AGP Executive Report

Pentagon Press Freedom: Stars and Stripes editor Erik Slavin says he was fired for “insubordination” after raising concerns about Pentagon censorship, warning officials are less willing to speak on the record. Local Public Safety: Henrico Police hosted a “Stuff the Backpack” event with free supplies, haircuts, and a message meant to build trust with kids heading back to school. Community & Culture: Hampton kicked off African Landing Commemoration Week at Fort Monroe, marking the 1619 arrival of enslaved Africans with public history events and music. Virginia Tech Football: James Franklin says Hokies will consider adding 2022 class players if courts allow it, arguing schools must stay competitive. Sports Spotlight: Teddy Riley is returning to Virginia Beach to launch a performing arts academy. Virginia Outdoors Access: Douthat State Park added self-serve kayak rental kiosks via an app partnership, aiming to make paddling easier for visitors. State Police: Virginia State Police reported a fatal Scott County motorcycle crash and detailed recent drug seizure totals. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker ranked Harrisonburg and Oakton among Virginia cities with reported scams in July.

Local Politics: A city council debate over a business survey ended with a vote to post the results online, after some pushback and one opposing vote—setting up a potential fight over how wildfire impacts should translate into economic relief. Education & Community: Virginia’s new school year momentum shows up in local coverage, from students returning to campus to fall sports scrimmages kicking off the season. Public Safety: A driver was rescued after a vehicle submerged in Chesconessex Creek in Onancock; crews from multiple agencies pulled the person from the water and kept boaters away until recovery. Housing: Affordable housing projects moved forward with planning approval for 48 new units across two sites, including playground and parking plans. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals ruling blocks a Trump U.S. attorney pick from investigating a top political foe, while Virginia’s legal system continues to weigh sensitive cases tied to public safety and civil rights. Weather: Muggy conditions with scattered storms are expected, with higher rain chances east of I-95.

Attorney General Jay Jones Tour: Virginia AG Jay Jones wrapped a 10-day, 35-stop statewide listening tour, meeting local officials, law enforcement, veterans, farmers, workers, and health providers to focus on lowering costs, public safety, protecting rights, and pushing back when federal actions threaten families and localities. Gun-Safety Court Update: A Lancaster County judge joined other courts in pausing a lawsuit challenging Virginia’s assault weapons ban and large-capacity magazine limits, aligning cases while the U.S. Supreme Court weighs major challenges. Data Centers Tax Review: Virginia lawmakers began reviewing the state’s data center sales and use tax exemption, weighing economic benefits against lost revenue and how other states handle similar breaks. Driver Privacy Fight: AG Jones won a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from demanding a database of sensitive state driver records tied to 17 million commercial drivers. Public Safety on I-64: Virginia State Police ran Operation DISS-RUPT on I-64, targeting distracted, impaired, speeding, and seatbelt violations to cut fatal crashes. Local Governance: Henrico revoked fire investigators’ access to the county’s automatic license plate reader system after a state law limited ALPR use to specific law-enforcement agencies. Community Spotlight: A Hillsville building once home to the Family Shoe Store is undergoing major renovations, with plans for short-term rooms and new retail space.

UVA Health Breakthrough: UVA Health says it performed Virginia’s first robotic-aided heart surgery, with surgeons training for months before the Aug. 14 procedure. Animal Cruelty Case in Charlottesville: UVA football transfer Solomon Beebe faces three misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after alleged incidents involving a dog; animal control seized the pet and placed it in protective custody. Heat Safety Warning: A new local look at summer health data argues hotter, more dangerous conditions are driving rising heat-related emergency room visits across Hampton Roads. Mid-Atlantic Flood Watch: Another round of storms is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding along the I-95 corridor, with rain also lingering from Maryland into Virginia. Virginia Data Center Debate: A national report highlights how data centers are straining power demand and how states are tightening rules—fueling local pushback in Virginia and beyond. Local Community Calendar: VSU’s Learning in Retirement opens fall registration for adults 50+ with more than 70 classes and events starting Aug. 31. Sports Spotlight: JMU’s George Pettaway lands on the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list. ODAC Honors: The Old Dominion Athletic Conference announces its second Hall of Fame class, adding dozens of honorees from across the league.

Data Centers & Power Costs: A new wave of AI-driven data centers is pushing electricity demand higher, with national reporting warning Virginia and other host communities about rising utility bills and grid strain. Local Government & Public Safety Tech: Henrico fire marshals briefly had access to Flock ALPR data despite state limits; the county says access was rescinded for 10 officers and the issue is fixed. Emergency Preparedness Funding: VDEM opened applications for the FY27 Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Grant, including matching funds for backup power and wind retrofits for local emergency shelters, with applications due Nov. 30. Schools & Local Taxes: Frederick County will hold town halls on a Nov. 3 referendum seeking up to a 1% local retail sales tax for major school construction and renovations. Health Alert: Virginia Beach reported more mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus, with increased mosquito control and no human cases reported so far. Community & Courts: A Warren County supervisor was charged with assault and battery after an altercation following a Board of Supervisors meeting. Sports (Virginia ties): Cleveland Browns TE Dae’Quan Wright entered the NCAA transfer portal after a judge’s ruling expanded eligibility.

