Data Center Costs Shift: Virginia’s State Corporation Commission ordered Dominion to build a way to charge data centers for transmission infrastructure built for their demand, aiming to keep those costs from spreading to everyone’s electric bills. Local Power-Water Backlash: Lawmakers and residents are pushing for tighter scrutiny of new data centers as concerns grow over groundwater strain and grid reliability. Air Quality & Legacy Pollution: A UVA-led study found road dust in seven eastern cities still carries toxic metals tied to historic industry and old pesticides, raising everyday exposure worries for parks and school areas. Smith Mountain Lake Safety: The Smith Mountain Lake Water Safety Council reviewed 2026 marker changes, including GPS discrepancies and access limits caused by low water. Chesapeake Bay Habitat Reuse: Virginia’s Old Dominion Boulevard Bridge concrete was used as an artificial reef, showing how demolition materials can become marine habitat instead of landfill. Wildlife & Public Safety: Oregon and Utah’s wildlife crossings are credited with cutting deadly crashes, and Virginia is among states expanding similar efforts. Chesapeake Bay Fisheries: The menhaden management board advanced an addendum that could tighten Virginia’s Bay-specific reduction fishery limits. Health Tech for Ticks: Old Dominion researchers are testing a remote-controlled “TickBot” using permethrin-treated cloth to reduce tick bites without harming other wildlife. Flooding Reminder: Hampton Roads saw flash flooding that overwhelmed streets, underscoring how extreme storms keep hitting Virginia communities.