AGP Executive Report

Meta youth mental health settlement: Meta agreed to settle lawsuits over Instagram/Facebook youth addiction, with Virginia set to receive a guaranteed $353 million (up to $17.1 billion nationally), and states now asking how to spend the money as lawmakers consider new social media limits. Family planning fight: The Justice Department sued New Mexico over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, while multiple states—including Virginia officials—also challenge new federal Title X family planning funding conditions in court. Virginia policy and services: Virginia Tax will shut down online filing and payments over Labor Day weekend for a major systems upgrade. Local education: Fredericksburg City Public Schools posted SOL pass-rate gains across subjects, earning recognition from the Virginia Department of Education. Tech and security: A Virginia-based defense contractor opened a drone innovation hub in Old Town to manufacture and test AI-enabled drones for modern warfare training. Data center pressure: A new report highlights how data center projects are driving political backlash, with voters increasingly focused on power, water, and local impacts.

Election Law & Voting Rights: Michigan joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging a new USPS rule that would let the agency steer vote-by-mail procedures, arguing it risks disenfranchising voters by overriding states’ constitutional role. Virginia Politics: Virginia’s Supreme Court struck down Democrats’ redistricting plan, a blow to midterm hopes that Gov. Abigail Spanberger and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries say they’ll fight. Public Health & Mental Health: Carilion Clinic researchers report that post-seizure psychotic episodes may signal higher long-term risk for psychiatric disorders, suggesting patients may need closer follow-up. Local Economy & Growth: A new Target store is set to open in Norfolk’s Wards Corner in October, bringing expanded grocery options and next-day delivery. Energy & Research: Virginia Tech received $932,292 in HHS grants for infectious-disease research, while Virginia Tech also landed $1 million from NIST for nuclear reactor testing and safety. Community & Safety: Arlington police warned that e-motorcycles aren’t appropriate for teens as school starts, while e-bikes may be okay for older riders depending on training.

Meta Settlement for Kids: Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones says the $17B Meta deal will fund media literacy and add protections like “night mode” and “school mode” to limit teens’ access to Facebook and Instagram, with Virginia set to receive about $353M. Data Center Backlash in Virginia: Fairfax County families are furious after the county cut high school crossing guards, while multiple reports this week keep spotlighting how data centers and related rules are driving local political fights across the region. Immigration Enforcement Fallout: Maryland and Virginia leaders are demanding answers after ICE’s “Operation Safe Community” surge led to 1,328 arrests across the two states in Aug. 1-14, with advocates saying fear is spreading. Scam Tracker Watch: Strasburg logged two scam reports in July, tying for 56th in Virginia, as fraud losses remain a major national concern. Local Human Interest: A Richmond doctor says a bat ended up in her mouth while she slept, and she shared the viral account to remind people about wildlife safety.

Virginia Politics & Courts: A Virginia vanity-plate fight heads back after the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled personalized messages are private speech, not government speech. Big Tech & Consumer Protection: Meta agreed to a $17 billion settlement with states over teen social media addiction, with Virginia’s share pegged at $353 million. Elections & Voting Rules: USPS finalized a mail-in ballot rule requiring states to provide voter names/addresses tied to barcoded envelopes, a move that’s already sparked constitutional challenges. Data Centers & Power: The EPA is set to drop a federal requirement for public notice and input on data-center air-pollution permits, drawing fresh backlash from states and advocacy groups. Virginia Economy & Agriculture: Gov. Spanberger urged the Trump administration to reconsider tariff-free beef imports, warning it could devastate Virginia cattle producers. Business: CoStar reports data centers are driving a growing share of U.S. industrial leasing demand. Public Safety Tech: A new report warns automated license-plate reader networks are expanding across Virginia.

