Jobs Data Skepticism: Richmond money manager Jamie Cox and other analysts say the latest U.S. jobs report is “misleading,” pointing to implausible leisure-and-hospitality losses and expecting later revisions. Passenger Rail Push (Bedford): Bedford’s long-awaited Amtrak return is moving through preliminary engineering and environmental review, with $1.5M in federal grants for studies and design aimed at a Macon Street station and regional tourism boost. Grid & Data Centers: A guest column argues Virginia can’t ignore the cost of inaction on transmission and substations, while another analysis says many U.S. data center projects fail before construction because grid power and interconnection timelines stall them. Virginia Energy Policy: Coverage highlights Virginia’s new data center electricity tax and broader grid strain as heat drives record demand. Water Conservation: As drought and heat tighten supplies, Virginians are being urged to take shorter showers and cut household use—experts say impact depends on everyone participating. Local Economy & Travel: Small businesses report a summer lift as Americans take more domestic trips and stay closer to home. Higher Ed Stress: A report on accelerating college closures spotlights efforts to preserve campuses digitally as institutions struggle with enrollment and debt. Cyber Settlement: A data breach settlement could pay Americans up to $5,000, with claimants needing proof of out-of-pocket losses. Amherst Gaming Referendum: Signatures are being gathered to reboot Rosie’s Gaming referendum in Amherst after the earlier vote failed.