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Virginia sightings detailed in UFO hearings

The pilots reported the sighting but said there was no further investigation by the military.

News

Hot new restaurant openings in Richmond

Treat yourself to something new and freshen up your Insta feed.

Food and Drink

Year-round school experiment kicks off in Richmond

Students at Fairfield and Cardinal elementary schools returned to class Monday, 20 instructional days before their peers.

Education

The Valentine museum is hiring a city historian

It's the first official historian job for the Richmond history museum in its 125 years.

Richmond Greyhound bus station could relocate from Scott's Addition

Twenty Lake Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Alden Global Capital,  paid $11.1 million for the 5-acre Richmond Greyhound property,

Business

The Greyhound bus station that has stood on Arthur Ashe Boulevard for more than 40 years likely won&#x27;t be there for much longer.<ul><li>The hedge fund best known for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ravaging of America&#x27;s newspapers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/18/1046952430/the-consequences-of-when-a-hedge-fund-buys-newspapers" data-vars-content-id="47488cbb-83a6-43df-9f56-a82b61edb61f" data-vars-headline="Richmond Greyhound bus station could relocate from Scott&#x27;s Addition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/18/1046952430/the-consequences-of-when-a-hedge-fund-buys-newspapers" target="_blank">ravaging of America&#x27;s newspapers</a> bought it late last year.</li></ul>Driving the news: Greyhound bus stations nationwide are closing and relocating after being acquired by Alden Global Capital, the investment firm that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rose to infamy for its acquisition and gutting of American newspapers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/18/1046952430/the-consequences-of-when-a-hedge-fund-buys-newspapers" data-vars-content-id="47488cbb-83a6-43df-9f56-a82b61edb61f" data-vars-headline="Richmond Greyhound bus station could relocate from Scott&#x27;s Addition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/18/1046952430/the-consequences-of-when-a-hedge-fund-buys-newspapers" target="_blank">rose to infamy for its acquisition and gutting of American newspapers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Cleveland&#x27;s Sam Allard reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/18/greyhound-alden-bus-stations-close" data-vars-content-id="47488cbb-83a6-43df-9f56-a82b61edb61f" data-vars-headline="Richmond Greyhound bus station could relocate from Scott&#x27;s Addition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/18/greyhound-alden-bus-stations-close" target="_self">Axios Cleveland&#x27;s Sam Allard reports</a>.

Living in Richmond is cheaper than the national average

Richmond's comparatively low cost of living  can translate into real savings — more than $115,000 a year — compared to the national average,.

The cost of living in Richmond is cheaper than the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national average" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/09/lowest-highest-cost-of-living-cities-us-map" data-vars-content-id="7e83e190-f217-4d07-b5e7-80a739013574" data-vars-headline="Living in Richmond is cheaper than the national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/09/lowest-highest-cost-of-living-cities-us-map" target="_self">national average</a>, per a new analysis.Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s comparatively low cost of living can translate into real savings — more than $115,000 a year — compared to the national average, according <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to the Greater Richmond Partnership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grpva.com/news/richmond-msa-cost-of-living-offers-115500-in-savings-vs-u-s-average/" data-vars-content-id="7e83e190-f217-4d07-b5e7-80a739013574" data-vars-headline="Living in Richmond is cheaper than the national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grpva.com/news/richmond-msa-cost-of-living-offers-115500-in-savings-vs-u-s-average/" target="_blank">to the Greater Richmond Partnership</a>, the metro area&#x27;s economic development agency.

Richmond's private high schools ranked

More local parents may be considering private high schools since the city changed its specialty schools admissions process to make it more reflective of the broader student population.

Here&#x27;s some fuel for competitive local parents: Education data group Niche released a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-schools/m/richmond-area/" data-vars-content-id="4930ea17-a8a9-4281-8ee2-69538e7af491" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s private high schools ranked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-schools/m/richmond-area/" target="_blank">new ranking</a> of the Richmond area&#x27;s top private high schools for 2024.Why it matters: More local parents may be considering private high schools since the city changed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its specialty schools admissions process" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/09/21/richmond-public-schools-diversity" data-vars-content-id="4930ea17-a8a9-4281-8ee2-69538e7af491" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s private high schools ranked" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/09/21/richmond-public-schools-diversity" target="_self">its specialty schools admissions process</a> to make it more reflective of the broader student population.

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A spot on the Richmond edition of Monopoly cost businesses real money

The cost for a place on the board ranged from $21,000 to $60,000.

As Monopoly players well know, nothing in this world is free — and for some Richmond businesses, that included landing a space on the recently released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond edition of the game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/31/richmond-monopoly-game" data-vars-content-id="3ab17afe-d900-4a42-8d47-d599bb322290" data-vars-headline="A spot on the Richmond edition of Monopoly cost businesses real money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/31/richmond-monopoly-game" target="_self">Richmond edition of the game</a>.What&#x27;s happening: The board, unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two weeks ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/31/richmond-monopoly-game" data-vars-content-id="3ab17afe-d900-4a42-8d47-d599bb322290" data-vars-headline="A spot on the Richmond edition of Monopoly cost businesses real money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/31/richmond-monopoly-game" target="_self">two weeks ago</a>, features 24 local attractions and businesses drawn from more than 1,000 suggestions from locals.

