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Civita Italia is now open with handmade pasta in Short Pump

The GreenGate restaurant serves handmade pasta, Italian cocktails and classic entrees nightly.

Exterior view of a modern brick building with large glass windows and a brown sign reading "Italia Civita" at 3401. A parking lot, landscaped shrubs, a black street lamp, and a cloudy blue sky.

Civita Italia is in GreenGate in Short Pump. Photo: Karri Peifer 

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="EAT Restaurant Partners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/26/lucky-af-short-pump-sushi-opening-forest-hill" data-vars-content-id="08c947de-8f39-473e-aac5-0178e575112b" data-vars-headline="Civita Italia is now open with handmade pasta in Short Pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/26/lucky-af-short-pump-sushi-opening-forest-hill" target="_self">EAT Restaurant Partners</a>&#x27; swanky new Italian spot, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Civita Italia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.civitaitalia.com/" data-vars-content-id="08c947de-8f39-473e-aac5-0178e575112b" data-vars-headline="Civita Italia is now open with handmade pasta in Short Pump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.civitaitalia.com/" target="_blank">Civita Italia</a>, is here. Why it matters: The restaurant brings homemade pasta and upscale Italian fare to Short Pump — and reunites the team that brought The Blue Goat to Richmond 15 years ago.

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Area code 804 is officially used up. We're now living in the era of 686.

Why it matters: 804 was Richmonders' only area code for more than 50 years.

Catch up quick: The State Corporation Commission, which oversees telecommunications in the state, announced in 2022 that 804 was running out of numbers. It created 686 to take over once it did.

The SCC initially expected 804 to be exhausted by mid-2024, then pushed the date to early 2025.

This time last year, it still hadn't happened. But no longer.

Portrait smartphone screen showing a call: Calling... with a partially obscured number and Richmond, VA; red gradient background; bottom row of circular red controls labeled Audio, FaceTime, Mute.

One of the more than 20 live "686" numbers now in use. Screenshot: Karri Peifer/Axios 

Zoom in: It's unclear exactly when the first 686 area code was activated.

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) considers that confidential info, SCC spokesperson Greg Weatherford tells Axios.

But an Axios review of NANPA records found more than two dozen 686 prefixes have been assigned to a provider — like AT&T and Verizon Wireless — and 22 are "in service."

Axios cold-called some of those numbers and confirmed they're live.

Yes, but: Richmond will always be an 804 town — something locals celebrate every Aug. 4.

And while the official 804 Day party was Saturday, there are still ways to get in on the fun:

⚾️ The Flying Squirrels are throwing an 804 Day Block Party (5-7pm) outside of CarMax Park with games, face painting, live music and more.

Then the team hits the field for their game against the Reading Fightin Phils — featuring the team's first-ever drone show. Tickets start at $12.

💒  Lucky in Love, a Vegas-style wedding chapel, is offering ceremonies on 804 Day — for $80.40.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Run Richmond 16.19 is discounting registration by 10% for its September run through local Black-history landmarks.

🕯️ And the city is celebrating with National Night Out.

Worth noting: Most local businesses post their 804 Day specials and promos on Aug. 4, so keep your eyes peeled for deals on Instagram.

The bottom line: It might be 686's turn, but Richmond's heart and soul will always be 804.

Richmond celebrates 804 Day as the 686 era begins

It's official. Richmond's new area code is now active.

Animated illustration of a pencil eraser erasing a smartphone.

Area code <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="804" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/07/18/richmond-804-area-code-running-out-of-numbers" data-vars-content-id="4ae29535-f1c3-4678-ba36-08872b43872e" data-vars-headline="Richmond celebrates 804 Day as the 686 era begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/07/18/richmond-804-area-code-running-out-of-numbers" target="_self">804</a> is officially used up. We&#x27;re now living in the era of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="686" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/11/23/richmond-new-area-code-686" data-vars-content-id="4ae29535-f1c3-4678-ba36-08872b43872e" data-vars-headline="Richmond celebrates 804 Day as the 686 era begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/11/23/richmond-new-area-code-686" target="_self">686</a>.Why it matters: 804 was Richmonders&#x27; only area code for more than 50 years.

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Culture

Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg just hit the six-month mark. 

Why it matters: If Richmond voters hadn't twice rejected a casino, Petersburg probably wouldn't have landed one. 

State of play: Baltimore-based gaming group The Cordish Companies opened Live! Casino Virginia in late January in a massive tent that's a fraction of the size of the permanent version rising next door — and with a fraction of the offerings.

But its temporary, tented status hasn't stopped visitors from flocking to try their luck at the casino's 900+ slot machines and 30+ gaming tables.

By the numbers: In its first six months, the casino 30 miles south of Richmond says, more than 500,000 guests from all 50 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada, have visited.

🎰 It's paid 7,400 jackpots totaling $28 million. 

💰 It generated $13.9 million in state and local gaming taxes through June, according to the Virginia Lottery.

🤑 Yes, but: Those figures are small compared with Live! Casino Virginia's take between its opening and the end of June: $77.1 million in adjusted gaming revenue (AGR). 

AGR is the amount the casino keeps after winnings are paid, but before taxes.

The intrigue: Other than "minor calls for service" due to the influx of half-a-million people, there haven't been any major incidents or noticeable crime upticks in or around the casino, Petersburg's police chief told WTVR. 

