Oct. 8 Newsletter: RPS bargaining vote deferred
Weather: Summer's last gasp. High of 76 before a cool Folk Festival weekend.
On this date in 1981, both major-party candidates for governor return campaign donations from Georgia-Pacific after the attorney general initiates a price fixing lawsuit against the plywood manufacturing company.
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 School Board defers action on collective bargaining changes for another month
A divided RPS Board voted deferred a vote on major changes to the division’s collective bargaining processes until November, committing to a series of conversations with the unions representing RPS employees to further refine the proposal.
Some board members expressed disappointment with the tone of the protests, which included an inflatable “fat cat” displayed in front of City Hall. Union leaders also appeared to compare the school board to Donald Trump in a press release.
Superintendent Jason Kamras said the division is proud to be the first in Virginia to allow collective bargaining for school unions and still believes in it, but wants to make sure that the process is sustainable long-term given a tight budget. Read more here.
Richmond eyes closed landfill as potential solar farm and pollinator meadow site
A long-closed Richmond landfill could be on the brink of a new chapter as the City Council prepares to make a decision Tuesday about awarding a contract to build a solar farm and pollinator meadow on the site.
The agreement is expected to produce roughly $2.7 million in revenue for the city over the next 35 years through a combination of upfront payments and annual rent, and would generate roughly 5 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power 500 or more homes. Read more here.
South Richmond recycling site moving to new location after dumping issues
A recycling drop-off location in South Richmond is moving to a new, fenced-in location that will help officials cut down on non-recyclable junk getting dumped near the containers.
Illegal dumping appears to be a growing concern for Richmond officials. At a Council committee meeting last month, a DPW representative said the city is considering installing surveillance cameras in dumping “hotspots” to try to crack down. Read more here.
High school football report: Benedictine stays undefeated; Powhatan makes late stand
Only eight area high school football teams remain unbeaten: Benedictine, Dinwiddie, Manchester, Thomas Dale, Louisa, Trinity Episcopal, Hanover and Caroline all have playoff aspirations as we hit the season's midway point. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Tiny Virginia Commonwealth University invention could put a wrap on one of surgery’s painstaking challenges
In developing Nerve Tape, VCU Health surgeon-researcher Jonathan Isaacs created a simple, suture-free solution for repairing severed nerves. When faced with repairing severed peripheral nerves even the most skilled surgeons could only promise a 50-50 chance at full recovery. “Fifty percent. That’s been the reality for decades,” Isaacs said. “That wasn’t good enough.” With VCU’s support, Isaacs was able to work with a medical device partner, moving his idea into production. Nerve Tape has now been used in more than 2,500 surgeries. Read more.
In other news
- Tavares Floyd indicted on campaign finance charges
- Floyd's whereabouts remain unknown. He was evicted from his Canal Walk apartment late last year.
- Francine Came Home: Because Sometimes the Community Still Shows Up (RVA Mag)
- Francine Fest will be held tonight from 5-10 p.m. at Main Line Brewery.
- Multiple hazing allegations surface against suspended fraternity Theta Chi at VCU (8 News)
- The group says it is not active at VCU: "Any group of VCU students purporting to operate a chapter of Theta Chi is doing so without authorization of the Fraternity."
The editor's desk
That's a mighty big tracking device they put on Francine. I don't think she's going to be able to disappear again anytime soon.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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