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Opponents of data centers are planning eight marches across Virginia, including one Monday in Danville, where a data center complex at the Southern Virginia Megasite is slated to bring at least 2,050 permanent jobs. That would top Southside’s largest jobs announcement since at least 1990. But the energy demands are already part of the debate: neighboring Pittsylvania County has approved more solar projects than any other Virginia county, and officials have talked about “solar fatigue.” Jobs and tax revenue on one side; power needs on the other. A proposed statewide moratorium puts that tension in sharper focus. Washington County could face a $1.7 million deficit in its next budget, even as it confronts emergency repairs to its moldy justice center. The shortfall is projected for fiscal 2027-28, and the county is starting its review early because rising costs are outpacing expected revenue growth. School funding needs account for much of the pressure; employee cost-of-living raises and a new Glade Spring EMS station add $400,000 each. Keeping four school resource officers would require another $356,000. The county’s three options: find more revenue, cut spending or use reserves. Blacksburg has lowered the penalty for operating an unregistered short-term rental from $1,000 to $500. Town Council unanimously approved civil fines for homestays that lack registration or fail to meet other requirements, replacing a criminal penalty under an ordinance last updated nearly a decade ago. The change brings the town in line with state code, which caps the penalty at $500. Blacksburg has issued 75 homestay licenses for 2026, but it’s unclear how many rentals are operating without one. Lynchburg Councilman Marty Misjuns says he received a “specific and credible written threat” Thursday night, two days after resident Fable Forest criticized his social media posts as “hate speech” at a City Council meeting. Misjuns said the threat referenced dragging him from council chambers and claimed he was being watched. He contacted city police, and a report was filed. By Friday, he said, evidence had been preserved, a person of interest identified and federal authorities involved. The police department had not responded to a request for comment by midday Friday. A black-and-white dog has been spotted 177 times since last October, roaming between Buchanan, Moneta and Woodbridge. Stephanie Bowyer and Cera Wadsworth have been tracking the sightings on a map, recording when and where Bandit was seen and which way he was headed. The effort began with about 10 reports; now a Facebook group has more than 200 members. The goal is to understand Bandit’s route, draw him toward feeding stations and eventually catch him so he can have a permanent home. Those helping say the most important thing is not to chase him: frightened, he could run farther.

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