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Virginia considers assault weapons ban, $15 wage and paid leave

Here's a quick guide to the major bills still moving through the legislature, beyond weed and data centers.

News

It&#x27;s time for a lightning round on the other headline-grabbing bills still alive this General Assembly session, beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="constitutional amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/14/virginia-2026-abortion-redistricting-democrats" data-vars-content-id="5bd367b9-fa6e-49c7-8712-699c1aee701e" data-vars-headline="Virginia considers assault weapons ban, $15 wage and paid leave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/14/virginia-2026-abortion-redistricting-democrats" target="_self">constitutional amendments</a>, weed and data centers.State of play: With Democrats controlling both chambers and governor&#x27;s office, several have a clear path to becoming law. Here&#x27;s what they&#x27;d do:

Flashback: Richmond's unforgettable 2016, from City Hall to clowns

A look back at RVA's chaotic 2016, from Stoney's win to rooftop bars and creepy clowns.

We hear the kids are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="throwing it back to 2016" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43827933.26/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNhdG9kYXkuY29tL3N0b3J5L3RlY2gvMjAyNi8wMS8xNS92aXJhbC0yMDI2LWlzLW5ldy0yMDE2LXRyZW5kLXdoYXQtdG8ta25vdy84ODE5ODgzMTAwNy8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bb1e61160" data-vars-content-id="703b6f97-d62f-4fab-912d-221b7388bd23" data-vars-headline="Flashback: Richmond&#x27;s unforgettable 2016, from City Hall to clowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43827933.26/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNhdG9kYXkuY29tL3N0b3J5L3RlY2gvMjAyNi8wMS8xNS92aXJhbC0yMDI2LWlzLW5ldy0yMDE2LXRyZW5kLXdoYXQtdG8ta25vdy84ODE5ODgzMTAwNy8_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bb1e61160" target="_self">throwing it back to 2016</a> and thought it would be fun to play along.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral trend" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43656720.130/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvbS9uZXdzL2FydGljbGVzL2N3eTFlNjA1ZHZnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Beca64745" data-vars-content-id="703b6f97-d62f-4fab-912d-221b7388bd23" data-vars-headline="Flashback: Richmond&#x27;s unforgettable 2016, from City Hall to clowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43656720.130/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmJjLmNvbS9uZXdzL2FydGljbGVzL2N3eTFlNjA1ZHZnbz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Beca64745" target="_self">viral trend</a> is reminiscing over everything that happened a decade ago, which happened to be a big year for Richmond.

The Richmond spots Virginia lawmakers eat at during session

From GWARbar to Rappahannock, legislators share their go-to Richmond spots.

Food and Drink

Richmond Times-Dispatch restaurant critic Justin Lo recently got <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the lowdown" data-vars-click-url="https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_29a944ae-f37d-11ef-a15f-f7719f390024.html" data-vars-content-id="a652a22d-3155-4778-9b38-a41364bb30fe" data-vars-headline="The Richmond spots Virginia lawmakers eat at during session" 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_29a944ae-f37d-11ef-a15f-f7719f390024.html" target="_blank">the lowdown</a> on where state lawmakers go to eat when they&#x27;re in town.Why it matters: The 140 members of the General Assembly are temporary Richmonders for 30-to-60 days every winter, and they dine local.

How Virginia is trying to keep data centers off your power bill

Lawmakers aren't looking to stop the boom, but they want data centers to pay more.

Virginia isn&#x27;t pausing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/08/virginia-no1-data-centers-richmond-growth-ai" data-vars-content-id="89b2517b-ae50-4ad5-875b-344981a937bb" data-vars-headline="How Virginia is trying to keep data centers off your power bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/08/virginia-no1-data-centers-richmond-growth-ai" target="_self">data center boom</a>, but lawmakers are trying to keep residents from footing the bill for it.Why it matters: That&#x27;s easier said than done.

Anne Holton joins Richmond School Board during budget turmoil

The former Virginia education secretary is heading back to the school system where she was once a student.

The Richmond School Board appointed Anne Holton, Virginia&#x27;s former secretary of education, to fill the vacant 6th District seat this week.Why it matters: She told Axios in an interview that the opportunity feels like a chance &quot;to come full circle&quot; — her father, former Gov. Linwood Holton, helped integrate RPS in the 1970s — and bring back her state-level experience &quot;to a cause I care about desperately.&quot;

Chesterfield promises end to school trailers but skepticism remains

"I'll believe it when I see it," wrote one commenter under the county's announcement on Facebook.

Chesterfield officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6951?fbclid=IwY2xjawPXOIJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF0dkl3cVJETVVZc1VZRVN3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgYzSwAQ7-otrzDrAScHK1IpILBaABO1fA6L24gvbtpGVwMmojqAi7ZxlZst_aem_TrLk1Ei0yTpEfldWMO-Fuw" data-vars-content-id="941782a5-f084-4308-a13a-eb0a61493591" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield promises end to school trailers but skepticism remains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chesterfield.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6951?fbclid=IwY2xjawPXOIJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF0dkl3cVJETVVZc1VZRVN3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgYzSwAQ7-otrzDrAScHK1IpILBaABO1fA6L24gvbtpGVwMmojqAi7ZxlZst_aem_TrLk1Ei0yTpEfldWMO-Fuw" target="_blank">recently announced</a> that the county is on track to have zero trailers in use as classrooms for the first time in nearly 40 years.Why it matters: Some residents aren&#x27;t convinced.

