AGP Executive Report

Virginia Tech Football: Virginia Tech’s Marcellous Hawkins landed on the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list, joining other in-state backs including Peyton Lewis (Virginia) and Liberty’s trio of newcomers. Local Education & Housing: Orange County school leaders warned that aging facilities and deferred maintenance are driving up costs, with a proposed 1% sales tax vote tied to a long-delayed Gordon-Barbour Elementary project. Public Safety: Amherst County approved new zoning rules to keep vape shops and medicinal marijuana dispensaries away from schools and other child-focused areas, while data-center proposals sparked debate. Health: A UVA-led study found many diabetes patients at retina clinics have uncontrolled high blood pressure, suggesting routine checks during eye visits could help catch heart risk earlier. Sports & Community: Clarke County Treasurer Sharon Keeler will retire Sept. 1 after more than 30 years, with deputy John Ziercher set to take over. Defense: The Pentagon said South Korea-U.S. exercise changes won’t harm training goals, even as the drills are scaled back.

College & National Security: The Pentagon ordered 30 U.S. universities to audit foreign research partnerships tied to “entities of concern,” with results due Aug. 31, including major schools named by a U.S. official. Local Public Safety: Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert for Greater Cleveland RTA COO Dr. Floun’say Caver, last seen in Hampton around 3 a.m. Monday; Hampton police and Virginia State Police are leading the search. Courts & Civil Rights: The Justice Department opened a federal investigation into the College of William & Mary over alleged “race-based” scholarship and student program criteria that could violate Title VI. Energy Costs & Policy: Virginia regulators and lawmakers continue wrestling with how data centers and fuel charges affect bills, as Spanberger pushes affordability efforts like a statewide group-purchasing solar plan. Community & Housing Stability: Creating Foundations for Hope expanded its security deposit and senior emergency assistance programs into multiple Virginia counties to help residents stay housed. Business in Northern Virginia: JK Technology Services acquired Manassas-based 360 Rigging, expanding crane and rigging services for tech-sector deployments. Winemaking: Chateau Grand Traverse hired Virginia Usher as incoming director of winemaking and head of production. Community Cleanup: A lawn care company stepped in to help clean up Pleasant Shade Cemetery in Hampton after family concerns about maintenance.

FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from moving the FBI headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building, siding with Maryland and Prince George’s County and keeping the Greenbelt plan alive. Virginia Tech & UVA Sports: UVA women’s basketball coach Aaron Roussell visited a Roanoke sports club, while Virginia football continues to draw preseason attention and local recruits like Landstown QB Anthony Turner bring big expectations. Data Centers & Power: PJM floated emergency rules that would shut down data centers first during grid stress, highlighting the growing clash between data growth and an aging power system. Local Business Support: Loudoun Economic Development is running workshops to help small businesses break into government contracting, including airport procurement and state purchasing. Broadband Backlash: RiverStreet was pulled from rural broadband projects in south-central Virginia after repeated missed deadlines and financing problems. Public Safety & Courts: Virginia State University’s shooting investigation continues after a 19-year-old suspect was arrested, and separate court coverage includes a judge blocking changes tied to the FBI move. Health & Privacy Research: UVA received an NSF CAREER award to develop privacy-preserving synthetic data methods using differential privacy. Community Notes: Hopewell volunteers packed donations for earthquake relief in Colombia, and registration opened for an Iraqi Children Foundation 5K in Fairfax.

