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Virginia considers assault weapons ban, $15 wage and paid leave

Here's a quick guide to the major bills still moving through the legislature, beyond weed and data centers.

News

It&#x27;s time for a lightning round on the other headline-grabbing bills still alive this General Assembly session, beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="constitutional amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/14/virginia-2026-abortion-redistricting-democrats" data-vars-content-id="5bd367b9-fa6e-49c7-8712-699c1aee701e" data-vars-headline="Virginia considers assault weapons ban, $15 wage and paid leave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/14/virginia-2026-abortion-redistricting-democrats" target="_self">constitutional amendments</a>, weed and data centers.State of play: With Democrats controlling both chambers and governor&#x27;s office, several have a clear path to becoming law. Here&#x27;s what they&#x27;d do:

Flashback: Richmond's unforgettable 2016, from City Hall to clowns

A look back at RVA's chaotic 2016, from Stoney's win to rooftop bars and creepy clowns.

We hear the kids are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="throwing it back to 2016" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43827933.26/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNhdG9kYXkuY29tL3N0b3J5L3RlY2gvMjAyNi8wMS8xNS92aXJhbC0yMDI2LWlzLW5ldy0yMDE2LXRyZW5kLXdoYXQtdG8ta25vdy84ODE5ODgzMTAwNy8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bb1e61160" data-vars-content-id="703b6f97-d62f-4fab-912d-221b7388bd23" data-vars-headline="Flashback: Richmond&#x27;s unforgettable 2016, from City Hall to clowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43827933.26/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNhdG9kYXkuY29tL3N0b3J5L3RlY2gvMjAyNi8wMS8xNS92aXJhbC0yMDI2LWlzLW5ldy0yMDE2LXRyZW5kLXdoYXQtdG8ta25vdy84ODE5ODgzMTAwNy8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bb1e61160" target="_self">throwing it back to 2016</a> and thought it would be fun to play along.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral trend" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43656720.130/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvbS9uZXdzL2FydGljbGVzL2N3eTFlNjA1ZHZnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Beca64745" data-vars-content-id="703b6f97-d62f-4fab-912d-221b7388bd23" data-vars-headline="Flashback: Richmond&#x27;s unforgettable 2016, from City Hall to clowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43656720.130/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvbS9uZXdzL2FydGljbGVzL2N3eTFlNjA1ZHZnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Beca64745" target="_self">viral trend</a> is reminiscing over everything that happened a decade ago, which happened to be a big year for Richmond.

The Richmond spots Virginia lawmakers eat at during session

From GWARbar to Rappahannock, legislators share their go-to Richmond spots.

Food and Drink

Richmond Times-Dispatch restaurant critic Justin Lo recently got <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the lowdown" data-vars-click-url="https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_29a944ae-f37d-11ef-a15f-f7719f390024.html" data-vars-content-id="a652a22d-3155-4778-9b38-a41364bb30fe" data-vars-headline="The Richmond spots Virginia lawmakers eat at during session" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_29a944ae-f37d-11ef-a15f-f7719f390024.html" target="_blank">the lowdown</a> on where state lawmakers go to eat when they&#x27;re in town.Why it matters: The 140 members of the General Assembly are temporary Richmonders for 30-to-60 days every winter, and they dine local.

How Virginia is trying to keep data centers off your power bill

Lawmakers aren't looking to stop the boom, but they want data centers to pay more.

Virginia isn&#x27;t pausing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/08/virginia-no1-data-centers-richmond-growth-ai" data-vars-content-id="89b2517b-ae50-4ad5-875b-344981a937bb" data-vars-headline="How Virginia is trying to keep data centers off your power bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/08/virginia-no1-data-centers-richmond-growth-ai" target="_self">data center boom</a>, but lawmakers are trying to keep residents from footing the bill for it.Why it matters: That&#x27;s easier said than done.

Doc explores Richmond's "best football bar": Penny Lane

A new Richmond-made documentary argues Penny Lane helped build one of the country's strongest soccer communities.

Culture

A new documentary puts a spotlight on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penny Lane Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pennylanepub.com/" data-vars-content-id="b65803f3-60f4-400c-be45-c3a1b7a7a1ae" data-vars-headline="Doc explores Richmond&#x27;s &quot;best football bar&quot;: Penny Lane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pennylanepub.com/" target="_blank">Penny Lane Pub</a>, the bar that feels like it was transplanted straight out of England and into downtown Richmond. Why it matters: The 30-minute flick is as much a love letter to Richmond as it is to the Pub.

Virginia distilleries take their spirits to Paris

Five Virginia distilleries poured their products for tens of thousands of industry insiders at VinExpo Paris.

Five Virginia distilleries were in Paris last week to rep the state&#x27;s booze at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VinExpo 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://wineparis.com/newfront/page/home" data-vars-content-id="7153688c-1a60-49b7-a756-86266c7d9075" data-vars-headline="Virginia distilleries take their spirits to Paris" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wineparis.com/newfront/page/home" target="_blank">VinExpo 2026</a>, an international wine and spirits trade show. Why it matters: The three-day event drew roughly 50,000 industry insiders, putting Virginia-made spirits on a global stage.

How Richmond babysitting rates stack up

A new report pegs national babysitting at $26 an hour. Richmond rates vary widely, depending on who you hire.

Average babysitting rates rose nearly 5% last year, hitting $26.24 per hour for one child, per a new report from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UrbanSitter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.urbansitter.com/babysitting-rates/" data-vars-content-id="6888d378-a4dd-473e-870a-20f20b3248ee" data-vars-headline="How Richmond babysitting rates stack up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.urbansitter.com/babysitting-rates/" target="_blank">UrbanSitter</a>.Why it matters: Parents face at least $50 in extra costs for a two-hour Valentine&#x27;s date night this weekend, or more if they have multiple kids and want to swing dinner and a show.

