Energy Costs: Virginia Republicans are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session and suspend gas and diesel taxes for 90 days. Spanberger says she is weighing relief options. Dominion Deal: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra over rate concerns, as state regulators hear public comment in Newport News. Data Centers: A Chesterfield Google project faces state allegations of environmental violations, while data center proposals divide communities elsewhere in Virginia. Voting: Early voting is running at more than twice the pace of 2022, ahead of November’s ballot on constitutional amendments, including reproductive rights. Courts and Schools: A federal judge upheld Virginia’s law allowing some undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition. Drought: Buggs Island Lake was just above the 288-foot trigger for mandatory water restrictions across parts of Mecklenburg County. Outdoor Economy: Virginia named Heather Barrar its first director of outdoor recreation, tasked with developing a statewide strategy.