Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will Richmond’s new FOIA library really deliver radical transparency?

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

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Morning Richmond! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Richmond’s new FOIA library really deliver radical transparency?
  • How will Richmond’s new transportation department change your daily commute?
  • Are Richmond-area hunters skipping this crucial safety step in deer season?

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: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Sun followed by clouds, with a high of 53 and low of 32 degrees.
  • Thursday: A bit of afternoon rain, temps: high: 53, low: 47.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and windy, with a high of 59 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Richmond approves online public records portal (wtvr.com) — Richmond City Council has approved a new online FOIA library where certain public records will be posted to give residents easier insight into city operations. Mayor Danny Avula calls it a major transparency step, while Councilmember Kenya Gibson argues the adopted version doesn’t go far enough. The portal’s criteria and exemptions will shape how much information Richmonders actually see.
   

2. Richmond leaders announce plans for city's future, new initiatives (wric.com) — Richmond’s chief administrative officer just outlined several big changes coming to city government, including a new Department of Transportation and an “RVA University” course to help residents understand how City Hall works. He also previewed a “Blue Book” to guide local businesses toward upcoming city contract opportunities. Details and timelines are still to come, but these plans could reshape daily life and mobility in Richmond.
   

3. Hunter safety tips emphasized after Greensville County accident (nbc12.com) — State wildlife officials in Richmond are urging hunters to refresh their safety skills after a Greensville County hunter was accidentally struck by a pellet and treated for minor injuries. With firearm deer season still underway, they’re stressing tree-stand harnesses, clearly identifying targets, blaze-orange gear, and sharing hunting plans so Richmond-area and Virginia hunters stay safe through the holidays.
   

4. Gym employee sparks holiday cheer through song (12onyourside.com) — A Powhatan YMCA custodian with a powerful baritone voice is brightening workouts by serenading members with Christmas classics and other songs. His talent has taken him to Richmond Flying Squirrels games and local school events to sing the national anthem, and a family friend just honored him with NBC12’s Acts of Kindness award for the joy he brings to the community.
   

5. Barbara Johns statue unveiled at U.S. Capitol (nbc12.com) — From Richmondns are celebrating a powerful moment in national history as a new bronze statue of civil rights pioneer Barbara Johns is unveiled at the U.S. Capitol. The monument, replacing Robert E. Lee as one of Virginia’s representatives in Statuary Hall, honors the Farmville teenager whose 1951 school walkout helped drive school desegregation nationwide.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Avery Point Named One of Virginia Living Magazine's Top Retirement Communities —Petra Shaw Read on Patch
  • Update: she came home about an hour ago.
    Thanks to everyone that helped look for her!! Please keep an eye out for our lady. She got out of the gate when she saw the trash truck. She left… (Nextdoor Washington Park)
  • Update: Charles at mo-hope.org found my friend Joseph a room to rent. I used to volunteer at mo-hope.org. I gotta get back and give back to this wonderful community.
    A homeless friend of mine needs a room. He’s been staying with me this past month but I live in affordable housing and he has to leave Wednesday… (Nextdoor The Fan South)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Williams-Sonoma, Inc. posted a job opening for Stock Associate, Part-Time, West Cary-Richmond, West Elm 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. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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