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No more skipping driver's ed at 18 in Virginia

First-time drivers ages 18 to 20 will face new driver's ed and learner's permit requirements starting in January.

Illustration of a Virginia vanity license plate with symbols implying a swear word.

Getting your first driver&#x27;s license in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/01/virginia-new-laws-july-2026-drivers-renters-insurance" data-vars-content-id="0ce6be8f-029a-4d5f-ac63-aef33a507b8e" data-vars-headline="No more skipping driver&#x27;s ed at 18 in Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/01/virginia-new-laws-july-2026-drivers-renters-insurance" target="_self">Virginia</a> is about to get a little more complicated — at least if you&#x27;re between 18 and 20.Why it matters: A new state law is closing a loophole that allowed young adults to skip driver&#x27;s ed simply by waiting until 18 to get licensed.

News

Ready your sweet tooth and stop counting calories, Richmond has a fresh batch of bakeries.

Why it matters: There's no such thing as too many cookies, cakes and bread — for any city. 

State of play: Jane Dough, a pop-up turned brick and mortar, opened last week on MacArthur in Northside. 

The shop is from baker Jane Lukas, a culinary school grad who started baking during the pandemic before moving to Richmond, per Style Weekly.

Once settled here, Lukas started baking in her converted garage and selling her bread and pastries at Dorey Park Farmers Market and Celladora last year, quickly developing a loyal following. 

On the menu: Jane Dough's signature sourdough loaves ($10-$12), focaccia ($7-$8.50), croissants ($7.50-$8.50) cookies ($3.50) and rotating pastries.

Fun fact: True to Richmond's form, the bakery has been selling out quickly in its opening days, so go early. 

What they're saying: "We really appreciate the love the community has been showing us," Lukas tells Axios. 

If you go: Jane Dough is open 7am-2pm, Thursday through Sunday at 4029 MacArthur Ave.

Two vertical photos on a light gray background: left shows a person in black with a white apron holding a tray of golden crusty loaves; right is a close-up of a textured loaf against blue.

More of those gorgeous Jane Dough loaves. Image: Courtesy of Jane Dough

Meanwhile, Tous les Jours, a Korean-French bakery chain, opened its second Richmond-area location last month at 7401 Midlothian Turnpike.

The chain specializes in French pastries with an Asian twist, with offerings like red bean buns, custard-filled breads, sweet crumble-topped soboro buns and cloud cakes in flavors like ube and mango ($3-$7). 

It's the chain's second local outpost, joining its bakery inside Lotte Plaza Market in western Henrico. A third is in the works near Brandermill. 

Zoom out: The newcomers join a slate of other bakery options that opened this year, including: 

Shyndigz's 24/7 dessert vending machine in the Fan. 

Kickshaws Gluten-free Bakery, which opened this summer across the street from Jane Dough, serving gluten-free, vegan and allergy-friendly treats.

Le Petit Morceau, a French-inspired microbakery in Manchester known for croissants, galettes and brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

Bliss Cafe, a coffee shop in Woodland Heights serving stuffed beignets and doughnuts. 

Richmond's bakery boom brings two more sweet additions

From Jane Dough's sourdough in Northside to Korean-French pastries in Midlothian, there's more to savor in RVA.

Bakery scene with tall stacks of wicker bread-proofing baskets on shelves above rows of round loaves. A baker with a braided ponytail and white shirt works at a mixer beside stainless steel equipment.

Inside Jane Dough bakery on Northside. Image: Courtesy of Jane Dough 

Ready your sweet tooth and stop counting calories, Richmond has a fresh batch of bakeries.Why it matters: There&#x27;s no such thing as too many cookies, cakes and bread — for any city.

Food and Drink

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Business

The grand marshal for this year's Dominion Energy Richmond Christmas Parade is a very good boy named Panda Panda!.

Why it matters: If you're lucky, you can adopt him or some of his furry friends after next month's parade. 

Driving the news: Panda Panda! — yes, his name includes the exclamation mark — is a 1-year-old rescued pit bull mix leading the parade aboard a float alongside other adoptable pups, parade spokesperson Tara Daudani tells Axios.

Fun fact: He joins a colorful cast of nonhuman grand marshals, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Snoopy, the Grinch and Nutzy and Nutasha, per an Axios review. 

This year appears to be the first time an adoptable rescue dog landed the honored top spot.  

The intrigue: The job almost went to a cat. 

