Virginia sports: Virginia opens Friday night after its bye week, hosting Norfolk State in a matchup the Cavaliers are heavily favored to win, with local football fans watching for continued momentum from the season’s early test. Student press rights: The Cavalier Daily joined a national amicus brief backing student-run media at the University of Alabama, arguing public universities can’t control independent student journalism. Rural healthcare: Virginia lawmakers met at JMU to focus on protecting rural healthcare access as federal funding cuts loom, highlighting workforce shortages and the role of grassroots clinics and mobile services. Coal dust fix: Newport News released results from a study suggesting wind fence configurations could reduce coal dust movement and improve air quality for nearby residents. Climate: Scientists say August was Earth’s hottest month on record, driven by human-caused warming plus a strong El Niño. Election logistics: Virginia early voting for the Nov. 3 midterms starts Sept. 18, with key registration and ballot deadlines ahead. Data centers backlash: A Piedmont Environmental Council push calls for a data-center development moratorium while state and local leaders tighten protections for water and air.