June 16 Newsletter: Primary primer
Weather: Cloudy and humid, with a chance of afternoon showers. High of 78.
On this date in 1865, a group of five Black men from Richmond meet with President Andrew Johnson in the White House to share their grievances about how freed slaves were being treated by Mayor Joseph Mayo. (more)
Tuesday is primary day. Here’s what’s on the ballot in Richmond.
Graham Moomaw tells you what you need to know before you head to the polls tomorrow.
- Voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters do not have to have pre-declared party affiliation to participate.
- On the Democrat side, voters in Richmond city will determine whether the city’s sheriff and top prosecutor get to keep their jobs for another four-year term. (Read our guides to the local races: Sheriff and Commonwealth's Attorney)
- Democrat voters statewide will also pick a lieutenant governor candidate. Former Mayor Levar Stoney and state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi have local ties. Read more here.
Richmond’s free public pools are a way to stave off summertime heat
The city has nine free pools open to residents this summer, and also offers swimming lessons at no charge.
Also today in The Richmonder
GRTC reduces frequency of Pulse bus during midday periods, rejects potential cuts to Whitcomb route
In response to a reduced budget, the Greater Richmond Transit Authority will cut back on the frequency of its high-speed Pulse bus, mostly during midday hours.
State health regulators fine Richmond $6.8K for violations related to January water crisis
The order of consent formalizes the steps being taken to address the issues at the city’s water treatment plant. Money from the fine goes to the Virginia Water Supply Assistance Grant Fund.
RPS, City Council express interest in collaborating on a future budget formula
After a multi-year stretch where City Council and the School Board stopped holding regular meetings, they have indicated plans to resume the practice, with an eye towards reforming how money is allocated for education each year.
Midlothian softball caps perfect season with state title
Florida State commit Marlee Gaskell finished off an undefeated season for the Trojans in the Class 5 state title game on Saturday. The spring jubilee weekend also saw titles won by Glen Allen's softball team and Deep Run's girls soccer team.
In other news
- The mayor assembles a local advisory board for arts and culture (Style Weekly)
- Before the shopping and the traffic, his family's farm ruled Short Pump: 'Nothing like it is today' (CBS 6)
- Thousands take to the streets for ‘No Kings’ demonstration in Richmond (12 On Your Side)
The editor's desk
A downtown walk revealed that one of the city's most controversial buildings is finally gone. The old parking garage at 5th and Franklin was shedding bricks onto the street. Now, it can be reborn as something new.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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