WHILE YOU WERE OUT
🗳️ Midterms are Nov. 3. Minnesota ballot guide · Get the free printable ballot cheat sheet → · Verified results by email at 6 AM Nov. 4
Briefings · Friday, October 23, 2026 · 🌙 6 AM
🌙 6 AM · While you slept

Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas indicted on federal racketeering and marijuana charges

Federal prosecutors charged Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, 82, a senior Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, and six others, including two of her daughters and a grandson. The indictment, made public Thursday, includes racketeering, marijuana distribution and money laundering charges; prosecutors allege a criminal enterprise tied to a medical marijuana dispensary business handled at least 100 kilograms of marijuana. The charges are allegations.

The day's 5 biggest stories, verified, free by email

▶ Watch the 90-second briefing (story 3 of 5) 🔔 Get 6 AM & 5 PM alerts

Why it matters

Lucas is the Virginia Senate's president pro tempore and chairs its Finance and Appropriations Committee, which handles the state budget. ABC News reports one of her daughters charged in the case is a candidate in the upcoming election. The charges are allegations, and Lucas has not been convicted.

How each side sees it

The Justice Department saysAttorney General Todd Blanche said, "We don't do political paybacks," that the investigation began before his tenure and before President Trump's reelection, and that prosecutors are guided by the facts and evidence a grand jury relied on.
Lucas saysLucas called the case politically motivated and wrote on X, "I will not be intimidated. I will not be bullied. And I will not back down." Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell said she is innocent until proven guilty.

Sources

Checked against 3 established news sources:

Also in this edition

Published Friday, October 23, 2026. Spot an error? Email [email protected]. See our corrections log and standards.

Free · twice a day

Get the catch-up in your inbox

The same fact-checked briefing, sources included, at 6 AM and 5 PM Central. No spin, no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

We only use your email to send the briefing.