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Hanover animal shelter takes on data center developer

The shelter says nearby data center construction is frightening rescue dogs. Another project could bring more noise.

News

Hanover&#x27;s latest development fight has an unlikely opponent: a shelter full of rescue dogs.Why it matters: The Humane Society says construction of a neighboring data center is already frightening its animals. Now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it fears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0fSW1kXUMEiW2VrUcJLQ5akTfEHgHAaCP56hJTPDHHVQ5UdfDjBCxymT5dfcWWmDpl&amp;id=100044439789262" data-vars-content-id="1aaa39cb-84c3-46ac-af78-68c2ee867444" data-vars-headline="Hanover animal shelter takes on data center developer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0fSW1kXUMEiW2VrUcJLQ5akTfEHgHAaCP56hJTPDHHVQ5UdfDjBCxymT5dfcWWmDpl&amp;id=100044439789262" target="_blank">it fears</a> two proposed warehouses could bring even more noise and truck traffic to its doorstep.

Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal

Hardywood's Starr Hill acquisition gives the combined company nine taprooms across Virginia.

Richmond&#x27;s own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hardywood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/29/hardywood-low-cal-beer-james-river-richmond" data-vars-content-id="261ed640-e9ae-4b95-af9d-edbb50a3e8ef" data-vars-headline="Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/29/hardywood-low-cal-beer-james-river-richmond" target="_self">Hardywood</a> Park Craft Brewery just acquired Starr Hill, bringing Virginia&#x27;s two largest craft brewers under one company.Why it matters: Hardywood is becoming an even bigger force in Virginia&#x27;s craft beer industry, just months after it took over some production for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legend Brewing Co" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/25/richmond-breweries-legend-hardywood-partnership" data-vars-content-id="261ed640-e9ae-4b95-af9d-edbb50a3e8ef" data-vars-headline="Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/25/richmond-breweries-legend-hardywood-partnership" target="_self">Legend Brewing Co</a>.

Hanover's first farm tour stars Highland cows and alpacas

It's a rare chance to meet the animals, farmers and local growers behind the county's agricultural scene.

Culture

Hanover County is throwing its first-ever farm-hopping party on Saturday, with Highland cows, alpacas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11 farms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hanoverfarmtour.com/meet-the-farms" data-vars-content-id="b5d76c27-e104-4cae-af57-3e4fe371ed6e" data-vars-headline="Hanover&#x27;s first farm tour stars Highland cows and alpacas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hanoverfarmtour.com/meet-the-farms" target="_blank">11 farms</a> opening their gates to visitors.Why it matters: Some have never opened to the public, making this a rare chance to meet the animals, farmers and local growers behind the county&#x27;s agricultural scene.

Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3

Hundreds of registrations were wrongly denied or canceled, and it's unclear whether that impacted voting.

Virginians are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deciding whether to overhaul felony voting rights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" data-vars-content-id="6a14108b-0934-45c4-9fbb-042894a7a336" data-vars-headline="Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3" 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-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" target="_self">deciding whether to overhaul felony voting rights</a> as the state cleans up hundreds of voter registrations wrongly denied or canceled over felony records — including dozens in the Richmond area.Why it matters: It&#x27;s still unclear how many eligible voters couldn&#x27;t cast ballots in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia&#x27;s August primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/03/virginia-primary-election-guide-whats-next-voters" data-vars-content-id="6a14108b-0934-45c4-9fbb-042894a7a336" data-vars-headline="Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/03/virginia-primary-election-guide-whats-next-voters" target="_self">Virginia&#x27;s August primary</a> because of the errors, or whether any have encountered problems during early voting.

Chesterfield's West Ridge High redistricting maps explained

Up to 1,850 students from areas zoned for Cosby and Midlothian High could be reassigned to the new high school.

Chesterfield&#x27;s newest high school could be nearly 80% full within five years — or more than 90% — depending on where the county draws its boundaries and how housing growth plays out.Why it matters: Redistricting has become a recurring headache <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Richmond&#x27;s suburbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/11/henrico-redistricting-vote-smaller-school-boundary-plan" data-vars-content-id="d1846b8c-9232-4609-afca-ac6949efbd51" data-vars-headline="Chesterfield&#x27;s West Ridge High redistricting maps explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/11/henrico-redistricting-vote-smaller-school-boundary-plan" target="_self">in Richmond&#x27;s suburbs</a> as districts try to relieve overcrowding without filling new schools so quickly that they&#x27;re back where they started.

New visa rules loom as Virginia loses international students

The Sept. 15 change arrives as lawmakers study what falling enrollment could mean for Virginia's economy and workforce.

International students at Virginia colleges face new federal restrictions starting Sept. 15, as the state grapples with a sharp drop in international enrollment.Why it matters: International students bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuition revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/22/international-students-virginia-economic-impact-807m" data-vars-content-id="fdb055d9-6f8a-4462-afa1-9234615b6011" data-vars-headline="New visa rules loom as Virginia loses international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/22/international-students-virginia-economic-impact-807m" target="_self">tuition revenue</a> and research talent to Virginia universities — and lawmakers are studying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="what their declining numbers could mean" data-vars-click-url="https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2026/1/SB30/Introduced/CA/133/1s/" data-vars-content-id="fdb055d9-6f8a-4462-afa1-9234615b6011" data-vars-headline="New visa rules loom as Virginia loses international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2026/1/SB30/Introduced/CA/133/1s/" target="_blank">what their declining numbers could mean</a> for colleges, the workforce and the state&#x27;s economy.

