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Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas arrested on federal drug, corruption charges

The indictment alleges Lucas used her political power to profit, but she denies the charges.

News

Federal authorities charged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/fbi-raid-louise-lucas-office-virginia" data-vars-content-id="875b09ed-95c0-401b-9c70-a96e42baa20e" data-vars-headline="Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas arrested on federal drug, corruption charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/fbi-raid-louise-lucas-office-virginia" target="_self">Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas</a> with corruption Thursday, accusing her of using her political power to profit from an illegal marijuana operation.Why it matters: The indictment, weeks before the midterms, raises questions about whether one of Virginia&#x27;s most powerful Democrats sought to personally gain from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marijuana industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-marijuana-dispensaries-licenses-delivery-rules" data-vars-content-id="875b09ed-95c0-401b-9c70-a96e42baa20e" data-vars-headline="Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas arrested on federal drug, corruption charges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-marijuana-dispensaries-licenses-delivery-rules" target="_self">marijuana industry</a> she helped shape.

RVA Big Market is leaving Bryan Park for Midtown Green

The farmers market will relocate to Midtown Green in spring 2027, with more room to grow.

Richmond&#x27;s popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RVA Big Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/06/07/virginia-farmers-markets-gold-certified" data-vars-content-id="b512a26d-ae88-406a-8e13-1a49850cf3b8" data-vars-headline="RVA Big Market is leaving Bryan Park for Midtown Green" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/06/07/virginia-farmers-markets-gold-certified" target="_self">RVA Big Market</a> will move from Bryan Park to Midtown Green next spring — a permanent relocation for the farmers market that draws thousands to the Northside park every Saturday.Why it matters: It marks the second major move for the nearly 20-year-old Richmond institution, but organizers say the new location could help the market grow even larger.

Richmond's new Mayo Bridge design revealed after 2 years

After years of debate, the $190M bridge replacement would halve traffic lanes, add bike protection and slow drivers.

Richmonders are getting their clearest look yet at the proposed $190 million replacement for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayo Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/09/richmond-mayo-bridge-lane-closure-rush-hour" data-vars-content-id="f3fbbd9f-6053-4a18-b58f-478a4e81043a" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s new Mayo Bridge design revealed after 2 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/10/09/richmond-mayo-bridge-lane-closure-rush-hour" target="_self">Mayo Bridge</a>, with protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks and river overlooks.Why it matters: The latest design reflects years of debate over how to make one of Richmond&#x27;s oldest river crossings safer for pedestrians and cyclists without worsening traffic.

Study: Proposed Richmond tower could generate nearly $1B in activity

The $67 billion Dominion-NextEra merger faces a November hearing as critics question promised perks.

The downtown Richmond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="office tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/15/dominion-nextera-virginia-bill-credits-jobs-benefits" data-vars-content-id="5c8d4526-a712-4f23-b76b-7ff418ffee1e" data-vars-headline="Study: Proposed Richmond tower could generate nearly $1B in activity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/15/dominion-nextera-virginia-bill-credits-jobs-benefits" target="_self">office tower</a> that NextEra says it will build if its merger with Dominion Energy is approved could generate nearly $1 billion in economic activity statewide, according to a new study. Why it matters: The analysis puts a dollar figure on one of the perks the energy giants are touting to win approval for their $67 billion deal.

Why Richmond is replacing traffic lights with stop signs

The city estimates it could save $11 million by retiring aging signals, but some residents are raising safety concerns.

Richmond is replacing traffic lights with stop signs across the city, part of an effort to get rid of aging signals that could save taxpayers millions.Why it matters: The changes are already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confusing some drivers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1x0rta0/robinson_street_changing_to_mostly_stop_signs/" data-vars-content-id="d03de695-7935-4528-8ca2-586ad8b69191" data-vars-headline="Why Richmond is replacing traffic lights with stop signs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1x0rta0/robinson_street_changing_to_mostly_stop_signs/" target="_blank">confusing some drivers</a>, and residents are questioning whether the new stop signs are making intersections safer.

Richmond families want safety fixes before $42M road overhaul

Nearly 200 residents are calling for immediate repairs as a Jahnke Road project stretches into 2028.

Richmond residents want immediate safety fixes near Westover Hills Elementary School rather than waiting for a $42 million Jahnke Road overhaul to finish in 2028.Why it matters: Neighbors say crumbling sidewalks, dangerous turns and close calls with drivers put children, pedestrians and cyclists at risk.<ul><li>&quot;I think my biggest worry is that someone is going to get hit by a car,&quot; says Paula Ogston-Nobile, a parent of two Westover Hills students who helped organize the effort.</li></ul>

Yes, Richmond has a law against circling the block

Circling the block too many times? Parking too far from the curb? Richmond has rules for both.

Culture

Earlier this year, residents were surprised that Richmond has a rule banning drivers from parking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="within 30 feet of a stop sign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/28/richmond-stop-sign-parking-rule-change" data-vars-content-id="1b274ded-f56c-4459-9200-fd2a21c46d35" data-vars-headline="Yes, Richmond has a law against circling the block" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/28/richmond-stop-sign-parking-rule-change" target="_self">within 30 feet of a stop sign</a>.Why it matters: That&#x27;s not the only little-known law hiding in the city code.

Richmond's Mayo Bridge is losing two lanes

The city is testing whether it can handle half as many car lanes — a change that could shape its $190 million replacement.

