Our Power-Hungry Data Centers

Virginia hosts some 245 data centers, and more are on the drawing board.

The proliferation of these centers over the decades has allowed internet users to access data and services almost instantly, but they also require plenty of electricity. A recent study showed they use more than a quarter of Virginia’s electricity output, more than in any other state.

That need for power may soon appear in everyone’s electric bill; a recent study shows bills may increase more than 25% over the next decade.

The state is also monitoring pollution from data centers. This month, the DEQ launched a webpage to identify which centers have air permits or run diesel generators. 

There is some backlash across the state to this data canter boom. Areas that have long been friendly to data centers, including Loudoun County and Fairfax County, are considering restrictions even as other plans move forward.

A Preview of 2025 Candidates

Virginia holds statewide elections in non-presidential years, so voters will choose a new governor and other executive officers in 2025.

At the top of the ticket, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears is the Republican frontrunner in the early going. She has been endorsed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

So far, the Democratic leader is Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is retiring from Congress to seek the gubernatorial nomination. Other candidates may emerge, but the race seems likely to come down to these two women.

Down the ticket, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares decided “to ask the voters of Virginia to re-hire me” and seek reelection next year rather than challenge Earle Sears. He seems likely to be the AG nominee.

There is more competition on the Democratic side. Jay Jones, a former Delegate who lost in a primary in 2021, will face off against Shannon Taylor, the commonwealth’s attorney for Henrico County.

What Virginians Are Drinking

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the highest-selling alcoholic spirit in the Commonwealth, according to stats from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.

Vodka remained a leader across the board. VABC said it sold 1.6 million cases, followed by tequila at 996,000 and straight bourbon whiskey with 814,000. 

Spirits distilled here in the state also sold well, with $25.8 million in sales. That is more than one million bottles sold for the second straight year.

After Tito’s, the best-sellers included Hennessy VS, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, Patron Silver, and Jim Beam. VABC runs all liquor stores in the state.

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➤ Statewide: Virginia paid $267.8 million to cover weight loss drugs through Medicaid last year, a Senate panel found. That is three times more than what the drugs cost when the state started covering them two years ago. (Details)

➤ Herndon: A Honduran man who police say is in the U.S. illegally is charged with raping a woman on the W&OD bike trail just days after he was released from jail, where he had been held on an indecent exposure charge. (More)

➤ Fairfax: Supporters and opponents of a proposed casino in Tyson’s are ready to make their arguments about why it should or should not be allowed. (Details)

➤ James City County: Firefighters are investigating the cause of an underground fire that caused part of a shopping center’s parking lot to collapse over the weekend. (More)

➤ Fredericksburg: School officials in the state’s Region III asked education officials to make some significant changes to their new model for measuring school success. (More)

➤ Statewide: To boost school safety, the state will make grants available to 472 Virginia schools so they can buy purchase security equipment such as cameras. (Details)

➤ The Washington Commanders remain in the playoff hunt despite their three-game losing streak. The team currently holds the No. 7 seed. (More)

➤ UVA’s Mélodie Collard and Elaine Chervinsky won the 2024-25 NCAA Doubles Championship, topping UCLA’s Olivia Center and Kate Fakih 4-6, 6-3, 10-5. (Details)

➤ Virginia Tech’s women’s soccer team advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament after a 1-0 victory over Iowa. (More)

➤ If you love college athletics and want to stay up to date on everything related to name, image, and likeness issues, NIL Wire is just the place for you! Sign up here with one click!

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW 

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➤ The average price of gasoline dropped 5.4 cents per gallon statewide last week, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 4,081 stations. (Details)

➤ Virginia is one of 38 states that’s part of a federal lawsuit seeking to end Google’s dominance of internet searches. (More)

➤ Petersburg’s bond rating improved to AA- from A+, according to S&P Global Ratings. That should allow the city to borrow more affordably for future projects. (Details)

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➤ If you are considering getting a Christmas tree, it isn’t too early. One expert says a real tree will last 5-6 weeks, so she advises people to get one this week. (Details)

➤ The Something in the Water Festival is slated for April 26 and 27. Virginia Beach officials say they will provide a $500,000 advance but will withhold $400,000 of that until organizers announce a lineup and start selling tickets by Dec. 31. (More)  

➤ Looking to build your Thanksgiving appetite with a holiday run? There are dozens of choices statewide. (Find one!)

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Do you put up a Christmas tree?

1. Yes, but not until after Thanksgiving
2. Yes, it is already up!
3. No

Monday’s Results:

Are you traveling for Thanksgiving? 

1. Yes: 44.6%
2. No: 55.3%

How much does the sale of Virginia Christmas trees add to the state’s economy each year?

Show me the answer