AGP Executive Report

Data centers & water planning: Virginia’s data-center boom is colliding with water and power realities, with new reporting and commentary urging the state to treat water infrastructure and long-term resilience as core planning—not afterthoughts. RGGI flood/efficiency grants: Virginia is rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, unlocking grants aimed at flood prevention and energy-efficiency upgrades for local governments and low-income residents. Reproductive rights amendment in court: A lawsuit challenges Virginia’s reproductive rights amendment over a procedural step in the constitutional process, setting up a hearing with possible knock-on effects for other amendments. Gun law fights: Federal litigation continues over Virginia’s “assault weapons” rules, with courts blocking parts of the implementation and the Justice Department pursuing additional challenges. Local housing push: Danville broke ground on Morotock Lofts, a workforce housing project funded through state and federal historic tax credits and local incentives. Colonial Downs summer racing: Colonial Downs in New Kent is gearing up for a record-breaking summer meet with expanded race days and major stakes opportunities. Politics & money: A new PAC tied to Club for Growth is spending $1M to boost Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee’s governor race, highlighting how national money is shaping state contests. 250th anniversary media: VPM is rolling out holiday programming tied to Virginia’s Revolutionary legacy and the Declaration’s enduring meaning.

Data Centers & Local Power: Blackstone’s QTS has terminated its Digital Gateway data center project in Virginia and withdrawn filings, citing years of regulatory review amid growing local fights over electricity demand and impacts. Politics & Public Safety: Fairfax County records show it declined to transfer 615 illegal immigrants to ICE over 16 months, turning over just 11, fueling fresh pressure on sanctuary policies. Courts & Guns: The Supreme Court declined to halt an $800-a-day fine for a reporter who won’t reveal a confidential source, as Virginia’s gun-policy battles continue in federal courts. Health & Prevention: Less Cancer praised a congressional resolution tied to America’s 250th that spotlights prevention, public health, and access to care. Local Crime: Fredericksburg police say two Richmond-area men were charged after a theft and chase that led to multiple vehicle collisions in Stafford. Community & Travel: American Airlines will resume nonstop service between Charlottesville and Chicago starting Nov. 2. Virginia Agriculture: A tick-borne red-meat allergy risk (alpha-gal) may be higher than thought, with Virginia among states flagged.

Virginia Tech leadership: President Tim Sands says he’ll step down soon, and the Virginia Tech board has named a new rector and vice rector after John Rocovich’s removal; Rocovich is suing Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Gun policy fight: Judges blocked Virginia’s assault weapons ban ahead of July 1, and the Justice Department has filed suit against Virginia over the law. Data centers and power: Virginia’s budget includes major data-center funding and energy-related requirements, while local leaders and activists push back over grid strain, rates, and water use. Local governance and courts: Martinsville released an investigation summary as legal costs mount, and Fairfax County is weighing whether to pursue a convention center in Tysons. Economy and jobs: A new look at small businesses shows hiring is easing but still tight, with Richmond-area labor demand remaining more constrained than the broader state trend. VCU health: VCU opened a $30M liver disease and metabolic health imaging center to speed research and clinical trials. All Access local journalism: The Richmond Times-Dispatch is temporarily removing its digital paywall for July 2–5.

Virginia Politics & Policy: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed off on Virginia’s 2026-28 budget, locking in education boosts, housing and energy cost relief, and a push to make data centers “pay their fair share.” Gun Laws: The DOJ sued Virginia over its “assault weapon” ban after Supreme Court gun-rights rulings, as judges temporarily blocked parts of the law ahead of July 1. Data Centers & Power: The budget also clears the way for major data-center expansion, including a $100B Berry Hill campus plan moving forward in Pittsylvania County. Public Safety & Fire: Fredericksburg earned a Class 2 fire rating from the Insurance Services Office, citing training and communications upgrades. Health & Research: Carilion Clinic is launching new clinical trials for radiopharmaceutical “theranostics” for cancers including glioblastoma. Local Consumer Watch: Wythe County homeowners face foreclosure after a loan-modification scam, prompting BBB-style warnings about red flags. National Security: VP JD Vance defended Trump’s Iran negotiation approach during a visit to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach.

