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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.

Mayor Avula bets on inspiration-first State of the City

It's unclear whether it'll resonate with residents navigating federal uncertainty and rising housing costs.

In an unusual change from past administrations, Mayor Danny Avula spent his State of the City passing the mic to local leaders instead of giving a traditional speech.Why it matters: The format showed his administration is betting on an inspiration-first governing style built around storytelling and community voices.<ul><li>It&#x27;s unclear whether it&#x27;ll resonate with residents navigating rising housing and utility costs, pedestrian deaths, and immigration crackdowns.</li></ul>

Richmond named "City of Darkness" over public records fight

A national watchdog criticized how the city handles FOIA documents as a high-stakes case unfolds.

Richmond is drawing national scrutiny over its transparency practices and how it&#x27;s handled the high-profile lawsuit involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Connie Clay." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/25/richmond-foia-lawsuit-connie-clay-costs" data-vars-content-id="b6993583-d400-4164-ae0a-a980302dfafb" data-vars-headline="Richmond named &quot;City of Darkness&quot; over public records fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/25/richmond-foia-lawsuit-connie-clay-costs" target="_self">Connie Clay.</a>Why it matters: That criticism is placing the city alongside prominent examples of secrecy or obstruction involving the Department of Homeland Security and DOGE.

Guns, wages, weed: The bills Virginia GA sent to Spanberger

How she handles them could define how far Democrats will be able to push their agenda under unified control.

The General Assembly may have adjourned this weekend without a budget deal, but it also passed and sent hundreds of other bills to Gov. Spanberger. Why it matters: How she handles them could define how far state Democrats will be able to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push their agenda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-minimum-wage-gun-ban-paid-leave-bills?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_richmond&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="bdfb8d6d-e3ab-49f3-8072-14903adca5c2" data-vars-headline="Guns, wages, weed: The bills Virginia GA sent to Spanberger" 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-minimum-wage-gun-ban-paid-leave-bills?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_richmond&amp;stream=top" target="_self">push their agenda</a> under unified control.

Why Virginia still doesn't have a budget

The holdup: Data centers' massive tax breaks.

Virginia lawmakers blew past a key deadline to finalize the state&#x27;s two-year budget, and the holdup came down to a billion-dollar question: Should data centers keep their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive tax break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/03/watchdog-report-virginia-data-centers-incentive-funds-2015-2024" data-vars-content-id="02804217-de8d-4e73-abd9-537cc5a4c9f9" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia still doesn&#x27;t have a budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/03/watchdog-report-virginia-data-centers-incentive-funds-2015-2024" target="_self">massive tax break</a>?Why it matters: The exemption saved the data center industry between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion in taxes in fiscal year 2025.

Virginia's quirkiest bills: Porn tax, fungi and more

It's once again time to look at some of the interesting bills lawmakers proposed this session.

It&#x27;s once again time to look at some of the quirky or interesting bills lawmakers proposed this session. Why it matters: Hidden among the more than 3,000 bills filed are a few gems, like ones aimed at taxing porn, studying fungi and more.

Lawmakers launch caucus to save Virginia's NASCAR tracks

From Richmond Raceway to Martinsville, racing leaders warn Virginia's tracks are under threat.

Sports

Virginia gave NASCAR some of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="earliest speedways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nascar.com/gallery/historic-moments-at-martinsville/" data-vars-content-id="f596d3ba-c260-43a0-8500-dd4087d4888b" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers launch caucus to save Virginia&#x27;s NASCAR tracks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nascar.com/gallery/historic-moments-at-martinsville/" target="_blank">earliest speedways</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legendary short tracks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/11/southside-speedway-racing-returns-chesterfield" data-vars-content-id="f596d3ba-c260-43a0-8500-dd4087d4888b" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers launch caucus to save Virginia&#x27;s NASCAR tracks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/11/southside-speedway-racing-returns-chesterfield" target="_self">legendary short tracks</a> and its first Black champion: Wendell Scott. Why it matters: Now the state is trying to figure out how to keep the struggling sport alive for the next generation of Virginians.

Richmond utility bills could rise under Mayor Avula's $1.1B budget

The record city budget boosts school funding and housing investment — with tradeoffs.

Mayor Avula presented the largest budget in Richmond&#x27;s history to City Council this week, calling it a &quot;roadmap to a thriving Richmond.&quot;Why it matters: That roadmap includes utility bills going up by nearly $14 a month, or $166 per year, starting this summer.

Virginia Democrats are running for House seats that don't exist yet

That includes Virginia's former first lady, Dorothy McAuliffe.

Some Virginia Democrats are campaigning for congressional districts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that don&#x27;t exist yet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/04/virginia-redistricting-early-voting-lawsuits" data-vars-content-id="3161348b-6d50-4be9-ac2c-c19a25b6ac94" data-vars-headline="Virginia Democrats are running for House seats that don&#x27;t exist yet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/04/virginia-redistricting-early-voting-lawsuits" target="_self">that don&#x27;t exist yet</a>.Why it matters: The political landscape is only getting more confusing for Virginia voters, many of whom are already trying to keep up with how redistricting might change <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which district they live in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="3161348b-6d50-4be9-ac2c-c19a25b6ac94" data-vars-headline="Virginia Democrats are running for House seats that don&#x27;t exist yet" 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">which district they live in</a>.

Virginia redistricting vote to start Friday as planned

Multiple lawsuits have tried to block the election. Local election officials say it's still happening.

Early voting on 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="eeb9798b-2a18-414e-96ea-f89292155c8f" data-vars-headline="Virginia redistricting vote to start Friday as planned" 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> is still on track to begin Friday, local election officials tell Axios.Why it matters: There have been so many lawsuits trying to stop it that voters have been left wondering whether the election is really happening.

Politics 🇺🇸

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