AGP Executive Report

Virginia Politics & Courts: The ACLU of Virginia and Potomac Legal Group filed a federal lawsuit for two King George Middle School students who were blocked from starting a GSA club, arguing the school violated First Amendment rights and the Equal Access Act. Chesapeake Bay Environment: The Atlantic menhaden fishery board advanced draft changes for public comment that could cut harvests by up to 50% and spread fishing across the season, with environmental groups praising the move and industry calling it unsupported. Federal Power & War Powers: Senate Democrats led by Sen. John Hickenlooper introduced a resolution to end what they call unauthorized U.S. military involvement against Iran, with Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine among co-sponsors. Defense & Security: The Pentagon revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s classified access after alleging he improperly disclosed Air Force One capabilities to the media. Local Economy & Agriculture: Virginia Farm Bureau held a listening session with about 80 county leaders to shape the state’s first Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan. Sports & Community: Eric Bieniemy is coaching Kansas City’s offense remotely from Virginia while his wife recovers after a shooting, using live streams to spot and correct details in practice.

Pentagon City Violence Sentencing: A man was sentenced to 30 years for fatally stabbing his wife and seriously wounding their 1-year-old daughter near Target in Arlington County. Dominion-NextEra Merger: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says she’ll intervene in the $67B deal at the Virginia State Corporation Commission, arguing Virginians deserve answers on affordability, worker protections, and clean energy. School Names Ruling: A federal judge ordered Shenandoah County to remove Confederate names from two schools after finding the board violated students’ civil rights. Back-to-School Savings: Virginia’s three-day sales tax holiday is underway through Aug. 9, covering school supplies, clothing, footwear, and select emergency and energy items. Local Economy & Community: Richmond’s Historic Westwood preservation plan moves forward after decades of neglect, while Blacksburg’s Steppin’ Out festival returns for its 45th year to boost downtown businesses. Public Safety & Health: A judge also ruled on Confederate-name issues statewide, and Virginia Tech received $1.9M in HHS research grants.

Birthright citizenship fight: President Trump signed new executive orders aimed at restricting automatic citizenship after the Supreme Court rejected his earlier bid, including limits tied to “birth tourism” and certain foreign affiliations—setting up fresh legal challenges. Virginia courts and taxes: Plaintiffs amended a lawsuit targeting the Trump-Vance “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” arguing an IRS immunity order unlawfully shields the president and others from tax audits. Dominion-NextEra ripple effects: Gov. Spanberger moved to intervene in the $67B Dominion-NextEra merger, saying data centers must be held accountable as regulators weigh how costs get paid. Data center pressure in Virginia: A Louisa County resident sued Amazon over alleged impacts from a nearby data center construction, while Virginia’s broader debate continues over water, power, and grid upgrade costs. Hemp legal showdown: Virginia hemp businesses sued over new THC restrictions they say could wipe out inventory overnight. Cost-of-living relief: Spanberger urged shoppers to use Virginia’s Aug. 7-9 sales tax holiday for school supplies, clothing, and footwear. Local note: Lynchburg’s Aug. 10-16 traffic alert lists planned road work and possible weather delays.

Dominion-NextEra Power Fight: Gov. Abigail Spanberger is formally intervening in the SCC review of the $67B Dominion Energy–NextEra merger, arguing Virginians shouldn’t be stuck with higher bills and that the deal needs closer scrutiny. Data Center Cost Shift: The SCC also ordered transmission upgrades tied to data centers be paid by the facilities, not spread across residential and small-business customers—an effort Spanberger says could save hundreds of millions. Local Land Pressure: A Woodbridge farm listed at $50M (vs. a $2M assessed value) is drawing scrutiny as AI/data-center demand pushes land prices higher. ACLU vs. Birthright Citizenship: The ACLU says Trump’s new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship are doomed in court after the Supreme Court rejected a similar attempt. Richmond Streets Plan: Richmond’s Planning Commission approved major Shockoe Valley street improvements, including converting key roads to two-way traffic and adding roundabouts. VPM Opens New HQ: VPM Media opened a new Broad Street headquarters, bringing its teams together in downtown Richmond. Health & Safety: Virginia Tech experts warn that mental health crises are increasingly showing up online, urging families to talk early and seek help.

