Data Centers in Virginia: Gov. Abigail Spanberger rolled out a “Data Center Accountability Framework” and signed Executive Order 22, aiming to curb secrecy and tighten environmental and community standards as AI-driven demand surges. The order bans state agencies from requiring or entering non-disclosure agreements, creates an AI task force, and removes by-right approval for large projects (over 25 megawatts), shifting more decisions to local review; it also sets stricter expectations around energy efficiency, water use, and noise, while pushing cleaner backup power and transparency. Local Environmental Impacts: In Halifax County, an investigation is underway after a Banister River fish kill left hundreds of catfish and other species beached; the federal Energy Regulatory Commission is looking into the role of a privately owned hydroelectric dam, and a cleanup is planned. Soil & Farms: Virginia Tech launched a new online system for soil testing submissions, letting users manage samples, payments, and results through a single dashboard. Climate & Weather: Fall color is delayed in Central Appalachia as warm nights and dry conditions slow leaf change, with drought stress raising the risk of early leaf drop. Water Shortage: Chatham declared a Stage 2 water emergency as reservoirs decline in a severe drought, urging conservation while hoping for tropical storm rain.