That was a big concern for residents ahead of its opening. 

What's next: The permanent casino — which will have a hotel, entertainment space, and nearly double the number of slot machines and gaming tables — is still on track to open by the end of next year. 

Petersburg casino draws 500,000 guests in six months

Live! Casino Virginia paid $28 million in jackpots and generated $13.9 million in gaming taxes.

Row of neon-lit casino slot machines with bright, colorful screens showing Triple Troves and other game titles, a person stands with back to camera in front of them under red, blue and green lighting.

Just some of the slots available 24/7 at the casino. Image: Courtesy of Live! Casino Virginia

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live! Casino Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/22/petersburg-casino-opening-live-virginia-richmond-gambling" data-vars-content-id="5afb7eac-7efa-4eea-b3c1-8a6db1fb340e" data-vars-headline="Petersburg casino draws 500,000 guests in six months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/22/petersburg-casino-opening-live-virginia-richmond-gambling" target="_self">Live! Casino Virginia</a> in Petersburg just hit the six-month mark. Why it matters: If Richmond voters hadn&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="twice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/08/election-results-casino-urban-one-churchill-downs" data-vars-content-id="5afb7eac-7efa-4eea-b3c1-8a6db1fb340e" data-vars-headline="Petersburg casino draws 500,000 guests in six months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/08/election-results-casino-urban-one-churchill-downs" target="_self">twice</a> rejected a casino, Petersburg probably wouldn&#x27;t have landed one.

The U.S. blood supply has reached crisis levels, prompting the American Red Cross and the Surgeon General's Office to urge people to donate. 

Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

Driving the news: Blood donations fell to a four-year summer low in 2026, the Red Cross said last week.

Current supply is not keeping up with the demand for blood, which increases during the summer, the Red Cross says.

The Red Cross attributes the low turnout of donations to extreme heat, bad air quality and "widespread foodborne illnesses" hitting the country.

Threat level: Community blood centers need a supply of three days or more to meet normal operating demands, per America's Blood Centers. 

Right now, more than half of the blood centers in the South region, which includes Virginia, have less than that. 

The situation is particularly dire for type O, the most commonly transfused blood type.

The organization says it has "less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood and is limiting distribution of it blood to hospitals.

Context: This is only the second national blood supply crisis, according to the Red Cross.

The last time was in January 2022 when COVID, winter storms and staffing challenges disrupted the nation's blood supply.

In 2024, the Red Cross said it faced an "emergency blood shortage," though stopped short of declaring it a "crisis."

How to donate: In metro Richmond, there's a blood drive in nearly every part of town, offering daily appointments. 

You can make an appointment directly with: 

Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies

Fun fact: The American Red Cross is offering a $20 Amazon gift card for donating this month. 

The bottom line: There's a blood need, so if you have some to give and are comfortable donating, do it. There's even $20 in it for ya. 

Richmond donors urged to help during blood supply crisis

Local blood drives have daily appointments as hospitals face dangerously low national supplies.

A woman donates blood at an American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Boston on July 14, 2026. Photo: Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" data-vars-content-id="5bb22422-54b6-4772-9884-9e7f17513ba9" data-vars-headline="Richmond donors urged to help during blood supply crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" target="_self">blood</a> supply has reached crisis levels, prompting the American Red Cross and the Surgeon General&#x27;s Office to urge people to donate. Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

The Richmond Animal League's annual calendar contest is back. 

Why it matters: It's the purrrfect contest for aspiring pinup pups and kitties — and helps raise money to support local animals in need. 

How it works: Entries for the RALender contest opened last week and run through September 26. 

Contestants can enter their fur baby and set a personal fundraising goal. 

It's free to enter your pet, but it costs $1 per vote. 

The top 12 pets will get their own month in the 2027 RALendar, plus a free professional photoshoot with Brittany Rose Petography.

The fur beauty that gets the most votes gets the cover. 

Last year's contest raised more than $97,000 for the Chesterfield-based nonprofit, all of which supported its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals throughout RVA.

What's next: The 12 winners will be announced at RAL's September Winners Woofstock event. 

Richmond pets compete for 2027 calendar stardom

The top 12 vote-getters earn a calendar month and professional pet photo shoot.

Four-photo grid: top-left shows two dogs resting on grass (yellow and black); top-right grey tabby cat; bottom-left black dog in snow; bottom-right tan dog standing on rocky ground.

Some of last year's winners. Image: Courtesy of Richmond Animal League 

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Animal League&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/07/why-jill-biden-in-richmond-cat-adoption-latitude" data-vars-content-id="ee0c5c2b-43f8-4b88-888e-07fd850a2bda" data-vars-headline="Richmond pets compete for 2027 calendar stardom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/07/why-jill-biden-in-richmond-cat-adoption-latitude" target="_self">Richmond Animal League&#x27;s</a> annual calendar contest is back. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the purrrfect contest for aspiring pinup pups and kitties — and helps raise money to support local animals in need.

Karri Peifer

Featured stories

Richmond celebrates 804 Day as the 686 era begins

Pornhub pushes for a return to Florida's web browsers

Civita Italia is now open with handmade pasta in Short Pump

Richmond donors urged to help during blood supply crisis

Richmond pets compete for 2027 calendar stardom