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Virginia may unwind decades-old liquor sales mandate

Lawmakers approved a tiered system to replace a food sales mandate dating back to 1968.

News

Legislation that would lower the Virginia restaurants&#x27; food-to-<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="liquor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/06/03/virginia-distilleries-generate-1-billion-a-year-for-the-states-economy" data-vars-content-id="71ad8b7c-f8b1-47e5-a9d8-d435474c04f6" data-vars-headline="Virginia may unwind decades-old liquor sales mandate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/06/03/virginia-distilleries-generate-1-billion-a-year-for-the-states-economy" target="_self">liquor</a> sales ratio is headed to Gov. Abigail Spanberger&#x27;s desk. Why it matters: Many in the restaurant industry have been pushing for a ratio change for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than a decade" data-vars-click-url="https://richmondbizsense.com/2016/01/21/bar-owners-take-shot-at-changing-45-percent-rule/" data-vars-content-id="71ad8b7c-f8b1-47e5-a9d8-d435474c04f6" data-vars-headline="Virginia may unwind decades-old liquor sales mandate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmondbizsense.com/2016/01/21/bar-owners-take-shot-at-changing-45-percent-rule/" target="_blank">more than a decade</a>.

Virginia redistricting vote to start Friday as planned

Multiple lawsuits have tried to block the election. Local election officials say it's still happening.

Early voting on Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="eeb9798b-2a18-414e-96ea-f89292155c8f" data-vars-headline="Virginia redistricting vote to start Friday as planned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">redistricting referendum</a> is still on track to begin Friday, local election officials tell Axios.Why it matters: There have been so many lawsuits trying to stop it that voters have been left wondering whether the election is really happening.

Waymo could expand to Virginia under new driverless car bill

The robotaxi is rapidly expanding across multiple states. Lawmakers are deciding whether Virginia could be next.

As Waymo races to expand its rollout of robotaxis nationwide, Virginia lawmakers are deciding whether to make the state legally ready for fully driverless cars.Why it matters: Robotaxis aren&#x27;t sci-fi anymore, and their vote could influence whether one will soon share the road with you.

Driving in Richmond gets more expensive this weekend

All-electronic tolling begins Saturday and red light cameras start issuing $50 tickets March 1.

Driving around Richmond will get more expensive starting this weekend. Why it matters: If you&#x27;re a red light-runner or non-E-ZPass toll road user, your grace periods are up.

Richmond says clearing icy sidewalks is up to residents and landlords

Over a week after the storm hit, many sidewalks remain unusable and dangerous for pedestrians.

More than a week after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/27/richmond-snow-ice-black-ice-street-conditions-vdot-henrico" data-vars-content-id="77b35be5-f84d-42d6-944e-edca1a8ef18b" data-vars-headline="Richmond says clearing icy sidewalks is up to residents and landlords" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/27/richmond-snow-ice-black-ice-street-conditions-vdot-henrico" target="_self">storm</a>, sidewalks across Richmond remain icy and dangerous to use.Why it matters: City officials are largely banking on residents, landlords or warmer temperatures to resolve the pedestrian safety hazard.

Henrico plans Dominion Energy solar farm on 1970s landfill

Henrico joins a growing wave of localities converting old landfills into clean energy sites.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/07/henrico-county-water-pipeline-project-reduce-reliance-on-richmond" data-vars-content-id="d02ef577-9583-4272-97dd-e79379b4fcea" data-vars-headline="Henrico plans Dominion Energy solar farm on 1970s landfill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/07/henrico-county-water-pipeline-project-reduce-reliance-on-richmond" target="_self">Henrico</a> OK&#x27;d plans this week to turn a decommissioned 1970s landfill into a solar farm. Why it matters: The project would transform part of a long-vacant 58-acre property in Varina into one of the county&#x27;s more unusual clean energy sites.

How Spanberger plans to lower Virginia's electric bills

Lowering energy costs was one of Democrats' winning messages. Now they have to deliver on it.

With Democrats soon to control the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor&#x27;s mansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/05/virginia-governor-first-woman-abigail-spanberger" data-vars-content-id="b65fcd86-5349-43ef-82f2-a170e815300c" data-vars-headline="How Spanberger plans to lower Virginia&#x27;s electric bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/05/virginia-governor-first-woman-abigail-spanberger" target="_self">governor&#x27;s mansion</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="both chambers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/05/virginia-democrats-win-historic-election" data-vars-content-id="b65fcd86-5349-43ef-82f2-a170e815300c" data-vars-headline="How Spanberger plans to lower Virginia&#x27;s electric bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/05/virginia-democrats-win-historic-election" target="_self">both chambers</a> of the General Assembly, Virginia&#x27;s energy policy is set to veer from Gov. Youngkin&#x27;s approach these past four years.Why it matters: Lowering energy costs was one of Democrats&#x27; winning messages. Now they have to deliver on it.

