Columbus
Axios Richmond
Richmond is the No. 2 city for boating in Virginia
Richmond is the No. 2 city for boat rentals in Virginia, according to a new report from Airbnb-style boat rental company, Getmyboat.It's the only non-coastal city in the state to rank in the service's top eight, which also ranked Norfolk, Gloucester Point and Arlington in the top five.Virginia Beach took the top spot.Why it matters: With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline in the state, there are ample lakes, rivers and bays for Virginians to boat in, plus one big ocean, Getmyboat noted.How it worked: The company looked at the number of rentals and demand in each city to determine the rankings, a spokesperson tells Axios.Zoom in: The James River and Lake Anna, where boats can easily be trailered up from Richmond, are the most popular waterways for local boaters. Jet skis are the most popular watercraft to rent in Richmond.The average hourly rate for boat rentals in Richmond is $102, the lowest rate of any other ranked Virginia city. Stunning stat: Richmonders spend on average $954 on a boat rental trip day β significantly more than boaters do on any other part of Virginia. So when Richmonders boat, they boat hard.Never change, Richmond. Never.
From geese police to lawsuits: Richmond's wild goose story
For two glorious years, Richmond's goose police ran on all fours at a speed of up to 30 miles per hour.Why it matters: The goose busters were on standby to scare the hell out of Byrd Park's out-of-control Canada geese population.Chasing them away was part of the city's goose management program in 2008 β because no one herds animals better than a border collie.Zoom in: City parks spokesperson Tamara Jenkins told Axios that the border collie program ended around 2010.But the Byrd Park geese were at the center of a scandal in 2020, when the city planned to remove them because people kept feeding them too much bread.And did a resident-led group (the Friends of Swan Lake Domestic Geese) sue to stop them? Yes. Yes, they did.
Richmond is getting a new Planned Parenthood clinic
Richmond plans to demolish an old school in Northside to make way for a third Planned Parenthood clinic in the city.Why it matters: It's one way that Richmond is adjusting to an increase of out-of-state abortion patients, a trend that skyrocketed in Virginia after the fall of Roe led to nearby states having strict bans.The big picture: The deal is between the city and the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit that also offers testing and treatment for STIs, cancer screenings, birth control, prenatal services and more.Per city documents, the VLPP would buy the 1-acre property on Chamberlayne Avenue...
Virginia bests North Carolina as the top state for business in 2024
Virginia has reclaimed its title as CNBC's Top State for Business this year, ousting the winner for the last two years (and the commonwealth's chief economic development rival), North Carolina.Why it matters: The ranking is a bragging point for politicians on both sides of the aisle, and for state and local economic developers, who will definitely cite the win in future business recruitment efforts.The big picture: Education, shovel-ready sites for new companies, infrastructure and β shockingly β a divided government are among the qualities that nailed Virginia the top spot, per CNBC. "In a rare feat this year, Virginia...
Why abortion rights won't be on Virginia's ballot this year
Virginia is one of 25 states where voters can't initiate a ballot measure to guarantee abortion access because the process to do it here doesn't exist. Why it matters: Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, voters in states with abortion bans have used citizen-led measures to override restrictions.
What to do in Richmond this weekend, including a Jersey Shore party and dog cuddling
No matter what you decide to do in Richmond this weekend, grab the SPF.Thursday, July 11πͺ© "Taylor Shines: The Laser Spectacular" is a laser light show paired with two hours of Taylor Swift songs at the National. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $28.50.Friday, July 12π€« Go to a silent dance and movie party at Dogwood Dell where "House Party" will be playing while a DJ mixes music. 8-11pm. $25.π For anyone who loves fist bumping: Bingo in Scott's Addition is having a Jersey Shore Dance Party. 9:30pm-1:30am. Free.Saturday, July 13π Make your own sourdough bread at Lakeside Farmers' Market. 4:30-6:30pm. $65.π―ββοΈ Square dance at Studio Two Three in Manchester. 1-4pm. $10.πΆ Drink a beer while cuddling with dogs you can adopt at Kindred Spirit Brewing in Scott's Addition. 3-6pm. Free.Sunday, July 14π£ Elegba Folklore Society's Cultural Center has an "In the Footsteps of Maggie Walker" tour about Walker's life. 2-4pm. $15.π«π· Celebrate Bastille Day at Can Can in Carytown with shows at 5:30 and 7:45. Reservations are booked, but the bar is first come first serve.Bonus pick:ποΈ Tuesday, July 16: Boys Like Girls is performing at the National. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $28.50.
