Sept. 19 Newsletter: Documenting The Diamond
Weather: Sunny and 85 before a cloudy weekend.
On this date in 1980, the Richmond Public Forum announces it must raise $17,000 or the speaker series will have to close before the beginning of the season. After failing to raise the money, the series goes dark until it is revived as the Richmond Forum in 1986.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Museum of History & Culture, hosting a “Revolutionary” Symposium on October 4 as part of their America 250th slate of programs. Register at VirginiaHistory.org/symposium.
Photo retrospective: The Diamond's final season
Photographer Ryan M. Kelly was on hand for the 40th and final season of baseball at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia. Today, he offers 40 photos documenting the season from all angles. See the gallery here.
RRHA board votes for more Gilpin talks but says it’s too early to OK redevelopment plans
The board that oversees Richmond’s public housing authority on Wednesday said it supports CEO Steven Nesmith continuing talks with city officials about the redevelopment of Gilpin Court but rejected a request to authorize Nesmith to push forward with getting federal approvals for the project at this time. Read more here.
Judge postpones FOIA ‘whistleblower’ trial as hostilities continue over witnesses and documents
Instead of starting next Tuesday, the three-day trial over the firing of former city Freedom of Information Act officer Connie Clay was pushed off until June of 2026, a delay of at least nine months.
When asked how much the city has already spent on the outside lawyers, officials said Thursday that the cost was $234,711. However, that number is almost certainly lower than the true cost, because it only covers invoices sent as of May 31. Read more here.
Richmond to install 10 red light cameras
Starting later this month, Richmond will install cameras that monitor and fine drivers who run red lights at key intersections around the city. Virginia law mandates that signs be placed at intersections where the cameras will be installed, and caps the fines, which are sent by mail, to $50 each. Read more, and see a map of locations, here.
Today's sponsor:
The 2025 Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History
The VMHC presents a one-day event where historians, practitioners, and members of the public gather to explore our shared past.
Attendees can expect a variety of interesting discussions, including:
- 16 panels comprising more than 50 experts representing more than 20 colleges, universities, and public history institutions.
- A keynote panel featuring leading scholars of the American Revolution, Drs. Alan Taylor, Karin Wulf, and Sarah McCartney.
- Special museum experiences and a reception.
Register at VirginiaHistory.org/symposium.
In other news
- Midlothian woman wins lottery; donates it all to charities (12 On Your Side)
- Mechanic’s lien litigation clouds future of Shenandoah Mansions hotel in the Fan (Richmond BizSense)
- Ecological restoration continues at Chapel Island with invasive plant removal
The editor's desk
Had a great time serving as emcee last night for the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Everything had a sports theme, even the music, which was provided by Billy Mac and the Acoustic Band. Billy was a former UVA football standout.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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