Teacher Pay Gap: Virginia teachers get a 3.5% raise, but the Commonwealth still trails the national average—another sign pay hasn’t fully bounced back after the pandemic. JMU Board Appointments: Gov. Abigail Spanberger named five new members to James Madison University’s Board of Visitors, adding expertise in education, law, healthcare, and public policy. Data Centers & Costs: Spanberger highlighted a $2.1 billion general revenue jump and warned about fallout from federal shifts, while new proposals tied to data-center energy charges keep the debate hot. Wildlife & Outdoor Fees: Virginia’s Board of Wildlife Resources is set to consider higher hunting, fishing, and trapping fees—potentially the first increase in 14 years. Public Safety Tech: Scrutiny of Flock-style automated license plate readers continues, with privacy and misuse concerns driving local pushback. Health Recall: FDA classified a Publix frozen berry recall as Class I over possible E. coli O145 contamination, including distribution to Virginia stores. Community Development: Luray broke ground on a mixed-use affordable housing project pairing workforce homes with retail and coworking space in downtown.

Public Safety & Mental Health: Fairfax County police chief Kevin Davis says he’s “completely unaware” when state law lets insanity-acquitted murder suspects leave mental health facilities unescorted without notifying local police. Housing & Civil Rights: A Hampton Roads landlord already serving fraud time must sell 60-plus Virginia properties, pay $2.5M to tenants, and is banned from renting after findings of retaliation and racist/sexist slurs. Courts & Accountability: Attorneys in a Chesapeake Regional Medical Center case are pushing for internal documents tied to allegations against Dr. Javaid Perwaiz, with a judge issuing mixed rulings as the fight over records continues. Data Centers & Water: Botetourt County officials say they’ll tell Google “no” if it requests more than 2 million gallons a day for a planned data center, citing missing infrastructure and capacity. Energy & Utilities: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says she’s skeptical of NextEra’s Dominion takeover and wants “real on paper” commitments before any deal moves. Arts Funding: The Virginia Commission for the Arts announced 500+ FY27 grants, expanding support for small and rural arts across the Commonwealth. Local News: Avenues Recovery opens in Chesterfield to treat addiction and mental health, with capacity up to 120 beds.

Virginia politics & elections: Virginians head to the polls Nov. 3 for congressional races plus three constitutional amendments, with campaigns already spotlighting housing costs, healthcare, and the “AI jobs crisis.” Data centers & local costs: A new Commonwealth Poll finds nearly 8 in 10 Virginians want data centers to pay extra fees for electricity demand, and over 70% oppose sales-tax exemptions—fueling pushback in places like Henrico, where residents say the bill is landing on families. Public safety & policing: Virginia State Police are searching for missing Powhatan man; meanwhile, local coverage also flags ongoing concerns around Flock-style cameras and privacy. Sports (Virginia): UVA’s defense is already prepping for NC State and QB CJ Bailey, while Luray football hopes to carry momentum from its return to the postseason. Higher education: VCU says in-state tuition and mandatory fees are up 3.9% this year, with voters increasingly saying college costs are too high.

Emergency Preparedness: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order 19 to modernize Virginia’s emergency readiness and create a Unified Readiness Framework, aiming to connect state agencies, local responders, private partners, and critical infrastructure. Local Data Centers: Virginia Beach council approved a year-long pause on new data center applications while the city works on an ordinance to set rules for what’s allowed. DOJ Oversight: The Justice Department launched a compliance review of the College of William & Mary over scholarship and student benefits racial criteria under Title VI. Public Safety: Virginia State Police are stepping up patrols ahead of Labor Day, and Virginia is also rolling out a statewide emergency readiness overhaul. Health: CDC data show kindergarten vaccine coverage slipping and exemptions topping 4% nationwide, as Virginia continues to manage vaccine requirements. Housing Snapshot: HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households shows multiple Virginia-adjacent cities reporting steady public housing unit counts in 2025.

Virginia Health Care: Renfrew Victoria Hospital is adding a new gynecologist, Dr. Nicholas Tackett, with weekly clinics offering everything from contraception and menopausal care to procedures like hysteroscopies and minimally invasive hysterectomies. Local Government & Planning: Augusta County’s school board will appoint an interim member after the death of John Ward, while Staunton and Waynesboro planning commissions review comprehensive plan updates and proposed ordinance changes. Virginia Courts (Hemp): A federal judge in Roanoke refused to block Virginia’s new THC limit for hemp products, dealing a setback to business owners seeking to overturn the Aug. 15 rule. Data Centers & Community Control: Residents are pushing back on data center growth, with local proposals and ordinances aimed at limiting where centers can go and how they operate—especially around water and noise. Public Safety: Charlottesville-area cyclists are calling for safer bike conditions after reports of dangerous shoulders and near-misses. Sports & Culture: UVA and JMU will renew their women’s basketball rivalry in a new multi-year deal, and Virginia’s Threads & Bridges Festival highlighted Indian American history through a statewide oral history project.

