Richmond

Richmond Alerts

Alert

blue

Axios Richmond Partners

Axios Richmond

Standard

A picture of the Richmond skyline with the letters RIC

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Richmond.

Axios Richmond Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Richmond Members

Membership

Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results

The ruling upends one of the most closely watched redistricting fights in the country.

Politics & Policy

The Virginia Supreme Court overturned the results of the state&#x27;s redistricting referendum, which voters narrowly approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="94df0b91-746e-4e28-a61e-86b4f5b3118d" data-vars-headline="Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">last month</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The 4-3 ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opnscvwp/1260127.pdf" data-vars-content-id="94df0b91-746e-4e28-a61e-86b4f5b3118d" data-vars-headline="Virginia Supreme Court throws out redistricting referendum results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opnscvwp/1260127.pdf" target="_blank">The 4-3 ruling</a> upends one of the most closely watched redistricting fights in the country.<ul><li>It follows months of legal challenges over whether the referendum was unconstitutional.</li></ul>

Richmond's first charter school finally opens full building after 15 years

A long-awaited renovation lets Patrick Henry enroll more students as hundreds remain on its waitlist.

News

Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts officially opened its third floor last week, giving the city&#x27;s only charter school full use of its building for the first time in its 15-year history. Why it matters: With more space, one of Richmond&#x27;s most in-demand schools can move some students off its waiting list — currently in the hundreds.

FBI raids Virginia Senate Leader Louise Lucas' office

The raid thrusts one of Virginia's most powerful Democrats into the center of a federal investigation.

The FBI searched the Portsmouth office of Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas on Wednesday.Why it matters: The raid puts one of the state&#x27;s most powerful lawmakers — who emerged nationally as a Democratic power broker during Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" data-vars-content-id="d194c120-b6ec-4fe6-b3bb-fd4ee91f56b7" data-vars-headline="FBI raids Virginia Senate Leader Louise Lucas&#x27; office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/22/virginia-redistricting-vote-passes-house-control" target="_self">redistricting fight</a> — at the center of a federal investigation.

Richmonders nominated for James Beard Media Awards

Richmond food storytellers are up for national honors from the James Beard Foundation.

A bunch of Richmonders were nominated for James Beard Media Awards.Why it matters: Richmond is once again getting the Beard love it deserves.

Richmond's $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras

The new safety push focuses on businesses in 13 areas, offering thousands of dollars to install security cameras.

Richmond is setting aside $100,000 to help businesses install security cameras that connect to police systems.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of the city&#x27;s response to the February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass shooting in Shockoe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/24/shockoe-bottom-richmond-mass-shooting-history-floodwall-nightlife-crime-trends" data-vars-content-id="c4beaf19-3fc1-4609-8d82-01899ccada18" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/24/shockoe-bottom-richmond-mass-shooting-history-floodwall-nightlife-crime-trends" target="_self">mass shooting in Shockoe</a>, but it comes as some residents push back on Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="use of surveillance tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/26/richmond-flock-license-plate-readers-debate" data-vars-content-id="c4beaf19-3fc1-4609-8d82-01899ccada18" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/26/richmond-flock-license-plate-readers-debate" target="_self">use of surveillance tools</a>.

Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight

The proposal would require permits and routine checks as officials try to close enforcement gaps.

Business

Legislation headed to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would give officials more tools to crack down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vape shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/08/richmond-vape-shop-raids-armed-robberies" data-vars-content-id="533b0501-4b72-416c-bd45-7ea13e23c95b" data-vars-headline="Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/08/richmond-vape-shop-raids-armed-robberies" target="_self">vape shops</a>, the state attorney general said this week.Why it matters: These shops have proliferated across the state, and some are selling illegal vape products, including to children.

Richmond police defend Flock cameras as backlash grows

Local activists want the city to end its contract with Flock Safety. Police say the cameras help solve crimes.

Richmond has become the latest flashpoint in the nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backlash against surveillance technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" data-vars-content-id="211a392c-1785-43dd-8761-18efe534f754" data-vars-headline="Richmond police defend Flock cameras as backlash grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" target="_self">backlash against surveillance technology</a> as local activists urge the city to end its contract with Flock Safety.Why it matters: That doesn&#x27;t seem likely.