Campus Safety: Police say a 19-year-old suspect, Camron Harris of Henrico, was arrested after hiding in a closet at Virginia State University following a shooting that wounded five; investigators are still seeking any additional gunmen and are weighing whether others acted in self-defense. Energy & Water: Appalachian Power will run a required capacity test at the Smith Mountain Project tonight, temporarily lowering Smith Mountain Lake by about a foot and raising Leesville Lake, with levels expected to return Tuesday. Road Work: Interstate 81 widening blasting and slow-rolls are set for weeks starting Aug. 24 in Roanoke and Botetourt counties, with daily timing posted weekly. Power Costs & Data Centers: A new federal proposal would tax electricity used by large data centers, aiming to make communities share less of the AI-driven power burden. Local Transit Disruptions: Nightly ramp closures begin Aug. 17 for the I-66 and Prince William Parkway interchange, with detours in place through Aug. 26. Business/Real Estate: AvalonBay and Equity Residential have cleared the final step to merge into Vivmark Residential, with dual headquarters in Arlington and Chicago.

Virginia State University Shooting: VSU President Makola Abdullah said the investigation is ongoing after a Saturday shooting left five injured, including one critically hurt, and police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris after finding him hiding in a campus closet. Data Centers & Power Debate: The University of Virginia is moving ahead with a roughly $30 million expansion of its planned Fontaine Research Park data center as counties and state leaders continue arguing over energy and infrastructure strain. Local Win Against “Project Flash”: Franklin County says an AI data center proposal near Rocky Mount—internally known as “Project Flash”—has been dropped after months of community opposition. Public Safety: A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Metrobus in Bailey’s Crossroads; Fairfax County Police say the crash is under investigation. Health & Community: Balm in Gilead, a Virginia nonprofit, hosted a free lung cancer forum at a local church to educate residents on symptoms and next steps. Sports: Kyle Larson won the Knoxville Nationals after a rain delay helped him pull off a cross-country sprint from Richmond. Opinion/Commentary: Writers continue to debate the human cost of burnout and the need for earlier support, including a new peer program aimed at creative and media workers.

Campus Safety: Virginia State University shooting updates keep coming as police say 19-year-old Camron Harris was arrested after hiding in a dorm closet; five people were hurt early Saturday, with one victim reported critically injured. Public Safety: A separate fiery crash on I-495 in Fairfax County left one person dead and a second driver facing a DWI charge. Politics: The DNC approved the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with South Carolina first, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia on Feb. 29. Local Life: Edinburg installed a new LOVEworks sign, while Browntown residents celebrated upgrades to their historic community center kitchen. Sports & Culture: NASCAR star Kyle Larson won his fourth Knoxville Nationals title after a Richmond-to-Iowa sprint, and WWE’s CM Punk appeared at a VSU NXT event in Petersburg.

VSU Shooting Update: Virginia State University police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico, found hiding in a closet in Seward Hall, hours after a Saturday shooting left five people injured outside residence halls near the Quad Annexes; one victim is in critical condition, and four others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, with Harris facing eight felony warrants including malicious wounding and use of a firearm, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Public Safety: The incident triggered a campus lockdown that was later lifted, while VSU said student safety remains the top priority. Democrats’ 2028 Calendar: The DNC approved a new primary schedule with South Carolina first (Jan. 22, 2028), followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia (Feb. 29). Road Safety Input: VDOT is asking Virginians to weigh in on a statewide five-year Road Safety Plan update through a survey focused on issues like speeding, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety.

Campus Safety: Virginia State University in Ettrick is reeling after an early Saturday shooting outside residence halls left five people wounded, including one in critical condition; a temporary lockdown was lifted hours later, but police say a significant law enforcement presence remains as Chesterfield County leads an investigation into “multiple suspects.” Public Health: Virginia’s Department of Health says childhood vaccine requirements and recommendations will stay in place after a federal executive order changed national guidance, with the state pointing to the immunization schedule’s “best available science.” Law Enforcement Tech: The Institute for Justice is pushing back on automated license plate reader “reforms” proposed by Flock Safety, arguing they amount to “window dressing” without warrant requirements and meaningful oversight. Local Economy: Gas prices in parts of Virginia show easing—Waynesboro’s lowest E15 hit $3.18/gallon and Danville’s lowest regular was $3.25/gallon for the week ending Aug. 8. Weather/Community: Virginia State Police conducted helicopter training at Mountain View Elementary in Albemarle County, with children allowed to view the aircraft during the drills.

