Cybersecurity & Water Systems: The FBI says malicious cyberattacks on water utilities have surged across seven states, with some incidents disrupting operations like water pressure and flooding; it urged municipal operators to boost defenses, disconnect operational tech from the internet, and be ready to switch to manual controls. Defense Tech & Research: The Office of Naval Research will host Innovation Industry Days in Arlington (Sept. 21–25) to brief industry on science and technology roadmaps and help identify future capability gaps across 11 focus areas. Power Infrastructure & Local Review: Loudoun County supervisors postponed action on Dominion’s proposed Golden Substation, asking for more architectural and landscaping improvements before a Sept. 1 vote. Advanced Manufacturing Jobs: Virginia Steel and Fabrication will invest $3.6M to expand in Bland County, upgrading and automating equipment and creating 52 new jobs. STEM Education & Inclusion: Rockbridge County Public Schools received grants to expand accessible physical education for students who are blind or visually impaired, including an adaptive P.E. lending library. Health & Public Safety Campaigns: Virginia DMV launched its first cannabis-impaired driving prevention campaign, urging drivers to “relaxxxxx” instead of driving high. Space Exploration: NASA’s Martian Dust Limit Working Group is working toward a permissible exposure limit for astronauts, balancing safety with what’s feasible for missions. Broadband Expansion: Henry County selected ZiTel as its new broadband partner after delays with the prior VATI-related effort. Data Centers & Housing Pressure: Virginia lawmakers are moving toward tighter rules that could curb the data center boom, including proposals to end the state’s sales tax exemption.