AGP Executive Report

Data Centers: Virginia’s DEQ proposed a nearly $2.5 million settlement with Microsoft over Leesburg generators that exceeded air-permit limits, with most of the money funding air monitoring near data centers. Residents are also urging a statewide data-center moratorium, and Google was cited for sediment runoff at a Virginia site. Energy Costs: Hearings on Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra have centered on customer rates and rising data-center demand. Virginia has released $67 million in energy funds to help about 1,000 homes lower their bills. Elections: As early voting continues, Gov. Abigail Spanberger says her administration is investigating reports that voting rights were restored to people who have died. Sen. Mark Warner and challenger Alex Mizusawa are also making their case to Virginia voters. Local Government: Henrico supervisors are set to consider six development proposals and nearly $10 million in construction contracts. James Madison University will join the American Conference by 2028, leaving the Sun Belt.

Local Control: A packed Carroll County meeting ended with supervisors voting down a proposed BRCEDA amendment that critics said would weaken county authority over Wildwood business-park development and taxation, with data centers a major concern. Energy Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger released more than $67 million in RGGI funds for home repairs and weatherization, targeting over 1,000 homes. Schools: Fairfax County enrollment fell to 171,936, down more than 5,000 from two years ago; Arlington schools cut 23.5 positions after enrollment came in below projections. Virginia Politics: Early voting is underway as voters prepare to decide a reproductive-rights amendment; doctors disagree over what it would change. Arlington: The county sued to block President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Public Safety: Virginia State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Portsmouth after gunfire erupted near a crowded venue.

Portsmouth Investigation: Virginia State Police are investigating after a Portsmouth officer shot and wounded a man early Sunday amid gunfire near a crowded venue. Election 2026: Early voting is underway as Sen. Mark Warner and Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa draw contrasts on health care, Medicaid and voting access. Storm Risk: Hurricane Isaias’s remnants brought heavy rain to Virginia, with flood watches in parts of the region; central Virginia remains abnormally dry despite some drought relief. License-Plate Cameras: Richmond and Henrico are ending their Flock camera contracts, while reporting found Smithfield police improperly shared Flock data with the FBI, violating Virginia law. Workforce: A $1.2 million state grant will expand maritime training in Hampton Roads.

Portsmouth Shooting: A police officer shot and injured a man early Sunday after responding to reports of gunfire near a crowd on George Washington Highway. Virginia State Police are investigating; the man’s condition has not been released. Storm Watch: Isaias weakened as it moved north, but heavy rain and flooding remained possible across the Mid-Atlantic, with flood alerts stretching into southern Virginia. Cost of Living: Virginia Republicans are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session to suspend the state gas tax. Her administration says it is weighing options to ease costs. Energy Bills: Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra drew strong public opposition at a state hearing, while Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi warned it could raise utility bills. Surveillance: Richmond says it will let its Flock camera contract expire, joining other Virginia localities reconsidering the technology. Rural Health: Centra Southside Community Hospital has closed its maternity ward, citing expected Medicaid policy changes amid a broader wave of maternity-service cuts. Chesapeake Bay: Federal grants are sending about $9.6 million to Virginia conservation and restoration projects, part of $39 million awarded across the watershed.

Energy Bills: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra, citing fears that rising rates could burden Virginia households. Privacy and Policing: Richmond Mayor Danny Avula says the city will let its Flock license-plate camera contract expire, following Henrico’s decision to end its deal amid concerns about data security. Voting Rights: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is investigating reports that deceased felons had their voting rights restored, a controversy drawing scrutiny of the state’s restoration process. College Football: Norfolk State blanked Virginia-Lynchburg 62-0 for Homecoming, while Virginia Tech fell 25-20 to California on a touchdown with 18 seconds left. Public Safety: Virginia State Police reported seizing more than $830,000 worth of drugs and recovering 13 firearms in operations across the Commonwealth.

Community Investment: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced $615,000 in grants for 22 downtown revitalization projects across Virginia, with local partners adding more than $230,000. Energy and Growth: The proposed Dominion-NextEra merger drew fresh questions over data-center expansion and electric bills; Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes the deal over rate concerns. Arlington: The county sued to block President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Voting and Rights: State officials are investigating reports that voting rights were restored to deceased felons, as Virginians prepare to vote on a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights. Public Safety: A flood watch covers parts of Southwest Virginia through Sunday evening. Authorities in Carroll County also arrested a suspect in a fatal shooting near Cana.

