AGP Executive Report

DOJ Scrutiny of Higher Ed: The Justice Department opened a compliance review of the College of William & Mary over alleged “race-based” scholarship and student-program criteria, including its W&M Scholars and Holmes Scholars programs, raising Title VI questions. Energy Costs & Solar: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is pushing a first-in-the-nation statewide group-purchasing solar plan, Switch Together, aimed at lowering household power bills as Dominion cites fuel-cost increases. Utility Merger Watch: Virginia SCC Chair Kelsey Bagot says she has not recused herself from the pending Dominion-NextEra merger case despite calls tied to her prior NextEra work, arguing her history alone isn’t a categorical recusal trigger. Election Security Explainer: A new Virginia-focused explainer lays out how state and local officials train, audit, and use cybersecurity support to keep elections safe and reliable. Data Center Tension: PJM’s new framework would require large data centers to secure their own electricity supply or face disconnection during shortages, underscoring the grid fight as AI demand grows. Housing Snapshot (HUD): HUD data shows no change in public housing unit counts for several Minnesota cities this year, including Mountain Lake (42), Benson (94), and Kennedy (2). National Security Tech: Cogility announced a new advisory board of senior national security figures to guide its decision-intelligence platform growth.

FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from moving the FBI HQ to the Ronald Reagan Building, saying the administration unlawfully abandoned the Biden-era Greenbelt, Maryland plan—setting up a major legal and political fight over federal site decisions and congressional funding. Virginia Courts & Public Safety: In Virginia, police are still working to identify additional shooters after five were wounded in a Virginia State University shooting; meanwhile, a Virginia man acquitted by insanity in a 2019 killing fled on an approved 48-hour mental-health pass and was later found abroad. DOJ Civil Rights Probe: The Justice Department opened a discrimination investigation into the College of William & Mary’s scholarships and financial aid, focusing on whether HBCU-restricted awards violate the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on racial preferences. Data Centers vs. Communities: PJM floated emergency rules that would require data centers to switch to backup generators and potentially be curtailed before residential blackouts; locally, Loudoun Economic Development is pushing small-business contracting workshops, while Botetourt’s data-center town hall sparked a media-access dispute. Hemp Policy: A judge refused to pause Virginia’s new THC restrictions as hemp businesses brace for the deadline. Local Governance: Culpeper County named a new county administrator amid transparency and background questions, and Stephens City is revisiting how e-bikes should be handled after resident complaints.

VSU Shooting Update: Virginia State University police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris after a shooting that wounded five; authorities say Harris was found hiding in a campus dorm closet and are still seeking additional gunmen as they sort out whether others acted in self-defense. Interstate 81 Construction: VDOT is warning of blasting and slow-roll traffic controls for the I-81 widening project in Roanoke and Botetourt counties starting Aug. 24, with delays expected during set morning hours. Energy & Data Centers: PJM asked FERC for a conditional reliability framework for “New Large Loads” like data centers, allowing some facilities to start service before enough capacity exists, with potential curtailments for uncovered demand. Higher Ed & Trust: A commentary argues higher education’s problem isn’t just messaging—it’s a credibility gap between what colleges promise and what students and employers experience. Local Airport Boost: Lynchburg Regional Airport won an $8 million federal grant to expand and improve terminal circulation and accessibility. Immigration/ICE Clash: A report highlights an ICE operation in Norfolk and claims Flock surveillance may have played a role in identifying an activist. Congressional Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace debuted nine new tattoos in a new YouTube podcast intro, continuing her high-profile pivot after declining reelection. Public Safety Tech: James City County and VCU are testing drone-delivered AEDs to speed care in rural areas.

Virginia State University Shooting: VSU President Makola Abdullah released a letter saying the investigation is ongoing after a Saturday shooting left five injured; Chesterfield police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris, found hiding in a dorm closet, while authorities continue to look for additional gunmen. Congressional Campaign: House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to campaign in Virginia Beach for Rep. Jen Kiggans in the competitive VA-2 rematch, a sign of how much Republicans view the seat as tied to their national majority math. Data Centers & Local Control: A planned AI data center near Rocky Mount—internally dubbed “Project Flash”—has been dropped after months of community opposition over power, water, and quality-of-life impacts. U.S. Politics: The DNC approved a 2028 presidential primary calendar that keeps South Carolina first and moves through states including Virginia, while Iowa Democrats say they were cut out of the early lineup. Energy/Tech Governance: U.Va.’s planned $30 million expansion of a research data center is moving forward amid statewide debate over energy use and infrastructure strain.

