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Will Ferrell, Taye Diggs turn up at Henrico basketball tournament

Their sons competed as top college and pro scouts watched elite high school teams in Henrico.

Culture

Celebs packed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico Sports &amp; Events Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/30/henrico-sports-events-center-hotels-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="c480b75f-9535-447c-8eed-d1d53e414c7a" data-vars-headline="Will Ferrell, Taye Diggs turn up at Henrico basketball tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/04/30/henrico-sports-events-center-hotels-restaurants" target="_self">Henrico Sports &amp; Events Center</a> over the weekend for a basketball tournament watched by top college and NBA scouts. Why it matters: Actors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Will Ferrell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QewpkBrei/" data-vars-content-id="c480b75f-9535-447c-8eed-d1d53e414c7a" data-vars-headline="Will Ferrell, Taye Diggs turn up at Henrico basketball tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QewpkBrei/" target="_blank">Will Ferrell</a> and Taye Diggs came to town, Henrico Sports Center executive director Dennis Bickmeier tells Axios.

The lawsuits that could stop 3 major Virginia laws

The assault weapons ban isn't the only new Virginia law facing legal battles. Here's where the lawsuits stand.

News

Three of Virginia&#x27;s major new laws around guns and immigration are caught in legal battles with no resolution in sight.Why it matters: The courtroom is becoming the next battleground for some of Virginia&#x27;s biggest policy changes, with judges determining whether — and ultimately, to what extent — they can be enforced.

Virginia sees rise in parasite illness causing "explosive" diarrhea

Virginia officials say there isn't an outbreak yet. Meanwhile, fresh produce is under scrutiny nationwide.

Virginia isn&#x27;t seeing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/11/explosive-diarrhea-parasite-cyclospora-sick-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="666245c4-bcf3-4b53-a6c7-a17cb6207317" data-vars-headline="Virginia sees rise in parasite illness causing &quot;explosive&quot; diarrhea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/11/explosive-diarrhea-parasite-cyclospora-sick-outbreak" target="_self">cyclosporiasis outbreak</a> yet, but the state is seeing more cases of the gut-wrecking illness than usual.Why it matters: Investigators nationwide have yet to find the source behind the contamination that&#x27;s affected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 7,000 Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html" data-vars-content-id="666245c4-bcf3-4b53-a6c7-a17cb6207317" data-vars-headline="Virginia sees rise in parasite illness causing &quot;explosive&quot; diarrhea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html" target="_blank">nearly 7,000 Americans</a>, leaving people confused and with few answers about how to avoid the parasite.

Maymont launches livestream for resident otters

Tune in to watch Louis and Nola dive, play and sunbathe on Maymont's new live Otter Cam.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maymont" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/02/20/maymont-otter-name" data-vars-content-id="3e0c74d5-4b00-4edf-8458-66fe10b79617" data-vars-headline="Maymont launches livestream for resident otters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/02/20/maymont-otter-name" target="_self">Maymont</a> just launched an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Otter Cam" data-vars-click-url="https://maymont.org/what-to-see/nature-center/#ottercam" data-vars-content-id="3e0c74d5-4b00-4edf-8458-66fe10b79617" data-vars-headline="Maymont launches livestream for resident otters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maymont.org/what-to-see/nature-center/#ottercam" target="_blank">Otter Cam</a> that lets locals live stream the daily happenings of their resident river otters, Louis and Nola. Why it matters: Be prepared to lose hours watching the pair dive, frolic and sunbathe.

Gilpin Court redevelopment moves ahead after yearslong fight

Richmond and RRHA have released a framework for redeveloping Gilpin, and the first apartment project has been proposed.

After more than a year of public feuding, City Council is poised to back a deal that would break Richmond&#x27;s standoff with its housing authority over the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gilpin Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/gilpin-court-eviction-pause-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="0dee1d41-d6d4-460e-a114-b040f9e45bd8" data-vars-headline="Gilpin Court redevelopment moves ahead after yearslong fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/gilpin-court-eviction-pause-redevelopment" target="_self">Gilpin Court</a>.Why it matters: A resolution introduced this week advances a plan to redevelop the city&#x27;s oldest public housing complex after political fighting left Gilpin&#x27;s 2,000-plus residents in limbo.

Richmond secures final private parcel on Mayo Island

The acquisition closes a major gap in the city's future riverfront park and could affect bridge plans.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital Region Land Conservancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/27/scotts-addition-richmond-new-park-land-deal" data-vars-content-id="03b4234f-f12c-488e-b9d1-51b869795eb6" data-vars-headline="Richmond secures final private parcel on Mayo Island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/27/scotts-addition-richmond-new-park-land-deal" target="_self">Capital Region Land Conservancy</a> (CRLC) just secured the last privately owned piece of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayo Island" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/04/mayo-island-park-plans-trails-wildflowers-kayak" data-vars-content-id="03b4234f-f12c-488e-b9d1-51b869795eb6" data-vars-headline="Richmond secures final private parcel on Mayo Island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/04/mayo-island-park-plans-trails-wildflowers-kayak" target="_self">Mayo Island</a>. Why it matters: The 0.25-acre parcel is a key piece of land that will help the city complete its longtime goal of turning the concrete parking lot into a public park.

Richmonders like the city. They're less sold on its future.

In a new survey, residents gave some of the lowest ratings to issues like development, zoning and infrastructure.

