AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Former Shenandoah County deputy Susan R.M. Boyce faces three additional petty-larceny charges in Woodstock, after a separate shoplifting charge in Warren County; the sheriff says her appointment was terminated. Higher Education: Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors unanimously selected Kansas State President Richard Linton to lead the university. Elections: Attorney General Jay Jones has launched a voter-protection section ahead of the midterms. Local Roads: VDOT plans an Oct. 16–19 closure of the East Washington Street ramp to southbound I-85 and I-95 in Petersburg for bridge repairs; a Chesterfield road section will also close Oct. 20–21 for pipe work. Education: Six of Gloucester County’s eight schools earned Virginia’s top performance rating, as did Mathews High School. Tuition: A federal judge upheld Virginia’s law allowing eligible immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges. State Finances: Virginia’s top AAA bond ratings were affirmed by all three major agencies. Fairfax County: Supervisors are considering a 3.5% local tax on recreational cannabis sales, with a proposed ordinance due next spring.

Energy Strain: Virginia Tech asked its Blacksburg campus to cut nonessential electricity use as unseasonable heat drove an energy-curtailment event; federal officials also warned of possible Mid-Atlantic blackouts. The strain comes as Virginia’s power demand grows, with data centers in focus. Data Center Costs: A new analysis says Virginia’s data-center tax exemptions have cost the state $1.6 billion, adding pressure to debate over the industry’s benefits and impact. Virginia Tech Leadership: Kansas State President Richard Linton is leaving to become Virginia Tech’s next president. Election Protection: Attorney General Jay Jones launched a voter-protection unit ahead of the midterms, while campaigns across Virginia make early voting and ballot access central issues. State Finances: Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Virginia’s AAA bond rating was affirmed by all three major ratings agencies. The state also released $67 million for home repairs and energy-efficiency upgrades.

State Finances: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says Virginia’s top AAA bond rating was affirmed by all three major agencies, crediting careful budgeting and strong reserves. Energy and Data Centers: A new report says data-center tax breaks cost Virginia $1.6 billion, as surging electricity demand raises concerns about utility bills and grid reliability. Federal officials ordered PJM to dispatch power and backup supplies through mid-October amid warnings of possible blackouts. Health Care: Virginia’s Medicaid program will stop covering gender-transition care for minors, prompting Spanberger to blame federal policy changes. Voting Rights: Attorney General Jay Jones launched a voter-protection unit ahead of the midterms. Home Energy Costs: The state has released $67 million for home upgrades intended to help residents cut energy bills. Technology Rules: A Virginia lawmaker says the state plans to regulate artificial intelligence in 2027, after delaying action last year.

Home Energy Aid: Virginia has released $67 million in previously withheld funds for energy upgrades and affordable housing. The package includes $15 million to repair homes before weatherization work, with support expected for more than 1,000 households. Utility Merger: Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra drew strong public concern at state hearings, with residents and officials raising questions about utility bills and data-center demand. Schools and Taxes: Augusta County officials are asking voters to approve a 1% sales-tax increase on Nov. 3 to fund school construction and renovations; groceries, prescriptions and gasoline would be exempt. Public Health: Virginia had already recorded flu-related deaths among three young children by early October. Health experts urge nearly everyone six months and older to get vaccinated. Frederick County Trial: Jason Bowen’s trial is scheduled to begin in the 2023 killings of two coworkers. He faces aggravated-murder charges and could receive life in prison if convicted.

Health & State Policy: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says Virginia is ending Medicaid coverage for transgender patients under 19 because of a new federal rule, while her administration explores ways to protect access. Energy & Data Centers: Residents rallied for a statewide pause on new data centers, citing concerns over power, water and utility bills. Separately, Virginia’s environmental agency cited Google over sediment runoff from a Chesterfield data center site, and a Dominion-NextEra merger hearing focused on rates and data-center demand. Schools: Five Shenandoah County schools earned Virginia’s top rating, though three elementary schools were flagged for low results among student groups. Elections: Sen. Mark Warner is making inflation, the Iran war and AI regulation central to his reelection pitch as early voting continues. Sports: Virginia rallied to beat Syracuse 28-24, while Virginia Tech fell to California 25-20.

