Oct. 15 Newsletter: No tax cut coming
Weather: Sunshine is back, high of 73
On this date in 1979, two employees admit to damaging a nuclear power plant in Surry, but said they did it to call attention to the plant’s lax safety practices.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Siding with Avula, Council rejects push to lower real estate tax bills
City Council voted Tuesday to keep the city’s real estate tax rate unchanged, a decision that will mean higher tax bills for homeowners but avoids spending cuts to the city budget.
The proposed reduction would have knocked a few hundred dollars off a typical homeowner’s tax bill while forcing the city to forgo about $17.2 million in expected tax revenue.
Councilor Reva Trammell, who has pushed for lowering the tax rate for several years, seemed unsurprised but frustrated by the outcome.
“I think it’s a damn shame,” Trammell said. “I hope the citizens blame every one of us that’s sitting up here.” Read more here.
Richmond courthouses now allow cell phones, but only in locked pouches
Richmond officials are finally allowing members of the public to take phones into city courthouses.
Phones still can’t be used in the buildings, however. Under the new rules, they have to be stored away in Yondr pouches, a type of lockable bag used to create phone-free spaces.
For years, it wasn’t uncommon to see visitors stashing items in bushes outside the John Marshall Courts Building. At one point, court officials added storage lockers, but that too seemed to be an imperfect solution that didn’t stick. Read more here.
Richmond native, star musician D'Angelo dies of cancer at 51
Musician D'Angelo, who was born in Richmond to evangelical parents before becoming one of the pioneers of neo-soul music, died on Tuesday at age 51, according to a statement from his family.
His parents founded Shepherd’s Heart Christian Fellowship Ministry in South Richmond, and he played music at the church before embarking on his career. Read more here.
Q&A event: How does FOIA help hold our leaders accountable?
What is the Freedom of Information Act? How do news outlets use it to learn about local government? What is the future of the law?
Join The Richmonder on Thursday at noon as our reporters host FOIA expert Megan Rhyne, who is the executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, for a Q&A by Zoom.
Today's sponsor:
Uncommon Minds: VCU’s Class of 2029 Arrives Ready—and Unstoppable
In August, 4,500+ first-years joined Virginia Commonwealth University’s Ramily. Thousands of different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are coming together to shape one shared journey.
Here’s a snapshot of the VCU freshman class:
- Students have an average high school GPA of 3.65, with 26% of all first-years earning a 4.0 or higher (weighted).
- 57% are starting with some college credit.
- 38% of first-years are first-generation.
- 41% are Pell Grant-eligible
- $25 million+ in financial aid awarded.
Also today in The Richmonder
High school football report: Hanover stays unbeaten with big test on tap
In other news
- Chesterfield mourns top official who died battling cancer (8News)
- For Kaine, a walk and a talk show challenges for downtown Richmond businesses (Times-Dispatch)
- Richmond airport grounds Kristi Noem's government shutdown video (Axios)
The editor's desk
Happy 1st birthday to Southside's Baltik's Bagel, one of many foodie gems for those brave enough to cross the river.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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