AGP Executive Report

U.Va. Oversight: The U.Va. Board of Visitors’ Finance Committee approved a $7 billion FY27 budget, with major allocations to academics and U.Va. Health, while an Audit Committee signed off on a two-year internal compliance and risk audit plan. Strategic Planning: The full Board heard President Scott Beardsley’s early priorities for a new strategic plan and updates on potential governance changes at U.Va. Health. Higher-Education Trust: A Yale report on trust in higher education says institutions need to lower costs, boost transparency, and re-center classroom priorities—raising the question of how U.Va. stacks up. Virginia Tech Recruiting: Hokies kept rolling with commitments from 4-star WR Cam Wade, 4-star CB Bryce Woods, and 4-star OT Junior Saunders. Local Governance: Richmond City Council’s agenda includes follow-ups from the 2026 General Assembly, plus ordinances tied to 911 call routing and property tax deferrals. Data Center Backlash: A national look at how voters’ anger over data centers is growing fast, with Virginia communities and officials increasingly pulled into the fight over electricity, water, and costs.

White House UFC Fight Lawsuit: Two Virginia residents sued to block UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn, calling it an unlawful, “deeply corrupt” commercialization of federal land; the White House says the event is properly permitted and similar to other South Lawn events. AI Ownership Politics: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders pushed a plan for the public to hold major equity stakes in AI companies, with Trump also floating public-benefit AI partnerships. Data Center Fight in Virginia: A Shenandoah County planning commission advanced a first data center ordinance after hours of public pushback, with opponents warning the rules still leave the door open. Virginia Gun Ban Enforcement Clash: Two Virginia prosecutors said they won’t enforce the state’s semiautomatic “assault weapons” ban, citing likely constitutional problems. Virginia Housing Update: Richmond is seeing a surge in accessory dwelling units after state changes, with ADUs now moving toward statewide legality. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported low midgrade and regular prices in several Virginia counties in the week ending May 30, with statewide averages largely steady.

Civil Rights in Schools: The Trump administration is backing away from enforcing civil rights protections for Black students, reframing long-standing school accountability as “illegal DEI,” with schools facing funding threats. Education Tech Backlash: Across the country, districts are cutting back on classroom devices after parents and teachers say screens are distracting and harming learning, including limits on device use and blocking certain platforms. AUKUS Submarine Scrutiny: Australia’s AUKUS deal is drawing fresh criticism after reports it will receive secondhand Virginia-class nuclear submarines, raising fears of deeper entanglement in a potential U.S.-China conflict. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show several Virginia for-profit nursing homes with low star ratings, including Norview Heights (2 stars), Kempsville Health & Rehab (2), and Norfolk Health Care Center (1), with at least one facility reporting fines/penalties. Virginia Beach Safety Push: Thousands turned out for Virginia Beach Sand Soccer, while city leaders point to a new task force aimed at improving oceanfront safety. FBI Personnel Shakeup: FBI analysts tied to a 2023 Catholic “violent extremists” memo were fired, intensifying the political fight over the bureau’s internal work. Sports (Virginia): Virginia Beach’s Sand Soccer championships drew big crowds, and local coverage also highlighted ongoing state tournament action.

Chincoteague Causeway Tragedy: Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash on Route 175 that killed a 25-year-old man; the Explorer driver died at the scene while the Camry driver had minor injuries. Missing Adult Alert: Chesterfield Police are searching for Julie Ann Branan, 42, last seen leaving her home early Saturday; officials say she needs medication and warn the public not to approach her. U.Va. Health Access Push: U.Va. Health opened a new plastic surgery clinic in Pantops to make elective care easier to reach for Central Virginia patients. FBI Personnel Fallout: FBI Director Kash Patel dismissed analysts tied to a 2023 Richmond memo that warned about alleged extremism among traditional Catholics, drawing fresh criticism. Drought Watch: Fauquier County has been placed under a drought warning, urging residents to conserve water. Local Skills Spotlight: Lineworkers from across the country competed at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, with Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative earning multiple honors. Vape Enforcement Reminder: Virginia’s new Styrofoam ban kicks in July 1 for food vendors statewide, requiring alternatives to foam containers.

