Advanced Manufacturing Education: Mount Carmel Academy Charter School in Virginia finished its Industrial Arts & Manufacturing Innovation Lab through the DoD’s MEERA program, bringing hands-on robotics, CNC machining, welding, additive manufacturing, and precision measurement to students. Defense & Submarines: Lockheed Martin will serve as Virginia-class submarine combat system integration partner for Australia, building long-term sustainment capability and workforce. Fusion Economics: A MIT-led framework argues fusion’s next hurdle is making it commercially viable, mapping the real costs of plants that can compete in energy markets. Pollinator Science: Virginia Tech research finds glyphosate can disrupt honeybee brain chemistry and reduce foraging even at sublethal exposure. STEM in Public Policy: UVA Batten launched a new one-year, hybrid Master of Science in Public Policy and Data, starting its first cohort in Spring 2027. Missile Defense Testing: L3Harris completed a successful hot-fire test of a stage-two solid rocket motor for the Missile Defense Agency’s Next Generation Interceptor. Data Center Backlash: Banks are tightening financing as community opposition grows, while more localities impose bans or moratoriums—an issue hitting Virginia-area planning conversations. Health Tech: Duke researchers are testing drone-delivered AEDs to cut cardiac arrest treatment delays. Cyber/Market Integrity: Kalshi is partnering with Nasdaq to add automated trade surveillance to help curb insider trading and manipulation. Legal Rights in Schools: A federal lawsuit challenges Virginia’s King George Middle School for blocking a Gay-Straight Alliance.