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Axios Richmond

Storm-hit California slammed by another atmospheric river

Energy & Environment

Saudi Arabia releases American imprisoned for tweets about MBS

World

Senate Republicans cool on House plans to question Manhattan DA

Politics & Policy

DeSantis opens Pandora's box

Meet the N.Y. prosecutor who could bring historic Trump indictment

Richmond restaurant news: New seafood spot opens

The 40-seat restaurant is in the former Billy Pie space.

Food and Drink

Virginia bill could require proof of age to visit porn sites

It mirrors a law that went into effect in Louisiana at the beginning of the year.

News

Richmond mayor Levar Stoney's under-the-radar marriage

Sources tell Axios the couple held a small ceremony in Charleston.

Politics

Northern Virginia residents are relocating to Richmond in droves

The rate of Northern Virginians coming into the Richmond area was up nearly 40% between 2020 and 2021 compared with the average between 2012-2019.

VCU’s chance at making March Madness

VCU is now going to its conference tournament, the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

Sports

VCU’s men’s basketball team crushed the regular season, finishing top of their conference last weekWhy it matters: We may have a hometown team on the bracket when March Madness starts next week.

VCU Rams guard Nick Kern Jr. (24) celebrates on the court following a college basketball game between the VCU Rams and the Rhode Island Rams on February 15, 202

A VCU student's custom sneaker art is being worn by pro athletes

Growing up in Hampton Roads, Jaden Mitchell couldn't always afford to buy the shoes he coveted.

People have been drawing on sneakers forever, but VCU junior and student-athlete Jaden Mitchell has made a business of his art — and his custom kicks are now worn by NBA and Olympic athletes. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sneaker culture" data-vars-click-url="https://theconversation.com/the-history-of-sneakers-from-commodity-to-cultural-icon-127268" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theconversation.com/the-history-of-sneakers-from-commodity-to-cultural-icon-127268" target="_blank">Sneaker culture</a> is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multibillion-dollar industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/03/02/nba-basketball-sneaker-culture-baseball" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/03/02/nba-basketball-sneaker-culture-baseball" target="_self">multibillion-dollar industry</a>, and this business and accounting double major is just getting started.

Soft opening: Big Wife's Mac n' Cheese

A new macaroni and cheese spot recently enticed me away from the boxed stuff.

A new macaroni and cheese spot recently enticed me away from the boxed stuff.What&#x27;s happening: The owners of Old Original Bookbinder&#x27;s Seafood &amp; Steakhouse — a restaurant that sounds so fancy it has never occurred to me to even consider dining there — opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Wife&#x27;s Mac n&#x27; Cheese" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bigwifesmac.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bigwifesmac.com/" target="_blank">Big Wife&#x27;s Mac n&#x27; Cheese</a> about a month ago on Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Scott&#x27;s Addition.

The new names in Richmond food, per Food & Wine

Daniel Harthausen's Young Mother pop-up was named, following his win on HBO’s "The Big Brunch."

Food &amp; Wine called Richmond a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="culinary powerhouse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/richmond-virginia-restaurant-scene-7253353" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/richmond-virginia-restaurant-scene-7253353" target="_blank">culinary powerhouse</a>&quot; in a new piece out Friday, and if you thought you were having a flashback to 10 years ago, you&#x27;d be wrong.What&#x27;s happening: Recent appearances — and wins — on national food competitions is &quot;making the world take notice of the state’s capital,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food &amp; Wine wrote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/richmond-virginia-restaurant-scene-7253353" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/richmond-virginia-restaurant-scene-7253353" target="_blank">Food &amp; Wine wrote</a>, noting:

9 best things to do this spring in Richmond

A handy guide to some of the best ways to take advantage of all that Richmond has to offer.

Things to Do

While the last few weeks have been unseasonably cool, it&#x27;s finally springtime in Richmond.Driving the news: Spring officially kicks off Monday, and after weeks stuck indoors, the city&#x27;s ready to embrace warmer weather with our favorite springtime rituals.

