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The week in brief

What a week it’s been. Whether your candidate for president won or lost, it’s been a heavy few day, full of turmoil and a bit of uncertainty. And whether you’re celebrating or commiserating, I think we can all agree it’s been a long one. On the national level (more on city level races in a bit), I thought this piece from the blog Wait But Why did a really great job of putting the outcome of the presidential election in perspective, touching on all the bases in an FAQ-style manner. Check it out and tell me how you feel afterwards. And remember, when all else fails, to be kind to one another.

Election recap

After a close-fought election (it came down to 9,000 absentee ballots), Richmond has a new mayor-elect. Levar M. Stoney, one of the city’s youngest mayors at 35, is set to become our 80th in office. Stoney, who was polling third, shut out supposed frontrunner Joe Morrissey and Jack Berry (polling second), winning the required five out of nine voting districts to take the race outright. Had either candidate failed to capture five districts, a runoff would have taken place in December. Here’s how it all shook out, and here’s a look at all the new blood in our City Council and School Board seats, plus specifics on who won which seats. Our elected officials have a lot of work ahead of them–here’s hoping they’re all up for the task of moving our city upward and forward.

In the suburbs, Henrico voters overwhelmingly approved $420 million in a bond referendum package that will improve the county’s infrastructure, parks, schools, and more–26 projects in all over six years.

Five things you should know

• The City (along with a bunch of other entities) is kicking off $6 million in renovations to Monroe Park
• Protesters shut down I-95 Wednesday evening; several monuments were vandalized after the outcome of the presidential election
• If you love the Greek Festival in the spring, there’s a mini version to enjoy this weekend
• Veterans can enjoy a discount meal in Short Pump this evening at a local restaurant
• An Open High School teacher was named RPS’ Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017

Cheers to the weekend

Arguably one of the most unique nighttime outdoor events in the city every year, InLight, takes over Scott’s Addition this evening. Expect a slew of interactive street art from over 20 different artists, beer and food from neighborhood establishments, and a lot of fun. Here’s our complete guide to enjoying all there is to see and do.

Runners will take to the streets tomorrow for the Anthem Richmond Marathon and associated races. If you’re participating, good luck! To the rest of us, here’s where to enjoy the party or get through (or around) the area–it’s our complete Richmond Marathon guide.

Check out our Weekend Events Picks for more fun things to see and do this weekend! Just try and be bored after looking at this list. We dare you!

Get caught up on the week’s food news here; check out Richard Hayes’ RVA Beer Explorer for all the news that’s fit to drink right here.

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson
Editor, RVAHub

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