Richmond to open new winter shelter for homeless residents

Starting Dec. 1, CARITAS will be another emergency option if the Chamberlayne shelter gets full.

Richmond is getting a new shelter for severe winter weather days.Why it matters: The city has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long faced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/10/14/richmond-cold-weather-shelter" data-vars-content-id="b2d18e27-daa1-41a1-85e6-4055a4ba2c8c" data-vars-headline="Richmond to open new winter shelter for homeless residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2022/10/14/richmond-cold-weather-shelter" target="_self">long faced</a> limited shelter space during extreme cold, often leaving residents scrambling when beds quickly fill up.

Richmond's fall temps are on the rise

Average fall temperatures in the city have climbed 2.4°F since 1970, a new analysis shows.

Climate

Fall in Richmond is getting hotter, according to a new analysis.Why it matters: Warmer falls could increase cooling demand (and cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bigger bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/electric-power-bill-costs-ai-grid-reasons" data-vars-content-id="e9869e05-e75f-457f-abdd-da2be09bfdce" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s fall temps are on the rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/29/electric-power-bill-costs-ai-grid-reasons" target="_self">bigger bills</a> and more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strain on the electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/electricity-demand-projection-2050-icf" data-vars-content-id="e9869e05-e75f-457f-abdd-da2be09bfdce" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s fall temps are on the rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/electricity-demand-projection-2050-icf" target="_self">strain on the electric grid</a>); affect growing and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allergy seasons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/allergy-season-longer-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="e9869e05-e75f-457f-abdd-da2be09bfdce" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s fall temps are on the rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/allergy-season-longer-climate-change" target="_self">allergy seasons</a>; and have health impacts for vulnerable groups.Driving the news: Between 1970 and 2024, average fall temperatures in Richmond rose by 2.4°F, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2025-fall-package" data-vars-content-id="e9869e05-e75f-457f-abdd-da2be09bfdce" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s fall temps are on the rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2025-fall-package" target="_blank">report</a> from Climate Central, a climate research group.<ul><li>That&#x27;s lower than the national average of 2.8°F.</li></ul>Zoom out: Reno, Nev (+7.7°F); El Paso, Texas (+6.5°F) and Las Vegas, Nev. (+6.2°F) saw the biggest increases over the covered period.The intrigue: Harrisonburg was one of three of the examined U.S. cities that had an average fall temperature decrease, dropping by -0.2°F.<ul><li>Gainesville, Fla. and Macon, Ga. had the same drop. </li></ul>How it works: Climate Central&#x27;s report is based on NOAA data, and defines &quot;fall&quot; as the entirety of September, October and November (meteorological fall).<ul><li>Astronomical fall, on the other hand, doesn&#x27;t start &#x27;til Sept. 22 this year.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The Climate Prediction Center&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest seasonal outlook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=1" data-vars-content-id="e9869e05-e75f-457f-abdd-da2be09bfdce" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s fall temps are on the rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=1" target="_blank">latest seasonal outlook</a> for fall forecasts above-normal temperatures for most of the country, especially in the Southwest and Northeast.

Virginia's electricity costs rise amid data center boom

But it still had one of the smallest electricity cost hikes nationwide this past year, per new federal data.

Virginia saw one of the smallest increases in electricity costs in the nation this past year, per new federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser/" data-vars-content-id="b2f64ec0-f351-4dfb-9c12-87f90eb19ffa" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser/" target="_blank">data</a>, but it could get even higher as data centers proliferate statewide.Why it matters: Virginia is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center capital of the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-07-29/loudon-county-data-center-growth-strains-residents-seeking-ai-regulation" data-vars-content-id="b2f64ec0-f351-4dfb-9c12-87f90eb19ffa" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-07-29/loudon-county-data-center-growth-strains-residents-seeking-ai-regulation" target="_blank">data center capital of the world</a>, and while those centers have previously been concentrated in NoVa, proposals for them have increasingly cropped up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the Richmond area." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/06/data-center-boom-cost-power-bill" data-vars-content-id="b2f64ec0-f351-4dfb-9c12-87f90eb19ffa" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/06/data-center-boom-cost-power-bill" target="_self">in the Richmond area.</a>

Heat index could hit 110°F in Richmond this weekend

A heat dome is bringing dangerous temperatures to Richmond. Stay cool and stay safe.

