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March 23 Newsletter: 'Street takeover' lessons

Weather: It's another spring fake-out as temperatures cool once again. High of 65 with morning showers.

On this date in 1775, Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech. (more)

Today's newsletter sponsored by YWCA Richmond: Join us for the 46th Annual Outstanding Women Awards (OWA) Luncheon on May 12th. Tables and tickets available. For more information go to www.ywcarichmond.org. Congratulations to our honorees! 

Richmond Police Chief: Increasing demands are putting strain on shorthanded force

Rick Edwards explained why officers had a difficult time effectively addressing a “street takeover” that took place two weeks ago.

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In an online video, an officer is seen attempting to issue tickets before the crowd surrounds him and another officer takes him away.

Outside of the event, the department was already at capacity during that weekend, he said.

  • Officers have worked additional late-night shifts in Shockoe Bottom after a shooting there
  • There was an anri-Iran protest
  • The half-marathon required traffic control
  • Two shootings earlier that night required an aircraft that allows officers to see in the dark, making it unavailable for the takeover.

“I mean, we have never been asked to do more as a police department with less officers than what’s happening right now,” he said. Read more here.

School funding is often the biggest budget fight. Why hasn't Richmond found a better way?

Last falll, a joint task force of City Council, the administration and RPS got together to decide on a funding formula for upcoming budgets.

The formula would decide how much of the city’s yearly tax revenue is given to RPS for its use, instead of the current system where school officials make requests for City Council’s consideration.

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In Norfolk, for example, Norfolk Public Schools is allotted a 29.55% share of 15 different city revenue sources, giving both sides budget certainty each year.

The group missed its Oct. 15 deadline, and has only met once since.

This year's process continues tonight, as the teachers' union will assemble at City Council to demand more funding. Read more here.

Richmond judge stands by criticism of city’s hired lawyer; Burks dropped from case

A Richmond judge didn’t take long to decide that she won’t back down from her public criticism of a lawyer who has been representing the city government in her courtroom.

She denied a request to either retract or revise a comment in a recent court order in which she faulted the city’s lawyer for an “apparent lack of candor.” Read more here.

Kickers start season hoping new business model will begin paying dividends

The Richmond Kickers have struggled to adjust to the new economic realities in their league, and have finished 11th, 8th and 13th in the past three seasons.

Their president believes that to build a consistent team going forward, the Kickers need to turn to what he calls a “hyper-local” approach, one that takes advantage of Richmond's soccer scene.

Members of the "Red Army" fan group said they're hopeful their patience pays off this season, but added that the Kickers' community-first approach keeps them coming back and supporting the team regardless. Read more here.

Today's sponsor:

Celebrate Richmond's Leadership! YWCA Richmond welcomes the 2026 Class of Outstanding Women Honorees. Join us for the 46th Annual Outstanding Women Awards (OWA) Luncheon on May 12th. Tables and tickets available. For more information go to www.ywcarichmond.org. Congratulations to our honorees! 

In other news

The editor's desk

The Kickers' league, the USL, is working towards introducing promotion and relegation, where the best teams move up to a higher league and the worst teams are dropped to a lesser league. That concept would also be a great addition to college basketball.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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