3 St. Paddy's celebrations

If you want to celebrate St. Patrick&#x27;s Day — and who doesn&#x27;t? — these three Irish pubs always go big.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="O&#x27;Toole&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://otoolesrestaurant.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://otoolesrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">O&#x27;Toole&#x27;s</a> — both the Forest Hill and Midlothian locations are celebrating beginning at 11am today and with live music all night.

COVID spread levels jump in Richmond

When community levels are high, CDC recommends the use of masks in indoor, public spaces and on public transportation.

COVID

It&#x27;s time to mask up again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What&#x27;s happening: All of metro Richmond, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most of central Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=all_states&amp;list_select_county=all_counties&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;null=CommunityLevels" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=all_states&amp;list_select_county=all_counties&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;null=CommunityLevels" target="_blank">most of central Virginia</a>, is experiencing high community spread of COVID-19, according to weekly community levels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="calculated by the CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?null=CommunityLevels&amp;list_select_state=Virginia&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;list_select_county=51760" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?null=CommunityLevels&amp;list_select_state=Virginia&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;list_select_county=51760" target="_blank">calculated by the CDC</a> using hospitalization data.

Illustration of a pattern of covid cells.

Virginia's flu season surge

A surge in flu cases is hitting earlier than usual.

Yet another wave of viral illness — flu — is crashing on a health system already stretched to a breaking point by COVID-19 and, more recently, RSV.Why it matters: The commonwealth surpassed last year’s peak a full two months before flu season typically begins, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Virginia Department of Health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/influenza-surveillance/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/influenza-surveillance/" target="_blank">per the Virginia Department of Health</a>.

Illustration of a thermometer shaped like an upwards arrow, with the mercury rising.

Taking down Richmond's last Confederate memorials

Mayor Stoney is working on a plan to replace all the remaining Confederate names on public property.

Mayor Levar Stoney is laying the groundwork for a final purge of Confederate memorials from city property.Why it matters: The big monuments might have come down, but the city is still littered with street, building and park names honoring the Confederacy and its supporters.

Bubba Wallace's Block Party headed back to Richmond

The free event is hosted by Bubba Wallace, one of the few Black drivers in NASCAR.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bubba’s Block Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nascar.com/bubbas-block-party/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nascar.com/bubbas-block-party/" target="_blank">Bubba’s Block Party</a> is coming back to town for the second year to kick off <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NASCAR weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.richmondraceway.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.richmondraceway.com/" target="_blank">NASCAR weekend</a> at Richmond Raceway.Why it matters: The free event is hosted by Bubba Wallace, one of the few Black drivers in NASCAR, and part of the sport&#x27;s effort to promote fan diversity.

Richmond's traffic lights are getting retimed

The lights need an upgrade for post-pandemic traffic patterns.

For the first time in five years, nearly every traffic light in the city of Richmond is getting a timing update.Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s growth — and the pandemic — have changed the way we live and get around. Now, the tools that control how we do so safely are due for an upgrade.

Illustration of a traffic light with three green lights.

Disney's "Frozen" to make Richmond debut this fall

Broadway in Richmond announced its 2023-24 season on Friday.

Broadway in Richmond announced its 2023-24 season on Friday, and package tickets for the full lineup are now on sale.What&#x27;s happening: Each year, Broadway in Richmond brings some of the hottest shows from Broadway to the Altria Theater.

Virginia and Maryland governors call for basketball showdown for FBI HQ

The debate between the two states has gotten a bit tense as a decision nears.

While Virginia officials were in Washington <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="making their final pitch" data-vars-click-url="https://wtop.com/virginia/2023/03/va-lawmakers-make-their-pitch-for-fbi-headquarters-say-md-claims-are-out-of-left-field/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wtop.com/virginia/2023/03/va-lawmakers-make-their-pitch-for-fbi-headquarters-say-md-claims-are-out-of-left-field/" target="_blank">making their final pitch</a> for the FBI&#x27;s new headquarters, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore floated a new approach to deciding which state should land the project.<ul><li>One-on-one basketball.</li></ul>What&#x27;s happening: The federal government is trying to decide between Springfield, Virginia, and two sites in Maryland.