Richmond is about to test whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Mayo Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/09/09/mayo-bridge-sidewalk-bike-lanes" data-vars-content-id="cba2ba32-cb96-4523-b3e9-31559eb4d360" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s Mayo Bridge is losing two lanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/09/09/mayo-bridge-sidewalk-bike-lanes" target="_self">the Mayo Bridge</a> can handle traffic with half as many car lanes.Why it matters: The experiment could determine whether that change becomes permanent when the bridge is replaced, affecting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the roughly 20,000 " data-vars-click-url="https://assets.vpm.org/aa/a1/c529c3a048b789107e5b9a9aa727/mayobridge-federal-grant-application.pdf" data-vars-content-id="cba2ba32-cb96-4523-b3e9-31559eb4d360" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s Mayo Bridge is losing two lanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://assets.vpm.org/aa/a1/c529c3a048b789107e5b9a9aa727/mayobridge-federal-grant-application.pdf" target="_blank">the roughly 20,000 </a>vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists who use it daily.

Richmond speed cameras are slowing drivers in school zones

One school zone saw average speeds fall 8 mph, from 41 to 33 mph.

Transit

A new analysis shows that Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school-zone speed cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/15/speed-cameras-school-zones-richmond-fines" data-vars-content-id="8a9a18eb-7fc3-4888-b692-fa131cdeefe4" data-vars-headline="Richmond speed cameras are slowing drivers in school zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/15/speed-cameras-school-zones-richmond-fines" target="_self">school-zone speed cameras</a> are slowing drivers down even when the cameras aren&#x27;t on.Why it matters: The numbers are one of the first glimpses into how much these cameras are changing behavior on some of Richmond&#x27;s most dangerous roads, over two years after the city added the first ones.

Short Pump traffic relief moves closer with new I-64 exit

Officials just approved the first on-the-ground work for the new exit. But construction won't start until 2028.

A new I-64 exit at North Gayton Road has finally secured the funding needed to build it.Why it matters: Short Pump drivers could have some long-awaited traffic relief on the way, taking pressure off the notoriously congested West Broad Street interchange — a hellscape during rush hour.

Chesterfield's answer to more traffic: roundabouts

Its population boom has meant more congestion. One project targets an area that could hit 120,000 vehicles a day.

Chesterfield&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explosive population growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/15/virginia-population-fastest-growing-counties-map" data-vars-content-id="501ea501-0a80-49e0-9e69-7aa15945c55c" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield&#x27;s answer to more traffic: roundabouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/15/virginia-population-fastest-growing-counties-map" target="_self">explosive population growth</a> has had a surprising side effect that drivers love to hate: more roundabouts.Why it matters: The county has added <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 37,000 people since 2020" data-vars-click-url="https://chesterfieldfits.com/sites-data/population-demographics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="501ea501-0a80-49e0-9e69-7aa15945c55c" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield&#x27;s answer to more traffic: roundabouts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chesterfieldfits.com/sites-data/population-demographics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">nearly 37,000 people since 2020</a>, putting more pressure on a road network already struggling with congestion in some of its fastest-growing areas.<ul><li>County spokesperson Stephen Bays tells Axios that recent and upcoming roundabout projects are one response to rising traffic volumes.</li></ul>

Scoop: Richmond wants to push Virginia to lower BAC limit

The idea, aimed at reducing traffic crashes, has struggled nationwide — and Richmond-area lawmakers aren't sold yet.

Richmond officials are considering asking Virginia lawmakers to drop the state&#x27;s blood alcohol content limit from 0.08 to 0.05, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The move could pull Virginia into a growing national debate over lowering BAC limits to reduce alcohol-related crashes — a push that&#x27;s repeatedly stalled in statehouses.

Scoop: Richmond looks to expand Vision Zero playbook

Cameras, courts and crash predictions are all part of the city's new Vision Zero draft.

Richmond&#x27;s first Vision Zero update since 2023 would bring in the courts, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expand automated cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/11/richmond-red-light-camera-violations-southside-expansion-16000-runners" data-vars-content-id="bc3eab47-3c99-4ab5-9401-87434d4f66c9" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Richmond looks to expand Vision Zero playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/11/richmond-red-light-camera-violations-southside-expansion-16000-runners" target="_self">expand automated cameras</a> and use new data to spot dangerous streets before crashes happen.Why it matters: Richmond has spent years redesigning streets and stepping up police enforcement to hit its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="goal of zero traffic deaths by 2030" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/18/richmond-transportation-chief-zero-traffic-deaths" data-vars-content-id="bc3eab47-3c99-4ab5-9401-87434d4f66c9" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Richmond looks to expand Vision Zero playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/18/richmond-transportation-chief-zero-traffic-deaths" target="_self">goal of zero traffic deaths by 2030</a>. <ul><li>But traffic deaths have nearly doubled since the plan was formalized in 2018, from 12 to 21 in 2025.</li><li>The latest draft, obtained by Axios, broadens the city&#x27;s approach to preventing them. </li></ul>

Transit 🚗

Richmond's new Mayo Bridge design revealed after 2 years

Why Richmond is replacing traffic lights with stop signs

Richmond families want safety fixes before $42M road overhaul

Yes, Richmond has a law against circling the block

Richmond's Mayo Bridge is losing two lanes