AI is rapidly reshaping Virginia workplaces and it's doing so faster than previous technology shifts, according to a new report from the state's workforce development agency.

Why it matters: Virginia's high-paying, higher education-backed jobs are the ones most vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions.

The big picture: In Virginia, the AI workplace revolution isn't on the horizon, it's already here, according to the new Virginia Works report, which focuses on how the technology is likely to affect the state's workforce.

• That's because Virginia businesses are embracing and deploying AI at a higher rate than most other states, per the report, which points to Census data ranking the state fifth in the nation for workplace AI adoption.
• Virginia's high concentration of technology, financial and professional services and government-related jobs is likely what's driving the state's strong workplace AI adoption.
• It's also what makes much of the state's workforce at high risk for "AI exposure."

Caveat: AI exposure doesn't mean jobs lost, the report cautions, but it does mean many of the tasks performed in some of Virginia's most common knowledge-based occupations will likely change.

What they found: AI will have the greatest effect on knowledge-based, white collar jobs — including many of the industries that overlap with Richmond's largest employers — and the least on service-oriented, hands-on and trade jobs.

• That's a change from previous technological changes (see also, computers and the internet) that largely affected service sector and low-paying jobs.
• This tech revolution is most likely to impact well-paying jobs, the report notes — in some cases, jobs that pay around four times more than the average hourly wages.

Between the lines: The best way Virginians — and the state's universities — can prepare is by focusing on strengthening "human skills," like communication, critical thinking, relationship building and adaptability, per the report.

Keep reading for the list of careers affected

Meta and Google both recently announced multi-million dollar investments in training programs for skilled trade workers to build the data center workforce they need.

Why it matters: Meta has a data center in Henrico while Google has three in the works in Chesterfield.

State of play: Meta is investing $115 million in its new America's Workforce Academy, a four-week training program that promises a guaranteed job at the end, Axios' Madison Mills reports.

• It hopes to address the shortage in skilled trade workers, including fiber technicians, welders, plumbers, electricians and more.
• The academies are out of state, but Meta will cover tuition, airfare, lodging and a daily stipend for participants, per the company.
• At the end of the program participants will be placed at one of Meta's construction sites.

Meanwhile, Google is committing $50 million to help train more than 300,000 skilled trade workers, Mills reports.

• Their work supports labor unions and four trade and contractor associations — including the Richmond Electricians' Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee — focusing on the kind of work that goes into building and maintaining data centers.
• The company hopes to add 2,741 electrical apprentices in Virginia by 2030, a 135% increase, per Google.

The bottom line: If you're looking for a well-paying job that's likely insulated from AI disruption, a career in data centers could be the move for you.

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🚂 A CSX train carrying about 200 cars of corn derailed Friday in Shockoe, sending three railcars into the canal and leaving two others unstable. (Times-Dispatch)

• No injuries or hazardous material releases were reported. The cause is under investigation, and portions of Dock Street and the Capital Trail remain closed.

🫩 A water main break near Richmond's downtown flood wall caused widespread low to no water pressure across Richmond and parts of Henrico early Friday before being mostly restored. (The Richmonder)

• It also affected some restaurant openings.
• Repairs begin today and are expected to take several weeks.

👀 Henrico is asking county employees to conserve electricity because a 25% rate increase is expected to add about $5 million to annual power costs for schools and government buildings. (WRIC)

🎢 Fun fact: Kings Dominion's shortest ride lines are on weekday nights — especially Tuesdays-Thursdays — with average waits dropping to three minutes by 8pm. (The Richmonder)

When "America's Time Capsule" is opened 250 years from now, Virginia will be represented by a commemorative coin.

Why it matters: It's not that we don't love it but … Maine sent a whale bone.

Catch up quick: The capsule was buried Saturday in Philly with items reflecting American culture from all 56 states and territories.

• Sen. Mark Warner tells Axios Virginians also submitted over a thousand photos to a separate congressional capsule, from Appalachian Trail hikes to Mount Vernon reenactments.

Fun fact: Virginians have contributed to three time capsule projects in the past five years.

• When Richmond's Lee statue came down in 2021, officials replaced its 1887 time capsule with 39 artifacts representing modern Virginia.
• Among them: A COVID-19 vaccine vial and the viral photo of a Black ballerina in front of Lee.

🗣️ What would you have put in the time capsule to represent Virginia?

Tell us here

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the submitted photos were for a congressional time capsule (not "America's Time Capsule") and that Virginians have contributed to three time-capsule projects (not two) in the last five years.

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A Virginia councilman's viral campaign video about building more sidewalks has people nationwide saying they want to move to Danville.

Why it matters: The internet's love for Councilman Gary Miller and his high-waisted pants suggests that there's at least one thing Americans can agree on: a good sidewalk.

The big picture: Miller, a 78-year-old cardiologist, is one of 11 candidates running for four at-large seats on Danville City Council.

• And his video arguing sidewalks are a public safety issue has racked up over 8 million views across TikTok, Instagram and X.

What they're saying: Miller tells Axios he's "stunned" by the response, joking that while the internet knows him for his pants, he's better known around Danville for his dance moves.

• "I'm famous in town for when we have block parties," he says.

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