Dam Removal & Wildlife Recovery: After the 2024 removal of the Ashland Mill Dam, biologists and volunteers reintroduced more than 750 “functionally extinct” alewife floater mussels upstream in Virginia’s South Anna River, restoring a fish-to-mussel link that was blocked for 200 years. Chesapeake Bay Ecology: A new paper ties Chesapeake Bay osprey breeding declines to reduced menhaden availability, renewing pressure to cut fishing pressure on the forage fish. Juvenile Justice Overhaul: Virginia’s Department of Juvenile Justice is rolling out new directives from legislators, aiming to address findings from a 2025 audit of Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center and expand diversion efforts. Local Gun-Law Enforcement: In Clarke County, the sheriff and commonwealth’s attorney say they won’t prosecute nonviolent offenders under new July 1 gun laws, but will pursue cases involving wrongdoing. Scam Prevention: Virginia State Police shared “to do” and “not to do” tips for avoiding monetary and identity scams ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Virginia Politics: The Lynchburg Republican City Committee’s primary results were nullified, adding fuel to a broader fight over election rules and process. Energy & Data Centers: Virginia lawmakers are debating how data center costs and impacts should be handled, with new scrutiny on tax exemptions and infrastructure burdens. Sports & Schools: Clarke County’s girls and boys soccer seasons ended in state tournament losses, while Virginia Tech’s preseason All-ACC honors highlight a busy summer for Hokies athletics.