Oct. 21 Newsletter: Building immigrant trust
Weather: Another sunny fall day, with a high of 70.
On this date in 1938, a regional gathering of educators makes a statement against increasing federal control of education, saying it “arouses fear and alarm in our democracy.”
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.
Richmond officials roll out ‘trust policy’ to boost protection for immigrants
Since President Donald Trump first took office in early 2017, Richmond officials have characterized Virginia’s capital city as a place that welcomes immigrants.
Now, Mayor Danny Avula and the Richmond City Council are enacting a formal set of rules aiming to put those values into practice.
Under the new "trust policy," Richmond promises it won't discriminate based on citizenship when it comes to providing local services and won’t collect or share immigration-related data about its residents, except when necessary to comply with federal law. Richmond police also won't question anyone about their immigration status or cooperate with civil administrative immigration enforcement. Read more here.
Manchester residents worry wave of bridge projects could cut off bike-ped access across river for years
Manchester residents are worried the overhaul of a popular footbridge and an ambitious schedule of transportation improvements could cause the booming neighborhood’s pedestrian and bike access across the James River to be cut off for long periods of time.
“Can we come up with another solution? I think that’s what everybody’s going to ask for,” said Manchester resident Ray Olson to applause at a meeting of the Manchester Alliance earlier this month. Read more here.
Two men arrested in connection with 25 Honda thefts in Richmond
Over the past three weeks, 25 Hondas were stolen from Richmond residents in Woodland Heights and Northside.
Now police have arrested two men in connection with the thefts and uncovered a chop shop in Petersburg where Hondas were being dismantled into parts.
The Richmond Police Department said it's possible the thefts are connected to a larger criminal operation in Philadelphia, with Lt. Brian Rogers remarking that "it wouldn't surprise us if there's more people involved." Read more here.
Richmond courthouse closes due to water emergency
Officials closed Richmond’s John Marshall Courts Building Monday morning after broken water pipes caused flooding inside the building and visible leaking outside.
According to city officials, the flooding occurred when the building's baseboard heaters were turned on for the first time this fall, causing a hot water valve to break.
The courthouse is maintained by the city government, and the judges who use it had already put City Hall on notice that the building was falling into a state of disrepair. Read more — and see videos and photos of the damage — here.
Richmond cyclist completes cross-country bike ride, raising more than $250,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research
This summer, Pat McAleer biked from Washington state to Virginia Beach, totaling 4,361 miles. He did it to raise money for diabetes research.
The journey took a total of 72 days. McAleer said that he received a lot of positive support from people along his route. He noted that the “shining star” of this trip was the kindness of strangers.
“I really felt restored in my faith in mankind,” said McAleer. “Regardless of politics, people were really good to me. I met so many people from so many different walks of life who gave me meals, water on the side of the road, and people would just make sure I was okay.” Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
VCU Class of 2030
The Class of 2030 brings together students from a variety of communities, cultures and experiences, each contributing distinct perspectives, talents and ambitions. They come from different places and are pursuing different paths, but they have one thing in common: They are Rams, ready to shape what comes next and build futures that are unlimited.
Here’s a snapshot of the first-year class:
- 4,520 students from 38 states, including Virginia, as well as 77 countries.
- 40% are first-generation students.
- 60% of the class are starting with some college credit.
In other news
- Student shot at Virginia Union University, campus on lockdown (8News)
- The man, who VUU Police identified as a student at the university, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
- In the summer of 1930, Byrd Park hosted a children’s endurance bicycle race that lasted more than a month (Useful.bike)
- The race attracted an occasionally rowdy crowd numbering over a thousand people at times.
- Neighbors concerned after escaped inmate found outside Chesterfield home: 'How did this guy get away?' (WTVR)
- The inmate was on the loose for about 11 hours.
- Richmond woman says Flock cameras led police to tow wrong car (WWBT)
Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.
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