Organizers hoped to involve Francine, the celebrity feline at the Broad Street Lowe's where the parade ends. But Lowe's didn't want her to leave the store (obviously), Daudani says. 

So instead they organized a pet adoption event at the Lowe's hosted by  Francine — and gave the grand marshal job to one lucky top dog: Panda Panda! 

Close-up of a black dog wearing a red Santa hat with white fluffy trim, outdoors with a blurred background; the dog's pink tongue out and joyful expression.

Once more for the people in the back: Panda Panda! Image: Courtesy of Ashley Dobbin Calkins Photography via the Richmond Christmas Parade

Want to meet him? RACC is hosting an adoption event after the Dec. 5 parade at Lowe's, 1640 W. Broad St., from noon to 3pm.

Francine will be there to welcome the furry guests. Unless she doesn't feel like it, in which case, you'll likely find her napping inside. 

Richmond Christmas Parade's grand marshal is a very good boy

Meet Panda Panda!, a rescued pup who survived parvovirus and is now looking for his forever home.

Three-panel image of a black dog in festive outfits: left shows a Santa hat and holiday sweater; center a close-up with one ear raised and a red plaid bandana; right a green elf hat in a park.

 Panda Panda! The goodest Christmas parade grand marshal in all the land. Image: Courtesy of Ashley Dobbin Calkins Photography via the Richmond Christmas Parade


The grand marshal for this year&#x27;s Dominion Energy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/29/richmond-christmas-parade-childrens-hospital-new-route-2026" data-vars-content-id="90c35b25-1e8e-48a8-b83f-772dc6beae56" data-vars-headline="Richmond Christmas Parade&#x27;s grand marshal is a very good boy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/29/richmond-christmas-parade-childrens-hospital-new-route-2026" target="_self">Richmond Christmas Parade</a> is a very good boy named <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Panda Panda!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/49269640-richmond-virginia-american-pit-bull-terrier-labrador-retriever-mix" data-vars-content-id="90c35b25-1e8e-48a8-b83f-772dc6beae56" data-vars-headline="Richmond Christmas Parade&#x27;s grand marshal is a very good boy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/49269640-richmond-virginia-american-pit-bull-terrier-labrador-retriever-mix" target="_blank">Panda Panda!</a>.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re lucky, you can adopt him or some of his furry friends after next month&#x27;s parade.

Things to Do

Holidays

The owner of Lehja — one of Richmond's most acclaimed Indian restaurants — is opening a second spot, this time in Midlothian.

Why it matters: Chesterfield residents are in for a treat when Tashan Indian Kitchen opens, hopefully this month, owner Sunny Baweja tells Axios.

State of play: Baweja is preparing to open Tashan in the former Rusty Taco space in Westchester Commons, pending final inspections.

Think of Tashan, which means "swag" in Punjabi, as Lehja's younger sibling, Baweja says, sharing about 65% to 70% of its menu but with a personality all its own.

While Lehja serves cuisines from across India, Tashan will lean more heavily into dishes from Punjab, Baweja's home state.

On the menu: More chaats (Indian street-food snacks), Punjabi specialties and a few dishes you won't find at Lehja.

Among them: Gosht Beliram, a goat dish named for the legendary royal chef of 19th-century Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Baweja says Tashan will be the only restaurant in North America serving it.

Plus: Punjabi-style rara chicken curry and some street-food appetizers with Amul, a popular Indian cheese brand.

To drink: A curated wine list of 70 to 100 bottles, plus beer and cocktails.

Dim interior with dark green walls, decorative arched panels, and gold pendant lights. Exposed ducts overhead; plastic-covered seating along the wall beneath large windows showing daylight to the right.

Inside Tashan. Image: Courtesy of Aryan Baweja

Fun fact: Baweja's 20-year-old son, Aryan, a VCU student, took the lead on designing the restaurant's interior.

"He designed pretty much everything on his own," Baweja tells Axios.

The bottom line: More Indian food, more wine and a little more swag is coming to Chesterfield.

Lehja's new Chesterfield sibling brings Punjabi flair to town

From Punjabi street food to rare goat curry, Tashan will offer a few things you can't get at Lehja.

Nighttime storefront with teal neon sign "Tashen Indian Kitchen & Wine" above glass doors; address 15816; dark windows reflect street lights; green tile base.

