Wildlife Research: Virginia scientists say black bears use cold to enter hibernation, but day length to wake up—raising alarms that warming falls could disrupt bear cycles. Public Health & Safety: A GAO report finds major gaps in child labor death records—over half of U.S. deaths for workers under 18 lack key details on cause and industry. Toxic Exposure Accountability: Newly uncovered documents tied to the 2024 BioLab chemical fire in Georgia describe a wider toxic plume and more people at risk, fueling lawsuits and calls for investigation. Cybersecurity & Trust: Ashburn-based VeraSec Technologies received a U.S. patent for “Immutable Document Sealing and Authentication,” aiming to give files portable identity and integrity. Defense & Tech in Virginia: The CIA restored a Mi-17 helicopter used in its first Afghanistan mission after 9/11, now displayed at CIA headquarters in Langley. STEM in the Commonwealth: Walter Reed’s prostate cancer research program highlights translational work through its Center for Prostate Disease Research. Infrastructure & Engineering: VDOT schedules an Oct. 29 public hearing in Staunton on Greenville Avenue corridor “road diet” improvements for safer traffic, biking, and walking. AI Power Politics: The Senate is set to take up a Ratepayer Protection Act targeting higher utility bills tied to AI data centers.