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Rich Fravel

@rjfravel.bsky.social
272 followers 371 following 406 posts

Charlottesville, “Littera scripta manet…”

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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Despite the headline, this article takes a broader view on implications, including tax issues and needed social investments. More needs to be said on job, inequality, and environmental issues but an arguably rational starting frame on the pro side. Gift link. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/02/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Six Charts That Show Just How Much We Need A.I. (Gift Article)
All the worry about artificial intelligence should not obscure this key point: If we don’t develop it, we’ll be a lot worse off.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com
Ep. 124: Reducing Homelessness with Rapid Rehousing with Brian Blackwell
Podcast Episode · UCLA Housing Voice · September 30 · 1h 14m
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Read @benwikler.bsky.social “This Is The Plan”—informative , inspiring, funny. Also excellent gift for those interested in politics and for anyone who missed or doesn’t remember civics classes—underscores the real-life impacts of politics. Strong democracy-based argument to abolish the filibuster.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/defaul...
jchs.harvard.edu
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Emily Hamilton @ebwhamilton.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Last week the Mercatus team published our annual roundup of state housing supply bills. 2026 saw a slight decline in bills, after several years of consistent increases, with a total of 350 by our count: www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Interesting piece on the economics of apartment operators. conorsen.substack.com/p/apartment-...
conorsen.substack.com
Apartment Operators Gain Confidence as Buyers Remain Frozen
Homebuying affordability remains challenged, benefiting apartment operators as they finish chewing through all the supply built in the South and West over the past few years
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Zag Daily @zagdaily.com · 29/07/2026
Royal Mail rolls out its first e-cargo bikes in the UK, expanding its mix of zero-emission delivery vehicles for urban routes. Read more: zagdaily.com/micromobilit...
zagdaily.com
Royal Mail launches first cargo bikes for UK delivery
Royal Mail has begun rolling out its first electric cargo cycles across the UK as it expands its mix of zero-emission delivery vehicles for urban routes.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Northern Virginia early morning today.
Photo of sun rising in smoky sky in early morning. Sun appears as a red ball over tree tops on a gray canvas.
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Hayden Center @haydencenter.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Before or after tonight’s speech, bone up on what the Intelligence Community had to say about the 2020 election. Anything Trump brings up tonight, trained analysts had at their disposal, and considered in their analysis, then. READ: www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/d...
dni.gov
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Philip Bump @pbump.com · 16/07/2026
This is a cool visualization of how trees cool us down and asphalt heats us up. www.ctinsider.com/projects/202...
ctinsider.com
An over 20-degree temperature gap shows the cooling power of Connecticut’s trees
Maps show how trees cool neighborhoods while roads and buildings create hotter urban areas across the state.
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Blue Virginia @bluevirginia.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Gov. Abigail Spanberger, like Sen. Mark Warner etc., definitely does NOT support a moratorium on data centers; asks rhetorically: "what are we trying to achieve...are we trying to say we don’t want data centers in Virginia anymore?” bluevirginia.us/2026/07/vide...
bluevirginia.us
Video: Gov. Abigail Spanberger Argues re: Data Centers That Being "upset about something...[is] not how you make good policy" - Blue Virginia
Very interesting interview, by Politico, of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, including her views on data centers, as well as “her affordability agenda and the Democratic party’s energy and climate messaging a...
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
New York Review on Abdullah Ibrahim www.nybooks.com/online/2026/...
nybooks.com
Songs of Liberation | Sean Jacobs
In 1960 the writer Bessie Head—yet to publish the novels that would make her a leading figure in South African and Batswana literature—interviewed a young
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Interesting article. www.propublica.org/article/low-...
propublica.org
A Low-Income Housing Program Is Pouring Billions Into Housing Many People Can’t Afford
The federal tax credit provides up to $15 billion in subsidies a year to help developers build apartments. It’s created housing that’s often no more affordable than the market rate.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Sunday in the park
Photo of baseball field during a game.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
cardinalnews.org/2026/05/28/s...
cardinalnews.org
Spanberger on data centers: ‘I’m not going to break a contract the state has signed’
In an interview with Cardinal News, the governor said she’s open to not extending the tax incentives for data centers but warned that ending them early would hurt the state’s reputation…
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Interesting article and interview on her approach to governing and legislation. Given her independent record and views, it seems clear that attention to detail/thorough discussion will be necessary for success on issues where impact and effects have uncertainties. cardinalnews.org/2026/05/27/s...
cardinalnews.org
Spanberger on criticism of her 31 vetoes: ‘Does that mean that I’m supposed to just accept and sign any bill?’