Tashan should open this month. Image: Courtesy of Tashan 

The owner of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lehja" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/12/the-current-skills-gaming-still-active" data-vars-content-id="953f1a3a-bf87-4a59-8944-5f0510daac1d" data-vars-headline="Lehja&#x27;s new Chesterfield sibling brings Punjabi flair to town" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/12/the-current-skills-gaming-still-active" target="_self">Lehja</a> — one of Richmond&#x27;s most acclaimed Indian restaurants — is opening a second spot, this time in Midlothian.Why it matters: Chesterfield residents are in for a treat when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tashan Indian Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/tashanrva/" data-vars-content-id="953f1a3a-bf87-4a59-8944-5f0510daac1d" data-vars-headline="Lehja&#x27;s new Chesterfield sibling brings Punjabi flair to town" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/tashanrva/" target="_blank">Tashan Indian Kitchen</a> opens, hopefully this month, owner Sunny Baweja tells Axios.

Could the next Scott's Addition be in South Richmond, Henrico or Chesterfield?

Federal officials have approved 17 new Opportunity Zones across the region, offering the same tax incentives that helped finance Scott's Addition's building boom.

Why it matters: The program has helped attract millions in private investment to targeted Richmond neighborhoods. Now a new slate of communities could get the same financial boost.

State of play: The 17 new zones across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover are among 153 approved statewide, Gov. Spanberger announced Friday. They take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

They'll join 22 tracts designated in the region in 2018. Tax benefits for those original zones, which include Scott's Addition, remain in effect through 2028.

Zoom in: Richmond had 11 original zones and landed eight new ones, including Monroe Ward, Gilpin Court, areas around Virginia Union University and large stretches of South Richmond. 

Chesterfield's new zone is around Chesterfield Towne Center, where a major renovation is planned.

Henrico's five zones include parts of Lakeside and East Highland Park, plus a large swath of eastern Henrico near the airport.

In Hanover, one new zone includes part of Ashland.

How it works: The federal program, created during President Trump's first term, offers tax breaks on profits from long-term investments in designated neighborhoods.

The incentives can help developers attract private financing for projects like apartments, hotels and shops — potentially spurring development that might otherwise struggle to get off the ground.

Case in point: Innsbrook-based developer Capital Square says it used the program to attract more than $130 million in private investment to its Scott's Addition projects.

That helped build five mixed-use developments, bringing more than 900 apartments and ground-floor commercial space to Scott's, including Otis and Chasen — and a sixth is in the works, per BizSense. 

Reality check: Opportunity Zones were created to spur investment in lower-income and struggling communities, per the IRS, but it's unclear how much the tax breaks have benefited residents.

An August federal report found the investments largely funded real estate development in urban areas with existing infrastructure. Most states couldn't say whether the investments improved local conditions.

What they're saying: "If you want to know where the new Scott's Additions are going to be, follow the (OZ) 2.0 map," Capital Square founder Louis Rogers told BizSense.

Richmond's next Scott's Addition could be on this new Opportunity Zone map

Federal tax breaks that helped fuel one neighborhood's boom could transform other parts of the region.

Illustration of a city building covered in stickers with dollar signs on them

Could the next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scott&#x27;s Addition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/27/scotts-addition-richmond-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="f451bc68-29c7-4fd1-acfe-b7ca0b0eeb02" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s next Scott&#x27;s Addition could be on this new Opportunity Zone map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/27/scotts-addition-richmond-redevelopment" target="_self">Scott&#x27;s Addition</a> be in South Richmond, Henrico or Chesterfield?<ul><li>Federal officials have approved 17 new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opportunity Zones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/16/north-carolina-opportunity-zone-designation-nomination-projects-investment" data-vars-content-id="f451bc68-29c7-4fd1-acfe-b7ca0b0eeb02" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s next Scott&#x27;s Addition could be on this new Opportunity Zone map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/16/north-carolina-opportunity-zone-designation-nomination-projects-investment" target="_self">Opportunity Zones</a> across the region, offering the same tax incentives that helped finance Scott&#x27;s Addition&#x27;s building boom.</li></ul>Why it matters: The program has helped attract millions in private investment to targeted Richmond neighborhoods. Now a new slate of communities could get the same financial boost.

Karri Peifer

Featured stories

Richmond Christmas Parade's grand marshal is a very good boy

Richmond's bakery boom brings two more sweet additions

Richmond's next Scott's Addition could be on this new Opportunity Zone map

No more skipping driver's ed at 18 in Virginia

Lehja's new Chesterfield sibling brings Punjabi flair to town