Virginia Tech Sports: The Hokies will host Ole Miss in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 1, 2026, and Virginia Tech’s women will take on Tennessee on Dec. 3 at home. Local Schools & Community: Rockbridge County’s girls lacrosse team rolled past Loudoun Valley 20-5 to reach the Class 4 state semifinals, setting up a Tuesday matchup with Western Albemarle. Public Safety & Health: Virginia’s measles situation keeps worsening, with cases climbing past 70 and officials warning about declining vaccination rates. State Politics & Policy: Virginia budget talks are stalled again, with a backup plan emerging as lawmakers wrestle with affordability and data-center concerns. Federal/Legal Watch: Newly released FBI records tied to a Judicial Watch FOIA request allege a Butler County deputy had email contact with Thomas Crooks before the July 13, 2024, Trump rally shooting. Tech & Governance: Trump signed an executive order creating a voluntary federal AI review framework, offering developers up to 30 days to share “frontier models” with the government.

Fatal Crash Fallout: A New Jersey bus driver tied to a deadly Virginia I-95 crash that killed five Massachusetts residents is now at the center of a dispute between federal officials and New York’s DMV over how his commercial license was handled, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and NY DMV both trading accusations. Local Power Planning: Valley Link released revised 115-mile transmission route options through central Virginia after 2,000 public comments, with updated corridors running through multiple counties and dropping earlier Spotsylvania portions. Space & STEM: NASA named MIT’s “Exploration-Class Lunar Integrated Power SystEm” the top winner in its 2026 university aerospace concepts competition; Virginia Tech placed third in a Mars-related project. USPS Reform Hearing: A House subcommittee hearing pressed the Postal Regulatory Commission on USPS’s financial crisis and what changes could improve service and revenue. Gun Violence Awareness: Virginia AG Jay Jones marked Wear Orange Day, urging continued action as new tools to hold the firearm industry accountable begin July 1. Sports (Virginia ties): The SEC/ACC Challenge schedule is set, including Virginia vs. Mississippi State on Dec. 3 and Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee on the same slate.

Virginia Tech & Donors: Virginia Tech announced a record $75 million commitment from an anonymous four-generation alumni family, with most going to athletics and a “sizeable” share to the Honors College. Public Safety & Courts: A Virginia judge blocked part of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s gun-control push by ordering that earlier limits on personal background checks remain in force, and Virginia State Police said they won’t follow the challenged end-run. Energy & Cost of Living: Appalachian Power is seeking a $61.4 million base-rate increase at the Virginia SCC, drawing fresh criticism over reliability spending and the company’s proposed return on equity. Local Planning: Winchester City Council is weighing a new Tourism Zone to unlock incentives for hotels, restaurants, and event venues. Solar Access: Virginia and Maryland passed laws allowing plug-in balcony solar systems, with Virginia’s taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Health Care Watch: CMS data show mixed nursing-home performance across Hampton Roads, including a 5-star Lake Prince Woods (Suffolk) and a 1-star Birchwood Park Rehabilitation (Virginia Beach). Sports (High School): Buffalo Gap won its third straight Region 1B softball title, and Broadway’s Lilah Deavers struck out 19 as the Gobblers won the Region 3C crown in a walk-off.

Gun Law Fallout: Virginians are reportedly rushing to buy AR-15s and other soon-to-be banned “assault weapons” ahead of the July 1 ban, even as lawsuits cloud how soon it can be enforced. Public Safety: Virginia Beach police are investigating a possible shooting on Warwick Drive, while separate reports note police activity after guns were recovered following a party at a vacant Virginia Beach home. Health Policy: A VCU study challenges the data behind bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, arguing the “desistance” numbers lawmakers rely on aren’t solid enough to justify restrictions. Higher Ed: Virginia Tech’s Menah Pratt is set to lead Penn State’s Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses, effective Aug. 1. Local Economy & Community: A Virginia Beach doughnut truck has expanded into a new cafe, Cafe Nectar, and Pride events are underway across Virginia, including Loudoun Pride Festival. Transportation: VDOT’s Lynchburg district posted a weekly traffic alert with bridge and roadwork closures and detours.

