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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.

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 to end Flock contract over privacy concerns

The county's reversal comes less than three months after it agreed to another year with the surveillance company.

Henrico is cutting ties with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/09/richmond-flock-cameras-contracts-goochland" data-vars-content-id="f9286bac-bbfb-4128-a7e8-70246496c6f3" data-vars-headline="Henrico to end Flock contract over privacy concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/09/richmond-flock-cameras-contracts-goochland" target="_self">Flock</a> and its 122 license plate readers, reversing course less than three months after agreeing to another year with the controversial surveillance company.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the region&#x27;s largest locality yet to abandon Flock, and the decision comes days after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chesterfield Police employee was charged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/ccpdva/posts/news-release-police-department-employee-arrestedchesterfield-va-on-august-27-202/1419416950382513/" data-vars-content-id="f9286bac-bbfb-4128-a7e8-70246496c6f3" data-vars-headline="Henrico to end Flock contract over privacy concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/ccpdva/posts/news-release-police-department-employee-arrestedchesterfield-va-on-august-27-202/1419416950382513/" target="_blank">Chesterfield Police employee was charged</a> with illegally using the system and other police databases.

Virginia is de-Flocking. Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield aren't 

At least 20 Virginia localities have pulled away from Flock since July. Richmond's biggest localties aren't among them.

One Richmond-area locality has ditched Flock&#x27;s controversial license plate readers, but its biggest neighbors aren&#x27;t following — at least not yet.Why it matters: Hundreds of Flock cameras remain active across the region as mounting privacy and surveillance concerns push lawmakers from both parties to consider banning the technology.

Richmond's $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras

The new safety push focuses on businesses in 13 areas, offering thousands of dollars to install security cameras.

Richmond is setting aside $100,000 to help businesses install security cameras that connect to police systems.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of the city&#x27;s response to the February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass shooting in Shockoe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/24/shockoe-bottom-richmond-mass-shooting-history-floodwall-nightlife-crime-trends" data-vars-content-id="c4beaf19-3fc1-4609-8d82-01899ccada18" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/24/shockoe-bottom-richmond-mass-shooting-history-floodwall-nightlife-crime-trends" target="_self">mass shooting in Shockoe</a>, but it comes as some residents push back on Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="use of surveillance tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/26/richmond-flock-license-plate-readers-debate" data-vars-content-id="c4beaf19-3fc1-4609-8d82-01899ccada18" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/26/richmond-flock-license-plate-readers-debate" target="_self">use of surveillance tools</a>.

Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight

The proposal would require permits and routine checks as officials try to close enforcement gaps.

Business

Legislation headed to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would give officials more tools to crack down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vape shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/08/richmond-vape-shop-raids-armed-robberies" data-vars-content-id="533b0501-4b72-416c-bd45-7ea13e23c95b" data-vars-headline="Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/08/richmond-vape-shop-raids-armed-robberies" target="_self">vape shops</a>, the state attorney general said this week.Why it matters: These shops have proliferated across the state, and some are selling illegal vape products, including to children.

Richmond police defend Flock cameras as backlash grows

Local activists want the city to end its contract with Flock Safety. Police say the cameras help solve crimes.

Richmond has become the latest flashpoint in the nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backlash against surveillance technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" data-vars-content-id="211a392c-1785-43dd-8761-18efe534f754" data-vars-headline="Richmond police defend Flock cameras as backlash grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" target="_self">backlash against surveillance technology</a> as local activists urge the city to end its contract with Flock Safety.Why it matters: That doesn&#x27;t seem likely.

Why no one has been charged after six pedestrian deaths in Richmond

The investigations into all six recent pedestrian deaths are ongoing, Police Chief Rick Edwards said Thursday.

The investigations into all six recent pedestrian deaths are ongoing, Police Chief Rick Edwards said Thursday.Why it matters: As the city emphasizes prevention, public frustration is mounting over the lack of charges.

Richmond vape shops caught between police raids and armed robberies

It's happening as police crack down on alleged illegal weed sales.

Richmond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vape shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/28/teen-weed-vaping-schools-virginia" data-vars-content-id="697f6a38-9a43-4bf2-815f-ac9a7d543c16" data-vars-headline="Richmond vape shops caught between police raids and armed robberies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/04/28/teen-weed-vaping-schools-virginia" target="_self">vape shops</a> are becoming hot spots for crime, Police Chief Rick Edwards warned on Wednesday.Why it matters: The same alleged illegal weed sales drawing police raids are also making vape shops prime targets for &quot;takeover-style&quot; armed robberies, Edwards says.

Richmond police ban feds from tracking immigrants' license plate data

It's part of a larger issue statewide, where advocates worry about how Flock Safety cameras are being used.

A federal agency was using Richmond&#x27;s license plate reader system for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/05/virginia-immigration-enforcement-ice-deportations" data-vars-content-id="008920c1-a972-42a0-8c6c-3fd95c517e51" data-vars-headline="Richmond police ban feds from tracking immigrants&#x27; license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/06/05/virginia-immigration-enforcement-ice-deportations" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a>, the city&#x27;s police department <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://richmondvapolice.blogspot.com/2025/07/atf-access-to-rpd-license-plate-readers.html" data-vars-content-id="008920c1-a972-42a0-8c6c-3fd95c517e51" data-vars-headline="Richmond police ban feds from tracking immigrants&#x27; license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://richmondvapolice.blogspot.com/2025/07/atf-access-to-rpd-license-plate-readers.html" target="_blank">announced this week</a>.Why it matters: RPD has permanently blocked all federal agencies from being able to do so, saying the action violates department policy.

Why Virginia's only youth prison is under state investigation

The Bon Air facility has faced scrutiny after multiple fires set by youth and assault allegations.

Virginia&#x27;s only youth prison is once again under investigation.The big picture: Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center, located in Chesterfield, has been the subject of mounting scrutiny among lawmakers, advocates and families over conditions that a former employee has described as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;completely inhumane.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/reports-bon-air-youth-facility-oct-22-2024#:~:text=Similar%20concerns%20were%20highlighted%20in,and%20March%20of%20this%20year" data-vars-content-id="29c3d2ab-1ffc-463c-905e-fbde643dcd52" data-vars-headline="Why Virginia&#x27;s only youth prison is under state investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/reports-bon-air-youth-facility-oct-22-2024#:~:text=Similar%20concerns%20were%20highlighted%20in,and%20March%20of%20this%20year" target="_blank">&quot;completely inhumane.&quot;</a>

Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage

There's been a focus on air control staffing after multiple recent plane crashes.

Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/06/international-flights-richmond-summer" data-vars-content-id="094b86a4-51ee-428c-8e63-7171e7e7a058" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/06/international-flights-richmond-summer" target="_self">airport</a> has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country for air traffic controllers, per recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Aviation Administration data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" data-vars-content-id="094b86a4-51ee-428c-8e63-7171e7e7a058" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" target="_self">Federal Aviation Administration data</a>.Why it matters: There&#x27;s been a heightened focus on tower staffing after back-to-back plane crashes in recent weeks — the latest being a Delta plane <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flipping upside down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/delta-flight-crash-toronto-airport" data-vars-content-id="094b86a4-51ee-428c-8e63-7171e7e7a058" data-vars-headline="Richmond airport defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/17/delta-flight-crash-toronto-airport" target="_self">flipping upside down</a> on Monday while landing.

Public Safety

Henrico to end Flock contract over privacy concerns

Virginia is de-Flocking. Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield aren't

Richmond's $100K plan to add police-linked business cameras

Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight

Richmond police defend Flock cameras as backlash grows