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Richmond's controversial beaver mural is coming down

New owners are replacing the decade-old Taboo artwork with a less controversial cat mural.

News

The beaver is going away. Why it matters: The &quot;Feed Ur Beaver&quot; mural on the front of a South Richmond sex shop sparked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outrage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtvr.com/2015/05/15/taboo-adult-bookstore-feedurbeaver-mural-controversy" data-vars-content-id="42316409-9a1f-4900-931c-62ce3904cafc" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s controversial beaver mural is coming down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtvr.com/2015/05/15/taboo-adult-bookstore-feedurbeaver-mural-controversy" target="_blank">outrage</a>, jokes and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-3084749/Outrage-artists-paint-mural-woman-feeding-beaver-adult-bookstore.html" data-vars-content-id="42316409-9a1f-4900-931c-62ce3904cafc" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s controversial beaver mural is coming down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-3084749/Outrage-artists-paint-mural-woman-feeding-beaver-adult-bookstore.html" target="_blank">international</a> attention when it went up more than a decade ago.

Richmond may change stop-sign parking rule after ticket surge

The city saw a 280% jump in stop-sign parking tickets — most of them issued in one part of Richmond.

A 280% jump in Richmond stop-sign parking tickets — most of them issued in one part of the city — is prompting a City Council push to rewrite the rule behind them. Why it matters: Backers of the proposal say the current standard is confusing and unusually restrictive. Transportation officials say changing it could make intersections less safe.

Pornhub pushes for a return to Virginia's web browsers

The adult site says Virginia's age checks fail minors while putting users' personal data at risk.

Pornhub is hoping to return to Virginians&#x27; web browsers and search histories by challenging the state&#x27;s age verification rules for porn sites. Why it matters: It&#x27;s been three long years since residents could directly access one of the biggest names in online pornography.

Richmond Christmas Parade flips its route for 2026

The 2026 procession will begin outside Children's Hospital before heading west on Broad Street.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.richmondparade.org/" data-vars-content-id="14fe28bc-529e-46e1-aaad-3b99cf669773" data-vars-headline="Richmond Christmas Parade flips its route for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.richmondparade.org/" target="_blank">Richmond Christmas Parade</a> is changing its route for the first time in its recent history. Why it matters: Beginning this year, the parade will start at the Children&#x27;s Hospital of Richmond, giving patients and their families the first — and usually best — view of the parade.

Why Richmonders are rethinking their OBX summer vacations

More than 100 Axios Richmond readers shared their summer plans, and most aren't headed to the Outer Banks.

Travel

The Outer Banks still have Richmond in a chokehold, but the region&#x27;s summer travel habits are getting less predictable.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opinionstage.com/page/8b011bf4-cfdf-4b56-8c33-93be52ce1903" data-vars-content-id="c7167818-584e-4f25-ae2a-ac6c29376ffc" data-vars-headline="Why Richmonders are rethinking their OBX summer vacations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opinionstage.com/page/8b011bf4-cfdf-4b56-8c33-93be52ce1903" target="_blank">survey</a> of over 100 Axios Richmond readers suggests Richmond&#x27;s summer vacation identity is becoming more diverse, shaped by rising costs, crowds and adventure.

As OBX bookings slow, Richmond travelers could land summer deals

The beach destination's return to normal demand could mean more choices for summer renters.

Outer Banks vacation rentals are trending flat for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second" data-vars-click-url="https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2025/04/25/a-mixed-bag-and-its-changing-daily/" data-vars-content-id="53460c15-195e-48c8-adb9-8f1115351c2b" data-vars-headline="As OBX bookings slow, Richmond travelers could land summer deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2025/04/25/a-mixed-bag-and-its-changing-daily/" target="_blank">second</a> year in a row as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popular summer destination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/08/30/virginia-best-beach-reader-choice-corolla-carova-outer-banks" data-vars-content-id="53460c15-195e-48c8-adb9-8f1115351c2b" data-vars-headline="As OBX bookings slow, Richmond travelers could land summer deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/08/30/virginia-best-beach-reader-choice-corolla-carova-outer-banks" target="_self">popular summer destination</a> for Richmonders heads into its busiest season.Why it matters: After years of pandemic-era price spikes and fully booked rentals, this could be the year locals can score a deal on an OBX summer vacation.

Memorial Day travel dips in Virginia amid higher gas prices

AAA says rising gas prices and economic uncertainty are keeping some Virginians off the road.