Gun Policy: Virginia’s assault weapons ban starts July 1, with gun owners and attorneys raising legal and practical concerns about what changes for sales, transfers, and magazines. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge postponed sentencing for former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan as arguments continue over whether her conviction should be overturned, including claims tied to a Virginia immigration case. Immigration Enforcement: DHS says USCIS data shows widespread fraud risk in the Special Immigrant Juvenile process, citing thousands of petitioners with criminal arrest records. Local Justice: Bedford County investigator Robbie Burnette was named Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Deputy of the Year for his work in the 2022 Katlyn Lyon homicide case. Sports & Media: Russell Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler, retired at 37 and is set to join CBS Sports as an analyst on “The NFL Today.” Arts & Community: Charlottesville JazzFest launches as a new annual tradition on the Downtown Mall, with performances across multiple venues. Health Care (Nursing Homes): CMS rankings highlight mixed results across Virginia facilities, including several “second largest” homes in their counties and a range of CMS star ratings.

Richmond Schools Budget Crunch: The Richmond School Board approved new cuts to close a $4 million deficit, including closing Richmond Virtual Academy and lowering educator hourly rates from $55 to $35, after the city council budgeted a record $257 million for schools. Virginia Hurricane Prep: Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged Virginians to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, with state leaders running tabletop drills at the Emergency Operations Center. AUKUS Submarine Update: Defense officials say the AUKUS switch to three in-service Virginia-class submarines for Australia took at least 18 months of negotiations with Washington. Danville Workforce Push: Navy and defense leaders met in Danville to tackle workforce shortages in the submarine industrial base, highlighting training efforts like ATDM and the Navy Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Cyber Cooperation in Hampton: Exercise Smoked Reindeer 2026 brought U.S. and Finnish forces together at Joint Base Langley-Eustis to strengthen coalition cyber operations. Local Legal/Personal Safety: A Virginia man convicted of threatening Ric Grenell was sentenced to 15 months; Grenell said he was “rattled” by the hearing. Sports Schedule Shake-Up: NC State’s opener against Virginia was moved from Brazil to Charlottesville after organizers said the Rio event couldn’t be conducted.

Study Abroad Partnerships: Qatar Foundation is signing three new agreements with Hampton University (Virginia), Xavier University of Louisiana, and Prairie View A&M to expand HBCU student study-abroad ties with Education City. Local Public Safety: A procession honored Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Utt, who died May 30 during a wellness check in Cana, drawing crowds along the Roanoke-to-Fancy Gap route. Nursing Home Watch (CMS Q1 2026): Fairfax Rehabilitation and Nursing Center led Fairfax City County by bed count (200 beds) with a 3-star overall rating; Annandale Healthcare Center topped Fairfax County size (222 beds) but scored 1 star; Virginia Beach Healthcare and Rehab Center was largest in Virginia Beach City County (180 beds) with a 1-star rating; Potomac Falls Health & Rehab Center in Loudoun earned 4 stars with no fines or penalties. Sports (Virginia): Curtis Blair, a Virginia native, was selected for the NBA Finals as one of 12 referees.

Virginia Tech Leadership: The VT Board of Visitors elected a new rector, replacing John Rocovich after Gov. Spanberger removed him over unspecified conduct concerns. Hampton Roads Community: Longtime radio personality Mike Arlo, a fixture for more than 50 years, has died at 77. Public Safety: York County arrested a suspect in a May 16 attack on a woman outside her home, charging abduction and malicious wounding. Health Watch: A colorectal cancer “hotspot” in Southeastern Virginia/Northeastern North Carolina is no longer showing persistent elevated death rates, according to updated ACS-funded research. Local Business/Community: Dancing Creek Farm in Danville expanded into pet trust and end-of-life protection plans for dogs. Tech & Jobs: Spatial Front is relocating its HQ to Arlington, creating 450 jobs. Sports: UVA promoted Matt Hart to GM/Director of Player Development as the Cavaliers adjust to the modern recruiting and NIL era.

