Join us for a special edition of Salon de Résistance on Thursday, October 29 at Black Iris with three of Virginia’s most influential political content creators: Amanda Nelson of Amanda’s Mild Takes, Kate Powell of Kate for the People, and former CIA operations officer and congressional candidate Adam Dunigan(VA-8), for a conversation about the November 3 midterms, what to expect in Virginia, and how the battle for political influence is fought in 2026.

This is a free event, open to the public. Doors at 6pm. Conversation at 7pm.

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In the before times, political influence moved through relatively stable and predictive channels. Candidates spoke, newspapers and broadcast news reported. Engagement was limited, our attention was not monopolized. Our lifestyles hadn’t been politicized. Most importantly, elections were boring and we were none the wiser for it. 

That version of America no longer exists. Today, elections are bloodsport. Campaign narratives move at the speed of algorithm. And the reach of a single content creator or political influencer can change the entire dynamic of an entire election cycle with a single 90 second video. Political education, organizing, fundraising, persuasion, outrage, misinformation/disinformation, and the decisions that shape our future are competing for the same few inches of screen time. 

And just days before the 2026 midterms that matters. Because on November 3, Virginians will head to the polls and vote in every congressional district. 

Political pundits, writers, and the chattering class always claim that each election is more important than the last. But in the age of Trump, authoritarianism, unrestricted war, corruption on a scale once thought impossible, masked agents of the state snatching people off our streets, AI jailbreaks, data centers ruining communities, surveillance, and a crippling affordability crisis, those warnings no longer feel like hyperbole.

The candidates have to respond. The outcomes of the midterms are real. The future feels as fragile and tenuous as it ever has. 

via RVA Magazine

Read more, see more: https://rvamag.com/events/the-midterm-algorithm-virginia-2026.html

First and foremost, I will be reposting this again in a couple months closer to the event, so if you happen to see this post again, please don’t get mad at me. I just want different ideas from a different ring of people.

Very long story short, I went to school for the blind here in Richmond, met my girlfriend, started going out, moved in together. Things are going great. I’m gonna ask her to get married, preferably in Carytown.

Why do I wanna do Carytown? Well, we spent months and months and months learning the streets of the adjacent neighborhood and Carytown itself, and training in and out of it, and that is also the reason why we fell in loved and moved to Richmond because of that neighborhood. So I figured it would be a very appropriate place to go and propose.

Where would I like this to happen at? Ideally, in Carytown itself between the 3600 block and the 2800 block, or whatever is between Arthur Ashe Boulevard and the highway, and South of Grove and Cary Street itself and north. So between Grove Avenue and West Cary Street, and between the highway and Arthur Ashe Boulevard, which gives you guys a pretty big rectangle to work with. Also Belmont Ave going up to Belmont pizza, we know extremely well because we go there all the time, off of Grove Avenue.

What do I need? Obviously, ideas in that area I specified of where to propose, since I know that area very well. But I also need a place that at least two people can sit at, whether it be a bench, stair, curb, or whatever, at least for a limited amount of time, because I am inviting her dad and one of her friends, and they both don’t do well with standing up for long periods of time, so I need a place that at least can sit to. Making sure that the two of them can sit down comfortably for an extended period of time, which could be up to 45 minutes, is kind of important to me because again they cannot stand for extended periods of time and since I’m gonna be dependent on the carer ride, I don’t know exactly when I would be there, just that it would be sometime within roughly a half hour window.

Who is gonna be there? Obviously, me and her, but we’re also inviting her four blind friends and her dad, her sister, and her best friend. so we’re gonna have three-sided people to help round the blind people behind the scenes, which is great. Based off of what she told me, she would love a surprise like this with her friends and family there.

That is the plan, and I’m very open to ideas and criticisms because I’m just throwing this together as I go, and I’m not very good at this. That’s why I came to you guys for help

Tonight is the 300th Shockoe Sessions Live! Come join us in-person or online

Hello All!!!

I have acquired a kitten and am taking care of it. However, I cannot keep it due to my lease. The RSPCA is full. I don’t really know where else to turn. Any suggestions?

(p.s: if ur looking for a kitten and are financially able to intake one: please look into our Soot Sprite!
Soot Sprite is a 6 week old, non-vetted male kitten who is very playful and adventurous!)

I would like to move out around early 2027, like February-May kind of timeline. I think I’d most likely need a roommate. I was debating between renting or rent-to-own a mobile home, as they seem to be pretty affordable around my area and they’re decently sized.

