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March 16 Newsletter: School's out, storm's coming

Weather: A brief wave of heavy rain rolls through about 10 a.m., but it's the 5 p.m. round that could produce the worst thunderstorms and wind.

On this date in 1950, six inches of snow falls on the streets of Richmond.

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

Richmond-area schools canceled Monday due to potential for afternoon storms

Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield public schools will be closed on Monday due to the potential for severe storms in the afternoon hours.

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Chesterfield will add 5 minutes to the beginning and end of each school day for the rest of the year after spring break to make up the time.

The National Weather Service is forecasting high winds and "long-lived, widespread and intense" storms in the late afternoon hours, with a 30-44% chance of a tornado somewhere in the region. Read more here.

Cycling advocates take bike lane cleaning into their own hands

A pair of Richmond cyclists have crowdfunded more than $6,000 to purchase a bike-lane sweeper that attaches to the back of a bicycle. They said they did it in response to an increase in dirt and debris on the city's bike lanes.

  • In 2022, the city purchased an $80,000 sweeping machine, dubbed MF Broom, but "significant supply chain delays for critical replacement parts" have kept it mostly shelved during that time, according to the city.

But a city spokesperson says MF Broom is alive and well, and posted a video late this week of the machine in action. Read more here.

Friends of the James River Park names its new executive director

Friends of the James River Park has named longtime Richmond outdoor education leader Penelope Gorman as its next executive director, selecting a candidate deeply familiar with both the park system and the community that surrounds it.

The organization has grown significantly in recent years, evolving from a volunteer-led group into a growing nonprofit that raises close to $1 million annually for projects and programs. Read more here.

After five second-place finishes, Petersburg finally breaks through

It's the school's first boys basketball title since 1974, when Moses Malone was on the team.

Coach Ty White left John Marshall's hoops dynasty last year to bring a title back to his alma mater.

With tailored suits and Gucci shoes, this Petersburg team is a perfect fit for the social-media age. Read more here.

Also in basketball news:

  • The NCAA tournament brackets have been released. VCU's men will face North Carolina at 6:50 p.m. on Thursday night – UNC is only barely favored, and the Tar Heels' best player will be out due to injury.
  • UR's women were one of the very last teams selected to their bracket, and will participate in a play-in game on Wednesday evening.

More sports:

Richmond airport traffic stopped Friday night due to 'strong odor' at air traffic control facility

Richmond International Airport, along with the three D.C.-area airports, stopped all air traffic for more than an hour on Friday night, causing cascading backups nationally.

The source of the odor was a burning circuit board at a regional air traffic control facility in Warrenton. Read more here.

Today's sponsor:

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

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

In other news

The editor's desk

It's that time of year. My bracket advice:

  • Duke is the best team and the safe pick to win it all. But safe rarely wins the office pool. Houston and Gonzaga are strong sleeper picks you can have to yourself.
  • UVA has a phenomenal draw. They'll play into the second weekend.
  • Don't go crazy on opening-round upsets for 1-4 seeds. The top of the field is really good this year.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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