Transportation & Water Infrastructure: VDOT is expanding a Park and Ride near Strasburg, boosting capacity from 43 to 131 spaces with better lighting, drainage, and repaving, aiming for completion by February 2027. Hydropower & River Recreation: Appalachian Power will run a required Claytor Hydroelectric capacity test July 30, temporarily raising New River levels (about 2.5 feet near Radford) and increasing flow speeds—boaters and swimmers are urged to use caution. Park & Community Conservation: The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation hired Kristina Ramsey to lead engagement and expand Blue Ridge Rising partnerships that connect visitors with nearby communities. Drought & Water Use: Gov. Josh Stein and DEQ leaders updated North Carolina’s drought status, urging residents to keep conserving water even after recent rain. Wildfire Climate Signal: New reporting says European wildfires are burning far more area than the recent average, with displacement across France and Spain and record-approaching fires in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Local Water Quality Check: Smith Mountain Lake Association sampling reports the lake remains safe for recreation, with water clarity and algae indicators tracking near historical norms. Data Centers, Power, and Community Pressure: A growing wave of local governments is considering moratoriums or tighter rules on data centers, citing long-term impacts like water use, energy demand, noise, and land change. Permitting Modernization: A White House CEQ expo in Arlington will feature Labrynth’s AI-enabled permitting tool aimed at speeding federal environmental reviews. Health Costs With Environmental Stakes: Virginia’s marketplace premiums jumped sharply after federal subsidies expired, pushing many people off coverage—an affordability hit that can affect access to care during extreme heat and other climate-linked health stress.