Sept. 26 Newsletter: Lost phone, angry judge
Weather: Occasional showers all weekend, with highs in the upper 70s.
On this date in 1961, Richmond and Henrico's governments decide to end Daylight Savings Time on Oct. 1, instead of the traditional Oct. 29 date. National standardization of the practice was still four years away.
Former city spokesperson’s ‘lost’ phone is latest sticking point in transparency lawsuit
The pre-trial fighting continues in the FOIA whistleblower case involving former city employee Connie Clay.
Lawyers representing the city had previously said there were no text messages on a work cell phone used by former city spokesperson Petula Burks relevant to the lawsuit. Wednesday, they acknowledged that's because it wasn't the phone used during the time period in question.
City lawyers said Burks lost her original phone at an airport. Her new phone only had texts from June 2024 on. The lawsuit was filed in March of that year.
Because text messages about government business are considered public documents that must be preserved under FOIA, the court battle is raising new questions about what policies the city has in place to ensure cell phone records aren’t destroyed or made inaccessible. Read more here.
New film documents local man's 914 mile ultra-marathon for his 65th birthday
Two years ago, at the age of 65, Will Turner set the “big, hairy, audacious goal” of completing a 6.5x Ironman-distance race by himself. That's 913.9 miles of swimming, cycling and running.
A film documenting his quest will premiere Sunday afternoon at the Byrd Theatre as part of the Richmond International Film Festival. Read more here.
Also today: High school football report: It's getting crowded in Region 4B
Jerry Lindquist: Saying farewell to The Diamond
Promised sidewalk investments win Snead Road affordable housing project approval
A major affordable housing proposal for Richmond’s Southside won approval from City Council Monday after months of opposition from the Planning Department, thanks to commitments by the developer and the city to build sidewalks along a stretch of road that has none. Read more here.
Officials express high hopes for city’s revamped budget process
A new budget won’t be passed until next spring, but Thursday’s event was meant to be a symbolic first step toward a new process officials hope will bring about more collaboration and fewer power struggles over how taxpayer dollars should be spent. Read more here.
How to float down the James River, safely
As the only city in the country with Class IV rapids that course through downtown, Richmond brings a unique appeal to boaters, paddlers and floaters alike. The Richmonder gathered tips on how to make the most of a day on the water. Read more here.
In other news
- Lawmakers, businesses eye potential launch of recreational pot market in Virginia (Richmond BizSense)
- Vape shop raids yield weapons, drugs and explosive device in Richmond area (CBS 6)
- Williamsburg crowning itself the 'Pancake Capital' with flapjack festival this weekend (WHRO)
The editor's desk
We're gearing up for an exciting (and unorthodox!) event next Sunday afternoon on Sharp's Island. You'll hear from three of the people helping to shape the future of the James River and its parks, and get a chance to explore nature in the process. Our donors get first crack at signing up — if you're a donor, you can do so here.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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