We hope Richmonders enjoyed this last week of (comparatively) mild temperatures amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweltering summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/30/richmond-heat-dome-no-records" data-vars-content-id="b5220f7e-3fe6-4ce7-84ec-6dfb15262e0b" data-vars-headline="Heat index could hit 110°F in Richmond this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/30/richmond-heat-dome-no-records" target="_self">sweltering summer</a> because it&#x27;s over: Dangerously high heat is back, starting Friday. Why it matters: Heat warnings and advisories are in effect for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="metro Richmond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/" data-vars-content-id="b5220f7e-3fe6-4ce7-84ec-6dfb15262e0b" data-vars-headline="Heat index could hit 110°F in Richmond this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/" target="_blank">metro Richmond</a> through Wednesday, according to data from the National Weather Service.

Storms could bring flash flooding to Richmond

Here are some safety tips for what to do if you come across flooded roads.

There&#x27;s a chance this week&#x27;s showers and thunderstorms lead to flash <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/24/richmond-flood-zones-fema-update-2025" data-vars-content-id="9d15176b-df2b-4f6b-9c29-26e5ca365072" data-vars-headline="Storms could bring flash flooding to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/24/richmond-flood-zones-fema-update-2025" target="_self">flooding</a> in the Richmond region, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Weather Service." data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSWakefieldVA/status/1942616670935134268" data-vars-content-id="9d15176b-df2b-4f6b-9c29-26e5ca365072" data-vars-headline="Storms could bring flash flooding to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSWakefieldVA/status/1942616670935134268" target="_blank">National Weather Service.</a>Why it matters: It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to sweep you off your feet, 12 inches to carry a small car and 18 inches to make SUVs unsafe to drive, Richmond officials said on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL2TUTROjmt/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="9d15176b-df2b-4f6b-9c29-26e5ca365072" data-vars-headline="Storms could bring flash flooding to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL2TUTROjmt/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Tuesday.</a>

Richmond scorches but sets no heat records

The highest we got was 99 degrees last Wednesday, under the 100°F record set in 1952.

While it felt like Richmonders were living directly on the face of the sun during last week&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat dome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/26/extreme-weather-patterns-stuck-us-heat-flooding" data-vars-content-id="77a93ea7-9d95-4f3e-b2aa-24e821244971" data-vars-headline="Richmond scorches but sets no heat records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/26/extreme-weather-patterns-stuck-us-heat-flooding" target="_self">heat dome</a>,&quot; there wasn&#x27;t a single daily heat record set or even tied here. Why it matters: Heat records were broken in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than 494 locations across" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/heat-wave-weather-eastern-us" data-vars-content-id="77a93ea7-9d95-4f3e-b2aa-24e821244971" data-vars-headline="Richmond scorches but sets no heat records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/26/heat-wave-weather-eastern-us" target="_self">more than 494 locations across</a> the U.S. and tied in another 169 between last Sunday and Wednesday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NOAA data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/records" data-vars-content-id="77a93ea7-9d95-4f3e-b2aa-24e821244971" data-vars-headline="Richmond scorches but sets no heat records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/records" target="_blank">NOAA data</a> shows.

Climate report: Winters in Virginia are getting warmer

Climate change is adding, on average, 10 winter days where the minimum temperatures are above freezing.

It&#x27;s hard to believe with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent freezing temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/18/richmond-snow-freezing-winds-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="81b18738-062c-46b9-9d2d-6de161f0bf8c" data-vars-headline="Climate report: Winters in Virginia are getting warmer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/18/richmond-snow-freezing-winds-winter-storm" target="_self">recent freezing temperatures</a>, but Virginia&#x27;s winters are actually getting warmer.The big picture: Over the last decade, climate change has added an average of 10 days in December and January where the minimum temperatures are above freezing in Virginia.

Climate 🌿

Richmond says clearing icy sidewalks is up to residents and landlords

Henrico plans Dominion Energy solar farm on 1970s landfill

How Spanberger plans to lower Virginia's electric bills

Richmond to open new winter shelter for homeless residents

Richmond's fall temps are on the rise