Virginia Elections: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged Virginians to serve as Officers of Election on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, highlighting election security and the restored voting rights of more than 66,000 Virginians. Data Centers & Power Costs: The Virginia State Corporation Commission ordered data centers and other large electricity users to pay for transmission infrastructure built for their facilities, a move Spanberger says will protect families and small businesses from hundreds of millions in costs. Local Broadband: ZiTEL will take over the West broadband project in Patrick, Henry and Franklin counties after RiverStreet Networks couldn’t secure full funding, with officials saying service expansion is back on track. Tourism Economy: Virginia tourism generated about $3.4B in state and local taxes in 2025, as visitor spending hit a record $36.2B. Public Health & Early Learning: Virginia Head Start programs could face major changes under a new federal proposal, with advocates warning it could cut quality supports for children with disabilities. Community Safety: A Rockingham County Fair opening day was delayed by storms but events resumed after power was restored. Sports & Schools: Virginia Tech hired PJ Mullen as deputy athletics director and chief marketing officer, while Radford University announced its women’s hoops non-conference schedule.