Storms & Safety: Isaias’ remnants brought heavy rain, flood watches and power outages to Virginia, with tornado warnings extending across parts of the state and neighboring North Carolina. Defense & Jobs: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion Maryland shipyard could supply submarine components to Newport News Shipbuilding; separately, a $1.2 million state grant will expand maritime training in Hampton Roads. Energy & Development: Stafford residents are pushing back against proposed data centers near the Rappahannock River, while opposition to Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra centers on concerns about higher utility bills. Election Watch: With early voting underway, Sen. Mark Warner and challenger John Mizusawa are drawing contrasts, while 6th District candidates Ben Cline and Beth Macy traded attacks over campaign priorities. Police Oversight: Smithfield police shared Flock license-plate data with the FBI in violation of state law, as more Virginia communities reconsider the surveillance system.

Severe Weather: Isaias’s remnants brought heavy rain, flood risks and possible tornadoes to Virginia, with thousands in Southwest Virginia waking up without power. Voting Rights: Virginians are weighing a constitutional amendment that would make voting a fundamental right, restore voting rights automatically after incarceration and change how courts assess voting capacity for people under guardianship. Energy and Growth: A proposed $67 billion Dominion–NextEra merger drew public concern over potential utility costs, while Stafford residents pushed back against data centers near the Rappahannock River. Public Safety: Portsmouth police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after gunfire erupted near a crowd. College Sports: UVA rallied past Syracuse, 28-25; Virginia Tech fell to California, 25-20, on a late touchdown.

College Football: Virginia rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat Syracuse 28-25, while Virginia Tech fell 25-20 at California after the Bears scored with 18 seconds left. Storms and Flooding: A flood watch covered parts of southwest Virginia through Sunday evening as Isaias’ remnants brought more rain, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible. Utility Bills: Virginia’s lieutenant governor opposed Dominion Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra, warning of higher bills as public hearings drew a large crowd. Voting Rights: Gov. Abigail Spanberger said it appears her administration restored voting rights to some deceased people; state officials are investigating how it happened. Surveillance and Data Centers: Richmond will let its Flock camera contract expire amid privacy concerns, while Stafford residents are pushing back against proposed data centers near the Rappahannock River.

Flood Threat: A Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday evening for parts of Southwest Virginia as Isaias’ remnants bring 2–4 inches of rain, with up to 5–6 inches possible in spots. Officials warn of rising streams, flooded crossings and possible landslides. Energy & Data Centers: A Dominion-NextEra merger hearing drew a large crowd in Virginia, with residents questioning the proposed $67 billion deal and potential rate impacts. Surveillance: Richmond will not renew its Flock license-plate camera contract when it expires in 2027, following Henrico County’s decision to end its deal amid privacy concerns. Election 2026: Early voting is running at more than double the pace of 2022 as Virginians consider constitutional amendments on abortion rights and restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions. Chesapeake Bay: Osprey nesting success hit its lowest level on record this year, according to William & Mary researchers, who point to food stress linked to changes in menhaden availability.

Flood Risk: A Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday evening for parts of southwest Virginia, where 2–4 inches of rain — with locally higher totals — could trigger stream and road flooding. Shellfish Safety: Virginia closed parts of Lower Machodoc Creek and the Little Wicomico River to oyster and clam harvesting after a sewage release and a Salmonella link; the closures run into late October and early November. Arlington Lawsuit: Arlington County is asking a federal court to halt President Trump’s proposed triumphal arch, arguing construction preparations are moving ahead without proper environmental review. Emergency Preparedness: Gov. Abigail Spanberger convened about 1,000 public safety and community leaders to identify ways to improve coordination for disasters, cyberattacks and mass violence. Ballot Measures: Virginians will vote on proposed constitutional amendments concerning reproductive rights and voting rights for formerly incarcerated people. Energy Debate: The proposed Dominion–NextEra merger drew questions at a Virginia hearing, with Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposing the deal over concerns about rate increases. Infant Safety: State agencies are urging safe-sleep practices after 62 infant deaths in Virginia during the first half of 2026.

Severe Weather: A flood watch covers parts of southwest Virginia from Saturday morning through Sunday evening as Isaias’ remnants could bring 2–4 inches of rain, with higher totals possible and flooding on streams and low crossings. Public Safety: A 49-year-old Ararat man faces second-degree murder and firearm charges after a fatal shooting near Cana; the investigation is ongoing. Voting Rights: Gov. Abigail Spanberger says Virginia is investigating reports that voting-rights restoration notices went to deceased people after the state restored rights to more than 66,000 people with past felony convictions. Government: Arlington County is suing to block President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch, citing potential aviation, traffic and emergency-service risks. Community: Williamsburg celebrated the reconstruction of First Baptist Church, founded by enslaved and free African Americans in 1776. Business: Haynes Furniture and The Dump are closing their stores, including four Haynes locations in Virginia, after nearly 130 years. Emergency Readiness: Virginia’s fire department agency launched a statewide dashboard to help local leaders identify and reduce community risks.