Who's (already) running for Virginia governor

Eileen Filler-Corn announced this week she is considering a run for governor.

The gubernatorial whisper campaigns are getting louder.What&#x27;s happening: The 2025 campaign is still two full election cycles away, but for would-be candidates, that just means more time to jockey for position, attention and money, right?

Illustration of two hands fighting over a torn ballot.

By the numbers: What's in the Richmond mayor's budget

Here's a look at what Mayor Levar Stoney is proposing for the coming fiscal year.

Mayor Levar Stoney&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rva.gov/budget-and-strategic-planning/budget-documents" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rva.gov/budget-and-strategic-planning/budget-documents" target="_blank">proposed budget</a> includes big pay increases for city employees, new fire stations and extended library hours.Of note: Stoney&#x27;s plan would also increase the cost of living in the city.

Illustration of a hand in a suit holding a giant hundred dollar bill paper airplane

Richmond mayor urges school system to speed up construction

Mayor Levar Stoney made the remarks when he introduced his proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

Mayor Levar Stoney issued a pointed challenge to city school board members yesterday: Start building.Why it matters: Infighting over plans to replace George Wythe High School in South Richmond delayed the project by at least three years.

CoStar will soon be one of Richmond's biggest employers

The D.C.-based real estate firm is ramping up hiring in Richmond.

Business

CoStar Group is poised to become one of Richmond‘s biggest employers over the next five years. State of play: The D.C.-based real estate firm is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ramping up hiring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/12/10/power-players-richmond-joe-morrissey-matt-moran-moon-sisters-lisa-ruggles" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/12/10/power-players-richmond-joe-morrissey-matt-moran-moon-sisters-lisa-ruggles" target="_self">ramping up hiring</a> in Richmond. It plans to add 2,000 new local employees to its existing 1,500 to fill the 26-story office tower it has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under construction" data-vars-click-url="https://richmondbizsense.com/2022/11/02/costar-breaks-ground-on-460m-riverfront-office-complex/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmondbizsense.com/2022/11/02/costar-breaks-ground-on-460m-riverfront-office-complex/" target="_blank">under construction</a> overlooking the James River.

Black-owned businesses Axios Richmond readers love

It's no surprise that Richmond and Jackson Ward earned the moniker "the Birthplace of Black Entrepreneurship."

We asked you last week to share some of your favorite local spots in celebration of the city&#x27;s consistent ranking as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/business/small/black-owned-businesses-study/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/business/small/black-owned-businesses-study/" target="_blank">best in the country</a> for its rate of Black businesses ownership. What&#x27;s happening: You flooded us with props for local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="florists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.patsflorist.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.patsflorist.com/" target="_blank">florists</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="insurance brokers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourfavoriteinsuranceadvocate/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourfavoriteinsuranceadvocate/" target="_blank">insurance brokers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landscapers" data-vars-click-url="https://rwlandscapingservice.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rwlandscapingservice.com/" target="_blank">landscapers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bankers" data-vars-click-url="https://richheritage.org/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richheritage.org/" target="_blank">bankers</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="party planners" data-vars-click-url="https://castlerockva.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://castlerockva.com/" target="_blank">party planners</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="auto detailers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/biz/lamont-s-hand-wash-and-detail-shop-richmond" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/lamont-s-hand-wash-and-detail-shop-richmond" target="_blank">auto detailers</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="photographers" data-vars-click-url="https://dbmphotography6.mypixieset.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dbmphotography6.mypixieset.com/" target="_blank">photographers</a>.

Illustration of the state of Virginia lit by red, green and yellow lights.

Richmond's monumental women

We're doing better than most cities in the nation at honoring women.

