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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.

Doc explores Richmond's "best football bar": Penny Lane

A new Richmond-made documentary argues Penny Lane helped build one of the country's strongest soccer communities.

Culture

A new documentary puts a spotlight on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Penny Lane Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pennylanepub.com/" data-vars-content-id="b65803f3-60f4-400c-be45-c3a1b7a7a1ae" data-vars-headline="Doc explores Richmond&#x27;s &quot;best football bar&quot;: Penny Lane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pennylanepub.com/" target="_blank">Penny Lane Pub</a>, the bar that feels like it was transplanted straight out of England and into downtown Richmond. Why it matters: The 30-minute flick is as much a love letter to Richmond as it is to the Pub.

Flying Squirrels debut first female mascot uniform

The new Nutasha-inspired uniform launches Mother's Day weekend.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Flying Squirrels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/04/flying-squirrels-final-season-the-diamond" data-vars-content-id="3528c248-2662-4ac0-b5b0-d942e2ce5af7" data-vars-headline="Flying Squirrels debut first female mascot uniform" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/04/flying-squirrels-final-season-the-diamond" target="_self">Richmond Flying Squirrels</a> will roll out a Nutasha-inspired uniform on Mother&#x27;s Day weekend. Why it matters: They&#x27;ll be the first Minor League Baseball team to wear an on-field uniform featuring a female mascot, reports industry pub <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SportsLogos News" data-vars-click-url="https://news.sportslogos.net/2026/02/07/richmond-flying-squirrels-unveil-mothers-day-uniforms-featuring-nutasha-mascot/baseball/" data-vars-content-id="3528c248-2662-4ac0-b5b0-d942e2ce5af7" data-vars-headline="Flying Squirrels debut first female mascot uniform" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.sportslogos.net/2026/02/07/richmond-flying-squirrels-unveil-mothers-day-uniforms-featuring-nutasha-mascot/baseball/" target="_blank">SportsLogos News</a>.

Virginia's Ilia Malinin helps Team USA win Olympic gold

The Fairfax County native also made history with his one-legged backflip.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginian" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/GovernorVA/status/2020631359803248840" data-vars-content-id="5dac44c7-8c6a-4aa1-968f-3a192876dd10" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s Ilia Malinin helps Team USA win Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/GovernorVA/status/2020631359803248840" target="_blank">Virginian</a> helped the United States win a gold medal in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/milan-olympics-lindsey-vonn-ilia-malinin" data-vars-content-id="5dac44c7-8c6a-4aa1-968f-3a192876dd10" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s Ilia Malinin helps Team USA win Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/milan-olympics-lindsey-vonn-ilia-malinin" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a> this weekend.Why it matters: He&#x27;s from Fairfax County, but we&#x27;re claiming him.

From Snoop Dogg to sellout crowds: Inside VCU men's basketball

Plus: The characters you'll see at a Rams home game.

Sports

They&#x27;ve had fans in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snoop Dogg " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwYnxjjY75/" data-vars-content-id="28062a96-2954-4ce0-be76-1b83aad9dd72" data-vars-headline="From Snoop Dogg to sellout crowds: Inside VCU men&#x27;s basketball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwYnxjjY75/" target="_blank">Snoop Dogg </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spike Lee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/spike-lee-is-a-vcu-fan" data-vars-content-id="28062a96-2954-4ce0-be76-1b83aad9dd72" data-vars-headline="From Snoop Dogg to sellout crowds: Inside VCU men&#x27;s basketball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/spike-lee-is-a-vcu-fan" target="_blank">Spike Lee</a>. Their timeouts double as performance art. And the man whose name is on the arena sits courtside. Why it matters: The fandom and rowdy atmosphere that VCU men&#x27;s basketball has built is a major part of its identity, and it&#x27;s on display as the Rams push through a key stretch of the season.

What to know about the VCU–Flying Squirrels fight over CarMax Park

The impasse could ultimately leave Richmond taxpayers on the hook.

VCU and the Flying Squirrels have hit an impasse in the negotiations over whether VCU&#x27;s baseball team will play at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CarMax Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/18/carmax-park-final-beam" data-vars-content-id="54050593-f3b1-4d88-860f-755fa4919a7b" data-vars-headline="What to know about the VCU–Flying Squirrels fight over CarMax Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/18/carmax-park-final-beam" target="_self">CarMax Park</a>.Why it matters: The breakdown could threaten a land deal crucial to the Diamond District development project — and ultimately leave Richmond taxpayers on the hook if there&#x27;s no resolution.

JMU makes College Football Playoff for first time in history

They're the only Virginia team in the CFP this year after UVA lost to Duke.

