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Homebuyers of single-family homes in metro Richmond paid an average of 8% more than the original list price in April and May, up from an average of 5.5% over asking the same time last year.

• That's the highest ratio of list-to-sale price in recent history, according to an Axios analysis of data from the Richmond Association of Realtors.

Why it matters: Over-asking home sales prices are a sign of a tight and competitive market, and while the number of home sales in Richmond and the state shows signs that demand is cooling, that hasn't translated into lower home prices.

Mayor Levar Stoney is proposing a new city noise ordinance that, among other things, would allow police to crack down on loud protests outside clinics that provide abortions.

Why it matters: The city fielded more than 2,000 noise complaints last year, but officials say the cases rarely lead to prosecution because the city's current noise ordinance is difficult to enforce.

Ingrid Schatz is best known for her Swedish pastries, but last weekend the Chesterfield County baker's menu featured a wild card: the sandwich cake.

What's happening: Schatz, a half-Swedish mother of two, operates Axelsdotter Bakery out of her home in Chesterfield.

Around 23 million American households adopted a pet during the pandemic, and now, two years later, animal shelters are reporting a surge in pet surrenders.

Driving the news: Animal shelters across the country and here at home are filling up as multiple factors push pet owners to give up their furry friends, representatives from multiple Richmond animal welfare organizations tell Axios.

Sapporo, Japan's oldest beer brand, is buying San Diego-based Stone Brewing, in part because of Stone's 6-year-old Richmond brewery operation.

• The deal is expected to close in August for $165 million.

Driving the news: Sapporo will acquire Stone's production facilities in Richmond and San Diego, where it will continue to brew Stone beer as well as its own beer under its own labels, according to a news release. Production at both locations is expected to double by the end of 2024.

Yesli Vega, the Republican nominee running against Democrat Abigail Spanberger for Congress, downplayed the possibility of becoming pregnant as a result of rape when asked about her stance on abortion at a campaign stop last month, according to audio obtained by Axios.

What's happening: At an event in Stafford County, Vega, a Prince William County supervisor and sheriff's deputy, was asked what she thinks Congress should do if the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade immediately thrust abortion back to the forefront of Virginia politics.

What's happening: Moments after the decision came down Friday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin told the Washington Post he'll pursue a ban on the procedure after 15 weeks.

Did you know that the city's premier cocktail bar offers happy hour? Us neither, until we wandered in on a random Wednesday.

The deal: The Jasper offers $6 classic cocktails (nine in all), $6 beer-and-shot combos (including Coors Banquet & Evan Williams) and $6 food specials (steak tartare, anyone?).