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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.

A former speakeasy mansion for sale in Church Hill

The 1910-era Bagley Mansion once hid a Prohibition-era speakeasy and now lists for $2.75M.

Real Estate

A Queen Anne mansion that once doubled as a speakeasy is on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="market in Church Hill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3516-E-Broad-St-Richmond-VA-23223/12522854_zpid/" data-vars-content-id="72c3647f-4a55-4deb-a855-1619976863c8" data-vars-headline="A former speakeasy mansion for sale in Church Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3516-E-Broad-St-Richmond-VA-23223/12522854_zpid/" target="_blank">market in Church Hill</a>. Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve got $2.75 million to spare, it can be yours.

Richmond sees fewer home value dips

Zillow says Richmond saw smaller home value losses than cities like Austin and Denver.

Nearly a third of homes in metro Richmond lost value last year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43162039.81/aHR0cHM6Ly96aWxsb3cubWVkaWFyb29tLmNvbS8yMDI1LTExLTE3LTUzLW9mLVUtUy1ob21lcy1sb3N0LXZhbHVlLWluLXRoZS1wYXN0LXllYXIlMkMtdGhlLW1vc3Qtc2luY2UtMjAxMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892B4a2844d7" data-vars-content-id="bce92a11-795c-4244-a807-585183449978" data-vars-headline="Richmond sees fewer home value dips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43162039.81/aHR0cHM6Ly96aWxsb3cubWVkaWFyb29tLmNvbS8yMDI1LTExLTE3LTUzLW9mLVUtUy1ob21lcy1sb3N0LXZhbHVlLWluLXRoZS1wYXN0LXllYXIlMkMtdGhlLW1vc3Qtc2luY2UtMjAxMj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892B4a2844d7" target="_self">Zillow</a>.

Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026

Home sales and prices are expected to climb again, keeping RVA hot for another year.

For 2026, Richmonders should expect real estate to bring lower mortgage rates but a still-tough <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="ec05e03d-c07a-4a08-ba00-5f6895ce9871" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing market</a>.Why it matters: RVA was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/14/richmond-hottest-real-estate-markets-zillow" data-vars-content-id="ec05e03d-c07a-4a08-ba00-5f6895ce9871" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/14/richmond-hottest-real-estate-markets-zillow" target="_self">once again</a> named one of the hottest housing markets of the year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" data-vars-content-id="ec05e03d-c07a-4a08-ba00-5f6895ce9871" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" target="_blank">by Realtor.com</a>.

Zillow's most-clicked Virginia home in 2025

Spoiler: It's an active lighthouse. Guess how much it costs.

Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most popular Zillow listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" data-vars-content-id="8c18b5ad-5e52-4ea2-ab04-3dfe1541d3e5" data-vars-headline="Zillow&#x27;s most-clicked Virginia home in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" target="_blank">most popular Zillow listing</a> this year was also the only active lighthouse listed among the platform&#x27;s fan favorites in every state.Why it matters: It&#x27;s literally in the Chesapeake Bay.

How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia

Virginia ranks among the lowest in the U.S. for homes owned outright

Virginia ranks among the lowest in the U.S. for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes owned outright" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/42583109.34/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTEvMTYvbW9ydGdhZ2UtZnJlZS1ob21lcy1tYXA_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bbd090865" data-vars-content-id="4d4a926c-f27b-4e57-ae65-7780cc80934f" data-vars-headline="How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/42583109.34/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTEvMTYvbW9ydGdhZ2UtZnJlZS1ob21lcy1tYXA_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/621cf7632d0d7c1ea2551892Bbd090865" target="_self">homes owned outright</a>, according to new Census Bureau data.Why it matters: The numbers underscore how <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising housing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/14/richmond-home-sales-market-changes-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="4d4a926c-f27b-4e57-ae65-7780cc80934f" data-vars-headline="How many people live mortgage-free 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/2025/03/14/richmond-home-sales-market-changes-pandemic" target="_self">rising housing costs</a> are keeping many Virginians — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="especially younger homeowners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/12/02/new-home-purchases-soaring-housing-costs" data-vars-content-id="4d4a926c-f27b-4e57-ae65-7780cc80934f" data-vars-headline="How many people live mortgage-free 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/2024/12/02/new-home-purchases-soaring-housing-costs" target="_self">especially younger homeowners</a> — from fully owning their homes, contributing to higher debt loads and financial strain.

