Data Centers & Virginia Budget: Virginia lawmakers are still deadlocked on a promised sales-and-use tax break for data centers, with House Speaker Don Scott warning that cutting it would break faith with businesses, while Senate Democrats want to redirect the exemption toward teacher raises and child care. Water & Drought: Newport News Water Works issued a Stage 2 drought warning and urged voluntary conservation, while Fluvanna County and much of the state remain in drought advisories despite recent rain because groundwater and deeper soil moisture are still far below normal. Air Quality: DEQ issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Northern Virginia, advising sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion. Solar Access: New Virginia and Maryland laws allow plug-in balcony solar systems (up to 1,200 watts), letting more renters and homeowners generate power without full rooftop installs. Local Environmental Monitoring: Smith Mountain Lake Association reported first 2026 water-quality monitoring results showing the lake remains clean and safe for recreation, based on clarity, chlorophyll-a, and phosphorus readings. Wastewater Scrutiny: A Valley poultry operation, Shenandoah Valley Organic/Farmer Focus, faces multiple wastewater violations and allegations of misleading environmental reports, according to documents reviewed by WHSV. Wildlife & Habitat: Preservation Virginia flagged the Valley Link transmission corridor as among the state’s most endangered historic places, warning the project could threaten the region’s rural landscape.