Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Richmond’s data center boom could hit your power bill next
Also, don't miss NYE! with Antoine Scott on the Richmond Patch calendar
Hello Richmond! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Richmond’s data center boom could hit your power bill next
- Are Richmond clinics being shortchanged on Medicaid payments? Here’s what’s alleged
- How did 2025’s biggest Richmond moments reshape daily life here?
Also on today's calendar: NYE! with Antoine Scott and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 43 and low of 24 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 49, low: 29.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 42 and low of 24 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Report: Richmond area data center inventory increased sevenfold in first half of 2025 (wric.com) — Richmond-area data center capacity has exploded, growing more than sevenfold in just the first half of 2025 and even outpacing Dallas–Fort Worth. That rapid growth is sparking local pushback over noise, water use, emissions, and rising power bills, while a regional grid watchdog is warning that adding more centers could risk blackouts and higher costs for Central Virginia customers. 
2. 15 health centers sue Virginia for inadequate Medicaid reimbursements over 25 years (wric.com) — Richmond health centers Vernon J. Harris, Central Virginia Health Services and The Daily Planet are part of a lawsuit claiming Virginia has underpaid Medicaid reimbursements for more than 25 years, straining local care for vulnerable patients. The case argues state payments fall far below actual visit costs, following federal funding cuts that already forced Richmond clinic closures and deep budget hits.
3. Virginia in 2025: Water woes, Spanberger's sweep and Trump's tumult (roanoke.com) — Richmond readers saw a tumultuous 2025, from a power outage at the city’s water treatment plant that left residents without drinkable water for six days to a major renovation of William Fox Elementary and the final season at The Diamond. The year also brought national acts to local venues, shifting property assessments, and a Democratic sweep in statewide elections led by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.
4. Virginia State Police announces inspection sticker update for 2026 (wvnstv.com) — Virginia State Police in Richmond are rolling out redesigned vehicle inspection stickers for 2026, including a new blue safety sticker and more secure white rejection stickers. Motorcycles and trailers will move to a single orange sticker, and all stickers will feature QR codes and anti-counterfeiting elements. Color changes are already set through 2029, so drivers can expect a fresh look on their windshields.
5. New Virginia law cuts breast cancer screening costs, paving way for life-saving care (wset.com) — Starting January 1, Virginians with state-regulated insurance won’t pay out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screenings, a unanimously passed law highlighted from Richmond. The change covers diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, aiming to remove major financial barriers that often delay lifesaving care. Advocates say it’s a big step, though more work is needed to improve access.
📸 Around Richmond
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Richmond
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- NYE! with Antoine Scott
Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant , 11800 W Broad St , Richmond
7:00 pm - KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Richmond
Movieland At Boulevard Square , 1301 N Arthur Ashe Blvd , Richmond
10:50 am - Burlesque Bingo
Blue Bee Cider , 4811 Bethlehem Rd , Richmond
8:00 pm - PE Games w/Robinson Staff 3rd-5th
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center , 2903 Q St , Richmond
3:45 pm - Contemporary Modern Dance w/Allisen 3rd-5th grade
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center , 2903 Q St , Richmond
3:45 pm - Zumba w/Sam 15-Adult
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center , 2903 Q St , Richmond
5:30 pm - PiYo (Yoga infused Pilates) w/Toi 15-Adult
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center , 2903 Q St , Richmond
6:15 am - Tomorrow, the War with Max Watman
Fountain Bookstore Inc , 1307 E Cary St , Richmond
6:00 pm - Zarna Garg: Million Dollar Excuses
Funny Bone Comedy Club 11800 West Broad Street Suite 1090 Richmond, VA 23233
7:00 pm - Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
John Marshall Ballrooms , 101 N 5th St , Richmond
6:30 pm - Zarna Garg: Million Dollar Excuses
Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant , 11800 W Broad St , Richmond
7:00 pm - Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
John Marshall Ballrooms , 101 N 5th St , Richmond
8:45 pm
Wednesday December 31
Friday January 2
Monday January 5
Tuesday January 6
Thursday January 8
Friday January 9
📣 Richmond Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Richmond PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible! - Simple Solutions Psychiatry, LLC — (434) 259-8085
Now Accepting Aetna & Humana Clients for MHSS Support - Daniel Yoon - eXp Realty — (804) 896-2694
Latest Updates on New Construction Communities & Incentives
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Retire Your Worries at Avery Point —Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
- 💖 Grateful Beyond Words 💖
Because of you, a family of six was able to spend Christmas together in a warm hotel room instead of out in the cold. Because of you, four beautiful… (Nextdoor Broad Rock) - hello, My cat Morrison was accidentally let out sometime in the last 48 hours while I was at work.
I live on the 3200 block of West Grace St. He is a 9 year old gray shorthair with white socks, white tummy, chest and a distinguishable white " milk… (Nextdoor The Museum District)
- Westport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center posted a job opening for Full Time Activities Assistant in Richmond. Apply here.
- Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for Payment Integrity Coding Professional in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.
Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
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