Dominion-Energy merger: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says she’ll intervene at the State Corporation Commission over Dominion’s $67 billion deal with NextEra, pushing for assurances on lower bills, workforce protections, and faster clean power progress. AI and power demand: PTC’DC 2026 is set for Sept. 17 in Reston, focusing on the AI infrastructure boom—especially gigawatt-scale power, hyperscaler spending, and the policy fight over where projects land. Environment and health: UVA researchers found road dust in seven eastern cities—including Richmond—still carries a chemical legacy, with toxic metals linked to older industry and pesticides. Local history: Prince William County’s ground-penetrating radar at the Old Bennett School in Manassas is nearing completion as debate continues over presumed Civil War graves. Public health research: A new trial suggests postmenopausal women can prevent repeat UTIs with estradiol cream applied around the urethra using a finger, with results similar to vaginal application. Wildlife tech: Old Dominion University researchers are testing a remote-controlled “TickBot” using permethrin-treated cloth to kill ticks while limiting harm to other wildlife.

Virginia Data Center Costs: The State Corporation Commission ordered large data center users to pay for dedicated new electric transmission infrastructure, aiming to keep those “upstream” grid upgrades from landing on homeowners’ bills. Local Governance: Henry County residents packed a supervisors meeting to oppose potential data centers, pushing the board to delay zoning action and seek more public review. Public Health & Safety: Virginia’s sales tax holiday starts Friday, with shoppers hoping for relief as prices stay elevated. Education & Work: A JMU professor says new graduates need both AI literacy and human judgment—using AI, but not surrendering critical thinking. Health Research: UVA researchers are refocusing alpha-gal tick-allergy work on why some people develop the condition while others only carry antibodies. Community Events: Super Girl Festival marks its 20th anniversary with its first Virginia Beach event Sept. 5-7. Business & Law: Virginia hemp businesses sued the state over a new THC restriction that they say leaves them too little time to comply.

Virginia Jobs & Manufacturing: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Virginia Steel and Fabrication will invest $3.6 million to expand in Bland County, upgrading and automating equipment and creating 52 new jobs. EV Safety Lawsuit: A federal employee is suing Tesla for $10.3 million after a Model Y crash during a test drive in Arlington, alleging the car was in “Insane Mode” without her knowledge and accelerated unexpectedly. Economic Mission: Spanberger wrapped the UK leg of her economic trade mission, meeting more than 30 companies across aerospace, defense, biopharma, agriculture and forestry, with further stops planned in Italy and France. Data Center Debate: Catholic environmental advocates are pressing lawmakers and companies to weigh AI data center growth through energy, water, waste and community impacts. Politics Watch: Virginia’s Aug. 4 primaries set up Mark Warner’s Democratic path and a GOP Senate challenge from Bert Mizusawa, while House races also advanced to November. Local Business: Pohaki is building an 11,000-square-foot new storefront in Virginia, with a June 2027 opening planned.

Virginia primaries set November matchups: Democrats picked Shannon Taylor to take on GOP Rep. Rob Wittman in the 1st District, and former Rep. Elaine Luria won the 2nd District nomination for a rematch against Rep. Jennifer Kiggans after the state Supreme Court struck down Democrats’ redistricting map. U.S. Senate race locks in: GOP nominee Bert Mizusawa won his primary and will challenge Sen. Mark Warner in a contest shaped by Virginia’s delayed, post-redistricting election calendar. Tobacco regulation, local industry: The FDA authorized four new nicotine pouch products from Altria’s Richmond unit, expanding the agency’s nicotine pouch approvals. Education and workforce: UMES’ veterinary school program cleared a major accreditation site visit and is aiming to enroll 100 students for a summer 2027 start. Local business/community: Premium Service Brands franchisees, through Kids-Lift, are rolling out back-to-school projects like classroom refreshes and backpack drives across multiple states. Data center pressure spills beyond Virginia: Texas paused new data center grid connections pending audits, citing power, water, tax impacts, and community concerns.