Scoop: EAT Restaurant Partners planning to open 6-8 new restaurants in the next two years
The Richmond restaurant group behind local eateries including Fat Dragon, Osaka, Lucky AF and Boulevard Burger & Brew is planning to open six to eight new restaurants in the next two years. Why it matters: The openings will bring EAT Restaurant Partners' total count of restaurants in the area to nearly 20, solidifying its position as the largest independent restaurant group in Richmond. The big picture: Over the next 24 months, EAT plans to open at least three new restaurants in Henrico, one in Hanover, at least one more in the city and its first out-of-state location in Raleigh, president...
Chesterfield County says no swimming in its parks or riverfront
Police will begin patrolling Chesterfield County parks and riverfronts to enforce the county's longstanding no swimming policy, officials announced Tuesday. Why it matters: It's hot AF, and Chesterfield is the only locality in metro Richmond that doesn't offer residents a public pool or splash pad. State of play: The county posted a no swimming reminder and announced the patrols on its Facebook page this week in response to a sharp increase in folks swimming off the floating dock at Robious Landing, Chesterfield parks director Neil Luther tells Axios."We've got folks using it like a beach, and that's not safe," he...
Virginiaβs top Democrats rally behind Biden despite national post-debate skepticism
Some of Virginia's most influential Democrats publicly announced their support for President Biden this week.Why it matters: It bucks the dominating post-debate headlines of Democrats either staying silent about where they stand or questioning Biden's fitness for office and whether he can win against former President Trump.Driving the news: The wave of solidarity largely began Monday with the 32-person Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which includes House Speaker Don Scott and Sen. Louise Lucas, one of the most senior legislators in the General Assembly.In a letter from caucus chair Sen. Lamont Bagby, who represents Richmond, Bagby wrote, "The only candidate I...
Share your plan for Henrico's future
Henrico County is finalizing its plan for the next 20 years and wants residents to weigh in. Why it matters: Responses will help shape Henrico's future parks, recreational amenities, transportation, development strategies and more. State of play: Dubbed HenricoNext, the new plan is the county's first update to its long-term Comprehensive Plan since 2009.Like the last one, HenricoNext will define where the county is today and sketch plans for boring, but necessary future infrastructure, like sewer pumps and cell towers, plus future fun stuff, like parks and splash pads.The new plan, though, will add a focus on future pedestrian and...
Chesterfield County is looking for a mascot
Chesterfield is searching for a mascot to represent it at local events as part of the county's ongoing 275th anniversary celebrations. Why it matters: Wednesday, July 10 is the last day to vote among the four finalists: a chipmunk, bear, raccoon or Labrador retriever.The big picture: County employees submitted ideas for the mascot in May to celebrate the Chesterfield's May 25 charter anniversary, per the county. The four animals were narrowed down from all the submissions, as was a mining theme, meant to pay homage to the county's coal mining history. Chesterfield was the first place in the nation where coal was commercially mined β at Mid-Lothian Mines.The mascot will be called "Cole," of course. Now it's up to locals to vote on which creature best represents the county. From there, Chesterfield will commission a local artist to create the final image. Karri's thought bubble: I grew up in Chesterfield, and other than the Lab laying at my feet, I've never once seen the other animals IRL in the county. Someone should've suggested a canary. But if pressed, I'll vote trash panda β I mean, raccoon.
Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" makes Billboard Chart history
Virginia singer Shaboozey has snagged the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts for "A Bar Song (Tipsy)."Why it matters: He's the first Black male artist, and the second-ever Black artist, to top both charts.The first was BeyoncΓ© with "Texas Hold 'Em," which is featured on "Cowboy Carter" βΒ an album Shaboozey makes not one, but two appearances in.And fun fact: When the Fairfax native knocked BeyoncΓ© off the No. 1 spot of Billboard's Hot Country chart this year, it was the first time in history two Black artists held that title back to back.The big picture: "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," played nearly half a billion times on Spotify since its April release, is Shaboozey's first No. 1 hit.It's also the first single in history to be in the top 10 on country, pop, adult pop and rhythmic charts, per USA Today.What they're saying: "WE DID IT YALL. WE NO. 1. I LOVE Y'ALL," he wrote on X on Monday. "HAPPY A BAR SONG DAY. TAKE A DOUBLE SHOT OF WHISKEY 4 ME!"
Hanover could become first Richmond-area district to ban cellphones in schools
Hanover County School Board is scheduled to vote Tuesday on its proposed new cell phone policy, which would prohibit all students from using their phones during school hours, including between classes and at lunch.Why it matters: If it passes, Hanover will be the first in metro Richmond to enact a district-wide cell phone ban for students.The big picture: Cities, states and school districts across the nation are passing sweeping bans on cellphones in schools to get kids to pay attention during class and socialize with their peers IRL.These policies have ramped nationwide in the last year as experts and educators...
A Virginia university wants to use bees to find dead bodies
George Mason University wants to use bees to find dead bodies. Seriously.Why it matters: If successful, it could be a gamechanger in murder investigations.The big picture: The New York Times is the latest to report on GMU's plan to help solve crime with honey bees, which has been in the works since at least early 2021.Forensics researchers are able to do this through what's called a "body farm" in Manassas, which recreates an outdoor crime scene with human remains.It's the only one on the East Coast so far, per the NYT, and work involving actual bodies (donated for science) began...
Viral TikToks say Virginia looks like the European countryside
Rural Virginia looks like the European countryside.That's according to a recently viral TikTok that says, "Seeing everyone post about how foreign countrysides look just like rural Virginia has cured my traveling FOMO [fear of missing out]."Another in June said, "guys the South of France looks a lot like Northern Virginia."Why it matters: People are agreeing in the comments, and we may or may not be on their side. The Appalachians and the Scottish Highlands were once the same mountain range, after all.Our favorite comments:"My mom used to play Celtic music and we'd drive down backroads pretending to be in Ireland.""The Netherlands look like Goochland with different infrastructure.""I live in Ireland now & lowkey a lot of it looks like Virginia lol.""My first time in Scotland and Ireland, the landscape made me think of my home in Southwest Virginia."Yes, but: Some called Virginia the knockoff version of the Pacific Northwest as an insult. We're ignoring them.What's next: Save some money and go for a long drive through Virginia.
Why Virginia drivers are facing higher gas prices
Virginia drivers might notice they're paying more at the pump this summer.The big picture: Last week, the state's motor fuels tax rate increased from 29.8 cents per gallon to 30.8.The one-cent jump technically isn't much, but 30.8 cents per gallon is nearly double the tax of 16.2 cents per gallon Virginians were paying in 2019 on regular gas.Virginia's sales tax rate for gas also went up from 8.7 cents to 9, per the Department of Motor Vehicles.That brings the total state taxes paid while filling up your tank to 39.8 cents per gallon.Between the lines: For a car with a...
Richmond's weather forecast is usually correct 4 days out
Richmonders should consider themselves lucky when it comes to the accuracy of our weather forecast: They tend to be correct four days in advance. That's according to a Washington Post analysis of government weather data, shared publicly for the first time. Why it matters: Studies show accurate weather forecasts can save lives, especially during extreme heat.The big picture: The Washington Post got its hands on a year's worth of forecasts and forecast errors from the The National Weather Service spanning April 2023 through March 2024, the Post reports.It crunched the data to see how often the forecast was correct within...
Axios Richmond
2K+
Posts
12M+
Views
Axios Richmond is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. Itβs essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.