Oct. 2 Newsletter: Keyless car thefts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also today in The Richmonder
- 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
- 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
- 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:
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. “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.
In other news
- City, EDA file responses to 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 (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 (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."
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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