Richmond

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Richmond with Sabrina Moreno and Karri Peifer.

Axios Richmond

Standard

A picture of the Richmond skyline with the letters RIC

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Richmond.

Axios Richmond Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Richmond Alerts

Alert

Richmond Members

Membership

Axios Richmond Partners

Ukrop's gets a bigger footprint inside Richmond-area Kroger

A renovated Midlothian Kroger will soon feature a dedicated section for Ukrop's favorites.

Business

The Kroger on Midlothian near Winterfield is getting a bigger and bolder section for Ukrop&#x27;s products. Why it matters: It&#x27;s like Ukrop&#x27;s Super Markets never left us.

Inside the Italian market tucked into a Church Hill garage

Giorno Market is bring Euro summer to Richmond with imported Italian goods, peachy umbrellas and no AC.

Things to Do

Sabrina here. The closest thing to an Italian summer in Richmond might be a converted garage in Church Hill.Why it matters: Almost everything at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Giorno Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/giornomarket/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="65986078-f114-408c-bd3d-a97c6e941fea" data-vars-headline="Inside the Italian market tucked into a Church Hill garage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/giornomarket/?hl=en" target="_blank">Giorno Market</a> is imported from Italy, its peachy umbrellas are reminiscent of those on the Amalfi Coast and the lack of AC will make you feel very European in no time.

Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill

Her usual bill is about $1,500, but a meter issue led to a $58,486 charge and a cash crunch.

News

A Richmond restaurant owner says the city mistakenly pulled roughly $60,000 from her bank account this week for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/08/richmond-dpu-utility-billing-problems-new-system-payments-account-numbers" data-vars-content-id="1c440395-771c-4e8c-bb8c-1adac040b2f5" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/08/richmond-dpu-utility-billing-problems-new-system-payments-account-numbers" target="_self">utility bill</a> that typically would&#x27;ve been around $1,500.Why it matters: The erroneous charge left <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harry&#x27;s at Hofheimer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/scotts-addition-speakeasy" data-vars-content-id="1c440395-771c-4e8c-bb8c-1adac040b2f5" data-vars-headline="Richmond restaurant hit with erroneous $60K water bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/scotts-addition-speakeasy" target="_self">Harry&#x27;s at Hofheimer</a> owner Natalie McNamara scrambling to get her money back and raised fresh questions about the city&#x27;s billing system amid ongoing problems.

Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan

Its draft plan would cut residential density 9.6% as neighboring localities embrace denser growth.

Chesterfield expects to add more than 100,000 residents by 2050. But its proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-term plan" data-vars-click-url="https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-683" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/chesterfieldcounty-va-planmod/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-683" target="_blank">long-term plan</a> calls for less residential density countywide, not more. Why it matters: Chesterfield&#x27;s approach to growth stands out in the region. <ul><li>While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/17/richmond-zoning-code-draft-three-duplexes-housing-corridors" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/17/richmond-zoning-code-draft-three-duplexes-housing-corridors" target="_self">Richmond</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic" data-vars-content-id="ea6c7aba-aa20-4a0d-870b-0b7b2e055277" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield bucks Richmond-area trend with lower-density plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/06/lakeside-garden-district-mixed-use-development-traffic" target="_self">Henrico</a> have explored adding more housing in neighborhoods and commercial corridors, Chesterfield is moving in the other direction.</li></ul>

Chesterfield swears in first Black and openly gay administrator

Kevin Catlin is taking over the county that's seen explosive growth, demographic changes and political shifts.

Chesterfield swore in its first Black and openly gay county administrator on Monday, while his husband held the family Bible in one hand and their 21-day-old daughter in the other.Why it matters: Kevin Catlin&#x27;s appointment comes after a decade in which Chesterfield emerged as one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia&#x27;s fastest-growing counties" data-vars-click-url="https://chesterfieldfits.com/sites-data/population-demographics/" data-vars-content-id="dc1ca61e-acad-44f2-bbc1-491f06fc8786" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield swears in first Black and openly gay administrator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chesterfieldfits.com/sites-data/population-demographics/" target="_blank">Virginia&#x27;s fastest-growing counties</a>, grew more racially diverse and shifted left at the ballot box.

