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Scoop: Scandinavian candy store opening in former Idle Hands space

Trolley Car Sweets and Treats could open in early June on Strawberry Street if all goes as planned.

News

A Scandinavian candy store is taking over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Idle Hands&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/idle-hands-bread-co-reopens-richmond-fan-robinson" data-vars-content-id="09fe3cbb-9ad6-400f-9a9e-d4db8852be52" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Scandinavian candy store opening in former Idle Hands space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/idle-hands-bread-co-reopens-richmond-fan-robinson" target="_self">Idle Hands&#x27;</a> former space on Strawberry Street, Axios has learned.Why it matters: If all goes well, Richmonders might only have to wait until early June to try it.

Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues

The former headquarters will be demolished for a new arena project, but its famed limestone eagle statues will stay..

Business

The former Best Products headquarters in Henrico will soon be demolished for the county&#x27;s planned arena-anchored development, dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products Reimagined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/05/henricos-23-billion-greencity-development-and-arena-project-could-be-in-jeopardy" data-vars-content-id="a775ffd1-9445-4008-92c3-654b98ee02eb" data-vars-headline="Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/05/henricos-23-billion-greencity-development-and-arena-project-could-be-in-jeopardy" target="_self">Best Products Reimagined</a>. Why it matters: The iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Deco eagle statues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWGsuM5Gk4S/" data-vars-content-id="a775ffd1-9445-4008-92c3-654b98ee02eb" data-vars-headline="Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWGsuM5Gk4S/" target="_blank">Art Deco eagle statues</a> that once flanked the building off I-95 and East Parham Road will be preserved.

Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass

That optimism runs counter to the growing anxiety among Democrats.

People are betting that Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" 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">redistricting referendum</a> will pass, and the odds have only grown more confident in recent days.Why it matters: That optimism runs counter to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" target="_blank">growing anxiety</a> among Democrats due to strong early voting turnout in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican-leaning districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" target="_self">Republican-leaning districts</a>.

Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby

Plus: "Tiptoe through the Tulips" in the Fan, an Asian Street Food Festival and a pie and coffee pop-up.

