Data
- Black lung cases surging again in Southwest Virginia, Appalachia; miners blame blocked regulations
With new research showing that black lung disease among Appalachian coal miners has reached an almost 50-year high, advocates are demanding federal regulations be enforced. The data published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine is also part of a peer-reviewed research letter from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health […]
- Loudoun County Board Hears Public Comment on Data Center Impacts During Meeting
During a recent meeting of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, a resident presented comments focused on data center developments in the area. The testimony referenced the Vantage VA2 project and its effects on individuals who have purchased homes nearby. The speaker raised questions about the board’s approach to evaluating these facilities. The comments included […]
- Franklin County officials have privacy agreements while deliberating a data center, resident FOIA shows
A Freedom of Information Act request by Franklin County residents revealed county officials entered into confidentiality agreements with an unnamed company related to a proposed data center project the local government is currently weighing. WFXR reported that local residents said they felt left out of the approval process because it appears substantial discussion about the […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Laura TeKrony Discusses Data Center Application Details
Loudoun County Supervisor Laura TeKrony participated in a board discussion regarding a land use application for data centers located across the Arcola Mills area. She referenced the proposed structures measuring 70 feet in height and noted support from local daycare facilities for the project. The application appears driven primarily by the applicants according to her […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Mike Turner Addresses Full Scope of Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County officials continue to evaluate the expanding presence of data centers and their associated requirements during public meetings. Supervisor Mike Turner provided remarks focused on the complete set of infrastructure elements tied to such approvals. These statements offer insight into the procedural aspects of local development decisions. Approvals for data centers in the county […]
- Virginia General Revenues Rise Despite Slowing Job Growth
Virginia general revenues have grown substantially in December even as employment growth has slowed both nationally and within the state. Data presented at a Virginia State Senate meeting showed total General Fund revenues increasing notably during the month. Year-to-date collections reached approximately 1.2 billion dollars above the prior year level. This represents an 8.6 percent […]
- Virginia Department of Elections Demands Massive Budget Increases Amidst Glaring Fiscal Waste
Virginia taxpayers are facing an increasingly heavy financial burden as the state government proposes significant and questionable budget increases for the Department of Elections. The Administration secretariat, which directly oversees the state electoral department, is slated for a massive 6.5 percent overall General Fund spending increase for the upcoming 2026-2028 biennium. Fiscal conservative
- Virginia Lawmaker Scott Surovell Seeks Speed Cameras on George Washington Parkway Amid Enforcement Limits
State Senator Scott Surovell has introduced legislation to place speed cameras on a section of the George Washington Parkway. The measure responds to challenges in traffic enforcement along the roadway. Officials have identified a specific jurisdictional issue preventing standard policing. Discussions in the legislature continue to examine the proposal and its potential effects. Details of […]
- Virginia Implements Historic $600 Million Data Center Tax to Protect Ratepayers from Big Tech Grid Strain
The state of Virginia has officially implemented a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers within the FY2027 budget. This unprecedented measure is projected to generate up to $600 million annually by targeting the massive electricity usage of tech corporations. For years, conservative watchdogs have warned about the unchecked expansion of data centers and […]
- Study Finds Children Absorb More Radiation from Cell Towers Than Adults
A 2023 study has examined the differences in radiation absorption from cell towers between children and adults. The findings indicate that children absorb ten times more radiation than adults under the same exposure conditions. This result is attributed to smaller head sizes and thinner skulls in younger individuals. The research presents graphs comparing specific absorption […]
- Prince William County Supervisors Adopt Budget with Reduced Real Estate Tax Rate
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently approved a fiscal year budget that reduces the real estate tax rate while simultaneously expanding funding for local schools and public safety. Following extensive public hearings, the board voted to lower the real estate tax rate from $0.906 to $0.865 per $100 of assessed value for […]
- Prince William County Allocates $1 Million for Expanded Firefighter Cancer Screenings
The Prince William County government has officially allocated one million dollars toward expanded medical physicals for local firefighters. This significant financial commitment is specifically designed to support early cancer detection among first responders who face elevated occupational risks. The funding represents a major component of the newly adopted fiscal year budget and underscores a gro
- Cardiovascular health spending has tripled, but death rates are rising in major Hampton Roads cities