What the Six Flags merger might mean for Kings Dominion

With a deal of this size, affecting dozens of theme parks, speculation abounds.

Karri here, still processing last week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kings Dominion parent company/Six Flags merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/six-flags-cedar-fair-merger-cedar-point" data-vars-content-id="044cd8db-7096-4f08-a6b5-a9c55a144bcf" data-vars-headline="What the Six Flags merger might mean for Kings Dominion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/six-flags-cedar-fair-merger-cedar-point" target="_self">Kings Dominion parent company/Six Flags merger</a> news.Why it matters: The merger, expected to close next year, will likely bring change to the theme park many of us grew up with.

Richmond area sees highest office occupancy rates in almost a decade

About 8.7% of available office space in metro Richmond was vacant as of last week.

The Richmond area is seeing some of its highest office vacancy rates in nearly a decade.Why it matters: The pandemic-induced disruption of how and where people work is hitting the commercial office sector hard and leaving millions of square feet of workspace sitting empty.

Animated illustration of a desk out in the desert with a tumbleweed blowing by.

Ellwood Thompson's sold to Florida-based company

For the first time in nearly 35 years, Ellwood Thompson&#x27;s Local Market is under new ownership.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Healthier Choices Management Corp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.healthiercmc.com/" data-vars-content-id="9582b6ce-9fca-4a23-801e-7c540ef78311" data-vars-headline="Ellwood Thompson&#x27;s sold to Florida-based company" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.healthiercmc.com/" target="_blank">Healthier Choices Management Corp</a> — a Florida-based, self-described &quot;healthier alternatives&quot; company — purchased the Carytown natural food market for an undisclosed amount.

Award-winning plant shop sprouts up in Richmond

At Shades of Moss, locals will find plants, pots and potting soil, plus incense and more.

A plant shop voted the best in Charlotte, North Carolina, two years in a row has picked up roots and replanted in Richmond.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shades of Moss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shadesofmoss.com/" data-vars-content-id="10f3b7a7-1e4a-4381-8bc8-476cb1e895b0" data-vars-headline="Award-winning plant shop sprouts up in Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shadesofmoss.com/" target="_blank">Shades of Moss</a>, a boutique plant and indie record store, is having its grand opening Saturday at 2128 W. Cary St.

Richmond's last neon shop gets new ownership

Chloe Kottwitz, 24, bought Uptown Neon earlier this summer.

Richmond&#x27;s last shop dedicated exclusively to neon has a new owner.What&#x27;s happening: Chloe Kottwitz, 24, bought <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Uptown Neon" data-vars-click-url="https://goo.gl/maps/dnbxAmHqhvaTy1GF8" data-vars-content-id="f4688830-9088-46dc-b86f-d9b14249028e" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s last neon shop gets new ownership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://goo.gl/maps/dnbxAmHqhvaTy1GF8" target="_blank">Uptown Neon</a> earlier this summer after learning the craft from its founder, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doug Solyan" data-vars-click-url="https://m.styleweekly.com/richmond/word-and-image/Content?oid=2174909" data-vars-content-id="f4688830-9088-46dc-b86f-d9b14249028e" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s last neon shop gets new ownership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://m.styleweekly.com/richmond/word-and-image/Content?oid=2174909" target="_blank">Doug Solyan</a>.

Virginians are sweating retirement

The responses from across the state ran the gamut from total confidence to deep uncertainty.

Here&#x27;s what Axios Richmond readers said when we recently asked about retirement plans.The big picture: The responses from across the state ran the gamut from total confidence to deep uncertainty that retirement would ever be in reach.

Illustration of a middle-aged person holding their head in their hands with arrows and zigzag lines in the background.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Politics & Policy

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can't operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north

The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

World

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> told Israeli Prime Minister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benjamin Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" target="_self">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> last Sunday that he is concerned about a possible Israeli military operation in southern Gaza after the current pause in fighting ends, two U.S. officials told Axios.Driving the news: The Biden administration is extremely worried that an Israeli operation in the southern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaza Strip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" target="_self">Gaza Strip</a> — where 2 million Palestinians are concentrated — would lead to significantly more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civilian casualties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" target="_self">civilian casualties</a> and deepen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="humanitarian crisis in the enclave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" target="_self">humanitarian crisis in the enclave</a>, the officials said.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 18. Photo: Handout/GPO/Anadolu via Getty Images

Houston's most streamed songs on Spotify in 2023

Taylor Swift was the most streamed artist on Spotify this year in Houston. Drake and Bad Bunny also made the top five.

Culture

Taylor Swift was the most streamed artist on Spotify this year in Houston. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Surprise, surprise." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/taylor-swift-kelce-eras-chiefs-news" data-vars-content-id="e7dbc59b-afe6-453a-912f-fdfc86edf11c" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s most streamed songs on Spotify in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/taylor-swift-kelce-eras-chiefs-news" target="_self">Surprise, surprise.</a><ul><li>Drake, Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma and The Weeknd rounded out H-Towns top five artists, respectively.</li></ul>

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