Virginia State University shooting: Chesterfield County police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico after a campus shooting left five people wounded early Saturday near the Quad Annexes; police say Harris was found hiding in a dorm closet and faces felony charges including malicious wounding and use of a firearm, with one victim still reported in critical condition. DNC 2028 primary calendar: The Democratic National Committee approved a new early nominating lineup that starts with South Carolina on Jan. 22, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia on Feb. 29—pushing Iowa out of the first slot. Immigration court push: A report says the Trump administration is using “mega master” immigration hearings to speed cases through the system, drawing criticism that it compresses due process. Local culture spotlight: Edinburg installed a new LOVEworks sign on Stoney Creek Boulevard, part of a statewide effort to highlight what makes towns unique. Gun violence elsewhere: Kentucky’s Lexington saw a separate outdoor concert shooting that killed one and injured four, including children, as officials investigate.

Virginia State University Shooting: Police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico after a Saturday shooting outside VSU residence halls left five people wounded, including one student released from the hospital; one victim was upgraded to critical condition and the campus lockdown has been lifted as investigators say multiple suspects were involved. State Response: Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, and AG Jay Jones all issued statements urging recovery and support for the VSU community. Democrats’ 2028 Primary Calendar: The DNC approved a new early nominating lineup with South Carolina first (Jan. 22, 2028) and Nevada second (Feb. 1), followed by New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia—pushing Virginia’s primary to Feb. 29. Local Governance/Personnel: Frederick County promoted John Bishop to planning director, emphasizing community outreach and continuity on the county’s comprehensive plan update. Public Safety Tech Debate: Roanoke residents are debating Flock automated license plate readers, with critics warning about warrantless surveillance and privacy risks. Defense/Shipbuilding: HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding says it completed acceptance sea trials for the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), moving toward preliminary acceptance and underway testing.

Campus Public Safety: Virginia State University in Ettrick is reeling after an early-morning shooting left five people wounded outside residence halls; one victim is in critical condition and the campus lockdown has been lifted, though police say a significant presence remains as Chesterfield County leads an investigation into “multiple suspects.” State Policy & Health: Virginia’s Department of Health reaffirmed the state’s childhood vaccine requirements and recommendations after a Trump executive order adjusted federal guidance, with VDH saying the immunization schedule is grounded in science. Civil Liberties & Policing Tech: The Institute for Justice pushed back on proposed “reforms” from Flock Safety on automated license plate readers, arguing the changes amount to window dressing without warrant requirements and meaningful oversight.

Virginia Hemp Fight: A federal judge in the Western District of Virginia denied hemp businesses’ bid to pause new THC limits, rejecting claims of irreparable harm and regulatory taking as companies weigh what to do with inventory. Local Schools & Civil Rights: The Shenandoah County School Board voted 6-0 to appeal a federal order requiring removal of Confederate school names, setting up another legal fight over costs and local authority. Data Center Pressure in Hampton Roads: Virginia Beach is considering a 12-month permitting pause for new data centers as council and staff wrestle with energy, noise, land use, and water impacts. Navy Readiness & Sailor Strain: Reports say sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are facing record-long deployments and worsening morale and health concerns, adding to scrutiny of how the Navy manages carrier rotations. Virginia Jobs & Industry: Roanoke announced an $85 million investment and 400-plus jobs from Ringana’s new U.S. headquarters, citing the city’s transportation and workforce pipeline. Congressional Watch: Republican Tony Sabio is positioning to challenge Rep. Don Beyer in Virginia’s 8th District, pitching his national security and government experience for the Nov. 3 race. 2028 Democratic Primary: The DNC is set to approve an early 2028 calendar designed to prioritize Black and Latino voters and organized labor, with Virginia among the early states.

