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Virginia to take "F--k the police" license plate fight to Supreme Court

From "PIGBUT" to "BIDNSUX," Virginia has rejected plenty of vanity plates. This one ended up in court.

News

A Lynchburg resident put &quot;FTP&quot; — shorthand for &quot;F--k the police&quot; — on his license plate with Virginia&#x27;s permission. <ul><li>Now the state wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether it can take its approval back.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Richmond-based Fourth Circuit Court ruled personalized plate messages are private speech protected by the First Amendment. The state disagreed, arguing it should get to decide what appears on state-issued plates.

Henrico rethinks Lakeside's future after plan backlash

Officials will revisit a plan designed to add housing and make the corridor safer for walking.

Henrico officials last month unveiled an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ambitious proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/LakesideavenueCorridorStudy_260511FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9cf54d90-c129-45e1-8e8b-8a6066fec994" data-vars-headline="Henrico rethinks Lakeside&#x27;s future after plan backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/LakesideavenueCorridorStudy_260511FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">ambitious proposal</a> to reimagine the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/03/henrico-garden-district-lakeside-avenue" data-vars-content-id="9cf54d90-c129-45e1-8e8b-8a6066fec994" data-vars-headline="Henrico rethinks Lakeside&#x27;s future after plan backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/09/03/henrico-garden-district-lakeside-avenue" target="_self">Lakeside</a> corridor as part of the county&#x27;s new 20-year growth plan. Why it matters: The Board of Supervisors last week stripped the proposal from the long-term plan following pushback from some residents and business owners.

Perseid meteor shower peaks this week: How to watch in Richmond

Up to 50 meteors an hour could streak across the sky if the clouds cooperate.

Things to Do

One the biggest stargazing weeks of the year is here.Why it matters: Rain might be in the Richmond forecast, but we&#x27;re holding out hope for a few hours of clear skies.

Richmond's first dirty soda drive-thru is now open

Here's what to know about Sippa, which is bringing the viral Utah trend to a former bank building.

Richmond just got its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dirty soda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/12/10/dirty-soda-tiktok-drink-mormon-wives" data-vars-content-id="18de3556-73cf-4ad8-9a3b-687aa65465b3" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s first dirty soda drive-thru is now open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/12/10/dirty-soda-tiktok-drink-mormon-wives" target="_self">dirty soda</a> drive-thru.Why it matters: Think <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="7-Brew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/24/new-richmond-coffee-shops" data-vars-content-id="18de3556-73cf-4ad8-9a3b-687aa65465b3" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s first dirty soda drive-thru is now open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/24/new-richmond-coffee-shops" target="_self">7-Brew</a>, but swap the coffee for customized sodas.

Henrico teen launches statewide water quality, lead pipe risk tool

Now local health workers and nonprofits are helping get the water risk tool in front of residents.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/24/richmond-water-crisis-completely-avoidable" data-vars-content-id="3f976f0e-da47-4144-ab5f-48215b01beca" data-vars-headline="Henrico teen launches statewide water quality, lead pipe risk tool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/24/richmond-water-crisis-completely-avoidable" target="_self">water crisis</a> that disrupted daily life across Richmond and Henrico also produced an unlikely legacy: a free public tool built by a teenager who lived through it.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AquaRisk" data-vars-click-url="https://aquarisk.app/home" data-vars-content-id="3f976f0e-da47-4144-ab5f-48215b01beca" data-vars-headline="Henrico teen launches statewide water quality, lead pipe risk tool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aquarisk.app/home" target="_blank">AquaRisk</a>, created by rising Tucker High School senior Avyay Bharadwaj, lets about 83% of Virginians check potential water contaminants and lead service line risks at their address — and offers steps to reduce exposure.

Henrico officials expect pause in new data centers

Among the reasons: new data center taxes, resident pushback and county leaders aren't interested.

Henrico officials don&#x27;t expect more data centers to come to the county anytime soon — signaling a dramatic shift after years of rapid growth in one of Virginia&#x27;s busiest hubs.Why it matters: Public opposition, a lack of appetite among county leaders to approve new projects and a recent state tax on data centers are among the reasons why, Axios has learned.

Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage

What we know, what we don't and what happens next.

Richmond avoided another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/08/richmond-water-crisis-update-hanover-henrico" data-vars-content-id="28e336f6-f40b-4b9a-a6a7-98183a1ef0ac" data-vars-headline="Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/08/richmond-water-crisis-update-hanover-henrico" target="_self">water crisis</a> over the weekend after a break in a 36-inch water main left parts of the city and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Henrico" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/HenricoDPW_DPU/status/2073107167599550672" data-vars-content-id="28e336f6-f40b-4b9a-a6a7-98183a1ef0ac" data-vars-headline="Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/HenricoDPW_DPU/status/2073107167599550672" target="_blank">Henrico</a> with low to no water pressure.Why it matters: The incident didn&#x27;t become last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disaster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="28e336f6-f40b-4b9a-a6a7-98183a1ef0ac" data-vars-headline="Richmond water main break: Questions remain after outage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">disaster</a>. But an incorrect emergency alert and reports from residents who never received notifications are once again putting the city&#x27;s emergency communications under scrutiny.

Endangered mussels return to Richmond-area waters

Hundreds of alewife floaters were planted in Hanover as part of efforts to improve Bay waterways.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="freshwater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/02/virginia-maryland-chesapeake-bay-blue-crab" data-vars-content-id="5a389b8b-09c6-4333-8890-edbcf2d27610" data-vars-headline="Endangered mussels return to Richmond-area waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/07/02/virginia-maryland-chesapeake-bay-blue-crab" target="_self">freshwater</a> mussel long extinct from some of the waters around Richmond is making a comeback: the alewife floater.Why it matters: Their return will help the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and all its tributaries, including the James.

