The Richmond region continues to welcome new data centers, the vital yet sometimes controversial facilities underpinning our digital lives and the AI explosion.

Why it matters: More data centers mean more electricity demand to run these energy-hogs — and that cost will likely be passed on to locals, according to a recent report from the state watchdog agency.

The big picture: There are 537 data centers statewide, with the vast majority concentrated in Northern Virginia.

• Richmond has the second-highest concentration of data centers in Virginia, which is known as the data center capital of the world, with 53 of them in the region, according to DataCenterMap.com.
• That includes Henrico, Powhatan and Chesterfield, which potentially has more in the works. So does Hanover.
• In Chesterfield and Henrico, 38% of data centers are within 500 feet of a residential area, and some residents, similar to those in NoVa, have started to fight against proposals to add more near their homes.

Zoom in: If unconstrained, the state's demand for power could double within the next 10 years, according to a report out late last year from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the state's watchdog group.

• That increase in demand would likely end up costing Virginia residents, and Dominion Energy customers specifically, $14 to $37 more a month in their power bill by 2040.

The other side: Data centers aren't all bad, JLARC found. While they tend to only support a small number of long-term jobs after initial construction, those jobs tend to pay well.

• Plus, the centers can also pump millions in tax revenue into local economies, which some, like Henrico, are using to help local residents by funding an affordable housing trust.

Keep reading for the legislature's attempts to regulate data centers

Last year, 6.3% of all homes sold the Richmond area were bought by institutional investors, per a new ATTOM report.

The big picture: Nationwide, institutional investors — any non-lending group that purchased at least 10 properties in a calendar year — have backed off the last three years as housing affordability has plummeted, the report shows.

Yes, but: Richmond's rate is up slightly from 6.2% in 2023.

Context: Investors bet on growth. They want to see strong population and job growth, solid rental yields, landlord-friendly regulations, affordability, and long-term appreciation potential, ATTOM CEO Rob Barber tells Axios.

By the numbers: Statewide, the share of homes purchased by investors shrank, dropping to 5.7% from 5.8% in 2023.

• In Virginia's metro areas, investor home sales purchases grew in Roanoke (6.8% of sales, up from 5.9%) and Richmond.
• The dropped in NoVa and the entire DMV (4.7%, down from 5%), Virginia Beach (6.8% down from 6.9%) and Bristol (4.9% down from 6.2%).

The bottom line: It's still a rough homebuying market out there for locals trying to do so.

Keep reading to see where in the country investors bought the most homes last year

🏥 Some of Virginia's community health centers, including three in Richmond, have been cut off from federal funding and forced to close. (VPM)

• Bermuda Medical Center in Chesterfield, Southside Medical Center in Manchester and Greater Fulton Medical Center in the East End started diverting patients to other locations last week.

👀 Some RPS employees showed up to Tuesday's School Board meeting demanding the removal of Chief Talent Officer Maggie Clemmons over an allegedly toxic and discriminatory workplace. (WRIC)

🚂 You know that train bridge near Mayo Island that you can see while crossing the Mayo Bridge? It's undergoing maintenance that has sparked environmental concerns from the local Sierra Club. (Times-Dispatch)

🐣 Easter on Parade no longer has an official organizer and likely won't happen this year without a sponsor to help cover the $45,000 cost. (Times-Dispatch)

If you didn't already know, it's Super Bowl weekend — aka Richmond is jam packed with events. Let's get into it.

Friday

🍷 Galentine's Day Pop-Up at Quirk will have wine and women-owned businesses you can shop. 5-8pm. Free unless you sip wine and buy gifts.

🖐️ And right after, head to the Canal Club if you're a One Directioner for a "One Direction Dance Night." 9pm. $25.

Saturday

🐍 "ChinaFest: Year of the Wood Snake" at the VMFA will have dance performances, Kung Fu, calligraphy and more. 10am-4:30pm. Free.

🍫 Don't forget this year's festival combining chocolate, wine and whiskey at Main Street Station. 11:30am-9pm. Tickets start at $69.

Sunday

😍 Watch the famous Puppy Bowl, arguably more important than the Chiefs vs. Eagles game, at Strangeways. 1-4pm. Free.

👀 Head to The Hof for food and drink specials and to watch the game on a 100-inch projector screen with surround sound. 3-11pm. Tickets start at $15.

Full list including more Galentine's celebrations, a "Swiftie Bowl Party" and adoptable puppies

We asked, you voted.

Richmond's best coffee shop is down to Blanchard's and Lamplighter — two spots that have been staples for well over a decade.

The final verdict: Vote here by 3pm today to decide the winner.

• May the best latte, or however you define what makes a great coffee shop, win.
• Feel free to reach out to tell us why you voted how you did. We're dying to know.