Navy & Defense: President Trump orders the return of steam catapults on future Ford-class carriers, starting with USS Doris Miller, reversing the EMALS push and raising cost/schedule questions for Virginia-built ships. Military Readiness & Health: The Pentagon is pushing back on reports of poor conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, as lawmakers and families raise concerns about morale and mental health; a carrier rotation with USS George Washington is reportedly underway. Virginia Public Safety: Frederick Chambers, a Fairfax County deputy chief, is named Myrtle Beach’s next police chief, a notable leadership move from Northern Virginia law enforcement. Health Policy: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Sen. Richard Blumenthal lead Democrats demanding HHS reverse cancellations of lifesaving AHRQ research grants. Local Health Coverage: Sentara and Anthem face a contract dispute that could affect nearly 380,000 Virginians. Courts & Rights: A surrogate dispute in Texas spotlights abortion, surrogacy agreements, and parental rights across state lines. Aviation Safety: NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy says safety progress after the Reagan National helicopter crash remains slow, with nearly all recommendations still open. Sports & Culture: Boxer Prichard Colón dies at 33 after traumatic brain injury from a 2015 bout in Fairfax.

NASA & Hampton: NASA opened a new Flight Dynamics Research Facility at Langley, a major wind-tunnel upgrade meant to speed safety and performance testing for future aircraft, drones, and spacecraft. Defense & Carriers: Trump ordered the Pentagon to redesign a new aircraft carrier to bring back steam catapults, replacing the electromagnetic launch system—while senators raised fresh concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended Middle East deployment and reported crew conditions. Immigration Enforcement in Virginia: Multiple reports and a Virginia prosecutor review focus on an ICE agent drawing a gun during a traffic encounter captured on video, as immigration advocates and officials spar over what the footage shows. Local Ballot Questions: Pulaski voters will weigh a 1% school-focused sales tax referendum plus a separate offtrack pari-mutuel wagering question, with the sales tax also appearing for voters outside the town. Data Centers & Local Control: Frederick County supervisors advanced a public hearing process on removing data centers as a permitted use—another flashpoint in Virginia’s fast-growing data-center fight. Employment Discrimination: Apple agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a federal discrimination case tied to a Reston employee’s Shabbat observance.

Data Center Transparency Fight: Prince William County residents are pushing back on a Virginia DEQ environmental review for Microsoft’s Bristow data center, saying the public notice lacks key details like building height and the full project scope. Local Government & Public Safety: Shenandoah County Sheriff Tim Carter pitched a real-time crime center and AI tools to speed up how calls get assigned, but supervisors didn’t act. Housing & Services: HopeTree Family Services opened a new Glen Allen group home for adults with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing stability and neighborhood integration. Community Engagement: Orange residents will weigh whether to extend the mayor and vice mayor terms beyond one year, after a past council decision shortened them. Civic Life: A new Black Heritage Trail marker in Concord honors baseball star William Penn Thompson, spotlighting Virginia-born roots and local history. State Politics (National Spillover): Democrats advanced a slate of bills targeting federal immigration enforcement, with Virginia’s politics increasingly tied to broader federal-state battles.

Data Center Water Fight: A new look at Virginia’s data-center boom puts water use front and center, citing billions of gallons statewide and peak strain in Prince William County, while counties like Fauquier push closed-loop systems that trade water savings for higher electricity. PJM Grid Rules: PJM is weighing new requirements after nearly 3.8 GW of Northern Virginia data-center load shifted to onsite generation during a transmission disturbance, raising questions about how these loads behave during grid emergencies. ICE Gun Controversy in Northern Virginia: Video and competing accounts surround an ICE encounter in Bailey’s Crossroads where an agent drew a gun after a woman says she was exercising free speech; officials dispute her claims. Virginia Primary Results: Tuesday’s party primaries saw low turnout, with Bedford County’s GOP and Dem nominees winning by narrow-to-solid margins, setting up fall matchups. Military Housing Funding: A defense bill includes $1.8B for new barracks and military family housing, responding to long-running complaints about living conditions. RetirePath Expansion: Virginia’s employer-based retirement savings program lowers eligibility to firms with five+ workers, expanding access for hundreds of thousands more Virginians. Defense Maritime in Chesapeake: Defense Maritime Solutions plans $30M+ to expand U.S. manufacturing and testing for Wärtsilä marine engines in Chesapeake, aiming for more domestic capacity and 32 jobs.

