Reporter's Notebook: Why data center fights cut across party lines

NPR | By Gabriel J. Sánchez,

Adam Raney, Debbie Elliott, Scott Neuman

Published September 26, 2026 at 5:13 PM EDT

NPR's Scott Neuman went to Virginia and Maryland to report on data centers. In this reporter's notebook, he shares why opposition to new ones is bringing together people who rarely agree on politics.

Tags

NPR

Gabriel J. Sánchez

Gabriel J. Sánchez is a producer for NPR's All Things Considered.

Adam Raney

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South.

See stories by Debbie Elliott

Scott Neuman

Scott Neuman is a correspondent for NPR's General Assignment Desk.

See stories by Scott Neuman

Recent Stories

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now