Fewer Virginians are expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to AAA.Why it matters: &quot;Economic uncertainty&quot; and surging gas prices will keep thousands at home for the unofficial start of summer travel, AAA says.

Gas tax holiday talk returns as Richmond prices rise

Richmond's average gas price is now $4.23, up from under $3 before the Iran conflict.

The gasoline price surge is reigniting political chatter about suspending the federal tax on the fuel, thanks to a recent round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="populist proposals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/gas-tax-holiday-prices-impact" data-vars-content-id="2503730e-fc60-4442-a282-1fb73352513e" data-vars-headline="Gas tax holiday talk returns as Richmond prices rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/05/gas-tax-holiday-prices-impact" target="_self">populist proposals</a> from some high-profile Democrats.Why it matters: Average gas prices in Richmond have jumped by more than $1 a gallon since the conflict with Iran began over two months ago.

6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now

And they're available for a sunny weekend trip this month.

When the local airport recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNBaFhRQS/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNBaFhRQS/" target="_blank">asked</a> Richmonders which nonstop routes they want added, many of the over 1,400 comments mentioned flights that already exist.Why it matters: We have a feeling people might need a refresher, especially for those wanting to escape the freezing cold.Catch up quick: Richmond International Airport&#x27;s nonstop Bermuda flight paused this month after launching in June, spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios.<ul><li>But RIC offers more than a dozen other direct flights that&#x27;ll drop you straight into warm weather. </li><li>Come <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March" data-vars-click-url="https://flyrichmond.com/jetblue-announces-nonstop-route-to-san-juan-from-ric/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flyrichmond.com/jetblue-announces-nonstop-route-to-san-juan-from-ric/" target="_blank">March</a>, that&#x27;ll include year-round flights to Puerto Rico.</li><li>And its nonstop flights to Los Angeles will resume in May, Bell says.</li></ul>Zoom in: In the meantime, here are nonstop flights you can take from Richmond to a sunny destination in the next month.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">👙 Miami and Fort Lauderdale</h2>Weather this weekend: Around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high 60s" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.7751&amp;lon=-80.1947" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.7751&amp;lon=-80.1947" target="_blank">high 60s</a> until Sunday.Days it runs: Almost every day on Spirit, Jet Blue and American Airlines.Round trip prices: Ranges from around $200 to FLL to under $400 to Miami (if you play it right).Flight duration: 2.5 hours.Plus: Key West is only about a three-hour road trip away.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🏝️ West Palm Beach (just launched in September)</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mid-to-high 60s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=26.7144&amp;lon=-80.0549" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=26.7144&amp;lon=-80.0549" target="_blank">Mid-to-high 60s. </a>Days it runs: Friday and Monday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: Ranges from $248 to $538 depending on the weekend.Flight duration: Roughly 2.5 hours.Pro tip: The Palm Beach Post put together a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bucket list guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/01/west-palm-beach-things-to-do-bucket-list-restaurants-events/87463969007/" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/entertainment/2025/12/01/west-palm-beach-things-to-do-bucket-list-restaurants-events/87463969007/" target="_blank">bucket list guide</a> for the best things to do there.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🩴 St. Pete, Florida</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Not so great" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.7709&amp;lon=-82.6793" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.7709&amp;lon=-82.6793" target="_blank">Not so great</a> but it&#x27;ll be back to being in the 60s after a brief bout of cold.Days it runs: Essentially every day on Breeze Airways or Allegiant.Round trip prices: As low as $100.Flight duration: About two hours.Fun fact: It was named the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next great food city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/28/st-petersburg-michelin-james-beard-food-scene" target="_self">next great food city</a> by Food &amp; Wine last year.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🌵 Phoenix, Arizona</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="High 70s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.448204&amp;lon=-112.0725848" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.448204&amp;lon=-112.0725848" target="_blank">High 70s. </a>Days it runs: Friday and Monday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: Ranges from $358 to $618 depending on the weekend.Flight duration: 5.5 hours.Pro tip: Read our Axios Phoenix colleagues&#x27;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" local guide to 36 hours in Phoenix." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/27/local-travel-guide" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/27/local-travel-guide" target="_self"> local guide to 36 hours in Phoenix.</a><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎰 Las Vegas, Nevada</h2>Weather this weekend: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Low 70s. " data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.1691&amp;lon=-115.1406" data-vars-content-id="6793590e-ca02-4790-b819-196af5c3000b" data-vars-headline="6 warm destinations you can fly to nonstop from Richmond right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.1691&amp;lon=-115.1406" target="_blank">Low 70s. </a>Days it runs: Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday on Breeze Airways.Round trip prices: As low as $338 for a Thursday-Tuesday flight and as low as $498 for a Thursday-Sunday route.Flight duration: 5.5 hours.Pro tip for the hikers: Vegas is also close to Red Rock Canyon and about 2.5 hours from Zion National Park.What we&#x27;re watching: If RIC adds any of the international destinations people asked for in response to its post. <ul><li>Multiple commenters mentioned adding Europe flights (like London, Dublin, Lisbon or Paris) for better access to inexpensive connections throughout the continent.</li><li>Some pushed for beach destinations in Latin America, like: Dominican Republic, Cancún and El Salvador.</li></ul>

Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour

And this time, Sen. Tim Kaine wasn't at the mercy of it.

Sabrina here, back from being subjected to life in Northern Virginia for two days due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the snow." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/26/richmond-freezing-rain-forecast-fizzles-danger-lingers" data-vars-content-id="ff527972-774c-4b0a-8b58-0c75846d4235" data-vars-headline="Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/26/richmond-freezing-rain-forecast-fizzles-danger-lingers" target="_self">the snow.</a> Why it matters: It might be the longest a Richmonder has been stranded on a D.C. winter storm commute since Sen. Tim Kaine&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="27-hour ordeal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/04/snow-dc-virginia-standstill-interstate-95" data-vars-content-id="ff527972-774c-4b0a-8b58-0c75846d4235" data-vars-headline="Winter storm turns D.C.-to-Richmond flight into a 40-hour detour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/01/04/snow-dc-virginia-standstill-interstate-95" target="_self">27-hour ordeal</a> in 2022.

The cities Richmonders want to travel to in 2026

Pitbull, aka Mr. 305, famously lives in one of them.

The flights Richmonders are most searching for this year are headed to the Sunshine State, per Kayak data shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re also among the only nonstop flights from Richmond to a toasty destination.

Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul

RIC's new security design will double capacity and open the door to international flights.

The Capital Region Airport Commission recently shared renderings of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consolidated checkpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/11/07/tsa-checkpoint-ric-airport" data-vars-content-id="93b50160-951a-4dc4-b7f9-bb7b25a1d6fb" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/11/07/tsa-checkpoint-ric-airport" target="_self">consolidated checkpoint</a> in the works at the Richmond airport. Why it matters: The new screening area will transform RIC and somehow make its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already speedy TSA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/02/richmond-airport-tsa-wait-tiktok-timing" data-vars-content-id="93b50160-951a-4dc4-b7f9-bb7b25a1d6fb" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport set for major TSA checkpoint overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/02/richmond-airport-tsa-wait-tiktok-timing" target="_self">already speedy TSA</a> process even faster.

Richmond Airport delays grow as FAA cuts flights nationwide

The FAA is cutting 10% of flights across the U.S., and it's already impacting Richmond travelers.

Richmond International Airport officials say they haven&#x27;t been directly impacted by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FAA&#x27;s planned 10% reduction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/flights-delays-airports-cancellations-faa" data-vars-content-id="4cfa4a0b-14c1-4140-868e-e1e9967399f0" data-vars-headline="Richmond Airport delays grow as FAA cuts flights nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/flights-delays-airports-cancellations-faa" target="_self">FAA&#x27;s planned 10% reduction</a> in flights across major U.S. markets.Why it matters: Ripple effects are still reaching Central Virginia travelers, and could strand Richmond&#x27;s air travelers across the country.

Richmond airport faces delays as shutdown hits U.S. flights

It's largely due to delays at other airports, prompted by weather and air traffic controllers losing pay.

Air traffic controllers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/20/is-flying-safe-richmond-airport-staffing" data-vars-content-id="bc83a0a1-83e1-49bb-890d-3722bef32cdd" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport faces delays as shutdown hits U.S. flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/20/is-flying-safe-richmond-airport-staffing" target="_self">Richmond International Airport</a> are set to miss their first paychecks Tuesday as the nearly month-long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/trump-government-shutdown-days-record" data-vars-content-id="bc83a0a1-83e1-49bb-890d-3722bef32cdd" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport faces delays as shutdown hits U.S. flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/trump-government-shutdown-days-record" target="_self">government shutdown</a> drags on.Why it matters: A combination of weather-related issues and staffing shortages at other airports has already created a domino effect that&#x27;s led to delays at RIC.