I’m unsure about moving into the city as I’d need a driveway or garage because of my project car, and it seems hit or miss on that in Richmond.

Last time i moved out and into my own apartment was about 6-7 years ago, in Williamsburg, so definitely different circumstances. Would anyone have any advice on that?

I adopted Peanut from the RSPCA earlier this year. She is a 40 lb, 1y 5m old mix. We were told she was a pit mix but I’m not so sure. She is extremely smart, loyal, and LOVES people. She was mistreated before coming to the SPCA and is anxious, particularly around men, and is leash reactive towards other dogs. She has been aggressive towards our cats. Additionally, I was recently diagnosed with an incurable chronic health condition that has rapidly been deteriorating. We have scheduled an appointment to surrender her to the SPCA but would obviously prefer her to not end up in a shelter. They have us on the books for 11/24, but I am truthfully not sure I can last that long. RACC and RAL are not accepting surrenders.

Whatever breeds she has mixed in her are very very active! She absolutely needs a fenced in yard. We take her to a dog park at least once a week and ALL she wants to do is run, run, run. She can be a bit mouthy and destructive at times but I think having access to a yard would help soothe those urges. She would definitely do best with someone who spends a lot of time outside and is active, as she LOVES to just sit around outside.

She has bad separation anxiety- we have been working on crate training but she has a hard time with it, even when we are sitting with her. She loves car rides, sunbathing, bananas, string cheese, and chewing on sticks! She is okay on a leash, not the worst puller but she does pull a bit sometimes. She knows 5 tricks already! (sit, lay, head down when laying, come and boop your open palm, and boop her chin to your palm). She is a TOTAL snuggle bug and always has to be the big spoon, lol. She is 95% potty trained- she very infrequently has accidents if we don’t take her out immediately after she asks but this has been happening less and less since we have had her. She is up to date on her shots and has no health issues.

I know she will be a wonderful dog to someone, but I realistically cannot keep up with her needs in my state. Her and I have bonded so much and I am heartbroken to have to say goodbye to her, but she deserves better care than I am able to provide. I am asking a $100 rehoming fee and am happy to include her food, toys, and other supplies. PM me with any questions or interest!

This past Friday I helped facilitate day long conversations and exercises with middle school students during the Prejudice Awareness Summit at VCU. The Virigina Center for Inclusive Communities inclusiveva.org has worked for decades with youth groups to break the cycle of prejudice. We focused on identifying all forms of bullying and harmful outcomes if left unaddressed. Students also identified bullying in their schools and developed plans to mitigate the harm.

Are you a local artist, musician, maker, photographer, programmer, or tinkerer? Share some links, photos, and videos of your work, peeks at your WIP, talk about your techniques, favorite collaborators, studios and maker spaces, material supplies and sources, and more here.

If you have anything to sell, be sure to mention it in the weekly Buy/Sell/Trade posts on Fridays, too!

EDIT: THEIR COMPANY TRUCK WAS REPORTED STOLEN. THEY DID NOT DO THIS

Hi all! Helping a friend out who had their motorcycles stolen recently. The security cameras picked up this truck with a logo saying something and the word “construction”

Anybody ever seen this logo or know of the company?

Found couple of events going on this weekend in RVA. https://imgoodevents.com/events/richmond-va/this-weekend

Title basically says it, but my bf fainted in front of River City Tattoo tonight after a dinner at Fat Dragon. Totally unrelated to the amazing fried rice we just enjoyed and completely related to a blood sugar issue.

I freaked out as soon as his head hit the pavement and these literal angels, a passerby runner (Danny) and one of the piercers from River City (Morgan), helped call 911, clean his wounds, and keep everyone calm in the meantime. Thanks to the Fat Dragon bartender for coming out and checking on us.

Shoutout to these awesome Richmonders! A big thank you and massive good vibes being sent your way.

As a note, he is doing fine, apart from a bad bump on his head and some soreness from the fall (thankfully), and we are following up with a doctor this week and are just grateful for the help of strangers.

Is there anywhere around the 804 to borrow or rent a microscope? I want to find things in my aquarium!

