Many laws pass through the Virginia State Capitol. | Photo via canva
We didn’t just get a new calendar for 2025, Richmonders also welcomed new local + statewide regulations. You can expect to see some changes in daily life, especially with these five new rules and ordinances that took effect on New Year’s Day.
Minimum wage increase
As of Jan. 1, 2025, Virginia’s minimum wage is $12.41 — up 41 cents from last year. The adjustment was based on a 3.4% annual increase in the Consumer Price Index.
Improved child internet privacy
If you have children, they will need more supervision while surfing the internet. Under the amended Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, organizations cannot collect data from a child under age 13 for certain usages without parental consent. Notably, this will impact targeted advertisements toward children.
By Richmond law, which one of these actions is technically illegal?
A. Flipping a coin to determine who pays for coffee B. Playing a black + white TV in a public restaurant or bar C. Storing roller skates in a driveway D. Putting pepper on French fries without salt
Mindset + Mantra for Runners | 6-7:15 p.m. | Richmond Road Runners Club | $20 | This class features a wellness session to improve technique and care for your body followed by a mindful yoga session.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
3 in 30 | Tuesday, Jan. 7 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Free | Explore three pieces in 30 minutes, this month’s tour includes Hubert Robert’s 1773 painting “The Finding of the Laocoön.”
“Dancing with the Stars” Live | 7:30 p.m. | Altria Theater | $60+ | Pro dancers show off their skills at this up-close and personal competition based on the hit show.
Amythyst Kiah | 8 p.m. | The Tin Pan | $30 | The Tennessee-born Americana + country singer takes the stage.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Monty Python + Spamalot Trivia | 7 p.m. | Intermission Beer Company, Glen Allen | $6 | This is the holy grail of trivia for fans of the British comedy troupe.
Bundle up, a wintery mix of snow and rain started falling last night and will continue through this evening, leading to icy conditions + school closures. The National Weather Service forecasts snowfall totals up to 5 inches and a Winter Storm Warning is in effect through tomorrow morning. (CBS6)
Opening
Meat Brazen, a new restaurant aiming to open on Cary Street in mid-January. The menu will feature a variety of slow-cooked options, but you’ll find more than just braised meats. The owners also plan to include vegan + gluten-free options, including braised beets and a vegan banh mi. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Development
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond plans to open a ~$32 million, 50-bedroom facility in Jackson Ward. The nonprofit purchased 1.6 acres on land previously owned by VCU Real Estate. The development will provide lodging to families of hospitalized children; it’s projected to open in 2027. (Richmond BizSense)
Outdoors
Rockwood Park is in the process of receiving enhancements to all seven of its diamond fields. The project will add turf infields, grass outfields, and new backstops + fencing. The renovations are expected to be completed by late summer for the park’s 50th birthday.
Arts
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture has become a Certified Autism Center. The Autism Society of Central Virginia helped train staff and ensure galleries are sensory-friendly with lower lights and little or no noise. Guests can also check out noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys while visiting. (ABC 8News)
Plan Ahead
Need to get rid of a Christmas tree? The Richmond Department of Public Works’ Bring One for the Chipper recycling event is on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 710 Robin Hood Rd. Trees will be sent through a wood chipper on site and turned into mulch, which can be taken home for free.
Biz
Kickstart your 2025 goals by putting your business in front of our 48,000+ local subscribers. Your message can be here in as little as two days — no long-term contract required. Learn more.
Travel
Make 2025 your year of travel when you sign up for a Going membership and secure unmatched airfare deals. For a limited time, Premium + Elite memberships are 25% with code GOING2025.*
Job
Love local news? We’re hiring for a Newsletter Editor in Richmond, VA. Join our team to craft daily newsletters, curate hyper-local stories, and connect Richmond. If you’re creative, deadline-driven, and passionate about media, apply now.
The Buy
The Buy
The Goddess app. Made for women, by women, this comprehensive well-being library includes meditations, yoga sessions, breathing exercises, and podcasts. Right now, Premium subscriptions are 75% off — you’ll get lifetime access, plus unlock your Archetype Personality Analysis.
It seems some winter weather has headed to Richmond, but you can still explore the city from your house. Check out these shows + movies filmed in River City — as a “Dawson’s Creek” fan I love knowing a season 3 episode visited the University of Richmond.
}})
