On Tuesday afternoon, I gave our ancient miniature poodle his annual summertime shear. We adopted Cotton eight years ago for a grand total of $10. At the time, shelter workers assumed he was around 8 years old. We figure he was closer to 12. We’ll split the difference at 10. So nowadays, Cotton’s at least 16, probably 20, but 18’s fair enough. 

There are a few things to know about Cotton beyond his longevity. He’s deaf. He’s blind. And he. hates. haircuts. A few weeks after he came home with us, we booked an appointment with a local groomer. Cotton came out looking more like a rat than a dog, and we were charged triple the quoted price. We asked the groomer if Cotton liked the experience. She looked at us, her expression flat, and said, “He hated every part of it.”

In hindsight, I do wish we had researched the groomer a little more—we later learned that she’d only started about six weeks prior. In an attempt to save y’all from a similar situation, we’re highlighting reader-recommended pet spas in today’s lead story. I even asked Cotton for his mark of approval, and he coughed. I think that means we’re clear in Grumpy Old Dog language, and I’m so glad you’re here.

We’re running our summer supporter drive through June 30, and we need your help to keep reporting the local stories that matter most to Virginia.

We have just 5 days to go, and we’re not yet halfway to our goal.

If 17 Virginians donate $17, we’ll cross the finish line today.

Will you donate today to support the Dogwood? Any amount helps us continue delivering trusted, community-focused journalism.

By Michael O’Connor

The Virginia General Assembly passed a two-year budget on Monday that keeps intact a tax break that saved data center companies $1.6 billion in 2025, in a compromise deal that will also add a new tax on energy used by data centers. 

Senate Democrats led by State Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) had tried to end that tax break before its scheduled end in 2035. Democrats in the House of Delegates and Gov. Abigail Spanberger supported keeping the tax break in place to protect Virginia’s business reputation.

While the controversial tax break would remain, the budget proposal would establish a new tax on how much energy data centers consume that’s expected to raise $1.2 billion over the next two fiscal years. 

By Amie Knowles

I kept eyeing the pop-up tent. A watercolor artist had her paintings on display, as well as blank pieces of paper and paper with pre-drawn templates. By the paper, an assortment of pencils, erasers, paintbrushes, and watercolors waited for the next would-be artist to arrive. For $10, you could get instruction from the artist to help paint your own masterpiece.

I asked her if I had to be any good at painting to request her advice. “No, you just have to have fun.” Great, a qualifier I could manage. I handed her $10 and we talked concepts and composition. I sketched out a horse by a stream and my little family fishing on the bank. She taught me to wet the portion I wanted to paint before ever applying color. It was neat to watch the paint take hold of the area as soon as it touched the water I’d applied. 

Granted, I’d promised to meet a friend before I could finish the mountains, paint the horse, or fill in my family. So, like most art projects I start, this one remains unfinished for the time being. But taking a little time to sit beneath the Natural Chimneys listening to great live music and trying something new? That was well worth the $10. Besides, she was right. I had fun. 

By Dorothy Scott

A few weeks ago, we featured a couple of Pharrell Williams’ favorite places to eat when he visits his hometown area. Did you know that another one of those spots is Commune in Virginia Beach? 

It’s a bridge between high-brow fine dining and fast-casual experiences, allowing guests the chance to taste colorful and carefully crafted dishes prepared with high-quality and local ingredients. This restaurant’s menus include everything from homemade fruit fritters to a pulled-pork hash, cornmeal waffles, and chicken sandos.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Stacy Rounds, Michael O’Connor, and Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.