RVA Pro Wrestling at Dogwood Dell (Photo by Jay Paul)
In This Issue
58 / Main Event RVA Pro Wrestling packs a wallop with pulse-pounding action in and out of the ring. By Kevin Johnson and Nicole Cohen
68 / From Here to There A broken City Hall. Thriving, gentrifying neighborhoods. Trump 2.0. Can Mayor Danny Avula really build a more equitable Richmond? By Chris Suarez
74 / One Shift at a Time Hospitality pros navigate recovery. By Eileen Mellon
UPFRONT
10 / FROM THE EDITOR
LOCAL
18 / CATCH UP The return of citizen surveys and a vibe check
20 / DEMOGRAPHICS More money, more traffic, more problems
22 / CRIMINAL JUSTICE Digital opportunities for incarcerated individuals
26 / HEALTH Mental health hospitalizations keep rising in Virginia.
28 / FLASHBACK The storied half-century history of the Richmond Arena
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
32 / DATEBOOK The Virginia Antiques Expo, “Back to the Future,” a symphony concert, two innovative plays, stand-up comedy at The Tin Pan and a Modlin Center production
34 / SPECIAL EVENTS Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service
35 / HAPPENINGS 21 things to do this month
36 / SPOTLIGHT A local author’s new novel reveals a true story.
38 / PROFILE Christina Louise’s new single delves into dark Americana.
40 / SPOTLIGHT A host of musicians brightens winter’s darkest days.
LIVING
44 / SHOP TALK Crafting workshops and studios support handmade connections.
46 / TRY THIS Dive into a world behind glass at the Richmond Pinball Collective.
48 / LIFESTYLE A local gaming enthusiast creates a virtual River City.
50 / GIVING BACK Volunteers spread seeds, saplings and understanding.
52 / FAMILY Teaching teens to drive safely and with confidence
EAT & DRINK
82 / IN DEPTH The owners of Lost Letter and Lillian debut The Brooklyn.
84 / AROUND TOWN Best bites, food events and Sidewalk Cafe
86 / SPECIALS Korean food and karaoke at a longtime Lakeside favorite
88 / SPOTLIGHT The face behind Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
90 / SHORT ORDER Worcestershire sauce, Mardi Gras favorites and personalized cocktails
92 / Q&A Chef Jason Muckle is a grounding force in the local food community.
94 / PERSPECTIVE Dining out as a trio makes for perfect balance.
R•Health
97 / Featuring the 2026 Super Star Doctors and Dentists, plus breakthroughs in stroke recovery, personal care for cancer patients, insurance premium updates, training programs for health care workers, and more
This is just a sneak peek of all the content packed into this month’s issue; don’t miss out, SUBSCRIBE NOW!
