You ask the questions; We’ll step in for the detective work. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
Happy (almost) New Year, Richmond.
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories we followed and what changes may come next year.
That’s why we’re polling the crowd for questions you want answered in 2026 — any piece of Richmond life you’ve always wanted to read into with your morning coffee.
Want to know where to get the best pho? What that construction site on your block is going to be? The history of a Richmond legend, or a piece of art you walk by every day?
Submit your question(s) to influence the stories you’ll read next year, and stay tuned in 2026 as we bring you the answers you want most. It’s our New Year’s resolution.
Asked
Asked
What Richmond question(s) do you want answered in 2026?
Editor Elise: Taking the time to share your thoughts will help me understand what you want to read about most in 2026. Thank you!
We might be getting a new Trader Joe’s store near Henrico’s West End. The store reportedly signed on to join Midtown64, a $500 million development on West Broad. You might recognize the site as the former Genworth Financial campus. (CBS 6)
Civic
After months of back-and-forth, a redevelopment plan for Gilpin Court is underway. Here’s what changed: Rather than Richmond Redevelopment + Housing Authority (RRHA) taking the lead, the project will adopt a collaborative model between RRHA and the City of Richmond. Plus, keep scrolling for Gilpin Court’s latest beautification project.
Food
Lillian in Scott’s Addition is teaming up with local chef Pablo Corrales for Empanada Nights every Wednesday and Thursday — two empanadas for $12 or three for $15. (They look gorgeous.) This week’s flavors: rock shrimp and tuna, tamarind braised pork, and “Garleek” with chestnut mushroom.
Development
Following up on our Shenandoah Valley development dive, officials are moving forward with plans to reimagine an inactive rail corridor. It will either include a multi-use trail or a rail + trail restoration project. Project ownership will eventually transfer to the Valley Battlefield Foundation. (Virginia Mercury)
Music
Anyone still bopping to “I’m Yours” (2008) by Jason Mraz? The singer-songwriter stopped by Deep Grove Records on North Robinson Street to grab some vinyl and pose for a celebrity photo op outside the shop.
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
Holiday
Looking for the perfect gift?The Virginia Lottery’s new holiday Scratchers are great for all the adults on your list: friends, family, or coworkers. You can never go wrong with gifting the Virginia Lottery.*
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Last-minute gift picks
Including pjs and a fun card game. | Graphic by 6AM City
Behind on holiday shopping? We’ve all been there. These thoughtful gifts should arrive just in time.
Genuine leather wallet | $31.88 | Upgrade their worn-out wallet to this stylish + functional one that boasts RFID blocking technology.
Owala FreeSip | $29.98 | This 4.7-star rated water bottle is loved for its patented FreeSip design.
Herd Mentality card game | $24.99 | This udderly hilarious + family-friendly card game is a perfect stocking stuffer.
A crowd of community members, along with Mayor Danny Avula, gathered in Gilpin Court this past Saturday, Dec. 13, to celebrate a new art installation.
The intricate cast-iron gateway, designed by local artist Barry O’Keefe, welcomes visitors into Gilpin Community Farm. The decision to use cast iron was partially inspired by Richmond’s residential cast-iron porches, according to O’Keefe.
The installation also included additional seating structures with cast-iron designs similar to those of the gateway. Both reference natural elements and historical motifs honoring Gilpin residents, such as Charles S. Gilpin and Lillie Estes.
A 2026 planner to keep track of your events, to-dos, goals, and more. We love this best-selling weekly option that includes 12 months of monthly and weekly pages for easy planning + scheduling. Or, opt for this flower-adorned daily planner with monthly tabs, metal cover protectors, and a page for expense tracking.
If I were to throw a 2026 question thread into the bunch, it would be, “What’s going on with Richmond’s Code Refresh? How could it directly impact residents? And why is it so complicated to understand?”
Tackling and breaking down our Code Refresh, among other hot-seat civic topics, is one of my 2026 goals for you all. Have you thought of any more questions you’d like answered next year? Drop ‘em here.
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