Features
62 / Make a Joyful Noise

The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale rehearses in early December before embarking on a European tour. (Photo by Ash Daniel)
With roots in African rhythms and slave songs, gospel music has evolved over time, while its message of “good news” endures. We trace its journey in Richmond, highlighting some of the most influential musicians and groups of yesterday and today. By Samantha Willis
70 / It’s Time We Tell the Whole Story

Richmond is in desperate need of a comprehensive narrative that includes the city’s long overlooked role in the domestic slave trade along with its Civil War and Reconstruction history. Just how close are we? (Photo illustration by Steve Hedberg)
Richmond is in desperate need of a comprehensive narrative that includes the city’s long overlooked role in the domestic slave trade along with its Civil War and Reconstruction history. Just how close are we? By Gary Robertson
74 / Tipping the Balance

How much of his education, health and economic development agenda can Democratic Gov. terry McAuliffe get through a Republican-dominated General Assembly already pushing back? (Illustration by Doug Thompson)
With a shrinking number of GOP moderates in the General Assembly, how much of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s education, health and economic development agenda can he get through a Republican-dominated legislature that’s not inclined to compromise? By Mark Robinson

Put down that #SadDeskLunch and pick up our guide to the best cheap eats, lunch-hour adventures, sandwich stacking and more. Make the most of your midday meal, whether it be a quick bite, a guilty pleasure, a thick smear of pimento cheese or something in between.
R•Health
101 / Health and fitness news
106 / The Art of Hope

Amy Black works on a tattoo of pegasus rising from flames for client Diane Horton. (Photo courtesy Amy Black)
112 / Working For Others
122 / Hospital and Medical Directory
126 / Healing Chapped Lips
The Local
23 / Richmonder of the Month A salute to the champion of political transparency
26 / Politics The governor’s mid-term report card
28 / Nutrition Richmond Public Schools’ new dietitian shakes things up.
30 / Sunday Story How increasing faculty diversity benefits all of VCU By Tina Griego
32 / News Remembering the Harvey family, 10 years after their deaths

Drawing by Mandy Fitzgerald
36 / Flashback Richmond often seeks outside experts’ advice, but doesn’t follow it. By Harry Kollatz Jr.
160 / … And Another Thing Kicking the online news habit By Janet Giampietro
Arts & Entertainment
40 / Datebook SNL’s Jay Pharoah at The National, hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at Altria Theater, a talk by 9/11 Memorial architect Michael Arad, the Acts of Faith Theatre Festival and more
42 / Q&A Arlo Guthrie reflects on the 50th anniversary of his folk epic, “Alice’s Restaurant.”
45 / Spotlight A Holocaust tale by Nancy Wright Beasley is adapted for the stage.
46 / Profile Hopewell’s renovated Beacon Theatre seeks a starring role in the entertainment scene.
Living
51 / Style The sky’s the limit, fashion-wise.
54 / Shop Talk Love, life and skin care
56 / Excursions A bit of Vietnam in Northern Virginia
60 / Picture This Asian Chamber Gala
Dining
150 / Review Castanea
151 / Quick Take Shoryuken Ramen
152 / Ingredient Getting into a delicious jam with poblano chiles

illustration by Kristy Heilenday
Illustration by Kristy Heilenday
154 / 5 Faves Find your daily dose of vitamins and minerals in some of the city's best juices; Neighborhood Roundup Ashland
156 / Cook Like a Pro Don't risk it for a biscuit — three local chefs share foolproof baking tips; Events Lighten up with new cooking skills and more.
157 / Purveyor Cabbage Hill Farm
158 / Food Stuffs Some of the sketchiest parking-lot handoffs make for some of the best ingredients. By Stephanie Breijo
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