Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Richmond officials expand fire-safety outreach after deadly Grove Avenue blaze

Spotted on the Richmond calendar: Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More

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Monday December 15th Patch AM
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Hello Richmond! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Richmond officials expand fire-safety outreach after deadly Grove Avenue blaze
  • Were you near the Shockoe Bottom McDonald’s when shots were fired?
  • What transparency changes could Richmond City Council approve tonight?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the stop sign say to the yield sign? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Partly sunny, brisk and cold, with a high of 34 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Not as cold, temps: high: 43, low: 31.
  • Wednesday: Some sun, then clouds, with a high of 56 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Virginia Cranwell Dies in Tragic Richmond House Fire (hypefresh.com) — An 82-year-old woman died in a July house fire on Grove Avenue in Richmond, prompting a full investigation and renewed fire-safety push from city leaders. Officials and the Richmond Fire Department are using the tragedy to promote smoke detectors, safety checks, and new outreach programs focused on protecting elderly residents living alone.
   

2. Man shot inside Richmond McDonald's on Sunday morning, police say (wtvr.com) — A man was shot inside the McDonald’s on East Broad Street in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom late Sunday morning, and police are still searching for a suspect. Officers say the victim was taken to a hospital, but his condition hasn’t been released. Anyone who saw or knows anything about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
   

3. On the agenda: Richmond transparency proposals, Henrico vape shop regulations (vpm.org) — Richmond residents have several key City Hall meetings today and tomorrow, including City Council votes on new transparency rules, an online FOIA library, and public contract disclosures. Council will also discuss hiring a new inspector general and selling a small city-owned parcel, while the Planning Commission considers a new secretary appointment. Regional boards in Chesterfield, Henrico, and Charlottesville also tackle zoning, incentives, and safety issues this week.
   

4. Jon Burkett surprises beloved security guard at VCU: 'What are ya'll doing?' (wtvr.com) — A beloved VCU security guard known as Ms. Francine just got a big surprise in Richmond, where CBS 6’s Jon Burkett honored her as part of the station’s Month of Giving. Students and staff say her kindness and reliability have made her a campus legend, and she was thanked with a gift card recognizing the joy she brings to the VCU community every day.
   

5. Charlie Schmidt wins firehouse primary, becomes nominee for House of Delegates seat (wric.com) — Richmond-area voters will see a new name on the ballot as community activist and former ACLU attorney Charlie Schmidt becomes the Democratic nominee for House District 77, currently represented by Del. Mike Jones of Richmond. Schmidt will face a Republican opponent in a Jan. 6, 2026 special election to fill the seat once Jones moves to the state Senate.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This gorgeous, sweet boy was found this morning near Douglasdale and Belmont by a dear friend.
    He’s currently at RAC and has been posted in Lost and Found pets as well. Just trying to get him as much attention as possible so he can be reunited… (Nextdoor Carillon)
  • Missing cat!
    Ethridge Dr. Very sweet small orange. Please help. Owner is distressed. (Nextdoor Fort Hill)
  • The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Youth Activities Counselor in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for FT Manager Customer Service (H) in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.

Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know either. They were speaking in sign language.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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