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What's next for Chesterfield's $173M Shoosmith Landfill cleanup

The bigger fights over test results, long-term funding and accountability are just beginning.

News

Virginia lawmakers are demanding the release of environmental test results at the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill as work to stabilize the site moves forward, saying they want proof that it poses no public health risks.Why it matters: The Chesterfield landfill has become one of Virginia&#x27;s biggest environmental cleanup challenges, with an estimated $173 million cleanup cost that may ultimately fall to taxpayers.

Richmond's potato building gets the love it deserves

An architecture-loving creator spotlighted the quirky Markel Building and its baked potato inspiration.

Real Estate

Richmond&#x27;s baked potato-inspired office building is finally getting the love it deserves, thanks to a roving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="architecture-loving content creator." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" target="_blank">architecture-loving content creator.</a> Why it matters: Once maligned as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" target="_blank">&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world</a>,&quot; The Markel Building is a local treasure and now at least one influencer seems to agree.

A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors

The Ramyum Zip has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s a newish make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramyun Zip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" data-vars-content-id="73fbfe21-5cf8-4571-a1cb-0b608029bd52" data-vars-headline="A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" target="_blank">Ramyun Zip</a> has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Virginia's best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says

Virginia ranks fifth for workplace AI adoption, putting many white-collar jobs at greater risk of change.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" target="_self">AI</a> is rapidly reshaping Virginia workplaces and it&#x27;s doing so faster than previous technology shifts, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> from the state&#x27;s workforce development agency. Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s high-paying, higher education-backed jobs are the ones most vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions.

Maymont launches livestream for resident otters

Tune in to watch Louis and Nola dive, play and sunbathe on Maymont's new live Otter Cam.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maymont" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/02/20/maymont-otter-name" data-vars-content-id="3e0c74d5-4b00-4edf-8458-66fe10b79617" data-vars-headline="Maymont launches livestream for resident otters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/02/20/maymont-otter-name" target="_self">Maymont</a> just launched an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Otter Cam" data-vars-click-url="https://maymont.org/what-to-see/nature-center/#ottercam" data-vars-content-id="3e0c74d5-4b00-4edf-8458-66fe10b79617" data-vars-headline="Maymont launches livestream for resident otters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maymont.org/what-to-see/nature-center/#ottercam" target="_blank">Otter Cam</a> that lets locals live stream the daily happenings of their resident river otters, Louis and Nola. Why it matters: Be prepared to lose hours watching the pair dive, frolic and sunbathe.

Henrico eyes tighter event security after recent teen incidents

Clear bags and weapons screening are among the measures Henrico is weighing after recent fights.

Henrico County plans to increase security at public events after several recent incidents involving unsupervised teens, including one that cut short last weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Independence Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/01/richmond-fourth-of-july-events-fireworks-parades-america-250-guide" data-vars-content-id="3a63d024-13b0-4ce7-9a7a-f12f6a2be2fe" data-vars-headline="Henrico eyes tighter event security after recent teen incidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/01/richmond-fourth-of-july-events-fireworks-parades-america-250-guide" target="_self">Independence Day</a> celebration.Why it matters: Henrico hopes the new measures will make its events safer, as communities debate how to respond to disruptive teen gatherings.

RPS puts $8.9M budget crisis in Mayor Avula's hands

The school board is asking for help after an unexpected state funding gap left them weighing steep classroom cuts.

Richmond Public Schools is looking to City Hall for a financial lifeline after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delayed state budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/23/data-center-tax-compromise-richmond-budget-wins" data-vars-content-id="29f0bf0b-5636-45aa-bee8-df8d9beec651" data-vars-headline="RPS puts $8.9M budget crisis in Mayor Avula&#x27;s hands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/23/data-center-tax-compromise-richmond-budget-wins" target="_self">delayed state budget</a> left the district with an unexpected $8.9 million shortfall. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s next move could determine whether Richmond students see larger class sizes and fewer mental health supports this fall.

Gilpin Court redevelopment moves ahead after yearslong fight

Richmond and RRHA have released a framework for redeveloping Gilpin, and the first apartment project has been proposed.

After more than a year of public feuding, City Council is poised to back a deal that would break Richmond&#x27;s standoff with its housing authority over the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gilpin Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/gilpin-court-eviction-pause-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="0dee1d41-d6d4-460e-a114-b040f9e45bd8" data-vars-headline="Gilpin Court redevelopment moves ahead after yearslong fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/gilpin-court-eviction-pause-redevelopment" target="_self">Gilpin Court</a>.Why it matters: A resolution introduced this week advances a plan to redevelop the city&#x27;s oldest public housing complex after political fighting left Gilpin&#x27;s 2,000-plus residents in limbo.