Trump's higher ed crackdown expands at Virginia universities

The latest actions target Virginia Tech's foreign ties and William & Mary's scholarships.

Virginia universities are starting another school year under mounting federal pressure from the Trump administration.Why it matters: What began as funding threats and a DEI crackdown has expanded to broader scrutiny of universities&#x27; hiring, scholarships, research and foreign partnerships, reports <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Avery Lotz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" data-vars-content-id="e80f41cd-4276-436e-bffe-fc7d9294d3c8" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s higher ed crackdown expands at Virginia universities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Avery Lotz</a>.

Richmond-area schools cut screen time for younger kids

Parent pressure helped spur new limits on laptops, digital homework and classroom device use.

Some Richmond-area elementary students will spend significantly less time on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school-issued screens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/no-screen-school-technology-parents-ai?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="7d96dc13-a2c9-4287-a2c3-7379433a7a03" data-vars-headline="Richmond-area schools cut screen time for younger kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/no-screen-school-technology-parents-ai?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">school-issued screens</a> this year.Why it matters: After years of debate over in-school phone use, local districts — pushed in part by parents — are turning their attention to school-issued laptops and screen-heavy instruction.

Parents question VSU security after 5 people shot on campus

Families want answers about who can access VSU's campus and what changes are coming to prevent future shootings.

Parents and students are pressing Virginia State University for tighter security after five people were shot on campus early Saturday, just before the first day of classes.Why it matters: It was unclear whether VSU is planning any changes.

Richmond and Chesterfield tie tax cuts to new sales tax vote

If approved by voters in November, the tax would fund school construction.

Richmond looks likely to join Chesterfield in asking voters this November to approve a new 1% sales tax for school construction.Why it matters: If the referendum passes, Mayor Avula said he&#x27;ll seek cuts to the city&#x27;s meals and real estate taxes to offset the increase.

Virginia explores 3-year bachelor's degrees

The 90-credit programs could lower tuition and move graduates into the workforce sooner.

Virginia <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/29/what-to-know-before-starting-college-richmond" data-vars-content-id="dbbca08e-b37c-49ae-94ca-356fb6ccc6a5" data-vars-headline="Virginia explores 3-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/29/what-to-know-before-starting-college-richmond" target="_self">higher education</a> leaders are exploring a three-year bachelor&#x27;s degree, joining a growing national push to shorten college.Why it matters: Students could enter the workforce a year sooner while potentially saving thousands in tuition and living expenses.

Avula wants to use all $4.8M for RPS budget gap

But it still leaves a $4-million gap, and state aid is not coming.

Education

The Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority said yes to fast-tracking $4.8 million in hotel and short-term rental tax revenue to Richmond.Why it matters: The money could arrive as early as late July or August, and Mayor Avula wants to use it all to help plug <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Public Schools&#x27; budget hole" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/09/rps-state-budget-cuts-mayor-avula" data-vars-content-id="4e943294-0b9e-4352-a10b-32f5cb407f38" data-vars-headline="Avula wants to use all $4.8M for RPS budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/09/rps-state-budget-cuts-mayor-avula" target="_self">Richmond Public Schools&#x27; budget hole</a>.

RPS puts $8.9M budget crisis in Mayor Avula's hands

The school board is asking for help after an unexpected state funding gap left them weighing steep classroom cuts.

Richmond Public Schools is looking to City Hall for a financial lifeline after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delayed state budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/23/data-center-tax-compromise-richmond-budget-wins" data-vars-content-id="29f0bf0b-5636-45aa-bee8-df8d9beec651" data-vars-headline="RPS puts $8.9M budget crisis in Mayor Avula&#x27;s hands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/23/data-center-tax-compromise-richmond-budget-wins" target="_self">delayed state budget</a> left the district with an unexpected $8.9 million shortfall. Why it matters: The city&#x27;s next move could determine whether Richmond students see larger class sizes and fewer mental health supports this fall.

Richmond's school lottery is getting more competitive

Richmond Public Schools received nearly 3,450 applications for 766 open seats in the upcoming school year.

Richmond parents are facing longer odds of landing a spot at the district&#x27;s most sought-after schools.Why it matters: Applications for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Richmond Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/15/richmond-schools-academic-recovery-report-covid" data-vars-content-id="e6a0ea51-359f-484c-89d9-9a3959cc15dd" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s school lottery is getting more competitive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/15/richmond-schools-academic-recovery-report-covid" target="_self">Richmond Public Schools</a>&#x27; open-enrollment lottery have surged in recent years, while the number of available seats has hardly changed — making it harder for families to get into their preferred schools.

A column chart that shows new international student enrollments at U.S. colleges by school year from 2015 to 2025. Enrollments fell from 301 thousand in 2015 to 146 thousand in 2020, rebounded to 299 thousand in 2023, then declined to an estimated 230 thousand in 2025.

Education 📚

Chesterfield's West Ridge High redistricting maps explained

New visa rules loom as Virginia loses international students

Trump's higher ed crackdown expands at Virginia universities

Richmond-area schools cut screen time for younger kids

Parents question VSU security after 5 people shot on campus