Severe Weather: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Washoe County, including areas near Virginia Peak, with torrential rain, quarter-sized hail, and flood risk; residents are urged to move to interior rooms and avoid driving through flooded roads. Local Economy & Jobs: Roanoke landed an $85 million investment from Austrian skincare and nutrition company Ringana, bringing more than 400 new jobs and advanced manufacturing and life sciences operations. Public Health: A measles case with many community exposures was confirmed in Christian County, Kentucky, tied to contact with an out-of-state visitor; officials stress MMR vaccination and warn measles can spread through the air. Courts & Safety: Prosecutors dropped a first-degree murder charge against a Manassas mother accused of killing her estranged husband, citing new support for her self-defense claim. Data Centers & Housing: A George Mason University study found homes near Virginia’s “data center alley” can sell for more than similar homes farther away, linking desirability to jobs, infrastructure, and transportation. Hampton Roads Policy: Virginia Beach is considering a 12-month pause on new data center permitting to develop regulations on energy use, noise, land use, and water impacts. Business/Entertainment: Caesars Virginia Casino and Resort reported July revenue of about $36.1 million, up from June and continuing to outpace other Virginia casinos.

Education Spotlight: An Arlington science teacher, Daniel Bernhardt of Swanson Middle School, was named an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow and will serve as a teacher in residence at the Library of Congress for 2026-27. Road Work & Travel: VDOT crews will shift traffic on the I-64 east to I-464 north ramp (exit 291A) in Chesapeake overnight starting Aug. 14, with the ramp widening and a new lane setup; the broader interchange project is targeted for completion by summer 2027. Public Health: A measles case with high community exposure was confirmed in Kentucky’s Christian County, prompting renewed reminders for Virginia families to check MMR vaccination status. Blood Supply: The American Red Cross says the U.S. remains in a blood crisis after a roughly 25% drop in June, urging eligible donors—especially for O-positive—to schedule appointments. Local Safety: Firefighters in Forest responded to a middle school blaze sparked when an escaped python knocked over a heat lamp; eight classrooms were damaged and will be repaired. Crime Watch: Police say a reptile theft scheme hit pet stores across Maryland and Northern Virginia, with suspects allegedly stealing dozens of snakes and lizards.

Data & Defense in Virginia: NASA opened a new Flight Dynamics Research Facility at Langley in Hampton to test future aircraft, drones, and spacecraft—its first major wind tunnel in 40+ years. Local Industry: Dexco expanded U.S. busbar manufacturing with a fluidized-bed epoxy insulation line to support Virginia’s data center and utility projects, with components rated up to 38 kV. Public Safety & Health: Virginia-based Mercy Chefs delivered nearly 1,000 meals to Spokane-area families displaced by wildfires. Food Safety: Lidl recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix jar in Virginia and eight other states after Salmonella was found in routine testing. Education & Community: Roanoke College is in fall camp under coach Bryan Stinespring, emphasizing urgency as it builds on last season’s 5–4 run. Sports & Entertainment: The Virginia Aquarium announced Twilight Cruises and the Virginia Zoo is set for a free 125th Anniversary Celebration Aug. 29. Crime: A seventh-grade student was charged after stabbing a teacher at Jonesville Middle School in far southwestern Virginia; the teacher was released from the hospital.

Virginia Tech & Sports: Caleb Woodson, a Virginia Tech transfer linebacker, landed on the Butkus Award Watch List as Alabama announced its preseason honors. Local Crime & Safety: Shenandoah County Sheriff Tim Carter pitched a real-time crime center and AI-assisted reporting to cut the time calls sit before deputies can take them. Consumer Watch: Portsmouth tied for 14th statewide for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with nine reports and phishing the most common scam type. Roads: VDOT scheduled a 72-hour single-lane closure on Norfolk’s East Little Creek Road for Hampton Roads Express Lanes work, starting Aug. 17. Community & Culture: A Highland Springs student, Zakiyyah Foster-Rasheed, won the Virginia Council on Women’s STEAM-H essay contest, with winners hosted at the Executive Mansion. Business & Growth: Milk & Honey opened new locations in Manassas and Gainesville, expanding its Northern Virginia footprint. Money & Odds: One Virginia Powerball ticket matched for $100,000, while the jackpot resets to $20 million for Saturday.

