Virginia
Automatic enrollment could make text reminders more cost efficient, expert says
An opt-out model for court date reminders can help reduce court date no-shows, which have significant time and financial costs for state and local governments.
Cash App parent company to pay $45 million in multistate fraud settlement, state AG says
Virginia is among 46 participating states in the settlement with Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App. The commonwealth will receive about $845,500.
Feds launch groundbreaking electric plane pilot program in Virginia
The program, driven by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, is designed to accelerate the safe integration of advanced air mobility into the country’s national airspace system.
Virginia nonprofit launches mobile tech education bus for underserved students
The cyber education bus is the latest way the nonprofit organization RFK Outreach will fulfill its goal to help children and teens learn about technology.
How Virginia became the world’s data center capital and how it’s going
From AOL’s arrival in Ashburn to today’s AI-driven boom, Virginia became the backbone of the internet economy. Now lawmakers are debating how to manage the industry’s soaring energy demands and economic influence.
Insights & Reports
Microsoft’s clean energy reversal collides with Virginia’s climate goals
Amid a data center boom in the state, the tech giant backpedals on a key climate promise.
Virginia governor signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
The new laws require stronger identity verification, expanded background screenings and optional audio, video recording during rides.
Local governments race to attract data centers, often in spite of concerns from their constituents
Communities are sounding the alarm on an industry that stands to have a far greater impact beyond the walls of its warehouses.
Virginia governor amends bills that shift costs onto data centers. Critics say her tweaks weaken them.
As negotiations continue around whether the tax exemptions for data centers will remain, Spanberger removes adding new costs onto that customer class.
Virginia lawmakers propose guardrails for artificial intelligence use in education
As Virginia schools adopt AI and students spend more time on screens, state lawmakers question the technology’s impact on students’ safety, critical thinking and learning skills.
Featured eBooks
Virginia built the digital capital of the world. Can governance keep pace?
COMMENTARY | How decades of rational decisions built a global data-center hub — and exposed the limits of public planning.
Virginia to consider joining states creating volunteer cyber civilian corps
A proposed volunteer group would help local governments fend off cyber attacks and security breaches.
Virginia social media law takes effect amid legal challenge
Minors in the commonwealth can now only use the platforms for one hour a day, with any more time requiring parental approval via age verification. An industry group is suing to block it.
Southeastern Virginia turns to AI to sort waste, recycling
The area’s sortation facilities will use the technology to extract recyclables and organic waste, an effort it said will extend the life of its landfills and double its recycling rate.
Virginia lawmakers glad National Science Foundation headquarters to remain in state
The General Services Administration announcement about NSF's new building did not address when the Housing and Urban Development Department would move into the science agency's current headquarters.
Virginia rolls out Mobile ID, plans to expand use of program across commonwealth
Virginia State Police, all DMV customer service centers, and nine Virginia ABC stores in the Richmond area will also accept the ID.
Virginia’s artificial intelligence registry faces transparency challenges, study shows
Research reveals state agencies’ mounting frustrations with the tool developed by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency.
With Democrats in charge in Virginia, Spanberger targets lower energy bills — and higher costs for data centers
Incoming governor promises to reshape utility policy, revive climate programs and speed up renewables after Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoes and stalled legislation.
How did this state become the data center capital of the world?
From America Online to the rise of AI, Virginia has been good for an industry now transforming the economy and grid. Has the industry returned the favor?
Virginia could show how to manage data center growth. So far, it’s a case study in stalling legislation
The state with the most data centers is struggling to enact laws to protect electric customers and limit the energy and environmental impacts of their explosive growth.
