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🌱 Patch AM: What will Richmond’s new FOIA Library actually let you see?

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

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Hello Richmond! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will Richmond’s new FOIA Library actually let you see?
  • How will Richmond’s $22 million surplus actually be spent?
  • Bought a Ukrop’s pound cake in Richmond this week? Check this recall

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.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Richmond? Post it to Richmond photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 45 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mainly cloudy, temps: high: 53, low: 30.
  • Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 55 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Richmond creates FOIA Library, but not all records are eligible (wric.com) — Richmond is launching a new online FOIA Library so residents can see many government records requested under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act, though some documents will be excluded under specific criteria. City leaders, including Mayor Danny Avula and Councilwoman Kenya Gibson, are debating how transparent the final rules are, alongside new standards for the city’s Open Data Portal.
   

2. Richmond Council allocates fraction of $22 million budget surplus towards affordable housing (nbc12.com) — Richmond City Council has decided how to spend $2.2 million of the city’s $22 million budget surplus, directing funds to affordable housing, retiree bonuses, family crisis support, and community improvements. Councilmembers also questioned why they controlled only a small share of the surplus and raised concerns about transparency from the mayor’s administration over how the larger budget was built.
   

3. Ukrop's Decorated Pound Cakes Recalled For Undeclared Soy (foodpoisoningbulletin.com) — If you shop at Ukrop’s Market Hall in Richmond or Kroger Mid-Atlantic, check your decorated pound cakes: several Ukrop’s varieties are recalled for undeclared soy, a serious allergen. Only cakes with a best-by date of 12/15/2025 are affected, and customers with soy allergies should discard them or return them for a refund.
   

4. Salvation Army unveils Christmas Center filled with coats, gifts for local families (wtvr.com) — Richmond families in need can now turn to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Center at Stony Point, which just opened with thousands of donated coats and Angel Tree gifts. Partnering with Puritan Cleaners and more than 30 local schools, the effort has sorted over 14,000 coats for Central Virginia, with distribution beginning Tuesday to help neighbors stay warm this holiday season.
   

5. Richmond unveils new cast-iron art gateway at Gilpin Community Farm honoring local history (wtvr.com) — Richmond’s Gilpin neighborhood just gained a new cast-iron gateway at Gilpin Community Farm, designed by local artist Barry O’Keefe and cast at longtime Richmond business OK Foundry. The piece honors local flora, fauna, and community figures Charles Gilpin and Lillie Estes, while supporting youth workforce training through Kinfolk Community’s garden space.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost my dog Simba!
    He really old and doesn’t see or hear well. If you see him call me 804-901-9487 (Nextdoor Gardens)
  • ***REMINDER***
    Put your faucets on a slow drip. Hot & cold if you can (Dishwasher & Washer machine you probably can't) I'm doing mine now & probably will leave it… (Nextdoor Beverly Hills)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member - Service Champion in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for Facilities Coordinator (Temp) 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, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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