ICE Gun Incident: A Northern Virginia woman says ICE agents followed her after she shouted at them, while video shows an ICE officer pointing a handgun during the confrontation in Falls Church—prompting renewed scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics. Religious Rights at Work: Apple will pay $150,000 to settle EEOC claims it denied a Jewish worker Sabbath time off and later fired him for his religion, with the case centered on the company’s Reston, Virginia store. Health Watch: Virginia health officials report a growing Cyclospora outbreak, with shoppers increasingly turning to farmers markets as case counts rise. Food Safety: Lidl US recalls Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in Virginia and beyond due to possible Salmonella contamination. Local Elections: Bedford County’s primary turnout was low, but Republicans and Democrats selected nominees for November races. Sports: VMI football begins a rebuild under first-year coach Ashley Ingram, with the Keydets looking to improve as the season progresses. Education: VHSL released the final list of high schools appealing its 2027-28 alignment plan, with hearings set for Aug. 25.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Virginia regulators are pushing to make data centers pay more directly for grid upgrades, with an editorial urging a pause on new centers and officials saying the rules won’t leave everyday users holding the bill. Public Health & Vaccines: The Virginia Department of Health says childhood vaccine recommendations and school immunization requirements won’t change after a federal executive order, reaffirming evidence-based guidance. Local Government & Schools: Spotsylvania School Board again voted down developing pre-employment, suspicionless drug testing for new hires and rehires. Public Safety & Weather: Storms knocked out power across parts of Rockbridge County and northern Arlington after trees fell into lines. Community & Culture: Buena Vista approved a grant application to convert a long-vacant downtown building into an arts center with Southern Virginia University. Health Care Access: Virginia corrections probation and parole districts held National Night Out events with local partners. Crime & Courts: A Wytheville man was sentenced in federal court for possessing child sexual abuse material.

Data-privacy Fight: Two federal cases in Virginia are challenging the government’s power to seize and search travelers’ phones at Dulles, with plaintiffs saying the searches were retaliation for Middle East-related speech. Public Safety & Health: Virginia measles cases are down since early July, but outbreaks remain active in Buckingham and Cumberland, keeping officials on alert for a possible resurgence. Local Government: Virginia Beach council voted 9-2 to sell the Virginia Beach National Golf Course for a housing plan that keeps a public 18-hole course, despite heavy public pushback. Tech & Policy: A Virginia-focused push to slow the data-center boom is gaining traction, with lawmakers and regulators weighing moratoriums and new rules on grid and water impacts. Community & Culture: Ashe County’s Arts Council is set to host “Coffee House Live” Aug. 15, spotlighting local and regional performers.

Public Safety: Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on Route 632 in Dinwiddie County where alcohol was cited as a factor. Health: Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are urging parents to book school-required vaccines now, as Virginia reports 177 measles cases in 2026 with most among unvaccinated people. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled jalapeños has expanded, with illnesses reported across 27 states including Virginia, and additional downstream recalls underway. Local Government: Botetourt County’s planning commission is seeking more time to revise solar facility zoning rules to match recent state law. Healthcare Access: Sentara opened new therapy centers in Manassas and Burke to expand rehabilitation and physical therapy services. Business & Jobs: Virginia Steel and Fabrication will expand in Bland County, creating 52 new jobs. Politics: Gov. Abigail Spanberger drew boos at the Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax. Crime & Courts: A Fairfax man is set to plead guilty in a $7.1 million wire fraud scheme.