke-apartments-hanover-townhomes/) that ultimately proposed 17 new units (300 days). ### How we reported this story We gathered data on all SUPs that came before the Planning Commission from 2021 to 2025 by reviewing ordinances and reports included on meeting agendas posted to the city’s [calendar.](https://richmondva.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx) In a few cases where applications were missing critical information like the number of units planned, we obtained those figures through reputable news reports from the time. In addition to tracking the location, voting district and type of development sought in each SUP, we gathered information on what the property was being used for at the time of application. The number of units reported reflects how many new housing units were added (or, in a handful of cases, eliminated) as a result of the project. That means that if one single family home was demolished and a duplex constructed in its place, the number of new units produced was one. This total also reflects the final number of units approved by the City Council. In some cases, neighborhood objections led to amendments reducing the intensity of the development — as was the situation with [projects on Jahnke Road and on Hanover Avenue last summer.](https://www.richmonder.org/over-neighbor-objections-planning-commission-greenlights-compromise-plans-for-jahnke-apartments-hanover-townhomes/) Finally, we recorded the dates of votes at the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as their recommendations, to get a better sense of how long the process typically takes. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org)*. Reporter Ned Oliver contributed to this story.* [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean different![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2026/04/zoningpuzzle2.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) [In Richmond, what is ‘affordable’ housing?Some elected officials have long complained that wealthier, more populous counties within the Richmond metro area skew the AMI and put low-income city residents at a disadvantage.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/size/w1200/2025/12/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-richmond-what-is-affordable-housing/) [THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean different things in different neighborhoods.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-0de316611f7990abb2e03b95951be4ba5ab237fe38e0bd60bd7b83b61ad44628.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-next-50-years-richmonds-zoning-overhaul-envisions-a-denser-city-what-will-that-look-like/) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Third draft of code refresh to be rolled out in phases starting in June URL: https://www.richmonder.org/third-draft-of-code-refresh-to-be-rolled-out-in-phases-starting-in-june/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T01:34:00.000Z Richmond’s Planning Department intends to roll out the third draft of a proposed citywide rezoning in phases beginning this June, according to Planning Director Kevin Vonck. Whether that version of the code refresh will be the final one remains up in the air. “Draft three will be draft three,” Vonck told the Zoning Advisory Council, a subcommittee of the Planning Commission that has no voting power but has been helping the department shape the rezoning proposal for almost two years. “It’s going to be up to this body, Planning Commission and Council if they want to continue on.” Under the timeline laid out by Vonck last week, the Planning Department will first release a proposal on how to handle some of the most controversial policy issues. Major points of debate have so far included how many housing units will be allowed on a residential lot by right, how places of worship will be zoned and how many unrelated people will be allowed to live in a residence. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Those plans will then be presented to the ZAC, the Planning Commission and the City Council during work sessions in order to get feedback on whether there is enough support for them to move forward or whether the department needs to go back to the drawing board. “Part of that will also tell us: How close are we on these things?” said Vonck. “I've said before, we're not going to 100% satisfy every single person, but are we doing what is best in terms of where we can best get consensus?” [READ MORE: Richmonder coverage of code refreshThe Richmonder has provided extensive coverage of the effort to rewrite the city’s zoning code. Read some of our past stories here: Project overview: THE NEXT 50 YEARS: Richmond’s zoning overhaul envisions a denser city. What will that look like?Leaders of the effort say density will mean different![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/zoningpuzzle2-8f68c514756846444e736ef21441b0ad029318912008f8f5ed0823183295040c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/code-refresh/) After that workshopping process has occurred, the Planning Department will incorporate the resulting decisions into a complete third draft that it hopes to release later in June, Vonck told The Richmonder. *Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at* [*svogelsong@richmonder.org*](mailto:svogelsong@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### VCU baseball outlasts rain, opponents to make NCAA tournament; Rams will face UNC on Friday URL: https://www.richmonder.org/vcu-baseball-outlasts-rain-opponents-to-make-ncaa-tournament-rams-will-face-unc-on-friday/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:49:09.000Z A year after the program's worst season in more than a decade, the VCU will play in the NCAA baseball tournament this weekend. The