Immigration & Public Safety: Gov. Wes Moore says DHS/ICE announced a major Maryland operation without notifying state officials, after ICE reported 1,328 arrests across Virginia and Maryland in two weeks, with Moore pointing to footage and claiming only a fraction involved convictions or charges. Data Centers & Air Rules: The EPA is moving to scrap public notice for certain data center pollution permits, shifting decisions to states and drawing fresh backlash as communities worry about power, water, noise, and emissions. Local Government Appointments: Botetourt County approved new and returning members to local boards and committees, including seats on its Economic Development Authority. Fairfax Criminal Justice Fight: A watchdog is seeking removal of Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano after a stabbing case involving a repeat offender suspect who was repeatedly released. Henry County Data Center Zoning: Henry County adopted “stringent” data center regulations, creating a new zoning district and requiring special-use permits with public hearings. Virginia Tech Oversight: Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors discussed a $15M loan tied to Hokie Ventures and other major athletics and campus finance items. Health & Community: Radford University named Dr. Ashley Wells assistant vice president for health sciences, expanding rural health and applied life science efforts. Business & Growth: Emerald AI raised $150M at a $1.05B valuation to scale software that schedules AI workloads based on onsite power availability. Viral Local Story: A Richmond doctor’s “bat in my mouth” encounter went viral, with a reminder to handle indoor bats safely.

Immigration Enforcement: The White House shared a photoshopped “Magic School Bus” post mocking ICE raids near Washington, as Homeland Security reported arresting more than 1,300 people in a two-week operation across Virginia and Maryland. Local Education & Training: Richmond Public Schools, the Richmond Education Association, and the Richmond Fire Department launched RFD C.A.R.E.S., offering free CPR and first-aid certification for teachers and staff to meet Virginia license requirements. Wireless Improvements in Vienna: Vienna’s town council approved AT&T rooftop upgrades that should boost coverage along the Maple Avenue corridor, including near James Madison High School and Cunningham Park Elementary. Public Safety Research: UVA researchers helped write new NATO guidelines aimed at reducing brain harm from repeated blast exposures in military training and combat. Tech & Infrastructure: Rackspace announced Rackspace Cloud, a managed multitenant platform rolling out first in Dallas, with North Virginia next. Business & Growth: A new partnership is helping Richmond teachers avoid out-of-pocket costs for required emergency training, while Virginia’s housing market shows a lukewarm summer with inventory shifting by home type.

Zillow-Redfin Antitrust: The FTC says it will file an order requiring Redfin to restart its standalone rental listings business after a settlement that ends the regulator’s claim the companies suppressed competition; the deal follows a $100 million 2025 agreement where Redfin exited apartment advertising for years, and it also resolves state AG lawsuits including Virginia. Immigration Enforcement: DHS says ICE arrested 1,328 people in a two-week “Operation Safe Community” in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, including in Virginia and Maryland, with hundreds tied to prior criminal charges. Virginia Roads: VDOT is kicking off an arterial management plan for Va. 7 through Clarke County, targeting safety and traffic issues like the Va. 7/Shepherd’s Mill Road intersection. Public Health & Access: Virginia pharmacy leaders warn “pharmacy deserts” are worsening as independent stores close, citing low reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers. Invasive Pest Watch: Experts urge boxwood owners to monitor for the box tree moth after new quarantines and detections expand across the region, including Virginia. Workplace Safety: A push for stronger heat protections highlights risks to Virginia workers as summer conditions intensify.

Defense & Tech Leadership: By Light added retired Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr. to its Advisory Board, signaling more Modeling, Simulation & Training growth for Defense and National Security missions. Antitrust & Housing Market Access: The FTC secured a court order resolving antitrust concerns in the Zillow-Redfin deal, pushing Redfin back into apartment listings to restore competition for renters and property managers. Immigration-Grant Fight: A coalition led by Michigan AG Dana Nessel updated a lawsuit challenging federal immigration-enforcement conditions tied to public safety grants, including Virginia-relevant Byrne JAG funding. Local Housing Affordability: Falls Church advocates want the Virginia Village project to prioritize the lowest incomes, urging at least half the units at 30% of area median income. Veterans Services Funding: Virginia’s Department of Veterans Services is seeking $4 million in FY27 grants for veteran suicide prevention and opioid addiction programs. Data Centers vs. Communities: Virginia’s debate over AI data centers keeps heating up as national backlash grows over power, water, and local impacts. Business & Jobs: Swift Current Energy closed a $750M credit facility to expand large-scale energy projects—aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.

