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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.

Virginia measles cases double from 2025 as vaccine rates slip

Recent health department data shows two-dose coverage falls below the recommended 95% threshold.

Virginia health officials are reporting a rise in measles cases as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/23/virginia-trump-cdc-vaccine-changes-measles" data-vars-content-id="67f2fc39-1720-4151-947e-1cc3df965472" data-vars-headline="Virginia measles cases double from 2025 as vaccine rates slip" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/23/virginia-trump-cdc-vaccine-changes-measles" target="_self">vaccination</a> rates in most localities fall below the threshold experts say is needed to prevent outbreaks. Why it matters: The state has already reported 10 cases this year, which is double the total recorded in 2025.

Virginia health department defies Trump vaccine changes

State officials say the federal shift on childhood vaccines wasn't backed by evidence.

Health

The Virginia Department of Health is breaking with the Trump administration&#x27;s latest vaccine guidance, which narrows the list of universally recommended shots for kids.Why it matters: It&#x27;s at least <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the second time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/24/virginia-cdc-mmrv-vaccine-rules" data-vars-content-id="76cff643-c268-4cbd-a989-8d55c8523cdf" data-vars-headline="Virginia health department defies Trump vaccine changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/24/virginia-cdc-mmrv-vaccine-rules" target="_self">the second time</a> in the past six months that VDH has moved away from controversial federal changes.

Virginia Dems revive paid sick leave push they once stalled

Last time Democrats had a trifecta, universal paid sick leave bills struggled. Will this time be different?

Virginia Democrats are once again eyeing paid sick leave as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top priority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/virginia-democrats-2026-bills-birth-control-sick-leave" data-vars-content-id="b9c6969c-aa46-488c-a2bc-d0e1ecd166f2" data-vars-headline="Virginia Dems revive paid sick leave push they once stalled" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/virginia-democrats-2026-bills-birth-control-sick-leave" target="_self">top priority</a> after reclaiming full control of state government in November.Why it matters: Similar policies stalled the last time the party held a trifecta — mostly because of Democrats themselves.

Where Virginia ranks among America's healthiest states

Plus: Where Virginia leads — and where it lags — in the region.

Virginia is among the healthiest states in the country, ranking 14th in a new state-by-state report card from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Health Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/states/VA" data-vars-content-id="c4c3da94-ea65-42e4-8e8f-d999f27b9c14" data-vars-headline="Where Virginia ranks among America&#x27;s healthiest states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/states/VA" target="_blank">United Health Foundation</a>.

Massaging robots arrive in Richmond

You'll get to listen to Cardi B in a wetsuit while a robot kneads your back with its heated hooves.

It&#x27;s not every day you get to don a wetsuit and listen to Cardi B while a robot removes the knots in your back with its heated hooves. Why it matters: If the machines are taking over, they might as well massage us.

Virginia braces for tougher flu season

A new flu strain is spreading fast — but most Virginians haven't gotten vaccinated yet.

It could be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rough flu season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" data-vars-content-id="4b80d198-f972-49b0-b18d-361b7462222b" data-vars-headline="Virginia braces for tougher flu season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" target="_self">rough flu season</a> in Virginia due to a new strain of the virus. Why it matters: Experts are worried that it doesn&#x27;t match the strain used to create this year&#x27;s flu vaccine.

Report: Richmond area lost over $1B to Virginia's opioid crisis

The epidemic is draining Virginia's economy even as overdose deaths fall statewide.

The Richmond area lost more than $1 billion to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opioid epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/13/vcu-virginia-naloxone-bike-overdose-prevention" data-vars-content-id="0bdbc5f5-3291-4613-88c1-2e088a640ff0" data-vars-headline="Report: Richmond area lost over $1B to Virginia&#x27;s opioid crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/13/vcu-virginia-naloxone-bike-overdose-prevention" target="_self">opioid epidemic</a> in 2023, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.virginiaopioidcostdata.org/" data-vars-content-id="0bdbc5f5-3291-4613-88c1-2e088a640ff0" data-vars-headline="Report: Richmond area lost over $1B to Virginia&#x27;s opioid crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.virginiaopioidcostdata.org/" target="_blank">new report</a> from VCU and the Virginia Department of Health.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a major chunk of the state&#x27;s total opioid-related costs, showing how concentrated the crisis&#x27; toll has been in the region — even as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fatal overdoses continue to fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/05/19/virginia-drug-overdose-deaths-drop-2024" data-vars-content-id="0bdbc5f5-3291-4613-88c1-2e088a640ff0" data-vars-headline="Report: Richmond area lost over $1B to Virginia&#x27;s opioid crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/05/19/virginia-drug-overdose-deaths-drop-2024" target="_self">fatal overdoses continue to fall</a>.

Youngkin revives Presidential Fitness Test in Virginia schools

His Election Day move aligns with President Trump's push to bring back the timed 1-mile runs and pull-ups.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin is bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test to Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public schools." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/27/best-high-schools-virginia-richmond-graduation-rates-college-readiness-rps" data-vars-content-id="c62a508c-48f4-4e40-bcb0-9015faa1bcc8" data-vars-headline="Youngkin revives Presidential Fitness Test in Virginia schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/27/best-high-schools-virginia-richmond-graduation-rates-college-readiness-rps" target="_self">public schools.</a>Why it matters: The benchmark was a rite of passage for generations of middle and high schoolers with its timed 1-mile run, pull-ups and sit-and-reach challenges. For some, passing it was a badge of honor. For others — trauma.

Why Virginia can't stop changing the clocks twice a year

Daylight saving time isn't going anywhere, despite repeated attempts from lawmakers to change it.

Virginia lawmakers have repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, tried to end daylight saving time.Why it matters: We&#x27;re set to suffer when the clocks turn back an hour on Sunday.

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.

Health 🩺

Virginia measles cases double from 2025 as vaccine rates slip

Virginia health department defies Trump vaccine changes

Virginia Dems revive paid sick leave push they once stalled

Where Virginia ranks among America's healthiest states

Massaging robots arrive in Richmond