> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Nov. 6 Newsletter: Inflation hits the firehouse - URL: https://www.richmonder.org/nov-6-newsletter-inflation-hits-the-firehouse/ - Published: 2026-11-06T11:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-06T11:00:02.000Z - Description: As Richmond celebrates Tree Week, a replacement program is underway in the Fan. Plus, Richmond's Civilian Review Board hasn't had much to do. - Author: Michael Phillips - Tags: Newsletter **Weather:** Early rains should go away this afternoon. High of 65. **On this date** in 1990, voters reject a state proposal to allow local governments to issue bonds for roads and mass transit. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/11/F4155F7A-0336-43B6-B353-DCC2DDB1E710_1_201_a.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/another-looming-budget-strain-for-richmond-soaring-fire-truck-costs/) ### Another looming budget strain for Richmond: soaring fire truck costs Since 2020, the cost of fire trucks and fire engines has doubled, scrambling the spending forecasts of fire departments in Richmond and elsewhere. 🚒 In 2021, a new fire engine cost $646,000\. Now they're anywhere from $1.1 to $1.3 million. The industry has consolidated, and more than 60 governments have entered a class-action lawsuit alleging collusion between the three main players. (Richmond is not part of the lawsuit.) Richmond aims to replace two fire engines and one fire truck every year to keep up with industry standards for vehicle life expectancy. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/another-looming-budget-strain-for-richmond-soaring-fire-truck-costs/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/11/IMG_1417.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-climate-changes-so-must-its-trees/) ### As Richmond's climate changes, so must its trees In Richmond, the sugar maple isn’t a happy camper. While beloved for its beautiful fall foliage, the tree, which can be found throughout the Fan and along Monument Avenue, has been struggling with the River City’s increasingly warm summers. Roughly 17 years ago, the nonprofit Fan District Association began working with the city’s Adopt-a-Tree program to replace many of the struggling trees in the historic neighborhood. This year, the program planted its 1,000th tree. Richmond Tree Week is this week, and includes the city's observance of Arbor Day. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/as-richmonds-climate-changes-so-must-its-trees/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/11/0EC97A03-0943-4C7B-82F9-E43C7BA20851_1_105_c.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/in-first-year-richmonds-civilian-review-board-looked-at-4-police-conduct-cases/) ### In first year, Richmond’s Civilian Review Board looked at 4 police conduct cases A new board meant to provide outside oversight of the conduct of Richmond police officers only got four cases to review in roughly its first year of operation. During their training to serve, members had been told to expect five to eight cases per month. The review board concurred with RPD’s internal findings in all four cases it has finished so far. Recently the group had its first disagreement, though it has not finalized that report. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/in-first-year-richmonds-civilian-review-board-looked-at-4-police-conduct-cases/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/11/image-3.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/shyndigz-opens-24-7-dessert-vending-machine/) ### Shyndigz opens 24/7 'dessert vending machine' Late-night cake cravings will go unsatisfied no longer. After months of anticipation, the popular local bakery Shyndigz has opened its "24/7 dessert vending machine," located outside its location on West Cary Street. On a Thursday morning visit, the machine was stocked with slices of cake, oatmeal cream pies, assorted pies and beverages. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/shyndigz-opens-24-7-dessert-vending-machine/) --- ### In other news - [**Hanover's drunk raccoon is now funding body cameras**](https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/11/05/virginia-drunk-raccoon-body-cameras-animal-control) (Axios Richmond) - Donations from the county's viral Trashed Panda campaign will cover more than half of the $65,000 program. - [**Richmond Public Schools facing cafeteria staff shortage**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/11/05/richmond-public-schools-faces-shortage-cafeteria-shortage/) (12 On Your Side) - Down about 30 employees, RPS is actively seeking more cafeteria staff members. - [**How Richmond City handles votes after the polls close**](https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-11-05/how-richmond-city-handles-votes-after-the-polls-close/) (VPM) - The Richmond Electoral Board’s canvass of results from all 72 voter precincts started at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/11/IMG_1462.jpeg) The tree is already on the way up at Westchester Commons. It's not as bad as Costco putting its Christmas merchandise out before Labor Day, but there's still not enough respect for the holiday calendar. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Do you enjoy The Richmonder? [**Join us as a donor**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) and we'll send you a hat or mug!