Medicare Access: Starting Wednesday, a new Medicare GLP-1 “bridge” trial will let some older Virginians on Medicare get certain brand weight-loss drugs for $50 a month through 2027, with eligibility tied to weight/health factors. VCU Research & Leadership: VCU is launching a $30 million lab focused on liver health, and the university’s board has named a new rector: Capital One government affairs executive Steven DeLuca. Henrico Baby Abuse Case: A grand jury says a Henrico hospital refused to believe a nurse abused infants, rejecting a “metabolic bone disease” explanation and pointing to doctors’ concerns. Data Centers & Power Costs: Virginia is set to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and lawmakers also moved on a data-center electricity consumption tax deal after a long fight. Local Culture: The Virginia Theatre Festival’s “Newsies” runs July 9-19 with a large cast and local performers. Business/Defense: Tyto Athene won a $51 million U.S. Air Force contract to sustain global voice communications.

Virginia July 1 Changes: New state rules kick in for renters, workers, drivers and employers, including a new system to seal certain criminal records and limits on some landlord payment fees. Public Safety Tech: Virginia begins implementing intelligent speed assistance, and a new law lets judges order installation for speeding cases. Budget & Economy: Virginia finalized its 2026-28 budget, including a tax on data center electricity use and a framework for retail marijuana sales starting July 2027. Data Centers in Northern Virginia: Digital Realty agreed to buy Blackstone’s stake in three hyperscale data centers in Manassas and Sterling, boosting its ownership to 100% across the portfolio. Health & Firefighting: Virginia approved a $2 million annual grant program to expand cancer screenings for career firefighters. Higher Ed Pathways: Radford University and Virginia Western Community College launched a two-plus-two transfer pathway aimed at data, tech, business and AI careers. Transportation: Culpeper Town Council backed $32 million in SMART SCALE transportation proposals, including intersection upgrades and a shared-use path along U.S. 15. Immigration Policy Fight: Florida’s board voted to bar undocumented students from state colleges, a move critics say will discourage even legal immigrants.

Virginia Budget Update: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says the General Assembly accepted her amendments, finalizing Virginia’s 2026-2028 budget with new education investments, teacher raises, and housing and energy affordability measures, plus a push to ensure data centers “pay their fair share.” New Virginia Laws (July 1): A roundup of laws taking effect Wednesday includes an assault-weapons sale ban facing legal fights, plus new rules on local cooperation with ICE. Medicaid Work Requirements Lawsuit: Democratic-led states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled people. Public Health—PrEP Protections: Virginia’s new law bars life and disability insurers from denying or charging more for people taking PrEP to prevent HIV. Health Research: Children’s National reported early results from a first-in-human T-cell therapy trial for aggressive pediatric brain tumors, showing promising long-term survival. Local Community Support: Virginia Credit Union donated $20,000 to the Virginia Association of First Responders for statewide training, including a first responder symposium in Blacksburg. AI & Energy: A new report highlights how extreme weather is stressing data centers, raising downtime and insurance concerns as AI demand surges.

Virginia Budget Deal: Virginia lawmakers approved Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s 14 budget amendments, ending the standoff and setting the $207B two-year plan to take effect July 1, including 4% teacher raises, 3.5% state employee raises, and a new annual data-center electricity consumption fee expected to raise about $600M. Data Centers in Northern Virginia: Digital Realty will buy Blackstone’s stake in three Northern Virginia data centers in a $3.5B cash-and-stock deal, expanding its Manassas and Sterling footprint as AI and cloud demand drive capacity needs. Privacy Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police need warrants to obtain cellphone location history via geofence warrants, a decision tied to a Virginia bank robbery case. Medicaid Fight: Multiple Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, challenging a narrow “medically frail” exemption that could cut off care for vulnerable patients. Public Safety: Attorney General Jay Jones visited Danville to highlight the city’s violent crime reduction efforts after reporting a 40-year low in violent crime for 2025. Jobs and Energy Manufacturing: Hitachi Energy broke ground on a $457M South Boston expansion expected to add 825 jobs, aiming to boost U.S. power transformer production for the grid and data centers.

