A Marathon Record, Mad Skillz, and the People vs Pets Debate
Cheers RVA!
Today will be rainy and mild, with a high of 53 and a low of 48. The chance of rain is expected to increase throughout the day.
the juice:
The Richmond Marathon has set an all-time record for participation, with 20939 participants signed up across the three events this Saturday, from the RTD.
The full and half marathons are at full capacity, and the 8k is approaching its participation cap.
Runners can still sign up via a charity entry, which ranges from $300 and $500, with limited availability.
Parking restrictions and road closures will begin Thursday evening and continue through Saturday afternoon.
the pulp:
City Council approved a measure to buy 96 acres in South Richmond, half of which will be made into a park, with the other half slated for development. The land, which is owned by the Altria Group, was previously the site of the proposed casino which was rejected twice by Richmond voters.
The Virginia House of Delegates has advanced three constitutional amendments through sub-committee, via WRIC. The proposed amendments would enshrine abortion access, marriage equality, and felon’s rights into the Virginia constitution. The process of amending the state constitution is still years away, with the amendments proceeding to the House floor when the General Assembly reconvenes in 2025.
RVA Mag dives into local Hip Hop Legend Mad Skillz receiving a Grammy nomination in the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category for his recent project: The Seven Number Ones. His first album, From Where?, released in 1996, references his origins in Virginia in contrast to the prototypical rappers from New York and Los Angeles at the time.
the dive:
Graham Moomaw from the Richmonder writes about the people vs pets debate, with City Council approving a proposal to spend $2 million to purchase a building in the Fan District for a more visitor-friendly animal adoption center. Two council members voted against the proposal.
Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District), a social worker, was particularly emotional as she said she felt like she was “in a different universe” hearing about spending millions to shelter animals when the city hasn’t funded a shelter for children and families who also have no place to go.
Read the full article here.
the vibe:
Have a skillful day RVA!
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