Friday, September 11, 2026

Virginia Free Press

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BREAKING NEWS

FEATURED STORY

Sale of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Carbon Allowances Nets Virginia $259 Million

Sale of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Carbon Allowances Nets Virginia $259 Million

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

A refund mechanism established by the General Assembly will benefit residential and small businesses, but not larger load customers. Only about 45 percent of Virginia’s RGGI proceeds will go to rebates.

Opinion

Have We Turned the Corner on Higher Ed?

Rick Hess

The battle has not yet been won, but the signs are auspicious.

For Years We Were Warned About AI. Then We Built with It

Chase Rosen

Students are leveraging artificial intelligence to build tools that help get small businesses off the ground and create jobs in less than 72 hours.

Higher Taxes and Migration

Chris Saxman

Causation vs Correlations vs Affordable

Virginia Republicans Have Worries Beyond This Fall

Richard Meagher

After Trump, Virginia Republicans may be facing some tough times ahead.

Spanberger Believes Tariffs Are Taxes, Until Virginia Cattlemen Want Tariff Protection

Derrick Max

Government should not choose which industries to protect. It should let free people choose from whom they will buy and to whom they will sell.

Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Public Education. Will Educators Lead or Be Dragged Along?

September 8, 2026

Even in Virginia, recognized as a leader in AI adoption, the gaps between districts are showing.

Daily Tech News for September 10, 2026

September 10, 2026

Today in DTN – Virginia falls below Atlanta for new data center construction, and VT researchers will us AI to help rural communities better understand, identify, and combat chronic pain.

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Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Public Education. Will Educators Lead or Be Dragged Along?

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

Even in Virginia, recognized as a leader in AI adoption, the gaps between districts are showing.

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Daily Tech News for September 10, 2026

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

Today in DTN – Virginia falls below Atlanta for new data center construction, and VT researchers will us AI to help rural communities better understand, identify, and combat chronic pain.

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Appeal of Dominion’s Gas Plant Focused on Payment Method, Neighbors

Steve Haner

Environmental and community activists area asking the Virginia Supreme Court to overturn the SCC’s 2025 permit for a Natural Gas Plant in Chesterfield

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The National Data Center Plan and Potential for Federal Regulation

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The National Data Center Plan faces long odds in the current Congress. Its future in the next Congress rests with midterm voters.

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Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Public Education. Will Educators Lead or Be Dragged Along?

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

Even in Virginia, recognized as a leader in AI adoption, the gaps between districts are showing.

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Consumer Price Index Climbs, Driven by Rising Costs of Gas, Energy

Martin A. Davis, Jr.

The Consumer Price Index for all items in August was up 0.4 percent over July. Gas, energy were the primary drivers.

Wilton House

Wilton House Refresh

David Botkins

This remarkable 273-year-old Virginia landmark is undergoing major exterior conservation work.

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Virginia Gas Prices Continue Inching Up

VFP STAFF

Prices rose this week, but Virginia’s average gas price is still 18 cents below the national average. Diesel prices continue to climb.

Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Public Education. Will Educators Lead or Be Dragged Along?

September 8, 2026

Even in Virginia, recognized as a leader in AI adoption, the gaps between districts are showing.

Daily Tech News for September 10, 2026

September 10, 2026

Today in DTN – Virginia falls below Atlanta for new data center construction, and VT researchers will us AI to help rural communities better understand, identify, and combat chronic pain.

Culture

Appeal of Dominion’s Gas Plant Focused on Payment Method, Neighbors

Appeal of Dominion’s Gas Plant Focused on Payment Method, Neighbors

September 11, 2026

Environmental and community activists area asking the Virginia Supreme Court to overturn the SCC’s 2025 permit for a Natural Gas Plant in Chesterfield

The National Data Center Plan and Potential for Federal Regulation

The National Data Center Plan and Potential for Federal Regulation

September 11, 2026

The National Data Center Plan faces long odds in the current Congress. Its future in the next Congress rests with midterm voters.

