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🌱 Patch AM: Why VCU’s iconic engineering rooftop pyramid just disappeared from view

Spotted on the Richmond calendar: Friday Group Meditation – Richmond, VA

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Hi Richmond! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why VCU’s iconic engineering rooftop pyramid just disappeared from view
  • How Richmond’s ambulances just got faster at spotting strokes
  • How a secretive elk herd ended up just outside Richmond

Also on today's calendar: Burlesque Bingo and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Cloudy and cooler, with a high of 42 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Saturday: More clouds than sun, temps: high: 54, low: 33.
  • Sunday: Considerable cloudiness, with a high of 51 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. VCU engineering rooftop pyramid safely demolished after safety concerns (wric.com) — VCU’s Engineering School in Richmond has removed its distinctive rooftop pyramid after loose metal panels raised safety concerns, prompting a rapid demolition and scaffolding operation. Crews carefully dismantled the facade and steel supports, then removed nearly 20,000 pounds of scaffolding, all while maintaining the building’s structural integrity and keeping the busy downtown campus safe.
   

2. RAA becomes first EMS agency in Virginia to train all staff on advanced stroke detection (nbc12.com) — Richmond Ambulance Authority has trained all its staff on an advanced American Heart Association stroke detection program, aiming to spot strokes faster in local 911 calls. With about 600 stroke cases a year in Richmond, the new BEFAST-focused training is meant to speed hospital care and improve outcomes. Doctors and survivors stress that every second now matters even more for Richmond patients.
   

3. Reindeer in Chesterfield? Almost… It's the county's unique elk herd (wric.com) — Just south of Richmond, Chesterfield County quietly hosts a century-old elk herd at Defense Supply Center Richmond, where 24 elk still roam protected grounds. The animals trace back to a local farm founded by James Bellwood, whose family insisted the herd stay when the federal government turned part of the land into a military supply depot.
   

4. Suspected drunk driver wrecks cars, yards in Chesterfield neighborhood: 'Just a disaster' (wtvr.com) — Police say a suspected drunk driver caused major damage on North Stevens Hollow Drive in nearby Chesterfield County, in a crash reported from Richmond that totaled several SUVs and tore up yards on Christmas Eve. Neighbors described the scene as a disaster but were relieved no one was seriously hurt, while officers warned about the dangers of impaired driving during holiday celebrations.
   

5. Shonda Harris-Muhammed named interim superintendent amid Southampton investigation into lost grant funding (richmondfreepress.com) — A Richmond School Board member who represents the 6th District is stepping down from the board on Dec. 31 while simultaneously becoming interim superintendent in Southampton County, about an hour from Richmond. She was named in a county-ordered investigation that criticized how certain school grants were handled, including a VCU-funded program, and raised broader concerns about oversight and use of public education funds.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Richmond Film Network Concludes Season 2 of RFN Indie Fest —Lisa Mayers Read on Patch
  • Hi all, Some of you wanted a picture of Hermi’s bear.
    Unfortunately Bear crossed over the Bear Rainbow Bridge (picture below). I bought him a big Lambchop (picture below). He doesn’t like it as much a… (Nextdoor Bellevue)
  • URGENT!!
    2 of our cats somehow popped the screen to our bathroom window and escaped. Romeo is a long-hair gray & white tuxedo and his sister is a short hair… (Nextdoor Chamberlayne Heights)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Richmond. Apply here.
  • KCI Technologies Inc. posted a job opening for Transportation Practice Leader 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 guess I’m out of time.
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