Cannabis Policy: Virginia lawmakers approved a compromise to create a regulated adult-use retail cannabis market, with sales potentially starting July 1, 2027, after months of budget negotiations and a prior veto. State Budget & Data Centers: The General Assembly passed a two-year budget that ends the shutdown threat and includes a new electricity consumption fee on data centers, projected to raise up to $600M annually, alongside pay raises for teachers and state workers. Voting Rights: A civil rights group asked a court to speed up Virginia’s reform of voter registration rules for people with felony convictions, arguing many remain stuck in registration limbo. Local Transit: Northern Virginia lawmakers are weighing whether to consolidate transit agencies to cut costs and improve service, with a study ordered as part of the budget. Gun Laws & Enforcement: Virginia’s new assault-weapons restrictions face pushback from some local prosecutors who say parts of the law are unconstitutional and won’t enforce them. Public Safety: A serial rapist and former NFL player, Darren Sharper, has registered as a sex offender in Virginia after being transferred to a residential reentry setting. Weather & Health: A report highlights how summer heat is catching camps unprepared, while Virginia’s measles situation continues to raise concerns in parts of the region.