Things to Do

Easter is almost here, and Richmond has a packed weekend to show for it.Thursday, March 26🎨 Have some fun sketching at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sketch Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.quirkgallery.com/events" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.quirkgallery.com/events" target="_blank">Sketch Party</a> in the Quirk Hotel lobby. 4-7pm. Free, with pens and paper included.🖼️ The Valentine is hosting a free 30-minute gallery tour of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new &quot;Dissent!&quot; exhibition" data-vars-click-url="https://thevalentine.org/event/dissent-richmond-short-story-tour/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thevalentine.org/event/dissent-richmond-short-story-tour/" target="_blank">new &quot;Dissent!&quot; exhibition</a>, which &quot;explores the first 60 years of American independence.&quot; 6-6:30pm. Free.🛼 Go take part in River City Roller Derby&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open skate night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-faire-on-wheels-tickets-1985005014433" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-faire-on-wheels-tickets-1985005014433" target="_blank">open skate night</a>, which is renaissance faire-themed. 7-9pm. $9.31.⭐️ &quot;The Outsiders&quot; musical part of the Broadway in Richmond season is at Altria Theater through Sunday. Times vary. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $66" data-vars-click-url="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1049591" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1049591" target="_blank">Tickets start at $66</a> for Thursday but jump to $90.50 for the weekend shows.Friday, March 27🎥 There&#x27;s an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian and French Film Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://filmstudies.richmond.edu/events/italian-french-film-festival/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmstudies.richmond.edu/events/italian-french-film-festival/" target="_blank">Italian and French Film Festival</a> at U of R through Sunday that ends Monday at the Byrd Theatre. Times vary. Free except registration is required for Byrd Theatre.🥳 Brookland Park Biz is having its first-ever &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walk the Block&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcJjHake71/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcJjHake71/" target="_blank">Walk the Block&quot;</a> event, which will take place every final Friday of the month. Imagine &quot;First Fridays&quot; but on Brookland Park Boulevard. 6-midnight at some spots. Free.⚔️ Huzzah! Nevermore in Northside has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renaissance Faire gallery showcase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJzjOYEfih/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJzjOYEfih/" target="_blank">Renaissance Faire gallery showcase</a> with themed accessories. Dressing up is encouraged. 7-9pm. Free.💃🏻 The Canal Club is hosting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fever Floor: An R&amp;B Studio 54 Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tixr.com/groups/thecanalclub/events/timalikesmusic-175772?fbclid=IwY2xjawQw_dRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1dXpFWDJhMHplNkY2OVZmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyj6UgCDbOBSlJGCzPlnc6wI4P4tSAMz_w8alsbEhD6IMmJRNEXxCy9T3x0_aem_H0DuubG_hABE-jkOdlcRQw" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tixr.com/groups/thecanalclub/events/timalikesmusic-175772?fbclid=IwY2xjawQw_dRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1dXpFWDJhMHplNkY2OVZmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyj6UgCDbOBSlJGCzPlnc6wI4P4tSAMz_w8alsbEhD6IMmJRNEXxCy9T3x0_aem_H0DuubG_hABE-jkOdlcRQw" target="_blank">Fever Floor: An R&amp;B Studio 54 Party</a>&quot; with TimaLikesMusic, a dj who went on The Kelly Clarkson Show after going viral. 9pm. $24.63.Saturday, March 28🐰 Easter is starting early at Short Pump Town Center with &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in the Plaza," data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1474138964496498/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1474138964496498/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter in the Plaza,</a>&quot; which will have an Easter Bunny, goody bags and face painting. 10am-8pm. Free.🦙 There&#x27;s also an &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/933768949464540/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/933768949464540/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter Celebration</a>&quot; for kids at Reveille United Methodist on Cary Street Road with a petting zoo and an egg hunt starting at 10:45am. 10am-noon. Free.🥧 ILYSM Books on Brookland Park Boulevard is having a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pie and coffee pop-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcriaDjCn/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcriaDjCn/" target="_blank">pie and coffee pop-up</a>. 10am-6pm. Free.😋 17th Street Market is hosting the second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian Street Food Festival," data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/AASOCV/posts/-its-happening-join-us-for-the-2nd-asian-street-food-festival-get-ready-for-a-fu/1361484346018408/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AASOCV/posts/-its-happening-join-us-for-the-2nd-asian-street-food-festival-get-ready-for-a-fu/1361484346018408/" target="_blank">Asian Street Food Festival,</a> which highlights the region&#x27;s diverse Asian American communities. 11am-6pm. Free.🐣 Chesterfield is having its &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Eggstravaganza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1387372952510847/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1387372952510847/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter Eggstravaganza</a>&quot; at the County Fairgrounds with an egg hunt, bouncy houses, food trucks, live music and a chance to win a bike. Noon-6pm. Free.💀 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dead People&#x27;s Stuff Vintage Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6b_vDjns_/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6b_vDjns_/" target="_blank">Dead People&#x27;s Stuff Vintage Market</a> is back at Main Line Brewery on Ownby Lane with vintage clothing, food trucks and antiques. Noon-6pm. Free.🌷 The annual &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tiptoe Through the Tulips" data-vars-click-url="https://wish.org/va/tiptoe-through-tulips" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wish.org/va/tiptoe-through-tulips" target="_blank">Tiptoe Through the Tulips</a>&quot; event, which features thousands of flowers in the alley behind the 2600 block of Hanover Avenue, is back. 1-4pm. $30, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.🍻 Adults can have their own Easter egg hunt at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strangeways Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1530943144661884/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1530943144661884/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Strangeways Brewing</a> in Scott&#x27;s Addition, which will have 500 hidden eggs with prizes. 5pm registration, 6pm start time. Free.Sunday, March 29🐭 Rare Olde Times Pub in Henrico has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disney trivia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1469987331578860/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1469987331578860/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Disney trivia</a>, though it might also include Pixar. 6-7:30pm. Free but top four teams get $115 in gift cards.🦖 The Richmond Raceway has &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dinosaur Adventure," data-vars-click-url="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-richmond-va-tickets-MHBGXZ" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-richmond-va-tickets-MHBGXZ" target="_blank">Dinosaur Adventure,</a>&quot; an exhibit with life-sized dinosaurs that roar as if they&#x27;re real, obstacle courses and more. 9am-7pm. Tickets are $31.80 for anyone 13 and up.

AI pressure grows on Richmond's young workforce

Nearly a third of Richmond-area jobs face AI exposure as entry-level roles shrink fast.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the job market in Virginia and is likely to hit entry-level and younger workers particularly hard, a pair of recent reports found.Why it matters: Younger workers and college grads were already facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" data-vars-content-id="f6967169-d711-4fa6-82c0-543bc51cc9a8" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on Richmond&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" target="_self">grim</a> and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frozen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="f6967169-d711-4fa6-82c0-543bc51cc9a8" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on Richmond&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">frozen</a>&quot; job market and AI is likely to make it worse.

Gilpin residents demand eviction pause as redevelopment lags

Gilpin Court residents say key protections still aren't in place months after a major deal.

It&#x27;s been over three months since Mayor Avula and RRHA struck a deal to work together on redeveloping Gilpin Court, the city&#x27;s largest public housing complex.Why it matters: Officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hailed it" data-vars-click-url="https://rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/mayor-avula-welcomes-rrhas-approval-joint-governance" data-vars-content-id="867482ff-da03-4197-842a-7556187182cf" data-vars-headline="Gilpin residents demand eviction pause as redevelopment lags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rva.gov/press-releases-and-announcements/news/mayor-avula-welcomes-rrhas-approval-joint-governance" target="_blank">hailed it</a> as a move that put residents first. Residents say they&#x27;re still waiting to see what&#x27;s actually changed.

How Richmond's proposed budget targets pedestrian safety

The projects range from quick fixes to new pedestrian bridges.

Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/12/richmond-budget-2027-avula-utility-bills-rps" data-vars-content-id="26d1c830-0ad2-4b73-8129-1d75ad96b337" data-vars-headline="How Richmond&#x27;s proposed budget targets pedestrian safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/12/richmond-budget-2027-avula-utility-bills-rps" target="_self">proposed budget</a> could reshape how people walk across the city, from replacing a 75-year-old bridge to adding more sidewalks on Hull Street.Why it matters: The spending shows how city leaders, who are facing growing pressure to respond to pedestrian deaths, plan to make streets safer over the next five years.

Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains

But they're not the ones most likely to own a home.

Skilled trades and construction workers saw the biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="86fc5fbb-eab7-4430-b020-085567ecf1bf" data-vars-headline="Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" target="_self">homeownership</a> gains in metro Richmond over the past decade, according to a new analysis shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re outpacing teachers, police and health care workers, per the National Association of Realtors&#x27; analysis of census data comparing homeownership rates in 2014 and 2024.

Richmond area adds 12,000 residents as growth accelerates

The region has added nearly 60,000 people since 2020, putting new pressure on housing and roads.

Metro Richmond keeps growing, new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="73de09ad-a555-442e-8f20-e142eefde77e" data-vars-headline="Richmond area adds 12,000 residents as growth accelerates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">U.S. Census</a> data shows. Why it matters: As the region grows, so do its housing, school and infrastructure needs.

Richmond's Texas Beach bridge rebuild nears long-awaited finish

The city says construction is on schedule, with crews now installing decking and targeting a year-end finish.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/24/texas-beach-pedestrian-bridge-rebuild-2026" data-vars-content-id="0530ffb2-26b1-4035-80ab-5dba615d765a" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s Texas Beach bridge rebuild nears long-awaited finish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/24/texas-beach-pedestrian-bridge-rebuild-2026" target="_self">Texas Beach</a> pedestrian bridge is still on track to open by the end of the year.Why it matters: The bridge, and therefore the popular James River swimming spot, has been closed for more than three years.

A new coffee shop just opened in Church Hill

Peaberry Coffeehouse is from the same owner behind Riverbend and Liberty Public House.

There&#x27;s a new coffee shop in Church Hill North.Why it matters: That part of the city has long been a bit of a coffee shop desert, especially after Rise closed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_48e3fa3c-4543-11ef-94ee-e35bf8559c58.html" data-vars-content-id="0ccd45f8-eb2f-45ee-803f-4dfca8c51a5f" data-vars-headline="A new coffee shop just opened in Church Hill" 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_48e3fa3c-4543-11ef-94ee-e35bf8559c58.html" target="_blank">in 2024</a>.

AI-powered news sites launch in Henrico and Chesterfield

One of them has already drawn concern from a local outlet.

AI-powered news sites launched in Henrico and Chesterfield counties as part of a tech company&#x27;s national push to fill news deserts.Why it matters: The sites are testing whether journalism can be scaled with automation as traditional newsrooms shrink — and one has already drawn concern from a local outlet.

Chesterfield camera error flags drivers who weren't speeding

A speed camera near a school sent false warnings, raising broader concerns about AI enforcement accuracy.

One of Chesterfield&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="speed enforcement cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/15/chesterfield-school-zone-speed-enforcement-cameras" data-vars-content-id="6a1e3b31-0ab5-4239-9127-5611a7a65bbc" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield camera error flags drivers who weren&#x27;t speeding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/15/chesterfield-school-zone-speed-enforcement-cameras" target="_self">speed enforcement cameras</a> sent out speeding warnings to drivers who weren&#x27;t speeding, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chesterfield police" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AjZZfCLVp/" data-vars-content-id="6a1e3b31-0ab5-4239-9127-5611a7a65bbc" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield camera error flags drivers who weren&#x27;t speeding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AjZZfCLVp/" target="_blank">Chesterfield police</a> said last week. Why it matters: Police say they&#x27;ll notify affected drivers, but acknowledge errors like this can create confusion.

AA choropleth map of U.S. counties showing estimated population change from July 2024 to 2025. The U.S. overall grew by +0.5%. Kaufman County, Texas, grew the most of any county with a population over 100,000: +5.7%. Pinellas County, Florida shrank the most of any county with a population over 100,000: -1.2%. 

Estimated population change, July 2024 to 2025

Data: U.S. Census; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

Nearby Buc-ee's for Richmond still years away

Traffic concerns delay two planned Buc-ee's, leaving the closest location hours from Richmond.

The Buc-ee&#x27;s travel center the Texas-based gas station chain hopes to build in Stafford could cause &quot;significant&quot; traffic issues that could spill onto I-95, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a recent VDOT report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fxbgadvance.com/p/vdot-still-has-concerns-and-questions?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=share" data-vars-content-id="5c2a374d-3245-4652-bab9-714a76b744fb" data-vars-headline="Nearby Buc-ee&#x27;s for Richmond still years away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fxbgadvance.com/p/vdot-still-has-concerns-and-questions?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=share" target="_blank">per a recent VDOT report</a>. Why it matters: It looks like now both Buc-ee&#x27;s Richmonders were supposed to get within easy driving distance will be delayed due to traffic worries.

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