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO Cardiovascular care has become more advanced over the past two decades, giving doctors new ways to prevent deaths from heart attacks, strokes and other conditions. But a new national study found those advances have come with rapidly rising costs while improvements in cardiovascular death rates have largely stalled. The analysis, published in the Journal […]
- Virginia Medical Freedom Alliance Prepares Health Choice Summit Amid Ongoing Debates Over Medical Autonomy
The Virginia Medical Freedom Alliance (VAMFA), a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth, is set to host its Health Choice Summit on September 12, 2026, at the Founders Inn Conference Center in Virginia Beach. Titled “Health Choice: Liberation from Mandates” and associated with the theme “Operation Save Our Children,” the event is organized in partnership […]
- Loudoun County Dedicates Significant Budget Increases to Public Safety and Emergency Operations
Loudoun County has outlined a comprehensive fiscal strategy within its latest financial plan, prioritizing essential public safety operations to ensure core resident protection needs are met. The newly detailed budget allocates a massive portion of its total $5.4 billion framework toward expanding emergency response and law enforcement capabilities. Notably, public safety and judicial administrati
- DEQ study throws cold water on data center development east of I-95
Among the many environmental, energy and economic concerns about the unconstrained spread of data centers in Virginia, the impact on drinking water supplies has ranked fairly low. That changed suddenly last week, with the release of a report that the administration of Gov. Abigail Spanberger seems to have tried to suppress. In compliance with […]
- Loudoun County Official Matt Letourneau Discusses County Subsidies for State Programs
Loudoun County Supervisor Matt Letourneau addressed the issue of counties providing support for responsibilities typically assigned to the state. His comments focused on the financial implications for local budgets. This topic arises as counties manage various programs that intersect with state requirements. The presentation included a reminder about defining surpluses only after all obligations a
- Spanberger takes unprecedented step to intervene in $67B Dominion-NextEra merger
Gov. Abigail Spanberger is stepping directly into the regulatory fight over the proposed $67 billion sale of Dominion Energy to Florida-based NextEra Energy, becoming the first Virginia governor to formally intervene in a case before the State Corporation Commission. Spanberger announced Thursday that she will seek intervenor status in the case, giving her administration the […]
- Fairfax County School Board Discusses School Capacity Data Concerns
Fairfax County School Board member Ricardy Anderson spoke at a board meeting about the use of outdated data in school capacity planning efforts. She referenced Oakton High School’s enrollment of 2,700 students and noted that the numbers do not indicate balanced conditions. Anderson further mentioned that the recommended size for schools stands around 2,800 students. […]
- Sterling Community Addresses Data Center Noise Concerns
Residents of Sterling Virginia are addressing concerns related to noise pollution originating from nearby data centers. The high pitched hum has been identified as a factor affecting the quality of life for people in the community. These individuals are seeking accountability to manage the situation effectively. The noise issue has been described as constant and […]
- Fairfax City Council Reviews Development Proposal for Housing Stock Increase
Council Member Stacy Hall spoke during a Fairfax City meeting held on July 28, 2026. The focus was a proposed development that would add new dwelling units to the city. The current total of dwelling units stands at 10,467 according to the details shared. This proposal would increase the housing stock by 45 percent. The […]
- Arlington Public Schools Data Shows Improvements in Key Areas
Arlington Public Schools presented updated statistics during the recent School Board meeting that outlined advancements in several student-focused areas. The information covered improvements in feelings of belonging, expanded mental health resources, and decreased rates of absenteeism. These figures were drawn from district-wide assessments conducted over the prior period. Board members reviewed t
- Virginia Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Discusses Working Relationships in Congress
Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, has noted his capacity to work effectively with progressive members of his party. These include individuals associated with efforts to reform or eliminate certain federal immigration enforcement mechanisms. Subramanyam assumed office in January 2025 after serving in the Virginia House of Delegates and
- Virginia moves toward regulating self-driving vehicles amid safety and liability concerns
Virginia is closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, which have steadily increased nationwide despite continued concerns over safety. Despite crashes that have led to restrictions in some areas, other states, such as Arizona and Texas, have continued to permit testing and deployment. With interest in the technology growing in Virginia, lawmakers are trying to get ahead […]
- Loudoun County Neighbors Seek Tighter Rules on Data Center Noise
Data center operations in Loudoun County have generated reports of noise pollution that affect the daily routines of residents in Sterling and surrounding areas. Neighbors describe constant sounds from facility equipment that interfere with rest and general comfort in their homes. These issues have prompted direct appeals to local authorities for greater oversight and regulatory […]
