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A/C units break at Arthur Ashe Center

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Some local groups planing events at the Arthur Ashe Center may have to find someplace else to go.

Heading into the summer, the facility is down three to four air conditioners, and the money to fix them just isn't there.

The Ashe Center is under the jurisdiction of the Richmond School System, which is already fighting a budget shortfall. $800,000 for air conditioners isn't on the list.

One school spokesperson, Steven Bolton, responded in an e-mail, "with our current budget restraints, we cannot give a time frame with regard to replacing the units."

Goochland High School planned to hold its graduation here in two weeks. It just found out about the problem Friday. Now, it's moving to the Landmark Theatre. Other events, including a CPR training session, and a public schools health fair must find a new venue.

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Bonuses for state workers appear more likely

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- It appears that state employees are more likely to get their 3% bonus.

A budget amendment that would've made the bonus more difficult for state workers to get went down in the strongest way possible — a unanimous vote that effectively kills it.

The final vote left no doubt about it. At 95 to 0, the amendment barely stood a chance.

Del. Jennifer McClellan had been hearing the complaints.

"State employees sort of felt like they were smacked in the face," said McClellan (D-Richmond).

The idea — authored by Governor Bob McDonnell — was to tie a one-time 3% bonus exclusively to state savings instead of state revenues. But in order to qualify for the bonus, state agencies would've had to find millions in savings by the end of June.

Not enough time, said the unusually unified House of Delegates.

City to eliminate trash collection on Fridays

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Something you do every week could change. Richmond is changing trash pick up days, which could affect tens of thousands of people

City officials say the project has been in the works for two years. It's just one way to cut costs without affecting garbage pick-up for people in the city.

City leaders are shortening the trash collection week. Crews will work four 10-hour days instead of five eight hour days each week. 

The goal is to cut down on overtime and maintenance costs. The city says it could save roughly $200,000. Daniel Black lives in the southside of town.

"I'm glad they're trying to save money," said Black. "They need to as much as possible."

He's always had trash pick-up on Fridays, but he doesn't mind the change. Public Works Spokesperson, Sharon North, says the switch will impact about 25,000 people.

Fired city employee claims project is costing taxpayers millions

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- A former city worker claims a failing city project could cost millions of your tax dollars.  And it's a program meant to save time and money. Now, several City Council members are calling for an audit.

The employee said he was fired for pointing out the problems and asked us to hide his identity.

It's an $18 million project meant to upgrade the city's computer systems. We're told it would help track and monitor the city's money and spending. It would also streamline services and make it more transparent.

In the State of the City, Mayor Dwight Jones called the computer project a "top priority". It also said it will, "streamline financial and administrative function and result in cost reductions." 

The man we interviewed was supposed to help put it in place.

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Susan G. Komen race traffic details

Race day is May 12, 2012.
Additional information here: http://www.komencentralva.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/ 

Street Closures
To ensure the safety of the Race participants, the following ramps and streets will be closed the morning of the Race:

2nd street ramp off Lee Bridge and off of I-195
2nd Street from Canal to the Lee Bridge
3rd Street at Canal
5th Street from Canal to Tredegar
Byrd Street from Belvidere to 9th 

Parking Options 
The following parking decks and lots will be open on Race day:

Parking Lots 
4th & Cary Street Lot - $6 (pay machine)
3rd & Main Street Lot - $6 (pay machine)

Local reaction to Obama's support for gay marriage

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- The President's support of same sex marriage is getting a lot of reaction here at home.

Jeff Wells and Mac Pence said their "I do's" in front of friends and family in 1999, then tied the knot, legally, 3 years ago in Boston.

"Jeff is the joy of my life and we're on, we're a family," said Mac Pence.

"Mac is the center of my world," said Jeff Wells.

Born and raised in the Commonwealth, the couple says they know Virginia — like North Carolina now — bans same sex marriage, but is thrilled to see the president taking a position on the issue.

"It was very validating of our identities...that certainly is historic and courageous on his part," said Wells.

It may be a bold move for the president, but according to political analyst Dan Palazzolo, this could mean a bigger battle in this already split state.

Richmond ranks 2nd most obese city in U.S.

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- Richmond is the second most obese city in the country, according to a Gallup survey.

Perhaps it's abundant temptation that's got nearly 30 percent of Richmonders classified as obese. We're the second fattest city in the nation behind Memphis, according to a Gallup survey. One big enemy, of course, is our love of fast food.

Another study last year shows that Richmond has the third highest ratio of fast food places, to people. There's also resisting Virginia's southern, down home cookin' and some widely revered restaurants in Richmond.

"Lots of people eat fast food, and just proportions are out of control," said Mary Margaret Watson, who said she works out regularly on campus at the University of Richmond..