<figure><img alt="a video of the the JMU football team cheering, jumping up and down and throwing purple streamers" height="435" id="53f991b0-21d5-4002-a05f-33ab7a3a1253" src="https://images.axios.com/vI5sJpYmxfmdCY_XbOB16TBmLWw=/2025/12/08/1765216105903.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The moment JMU&#x27;s team found out they were going to the playoff. The celebration, of course, included throwing purple streamers — a longtime JMU tradition. Video: Courtesy of JMU Athletics</figcaption></figure>JMU is headed to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.Why it matters: They&#x27;re the only Virginia team to ever make it to the CFP.

Virginia Tech to pay James Franklin $41.75M through 2030

The Hokies' new head football coach could average over $8 million per year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia Tech&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/05/09/metallica-earthquake-virginia-tech-concert" data-vars-content-id="4518b1e1-d062-4dfc-9a60-5af178eb7627" data-vars-headline="Virginia Tech to pay James Franklin $41.75M through 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/05/09/metallica-earthquake-virginia-tech-concert" target="_self">Virginia Tech&#x27;s</a> new head football coach James Franklin is set to make over $8 million per year, on average, through 2030, according to contract details released by the university.The big picture: That&#x27;s more than every public university president in the country <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="earned last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chronicle.com/article/president-pay-public-colleges/" data-vars-content-id="4518b1e1-d062-4dfc-9a60-5af178eb7627" data-vars-headline="Virginia Tech to pay James Franklin $41.75M through 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chronicle.com/article/president-pay-public-colleges/" target="_blank">earned last year</a>, according to data compiled by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The deal also cements Franklin as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest-paid coaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-head-coach-salary-rankings-2025/" data-vars-content-id="4518b1e1-d062-4dfc-9a60-5af178eb7627" data-vars-headline="Virginia Tech to pay James Franklin $41.75M through 2030" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-head-coach-salary-rankings-2025/" target="_blank">highest-paid coaches</a> in college football.

Flying Squirrels show off fierce 2026 uniforms

The team's new look includes red and black alternates, custom fonts and a tougher-looking mascot.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Flying Squirrels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/04/flying-squirrels-final-season-the-diamond" data-vars-content-id="be10a402-fa59-45bf-a139-1197a48fff0f" data-vars-headline="Flying Squirrels show off fierce 2026 uniforms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/04/flying-squirrels-final-season-the-diamond" target="_self">Richmond Flying Squirrels</a> will have all new uniforms for their 2026 season. Why it matters: Moving into a brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new baseball stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/09/04/richmond-baseball-stadium-diamond-district-carmax" data-vars-content-id="be10a402-fa59-45bf-a139-1197a48fff0f" data-vars-headline="Flying Squirrels show off fierce 2026 uniforms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/09/04/richmond-baseball-stadium-diamond-district-carmax" target="_self">new baseball stadium</a> offered the team a perfect excuse for a refreshed look.

The Diamond's last inning in Richmond is here

The Squirrels' final home games promise fan fun, fireworks, and a big RVA goodbye.

The end is nigh for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Flying Squirrels&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/03/diamond-baseball-stadium-district" data-vars-content-id="e8ee7e31-f1fc-41fd-8f85-b3e685dbacee" data-vars-headline="The Diamond&#x27;s last inning in Richmond is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/03/diamond-baseball-stadium-district" target="_self">Richmond Flying Squirrels&#x27;</a> time at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Diamond" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/24/diamond-district-richmond-news-updates" data-vars-content-id="e8ee7e31-f1fc-41fd-8f85-b3e685dbacee" data-vars-headline="The Diamond&#x27;s last inning in Richmond is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/24/diamond-district-richmond-news-updates" target="_self">The Diamond</a>.Why it matters: Tickets are going fast for the Squirrels&#x27; final six games next week at Richmond&#x27;s baseball home of 40 years.

Racial slurs drive record athlete ejections in Virginia high schools

More student athletes are being sidelined for hate speech.

More Virginia high school athletes were sidelined for racial slurs and hate speech last school year than in any year over the past decade, according to new state data.The big picture: The latest figures from the Virginia High School League show a continued rise in student-athlete ejections due to racial slurs since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at least 2017-18" data-vars-click-url="https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/mcpsweb/Board.nsf/files/CNNK6G505594/$file/2023%20VHSL%20Equity%20%26%20Diversity%20Committee.pdf" data-vars-content-id="59da4d05-b162-4c83-b655-76c5280279f9" data-vars-headline="Racial slurs drive record athlete ejections in Virginia high schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/mcpsweb/Board.nsf/files/CNNK6G505594/$file/2023%20VHSL%20Equity%20%26%20Diversity%20Committee.pdf" target="_blank">at least 2017-18</a>, when VHSL recorded 10.

Sports 🏅

Doc explores Richmond's "best football bar": Penny Lane

Flying Squirrels debut first female mascot uniform

Virginia's Ilia Malinin helps Team USA win Olympic gold

From Snoop Dogg to sellout crowds: Inside VCU men's basketball

What to know about the VCU–Flying Squirrels fight over CarMax Park