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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.

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.

Supreme Court kills Virginia redistricting push

The Supreme Court denied a bid from Virginia Democrats to revive a voter-approved redistricting plan.

Politics & Policy

The Supreme Court denied an emergency effort from Virginia Democrats to revive their chances of redrawing the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="congressional maps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-vote-decision" data-vars-content-id="5facb66a-d5c0-4f9e-8d53-6b789d3177b7" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court kills Virginia redistricting push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-vote-decision" target="_self">congressional maps</a> before the November midterms.Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s redistricting push is officially dead.

Richmond passed a historic $1.1B budget. Here's who won and lost

The new budget delivered city employee raises and affordable housing money, but also higher utility bills.

Richmond leaders took a victory lap Tuesday morning after City Council unanimously passed the city&#x27;s $1.1 billion budget, hailing what they described as an unusually collaborative process.Why it matters: City Hall might be more unified, but Monday night&#x27;s public hearing showed residents remain divided over the plan — from rising utility bills and school funding to surveillance tech that&#x27;s now the subject of a billboard protest.

Virginia Dems discussed court overhaul after redistricting ruling

Ideas included lowering the retirement age for Virginia judges, but one state party leader says it's not happening.

Democrats spent the weekend scrambling after the Virginia Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-vote-decision" data-vars-content-id="c000fcca-a9f4-4fb1-ac22-af02fba68440" data-vars-headline="Virginia Dems discussed court overhaul after redistricting ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/08/virginia-supreme-court-redistricting-vote-decision" target="_self">struck down</a> the voter-approved redistricting plan, killing a congressional map that could have favored Democrats in 10 of the state&#x27;s 11 districts.Why it matters: State Democrats responded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25A1240/408563/20260511151941216_25A%20Application%20for%20Stay.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c000fcca-a9f4-4fb1-ac22-af02fba68440" data-vars-headline="Virginia Dems discussed court overhaul after redistricting ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25/25A1240/408563/20260511151941216_25A%20Application%20for%20Stay.pdf" target="_blank">Monday</a> with an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the ruling, while some in the national party floated more aggressive options — including forcing the entire Virginia high court into retirement.

Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results

The ruling upends one of the most closely watched redistricting fights in the country.

The Virginia Supreme Court overturned the results of the state&#x27;s redistricting referendum, which voters narrowly approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="94df0b91-746e-4e28-a61e-86b4f5b3118d" data-vars-headline="Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">last month</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 4-3 ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opnscvwp/1260127.pdf" data-vars-content-id="94df0b91-746e-4e28-a61e-86b4f5b3118d" data-vars-headline="Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opnscvwp/1260127.pdf" target="_blank">The 4-3 ruling</a> upends one of the most closely watched redistricting fights in the country.<ul><li>It follows months of legal challenges over whether the referendum was unconstitutional.</li></ul>

FBI raids Virginia Senate Leader Louise Lucas' office

The raid thrusts one of Virginia's most powerful Democrats into the center of a federal investigation.

The FBI searched the Portsmouth office of Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas on Wednesday.Why it matters: The raid puts one of the state&#x27;s most powerful lawmakers — who emerged nationally as a Democratic power broker during Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="d194c120-b6ec-4fe6-b3bb-fd4ee91f56b7" data-vars-headline="FBI raids Virginia Senate Leader Louise Lucas&#x27; office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">redistricting fight</a> — at the center of a federal investigation.

Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor's race

Some precincts that voted for Gov. Abigail Spanberger rejected redistricting — even in Richmond.

Across the Richmond region, more voting precincts were divided on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="06038b78-872e-41be-ad33-b790f3b34560" data-vars-headline="Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">redistricting measure</a> than on last year&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Some of the same precincts split on redistricting are also being split in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="06038b78-872e-41be-ad33-b790f3b34560" data-vars-headline="Richmond region split more on redistricting than governor&#x27;s race" 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">new congressional map</a>.

Politics 🇺🇸

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

Where Virginia's assault weapons ban stands on July 1

Virginia budget funds Richmond water projects and Coliseum demolition

Spanberger vetoes Virginia marijuana bill, delaying sales again

Supreme Court kills Virginia redistricting push