West Virginia
West Virginia data center boom draws criticism over costs, resources
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Gray DC) – — Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $4 billion in private investment to build data centers across West Virginia, but the plan faces pushback from residents concerned about rising electricity costs and resource consumption.
The West Virginia State Legislature opened the door for data center development in 2023, with a plan promising 30% of funds would stay in host counties.
“We have a framework that will help make West Virginia not only the best state to open a data center… but best for consumers as well,” Morrisey said.
Resource and cost concerns
Critics say each data center will consume between 1 and 5 million gallons of water daily, employ fewer than a dozen people and strain the power grid.
Morrisey said the law bars passing costs to consumers.
However, a Carnegie Mellon report shows electricity costs in communities around data centers are expected to spike nearly 25% by 2030. The explosion of data centers nationwide will drive up electricity bills by an average of 8% even for those not near a facility.
Limited lifespan
The lifespan of a data center averages 15 years. By year 25, they are considered obsolete.
There are currently plans for eight data centers across West Virginia. Morrisey said he is listening to those communities.
West Virginia’s welcome signs were changed from “Wild and Wonderful” to “Open for Business” in 2006.
Copyright 2026 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
West Virginia
West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Mega Millions, Daily 3 on April 28, 2026
The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 28.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 28 drawing
14-36-41-47-66, Mega Ball: 15
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 3 numbers from April 28 drawing
3-2-2
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from April 28 drawing
7-7-8-7
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 25 numbers from April 28 drawing
03-15-16-17-21-22
Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
- Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
West Virginia
Dangerous man committed for insanity escapes West Virginia mental hospital, state police searching
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — West Virginia State Police are searching for a Huntington man after authorities said he escaped from River Park Hospital.
Troopers from the Huntington Detachment responded to the hospital on April 27, 2026, after receiving reports that James Ryan Yost, 50, had fled the facility.
Authorities said Yost is considered dangerous.
Law enforcement officers, including members of the Huntington Police Department, searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate him.
According to state police, hospital staff provided a Morgan County Circuit Court order showing Yost had been committed to the custody of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources by reason of insanity. The order remains in effect until February 2098.
Yost has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database as an escapee.
He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
The investigation remains ongoing.
CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The West Virginia Angel Initiative is striving to provide easier access to addiction and treatment services statewide.
“We’re a direct partner with the West Virginia State Police and what the program is designed to do is provide confidential compassionate access for the people that they come across that are struggling with substance use a quick fast easy way to get into treatment,” program provider for HELP4WV Salwa Kirk said.
The Angel Initiative is being strengthened by partnering with West Virginia State Police, training new recruits and troopers to increase awareness of the mental health and addiction resources that are available statewide.
“We’ve seen a lot of engagement already and a lot of interest to be able to serve,” Kirk said.
She said recently, QR codes have been placed in troopers cars for people to scan to get these services with no delay, removing barriers to encourage more people to get help.
“The QR codes are a simple form that State Police can access when they do come across someone that needs treatment instead of a bunch of lengthy paper work,” she said.
She said last year, their calls totaled to almost 26,000 and they’re hopeful the QR codes will encourage more to reach out.
“It’s a way to get people these resources quick and a lot of times they’re connected with someone on the other end of the line that also has lived experience. We’re able to offer a passionate judgment-free zone to be able to confide in us,” she said.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder and want to connect to these services, call 1844-help, for a same day placement.
-
New York37 minutes agoIn First Campaign Ad, Schlossberg Leans on a Well-Known Name: Pelosi
-
Detroit, MI1 hour agoAtlanta 5, Detroit 2: Adding injuries to insult
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoNew cell tower being built in San Francisco neighborhood despite pushback
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoMIN@DAL Postgame: Miro Heiskanen | Dallas Stars
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoHighway 41 fire burns thousands of acres, threatens structures in west Miami-Dade
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoFancy Hats Can Be Cool
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoDaily Horoscope for April 29, 2026
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoWEST SEATTLE ART: Pre-World Cup mural