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Nov. 29 Newsletter: For your holiday reading pleasure

Weather: High of 52, and getting colder

On this date in 1973, the torch at the Virginia War Memorial is extinguished for the first time since 1956 as an energy-saving measure, as the speed limit on Virginia's highways is reduced to 55 in response to skyrocketing oil prices.

Today's sponsor: Kick off the season at Operation Bizarre Bazaar! First access to 400+ amazing vendors, refreshments, & an unforgettable shopping experience supporting America’s Special Operations Forces heroes and their families. Premier entry starts at 4:30pm on Dec. 4. Don’t miss it!

Today, we share some of our most-read stories from The Richmonder's first 10 weeks of operation. If you missed them the first time around, enjoy some our writing about Richmond and its people from our talented writers, photographers and data analysts.

Features

I bought an island on the James River. Then I learned its history...
The archives are telling, and not just a little haunting.
The RichmonderAndy Thompson
Sacred Heart’s new organ compares to European cathedrals
It took 40,000 man-hours and 15 tons of steel to make the instrument.
The RichmonderBrooke Landers
Richmond history: Before the Fall Line Trail, there was the Ashland Electric Railway
Part of the path will run alongside a long-vanished trolley railway, one that used to carry passengers from Broad Street to downtown Ashland every hour.
The RichmonderDaniel Payne
With COVID-era support waning, Richmond’s independent bookstores are finding new ways to reach readers
Many of the city’s bookstores are expanding their offerings and doubling down as hubs of local community.
The RichmonderBrandon Haffner
Granite Community Festival aims to revive the memory of a Black neighborhood
“They had zero, but they had so much. They had family, love and community. They had each other, and they made sure they were all taken care of.”
The RichmonderMichael Phillips
A TikTok cooking star became a Richmonder this spring. She’s a fan.
Her boyfriend, Ryan Shellow, signed with the Richmond Kickers this year.
The RichmonderSarah Huffman
On Fashion: Michael Taylor walked away from fashion success. Now he’s back with a new perspective.
In a light-filled design studio on the first floor of Richmond’s iconic Imperial Building, Michael Taylor puts the final touches on his long-awaited Atara Collection—a line seven years in the making.
The RichmonderAshley Jefferson
Día de los Muertos celebration brings Richmond’s Hispanic community together
“A lot of people that are not Hispanic are coming because they are interested; they want to learn about the culture and about the holiday.”
The RichmonderSeraina Caviezel

News

How early TV ads helped Avula brush off attacks and become Richmond’s next mayor
Avula said the breadth of districts he won shows his message “really resonated with different kinds of Richmonders.”
The RichmonderGraham Moomaw
At Mayo Bridge meeting, citizens call for two-lane design, protected bike lanes
A VDOT official says the two biggest asks among attendees at a public meeting on the future of the Mayo Bridge were a two-lane bridge and a protected bike lane.
The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong
‘Dysfunctional’ reputation on the ballot as some School Board candidates and donors pitch better governance
“I really want to see a board that is committed to building more bridges, that is committed to good governance.”
The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong
$126 million segment of Fall Line Trail could rewire Southside’s transportation
One of the Fall Line Trail’s most significant benefits could be its expansion of bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Richmond’s Southside, which has long lagged other parts of the city in options to get around without a car.
The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong
Speed cameras at two Richmond schools have produced over 14,000 citations since November
“These cameras are not operating the entirety of the school day. So imagine what people are doing outside of those times.”
The RichmonderSarah Vogelsong
What was behind Richmond’s low voter turnout?
Just 62% of eligible Richmond voters cast a ballot, the worst presidential cycle turnout in recent history, and well below the state average of 68%.
The RichmonderMichael Phillips
Pulse bus continues to beat rider projections as future growth is discussed
Plans to create a second Pulse route, running north to south, are in the works.
The RichmonderCharlotte Matherly

Data

Data: Where are the most lottery tickets sold in Richmond?
We mapped 190 lottery retailers in the city based on their sales during the past fiscal year.
The RichmonderRichmonder Staff
Maps: Richmond city’s growth, through the years
Richmond has added to its land size several times, but is currently banned from doing so by state law.
The RichmonderRichmonder Staff
Map: Visualizing Richmond’s changing demographics
A change in Richmond’s racial makeup could have a big impact on this year’s mayoral election.
The RichmonderRichmonder Staff
What was behind Richmond’s low voter turnout?
Just 62% of eligible Richmond voters cast a ballot, the worst presidential cycle turnout in recent history, and well below the state average of 68%.
The RichmonderMichael Phillips

Today's sponsor

Get ready for Operation Bizarre Bazaar! This isn’t just shopping—it’s a one-of-a-kind evening supporting America’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members and their families.

Join us for an exclusive preview of 400+ exhibitors, delicious refreshments, and a chance to make a real impact. With 100% of proceeds benefiting our nation’s wounded, ill, injured, and fallen SOF families, it’s shopping you can feel great about!

Premier tickets enter at 4:30 pm; Supporter tickets at 5:30 pm. Must be 21+ (no strollers). Don’t miss this chance to shop and show support this holiday season! Purchase your tickets today.

The editor's desk

You may have noticed that we have some fancy new graphics to accompany our stories. We worked with local artist Bailey Sullivan, who captured the local flair that makes Richmond special. Look for her artwork on the site in the coming weeks!

As a reminder, The Richmonder is a reader-funded nonprofit newsroom. From now through the end of the year, if you start a recurring monthly donation, it will be doubled for the next 12 months thanks to a grant from the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Have a great weekend, and we'll be back with new stories on Monday!

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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