Virginia State University shooting: Police arrested a 19-year-old tied to the campus shooting that injured five, after investigators said the suspect was found hiding in a dorm closet; authorities also said they were looking for additional gunmen as the campus moved through lockdown and recovery. Local public safety: Charlottesville police reported K-9 Blue died after being found unresponsive inside a police vehicle at his handler’s home; Virginia State Police are investigating. State government & courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from scrapping the FBI headquarters plan in Greenbelt, Maryland, and moving it to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, saying the change violated federal law and Congress’s funding direction. Environment & infrastructure: DEQ issued a consent order fining Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company over alleged pipeline violations tied to erosion and stormwater control problems, with public comment open through Sept. 9. Water crisis: Pulaski’s Gatewood Reservoir hit historic lows amid drought, prompting a drought emergency and restrictions on non-essential water use. Community & culture: Abingdon Arts Commission is accepting applications for its Project Grant Program for 2027 arts projects, and the Albert Hash Memorial Festival returns Sept. 5 at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Public Safety & Health: VCU and James City County are testing drone-delivered defibrillators to speed lifesaving care in rural emergencies, with drones dispatched by law enforcement while EMS is on the way. Local Crime & Justice: A 19-year-old suspect, Camron Harris of Henrico, was arrested after a Virginia State University shooting injured five; he was found hiding in a dorm closet, and police say they’re still not detailing whether other suspects were involved. Weather & Damage: A severe thunderstorm in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area produced damaging winds up to 90 mph, with the worst impacts near Free Union and north Charlottesville. Tech & Business: Chesapeake Bank selected Kobalt Labs for its first enterprise AI platform, starting with vendor risk management and compliance reporting. Energy & Infrastructure: Virginia officials are weighing data center growth amid local water and energy concerns, with new reporting on industry funding for public services. Community & Politics: Pulaski Democrats will host a picnic Aug. 23 to meet Joy Powers, running for Congress in Virginia’s 9th District.

Virginia State University Shooting: A 19-year-old suspect, Camron Harris, was arrested after police say he was hiding in a dorm closet more than 14 hours after a shooting left five people wounded near VSU residence halls; one victim was initially listed as critical, and investigators are still trying to determine whether other gunmen were involved. Public Safety & Accountability: Authorities are seeking additional people who fired weapons, with police saying they don’t yet have specific locations or a clear picture of motives. Democratic Politics: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar, putting South Carolina first and moving other early states—including Virginia—into February, a shift aimed at boosting influence from Black and Latino voters. Local Culture: Pro-Art in Wise, Va. is marking its 50th season by making every performance free to the public. Sports & Community: NASCAR returned to Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400, with Joey Logano winning a tight race.

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 in critical condition. Authorities say Harris was found hiding in a dorm closet, and the campus lockdown was later lifted while the investigation continues. Democratic primary calendar: The DNC approved a 2028 schedule that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22) and Nevada second (Feb. 1), with New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia following in February—aimed at testing candidates with more diverse electorates early. AI data center backlash: States including Virginia are moving to make data-center operators pay more of the energy and infrastructure bill, with Virginia’s new electricity consumption tax and broader “fair share” efforts gaining traction. Local grants for Southwest Virginia: The Wellspring Foundation awarded more than $16 million to nearly 50 nonprofits and government partners across Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth counties. Back-to-school health: Experts warn that heavy backpacks can strain kids’ bodies and recommend watching for pain, posture changes, and shoulder strap digging.

Virginia State University Shooting: Five people were shot outside residence halls at Virginia State University early Saturday, with one student in critical condition and four others expected to recover. Chesterfield County Police are leading the investigation with help from campus police and federal partners; the campus lockdown has been lifted and officials say there’s no immediate threat, but “multiple suspects” remain at large. Democratic Primary Calendar: The DNC approved a major 2028 overhaul: South Carolina will vote first on Jan. 22, followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22), and Virginia (Feb. 29). The party says the shift is meant to better reflect Black and Latino voters and union members. Local Governance: Frederick County promoted John Bishop to planning director, tasking him with leading transportation planning, grants, and public-private partnerships. Privacy & Tech: Roanoke residents are debating Flock automated license plate readers, with critics warning about warrantless tracking and data sharing.

Campus Safety: Virginia State University in Ettrick is on lockdown after a Saturday morning shooting near the Quad Annexes, with “multiple victims” taken to area hospitals; officials say injuries don’t appear life-threatening and police are hunting multiple suspects. Public Health: UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center reports a sharp, nationwide rise in liver injuries tied to medications and other substances, with many cases requiring hospitalization and some involving intentional overdoses. State Politics & Health Costs: Gov. Abigail Spanberger highlighted new Virginia laws aimed at lowering healthcare and prescription drug costs, including insulin out-of-pocket caps, while addressing how the state is preparing for federal healthcare cutbacks. Environment & Fire Response: Virginia Department of Forestry crews are monitoring a wildfire near Nandua Creek in Accomack County that has burned about 360 acres and is roughly 40% contained. Local Economy & Jobs: An Austrian skincare company plans to open a U.S. headquarters in Roanoke, bringing about 400 jobs. Sports (Virginia): The Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway is set for 7 p.m. Saturday on USA Network.