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Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3

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

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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.

VMFA makes historic restitution of enslaved artist's work

The deal marks the first time VMFA has recognized an enslaved artist's heirs as a work's owners.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia Museum of Fine Arts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/22/vmfa-s-next-chapter" data-vars-content-id="44a0107e-fc76-4478-98f7-cd99c73d6448" data-vars-headline="VMFA makes historic restitution of enslaved artist&#x27;s work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/22/vmfa-s-next-chapter" target="_self">Virginia Museum of Fine Arts</a> restored ownership of a stoneware jug in its collection to the descendants of the enslaved artist who created it nearly 200 years ago, the museum <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vmfa.museum/press/vmfa-restores-ownership-of-work-by-enslaved-artist-david-drake" data-vars-content-id="44a0107e-fc76-4478-98f7-cd99c73d6448" data-vars-headline="VMFA makes historic restitution of enslaved artist&#x27;s work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vmfa.museum/press/vmfa-restores-ownership-of-work-by-enslaved-artist-david-drake" target="_blank">announced</a> this week. Why it matters: David Drake couldn&#x27;t own or profit from the pottery he created while enslaved. Nearly two centuries later, VMFA is recognizing his descendants as the jug&#x27;s rightful owners — and paying them to reacquire it.

Report: Hundreds of homeless Richmond-area students live in hotels

Nearly 1 in 3 local students experiencing homelessness were living in hotels or motels in 2022-23.

Hotels have become an increasingly common last resort for Richmond-area families experiencing homelessness, according to a new report from Henrico-based advocacy group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Families First" data-vars-click-url="https://housingfamiliesfirst.org/" data-vars-content-id="d13f735d-b948-4bab-b7e0-412c64d50dfa" data-vars-headline="Report: Hundreds of homeless Richmond-area students live in hotels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://housingfamiliesfirst.org/" target="_blank">Housing Families First</a>.Why it matters: Hotels are increasingly filling the gap for local families who may be able to afford monthly rent but can&#x27;t overcome the barriers to securing long-term housing.

Henrico takes first crack at RVA's recreational weed rules

Henrico's first zoning proposal offers an early look at how local governments may shape the new market.

Henrico is laying out rules for where recreational marijuana businesses can operate ahead of next year&#x27;s launch of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia&#x27;s retail market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-marijuana-dispensaries-licenses-delivery-rules" data-vars-content-id="26594ed2-3206-4321-bbba-0f6d55bb14f5" data-vars-headline="Henrico takes first crack at RVA&#x27;s recreational weed rules" 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">Virginia&#x27;s retail market</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first RVA locality to release publicly plans for how it could regulate the coming market within its borders.

Richmond weighs hiring freeze as $17M budget deficit looms

Mayor Avula still wants to cut taxes, but a new financial forecast could complicate those plans.

Richmond is considering a temporary hiring freeze as slowing revenue growth threatens to push City Hall into the red and complicate Mayor Avula&#x27;s plans to cut taxes next year.Why it matters: City leaders are heading into the next budget cycle with less financial breathing room, potentially forcing tougher choices on taxes, employee raises and services.

Richmond solar deal collapses as new investigation opens

Council didn't have the votes to bring it back. Then another problem emerged.

Mayor Avula formally pulled the plug on Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="embattled solar deal " data-vars-click-url="https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-solar-energy-proposal-fails-to-pass-as-council-meeting-turns-chaotic/" data-vars-content-id="518d7c6a-4707-403a-a81d-5dff24236372" data-vars-headline="Richmond solar deal collapses as new investigation opens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-solar-energy-proposal-fails-to-pass-as-council-meeting-turns-chaotic/" target="_blank">embattled solar deal </a>Friday night after learning of a potential relationship inside a city department that he said could jeopardize the legitimacy of the project.Why it matters: The revelation came after a last-ditch effort to revive part of the 25-year deal had already failed. Now the scrutiny is only growing, with a new City Hall review on top of the inspector general&#x27;s probe.

Virginia moves to give communities more say on data centers

Spanberger's plan targets secret deals and would require local approval for the biggest projects.

Gov. Spanberger&#x27;s sweeping new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/03/watchdog-report-virginia-data-centers-incentive-funds-2015-2024" data-vars-content-id="310dfc7d-a901-4b8c-b335-3014eaeab190" data-vars-headline="Virginia moves to give communities more say on data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/12/03/watchdog-report-virginia-data-centers-incentive-funds-2015-2024" target="_self">data center</a> restrictions could reshape where facilities are built, what developers pay and how much say communities get. Why it matters: The plan significantly expands Virginia&#x27;s efforts to manage the growth of the power-hungry facilities in the nation&#x27;s data center capital.

Virginia early voting starts Sept. 18: What's on the ballot

Among the major decisions: the future of abortion rights and marriage equality.

Early voting starts Friday in Virginia for an election that could reshape the state constitution on abortion, marriage equality and voting rights — and help determine control of the House.The big picture: On Nov. 3, voters will decide three constitutional amendments and pick members of Congress while Richmond and Chesterfield voters weigh new taxes for school construction.

Virginia unveils draft rules for recreational marijuana sales

The draft sets limits on stores, purchases and delivery ahead of Virginia's July 1 retail launch.

Virginia finally has a draft rulebook for legal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recreational weed sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/29/virginia-recreational-marijuana-sales-july-2027-tax" data-vars-content-id="9b0def8f-716f-4470-9bb5-17609ad4adba" data-vars-headline="Virginia unveils draft rules for recreational marijuana sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/29/virginia-recreational-marijuana-sales-july-2027-tax" target="_self">recreational weed sales</a>. Why it matters: The rules will shape where Virginians can buy recreational marijuana, who gets to sell it, and what the state&#x27;s new market will look like when sales begin in less than 10 months.

DACA renewal delays raise deportation risks for Virginians

For some, the months-long delays can mean losing the ability to legally work and drive.

Virginia DACA recipients are facing months-long renewal delays that are causing their work permits and deportation protections to expire while they await approval, Richmond-area immigration attorneys tell Axios.Why it matters: The delays can jeopardize the jobs, financial stability and health insurance of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thousands of Virginians " data-vars-click-url="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data-tool/daca-recipients-eligible-population-state" data-vars-content-id="7b299883-d6d3-462b-beca-15fb35652414" data-vars-headline="DACA renewal delays raise deportation risks for Virginians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data-tool/daca-recipients-eligible-population-state" target="_blank">thousands of Virginians </a>who&#x27;ve built careers and families here.

Virginia's data center backlash spills into midterms — and 2027

From Richmond to the U.S. Senate race, data centers are becoming an election issue.

Virginia&#x27;s growing data center skepticism is spilling onto the campaign trail, pushing candidates in both parties to address an industry the state spent years courting.Why it matters: Concerns over electric bills, development and taxpayer subsidies are cutting across traditional partisan lines, even among Richmond-area lawmakers who aren&#x27;t up for election until next year.

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.

Politics 🇺🇸

Richmond weighs hiring freeze as $17M budget deficit looms

Henrico takes first crack at RVA's recreational weed rules

Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3

Richmond solar deal collapses as new investigation opens

Virginia moves to give communities more say on data centers