ICE Use-of-Force Clash: A Falls Church, Va. confrontation involving an ICE agent drawing a gun at Carolina Molina is drawing fresh scrutiny after her cellphone and dashcam footage reportedly contradicts DHS’s account. Local School Policy: Spotsylvania School Board again voted down developing a policy for suspicionless pre-employment drug testing for new hires and rehires, keeping the issue alive after a similar July rejection. Energy & Data Centers: The SCC ordered data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure costs, a move framed as protecting ratepayers from grid upgrades. Public Safety & Corrections: VADOC probation and parole districts held National Night Out events with local law enforcement and communities. Elections & Civic Duty: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged Virginians to serve as poll workers and highlighted election security and voting-rights restoration efforts. Defense & Jobs: Defense Maritime Solutions announced a $30M Chesapeake expansion tied to Wärtsilä engine production and new jobs. Court Watch: A Norfolk case on automatic license plate readers highlights a growing split over when warrants are required for historical camera data. Community Notes: Bristol approved a lease bringing Blue Ridge League baseball to Boyce Cox Field starting in 2027.

Data Center Fight in Virginia: An editorial urges Virginia to hit pause on new data centers, arguing the state needs time to set clearer rules as electricity and water strain grow. Energy Merger Watch: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi launches an “Energy Costs Listening Tour” on Dominion-NextEra, pushing for transparency and accountability in the review of the $67B deal. Local Governance: Virginia Beach city council voted 9-2 to sell the Virginia Beach National Golf Course to Dragas Companies, with opponents warning the plan shifts investment away from the public asset. Courts & Rights: In Eastern District of Virginia cases, judges are testing whether federal agents can seize and search Americans’ phones at re-entry after overseas travel, with plaintiffs arguing retaliation for Middle East advocacy. Elections & Voting: Gov. Abigail Spanberger encouraged Virginians to serve as poll workers on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, highlighting restored voting rights for thousands formerly incarcerated.

Local Land-Use Fight: Carroll County is moving toward its first zoning ordinance, a big deal in a “by right” state where, without zoning, data centers and other developments can pop up without Board approval. Planning & Energy Regulation: Botetourt County’s planning commission is seeking more time to revise solar facility zoning rules after recent Virginia law changes, with commissioners recommending denial of the current draft. Public Safety: Bedford police arrested a second suspect in a May shooting that injured a victim, using surveillance and other investigative tools. Gun Policy Clash: Virginia AG Raoul led a coalition warning that the Trump administration’s firearms rollbacks could endanger communities. Courts & Civil Rights: A federal judge ruled for Shenandoah County students and the NAACP over Confederate school names, setting up likely appeals and more legal fees. State Politics & Economy: Gov. Spanberger announced record tourism spending of $36.2 billion, while Virginia also faces major Medicaid coverage losses. Tech & Defense: HII won a $2.2 billion SOUTHCOM task order for surveillance and intelligence capabilities.

NextEra-Dominion Merger Fight: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is intervening in the State Corporation Commission’s review of the $67 billion NextEra-Dominion deal, raising fresh questions about whether SCC chair Kelsey Bagot should recuse after her prior NextEra job. Data Center Power Costs: Virginia’s SCC is requiring data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure built for their own load, a move officials say could keep everyday ratepayers from absorbing AI-driven costs. Local Water vs. Google Data Center Fears: In Botetourt County, residents packed a planning commission meeting over a water pipeline permit; the panel deadlocked 2-2, sending the issue to the Board of Supervisors. Virginia Beach Golf Course Vote: City Council is set to vote on selling Virginia Beach National Golf Course to Dragas Companies, with a lawsuit filed by residents challenging the plan. Voting Rights & Election Access: A federal lawsuit says King George Middle School blocked students from forming a Gay-Straight Alliance. Hemp Crackdown: Seven Virginia hemp businesses asked a federal judge to block new THC limits set to take effect Aug. 15. Public Safety Roundup: AG Jay Jones held a Roanoke public safety roundtable focused on violent crime and gun violence. Federal Health & Tariffs: AG Aaron Ford sued the Trump administration over efforts to undermine ACA protections and over illegal tariffs.