Why no one has been charged after six pedestrian deaths in Richmond

The investigations into all six recent pedestrian deaths are ongoing, Police Chief Rick Edwards said Thursday.

The investigations into all six recent pedestrian deaths are ongoing, Police Chief Rick Edwards said Thursday.Why it matters: As the city emphasizes prevention, public frustration is mounting over the lack of charges.

Richmond vape shops caught between police raids and armed robberies

It's happening as police crack down on alleged illegal weed sales.

Richmond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vape shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/28/teen-weed-vaping-schools-virginia" data-vars-content-id="697f6a38-9a43-4bf2-815f-ac9a7d543c16" data-vars-headline="Richmond vape shops caught between police raids and armed robberies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/28/teen-weed-vaping-schools-virginia" target="_self">vape shops</a> are becoming hot spots for crime, Police Chief Rick Edwards warned on Wednesday.Why it matters: The same alleged illegal weed sales drawing police raids are also making vape shops prime targets for &quot;takeover-style&quot; armed robberies, Edwards says.

Richmond police ban feds from tracking immigrants' license plate data

It's part of a larger issue statewide, where advocates worry about how Flock Safety cameras are being used.

A federal agency was using Richmond&#x27;s license plate reader system for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/05/virginia-immigration-enforcement-ice-deportations" data-vars-content-id="008920c1-a972-42a0-8c6c-3fd95c517e51" data-vars-headline="Richmond police ban feds from tracking immigrants&#x27; license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/05/virginia-immigration-enforcement-ice-deportations" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a>, the city&#x27;s police department <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://richmondvapolice.blogspot.com/2025/07/atf-access-to-rpd-license-plate-readers.html" data-vars-content-id="008920c1-a972-42a0-8c6c-3fd95c517e51" data-vars-headline="Richmond police ban feds from tracking immigrants&#x27; license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmondvapolice.blogspot.com/2025/07/atf-access-to-rpd-license-plate-readers.html" target="_blank">announced this week</a>.Why it matters: RPD has permanently blocked all federal agencies from being able to do so, saying the action violates department policy.

Why Virginia's only youth prison is under state investigation

The Bon Air facility has faced scrutiny after multiple fires set by youth and assault allegations.

Virginia&#x27;s only youth prison is once again under investigation.The big picture: Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center, located in Chesterfield, has been the subject of mounting scrutiny among lawmakers, advocates and families over conditions that a former employee has described as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;completely inhumane.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/reports-bon-air-youth-facility-oct-22-2024#:~:text=Similar%20concerns%20were%20highlighted%20in,and%20March%20of%20this%20year" data-vars-content-id="29c3d2ab-1ffc-463c-905e-fbde643dcd52" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia&#x27;s only youth prison is under state investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/reports-bon-air-youth-facility-oct-22-2024#:~:text=Similar%20concerns%20were%20highlighted%20in,and%20March%20of%20this%20year" target="_blank">&quot;completely inhumane.&quot;</a>

Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage

There's been a focus on air control staffing after multiple recent plane crashes.

Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/06/international-flights-richmond-summer" data-vars-content-id="094b86a4-51ee-428c-8e63-7171e7e7a058" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/06/international-flights-richmond-summer" target="_self">airport</a> has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country for air traffic controllers, per recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Aviation Administration data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" data-vars-content-id="094b86a4-51ee-428c-8e63-7171e7e7a058" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" target="_self">Federal Aviation Administration data</a>.Why it matters: There&#x27;s been a heightened focus on tower staffing after back-to-back plane crashes in recent weeks — the latest being a Delta plane <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flipping upside down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/delta-flight-crash-toronto-airport" data-vars-content-id="094b86a4-51ee-428c-8e63-7171e7e7a058" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/delta-flight-crash-toronto-airport" target="_self">flipping upside down</a> on Monday while landing.

Public Safety

Richmond's $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras

Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight

Richmond police defend Flock cameras as backlash grows

Why no one has been charged after six pedestrian deaths in Richmond

Richmond vape shops caught between police raids and armed robberies