Rams survived a wild weekend at the Atlantic 10 tournament, including multiple games delayed by rain, to win the conference championship on Sunday afternoon. VCU turned the program over to Sean Thompson, a former player, two years ago. Thompson is only 30 years old, and was the youngest coach in NCAA Division I baseball when he was hired. He has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, with VCU going from 17-37 last year to 37-23 and conference champions this year. The Rams have hit a program record 67 home runs so far this season. The odds will be against VCU in the NCAA tournament. They will enter as the No. 4 seed in the four-team regional format. However, they're paired against top-seeded North Carolina, an echo of the Rams' stunning men's basketball victory over the Tar Heels in March. The two teams will play on Friday at 5 p.m. in Chapel Hill. The day's first game will pit Tennessee against East Carolina. The tournament is a double-elimination format, with the last team standing advancing to the round of 16, called the Super Regional, where they will have a chance to make the College World Series. The Rams have never made it to the College World Series, but advanced to the Super Regional round in 2015, also as a No. 4 seed. During that season, Thompson was VCU's star pitcher. VCU baseball also continues to make headlines as negotiations continue on moving the team to the new CarMax Park baseball stadium. The Rams played this season at The Diamond. [What is Sports Backers Stadium and why is it holding up Diamond District development?While the stadium is named for Sports Backers, a local nonprofit that promotes active living, it is not owned by the group.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6868-76541b95395a01ed813a4c8602390a55ea643ba208f52f8827019f1e3763a442.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-sports-backers-stadium-and-why-is-it-holding-up-diamond-district-development/) UVA and Virginia Tech were also selected to the 64-team NCAA baseball tournament field. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* *VCU is a sponsor of The Richmonder but was not allowed to influence or review this story.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### School Board approves substitute teacher outsourcing contracts in split vote URL: https://www.richmonder.org/school-board-approves-substitute-teacher-outsourcing-contracts-in-split-vote/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T21:33:04.000Z After two nights of long conversations among elected officials and school administrators earlier this month, the Richmond School Board voted 5-4 to approve a contract that would outsource the hiring of some substitute teachers for Richmond Public Schools. [Scoot Education, the recipient of the contract](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DTNSKX731D53/$file/%24100K%2B%20Contract%20for%20Second%20Read%20%28Scoot%20Education%29%20for%205-12-26%20Business%20Meeting.pdf), was granted access to hire 15 people through its TeachStart fellowship, who will work as long-term substitute teachers while earning their teaching certification. The contract was originally listed on the consent agenda, meaning it would be passed without discussion, but the Board agreed to take it out to allow deliberation. “I believe deeply that recruiting and training full-time teachers, people who will be in the classroom every day with our kids, is a core part of our work, and I oppose contracting it out,” said Ali Faruk (3rd District). Working in government, he continued that he has seen “it not go well” when core government functions are externally contracted. [RPS pitches outsourcing some substitute teachers, Board pushes backThe program provides salary and benefits to fellows who work as long-term substitute teachers while earning their teaching certification.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-380.png)The RichmonderVictoria A. Ifatusin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Richmonder_Education_Final_102924-6.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-pitches-outsourcing-some-substitute-teachers-board-pushes-back/) The company’s fellowship is similar to the division’s Supporting and Empowering Educator Development program (SEED), which helps RPS employees obtain their teacher license for free without health insurance and benefits. Scoot Education offers the opposite – health insurance and benefits are covered, but tuition is on the fellows. The deliberation follows last month’s meeting, where administrators first presented the contract for an initial read by the Board. Superintendent Jason Kamras requested that members bypass a second read, a typical procedure that usually occurs the next month, so that the governing body could approve the contract soon after. He asked the Board to do this to get a head start on the hiring process for the approaching school year. It drew immediate hesitation from the Board, some of whom still took issue with the administration’s attempted process during the May meeting. “We haven't really had time to … do all the things that we really would typically do when we have the option to discuss this in a more broader and a long-term span,” said Board Chair Shavonda Fernandez (9th District). “And so I don't feel comfortable with rushing the governance process.” But previously skeptical members changed their tune and expressed a willingness to “take a risk,” citing the division’s teacher vacancies. RPS is currently short 93 teachers as of last month. Chief Talent Officer Elizabeth Veliz also shared with the Board before the conversation that the division had 34 resignations in May – although it is unclear what positions they were. (Veliz announced after the meeting she [is leaving the role](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-seeking-new-chief-talent-officer-six-months-after-hiring-the-current-one/).) “As we continue to see teacher shortages and long-term subs in our building, we do need to think creatively about how we're nurturing our next group of teachers. And that is going to require some creative thinking,” said 2nd District representative Katie Ricard. ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Vice Chair Matthew Percival (1st District), who works as a government contractor, said that contractors can bring in a smaller team with expertise in an area that allows them to “accomplish a task much more quickly, more efficiently.” At a time when cuts are being made to Richmond schools’ budget as a result of rising expenses, Scoot Education could cost the division roughly an additional $729,000 if all teacher slots are filled. Its TeachStart fellowship has only been around for four years, but Veliz said she felt confident with the results the company has provided on their work with other divisions. For example, the company helped bring up filled teacher rates from 60% to 95% in the South San Francisco Unified School District, she said. “They have far more resources than we do to be able to recruit candidates into their programs,” she told members, adding that her team currently has only two recruiters who search for long-term subs. Still, Veliz said she wanted proof of their work within RPS, and asked for a pilot that would allow 15 teachers, in comparison to the 30-50 teachers she said the company suggested providing. “I’m hearing that this is essentially a pilot, an experiment to address our persistent challenges in filling teacher positions,” said Anne Holton (6th District). “And as such, I’m inclined to vote in favor of allowing the experiment.” Board members also noticed another similar contract administrators were requesting approval for. [University Instructors has worked with the division](https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/files/DTNSLD732CED/$file/%24100K%2B%20Contract%20for%20Second%20Read%20%28University%20Instructors%29%20for%205-12-2026%20Business%20Meeting.pdf) for over 20 years providing tutors to students, members and administrators said, but the company is starting a new endeavor similar to Scoot Education. It is unclear roughly how much it would cost the division. They too would be under a pilot program, also providing 15 substitute teachers who would eventually become fully licensed professionals. University Instructors would not provide health benefits and members would pay out of pocket for tuition, Veliz indicated. Both companies are also national organizations, but Scoot Education is based in Washington, D.C. while University Instructors is based in Richmond. The University Instructors contract passed as part of the consent agenda. The administration maintains that the contracts would be cost effective, as the division looked at the costs of existing vacancies to conduct a cost benefit analysis. “This program will yield us about $400,000 to $600,000 savings compared to our vacancies. So, we are using our vacancy dollars to fund this program," Veliz said. Questions still lingered from Board members, like what would happen if the agencies are unable to fill the spots and whether or not the teachers would stay in the division. Fernandez said questions were also asked of Scoot Education, but they did not receive answers in time. Veliz said that the division won’t pay anything until all spots are filled. She added that the school culture and leadership are factors that play into whether or not a teacher would leave. “Given the national shortage of qualified teachers in our country, I would hope that we have less than 30 long-term subs available,” she continued. “But given where we are and the labor market, that’s going to be challenging.” *Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at* [*vifatusin@richmonder.org*](mailto:vifatusin@richmonder.org) ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### May 25 Newsletter: Holiday catch-up URL: https://www.richmonder.org/may-25-newsletter-holiday-catch-up/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T13:10:20.000Z **Weather:** Scattered showers, high of 80. **On this date** in 1878, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is born in Richmond. One of the legends of American dance, he is also credited with having popularized the word "copacetic." ([**more**](https://thevalentine.org/explore/richmond-stories/featured-stories/bill-bojangles-robinson-richmond-history-maker/)) **Today's newsletter is sponsored by** [**Coalition Theater**](http://rvacomedy.com/)**, presenting the** [**2nd Best Comedy Fest**](http://2ndbestfest.com/):three nights of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy featuring acts from all over the country. Learn more at [2ndbestfest.com](http://2ndbestfest.com/). --- *On this holiday weekend, catch up on some of our reporting from the past few months...* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-24.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/we-are-not-digital-chesterfield-bookstore-celebrates-40-years-of-not-keeping-up-with-the-times/) ### 'We are not digital': Chesterfield bookstore celebrates 40 years of not keeping up with the times “One of these days, we would like to get an inventory system, but people are still fascinated by the calculators, and we still have little kids asking us what it is, so we keep it.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/we-are-not-digital-chesterfield-bookstore-celebrates-40-years-of-not-keeping-up-with-the-times/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-25.