Central Virginia Has Three of the Nation’s Ten Worst-Rated Nursing Homes

Central Virginia Has Three of the Nation’s Ten Worst-Rated Nursing Homes

September 10, 2026

A national group ranks nursing homes – Virginia doesn’t fare well.

State of the Race: Griffith vs. Powers in Va-09

State of the Race: Griffith vs. Powers in Va-09

September 9, 2026

Morgan Griffith is the odds-on favorite to win CD 9. Political watchers will be keeping an eye on the potential margin of that victory.

Analysis: Gov. Spanberger Is Leading

Analysis: Gov. Spanberger Is Leading

September 4, 2026

On the issue of data centers, Gov. Spanberger is leading with a clear vision and voice. She will not jeopardize Virginia’s economic health in the face of a populist uprising. 

State of the Race: Beyer vs. Sabio in CD-08

State of the Race: Beyer vs. Sabio in CD-08

September 3, 2026

Virginia’s 8th Congressional District is a Democratic stronghold, but Republican Tony Sabio is crafting a campaign message that could point to where the party goes post-Trump.

National Standard Didn’t End Debate over Battery Safety, SCC Told

National Standard Didn’t End Debate over Battery Safety, SCC Told

September 2, 2026

Industry officials representing short-term battery facilities and utility representatives appeared before the SCC on Tuesday to discuss the challenges and opportunities the industry presents.

Accountant Hired by AG Office Challenges Proposed APC Rate Increase

Accountant Hired by AG Office Challenges Proposed APC Rate Increase

August 28, 2026

In testimony before the SCC, an accountant representing the Attorney General’s office challenged Appalachian Power Company’s proposed 5.4 percent increase in customer’s bills.

State of the Race: Ollivant vs. Vindman in CD-07

State of the Race: Ollivant vs. Vindman in CD-07

August 25, 2026

The 7th has been purple leaning toward Blue in recent elections, but runaway victories have not been part of the story. This race will likely be no different. Don’t be surprised in election night goes late into the night in this race.

STATE OF THE RACE: McGuire vs. Perriello in VA-05

STATE OF THE RACE: McGuire vs. Perriello in VA-05

August 24, 2026

With recent polls showing Perriello within three points among likely voters, do Democrats sense an opportunity in VA-05?

POLITICS

Wilton House Refresh

Wilton House Refresh

September 11, 2026

This remarkable 273-year-old Virginia landmark is undergoing major exterior conservation work.

Fall Hiking Getaway

Fall Hiking Getaway

September 10, 2026

Schedules get busy in the fall, but hiking provides an opportunity to get away without taking time away from work or school. Among the most attractive hikes in Virginia is Dark Hollow Trail in Shenandoah National Park.

What We Have Forgotten After 9/11

What We Have Forgotten After 9/11

September 9, 2026

We use the words “Never Forget” to describe 9/11, but forgot a great deal about what makes America exceptional and free.

Way Back When: Virginia Beach

Way Back When: Virginia Beach

September 7, 2026

Vintage postcards tell the story of days gone by in Virginia Beach.

The Byrd Theatre Is a Cultural Anchor

The Byrd Theatre Is a Cultural Anchor

September 3, 2026

From original architecture and movie screenings to themed events and fundraisers, this theatre has earned its place in both history books and guidebooks. 

Wendell Berry and the Artifice of Intelligence

Wendell Berry and the Artifice of Intelligence

September 3, 2026

Living an intentional life in a sea of technological change remains the heart and soul of Berry’s work. We could learn a thing or two from that.

Bridging History and Jefferson’s Public Trust

Bridging History and Jefferson’s Public Trust

August 24, 2026

A visit to Natural Bridge offers a powerful reminder that history is not as distant as it sometimes seems. Once visited by George Washington and cherished by Thomas Jefferson, Virginia’s past still stands.