Former Richmond officials jump into sales tax referendum push

A former City Council president and former CAO just launched a statewide group to help navigate the November vote.

Two former Richmond officials just launched the first statewide advocacy group focused on Virginia’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school sales tax referendums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/23/richmond-chesterfield-new-sales-tax-vote-tax-cuts" data-vars-content-id="72ee07a2-e170-447e-9ae0-dbcb2bb1f3a3" data-vars-headline="Former Richmond officials jump into sales tax referendum push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/23/richmond-chesterfield-new-sales-tax-vote-tax-cuts" target="_self">school sales tax referendums</a>.Why it matters: More than 20 localities — including Richmond, Chesterfield and Powhatan — are asking voters in November to approve a 1% sales tax to fund school construction.

Trump deportation push could cost Virginia taxpayers $7.4B

Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield could shoulder $747 million of the projected cost, according to EPI.

Virginia taxpayers could pay an estimated $7.4 billion toward President Trump&#x27;s mass deportation push — about $2,400 per taxpayer — according to a new calculator from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Economic Policy Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.epi.org/deportation-calculator/" data-vars-content-id="9f8d881e-669d-4b74-a254-6862372412c6" data-vars-headline="Trump deportation push could cost Virginia taxpayers $7.4B" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.epi.org/deportation-calculator/" target="_blank">Economic Policy Institute</a>.Why it matters: The estimate puts a local price tag on Trump&#x27;s deportation agenda as thousands of Virginians receive removal orders, including over 2,000 in the Richmond area during the first half of 2026.

Virginia to take "F--k the police" license plate fight to Supreme Court

From "PIGBUT" to "BIDNSUX," Virginia has rejected plenty of vanity plates. This one ended up in court.

A Lynchburg resident put &quot;FTP&quot; — shorthand for &quot;F--k the police&quot; — on his license plate with Virginia&#x27;s permission. <ul><li>Now the state wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether it can take its approval back.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Richmond-based Fourth Circuit Court ruled personalized plate messages are private speech protected by the First Amendment. The state disagreed, arguing it should get to decide what appears on state-issued plates.

Virginia primary results: Who won Tuesday's key races

Here's who won the Richmond-area races, how many people voted and what comes next before Sept. 18 early voting.

Election

Virginia&#x27;s November election is taking shape after voters settled the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest primary contests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/03/virginia-primary-election-guide-whats-next-voters" data-vars-content-id="399051c4-45ee-4fd5-9388-f369c0d01619" data-vars-headline="Virginia primary results: Who won Tuesday&#x27;s key races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/03/virginia-primary-election-guide-whats-next-voters" target="_self">biggest primary contests</a>, which include two in the Richmond region.Why it matters: The nominees emerging from Tuesday&#x27;s races will compete in congressional districts that national parties are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pouring money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/newsom-fundraising-democrats-2028" data-vars-content-id="399051c4-45ee-4fd5-9388-f369c0d01619" data-vars-headline="Virginia primary results: Who won Tuesday&#x27;s key races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/newsom-fundraising-democrats-2028" target="_self">pouring money</a> into as Democrats try to flip seats and Republicans fight to keep the House majority.

The lawsuits that could stop 3 major Virginia laws

The assault weapons ban isn't the only new Virginia law facing legal battles. Here's where the lawsuits stand.

Three of Virginia&#x27;s major new laws around guns and immigration are caught in legal battles with no resolution in sight.Why it matters: The courtroom is becoming the next battleground for some of Virginia&#x27;s biggest policy changes, with judges determining whether — and ultimately, to what extent — they can be enforced.

What you need to know about Virginia's new laws now in effect

From pay transparency to car insurance and evictions, here's what Virginia residents need to know.

Many of the hundreds of bills that passed Virginia&#x27;s General Assembly this year take effect July 1. Why it matters: You can&#x27;t obey these new laws if you don&#x27;t know them.

