Pushback Against Data Centers

Democrat Rep. Suhas Subramanyam hosted a town hall meeting to discuss Virginia’s expanding number of data centers. The congressman said that construction of the centers is expected to boost electricity bills, and one constituent asked, “Why don’t we end the tax breaks on data centers in Virginia?“

Legislators in Richmond are considering several bills that would limit where data centers could operate.

Senate Bill 552 would require the state government to ensure that data centers comply with restrictions on noise, light pollution, water usage, and other factors. Senate Bill 94 would restrict future building to industrial-zoned areas.

One developer withdrew plans for a 400-acre data center project in Hanover County, near the border with Henrico and Goochland Counties. The complex was projected to house 10 buildings. It was shelved last week after it drew strong opposition from residents in all three counties.

Judge Upholds $10 Million Verdict

A judge in Newport News denied three motions to dismiss last year’s jury verdict that awarded Abby Zwerner $10 million. Zwerner is a former first-grade teacher who was shot in her classroom in 2023 by a student who had carried a gun into school.

In November, a jury found the school’s former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, guilty of gross negligence. Her lawyer argued, “The job of a first-grade teacher does carry the risk of being attacked by a young student,” but the judge dismissed that.

With the case closed, “the City of Newport News must now do the right thing and take care of Abby,” her lawyers said in a statement. Parker faces trial on eight criminal charges related to the case.

Buddhist Monks Walk Through Richmond

A group of about 20 Buddhist monks who are walking from Texas to Washington, D.C., to promote peace spent the 100th day of their journey yesterday in Richmond. They were welcomed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Richmond Mayor Danny Avula.

The monks invited citizens to walk a short way with them, then hosted a Peace Rally at City Hall before walking to a location in Henrico County to spend the night. They plan to visit Ashland today and stop at Randolph-Macon College.

The monks hope to ask federal lawmakers to recognize Vesak, the day of the full moon in May, as a federal holiday.

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➤ Lynchburg: More than 1,000 Appalachian Power customers woke up without electricity yesterday after a driver crashed into a power pole and knocked out service lines. The driver fled the scene on foot, was apprehended, and was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries. (Details)

➤ Spotsylvania County: A box truck crashed after a sheet of ice from another vehicle flew off and smashed through its windshield. “Unsecured snow and ice can become extremely hazardous to other drivers,” the state police reminded motorists. (Photos)

➤ Statewide: Federal weather forecasters warned that drought conditions in parts of the Commonwealth may last through April. Recent bouts of frozen precipitation will boost groundwater supplies as the ice melts, but will not be enough to make up for recent dry months. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: Dominion Energy estimated that the price tag for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will increase by $300 million because of a three-week work suspension imposed by the federal government just before Christmas. The project is now expected to be finished by early next year. (More)

➤ Richmond: The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority is upgrading its electronic tolling infrastructure. It will soon be impossible for drivers to pay tolls with cash. (Details)

➤ Statewide: Artists from the Commonwealth cleaned up at the annual Grammy Awards this week. Among the winners were Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, Richmond native Madd Skillz, and rappers Pusha T and Malice. (More)

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➤ Several Virginians are getting ready for the Winter Olympics, which begin this week in Italy. They include figure skater Ilia Malinin, skeleton racer Mystique Ro, and speedskater Brandon Kim. (Details)

➤ Virginians placed a total of $710.9 million in sports bets during December, which generated $11.9 million in tax revenue. (More)

➤ UVA men’s basketball dropped one spot to No. 18 in the latest AP Poll. The Cavaliers host Pitt tonight. (Preview)

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer | H.S. Boys Basketball | H.S. Girls Basketball

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➤ Average gas prices dipped by 1.9 cents over the previous week. The tracking site GasBuddy reported a price of $2.86 per gallon yesterday, 16.7 cents more than last month and 16.4 cents less year-over-year. (Details)

➤ NAIOP, a trade association focused on the commercial real estate industry, will rebrand itself as CREDA (Commercial Real Estate Development Association) this summer. It will remain based in Herndon. (More)

➤ The Loudon Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual Community Leadership Awards last week and welcomed its new chair, Chauvon McFadden. (Details)

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➤ Ashland welcomed its first dog mayor, Wilbur, who is expected to “always be a good boy” during his tenure. The golden retriever’s owner is Michael Hill, president of Randolph-Macon College. (Details)

➤ Fairfax County Fire and Rescue urged residents to adopt a fire hydrant and shovel it out when there is snow. More than 840 hydrants have been claimed so far. (More)

➤ Rivergate City Park in Alexandria will be the site of a memorial for the 67 people who died last year in a collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport. (Details)

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Have you ever shoveled out a fire hydrant?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Last week!

Monday’s Results:

Have you ever seen a kangaroo in person? 

1. In a zoo: 36%
2. No: 26%
3. In the wild: 20%
4. In Nelson County: 18%

Which county bills itself as the Moonshine Capital of the World?

Show me the answer