March 30 Newsletter: What's the buzz?
Weather: Warm temperatures return, with an expected high of 73.
On this date in 1986, Monument Avenue’s annual Easter on Parade goes on despite concerns over funding. To lower the insurance bill, a hot-air balloon was canceled.
Ground-nesting bees are a spring phenomenon in Richmond
As the temperatures rise, species of ground-nesting bees (of which there are hundreds in Virginia) will appear for a number of weeks as a swarm hovering just above areas of bare ground that receive consistent sun.
Ground bee swarms may appear intimidating, but males don’t have stingers, and females (who do) hardly ever sting. Read more here.
Richmond officials charge $5.7K FOIA fee for financial info city is required to publish
In 2015, Richmond's City Council passed a law requiring that the city publish its payment register, a log of how the city is spending taxpayer dollars, and update it on a monthly basis.
Despite the law, Richmond hasn't published the register since 2019. The City Council can’t get it either, even after one member floated the possibility of using the Council’s rarely invoked subpoena power. When The Richmonder filed a public records request for the information, the city said it would cost at least $5,732.40. Read more here.
‘Spring Forward’ push to reduce youth gun violence over spring break starts
Spring break is often a deadly time for young people in Richmond.
This week, Richmond police are hoping to bring down the annual uptick in shootings and youth homicides that tends to occur when kids are out of school. The 'Spring Forward' initiative, which began Friday, offers a broad range of activities that kids — and in some cases adults — can participate in throughout the week. Find out more here.
Fuchsia Freedom Garden in Jackson Ward springs forward with growth
Part of Jackson Ward's renaissance is the return of nature, thanks to the Fuchsia Freedom Garden.
The garden is a community-rooted green space in Jackson Ward created by Brandon Fountain, who also goes by "Lord Bumblebee."
Fountain called the space “a vibrant gathering space for neighbors, pollinators, and friends alike” which includes native plants, fresh produce, plum and peach trees, and a number of picnic benches and places to rest, making it truly a community garden. Read more here.
In other news
- Richmond’s No Kings protest smaller this time around but thousands still march through the city (Virginia Mercury)
- Flights halted at 5 airports, including Richmond International, over chemical smell at air traffic center (CBS 6)
- Texas Beach bridge to reopen by end of 2026 after four-year closure (12 On Your Side)
- Gas prices jump $1 in a month, nearing $4 in Richmond (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.
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