FBI Headquarters Delay Costs: Fifteen years after Congress ordered the FBI to replace the aging J. Edgar Hoover Building, the move still hasn’t started—while maintenance costs keep climbing, with officials warning delays are expensive. School Bus Shortages: Hampton Roads districts are heading into the new school year short on bus drivers—Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, and especially Newport News—forcing route changes and longer rides. AI Data Centers vs. Power: A new report says the U.S. now hosts 15 of the world’s 20 biggest hyperscale data center markets, with Northern Virginia still dominating, even as Texas leaders push back over grid strain and water concerns. Virginia Watchdog Focus: Richmond-area scam reports remain high in BBB tracking, while local school budget critics in Richmond argue for stronger audits and transparency. Community & Culture: Richmond’s Virginia Black Expo drew thousands to Main Street Station, and Hampton held a free “Looking Cool for School” event for families ahead of classes.

Gun Laws: Virginia’s assault weapons ban legal fight is paused while the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a similar case, leaving retailers and customers scrambling to figure out what’s currently legal. Immigration & Accountability: Northern Virginia Democrats pressed for answers after an accused illegal immigrant suspect tied to a mental health case escaped to Tajikistan, with lawmakers calling it a “system failure.” Courts & Culture: A federal lawsuit claims “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan stole an idea from a Virginia journalist and screenwriter, naming Paramount and NBCUniversal. AI & Local Impact: A new pushback against data centers is fueling debate over taxes, energy, and community costs, with Loudoun County and other places facing mounting pressure. Politics to Watch: Control of the U.S. Senate may hinge on a few states where third-party votes could decide close races, including Maine. Virginia in the Spotlight: A Richmond-area connection shows up in the “Yellowstone” dispute and in ongoing national attention on Virginia’s gun policy and immigration enforcement.

Democratic push in Virginia: Hundreds of Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, rallied at NETWORK NOVA’s Big Ten Women’s Summit, spotlighting Southwest Virginia’s 9th District race where Joy Powers challenges Rep. Morgan Griffith. Public safety vs. privacy: Roanoke County residents packed a library meeting to protest Flock automated license plate readers, arguing the cameras enable constant tracking; police say it’s a crime-fighting tool. Election rules in flux: The U.S. Postal Service is finalizing new mail-ballot regulations tied to a Trump executive order, even as courts have struck similar efforts down. Health care costs: A report says several states, including some with Virginia ties, are rejecting Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs over cost and uncertainty. Local fraud watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Richmond and other Virginia cities remain frequent targets of scams, with tech-support and counterfeit-product schemes leading complaints. Entertainment legal fight: A Virginia-based writer alleges Taylor Sheridan stole the concept behind “Yellowstone,” filing a copyright lawsuit.

Local Elections: Harrisonburg’s Nov. 3 city school board race is shaping up with only three candidates on the ballot, after two long-serving members declined to run again. Health Insurance: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan warns new federal eligibility rules coming in January will worsen coverage gaps for hundreds of thousands of Virginians. City Hall & Business Climate: A city council debate over posting a University of Minnesota business survey shows how local leaders are weighing wildfire-related economic relief. Consumer Watch: Drivers at a Lynchburg Sheetz reported a gas price mismatch between the roadside sign and the pump; crews removed the incorrect display and are investigating what caused it. Virginia Economy & Policy: A study finds Virginia spends the least on hair care in the nation, highlighting how costs keep squeezing household budgets. Public Safety/Justice: A federal appeals court ruling blocks a Trump U.S. attorney pick from investigating Letitia James, adding to a growing series of appointment challenges. Defense/Foreign Policy: The U.S. approved a potential $125 million AIM-9X missile sale to South Korea, with RTX as the principal contractor in Arlington.