Reacting to criticism that she has vetoed some key Democratic priorities, the Democratic governor says it’s important to get the details on those bills right., especially since she’s th…
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Blue Virginia @bluevirginia.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Gov. Spanberger: "I am a fine-tooth-comb, detail-oriented person...drove my sisters crazy growing up...But on the question of principles...my stances aren't changed. It is just a question of making sure that we are being crystal clear with how we’re moving forward.” bluevirginia.us/2026/05/vide...
bluevirginia.us
Video: In Interview with Tevin Davis, Gov. Abigail Spanberger Defends Her Amendments, Vetoes (on Cannabis, ICE, Collective Bargaining); Says She Knows "a lot of people are not pleased", but "I do thin...
See below for video and highlights from a FaceTime interview by singer/musician/comedian Tevin Davis with Gov. Abigail Spanberger, in which he says his goal is “to try and get answers to the concerns ...
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 25/05/2026
The Trump administration on Friday narrowed the definition of an “assistance animal” allowed to live with disabled tenants in housing, a move that could lead to thousands of animals and their owners being evicted.
nyti.ms
HUD Moves to Limit Assistance Animals for Disabled Tenants
Housing officials were told to exclude emotional support animals and tighten the definition of a service animal when granting accommodations for disabled tenants.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
In today’s Marcus Aurelius news www.thebulwark.com/p/ivanka-tru...
thebulwark.com
Ivanka Trump Doesn’t Understand Her Favorite Philosophy
Author Ryan Holiday slammed Trump’s daughter for reducing Stoicism to a bauble, showing along the way how nonpolitical influencers can find their anti-authoritarian voice.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
The wait is over. @profmmurray.bsky.social
Cover of new book from Professor Melissa Murray—an annotated guide to the U.S. Constitution
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Tom Joscelyn @tomjoscelyn.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
1. This is big. It was clear before that SPLC was collecting intelligence on the “Unite the Right” rally in 2017 because of the threat of violence. Now, a new filing from SPLC cites an “Event Alert” the group provided directly to the FBI. This alert undermines the DOJ’s corrupt case.
SPLC warned the FBI about Charlottesville
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Yes, Virginia, today is the day.
Graphic of four persons supporting the letters of the word “VOTE”
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Governor Spanberger signs ADU law that will take effect next year virginiamercury.com/2026/04/16/a...
virginiamercury.com
A new law will make it easier to build a tiny house in your back yard, starting next year • Virginia Mercury
Amid a shortage of housing supply and noted affordability issues, ADUs have emerged as a way to boost affordable housing options in some areas or a way to meet the specific needs of some families. But...
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Random thoughts on language use. -Interesting that “decimate” is often heard/seen in passive rather than active constructions. -Whatever your view on etymology & purist insistence on original meaning (execute a 10th), it’s clear intended meaning is closer to “annihilate” (tho leaves room for less)
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
open.substack.com/pub/leaveitt...
open.substack.com
Leave it to Anna: Buy Once, Buy British - Ten Investment Pieces You Will Keep Forever
A perfect umbrella. A great jacket. A chair made to last. This week I'm sharing 10 iconic pieces that represent the best of British heritage.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Yes, I voted. Cast yours by 21st April.
Picture of an “I Voted” sticker.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Seen on Little Clarendon Street in Oxford today, an Oxford comma about which there should be no dispute.
Sign on street noting that commas are important, using tow examples of the same phrase where the presence or absence of a comma makes a difference.
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The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 17/12/2025
"It’s easy to slip a fifty between the covers of a book without sacrificing the tradition of physical gifts. (You can even put the money near the end of the book if you want to be slightly evil—which, as an aunt, you should be, if you possibly can.)"
lnk.thebulwark.com
This Holiday, Give the Auntly Gift of Books
Young nieces and nephews may not thrill to them—but there is virtually no better way of inviting them into the world of your own childhood imagination.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
November wanes. Late afternoon sky. City of Charlottesville
Photo of sky over trees in late afternoon as light fades.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Virginia Supreme Court refuses to review AG’s appeal in college board appointees case virginiamercury.com/briefs/virgi...
virginiamercury.com
Virginia Supreme Court refuses to review AG's appeal in college board appointees case • Virginia Mercury
The Virginia Supreme Court has refused to take up a case that suspended multiple appointees by Gov. Glenn Youngkin from serving on three Virginia university governing boards.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
NYT piece on planned cuts in housing grants. You can read it with this gift link. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Administration to Drastically Cut Housing Grants
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
The Virginia election this week increases the likelihood that the next legislative session will address housing affordability. This policy brief lists a number of options for policymakers to consider. www.mercatus.org/research/pol...
mercatus.org
Housing Reform in the States: A Menu of Options for 2026
Although state legislatures took unprecedented strides toward releasing the housing supply from its regulatory straitjacket in 2025, most pro-housing policies have not yet been adopted in most states....