Richmond pulls back on duplex plan in zoning update

The latest zoning draft backtracks on a key plan to allow duplexes on all single-family lots.

The city dropped the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second draft" data-vars-click-url="https://app.atlas.co/shared/48tcyCZ08I84MxeabMFb?loc=-77.4618%2C37.5304%2C11.8075z&amp;public=true" data-vars-content-id="caec2d22-fd06-475e-9f24-03d7cef5dac3" data-vars-headline="Richmond pulls back on duplex plan in zoning update" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.atlas.co/shared/48tcyCZ08I84MxeabMFb?loc=-77.4618%2C37.5304%2C11.8075z&amp;public=true" target="_blank">second draft</a> of its massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="zoning overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/17/richmond-zoning-districts-new-single-family-homes" data-vars-content-id="caec2d22-fd06-475e-9f24-03d7cef5dac3" data-vars-headline="Richmond pulls back on duplex plan in zoning update" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/17/richmond-zoning-districts-new-single-family-homes" target="_self">zoning overhaul</a> this week. Why it matters: The controversial stipulation that would&#x27;ve allowed two homes to be built on every formerly single-family lot in the city is gone.

Historic Richmond log cabin to change hands after 60 years

Cabin Hill, a rare Richmond riverfront log home with deep roots and stunning views, is under contract.

A historic log cabin along Richmond&#x27;s riverfront is about to change ownership for the first time in more than 60 years. Why it matters: The pending sale of the Cabin Hill property on Riverside Drive offers locals a rare chance to peek inside the striking home.

Richmond's vacant churches become real estate opportunity

As congregation numbers fall and land values rise, developers are converting churches into housing and mixed‑use spaces.

Multiple projects are in the works across Richmond to convert churches into housing, event spaces or something else unholy — er, different.Why it matters: Move over, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="office-to-apartment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/31/office-to-apartment-richmond" data-vars-content-id="3d279d12-a408-4ad9-9abe-9f56428073d9" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s vacant churches become real estate opportunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/31/office-to-apartment-richmond" target="_self">office-to-apartment</a> flips. Churches might be the next big adaptive reuse building trend in town.

Richmond's best homebuying week is now

A Realtor.com study says Oct. 26–Nov. 1 offers more listings and better prices in Richmond.

Good news, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="house hunters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/homebuying-millennials-gen-z-giving-up" data-vars-content-id="7916abff-3d34-46c3-ab54-e0694840d944" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s best homebuying week is now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/01/homebuying-millennials-gen-z-giving-up" target="_self">house hunters</a>, this week is the best time to buy in Richmond, according to a recent Realtor.com <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2025" data-vars-content-id="7916abff-3d34-46c3-ab54-e0694840d944" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s best homebuying week is now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2025" target="_blank">analysis</a>. Why it matters: Home shoppers could find more listings and slightly cheaper prices than average from now through Saturday, per the analysis.

Shockoe Slip penthouse lists for nearly $2M

The three-story condo includes fireplaces, smart tech, a rooftop terrace and skyline views.

A three-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom penthouse in Shockoe Slip recently hit the market for almost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$2 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1306-E-Cary-St-APT-A-Richmond-VA-23219/133714212_zpid/" data-vars-content-id="4277804a-36f8-4651-8485-93073701ec23" data-vars-headline="Shockoe Slip penthouse lists for nearly $2M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1306-E-Cary-St-APT-A-Richmond-VA-23219/133714212_zpid/" target="_blank">$2 million</a>. Why it matters: You probably didn&#x27;t know that luxury, Manhattan-style penthouses existed in the heart of one of Richmond&#x27;s oldest nightlife districts.

Real Estate 🏠

A former speakeasy mansion for sale in Church Hill

Richmond sees fewer home value dips

Richmond ranked a top housing market for 2026

Zillow's most-clicked Virginia home in 2025

How many people live mortgage-free in Virginia