💙 Remember Sir Galahad? His happily-ever-after could be just around the corner! 🐾

Meet Sir Galahad, the handsome boy who came to us after his owner tossed him outside when they moved. This sweet guy is now ready to find a forever home where he will never have to wonder where he belongs again! 🏡❤️

Sir Galahad is a 1.5-year-old long-haired tabby and white male with a heart that just wants to be loved. And when we say this boy thrives on attention, we REALLY mean it! 😻

💕 A few things you should know about Sir Galahad:

🐾 He absolutely loves pets and attention.

🐾 He's a quiet, gentle boy who enjoys having someone nearby.

🐾 Got a wand toy? He'll happily play with you!

🐾 He even enjoys having someone close by while he eats his dinner.

🐾 He's good with children!

🐾 He would do best in a home where someone is around most of the day to give him the companionship he craves.

Sir Galahad isn't asking for much. He just wants someone to love him, spend time with him, and make him feel like he's finally home. ❤️ He would be happiest with a family that understands his need for companionship and doesn't leave him alone for long stretches of time.

Could you be the person Sir Galahad has been waiting for? 👑🐈

Apply to meet Sir Galahad today! You might just be the one to give this sweet boy his happily-ever-after. 🏡💙

🐾 Visit www.catscradlerichmond.com to apply.

📍 Meet our available cats at Libbie PetSmart on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–5 PM.

An approved application is required. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Cat's Cradle RVA Libbie and Broad PetSmart

5515 W Broad St

Richmond

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Xv6m7DjA/

NAZA is the new documentary directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

The film focuses on investigative reporting, AI targeting systems, and civilian impacts in Gaza, drawing from interviews with Israeli/IDF intelligence personnel.

I’m having a very small wedding (8 people) in December and would like recommendations on some pretty places to take pictures during that time. These places need to be relatively easy to walk to, as my elderly grandmother is one of my guests.
I also would like recommendations on photographers in the area, as we are looking more for a small couples session with a few family shots. Photographers willing to barter cleaning services even better! Thanks in advance

Excellent idea, I’m surprised it’s taken this long.

Counting as the fan is made up of a lot of college kids, I was wondering if its worth it having candy out for Halloween? I just moved into the area so I don't know how many kids/families to expect when it comes to trick ot treating. And would it be enough to warrant hanging around for it or should I simply have a bowl out?

Join us for an evening of spooky vibes and mind-bending magic. Seating is limited—book now!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/river-city-mystics-magic-at-quirk-hotel-halloween-edition-limited-seats-tickets-2002892730072

Does anyone know any good boxing gyms that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I use to go east end boxing gym but they been closed down for maintenance for months. I was paying 60$ a month for that gym and now every where else cost at least 100$

We are expecting our first child in April 2027. Both of us are first-generation immigrants and don't have any family in the area. As you may imagine, we don't have any experience with childcare and childcare centers in the US. We've read a few posts on childcare centers but still feel confused about what we should do for next year.

More specifically, we are hoping to find childcare starting month 3 or 4. We have a few questions:

1. We understand that most infant rooms in childcare centers have a waitlist of 8+ months. We'd definitely want to get onto the waitlist and have the child enrolled at one of the places next year when needed. In this case, should we just sign up for all of the centers that offer infant care and see which one would take us? Or should we go visit them one by one and do some selections already? How did this process look like for you?

2. We live in Midlothian area. Would you have any recommendations for the childcare centers in the area? What was your experience with them?

As we are so new in this process, we don't even know if we are asking the right questions. Any advice on or beyond childcare for first-time parents like us would be really appreciated!

Hey all, last Detroit style threads are a few years old now, so thought I'd ask for an update, what's the best Detroit style you've had in Richmond?

So far I've had

Zorch (great, but sporadically available)

Frank's ( only Thursday, was a bit too rich/heavy)

Secret Squares (good, only weekends basically)

Emmy Squared (really good, amazing loaded fries)

Honorable mention for new Pizzeria Dolores, although I think that's more Sicilian (terrific but also only open weekends)

Trying Vocelli's tonight, and Sergio's is on my list next

Any I missed/need to hit? Open to similar thick crust pizzas

Thanks all!

According to News Channel 8, they were able to track some of them down to a chop-shop running out of a tire store in Petersburg, in part thanks to someone who installed a tracker after the previous theft reports: Two men arrested, ‘chop shop’ found after 25 Hondas reported stolen in Richmond | WRIC ABC 8News

Still best to be extra vigilant if you own one since this seems to be a national trend.

Edit: Here's an article from NBC 12 that has more pictures: 2 arrests made after 25 Hondas stolen