Virginia Budget Deadline: Virginia lawmakers return Monday in Richmond to weigh Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s 14 amendments to the roughly $205 billion budget, with final sign-off due before funding authority expires Tuesday night. Data Center Fight: The budget package follows a standoff over whether to keep major tax incentives for data centers, and the amendments aim to lower costs while strengthening services. Gun Law Court Battle: A judge has temporarily blocked Virginia’s assault weapons ban from taking effect July 1, keeping the dispute in play. Health Insurance Pressure: A Richmond-area health navigator says expiring federal premium help has pushed many Virginians toward “impossible choices,” with marketplace enrollment dropping sharply since early 2025. Local Governance & Growth: Fairfax County supervisors adopted a new long-range plan for Centreville, including a defined town center, transportation updates, and possible affordable housing sites. Education & Antisemitism: A House committee advanced three bills targeting antisemitism in schools and universities, with Virginia Rep. Virginia Foxx among sponsors. Community Spotlight: Lynchburg’s fire department is facing calls for hiring and culture changes after an assessment found a lack of diversity affecting community trust.

Virginia Water Watch: Metro Richmond is bracing for possible voluntary water-use cuts as drought grips the James River basin; Henrico and Richmond are monitoring flows and a DEQ advisory could be expected July 1 if conditions don’t improve. Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Rescue efforts continue after twin quakes killed more than 1,400 people and left nearly 50,000 missing; a Virginia USAR team pulled a man and his son from rubble, while DC-area groups are collecting medical and hygiene supplies for shipment. Gun Laws & Enforcement: A Virginia judge temporarily blocked the state’s assault weapons ban from taking effect July 1, adding to the legal fight over new gun restrictions. Politics & Elections: House Republicans are running major ad buys in Virginia and Florida ahead of midterms, targeting likely-to-flip districts. Local Business: A Lynchburg-area landscaping company says it’s expanding full-service lawn care across Lynchburg and Appomattox, adding services like mowing, aeration, overseeding, and pressure washing. Weather: Heavy storms brought 2–3 inches per hour in parts of Northern Virginia, with flood warnings and watches issued for the region and D.C.

Virginia Politics & Policy: Virginia governor faces calls to change a bill that includes a “poverty penalty” for public marijuana use, as lawmakers and advocates argue over fairness and public health impacts. Data Centers & Energy: Virginia lawmakers approved a first-of-its-kind data center power tax and are still wrestling with how to handle data center power costs, with some warning it could spark budget fights and strain local planning. Health & Aging: A growing body of research says the shingles vaccine may help protect older adults against dementia, with Inova experts pointing to how shingles-related inflammation can affect brain health. Local Development: Jackson’s planning commission recommended approval for employee housing at the Virginian Lodge, after design changes added a communal green space. Public Safety & Community: Salisbury Post welcomes Dean Stephens as a new reporter, while Virginia communities also weigh in on gun law changes and other updates taking effect July 1. National Watch: DOJ seized hundreds of websites illegally streaming World Cup matches, and a legal fight over a slavery exhibit continues to disrupt Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: A double earthquake has killed at least 920 people, and the U.S. is sending a 250+ member disaster response team to help search for survivors, including urban search-and-rescue units from Miami, Los Angeles and Fairfax County, plus 18 rescue dogs. Local Giving: In Henrico, a Venezuela-born bakery is turning its shop into a drop-off hub for food, clothing, medicine and baby supplies for quake victims. Virginia Agriculture: USDA issued a federal disaster declaration for frost-and-freeze damage across 43 primary counties and 61 contiguous counties, unlocking resources for farmers. State Budget & Data Centers: Richmond lawmakers say “peace in the valley” after amendments keep data-center incentives but add a new tax on the energy data centers consume. Higher Ed: Virginia and Ohio leaders are backing a model for three-year bachelor’s degrees using 90-credit programs. Elections: Virginia’s August 4 primary early voting starts June 18, with a voter guide listing candidates and locations. Weather: Heat is building across Virginia, with storm chances rising in the D.C. region.