Arlington Lawsuit: Arlington County is suing to block the Trump administration’s proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Voting Rights: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says Virginia is investigating after deceased felons were mistakenly included in a voting-rights restoration effort. Separately, a federal judge blocked the Justice Department’s attempt to obtain private voter-roll data from states. Forest Protection: Spanberger urged the Trump administration to keep the Roadless Rule, warning its repeal could affect nearly 400,000 acres of Virginia national forests. Schools & Budgets: Voters in several Virginia localities will consider a 1% sales tax to fund school construction and renovations; meanwhile, Spanberger celebrated Henrico’s schools after every campus earned full accreditation. Public Safety: A 17-year-old was charged with killing a 16-year-old and wounding two others in a shooting outside Norview High School in Norfolk. Weekend Outlook: Rain and strong winds could affect Hampton Roads as the Richmond Folk Festival returns to Brown’s Island amid a $30 million renovation.

I-295 Crash: A tractor-trailer carrying two up-armored Humvees lost its load near the Hanover-Henrico line Friday, striking another vehicle. The truck driver suffered minor injuries, and ramps at Exit 41B and Route 301 lanes were closed as police investigated. Arlington Lawsuit: Arlington County sued the Trump administration Thursday to block its proposed 250-foot arch near Memorial Circle, arguing officials skipped a thorough review of traffic, safety and historic impacts. School Accountability: Virginia’s latest school results show gains, including more distinguished schools, but absenteeism remains a concern. Several systems reported full accreditation. Energy Debate: Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra is drawing opposition and questions at public hearings, including from state leaders. Weekend Weather: Remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring Central Virginia 1 to 4 inches of rain Sunday, with thunderstorms and a marginal severe-weather risk. Local Ballot Measures: Virginia voters will decide 64 local measures this fall, including proposed sales taxes to fund school construction in several counties.

Arlington Lawsuit: Arlington County is suing to halt President Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing the review is rushed and the project could worsen traffic, emergency access and airport safety. Energy Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced $67 million for home-efficiency projects aimed at lowering bills. Meanwhile, Virginia’s utility regulator heard residents’ concerns about Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra; Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes the deal over rate concerns. Election Watch: Early voting is running more than twice as fast as in 2022, and Virginians will decide 64 local ballot measures this fall, including proposals to fund school construction. Schools and Safety: Newly released body-camera footage from the 2023 Richneck Elementary shooting has renewed attention to the case; the teacher’s $10 million civil verdict against a former assistant principal is under appeal. Business: Haynes Furniture and The Dump are closing after 128 years, with liquidation sales beginning Thursday.

Privacy & Policing: Henrico County will dismantle its 122-camera Flock network, becoming Virginia’s largest user to end its contract. Officials cited residents’ concerns about potential misuse of surveillance data. Utility Merger: Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra drew public comment at a Newport News hearing, as Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and state lawmakers raised opposition and rate concerns. Schools & Voting: New state accountability results show Virginia has doubled its number of “distinguished” schools. Voters will also decide 64 local ballot measures, alongside statewide constitutional amendments, this November. Emergency Preparedness: Gov. Abigail Spanberger hosted a statewide summit focused on emergency readiness. Historic Preservation: Eight Virginia projects will receive $2.05 million in grants to protect and restore sites tied to Black, Indigenous and other communities of color.

Emergency Readiness: Gov. Abigail Spanberger brought 1,000 public safety and community leaders to Richmond for a statewide summit on preparing for disasters, cyberattacks and other crises. Schools: New state results show Virginia nearly doubled its number of “distinguished” schools; Portsmouth schools also earned full accreditation for the first time in 16 years. Coastal Flooding: Hampton Roads residents can help map king-tide flooding this weekend, gathering data as high-tide floods grow more frequent. Energy & Bills: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger over concerns about rate hikes, while Virginia Republicans press for a temporary gas-tax break. Voting: Early voting is running at more than double the pace of Virginia’s 2022 midterms. Infrastructure: An $89.7 million federal loan will support I-81 safety and capacity upgrades, including truck-climbing lanes and bridge replacements. Surveillance: Warren County’s sheriff defended license-plate reader cameras amid privacy concerns; a Virginia lawmaker is seeking tighter limits, and Henrico County plans to remove its cameras.

Energy Costs: Virginia Republicans are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session and suspend gas and diesel taxes for 90 days. Spanberger says she is weighing relief options. Dominion Deal: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra over rate concerns, as state regulators hear public comment in Newport News. Data Centers: A Chesterfield Google project faces state allegations of environmental violations, while data center proposals divide communities elsewhere in Virginia. Voting: Early voting is running at more than twice the pace of 2022, ahead of November’s ballot on constitutional amendments, including reproductive rights. Courts and Schools: A federal judge upheld Virginia’s law allowing some undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition. Drought: Buggs Island Lake was just above the 288-foot trigger for mandatory water restrictions across parts of Mecklenburg County. Outdoor Economy: Virginia named Heather Barrar its first director of outdoor recreation, tasked with developing a statewide strategy.