Why dining out costs more in parts of Virginia

Local taxes layered on top of state sales tax mean wide price swings for diners and travelers.

A new report from the state&#x27;s restaurant and hotel lobbying group is out with a rare and comprehensive overview of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="additional taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/02/28/richmond-meals-tax-freeze" data-vars-content-id="f4f31302-53f0-4d1c-a01b-86eea2bd4ffa" data-vars-headline="Why dining out costs more in parts of Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/02/28/richmond-meals-tax-freeze" target="_self">additional taxes</a> levied on hospitality businesses in Virginia. Why it matters: These taxes are creating a challenging environment for local business operators — and they&#x27;re on the rise, the report found.

Richmond businesses close and donate sales to protest ICE

It's part of a nationwide general strike against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Dozens of Richmond businesses on Friday either closed down or donated a portion of their sales to a local nonprofit supporting families affected by ICE raids.Why it matters: The action was part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide strike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/29/chicago-national-boycott-ice-enforcement-target" data-vars-content-id="d32c361f-7db1-411f-908d-7901a918df87" data-vars-headline="Richmond businesses close and donate sales to protest ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/29/chicago-national-boycott-ice-enforcement-target" target="_self">nationwide strike</a> against immigration enforcement — and one of the largest coordinated showings yet of local businesses opposing ICE.

Arcade bar takes over old Acacia space

The family-friendly bar includes Pac-Man, burgers, racing sims and TVs for game day.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Cary Sports Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/westcarysportsbar/" data-vars-content-id="7d2f7278-5614-45a1-be87-11170c5d2625" data-vars-headline="Arcade bar takes over old Acacia space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/westcarysportsbar/" target="_blank">West Cary Sports Bar</a> is now open in the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acacia spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/25/cary-robinson-richmond-restaurant-history-sports-bar" data-vars-content-id="7d2f7278-5614-45a1-be87-11170c5d2625" data-vars-headline="Arcade bar takes over old Acacia space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/25/cary-robinson-richmond-restaurant-history-sports-bar" target="_self">Acacia spot</a> on Robinson and Cary in the Fan. Why it matters: Expect arcade and table games, a menu built around pizza, burgers and wings and kid-friendly vibes.

Kura to bring conveyor belt sushi to Richmond

The growing sushi chain will open in Short Pump with tech-driven dining and kid appeal.

<figure><img alt="Conveyor belt sushi restaurant with plates of sushi and tempura under clear domes moving past seating booths and an overhead digital ordering screen." height="450" id="28a14094-e1a4-4751-baca-53bc60319dce" src="https://images.axios.com/yQDxBxxlJM5Hw8sktASDHgSS5-k=/2026/01/27/1769531231532.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The sushi belt at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar in Indianapolis. Gif: Arika Herron/Axios Indianapolis</figcaption></figure>Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is opening its first Richmond location in Short Pump this fall, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BizSense scooped" data-vars-click-url="https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/01/27/conveyor-belt-sushi-restaurant-chain-rolling-into-short-pump/#newsletter" data-vars-content-id="608a0512-3af4-4229-b8b4-949cd6da394a" data-vars-headline="Kura to bring conveyor belt sushi to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/01/27/conveyor-belt-sushi-restaurant-chain-rolling-into-short-pump/#newsletter" target="_blank">BizSense scooped</a> this week.Why it matters: At Kura, the food is delivered on a conveyor belt, the drinks come via robot and diners can win prizes for stuffing their face.

Tips for ordering food delivery during Richmond's storm

Apps like DoorDash and Instacart may stop service depending on road conditions and local alerts.

Some third-party delivery apps — like DoorDash, Instacart and Uber Eats —could temporarily pause service in some areas due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="impending severe weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="f090780c-0612-4c17-a98d-f2d1c8c0c9cc" data-vars-headline="Tips for ordering food delivery during Richmond&#x27;s storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">impending severe weather</a>.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re hoping to rely on delivery to feed yourself during the winter storm, you could be SOL.

Virginia's latest casino opens in Petersburg

Petersburg's Live! Casino opens Thursday — with 900+ slots and 24/7 gaming just off I-95.

Petersburg&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live! Casino Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/04/petersburg-casino-preview-live-casino-resort-development" data-vars-content-id="f56e7c71-3c14-4d3d-93b5-4236663cd583" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s latest casino opens in Petersburg" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/04/petersburg-casino-preview-live-casino-resort-development" target="_self">Live! Casino Virginia</a> — the temporary, tented version of the coming-in-2027 full-scale casino and hotel — opens on Thursday at 5pm. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the fifth casino to open in the state since 2022, and likely the closest Richmonders will get to one.

Lafayette Tavern, Richmond's swank new hangout, debuts

The new Near West End spot mixes high-low dining, classic cocktails and major neighborhood vibes.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lafayette Tavern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/06/lafayette-tavern-giavos-family-new-richmond-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="0866b031-ee11-40d0-9ed4-f1f95d8d01f0" data-vars-headline="Lafayette Tavern, Richmond&#x27;s swank new hangout, debuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/06/lafayette-tavern-giavos-family-new-richmond-restaurant" target="_self">Lafayette Tavern</a> is officially open. Why it matters: The Giavos family&#x27;s newest restaurant is a sexy blend of retro and modern — and one of the coolest restaurants to open in Richmond in years.

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Doc explores Richmond's "best football bar": Penny Lane

Virginia distilleries take their spirits to Paris

How Richmond babysitting rates stack up

Why dining out costs more in parts of Virginia

Richmond businesses close and donate sales to protest ICE