Richmond-area utility bills just got more expensive

Dominion and local governments raised electric, water and sewer rates, squeezing household budgets.

Richmonders&#x27; budgets are about to take more hits as new utility rate increases go into effect this month. Why it matters: If you live in metro Richmond and use electricity and/or water, you&#x27;re affected.

Richmond utility billing issues linger despite city fix claim

Many residents still report missing bills, past-due notices and hours-long customer service waits.

Some Richmonders are still having issues with city utility bills nearly a month after officials said problems tied to the new billing system had been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resolved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1625536472911705&amp;set=a.523216679810362" data-vars-content-id="3972ba1c-a69b-4778-8fe6-4cf05e520781" data-vars-headline="Richmond utility billing issues linger despite city fix claim" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1625536472911705&amp;set=a.523216679810362" target="_blank">resolved</a>.Why it matters: Locals are complaining about missed and duplicate bills, past-due notices, payments not reflected in accounts and hours-long waits for customer service, per an Axios review of dozens of social media posts.

Scott's Addition gets a new EDM venue at Pandora Café

The Venezuelan spot has transformed its back room into a dance floor built by local volunteers.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Venezuelan cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/13/richmond-coffee-rave-scotts-addition-pandora-cafe" data-vars-content-id="8db7c29d-1680-48bf-9774-c640324a8389" data-vars-headline="Scott&#x27;s Addition gets a new EDM venue at Pandora Café" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/13/richmond-coffee-rave-scotts-addition-pandora-cafe" target="_self">A Venezuelan cafe</a> in Scott&#x27;s Addition is Richmond&#x27;s newest electronic dance music venue.Why it matters: After hosting coffee raves in the front for months, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pandora Café" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/pandoracaferva/" data-vars-content-id="8db7c29d-1680-48bf-9774-c640324a8389" data-vars-headline="Scott&#x27;s Addition gets a new EDM venue at Pandora Café" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/pandoracaferva/" target="_blank">Pandora Café</a> has converted its backroom into a clubbier nighttime spot called &quot;Pandora House Music.&quot;

Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage

What we know, what we don't and what happens next.

Richmond avoided another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/08/richmond-water-crisis-update-hanover-henrico" data-vars-content-id="28e336f6-f40b-4b9a-a6a7-98183a1ef0ac" data-vars-headline="Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/08/richmond-water-crisis-update-hanover-henrico" target="_self">water crisis</a> over the weekend after a break in a 36-inch water main left parts of the city and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/HenricoDPW_DPU/status/2073107167599550672" data-vars-content-id="28e336f6-f40b-4b9a-a6a7-98183a1ef0ac" data-vars-headline="Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/HenricoDPW_DPU/status/2073107167599550672" target="_blank">Henrico</a> with low to no water pressure.Why it matters: The incident didn&#x27;t become last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disaster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="28e336f6-f40b-4b9a-a6a7-98183a1ef0ac" data-vars-headline="Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">disaster</a>. But an incorrect emergency alert and reports from residents who never received notifications are once again putting the city&#x27;s emergency communications under scrutiny.

Drought puts new focus on data centers' water use

Public frustration over the drought has centered in part on data centers' water use.

Richmond-area households aren&#x27;t the only ones being asked to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conserve water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/22/richmong-drought-virginia-water-conservation-spanberger" data-vars-content-id="492d0f41-f531-481f-aab2-28cbf1c3256f" data-vars-headline="Drought puts new focus on data centers&#x27; water use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/22/richmong-drought-virginia-water-conservation-spanberger" target="_self">conserve water</a> during the ongoing drought: data centers and other large industrial water users are also facing calls to cut back. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Public" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1uk5zz4/i_will_not_be_conserving_water_if_data_centers/" data-vars-content-id="492d0f41-f531-481f-aab2-28cbf1c3256f" data-vars-headline="Drought puts new focus on data centers&#x27; water use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1uk5zz4/i_will_not_be_conserving_water_if_data_centers/" target="_blank">Public</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaT-nXWoh0M/" data-vars-content-id="492d0f41-f531-481f-aab2-28cbf1c3256f" data-vars-headline="Drought puts new focus on data centers&#x27; water use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DaT-nXWoh0M/" target="_blank">frustration</a> over the drought has centered in part on data centers&#x27; water use, but local officials say data centers are also being asked to conserve — and aren&#x27;t among the region&#x27;s largest water consumers.

News 🗞

Maymont launches livestream for resident otters

Henrico eyes tighter event security after recent teen incidents

RPS puts $8.9M budget crisis in Mayor Avula's hands

Gilpin Court redevelopment moves ahead after yearslong fight

Richmond-area utility bills just got more expensive