Data Centers Spur Resistance

Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission reported that more than half of the $5.2 billion the state has granted in economic development incentives over the past decade was used to encourage the building of data centers. Such incentives saved those companies $2.7 billion in state taxes.

Some residents, though, are resisting the facilities. The Campbell County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 this week to pass an emergency measure that compels developers to apply for a special use permit before constructing a data center.

Residents in Botetourt County expressed concerns about the potential water use and noise issues associated with a project proposed by Google in their area.

Hundreds of residents in Hanover, Henrico, and Goochland counties have spoken out against the proposed Hunting Hawk Technology Center, which is scheduled to get a hearing next month at Hanover’s Planning Commission.

“Data centers right now are more than 80 percent of the capital investment in Virginia,” Democratic state Senator Creigh Deeds said. “We just have to make sure that they pay their way.”

A Cannabis Plan Takes Shape

A bipartisan legislative panel will recommend that lawmakers legalize the sale of cannabis throughout Virginia next year. Under this proposal, county and local governments would not be permitted to ban sales within their jurisdictions.

Retail cannabis stores would be required to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals, playgrounds, and drug treatment facilities under the proposal, which will be considered when the new legislative session starts next month.

“Governor-elect Spanberger has stated that she supports an adult retail cannabis market,” Sen. Aaron Rouse, a Democrat from Virginia Beach, said. “It is something that will bode well for our commonwealth.”

Under current law, it is legal to possess and to grow marijuana in the Commonwealth, but not to sell it.

High School Football Playoffs

The state high school football semifinals kick off tomorrow. With six classes statewide, 12 games will be played this weekend. 

Notable games include the first semifinal of the day in Class 6, a rematch of last year’s final, with the 2024 champion Oscar Smith visiting James Madison in Vienna.

Other key games include No. 3 Maury hosting No. 7 Stone Bridge in a Class 5 game, and Poquoson visiting Strasburg in Class 2.

Tomorrow’s winners advance to the six championship games next week.

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➤ Washington, D.C.: The FBI arrested Brian Cole of Woodbridge in connection with the pipe bombs placed near the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021. “There could be more charges to come,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said. (More)

➤ Alexandria: Authorities charged two brothers, Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, with conspiring to destroy almost 100 federal databases. The men, both 34, allegedly deleted information after they were fired by a U.S. government contractor earlier this year. (Details)

➤ Statewide: A baby in Virginia was among 39 children nationwide sickened by botulism after being fed ByHeart baby formula. Parents should return or destroy this formula if they still have it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not specify where the baby lived or the child’s age. (More)

➤ Richmond: The special election to replace state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi in District 15 is scheduled for Jan. 6. Hashmi will be sworn in as lieutenant governor on Jan. 17. (Details)

➤ Hanover County joined Chesterfield and Henrico to become the third county in the Commonwealth to earn a quad-AAA bond rating from major credit agencies. This will reduce borrowing costs for government projects. (More)

➤ Wise County: Union High School football players said they are focusing on their playoff game this weekend, even as state and federal officers search for their missing head coach. Travis Turner disappeared into the woods on Nov. 20 as authorities prepared to charge him with 10 counts relating to child exploitation. (Details)

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➤ James Madison hosts Troy tonight in the Sun Belt Conference football championship. The No. 19-ranked Dukes may qualify for the College Football Playoff with a win. (Preview)

➤ The Washington Capitals ride a six-game winning streak into tonight’s matchup with the Ducks in Anaheim. (Preview)

➤ Washington and Lee’s soccer and lacrosse field is the best natural grass field in the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Sports Field Management Association. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer | PGA

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➤ The property market in parts of Virginia is predicted to see more inventory next year, according to a report from Bright MLS. It calls 2026 a “transition year” for the real estate industry. (Details)

➤ Economic development leaders in the Charlottesville area want the Virginia Tourism Corporation to separate their region from the Richmond area into a new designation, to be called Virginia’s Piedmont. (More)

➤ The Appalachian Power Foundation provided a $35,000 grant to allow Tazewell County to upgrade its ambulance fleet with vital-sign monitoring and communications equipment. (Details)

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➤ The annual Richmond Winter Market is underway, featuring creations from 200 local artists. It runs until Dec. 23. (Details)

➤ The Growth and Opportunity Fund’s Region 6 Council awarded Westmoreland County a $100,000 grant to fund a survey of developable commercial sites. (Details)

➤ Three members of Virginia’s congressional delegation proposed a measure to rename a postal facility in Fairfax County for the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who died in office this year. (More)

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Will you send Christmas cards this year?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Already did

Thursday’s Results:

Do you expect to spend more or less this holiday season than last year? 

1. About the same: 38%
2. Less: 33%
3. More: 29%

What year was the first data center in Virginia built?

Show me the answer