State audit questions safety at Bon Air youth prison

But Department of Juvenile Justice officials say the findings reflect paperwork issues, not unsafe conditions.

A new state investigation into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia&#x27;s only youth prison" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/05/12/bon-air-virginia-youth-prison-investigation" data-vars-content-id="c50749b0-a072-483b-b103-d211bd666fc7" data-vars-headline="State audit questions safety at Bon Air youth prison" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/05/12/bon-air-virginia-youth-prison-investigation" target="_self">Virginia&#x27;s only youth prison</a> says Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center failed to document required wellness checks, substance use therapy and emergency drills. Why it matters: The report says the lack of documentation makes it impossible to know whether incarcerated youth are receiving safeguards and classes the state requires.<ul><li>But the Department of Juvenile Justice framed these findings as paperwork issues, not signs of unsafe conditions or lack of supervision.</li></ul>

How much money Richmonders can make, by degree obtained

Even as more Americans question the value of college, higher education is still paying.

Education Brief

In metro Richmond, having a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/25/richmond-job-market-college-grads" data-vars-content-id="a73fc69c-7226-47f8-adb9-0ee99eec7122" data-vars-headline="How much money Richmonders can make, by degree obtained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/25/richmond-job-market-college-grads" target="_self">college</a> degree still pays — by a lot.The big picture: College grads in the area earn nearly double what high school graduates make, recent Census data shows.

Virginia parents are hiring college consultants as early as 9th grade

Families who can afford to are paying for whatever edge or clarity they can get.

The pressure of getting into college has Virginia families increasingly turning to an academic lifeline: private consultants.Why it matters: The admissions game has become more of a puzzle in recent years, and families who can afford to are paying for whatever edge or clarity they can get.

Why more Richmond parents wonder if college is worth it

Rising fears about job security and other factors have families questioning the price tag of four-year degrees.

The share of Americans who say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="b91cc396-6e7b-4760-8994-3677b9baa21a" data-vars-headline="Why more Richmond parents wonder if college is worth it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" target="_self">college</a> is &quot;very important&quot; plummeted over the past decade, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Gallup" data-vars-click-url="https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspx" data-vars-content-id="b91cc396-6e7b-4760-8994-3677b9baa21a" data-vars-headline="Why more Richmond parents wonder if college is worth it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspx" target="_blank">new Gallup</a> polling finds.Why it matters: Richmond isn&#x27;t immune to the shift.

Richmond-area teachers embrace the viral 6-7 TikTok trend

While some schools nationwide are banning it, local teachers — especially in Hanover — are leaning in.

Anyone who&#x27;s been around kids has heard it. Some classrooms nationwide have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/06/tiktok-6-7-gen-alpha-classroom-bans" data-vars-content-id="d914312a-a277-49af-a4df-70d11fc15e1c" data-vars-headline="Richmond-area teachers embrace the viral 6-7 TikTok trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/06/tiktok-6-7-gen-alpha-classroom-bans" target="_self">banned</a> it. Richmond-area teachers have gone viral for posting it.Why it matters: The phrase means absolutely nothing, but it&#x27;s impossible to ignore — especially when counting to 10.

Virginia's Head Start programs avoid shutdown closures — for now

Hanover and Prince William County's schools are among those affected by delayed funding. Both have pledged to stay open.

All of Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Head Start centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/22/trump-head-start-cuts-virginia" data-vars-content-id="06d544be-63c3-4183-85ae-e84e7347fcf4" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s Head Start programs avoid shutdown closures — for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/22/trump-head-start-cuts-virginia" target="_self">Head Start centers</a> plan to stay open despite the shutdown jeopardizing some of their funding, state leaders tell Axios.Why it matters: There&#x27;s been uncertainty nationwide over what&#x27;s happening to the federal program, which helps 750,000 kids and their families — including over 12,000 in Virginia — with free child care, early education and health screenings.

Henrico pares back school rezoning plan after pushback

The school board removed its most divisive scenario after feedback at town halls.

Henrico County School Board removed two more scenarios in its controversial school <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/41749254.14/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3JpY2htb25kLzIwMjUvMDkvMTgvaGVucmljby1yZWRpc3RyaWN0aW5nLXN0dWRlbnRzLXNjaG9vbC1jaGFuZ2VzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bc0e13b30" data-vars-content-id="d0e79356-39ca-43c7-8377-7737aac19a42" data-vars-headline="Henrico pares back school rezoning plan after pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/41749254.14/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3JpY2htb25kLzIwMjUvMDkvMTgvaGVucmljby1yZWRpc3RyaWN0aW5nLXN0dWRlbnRzLXNjaG9vbC1jaGFuZ2VzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bc0e13b30" target="_self">redistricting proposal</a>, this time nixing a plan that would&#x27;ve shuffled nearly 800 students between Tuckahoe and Quioccasin middle schools.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the fifth scenario in the proposal that the county has removed or changed due to fierce community opposition.

RPS unions push back on bargaining changes

The School Board votes Tuesday on a plan that unions call "rushed" and harmful.

Richmond School Board is set to vote this week on the district&#x27;s proposed changes to union contracts covering its teachers, support staff and bus drivers.Why it matters: Union representatives say the district&#x27;s plan would effectively &quot;weaken workers&#x27; rights.&quot; RPS says it&#x27;ll make the process more efficient.

Education 📚

Anne Holton joins Richmond School Board during budget turmoil

Chesterfield promises end to school trailers but skepticism remains

State audit questions safety at Bon Air youth prison

How much money Richmonders can make, by degree obtained

Virginia parents are hiring college consultants as early as 9th grade