• Drought watch returns for the DC region; Potomac flows under scrutiny. Local officials warn the Potomac River may struggle to meet demand after below-average rainfall, even after last week's storms. The entire region faces a formal drought watch and water utilities urge conservation. Full story More coverage Arlington update

• Deadly I-95 bus crash raises alarms about bus safety. Investigators want witnesses to the fatal Stafford County crash. The incident has reignited debate over bus company safety records and driver oversight. Call for witnesses Safety questions

• Sen. Warner targets data centers' impact on electricity bills. Virginia's senior senator backs new legislation to rein in rising power costs tied to the state's booming data center industry. The bill aims to protect residents from surging rates and reliability concerns. Details here

• Arlington man charged after firing bullet into neighbor's apartment. Police say he discharged his gun while cleaning it on South Highland Street. No injuries were reported, but he faces reckless handling charges. Incident report

• Mystery restaurant signs on at Ashburn's Belmont Chase. A new tenant called Adda is coming, but details remain under wraps. Locals speculate another eatery is on the way. Scoop from The Burn

• Great horned owlets were rescued and rehoused at Huntley Meadows Park after falling from their nest. See the photos
• Van Leeuwen ice cream is now scooping in Ashburn. More here
• Fairfax Water will remove its last lead pipes from the system. Announcement
• Loudoun launches a stormwater inventory and mapping project. County update
• McLean man sentenced to 15 months in prison for threatening a Trump ally. Case details

NoVA's watching the skies and the river, with drought nerves running high despite last week's rain. The region feels tense but alert, with locals tracking water, safety, and what's opening next.

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