Sept. 2 Newsletter: Soaking up knowledge (and runoff)
Weather: High of 96 as the heat wave is on.
On this date in 1988, the Virginia Lottery announces a $2.4 million advertising campaign to promote scratch-off lottery tickets.
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’s libraries have long been a place for soaking up knowledge. Now they’re soaking up runoff too.
Richmond’s public libraries have slowly been going greener. Retention basins, rain gardens and runoff channels now capture and filter stormwater, while new trees cast shade in neighborhoods where temperatures are high.
“People love libraries,” the system's director said. “And the libraries that look good from the street they love even more.” Read more here.
Lewis Ginter workers will strike starting today, garden says it will remain open
Lewis Ginter CEO Brian Trader said in an email to garden supporters earlier this summer that the conflict has been costly. He said the organization has lost "tens of thousands of dollars in revenue."
The IAM union said the strike vote was conducted Tuesday, with an "overwhelming majority" in favor. Read more here.
Catching up: Flock cameras are generating controversy, but Chesterfield’s contract runs through 2029
Last week, Goochland County became the first Richmond-area locality to end its use of Flock’s Automatic License Plate Reader cameras.
- While Henrico's contract is up for renewal this year, and Richmond is close behind, Chesterfield signed a six-year contract with Flock in 2023.
- This year, the county said Chesterfield’s license plate readers have led to roughly 300 arrests.
But privacy advocates are growing concerned. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, a Republican who represents most of Midlothian and southern Chesterfield, took to social media Monday to call for a complete ban. Read more here.
Facilities Department had ‘haphazard’ processes and lacked work order controls, RPS audit finds
An internal audit into the Facilities Department at Richmond Public Schools discovered seven deficiencies within the work order system, including manual approval of work orders by the facilities director rather than using a maintenance management platform.
The department was run by former Director Bobby Hathaway, who recently left the division following an internal investigation that alleged he misappropriated school funds.
“The director was buying things, approving things, processing the invoices, no one else was involved … No one individual should do everything,” the new auditor said. Read more here.
- ‘That’s what high school football is about’: The Battle of Chester celebrates its 55th installment
- “I couldn’t wait to be a part of the history. I couldn’t sleep some nights. I would picture myself playing in the rivalry while watching the highlights.”
Mollie Reinhart fosters connection through compassion
Events organized by Reinhart's group, Befriend, include cleanups at Jefferson Park, sunset walks, farmer’s market trips and visits to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, among others.
Often prompted with a guiding question and encouraged to chat with someone they do not already know, attendees find a point of connection with those they are surrounded by, no matter the event.
“Everyone belongs with us,” Reinhart emphasized. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
VCU offers dozens of new degrees, minors and more
Virginia Commonwealth University students have dozens of new options to consider when pursuing degrees, certificates, concentrations, minors and more. The new programs come from across VCU’s colleges and schools and represent numerous academic disciplines.
From robotics and AI to healthcare and business, the academic programs reflect the evolving workforce and promote experiential learning for students.
Many of the new offerings are designed to help students keep up with fast-moving technologies or fill job market gaps, while others, such as accelerated programs, allow students to earn degrees in less time.
In other news
- RPS closes Bellevue Elementary 'out of an abundance of caution' due to potential mold
- Students at Obama Elementary are expected to return tomorrow.
- Two-alarm fire shuts down multiple blocks in downtown Richmond
- The building's occupants were evacuated, and no injuries have been reported.
- Special prosecutor named in SwimRVA drowning case (12 On Your Side)
- Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor said there was a potential conflict of interest involving an attorney in her office who was also employed at SwimRVA.
- Driver pleads guilty in crash that killed Valentine Museum Director Bill Martin (CBS 6)
- Sentencing takes place on December 1. He faces up to three years in prison.
- Male arrested after 90 vehicles damaged in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom (8 News)
- Investigators are working with VCU Police to find the owners of damaged vehicles.
The editor's desk
Not sure why they sell cookies in a variety pack when all anybody wants is chocolate chip.
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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