Did your favorite reads of 2025 make the list? | Graphic by 6AM City
Chances are, Spotify 2025 Wrapped is filling your social media feeds, and we’re taking inspiration to recap Richmond’s top stories of the year, but first, let’s take a look at the stats:
77,410 of you are subscribed to RICtoday and tap into the latest news and events that keep our city abuzz. Psst... send this newsletter to a friend to make sure they’re in the loop too.
You’ve read 242 newsletters this year. In those newsletters, we welcomed a new City Editor, played around with some fresh looks, and shared over 1,000 News notes. Thanks for being here!
We kept tracking the numbers — every daily click. Let’s see which RICtoday reads reigned supreme in 2025.
City guides
Out of our 25 go-to city guides, which one was visited the most?
How you can create community opportunity this holiday season
Presented by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia has been providing job seeker services and job skills training programs for individuals with challenges to employment for over 90 years. | Photos provided by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
The Forbes 30 Under 30 list is out, and while there are no RVA business moguls in the ranks, James Tralie from Arlington represents Virginia. He also represents NASA. The most recent 30 Under 30 Richmonder was Emily Warden honored in 2023.
Trending
A rascally raccoon from Ashland is making national news. What for? The usual… breaking into an ABC store, scouring the shelves, and falling into an intoxicated slumber next to the toilet. There’s photo proof. Hanover Animal Protection brought the critter to the shelter to recover and sober up before releasing him safely back into the wild. (AP News)
Wellness
Meet Richmond’s calm cruiser, the Peace Pod. Created by local poet B Lovee, this mobile initiative brings self-care to the people. Literally speaking, it’s a colorful van offering relaxation through interior sound moderation and light therapy. Figuratively speaking, it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with moments of peace. (CBS 6)
Plan Ahead
Coming up next week: RVA Boat Parade of Lights, “Chanukah on Ice,” and a meteor shower watch party. Want the details? We can help you plan ahead for all three. Upcoming artisan markets? Scroll up for a few in our Events section, or keep the search going with our holiday market guide.
City
Your voice matters. Last month, the city released the second Code Refresh draft, a vast remapping of the city’s original 1970s zoning code. The next public meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 10, but you can get ahead of the game and share your thoughts directly with two interactive online documents.
Outdoors
Look up. The December supermoon will appear today, Dec. 4, at 6:14 p.m., according to the Almanac. This occurs when the moon’s orbit gets closer to Earth, making the moon appear brighter than usual. This will be your last chance to see the cold moon before the year ends.
Transit
Yesterday, we got rolling with our local Amtrak travel guide, but there’s still more to explore. Anyone planning a holiday trip to Florida? You could. The southbound Silver Meteor and Palmetto lines pass through Staples Mill Road Station, and we’ve refreshed our Amtrak guide with details to get you connected.
The Virginia Physicians for Women’s team has a wide variety of specialties and expertise. As patients move through different phases of life and face new health challenges, they benefit from these combined skillsets. Learn how VPFW’s culture of collaboration helps you receive the highest quality care, personalized to meet your needs.*
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? Wait until you see number six.*
Finance
This just in: 6% is the new 2%. This card is every reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use. Bonus: You can get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2027. Learn more and apply.*
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Try This
Plan a hibernation vacation
Presented by The Lake House on Canandaigua
The Lake House’s amenities also include a heated lakefront pool, hot tub, firepits, and more. | Photos courtesy of Chris Churchill, Cara Livermore, Denver Miller, and Jed Kenny
We searched for winter’s coziest retreat, so you don’t have to. Meet The Lake House on Canandaigua, a MICHELIN Guide recommended resort nestled in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes.
Discover clever, useful tech that solves everyday problems in this guide to 2025’s coolest gadgets. We’re talking a small but mighty home security upgrade, a power bank the size of a credit card, and more.
I was smitten to see the Dot’s Back Inn article at the top of your 2025 Wrapped. I think that’s been my favorite article to write so far this year. If you didn’t get to check out the rest of your RICtoday Wrapped (top event clicks, Editor’s Pick, etc.), head over for a read — as you can see, we count every click.
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