May 25 Newsletter: Holiday catch-up
Weather: Scattered showers, high of 80.
On this date in 1878, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is born in Richmond. One of the legends of American dance, he is also credited with having popularized the word "copacetic." (more)
Today's newsletter is sponsored by Coalition Theater, presenting the 2nd Best Comedy Fest: three nights of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy featuring acts from all over the country. Learn more at 2ndbestfest.com.
On this holiday weekend, catch up on some of our reporting from the past few months...
'We are not digital': Chesterfield bookstore celebrates 40 years of not keeping up with the times
“One of these days, we would like to get an inventory system, but people are still fascinated by the calculators, and we still have little kids asking us what it is, so we keep it.” Read more here.
After more than a century, Richmond’s historic Pump House is getting a new roof
After being decommissioned in 1924, the Pump House was for decades little more than a splendid relic perched between two lines of equally obsolete canals. Historic and civic groups made repeated attempts to restore it but had little success, although they did squash any thought of demolition.
Over the past 10 years, however, efforts have gained momentum. Read more here.
RPS has designed a new Woodville Elementary, but there’s still not enough money to start the project
The state has provided a extension on its $12.4 million contribution, which was set to expire this spring. RPS is hoping that the General Assembly will sign off on allowing a 1% sales tax increase proposal to be put on the ballot this November to fund school construction. Read more here.
A Tale of Two Richmonds: Exploring the River City’s namesake in England
In Richmond, Virginia, White Cross is a legendary homegrown hardcore band. In Richmond, England, The White Cross is a riverside pub of distinction for a novel reason: its patio floods during high tides. Explore more differences between the two cities here.
Richmond officials are courting a nonstop flight to Europe. It won’t be cheap.
Ireland’s Aer Lingus has been building up its status as a European hub out of Dublin, and has been receptive to initial inquiries from Richmond officials.
At a recent meeting of the Capital Region Airport Commission, the board floated the possibility of a $20 million subsidy fund to support international flights, though one person familiar with the negotiations said the final number was unlikely to be that high. Read more here.
In search of more starter homes, some ZAC members think Richmond ought to allow even smaller lots
Henrico County adopted its own version of “small lot” zoning in February 2025, allowing lots as small as 3,000 square feet and 30 feet wide in a bid to spur more affordable development. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Coalition Theater is thrilled to announce the 9th Annual 2nd Best Comedy Fest, running Thursday-Saturday, June 11-13 in Richmond’s Downtown Arts District. This three-day comedy extravaganza features over 50 hilarious acts across four local theaters and art spaces.
See Richmond comedians perform alongside acts from US cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. With improv, sketch, stand-up, clowning, and musical comedy, there’s something for everyone! Check out the schedule and find All-Access Passes at 2ndbestfest.com.
In other news
- New high school timeline accelerated after flooding at RHSA
- It will now open for the first day of the upcoming school year.
- Lewis Ginter debuts $31M expansion in Richmond (Axios)
- The most visible change from the two-year expansion project is the conservatory, which has doubled in size.
- Intermission Beer Co.'s spent grain feeds hungry Highland cows (Style Weekly)
- A brewery’s relationship with a farm is key—the warm grain tends to go bad fairly quickly, so it needs to be picked up relatively soon after it’s been used.
- Virginia fourth graders honor fallen soldiers with Memorial Day ceremony (CBS 6)
- "It's important to teach them to be good citizens, to be part of their community."
- A one-on-one with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula (12 On Your Side)
- The mayor discussed the recently passed budget, 911 call response, Flock cameras and more.
Editor Michael Phillips is out of office.
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