Tariff Fight in Court: A coalition of 25 Democrat-led states, led by New York AG Letitia James, sued the Trump administration in federal trade court over new “forced labor” tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the move is an illegal tax after earlier Supreme Court defeats. Virginia Primary Focus: Virginia voters head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 4, choosing nominees for U.S. Senate and House seats, with election-day voting 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. DOJ Election Monitor Warning: U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Alex Padilla pressed DOJ over election monitors being assigned disproportionately to Democratic-leaning jurisdictions, warning against partisan interference. Data Center Backlash: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered audits and paused new data center grid connections pending reporting on power, water, cooling, and tax breaks—an issue already pressuring Virginia lawmakers. Walgreens Restructuring: Walgreens’ 2026 store closures are now projected at under 100, far below earlier forecasts, with confirmed shutdowns including locations in Virginia and Arlington.

Tariffs in court: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, including Virginia, sued the Trump administration over new Section 301 tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, arguing the duties (10% to 12.5%) are unlawful and a forced-labor “pretext” to replace earlier tariff plans struck down by the Supreme Court. Southside health and food research: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured Danville’s Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, highlighting hydroponics work aimed at growing nutrient-dense crops without chemicals to help rural Virginians. Virginia primary focus: Polls open Tuesday for key Virginia races, including the U.S. Senate GOP primary and the Democratic contest in the 9th District. Local public safety: A 16-year-old died after a shooting at a Woodbridge car meetup, and police urged anyone with info or video to come forward. Childcare investment: A Virginia Early Childhood Foundation-backed analysis says a $1.68B annual childcare investment could generate slightly higher returns for families, workers, and businesses. Schools funding vote: Portsmouth voters will decide in November on a 1% sales tax to fund school renovations and a new K-8 school.

Immigration & Work Rules: The Trump administration is weighing a $100,000 fee tied to Optional Practical Training, a move critics say would block international students from working after graduation and undercut U.S. tech talent pipelines. Virginia Politics & Housing: Falls Church residents are pressing for more transparency on a major affordable housing plan, saying document changes haven’t been clearly explained. Virginia Environment Policy: Virginia is asking the public how to add environmental justice to the permitting process, with DEQ guidance expected by year’s end. Data Centers in the Spotlight: A Virginia state senator is calling for an immediate moratorium on data center approvals while the state decides what rules should govern them. Business in Richmond: Capital Square launched a $42.95 million tax-advantaged deal for a 255-unit apartment community in Midlothian. Defense & Tech: The U.S. Navy released a draft prototype for a modular missile architecture aimed at future air defense interceptors, including potential use in Virginia-class submarines.

Immigration & Courts: A Johns Hopkins public health researcher detained by ICE while boarding a flight in Baltimore had valid work authorization, her attorney says, after DHS cited an overstayed visa; she was released from Texas and had been held in Virginia, Louisiana and Texas. Public Safety: Prince William County police are searching for a shooter after a 16-year-old was critically hurt in a Woodbridge car meetup; another victim was reported shot at a Maryland meetup. Local Politics & Community: Bridging Virginia is urging Richmond-area nonprofits to use debt financing more strategically, rolling out a loan guarantee effort to expand access to capital. State Government: Former Virginia state Sen. Janet Howell, the first woman to chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, died at 82. Tech & Education: UVA researchers say AI is speeding how scientists find relevant research, while also raising concerns about students using it to skip learning.