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-more-than-a-century-richmonds-historic-pump-house-is-getting-a-new-roof/) ### After more than a century, Richmond’s historic Pump House is getting a new roof After being decommissioned in 1924, the Pump House was for decades little more than a splendid relic perched between two lines of equally obsolete canals. Historic and civic groups made repeated attempts to restore it but had little success, although they did squash any thought of demolition. Over the past 10 years, however, efforts have gained momentum. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-more-than-a-century-richmonds-historic-pump-house-is-getting-a-new-roof/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-26.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-designed-a-new-woodville-elementary-but-theres-still-not-enough-money-to-start-the-project/) ### RPS has designed a new Woodville Elementary, but there’s still not enough money to start the project The state has provided a extension on its $12.4 million contribution, which was set to expire this spring. RPS is hoping that the General Assembly will sign off on allowing a 1% sales tax increase proposal to be put on the ballot this November to fund school construction. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/rps-has-designed-a-new-woodville-elementary-but-theres-still-not-enough-money-to-start-the-project/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-27.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/a-tale-of-two-richmonds-exploring-the-river-citys-namesake-in-england/) ### A Tale of Two Richmonds: Exploring the River City’s namesake in England In Richmond, Virginia, White Cross is a legendary homegrown hardcore band. In Richmond, England, The White Cross is a riverside pub of distinction for a novel reason: its patio floods during high tides. [**Explore more differences between the two cities here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/a-tale-of-two-richmonds-exploring-the-river-citys-namesake-in-england/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_0805--2--1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-are-courting-a-nonstop-flight-to-europe-it-wont-be-cheap/) ### Richmond officials are courting a nonstop flight to Europe. It won’t be cheap. Ireland’s Aer Lingus has been building up its status as a European hub out of Dublin, and has been receptive to initial inquiries from Richmond officials. At a recent meeting of the Capital Region Airport Commission, the board floated the possibility of a $20 million subsidy fund to support international flights, though one person familiar with the negotiations said the final number was unlikely to be that high. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-are-courting-a-nonstop-flight-to-europe-it-wont-be-cheap/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-28.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-search-of-more-starter-homes-some-zac-members-think-richmond-ought-to-allow-even-smaller-lots/) ### In search of more starter homes, some ZAC members think Richmond ought to allow even smaller lots Henrico County adopted its own version of “small lot” zoning in February 2025, allowing lots as small as 3,000 square feet and 30 feet wide in a bid to spur more affordable development. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-search-of-more-starter-homes-some-zac-members-think-richmond-ought-to-allow-even-smaller-lots/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image--1-.png)](https://2ndbestfest.com/) [Coalition Theater](http://rvacomedy.com/) is thrilled to announce the 9th Annual [2nd Best Comedy Fest](http://2ndbestfest.com/), running Thursday-Saturday, June 11-13 in Richmond’s Downtown Arts District. This three-day comedy extravaganza features over 50 hilarious acts across four local theaters and art spaces. See Richmond comedians perform alongside acts from US cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. With improv, sketch, stand-up, clowning, and musical comedy, there’s something for everyone! Check out the schedule and find All-Access Passes at [2ndbestfest.com](http://2ndbestfest.com/). --- ### In other news - [**New high school timeline accelerated after flooding at RHSA**](https://www.richmonder.org/new-high-school-timeline-accelerated-after-flooding-at-rhsa/) - It will now open for the first day of the upcoming school year. - [**Lewis Ginter debuts $31M expansion in Richmond**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/22/lewis-ginter-expanded-conservatory-butterflies) (Axios) - The most visible change from the two-year expansion project is the conservatory, which has doubled in size. - [**Intermission Beer Co.'s spent grain feeds hungry Highland cows**](https://www.styleweekly.com/going-with-the-grain/) (Style Weekly) - A brewery’s relationship with a farm is key—the warm grain tends to go bad fairly quickly, so it needs to be picked up relatively soon after it’s been used. - [**Virginia fourth graders honor fallen soldiers with Memorial Day ceremony**](https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/memorial-day-ceremony-powhatan-may-22-2026) (CBS 6) - "It's important to teach them to be good citizens, to be part of their community." - [**A one-on-one with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/05/22/one-on-one-with-richmond-mayor-danny-avula/) (12 On Your Side) - The mayor discussed the recently passed budget, 911 call response, Flock cameras and more. --- *Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Want to support The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/celebrate-local-news-day-by-wearing-your-support-for-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### New high school timeline accelerated after flooding at RHSA URL: https://www.richmonder.org/new-high-school-timeline-accelerated-after-flooding-at-rhsa/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T22:42:40.000Z Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras announced in a video on Friday afternoon that the district will open its newest high school earlier than originally planned. The new Richmond High School for the Arts (formerly George Wythe) was initially planned to open after the next school year's winter break, in January of 2027\. However, construction timelines moved that date up to late September as of earlier this year. Now, flooding at the previous school is moving the timeline up once again. Kamras thanked the contractor, S.B. Ballard, for committing to accelerating its work so the school can open for the first day of the 2026-27 school year on Monday, August 24. > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYppXTVOwNo/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Richmond Public Schools (@rvaschools)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYppXTVOwNo/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) Kamras said that students and staff would have an opportunity to enter the old building in the coming days to gather their personal belongings. The old building will be demolished after the new one is opened. [Richmond High School for the Arts closed after floodingA new school is under construction directly adjacent to the current school, with a scheduled move date of mid-September.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The RichmonderRichmonder Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-1.54.15---PM-9674878177610f69dd3034ad219836b8f33f2cad9b753105506f2eed4aa94acc.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-high-school-for-the-arts-closed-today-after-flooding/) S.B. Ballard site superintendent Alan Cramer said crews will work seven days a week to get the new building ready. *Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.* ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Cosby's bats come alive in baseball win over Manchester URL: https://www.richmonder.org/cosbys-bats-come-alive-in-baseball-win-over-manchester/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T17:08:19.000Z The rain finally arrived. The passion? The energy? The joie de vivre? They were there in prodigious quantities from the outset, and no doubt about it, they provided the fuel that propelled the Cosby Titans to a 16-4 victory over Manchester Thursday evening on the Lancers’ home diamond. “Great effort,” said Cosby Coach Tom Nelson of his guys’ performance. “Our bats came alive. We had a lot of good at-bats. We had several multi-pitch at-bats where there were more than 10 pitches, and then we ended up getting on base. “It can break a pitcher when he throws a lot of pitches and you still get on base. And we played a really clean (actually, errorless) game in the field.” Though the score suggests a walk in the park, the Titans’ victory was anything but. Manchester catcher Easton Butts, a Lynchburg University commit, opened the bottom of the first with a home run into the woods behind the 310-foot right field wall. “Honestly, they did the same thing to us last year: led off with a home run, actually the same kid,” said Wyatt Mathews, the Titans’ senior second baseman and team leader. “We were in that position then and came out on top, so I had confidence that that one swing didn’t matter. It was early, and there was a lot of baseball left to play.” Yes, there was. Two innings later, as the overcast sky grew more ominous and the unseasonably cool wind intensified, the Titans (17-3) loaded the bases when Seth Cheatham, Luca Briggs, and Blake LaMattina stroked consecutive singles and Tyler Tapscott cleared them with a two-strike grand slam home run to right center. “Great at-bat,” Nelson said. “Four hundred feet, it looked like. That really broke the game open for us. Down one and instantly up 4-1\. That was the turning point right there.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Now rolling, Cosby (17-3) added two more runs in the top of the fourth when Mathews singled, Cameron Satterfield walked, and Cheatam drove them home with a single to left. What might have demoralized and completely broken Manchester, though, didn’t. Landon Anderson led off the fourth with a single to right and advanced to second, then third on a passed ball. Judah Parks walked, and Josh Shaffer followed with a home run to center to cut the Lancers’ deficit to 6-4. Unfazed, the Titans added another run in the fifth when Matthew Scobey walked, moved to second, then third on wild pitches, and scored on a balk. Cosby was now up 7-4 after four-and-a-half innings. It was still anyone’s game…until it wasn’t. As large drops of rain began to fall, the wind picked up even more, umbrellas opened, and the tension of the moment intensified, the Lancers (17-3) loaded the bases when Butts, Asher Blalock, and Anderson drew consecutive walks to open the bottom of the fifth. Enter LaMattina, who started at shortstop but was now charged with saving the moment from the mound. The junior righthander responded exquisitely by striking out the side to end the threat. “Came in in a tough spot,” he said. “I was trying to give my team a chance by throwing strikes and making the other team do what they had to do to get on base. Fortunately, that did not happen.” Now, riding the crest of their momentum, the Titans dropped the hammer with nine runs in the top of the sixth to make the outcome a fait accompli. Cheatham’s single to right started the barrage. The Titans followed with four more hits, four walks, and a hit-by-pitch. Cheatham’s single to left, his fourth hit of the game in five at-bats, ultimately scored Mathews and Satterfield with the visitors’ final runs. LaMattina returned to the mound in the bottom