Richmond, which once had the distinction of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="being" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/us/confederate-statue-richmond.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9COver%20two%20years%20ago%2C%20Richmond,welcoming%20place%20where%20ALL%20belong.%E2%80%9D" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/us/confederate-statue-richmond.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9COver%20two%20years%20ago%2C%20Richmond,welcoming%20place%20where%20ALL%20belong.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank">being</a> the city with the most Confederate statues, is actually doing better than most cities in the nation when it comes to statues honoring women.Why it matters: Public art in the U.S. has long presented a lopsided view that can leave the impression American history is all horses and white male military veterans.

Richmond to end water bill amnesty policy

The city utility department plans to resume cutting off gas and water services to residents who don't pay their bills.

The city utility department plans to resume cutting off gas and water services to residents who don&#x27;t pay their bills.What&#x27;s happening: The city hasn&#x27;t stopped service for nonpayment in over three years, racking up more than $60 million in unpaid bills, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a recent audit" data-vars-click-url="http://rvagov.prod.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/2023-03/2023-09%20DPU%20Billing%20and%20Collections%20audit%202.28.23.pdf" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://rvagov.prod.acquia-sites.com/sites/default/files/2023-03/2023-09%20DPU%20Billing%20and%20Collections%20audit%202.28.23.pdf" target="_blank">a recent audit</a>.

Illustration of pipes shaped like a dollar sign.

Scoop: Gunshot detection system goes live in Richmond

Critics of the new technology point to accuracy issues and invasion of privacy.

A gunshot detection system is set to go online today across a swath of downtown Richmond.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ShotSpotter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shotspotter.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shotspotter.com/" target="_blank">ShotSpotter</a> uses acoustic sensors atop buildings and light poles to listen for gunfire, triangulate its location and deliver real-time reports to police.

Illustration of a collage featuring a handgun, a street light and circular lines. 

Shockoe Bottom might actually get a center commemorating slavery

Mayor Stoney's 2024 budget includes $2 million toward the Shockoe Heritage Campus Interpretive Center.

After decades of trying, Richmond is getting closer to actually creating an official center in Shockoe Bottom to teach visitors about the city&#x27;s role in the trade of enslaved African Americans.Driving the news: Mayor Levar Stoney&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 budget proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rva.gov/budget-and-strategic-planning/budget-documents" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rva.gov/budget-and-strategic-planning/budget-documents" target="_blank">2024 budget proposal</a>, unveiled last week, includes $2 million toward the Shockoe Heritage Campus Interpretive Center. It comes two months after the city was awarded an $11 million grant for the project.

Main Street Station, historic railway station, train shed - big empty space

Richmond apartments are getting smaller

The average size of newer Richmond apartments is 812 square feet.

Real Estate

Richmond apartments are shrinking — and now rank among the smallest in the country, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" target="_blank">new report</a> from RentCafe.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apartment sizes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/smaller-apartments-flooding-market" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/smaller-apartments-flooding-market" target="_self">Apartment sizes</a> are getting smaller nationally, a reversal in the rental market that saw unit sizes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/articles/supersize-apartments-are-back-in-demand-11624964401" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/supersize-apartments-are-back-in-demand-11624964401" target="_blank">grow</a> during the early part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="work-from-home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/15/census-bureau-work-from-home-pandemic-labor" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/15/census-bureau-work-from-home-pandemic-labor" target="_self">work-from-home</a> era.

A new scam is hitting Richmond's housing market

The scammers are sophisticated and use public records to find the owner's legal name, mailing address and other details.

Local real estate associations are sounding the alarm on a new scam hitting the market: fraudulent listings of real lots and homes that aren&#x27;t actually for sale.Why it matters: This latest scam targets real estate agents and has resulted in legitimate listings hitting the public market before the legal property owner is even aware the fraud has taken place.

Taking down Richmond's last Confederate memorials

Bubba Wallace's Block Party headed back to Richmond

Richmond's traffic lights are getting retimed

Disney's "Frozen" to make Richmond debut this fall

Richmond reporter picks

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