Where Virginia's assault weapons ban stands on July 1

Two judges have blocked enforcement, the state plans to appeal, and no one is saying exactly what happens on July 1.

Virginia&#x27;s new assault weapons ban is set to take effect Wednesday, but two court injunctions have thrown enforcement into question — just as the U.S. Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prepares to weigh in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/supreme-court-ar-15-semiautomatic-rifle-bans-chicago" data-vars-content-id="c5b2aba3-db15-4a3b-821f-cc84e1d843db" data-vars-headline="Where Virginia&#x27;s assault weapons ban stands on July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/supreme-court-ar-15-semiautomatic-rifle-bans-chicago" target="_self">prepares to weigh in</a> on similar bans.Why it matters: The legislation has been embroiled in controversy for months, resulting in multiple lawsuits, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confusion" data-vars-click-url="https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_762512eb-c36f-4c33-b931-f36e902f9fc0.html" data-vars-content-id="c5b2aba3-db15-4a3b-821f-cc84e1d843db" data-vars-headline="Where Virginia&#x27;s assault weapons ban stands on July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_762512eb-c36f-4c33-b931-f36e902f9fc0.html" target="_blank">confusion</a> among gun owners, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gun sales spiking" data-vars-click-url="https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_e1960d30-4cc4-487b-bd45-37fe92a6afee.html" data-vars-content-id="c5b2aba3-db15-4a3b-821f-cc84e1d843db" data-vars-headline="Where Virginia&#x27;s assault weapons ban stands on July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_e1960d30-4cc4-487b-bd45-37fe92a6afee.html" target="_blank">gun sales spiking</a>, and several commonwealth&#x27;s attorneys <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vowing not to enforce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.virginiascope.com/some-commonwealth-attorneys-vow-to-not-enforce-new-gun-ban-in-virginia/" data-vars-content-id="c5b2aba3-db15-4a3b-821f-cc84e1d843db" data-vars-headline="Where Virginia&#x27;s assault weapons ban stands on July 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.virginiascope.com/some-commonwealth-attorneys-vow-to-not-enforce-new-gun-ban-in-virginia/" target="_blank">vowing not to enforce</a> it.

Virginia budget funds Richmond water projects and Coliseum demolition

A data center tax compromise unlocked the state budget, along with funding for a potential tax referendum for schools.

Virginia lawmakers passed a budget on Monday that would send millions of dollars to Richmond&#x27;s water system, fund demolition of the Richmond Coliseum and give local voters another way to pay for school construction.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/get/amendmentpdf/5248/" data-vars-content-id="b99a43b0-90ef-4e0f-a5a2-36676010b891" data-vars-headline="Virginia budget funds Richmond water projects and Coliseum demolition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/get/amendmentpdf/5248/" target="_blank">agreement</a> — which Gov. Abigail Spanberger still has to sign — ends a monthslong budget standoff over data center tax breaks that could have sent the state into a shutdown if lawmakers didn&#x27;t reach a deal by July 1.

Spanberger vetoes Virginia marijuana bill, delaying sales again

The governor said Virginia's cannabis marketplace lacked enough enforcement and oversight.

Gov. Spanberger on Tuesday vetoed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" data-vars-content-id="05e84a56-06fb-4ccf-8029-ced4b93477c9" data-vars-headline="Spanberger vetoes Virginia marijuana bill, delaying sales again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" target="_self">legislation</a> that would&#x27;ve launched legal retail marijuana sales in Virginia. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the third time in three years the Virginia governor vetoed this legislation — but the first time with a Democrat in the executive mansion, and while the party held a trifecta in state government.

A choropleth map showing the estimated cost per taxpayer for federal immigrant deportation and detention funding across the U.S. states. The average cost is $2.4k. Washington, D.C., has the highest load, at $3.9k.

Politics 🇺🇸

Chesterfield swears in first Black and openly gay administrator

Former Richmond officials jump into sales tax referendum push

Trump deportation push could cost Virginia taxpayers $7.4B

Virginia to take "F--k the police" license plate fight to Supreme Court

Virginia primary results: Who won Tuesday's key races