One researcher said his team’s recently published work shows that utility-scale solar does impact nearby property values — and that impact shouldn’t be ignored.
Economy
Posted inEconomy
Appalachian Power cancels Southwest Virginia battery energy storage system
The system would have served one of the electric utility’s most outage-prone circuits. Appalachian said that “many factors,” including storm damage, led to its decision.
Posted inEconomy
Google buys Botetourt County land for data center plans
The tech giant paid $14 million for 312 acres in a county industrial park and will contribute another $4 million toward community projects. It did not provide a timeline for the project or say how large the data center would be.
Posted inRedbird
Taking root: Controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming looking up in rural Virginia
It’s an industry that’s also an ongoing experiment. Here’s an in-depth look at how rural Virginia’s climate and scientific resources are enabling a new way of growing food.
Posted inEconomy
Virginia group plans nuclear test reactor to boost research efforts
The Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub, or VIN Hub, was recently awarded $1.2 million to advance nuclear-energy research and workforce training in the commonwealth.
Posted inEconomy
A look back at the first 6 months of Caesars Virginia in Danville: more revenue, more visitors, more jobs, more collaboration
The casino resort — complete with hotel and expanded gaming options — opened its doors six months ago, replacing a temporary casino that had operated since May 2023.
Posted inEconomy
Owner of Zarati shops reaches plea deal in drug, money laundering case
Aaron Miller will not spend any time in prison but will have to forfeit more than $400,000 in cash and two Rolls-Royces.
Posted inEconomy
Trump administration changes funding rules for broadband expansion
The Biden-era Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program prioritized fiber over wireless options including satellite. New rules from the Trump administration put satellite service on an equal footing.
Posted inEconomy
Digital dashboard dives into rural demographics, housing, health and more
The Rural Opportunity Dashboard provides data on every locality on the state, but it was designed with rural regions in mind.
Posted inEconomy
Abingdon man linked by authorities to cannabis stores is indicted on drug, gun charges
Police have said that Aaron Miller owned several Zarati shops across Southwest Virginia, which were among a number of stores targeted in raids in 2023.