COVID prevention in Virginia: The FDA approved Shionogi’s Xocova (ensitrelvir) as the first oral COVID-19 post-exposure prevention option for people 12+ after contact with an infected person, using a 5-day regimen. I-95 crash update: A bus driver in the Stafford County I-95 chain-reaction crash that killed five and injured dozens faces additional involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving charges. Local traffic enforcement: Winchester will start 24/7 red-light photo enforcement June 8 at S. Pleasant Valley Rd and E. Jubal Early Dr, with cameras aimed at violations, not privacy. Data center hearing: Frederick County’s planning commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday on the proposed Virginia Technology Park data center campus in Clear Brook, including noise and utility concerns. Public safety/health: A new study suggests mosquitoes can learn to associate DEET with food, potentially reducing its repellent effectiveness after repeated exposure. Community notes: Purcellville’s Fireman’s Field got a new warning track after a major donation from EE Reed East Coast; and Danville reported two house fires over 18 hours, displacing one resident.

Title IX Watch: The U.S. Department of Education marked June as Title IX Month, highlighting a new OCR investigation into Cabarrus County Schools over claims that males were allowed in girls-only intimate facilities. Virginia Politics: Same-sex marriage advocates launched a constitutional amendment campaign to repeal Virginia’s ban, aiming for a fall vote. I-95 Tragedy: Dispatch recordings detail the chaos after a chain-reaction bus crash on Virginia’s I-95 that killed five Massachusetts residents; investigators and courts continue to sort out what happened. Danville Accountability: The Danville Area Humane Society agreed to pay a $500 fine to resolve Virginia Board of Pharmacy concerns about controlled-drug record-keeping tied to euthanasia. Local Government: Hanover supervisors rejected a 427-acre data center plan in the South Anna District, citing community impact concerns. Health & Science: FDA approved Xocova (ensitrelvir) as the first oral post-exposure COVID-19 prevention therapy for eligible teens and adults. Business/Jobs: Centra announced layoffs of about 90 employees as part of a restructuring effort in central Virginia.

Community Solar in Virginia: A new push is helping more Virginians save through community solar, thanks to two recently enacted laws. Local Energy & Housing: In Prince Edward County, one family’s shared-solar deal shows how panels can turn pastureland into retirement income while neighbors debate the tradeoffs. Public Safety: North Carolina authorities arrested a man wanted in the killing of Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt after a multi-day manhunt, ending with a custody booking in Surry County. Virginia Tech & Sports: Virginia’s NCAA baseball run ended with a 7-6 loss to Jacksonville State in the Hattiesburg Regional, despite a late rally. Business & Innovation: Virginia’s startup scene is leaning on AI and staying private longer, while health systems are training staff to commercialize medical inventions. Defense & Tech: AUKUS updates say Australia will buy second-hand Virginia-class submarines, and the broader deal is also tied to undersea security plans.

Carroll County manhunt: FBI and multiple agencies are hunting “armed and extremely dangerous” suspect Michael Timothy Puckett after he allegedly shot and killed Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt during a welfare check near Fancy Gap, then wounded a second deputy; a wildlife camera in Surry County, N.C. captured him Sunday morning, and authorities are asking the public to call 911 if spotted. Virginia Tech update: Hokies confirmed WR Cam Sparks is no longer with the program after a DWI arrest listed in court records. Royal scandal fallout: New reporting says police are examining alleged misconduct by former Prince Andrew tied to a Royal Ascot incident, as an Epstein survivor renews claims Buckingham Palace protected him. Mental health: A new moms’ guide explains how to tell baby blues from postpartum depression and why treatment matters. Local services: Adagio House in Harrisonburg opened “Our Village,” a Medicaid-funded day program for adults with disabilities. Sports (Virginia): UVA rowing finished fourth at the NCAA Championship; Virginia Cavaliers advanced in NCAA baseball after a long win over Southern Miss. Pride Month: Hampton Roads released a June calendar of Pride events.