On May 25th, 2026, Samuel B. Parker published an article at the Richmond Times-Dispatch entitled “Richmond judges refer courthouse dispute to the Virginia Supreme Court.” It details the latest development in the legal wrangling over the city of Richmond’s aging downtown courthouse.
Parker reported (emphasis mine):
City officials have been largely mum over the dispute, which has been ongoing for some time. Mayor Danny Avula’s office referred questions to City Council (the members of which were named in the initial filing). City Council President Cynthia Newbille did not respond to a request for comment.
Newbille did not immediately respond to The Lookout’s request for comment on this matter. This post will be updated if/when she does.
Update (5/26/26): After publication, Steven Skinner, senior council public information manager, responded to a request for comment emailed Sunday to Cm. Newbille and her longtime liaison, Sam Patterson. “Outside of court filings and proceedings, Richmond City Council does not comment on ongoing or pending litigation,” Skinner wrote.
The Lookout followed up to inquire whether it was standard practice for the body’s president not to respond with that statement when asked about litigation by a member of the press (in this case, Parker of the RTD.) This piece will be updated if/when Skinner responds.
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This has been The Cynthia Newbille “No Comment” Corner, a new recurring feature highlighting the press availability—or lack thereof—of the 7th District’s longtime councilmember. If you come across a “no response” or a “no comment” from Newbille or her office in a media report, please submit it for consideration to The Lookout. All submissions anonymous!