Henrico to start $300M water main construction this summer

That's two years ahead of schedule, reflecting the urgency around Henrico having a backup water source.

Water

Henrico is fast-tracking part of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$300 million water main" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/07/henrico-county-water-pipeline-project-reduce-reliance-on-richmond" data-vars-content-id="2f28cfd3-bdaa-4e7e-856e-b27c9144010a" data-vars-headline="Henrico to start $300M water main construction this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/07/henrico-county-water-pipeline-project-reduce-reliance-on-richmond" target="_self">$300 million water main</a> project, with construction starting this summer — about two years ahead of schedule.Why it matters: The accelerated timeline reflects Henrico officials&#x27; urgency around having a backup to Richmond&#x27;s water system, after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="2f28cfd3-bdaa-4e7e-856e-b27c9144010a" data-vars-headline="Henrico to start $300M water main construction this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">last year&#x27;s crisis</a> left parts of the region without drinkable water for days.

Free water refill station debuts in Richmond to mixed reaction

Some people joke they don't trust it after last year's water crisis. But the water is fully filtered.

<figure><img alt="a video of a hand with a water bottle filling up at a refill station behind a fence." height="450" id="48a0b0d5-d330-4b32-87fd-843b226847ef" src="https://images.axios.com/rOelxf-YatXqzrEb1lwLZs5ZZRk=/2026/04/16/1776299986527.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>I went to the Broad Street refill station after hours so I had to reach through a gate to access it. Still worked, though. Video: Sabrina Moreno/Axios</figcaption></figure>A local marketing agency just put up a free, filtered water refill station on Broad Street.Why it matters: Not everyone <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on social media" data-vars-click-url="https://bit.ly/4dQ4UfI" data-vars-content-id="075ee406-0596-485d-806d-28c3c5af9625" data-vars-headline="Free water refill station debuts in Richmond to mixed reaction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bit.ly/4dQ4UfI" target="_blank">on social media</a> is convinced, even in this heat.

There are 500 trout in Byrd Park waiting to be caught

Here's what to know about the spot state officials call "one of the best-kept secrets" for trout fishing.

State officials (and yours truly) delivered a fresh batch of about 500 rainbow and brown trout into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Byrd Park&#x27;s Shields Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/shields-lake/" data-vars-content-id="969c42ce-b7d1-470b-bf06-1723c1064fb3" data-vars-headline="There are 500 trout in Byrd Park waiting to be caught" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/shields-lake/" target="_blank">Byrd Park&#x27;s Shields Lake</a> on Monday.Why it matters: Trout stocking season in Richmond has begun.

New Virginia law requires water emergency alerts within 2 hours

It was partly prompted by Richmond's water crisis and goes into effect July 1.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Virginia law" data-vars-click-url="https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2749" data-vars-content-id="decf1381-d896-4543-8fbf-3e980b3225d3" data-vars-headline="New Virginia law requires water emergency alerts within 2 hours" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2749" target="_blank">new Virginia law</a> will require waterworks operators to tell state officials of severe water emergencies within two hours of finding the problem.Why it matters: The legislation was partly prompted by — you guessed it – the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="January crisis " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="decf1381-d896-4543-8fbf-3e980b3225d3" data-vars-headline="New Virginia law requires water emergency alerts within 2 hours" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">January crisis </a>that had hundreds of thousands of residents in the Richmond area without running water for days.

April Bingham breaks silence on Richmond water crisis

In an interview with WTVR, she said "You needed a scapegoat and April Bingham was it."

April Bingham, Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former public utilities director" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/15/richmond-department-utilities-director-resigns" data-vars-content-id="586f24ad-32c0-46c1-8899-047d938d2baa" data-vars-headline="April Bingham breaks silence on Richmond water crisis" 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/richmond-department-utilities-director-resigns" target="_self">former public utilities director</a>, sat down with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WTVR" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/tyler-layne-april-bingham-interview-march-19-2025" data-vars-content-id="586f24ad-32c0-46c1-8899-047d938d2baa" data-vars-headline="April Bingham breaks silence on Richmond water crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/tyler-layne-april-bingham-interview-march-19-2025" target="_blank">WTVR</a> to share her side of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the water crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="586f24ad-32c0-46c1-8899-047d938d2baa" data-vars-headline="April Bingham breaks silence on Richmond water crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">the water crisis</a> for the first time.The big picture: Her version of the events that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left residents without water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="586f24ad-32c0-46c1-8899-047d938d2baa" data-vars-headline="April Bingham breaks silence on Richmond water crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">left residents without water</a> for nearly three days, and ultimately led to her firing, can be summed up with one of her quotes: &quot;You needed a scapegoat, and April Bingham was it.&quot;

Stove explosion goes viral for creating Virginia-shaped shard

By Monday afternoon, the TikTok from Richmond resident Daisy Charette had over 3.3 million views.

When a Richmonder went to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boil the tap water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/11/richmond-henrico-lift-boil-water-advisory-ends" data-vars-content-id="580d953a-044e-4932-b535-a36d563af4be" data-vars-headline="Stove explosion goes viral for creating Virginia-shaped shard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/11/richmond-henrico-lift-boil-water-advisory-ends" target="_self">boil the tap water</a> last week, the electric stove blew up.Why it matters: One of the pieces shattered into a shard shaped like Virginia sans the Eastern Shore, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a TikTok" data-vars-click-url="https://bitly.cx/3xDD" data-vars-content-id="580d953a-044e-4932-b535-a36d563af4be" data-vars-headline="Stove explosion goes viral for creating Virginia-shaped shard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bitly.cx/3xDD" target="_blank">per a TikTok</a> — and people can&#x27;t get enough of it.