Federal Court & National Security: Former CIA senior official David Rush pleaded guilty in federal court in Virginia to a roughly $194 million fraud scheme tied to a fabricated classified program, and prosecutors say he also transmitted details about a U.S. human source to a foreign government official. Local Economy & Growth: Old Dominion University’s Dragas Center said Hampton Roads’ economy is hitting record nominal GDP near $150 billion in 2026, even as the region’s workforce and jobs show recent declines. Education & Safety: Norfolk schools are joining Walk and Bike to School Day, with AAA Tidewater and city officials urging drivers and pedestrians to share the road more carefully. Retail & Redevelopment: Target opened a new 100,000-square-foot store in Norfolk’s Wards Corner, a redevelopment milestone that residents say improves access to fresh food and everyday shopping. Public Safety: A Smithfield firefighter was charged with DUI after a firetruck flipped during a response. Courts & Tuition: A Richmond federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to block Virginia’s in-state tuition pathway for unauthorized students. Local Governance: Front Royal’s Town Council is racing to set cannabis business rules before the state licensing timeline begins. Regional Sports: Rock Ridge opened the Section 7AA girls’ tennis tournament with a 7-0 sweep of Princeton.

Defense & Jobs: Anduril says it will invest $3.7 billion in a new Sparrows Point shipyard in Maryland to build Virginia-class submarine components, with a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion tied to production results—expected to create about 3,100 direct jobs. Virginia Politics & Taxes: Richmond City Council weighs cutting the real estate tax rate, but city leaders warn slower revenue growth and rising obligations tied to bargaining, housing, pensions, and capital plans could make a sustained cut tough. Immigration & Due Process: A Kashmiri filmmaker detained by ICE at Dulles is being held in Virginia and is set for immigration court proceedings, with supporters alleging the detention is unlawful. Local History & Education: Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources approved 11 new historical highway markers, including one in James City County for the Amblers House tied to the self-emancipation story of Jamestown’s enslaved people. Community Spotlight: Hampton teens launch a nonprofit to preserve and document underfunded Tidewater historical sites. Public Safety & Surveillance: A Supreme Court petition tied to “knock-and-talk” policing was rejected, keeping the fight over warrantless home entries alive in lower courts.

Virginia Energy & Schools: The Energy Commission of Virginia is weighing adding renewable power, storage, and outage-ready features to local school construction sales-tax rules, but lawmakers want clearer cost and savings estimates before Nov. 3 votes. Data Center Pressure in Virginia: Virginia DEQ alleges repeated unpermitted sediment runoff from Google’s Chesterfield “Project Peanut” site, citing wetland and stream impacts and permit-reporting issues. Medicare/Medicaid Contract Fight: Sentara says it’s ending negotiations with Anthem for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and ACA Exchange in Hampton Roads, affecting about 215,000 members as the companies dispute reimbursement rates. Local Business Deadline: Downtown Virginia businesses face a steam-heat conversion crunch ahead of a Nov. 2 shutdown, with a proposed $1.8 million grant to help lagging conversions. Public Safety & Health: Virginia State Police issued a missing adult alert for a 78-year-old man last seen in Virginia Beach; separate reporting highlights new research on how chronic cigarette smoke can reprogram lung stem cells toward specific lung cancer types. Community Events: Page County’s Heritage Festival returns this weekend with antique farm demonstrations and historic food crafts.

Virginia Politics & Policy: House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats are on track to win back the House, aiming to flip Trump districts like they did in 2018. Data Centers & Local Impact: A new wave of opposition is shaping 2026 races as voters worry about electricity bills, water use, and local control; Amazon is pushing $1B for host communities while residents remain skeptical. State Government & Courts: Virginia’s nursing home oversight and staffing enforcement guidance is in the spotlight as lawmakers and advocates press for safer ratios and stronger action. Public Safety: A wrong-way crash on Route 58 in Chesapeake turned fatal days later, with the SUV driver dying after a head-on collision. Health & Science: Researchers report a simple urine test that can diagnose and track bladder cancer more accurately by measuring tumor RNA, with potential to guide treatment choices. Local Business: Traditional Medicinals begins tea production at a new $47M Franklin County facility, expanding Virginia manufacturing. Community & Culture: Colonial Williamsburg is staging “Letters from the Archives” performances this October, bringing Rockefeller Library documents to life.