of the sixth, picked up where he left off, and struck out the side to end the game. “We got a huge inning after coming in with the bases loaded,” LaMattina said. “The mercy rule was in effect. I wanted to work the zone, throw strikes, and get out of here early.” The Titans’ victory avenges a 2-0 loss to Manchester on April 24 and extends their winning streak to 10 with the regional playoffs next on their docket. They’re excited about the next phase of their season, for sure. “We had all the confidence in the world,” said Mathews of Cosby’s mindset as they prepared for their final regular season game. “We were hyped up from the start. We took it seriously. We stayed up. We stayed engaged. We stayed focused. No one took a break, even our bench.” There’s more… “This is the most fun baseball I’ve ever played, this year, 100 percent,” he added. “This is the best team, not just the skill level. It’s the brotherhood. It’s a family.” ## Sign up for The Richmonder Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/) Sign up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### May 22 Newsletter: Discussing future discussion URL: https://www.richmonder.org/may-22-newsletter-discussing-future-discussion/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T10:00:28.000Z **Weather:** A rainy and cool, holiday weekend. Temperatures will hover in the 70s. **On this date** in 1984, GRTC orders nine buses that are designed to look like the city's former streetcars. They looped around the downtown business corridor for 10 cents per ride. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/MAN-81-May-Digital-Ads_Style-Weekly_728x90.png)](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/) **Today's newsletter sponsored by** [**Manchester Spotlight**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/)**:** River views and rooftop pools are just the start of what the Manchester neighborhood has to offer! --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-21.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/council-committee-punts-on-transparency-measures-after-shutting-down-discussion/) ### Council committee punts on transparency measures after shutting down discussion Most of City Council and several top mayoral aides gathered for an important conversation on transparency Wednesday afternoon. Then it ended abruptly. Councilor Ellen Robertson seemed determined to prevent discussion of the issue as soon as the meeting began. She initially tried to remove the two payment register proposals from the committee agenda altogether. 🗣️ A woman in the audience objected to Robertson's first attempt to shut down discussion, saying she had come to City Hall to make a public comment on the issue. The decision to delay seemed to be the Council’s alone. Mayor Danny Avula's Chief of Staff said she was prepared to present the mayor’s proposal. - The proposals were originally set to be heard on May 4, but that meeting was cancelled because Council members were traveling to Phoenix for ChamberRVAs InterCity Visit. - If the Council chooses to make changes to Avula’s plan, the final vote might not happen until July or August. Avula first rolled out his plan in early April. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/council-committee-punts-on-transparency-measures-after-shutting-down-discussion/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/IMG_8526-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/dominions-presence-has-defined-richmond-for-years-what-happens-after-nexteras-acquisition/) ### Dominion’s presence has defined Richmond for years. What happens after NextEra’s acquisition? Reporter **Ned Oliver** takes a look at three important questions as the two companies seek regulatory approval: - Does this signal future layoffs? - What will Dominion's downtown presence look like? - Will Dominion still be one of the city’s top charitable contributors? One analyst notes that NextEra has a strict work-in-office policy, which could drive demand for additional office space in Richmond. (Dominion allows many employees to work a hybrid schedule.) [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/dominions-presence-has-defined-richmond-for-years-what-happens-after-nexteras-acquisition/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-22.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-activists-remember-chris-yates-an-amazing-leader-who-was-dedicated-to-the-cause-of-democracy/) ### Richmond activists remember Chris Yates, an ‘amazing leader’ who was ‘dedicated to the cause of democracy’ Peers remembered Chris Yates as an “instigator” with a “gentle spirit” who helped lead pro-democracy protests around Richmond and who “stood tall at the very center” of a vibrant activist community here. Yates was struck and killed on Staples Mill Road last week after he stepped into the road during a demonstration. Yates also volunteered at Richmond Hill, with the Armstrong Leadership Program and at local elementary schools. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-activists-remember-chris-yates-an-amazing-leader-who-was-dedicated-to-the-cause-of-democracy/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/image-23.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-oks-initial-master-plan-for-redeveloped-mosby-court-south/) ### Planning Commission OKs initial master plan for redeveloped Mosby Court South Richmond’s Planning Commission on Tuesday endorsed the preliminary master plan for the redevelopment of Mosby Court South into a mixed-use, mixed-income community that would significantly rework one of the gateways into the city’s East End. 🚧 Several blocks of 19th Street between O and R streets that were closed when the current community was built in the 1960s would be reopened and reconnected to the street grid. The roughly $176 million project is one of many RRHA has underway to redevelop its aging public housing communities throughout Richmond. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/planning-commission-oks-initial-master-plan-for-redeveloped-mosby-court-south/) --- ### Today's sponsor: [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/05/The-Eddy-Rooftop-2.jpg)](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/) ### **Make Manchester your new home** Manchester is an energized neighborhood just south of the James River in Downtown Richmond, known for its riverfront views and ever-growing lineup of things to do. With easy access to Belle Isle, Brown’s Island, and Downtown, plus a mix of local restaurants, breweries, shops, and arts spaces, it’s a go-to spot for exploring year-round. [**Read more here.**](https://venturerichmond.com/manchester-spotlight/home-sweet-home/) --- ### In other news - [**Richmond schools highlighted nationally for reading recovery, literacy gains**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-schools-highlighted-nationally-for-reading-recovery-literacy-gains/) - Columbia University’s Center for Public Research and Leadership studied recent gains in reading scores among RPS students. - [**RPD releases video showing police fatally shooting woman holding gun**](https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-releases-video-showing-police-fatally-shooting-woman-with-gun/) - The nearly 6-minute video shows the woman fired her gun just as officers were reaching the top of an open-air staircase. - [**New Henrico Schools software will allow teachers to see and control what students are doing on their computers in real time**](https://www.henricocitizen.com/new-henrico-schools-software-will-allow-teachers-to-see-and-control-what-students-are-doing-on-their-computers-in-real-time/) (Henrico Citizen) - The software will allow teachers to view what students are actively doing on their screens and what websites a student has opened. - [**Southside Speedway master plan vote deferred by planning commission**](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/05/21/southside-speedway-master-plan-vote-deferred-by-planning-commission/) (Richmond BizSense) - “I would be remiss if I didn’t say this is one of the most basic concept or master plans that have come before us for a project of this magnitude,” Planning Commissioner Gib Sloan said. - [**Where was the Marshall Reservoir?**](https://theshockoeexaminer.blogspot.com/2026/05/where-was-marshall-reservoir.html) (The Shockoe Examiner) - After almost a hundred years of service, Marshall Reservoir was finally taken off the city water system and drained in 1923. --- ### The editor's desk Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm after Wednesday's announcement that we will [**expand our news coverage to Chesterfield County**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-is-expanding-to-cover-chesterfield-government/)! Later this summer we'll announce plenty of times and places to come meet us in person as we get started – I'm personally committing to eating my way through the county. *Michael Phillips, founding editor* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Want to support The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/celebrate-local-news-day-by-wearing-your-support-for-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug! ### RPD releases video showing police fatally shooting woman holding gun URL: https://www.richmonder.org/rpd-releases-video-showing-police-fatally-shooting-woman-with-gun/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T15:57:53.000Z Video footage released Thursday by the Richmond Police Department shows a woman fired a gun in the direction of officers before she was fatally shot earlier this month at an apartment complex off Midlothian Turnpike. The nearly 6-minute video shows the woman fired just as officers were reaching the top of an open-air staircase, with a bystander nearby trying to come down. WARNING: This video contains graphic images A responding officer yelled, “Drop the gun!” and fired his own weapon at the woman almost immediately. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The video uses both body cameras and surveillance video from the apartment building. Because of the angle, it’s not clear if the woman could see the officers coming before she fired the gun. The responding officers announced themselves as they were going up the stairs. The release also includes 911 calls from people who reported shots being fired at the Belt Atlantic Apartments in the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike. Those calls came in around 6:47 p.m. on May 7. No one else was injured during the incident, according to police. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards had said he would release a “critical incident briefing” video about the fatal shooting. Thursday’s release said the video was being provided as part of RPD’s “core value and commitment to maintaining trust and legitimacy through transparency.” The officer who shot the woman is on paid administrative leave, per usual RPD policy. A full investigative report will follow, according to police, and that report will be delivered to Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin to determine if any further action is warranted. Richmond recently established a Civilian Review Board in an effort to provide outside oversight of fatal police shootings. The RPD release does not mention a role for that board in the current review. *Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at* [*gmoomaw@richmonder.org*](mailto:gmoomaw@richmonder.org) _Includes the latest 500 public posts. Use `/sitemap.xml` for the complete archive of public content._