- Fairfax City Council Reviews Large-Scale Housing Development
Council Session Addresses Development Scale Fairfax City Council held a meeting on July 28, 2026, focused on housing matters. Council Member Stacy Hall shared observations from her review of a proposed project. The discussion centered on the plan’s projected addition to existing residential units. Specifics of Housing Stock Increase Records indicate the city currently maintains […]
- Developer Requests Zoning Modifications for Tysons Data Center Project
A data center developer has applied for exceptions to several Fairfax County zoning requirements as part of a project in the Tysons area. Serverfarm seeks to develop the Vienna Cloud campus at 7980 and 7990 Quantum Drive in Vienna. The proposal involves converting two buildings and a parking garage into facilities designated NVA1 and NVA2. […]
- Loudoun County, other Virginia localities consider hitting the brakes on data center development
Loudoun County, ground zero of Data Center Alley and home to over 250 of the power-hungry digital warehouse facilities, is considering a pause on all new data center project applications, officials said this week. “The community has basically been begging us to do something about the unchecked growth of data centers,” County Supervisor Juli Briskman […]
- SCC orders Dominion to develop tariff to assign more transmission costs to data centers
More of the cost to build the high-voltage transmission lines that serve as power highways across the state could soon be covered by data centers, after a recent decision by state regulators. The State Corporation Commission has ordered Dominion Energy to develop a policy to directly assign the cost of transmission infrastructure to data centers […]
- Loudoun County Approves FY2027 Budget Featuring $28.5 Million in Employee Compensation Increases
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has advanced a comprehensive $5.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 that includes significant investments in the local government workforce. A central component of this newly structured financial plan is a $28.5 million allocation dedicated specifically to employee compensation increases across various county departments. This targeted funding aims to […]
- Fairfax County Projects $148.44 Million Funding Increase for Public Schools Amid Looming Budget Shortfall
The financial landscape of Fairfax County, Virginia, is facing significant adjustments as local leaders direct a massive increase in department spending toward public education. Officials have projected a transfer increase of $148.44 million to Fairfax County Public Schools, representing a 5.06 percent jump in funding compared to previous allocations. This substantial financial injection is primar
- Virginia Study Documents Rising Chloride Levels and Potential for Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Plain Aquifers
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that chloride concentrations are increasing locally in parts of Eastern Virginia and on the Eastern Shore. These trends raise the potential for regional saltwater intrusion into freshwater portions of the Coastal Plain aquifer system east of Interstate 95. The analysis forms part of a […]
- Loudoun County Explores Origins of Mountainside Overlay District
Loudoun County’s unique landscape doesn’t just happen by accident. Supervisor Caleb Kershner recently dug into the history of the Mountainside Overlay District, uncovering exactly how and why these land-use protections were established. The presentation occurred at a Loudoun County Board of Supervisors meeting. The board consists of Chair Phyllis Randall and eight district supervisors. These […]
- Virginia Study Finds Hyperscale Data Centers Would Fail Groundwater Permit Criteria East of I-95
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality concludes that a typical hyperscale data center requiring approximately three million gallons of groundwater per day would fail current permit evaluation criteria in nearly all locations across the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. The analysis forms part of a broader examination of groundwater supply […]
- Virginia Study Documents Groundwater Levels Below Sea Level and Reversed Flow Patterns in Coastal Plain
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that groundwater levels have dropped below sea level across large inland areas of the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. Decades of heavy pumping, especially from paper mills near Franklin and West Point, have reversed the natural predevelopment flow patterns in the aquifer system. […]
- Loudoun County Residents Raise Concerns Over Data Center Noise and Emissions
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has received numerous complaints from residents regarding noise and diesel generator fumes associated with data centers. Current members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors include Chair Phyllis Randall, Vice Chair Michael Turner, Juli Briskman, Sylvia Glass, Caleb Kershner, Matthew Letourneau, and Kristen Umstattd. These issues have been particularl
- Virginia Study Projects Declining Groundwater Availability Within Five to Ten Years Under Current Trajectories
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that stabilized gains in groundwater levels across the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95 are already stalling. Models project renewed declines in availability within five to ten years in key areas if current withdrawal patterns continue without policy changes. The analysis forms part of […]
- Virginia Coastal Plain Groundwater Study Finds Limited Capacity for New Withdrawals East of I-95
