Oct. 23 Newsletter: To the moon
Weather: Sunny with highs in the mid-60s.
On this date in 1984, officials with the Richmond Arena visit Petersburg and pitch officials there on building a second regional convention center.
VCU professor's research could shield moon-bound astronauts from radiation
Space is brutal. It’s full of bombastic supernovas and the invisible radiation that ensues.
Arvind Agarwal compares his work to cooking as he tries to find the right mix of ingredients: boron nitride, titanium and silicone. He must find the right balance of radiation protection, durability and flexibility for the spacesuit fabric. And he has few chances to test it for real. Read more here.
Community Hospital redevelopment will head to Council; critics say it is moving too fast, while advocates decry additional hurdles
Richmond's Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval for Virginia Union's plan to redevelop the site of the former Richmond Community Hospital building, but the ordinance now includes an amendment requiring VUU conduct a structural study of the building before presenting the plan to City Council.
- In favor: “The stipulations that have been placed on Union as it relates to that development exceeds any that I have seen in the city,” Councilor Ellen Robertson said. “And it (raises) questions for me as to why the one and only historically Black college that we have in the city of Richmond is subjected to that level of scrutiny.”
- Opposed: “A project with this little parking, with this little traffic study and this little real community engagement would not be moving this fast in a wealthier, whiter part of this city,” Frederick Douglass Court resident Regina H. Boone said. “If the city is serious about equity, prove it here.”
No timeline has been set for the final vote by Council. Read more here.
Marijuana sales are coming to Virginia. Chesterfield is the latest county to look at where dispensaries can go
Chesterfield is taking its first steps toward regulating where recreational marijuana can be sold in the county, paving the way for future dispensaries.
The discussion comes almost exactly four years after Chesterfield rejected an effort to open a medical dispensary on Midlothian Turnpike. Currently, there aren’t licensed dispensaries in Chesterfield. Read more here.
ALSO: Federal prosecutors accuse State Sen. Louise Lucas of using political power to benefit marijuana enterprise (Virginia Scope)
Grace Place apartment rehab moving forward as housing authority and developer close on ground lease
The rehab of a long-dilapidated apartment building downtown is moving forward.
Renovations to transform the building into 68 affordable housing units for seniors are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027 and last 18 months.
In 2022, city inspectors found major code violations and condemned the building. Read more here.
Gibson Gross navigates doubt, keeps the faith at Midlothian
It was one of the biggest moments of the season, but Midlothian quarterback Gibson Gross wasn't sure he'd be able to lead his team. He was suffering a panic attack.
Gross is learning to work through a family medical condition alongside the team's coach, his father Phil Gross. The duo have led the Trojans to one of the best seasons in school history heading into tonight's Coal Bowl rivalry with James River. Read more here.
ALSO: Our game of the week picks, headlined by Hopewell-Petersburg.
In other news
- Cybersecurity incident disrupts Richmond Public Schools' internet, phone services
- School remains in session for students and teachers while internet access remains offline. Hanover went through a similar situation in March.
- Richmond's Halloween lights get the tacky treatment (Axios Richmond)
- Two Richmond companies are now offering Halloween light tours.
- Richmond Zombie Walk set for tomorrow at 2:3o p.m. in Carytown (Event organizers)
- The annual event is open to all who wish to participate or observe.
Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.
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