NASA & Hampton Roads: NASA’s Langley Research Center cut the ribbon on its first new wind tunnel in 40 years, a $53 million Flight Dynamics Research Facility built by BL Harbert, with test runs expected after certifications. Virginia energy policy: Virginia is back in RGGI, and a new $13 monthly fee could still lower power bills for many households if carbon-market revenue flows into energy-efficiency upgrades. Tech + local jobs: A new report highlights how the AI/data-center boom is pulling skilled trade workers into training pipelines—while also raising concerns about where the work goes and what communities pay in the process. Data-center backlash: Across the U.S., polling and local fights show growing opposition to data centers over water, electricity, noise, and subsidies. National politics (Reflecting Pool): Trump escalated criticism after a DOJ move to drop charges tied to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, arguing contractor issues were secondary to vandalism claims. Community & agriculture: Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom is accepting educator grant applications (up to $500) to fund hands-on school projects tied to farming and food. Sports/entertainment: The Seahawks’ “Hard Knocks” returns Tuesday, with coaches emphasizing authenticity even under the cameras.

Ukraine Aid Shift: The Pentagon is set to end U.S. leadership of NATO’s Ukraine Security Assistance Group in Germany, with command expected to move to another NATO country over up to a year, while U.S. involvement continues via a deputy. Trade & Human Rights: The U.S. added 43 more Chinese companies to the Uyghur forced-labor import ban list, expanding the entity count to 187. Virginia Voting Rights: Gov. Abigail Spanberger restored voting and other civil rights to more than 60,000 Virginians, ahead of early voting for the 2026 midterms. Data Center Fight: Virginia lawmakers are calling for a statewide data-center moratorium as residents raise concerns about water and power impacts; in Franklin County, FOIA-linked “Project Flash” records are fueling transparency complaints. Workplace Pay Rules: Virginia’s pay transparency law now requires salary ranges in job postings and bans salary-history questions. Local Spotlight: A Roanoke County “Cuts with Cops” back-to-school event provided haircuts, supplies, and vaccinations.

Missing Persons: Supporters gathered in Manassas Park, wearing red, to mark two years since Mamta Kafle Bhatt disappeared; prosecutors say surveillance showed her husband buying items including knives and gloves, and investigators are still working without a body found. Health Care: Sentara says contract talks with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield stalled, warning some commercial, Medicare and Medicaid agreements could expire if no deal is reached, though coverage for members is expected to continue for now. Virginia Elections: Early voting ends Saturday ahead of Virginia’s Aug. 4 primary; voters can check polling locations and use provisional ballots if needed. Local Politics: Magnolia’s mayoral race has three candidates filed so far—Jeffrey Cheatham, James Jefferson Jr., and Kelli B. Souter—with petitions due Aug. 5. Public Safety/Drugs: On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, 7-OH (hydroxymitragynine) is being sold over the counter until Aug. 5, when it becomes a Schedule I drug, raising concerns about addiction and underage access. Business/Innovation: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced $2.4 million in non-dilutive grants for Virginia life sciences startups via Virginia Catalyst, backing biomedical innovation. Tech & Infrastructure: Virginia Mobile ID expanded statewide to Southwest Virginia, letting users verify identity or age via QR scan at participating locations.

Health Care Fight: Virginia AGs are joining a multi-state lawsuit to block a federal rule that would expand catastrophic plans and raise costs, with HHS projecting millions could lose coverage. Local Health Access: Virginia hospital emergency departments are seeing a four-year high in self-pay visits, a sign more people may be uninsured or unable to show coverage. Virginia Politics: Voters head to the Aug. 4 primary with contested races shaping the November ballot, including the 7th District GOP field and the 5th District where both parties have primaries. Data Centers & Water: A Botetourt County Google data center plan is drawing scrutiny over water and energy use, and it’s already spilling into the 6th District campaign. Transportation/Business: The FAA has cleared environmental review for expanding Washington Manassas Airport, leaving one more step before commercial flights. Public Safety: A Silver Spring synagogue is suing Montgomery County over a firearms restriction near religious services. Community & Economy: A Cyclospora outbreak is driving demand for locally grown produce in Franklin County. Science & Jobs: NASA Langley opened its first new wind tunnel in 40+ years, a $57 million facility aimed at future aeronautics work.