Nov. 4 Newsletter: School board stunner
Weather: Another lovely fall day; high of 77
On this date in 1920, Baptists convene in Virginia to discuss what to do about a shortage of ministers, blaming the high cost of living.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University. As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
DSA candidate Jackie McDonnough stuns Anne Holton, wins 6th District school board seat
Earlier this year, the Richmond School Board decided that Anne Holton was the best fit for the vacant 6th District seat. But residents thought otherwise.
In a major upset, Jackie McDonnough won on Tuesday night with a resounding share of the vote, defeating a recognized name backed by leaders within the state’s Democrat party who had raised more than $100,000 for the race.
McDonnough referenced her Brooklyn upbringing and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is also affiliated with the DSA.
“I’ve seen what can happen when working people come together and decide that they’re going to make a difference,” she said. Read more here.
Sales tax increase passes easily in Richmond, narrowly in Chesterfield
Richmond and Chesterfield both approved a 1% increase in sales tax to fund school construction and renovation on a night where the ballot measure was wildly unpopular statewide.
In Chesterfield, the county's urban core voted to pass the sales tax increase, splitting from the more rural precincts in the southern portion of the county. Read more here.
In other election news:
- Christina Brady will represent Clover Hill on Chesterfield School Board
- The seat will once again be up for grabs in 2027.
- Shannon Taylor declares victory in race for Virginia's 1st Congressional District (CBS 6)
- Taylor's watch party was directly next door to opponent Rob Wittman's.
A jury ordered Richmond to pay $2M to a man who fell after a library railing broke. Now the city’s insurer is suing Richmond.
After the verdict, the case took an unusual turn. The insurer said the city had violated its coverage contract by admitting liability “without any advice or consent” from the insurer.
City attorneys deny Richmond violated its contract, arguing the city “provided proper notice” to the insurer. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
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Since 2011, Virginia Commonwealth University’s RTR Teacher Residency program has trained 450-plus educators for high-needs schools in Richmond and across Virginia in 29 districts. Residents are paired with veteran mentors for hands-on classroom experiences while earning their VCU degree, gaining the real-world skills to succeed from day one. In exchange, graduates commit to teaching three years in partner school districts.
Now a national model for teacher residency programs, RTR is strengthening public education and creating a sustainable pipeline of dedicated educators throughout Richmond and beyond. Read more.
In other news
- Car strikes utility pole, leading to brief drop in water pressure
- The city anticipated requesting bids for a replacement generator in late 2027, according to a forecasting document from earlier this year.
- The Texas Beach bridge is open for the first time since 2022, but more closures remain before its official reopening
- The bridge closed in Sept. 2022 after officials found severe structural damage.
- High school football: Playoffs participants mostly set
- As the season enters its final week, the girls flag football playoffs will begin today.
The editor's desk
Reminder: Come visit us tonight from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the clubhouse at Independence Golf Club. We'll chat elections or whatever else is on your mind!
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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