Sewage Spill Response: Portsmouth praised Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s cleanup after a Douglas Avenue sewer main break spilled about 3.2 million gallons of wastewater, with repairs and pumping efforts underway within 72 hours while DEQ and others assessed the cause. Heat Preparedness: Lynchburg opened multiple air-conditioned cooling centers and water stations as temperatures push into the 90s and heat indices climb, urging residents to check on neighbors during peak hours. Air Pollution Enforcement: Virginia DEQ and Sandston Chemical Manufacturing Facility reached an order by consent over alleged VOC permit violations, including emissions far above the permit limit and requirements for a revised permit application. Water Security & Cyber Risk: A Virginia Tech expert warned that water and wastewater systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can precede physical disruption, calling for stronger protections for critical infrastructure. Drone Testing Expansion: The FAA and DOT expanded the BEYOND drone testing program, adding participants to study larger drones, longer distances, and higher-altitude operations—aimed at shaping future safety rules. Wildlife Habitat Fight: A conservation group sued the U.S. Forest Service over a large clearcutting and burning plan in Montana, arguing it harms habitat and connectivity for multiple at-risk species. New River Watershed Work: New River Conservancy was nominated for AmeriCorps NCCC “Partner of the Year” after hosting a team that cleaned up a tire dump, planted trees, and built a rain garden in Pulaski. Data Centers & Power Politics: A new report highlights how data-center demand is outpacing electricity and supply, tightening the race for land, power, and approvals—fueling growing public pushback. Virginia Tech Drone Tech: Virginia Tech opened a new facility to test technology designed to detect and stop drones, reflecting rising security focus. Arctic Military Posture: NATO officials rejected claims that NATO’s Arctic activities threaten Russia, as climate-driven access increases attention on the High North. Local Wildlife Innovation: A Virginia Beach student’s “Dolphin Guard” project earned state merit recognition for using science and technology to reduce human threats to dolphins.