Public Safety & Schools: Fairfax County bus riders practiced emergency evacuations during a realistic Safety Patrol Training Camp, learning “scoot, slide” and how to stay calm if a bus overturns or fills with smoke. Statewide Justice: Attorney General Jay Jones wrapped a 10-day tour across Virginia focused on lowering costs, strengthening public safety, protecting rights, and pushing back when federal actions threaten local communities. Opioids & Health Tech: Virginia Tech researchers tested a wearable patch that detects fentanyl and automatically releases naloxone, aiming to save people who overdose alone. Business & Housing: Virginia lawmakers began reviewing the data center sales and use tax exemption, weighing lost revenue against claimed economic benefits. Local Courts: An Accomack County insurance agent pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud for taking premiums and leaving clients without coverage. Community Support: An Orange County woman with stage 4 cancer is rebuilding after an August storm destroyed her mobile home and vehicles, with a GoFundMe launched for recovery.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: TVA approved a new wholesale rate structure that removes data centers from a manufacturing service class, phasing in roughly 10% higher charges for power use and adding upfront capacity commitment charges for new projects. Local Governance & Backlash: A growing wave of voter pushback is turning into recalls and ballot fights over AI-driven data center expansion, with opposition organizing in multiple states. Virginia Tech & Aviation Research: NASA selected a Virginia Tech team for a three-year project on next-generation aircraft design, part of a broader push to modernize aviation. Elections Oversight: The U.S. Justice Department plans to deploy about 1,000 federal election monitors for the November midterms, drawing attention from voting-rights groups. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The U.S. Transportation Department announced $615 million in airport improvements, including $8 million for a new terminal at Lynchburg Regional Airport. Virginia Politics: A new report says Virginia’s 5th Congressional District could be a key test for Democrats as they target a seat Republicans have held. Business & Banking: Skyline Bankshares declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.32 per share, payable Sept. 21.

Data Centers & Power Demand: A new report warns AI-driven data centers are driving major electricity strain, with projections that U.S. data-center use could surge to as much as 20% of total power by 2035—raising grid and rate concerns for Virginia communities. Emergency Preparedness Funding: VDEM opened applications for the FY27 Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Grant, with $2.5 million approved statewide to help localities fund backup power and wind-retrofit repairs for shelters. Local Education Policy: Virginia Beach Public Schools will end one-to-one Chromebook use for preschool through first grade, and limit take-home access to second grade, citing screen-time feedback and research. State Budget & Agriculture Grants: Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced more than $500,000 in agriculture and forestry grants across Central Virginia to expand farm businesses and infrastructure. Hemp Rules Hit Small Businesses: A new Virginia law pushing some hemp stores to close is already forcing operators to shut locations or pivot products to comply. Public Safety & Roads: VDOT posted multiple lane-closure plans, including a Route 58 Business shift in Henry County for emergency pipe work. Scam Tracker Snapshot: Floyd recorded one scam report in July and ranked among Virginia’s higher scam-report cities, underscoring ongoing fraud risk.

Virginia Politics & Budget: Gov. Abigail Spanberger told lawmakers Virginia’s fiscal year 2026 closed with a $2.1 billion general revenue increase, while warning about fallout from federal shifts and pushing “prudent budgeting” for the next budget cycle. Local Governance & Education: JMU’s Board of Visitors adds five Spanberger-appointed members, including Richmond’s Jessica Killeen and Chesterfield’s Lisa Winn Bryan, with new committee assignments. Public Safety & Tech: Virginia Beach named a new commanding officer at Information Warfare Training Command, as the Navy continues training for information warfare professionals. Business & Jobs: Amentum won a $974M NASA Langley contract for center maintenance, operations and engineering, and BWX Technologies named Suzanne Maddux SVP of operations to scale its nuclear work. Economy & Community: Prince William County is looking to agritourism to bolster its rural economy, while Luray broke ground on a downtown project pairing affordable housing with retail. Data Centers Backlash: A Virginia-focused debate continues as officials and residents question the impacts of data centers on power, water, and local costs.