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Digital Realty's Charlotte Data Center Project Faces Air Quality Permit Scrutiny for Diesel Generators

Digital Realty's Charlotte Data Center Project Faces Air Quality Permit Scrutiny for Diesel Generators

Digital Realty's new hyperscale data center campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, is facing scrutiny over a proposed Mecklenburg County air quality permit. The permit would allow the company to operate 242 diesel generators as a standby power source, capable of producing 726 megawatts. These generators would be used when the main power supply fails. According to WFAE, the city's public radio station, the permit would allow for the emission of over 100 tons of air pollutants annually, including smog-forming emissions and carbon monoxide. The Charlotte Observer previously described the project as a 156-acre site with two buildings totaling 3 million square feet, designed for up to 400 MW of IT capacity, making it one of North Carolina's largest data centers. Digital Realty is also funding a new substation that Duke Energy will own and operate. The Charlotte City Council rezoned the land in May 2025, and the project was approved before a 150-day moratorium on new data centers was enacted in June 2026.

Rapid City Mayor Proposes Moratorium and Guardrail Policies for Data Center Development

Rapid City Mayor Proposes Moratorium and Guardrail Policies for Data Center Development

Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun is proposing two measures to address the development of data centers in the city, which have become a divisive issue. These proposals will be presented at the November 25th Planning Commission meeting. The first measure is a six-month moratorium on issuing permits for data center operations, intended to provide a pause while the city develops a comprehensive ordinance (Ordinance 6746) to regulate concerns such as noise, water usage, and power. The second measure is an alternative ordinance that would establish immediate guardrail policies to supplement existing regulations, should the moratorium not be approved. Mayor Salamun emphasized the urgency, stating that without new policies, there is little the city can do to prevent data center developers from obtaining building permits under current regulations. A recent public forum indicated broad local opposition to data center development.

Data Centers Face Increased Scrutiny from Geopolitical, Regulatory, and Public Pressures

Data Centers Face Increased Scrutiny from Geopolitical, Regulatory, and Public Pressures

Data Centers Face Increased Scrutiny from Geopolitical, Regulatory, and Public Pressures

Winter Weather Guide: Tips for Safe Driving and Preparedness

Winter Weather Guide: Tips for Safe Driving and Preparedness

WBAL Baltimore News has released a comprehensive winter weather guide to help residents prepare for snow, ice, and freezing conditions. The guide includes essential tips for safe driving, such as increasing following distances, avoiding sudden braking during skids, and staying off the roads during snow emergencies. It also highlights the importance of clearing snow from around lights, vents, and fire hydrants, and provides advice on handling power outages and generator safety. The Maryland Department of Transportation emphasizes maintaining a safe distance from snowplows and avoiding overexertion when digging out vehicles. The guide also addresses the environmental impact of road salt and offers alternatives to reduce its usage.

Van Hollen to challenge Schumer for Senate Democratic leader

Van Hollen to challenge Schumer for Senate Democratic leader

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland says he will run for Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, setting up a challenge to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections

Worcester County Public Schools Graduates Receive Over $42,000 Each in State Scholarships to Address Teacher Vacancies

Worcester County Public Schools Graduates Receive Over $42,000 Each in State Scholarships to Address Teacher Vacancies

Nineteen graduates of Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) currently studying education at Salisbury University (SU) have each been awarded $42,905 in scholarships. These awards are part of a statewide initiative in Maryland to reduce teacher vacancies, made possible by $829,234 in state funding allocated to Worcester County through Maryland’s Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program. Governor Wes Moore announced the funding this summer, with a second round totaling $14.7 million distributed among 13 school districts. The program aims to alleviate financial barriers, such as college tuition, for students pursuing education degrees, with the expectation that they will return to teach in their graduating district. The scholarships cover tuition and fees for all four years of their bachelor's education, with housing being the only remaining expense. Recipients, who are first or second-year SU students, will also work as substitute teachers in the Worcester school system when their schedules permit.

Governor Moore Announces Cabinet Leadership Transitions, Including New Emergency Management Secretary

Governor Moore Announces Cabinet Leadership Transitions, Including New Emergency Management Secretary

Governor Wes Moore has announced significant leadership transitions within his cabinet, effective December 2026 and January 2027. Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain will conclude her tenure on December 31, with Deputy Secretary Adam Ortiz stepping in as Acting Secretary on January 1, 2027. Additionally, Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland will retire on December 8, after over 50 years in public service. Dr. Earl Stoddard, currently Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Montgomery County, Maryland, will assume the role of Acting Secretary of Emergency Management on December 9. Governor Moore plans to submit nominations for both Ortiz and Stoddard to the Maryland State Senate for confirmation during the 2027 Legislative Session. Secretary Strickland's tenure included coordinating responses to major state disasters, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and historic flooding in Westernport in May 2025.

Ben Cardin Trail Connects Delaware and Maryland, Offering Extensive Running Route

Ben Cardin Trail Connects Delaware and Maryland, Offering Extensive Running Route

Ben Cardin Trail Connects Delaware and Maryland, Offering Extensive Running Route

University of Maryland Extension Secures $580,000 Federal Grant to Expand Mental Health Training Across Maryland

University of Maryland Extension Secures $580,000 Federal Grant to Expand Mental Health Training Across Maryland

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) has been awarded a $580,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This funding is designated to broaden mental health awareness, literacy, and crisis response training throughout Maryland over the next three years. The initiative, spearheaded by UME Mental Health Specialist Alexander Chan, will build upon existing Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid programs. The primary objective is to equip community members with essential skills to identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness, safely de-escalate crisis situations, pinpoint community resources, and connect individuals with appropriate services. This expansion comes at a critical time, as the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that nearly one in four U.S. adults experienced a mental health issue in the past year, and approximately one in five adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported moderate or severe symptoms of generalized anxie...

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo Arrested on Forgery, Deception, and Habitual Offender Charges in Nashua

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo Arrested on Forgery, Deception, and Habitual Offender Charges in Nashua

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo has been arrested in Nashua, New Hampshire, facing multiple charges including forgery, deception, and being a habitual offender. These charges stem from incidents that occurred in January 2025 and a more recent event on Tuesday. Reyes-Hidalgo was also wanted on existing warrants from both Maryland and New Hampshire, indicating a history of legal issues across state lines. The Nashua Police Department made the arrest, bringing attention to the ongoing efforts to address criminal activity within the city. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants and a pattern of repeat offenses.

Maryland Supreme Court Rules Harford County Council Member Ineligible Due to Dual Employment

Maryland Supreme Court Rules Harford County Council Member Ineligible Due to Dual Employment

The Maryland Supreme Court has ruled that Harford County Council member Aaron Penman is ineligible to serve on the council due to his simultaneous employment as a sheriff's deputy. This decision upholds previous rulings by the Circuit Court of Harford County, confirming that Penman's dual roles violate the county charter. The charter prohibits such dual employment to prevent conflicts of interest, particularly for council members responsible for overseeing county spending on the sheriff's office and other state offices. Penman had initially told voters he would retire from the sheriff's office if elected but later took a new position within the department after winning the election. The Harford County administration subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking his removal after the council failed to act. The Supreme Court's ruling also invalidates several bills that Penman had introduced and pushed through the council, including a charter amendment aimed at expanding the influence of the deputies' union and other ...