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Podcast Episode

The Politics Hour: Will Loudoun County push pause on data center development?

The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi··14 September 2026·50 min

About this episode

The Loudoun County data center debate has gone national. The growth of "Data Center Alley" - and the tax revenue that comes from it - has led to gleaming new community centers and low property taxes. But the proliferation of data centers in the region has also led to mounting resident concerns over the environmental impacts and potential health risks.Now, county lawmakers are weighing whether to pause data center development. Loudoun County Board Chair Phyllis Randall joins the show to weigh in on the big vote later this month about halting new projects. Plus, why Loudoun is divided on how to handle federal immigration enforcement in the county.Also ... residents across the region are concerned about local law enforcement's use of Flock cameras. District police have so far remained mum on exactly how they are using the surveillance technology. NOTUS reporter Martin Austermuhle gets behind the mic to talk about his reporting. Plus, we get the latest on  Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White's upcoming federal trial, and the future of Hains Point.Plus, the Maryland Supreme Court ruled this week that a question about Maryland's redistricting rules can appear on the November ballot, overturning two lower courts.  The legal decision has state and national implications. Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk joins the show to discuss the ruling and what it means for Maryland voters.Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885