Gun Law Fight: A Virginia judge temporarily blocks the state’s assault weapons ban from taking effect July 1, leaving enforcement in limbo as appeals and lawsuits continue. Data Centers & Taxes: Virginia lawmakers move toward a new two-year budget deal that includes a fresh tax on data center electricity use, while residents and local officials raise concerns about water, noise, and long-term costs. Immigration Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court strips refugees of protected status and blocks asylum applications, a shift that could ripple into Virginia communities through staffing, housing, and healthcare impacts. Venezuela Relief: The U.S. launches a major military-backed response to Venezuela’s earthquakes, with search-and-rescue teams including Virginia responders and $150 million in humanitarian aid. Agriculture Fallout: USDA issues a disaster declaration covering 43 Virginia counties (plus 61 contiguous) after late spring frost and freeze damage to crops. Offshore Minerals: The Trump administration weighs the first federal lease for seabed mineral mining off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, drawing environmental pushback. Local Business: Grottoes holds a ribbon-cutting and weekend grand opening for its first McDonald’s.

Gun Laws & Courts: A Lancaster County judge temporarily blocked Virginia State Police from enforcing the state’s assault weapons ban, leaving gun shops and customers in limbo as July 1 approaches. Local Politics: Roanoke council candidates are weighing in after Flock license plate readers and gunshot detector sensors were found in the wrong locations, raising privacy and safety concerns. Health Care: VCU Health broke ground on a new Pauley Heart Center Pavilion in Richmond’s Diamond District, aiming to cut wait times and expand outpatient heart care. Community & Business: A 12-year-old opened Lil Sis Ice Cream Shop in Petersburg, turning a long-running ice cream truck dream into a brick-and-mortar spot. Local Development: Hanover supervisors discussed data center policy and tax impacts, while county leaders approved the second phase of Newland Park work using broadband funds. Sports & Life: A local sports columnist says this week’s tragedies have made it hard to focus on games. Mental Health: Range Mental Health Center honored therapist Gabriella Suihkonen-Gross as Young Professional of the Year.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court let the Trump administration end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians, clearing the way for faster removals and raising new legal and humanitarian alarms. Virginia Budget & Families: Virginia lawmakers approved a budget that will fully eliminate the waitlist for the Child Care Subsidy Program, aiming to add thousands of slots by boosting funding. Energy Costs & RGGI: A budget amendment would return 45% of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds to ratepayers, with utilities like Dominion facing new carbon-credit purchase requirements. Local Government & Construction: Cape Charles awarded a $6.22 million contract for a new municipal building to consolidate town operations. Workforce Pipeline: Rockbridge County is expanding a high-school-to-first-responders pathway to help rural EMS and firefighting staffing. Business & Markets: AeroVironment investors filed a securities-fraud class action in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia after a sharp stock drop. Higher Ed: Virginia and Ohio leaders announced a push for a three-year bachelor’s degree model to cut costs and speed time to graduation.

Gun Law Fight: A judge blocked Virginia’s assault firearms law before July 1, setting up an emergency appeal from Attorney General Jay Jones. Data Center Water Rules: New state requirements starting next January will force waterworks operators to break out water sales by data-center use, aiming for more transparency during drought. Eastern Shore Minerals: BOEM is seeking public input on whether to allow commercial mineral mining off Virginia’s Eastern Shore, including heavy mineral sands and phosphorites. Local Land-Use Clash: Strasburg posted answers after residents questioned Project Tallmadge; the town says it’s by-right under older zoning, so no council vote is required. Virginia Tech Leadership: Virginia Tech named Brian White its new athletic director, saying his top goal is growing resources. Economy/Climate: Virginia is set to join RGGI, with rebates planned to help offset electricity costs. Immigration Detention: A Belarusian asylum seeker in ICE custody in Farmville alleges he’s been denied needed medical care for a growing tumor.