Arlington Lawsuit: Arlington County is suing to stop President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Memorial Circle, arguing it threatens public safety, the environment and the historic view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Data Center Pushback: Loudoun and Reston residents are raising concerns about the spread of data centers, from noise and light to strain on power and water. Across Virginia, debate is also growing over who should pay for grid upgrades. Utility Merger: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra, citing concerns about higher customer bills as public hearings get underway. Fuel Costs: Virginia Republicans are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session and suspend state gas and diesel taxes for 90 days; her office says it is weighing options for relief. Election 2026: Early voting is running well ahead of the 2022 pace, with Virginians set to decide statewide constitutional amendments and dozens of local ballot measures.

Home Energy: Gov. Abigail Spanberger released more than $67 million in energy-efficiency funding, including repairs for over 1,000 homes and support for affordable housing. Senate Race: Former Virginia Senate Republican leader Tommy Norment endorsed Democratic Sen. Mark Warner for reelection, joining several other former GOP leaders. Utility Merger: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra, citing concerns about higher rates as public review continues. Gas Tax: Virginia Republicans are urging Spanberger to call a special session to pause the state gas tax as fuel costs rise. Public Safety: Police responded after two students were shot in a Norfolk high school parking lot; reports offered limited details.

Immigration: ICE detained Harrisonburg imam Mohammad Zaheer Akbar Alvi, prompting interfaith leaders to call for his release. Kashmiri filmmaker Arfat Sheikh, who lived in Alexandria and has a pending asylum application, was also detained. Data Centers: Carroll County supervisors unanimously rejected changes that would have expanded BRCEDA’s authority over a proposed Wildwood Commerce Park data center, amid strong public opposition. Energy: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra, citing concerns about customer rates, as state hearings begin. Elections: Virginia early voting is running at more than twice the pace of 2022, and voters will decide 64 local ballot measures this fall. Schools: New state accountability results show broad improvement, with Virginia doubling the number of schools rated distinguished. Fraud: An Ashburn man and former federal executive pleaded guilty to a $194 million fraud scheme; investigators recovered 298 gold bars, cash and luxury watches. Defense: Anduril’s planned Maryland shipyard will make components for Virginia-class submarines, adding capacity to a strained Navy supply chain.

Utility Merger: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi opposes Dominion Energy’s proposed merger with NextEra, citing concerns about higher customer bills as Virginia regulators review the deal. Fuel Costs: Virginia Republicans are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session on a fuel-tax holiday; lawmakers have proposed a 90-day pause as pump prices climb. Data Centers: Spanberger’s accountability framework aims to address community input, environmental impacts, energy affordability, grid reliability and jobs as the industry expands across Virginia. Schools: New state accountability results show a sharp rise in Virginia schools earning distinguished ratings. Election Watch: Early voting is running at more than twice the pace of 2022, as affordability and transportation costs weigh on voters ahead of November’s midterms.

AUKUS & Submarines: Trump announced a $6.6B push for a new Baltimore-area naval yard, funded with Anduril, aimed at boosting Virginia-class submarine production and reassuring AUKUS partners. Defense Industry: The administration also unveiled “Golden Fleet” plans to expand shipbuilding capacity and add dozens of Navy vessels, tying new yards to long-term maritime dominance. Federal Court: A former CIA official, David Rush of Ashburn, pleaded guilty to $194M wire fraud involving fake classified programs, 298 gold bars, and luxury property purchases; prosecutors say he also exposed a secret human source to a foreign official. Virginia Corrections: VADOC is investigating two River North Correctional Center incidents in Grayson County, including an inmate death after an apparent altercation. Local Politics: Frederick County supervisor candidates backed a 1% sales tax referendum to fund public school construction. Public Safety: A Clarke County driver in a 2024 fatal crash was sentenced to more than 18 years after testimony from the victim’s family. Community: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library may return to Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke counties if local funding can be secured.