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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Wednesday, June 9, 2021:
Democrats have selected Terry McAuliffe as their nominee for governor.He easily defeated four other candidates in his bid to win back his old job. Virginia’s next lieutenant governor will make history – as the first woman of color to take the seat. Yesterday, voters picked state Delegate Hala Ayala to run against former Republican delegate Winsome Sears. Mark Herring is vying for a third term as Attorney General - against Republican state Delegate Jason Miyares.
The Virginia Supreme Court heard challenges yesterday to the state’s plan to remove the statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond. A group of property owners and a descendent want to keep the monument standing.
Virginia has seen an overall decrease in violent crimes compared to 2019. The Commonwealth’s annual crime report found the number of burglaries decreased 18.8 percent. Overall drug arrests decreased by just over a third. Seizures of all drugs decreased, with marijuana showing a significant decrease of 31.7 percent. Despite the overall decrease in violent crime, specific crimes like homicides increased by almost a quarter. Hate crimes saw a 2.7 percent increase.
Residents in Richmond who need a break from the humidity and high temperatures this summer can take advantage of two cooling stations that opened this week. One is located at the Social Services Marshall Plaza Buidling on East Marshall Street. The other is at the Southside Community Service Center on Hull Street. Both shelters will operate Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., through September. Health guidelines, such as face masks and physical distancing, will be required. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted.