Richmonders&#x27; views on the city&#x27;s growth and affordability have deteriorated since 2021, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-sponsored survey" data-vars-click-url="https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/OCA%202026-10%20Service%20Efforts%20and%20Accomplishments%20%28SEA%29%20-%20Community%20Survey%205.22.26.pdf" data-vars-content-id="25c19987-fe8d-4158-a7ad-62c5e09abed5" data-vars-headline="Richmonders like the city. They&#x27;re less sold on its future." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/OCA%202026-10%20Service%20Efforts%20and%20Accomplishments%20%28SEA%29%20-%20Community%20Survey%205.22.26.pdf" target="_blank">city-sponsored survey</a>. Why it matters: The survey suggests residents like living here but are increasingly dissatisfied with housing, development and other issues city leaders have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="identified" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/06/mayor-avula-top-priorities-richmond-2026" data-vars-content-id="25c19987-fe8d-4158-a7ad-62c5e09abed5" data-vars-headline="Richmonders like the city. They&#x27;re less sold on its future." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/06/mayor-avula-top-priorities-richmond-2026" target="_self">identified</a> as critical to Richmond&#x27;s future.

Henrico's new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife

Here's a look inside the county's draft plan for what to do with the former Best Products site.

More than a year after the $2.3 billion GreenCity project collapsed, Henrico has unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a draft plan" data-vars-click-url="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/DraftBestProductsandBrookRoadCorridorMasterPlan.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c8b92cb9-a5f4-4a45-979d-dd05ffe35d1e" data-vars-headline="Henrico&#x27;s new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/DraftBestProductsandBrookRoadCorridorMasterPlan.pdf" target="_blank">a draft plan</a> for redeveloping the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" data-vars-content-id="c8b92cb9-a5f4-4a45-979d-dd05ffe35d1e" data-vars-headline="Henrico&#x27;s new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" target="_self">Best Products</a> headquarters site.Why it matters: The county-led concept includes turning the space into a walkable entertainment district with an arena, restaurants, nightlife, housing, parks and connections to the Fall Line Trail.

Westwood and Powhatan's birthplace land on endangered places list

Preservation Virginia says development could endanger two sites with deep cultural significance.

Two Richmond-area spots have landed on this year&#x27;s list of Virginia&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most endangered" data-vars-click-url="https://preservationvirginia.org/our-work/preservation/most-endangered-historic-places/" data-vars-content-id="fad59c1e-3810-4fb3-88ab-d1c90f8d9641" data-vars-headline="Westwood and Powhatan&#x27;s birthplace land on endangered places list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://preservationvirginia.org/our-work/preservation/most-endangered-historic-places/" target="_blank">most endangered</a>&quot; sites.Why it matters: Preservation Virginia, the group behind the list, hopes to save the historically significant spaces at risk of being demolished or erased.

Richmond judge takes city to court over aging courthouse

A rarely used Virginia law that could require the city to make repairs is at the center of the courthouse battle.

Richmond&#x27;s top judge is escalating long-running concerns about downtown&#x27;s aging courthouse into a legal fight.Why it matters: Richmond has delayed replacing or overhauling the courthouse for years while juggling other major priorities — and the dispute could now force the city to spend even more on the dilapidated building.

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.

Mayor Avula calls Diamond District "pretty good bet" despite risk

The mayor says Richmond took on more risk than he would've preferred, but he still would've made the investment.

Richmond tapped its reserves to help cover a key <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Diamond District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/27/carmax-park-flying-squirrels-funding-fight" data-vars-content-id="aacf1450-06f7-4966-8da2-0251f5f7b80b" data-vars-headline="Mayor Avula calls Diamond District &quot;pretty good bet&quot; despite risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/27/carmax-park-flying-squirrels-funding-fight" target="_self">Diamond District</a> land purchase because &quot;there wasn&#x27;t really a plan&quot; to pay for it, Mayor Danny Avula told Axios.Why it matters: With nearly $130 million in bonds ultimately backed by taxpayers, dipping into the city&#x27;s emergency funds has shown how closely public finances are tied to the Diamond District&#x27;s success.

Billboards slam Richmond zoning plan as "neighborhood nightmare"

The campaign led by a former city councilman was blasted as "peak NIMBYism" by former Mayor Stoney.

A group led by a fiery former city councilman has launched a billboard campaign opposing Richmond&#x27;s sweeping zoning rewrite called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Code Refresh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/richmond-duplex-zoning-single-family-change" data-vars-content-id="a170aada-e594-4945-8f00-5faff0f220dd" data-vars-headline="Billboards slam Richmond zoning plan as &quot;neighborhood nightmare&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/11/19/richmond-duplex-zoning-single-family-change" target="_self">Code Refresh</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s already prompted a response from former Mayor Stoney, who called it &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peak NIMBYism" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/LevarStoney/status/2011299466440261672?s=20" data-vars-content-id="a170aada-e594-4945-8f00-5faff0f220dd" data-vars-headline="Billboards slam Richmond zoning plan as &quot;neighborhood nightmare&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/LevarStoney/status/2011299466440261672?s=20" target="_blank">peak NIMBYism</a>,&quot; shorthand for &quot;Not in My Backyard.&quot;

What to know about the VCU–Flying Squirrels fight over CarMax Park

The impasse could ultimately leave Richmond taxpayers on the hook.

VCU and the Flying Squirrels have hit an impasse in the negotiations over whether VCU&#x27;s baseball team will play at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CarMax Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/18/carmax-park-final-beam" data-vars-content-id="54050593-f3b1-4d88-860f-755fa4919a7b" data-vars-headline="What to know about the VCU–Flying Squirrels fight over CarMax Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/18/carmax-park-final-beam" target="_self">CarMax Park</a>.Why it matters: The breakdown could threaten a land deal crucial to the Diamond District development project — and ultimately leave Richmond taxpayers on the hook if there&#x27;s no resolution.

Development 🏗️

Gilpin Court redevelopment moves ahead after yearslong fight

Richmond secures final private parcel on Mayo Island

Richmonders like the city. They're less sold on its future.

Henrico's new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife

Westwood and Powhatan's birthplace land on endangered places list