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Charlottesville morning 3 November —view through the window.
Trees in fall foliage seen through a cross-framed window
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Abigail Spanberger @abigailspanberger.com · 01/11/2025
Join me and President Barack Obama in Norfolk to get out the vote! Tune in live here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnGC... (www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnGC...)
youtube.com
Virginia Votes Rally in Norfolk with Abigail Spanberger and President Barack Obama
YouTube video by Abigail Spanberger for Governor
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Sharing this free link. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/w...
nytimes.com
As the Dutch Vote, One Issue Carries the Day: Affordable Housing
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Sharing this free link www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/u...
nytimes.com
In Utah, Trump’s Vision for Homelessness Begins to Take Shape
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
www.sightline.org/2024/08/19/f...
sightline.org
Five Reasons Four-Story Apartment Buildings Are Good | Sightline Institute
Especially in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Link to the DOJ guidance relevant to UVA's compliance reporting with respect to its agreement with DOJ. www.justice.gov/ag/media/140... Link to the Agreement bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/cbs19news.co...
justice.gov
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Eric Goldwyn @egoldwyn.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
When @alonlevy.bsky.social and i started working together, we both thought that a wall of text with a picture and maybe a chart/table was advanced design. We know that’s wrong. We attempted to take our NEC work and add some good design. We are very happy with how this came out: nec.transitcosts.com
nec.transitcosts.com
How to Build High-Speed Rail on the Northeast Corridor
An interactive site presenting the North East Corridor proposal by Marron Institute's Transportation and Land Use Group, authored by Alon Levy.
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Karen Tumulty @ktumulty.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
My Sunday Take: Why Democrats are holding firm on conditions ahead of shutdown wapo.st/46q0xm8
wapo.st
Analysis | Why Democrats are holding firm on conditions ahead of shutdown
Democrats are using their limited leverage ahead of a potential government shutdown, hoping to convince Americans that GOP spending priorities are the real danger.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Single Stair Buildings podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com
Ep. 97: Single-Stair Buildings and Eco-Districts with Michael Eliason (Incentives Series, pt. 1)
Podcast Episode · UCLA Housing Voice · 09/10/2025 · 1h 23m
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
This, along with pending ACA subsidy cuts and the then-looming prospect of Medicaid cuts, will very likely make health care a central midterm issue next year. Democrats will need a salient policy message. www.npr.org/2025/09/12/n...
npr.org
Health care costs are soaring. Blame insurers, drug companies — and your employer
Some 154 million people in the United States get health care through their employer — and for many, their costs are about to go way up.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
…the smoke, the twisted metal, the dust, the debris, especially the loss..
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Charlottesville morning: sunlight reaching the trees as the moon sinks.
Photo of the moon over the tops of trees in the morning.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Fifty years ago, E.B. White wrote to someone with concerns for humanity. Certainly in bleak times there are things we need to do in our collective life, but there are also things we need to do in our individual lives. And hope is something that crosses both.
Copy of letter from E.B. White expressing the importance off hope in bleak days and the necessity of hope and steadfastness in our daily life.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Friday, 15 August 2025
Photo of the Ukraine flag flown from a red house.
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Interesting piece on role of government capability/broad set of tools to spur housing growth v. reliance on zoning reform etc. Does recognize that approaches are not exclusive. Think that a principal difference is municipal investment capacity and willingness. washingtonmonthly.com/2025/08/14/c...
washingtonmonthly.com
To Create Abundant Housing, Ignore the YIMBY Playbook | Washington Monthly
In the last 5 years, Washington DC experienced a housing boom. It took a lot more than passive deregulation.
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Blue Virginia @bluevirginia.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
NEW: In Portsmouth, Abigail Spanberger – Alongside Her Ticketmates, Sen. Louise Lucas, Parents, Educators, etc. – Announces “Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan” (“The strength of [VA]’s schools is personal for me, just as it is to parents across [VA] ") bluevirginia.us/2025/08/1389...
bluevirginia.us
NEW: In Portsmouth, Abigail Spanberger Announces “Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan”
See below for a press release from the Abigail Spanberger for Governor campaign about her new Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan, which she just announced at "I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth......
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Rich Fravel @rjfravel.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Moon over Charlottesville. Early morning 8 August.
Photo of moon over Charlottesville landscape.
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