A detailed report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, released in 2026 as Senate Document No. 6, concludes that the groundwater supply in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95 has limited capacity for significant new withdrawals. Modeling of the Virginia Coastal Plain aquifer system indicates that most evaluated locations can support only small […]
- Study Examines Radiation Exposure Levels in Children
A 2023 study examined differences in how cell tower radiation is absorbed by children versus adults. Theodora Scarato presented the results highlighting that children experience ten times greater absorption levels. The exposure stems from continuous and involuntary contact in everyday settings. Researchers focused on the implications for developing brains amid expanding wireless networks. The anal
- EMF Measurements Presented at County Hearing on Data Center Impacts
Theodora Scarato spoke before the Montgomery County Council in a public hearing focused on environmental health sciences. She shared data from recordings made at the fence line of a data center. The measurements indicated electromagnetic field levels reaching up to 1.98 on the device scale. The presentation highlighted that these values exceeded four milligauss in […]
- Virginia Coastal Plain Experiences Measurable Land Subsidence from Aquifer Compaction Linked to Long-Term Groundwater Withdrawals
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that aquifer compaction caused by long-term groundwater withdrawals is producing measurable land subsidence in parts of the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. When sustained pumping reduces water pressure within the aquifer sediments, the pore spaces collapse under the weight of overlying material, resulting […]
- Fairfax Public School Board Melanie Meren Discusses Student Screen Time Concerns
Fairfax County Public Schools board member Melanie Meren spoke at a recent hearing about the amount of screen time students encounter through digital learning platforms. She noted that some students may spend up to 13 hours daily on screens as part of their educational activities. Meren described how the shift to online content has replaced […]
- Industrial Facilities Dominate Permitted Groundwater Withdrawals in Virginia’s Coastal Plain
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that industrial facilities, including paper mills, specialty chemical plants, and poultry operations, account for the largest share of permitted groundwater withdrawals in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. Five of the top users alone exert sufficient influence to shape regional water levels across […]
- Loudoun County Data Centers Linked to Widespread Power Issues
Loudoun County data centers have been associated with power flickering reported across approximately half the United States. A statement from experts describes the facilities as imposing a substantial load on the electrical grid. This load is said to carry the potential for detrimental effects on overall system performance. Details of the Reported Connection The linkage […]
- Virginia legislator Louise Lucas was allowed to use campaign funds for her defense. So she did.
State Sen. Louise Lucas, the powerful Portsmouth Democrat, used $300,000 in campaign funds to contribute to her legal defense fund and hire a law firm following an FBI raid in May on her businesses in Portsmouth. That’s a sizable amount. What The Virginian-Pilot article should have noted higher in the story was that Lucas was […]
- Loudoun County Public Schools Considers 20 Percent Health Insurance Premium Increase
Loudoun County Public Schools has advanced a proposal to raise health insurance premiums by 20 percent. This measure addresses mounting expenses and seeks to maintain benefit stability. The plan responds to trends observed in the self insurance fund operations. The health self insurance fund policy requires a balance of no less than two months of […]
- Fairfax County School Board Hears Public Input on AI Use in Education
Residents voiced concerns about artificial intelligence in Fairfax County Public Schools during a recent School Board meeting. Speakers focused on data privacy, student screen time, and age-verification requirements for digital tools. The comments took place in a formal session attended by board members and formed part of ongoing community input on educational technology. Data Privacy […]
- Loudoun School Board Lauren Shernoff Discusses Technology Use for Primary Students
Lauren Shernoff, serving on the Loudoun County School Board, has expressed concerns regarding the amount of screen time experienced by primary students in the district. She recommends the use of device carts as an alternative to issuing individual 1:1 laptops to these young learners. The suggestion seeks to manage technology integration more carefully within Loudoun […]
- Expert Testifies on EMF Standards and Data Center Concerns at Council Hearing
Theodora Scarato spoke before the Montgomery County Council at a recent public hearing. She characterized existing electromagnetic field safety standards as a fairy tale. Her remarks focused on the limitations of current guidelines in addressing modern exposures. Scarato described degraded power conditions that result in electrical pollution. This pollution can extend across distances of up […]
- Virginia’s disability services gap persists despite progress, leaves young adults vulnerable
Medicaid waiver slots have increased in Virginia, expanding services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have lost school-based special education services. Even so, thousands of disabled Virginians are still waiting, because demand continues to outpace available slots. When people with certain disabilities graduate or reach age 22, they face a “services cliff,” as […]