AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather: A flood watch and flash-flood warnings are in effect across parts of West Virginia as slow-moving storms bring heavy rain and dangerous runoff through Monday evening, with crews responding to flooded roads in Beckley. WVU Baseball: West Virginia’s MLB pipeline kept rolling—four Mountaineers were drafted over the weekend, including pitchers Dawson Montesa (Cardinals) and Ian Korn (Giants), plus incoming/returning players like Armani Guzman returning for 2027 and Owen Henne and Kyle Casteel getting drafted. Education: The state Department of Education is launching “West Virginia Middle Schools: Bridging the Future” to support grades 6–8, building on STRIVE and behavior/attendance efforts. Local Government/State Work: DEP crews are progressing on repairs to the agency’s Kanawha City headquarters, including HVAC and roof work. Sports & Community: The John Henry Days Festival in Talcott wrapped with its Rubber Duck Pluck fundraiser, and Charleston’s RiverDogs powered an 11-run seventh inning for a big win.

Rare Earth Push: West Virginia’s coal country is getting a $150M rare earth processing hub in Rupert, turning coal tailings into critical minerals and aiming to strengthen U.S. supply chains, with about 250 jobs expected. Public Safety—Stalking Case: A Fayette County man was arrested after police alleged he repeatedly drove past a Fayette County Family Court judge’s home and made “karma” comments. Public Safety—Naked Trespass: Raleigh County police say a man repeatedly entered a neighbor’s fenced yard completely nude, captured on security cameras in multiple incidents. Corrections—Jail Contraband: Southern Regional Jail officials reported an inmate allegedly found with a bag of suspected drugs during booking, including capsules and suspected powder. MLB Draft—WV Connections: WVU pitcher Dawson Montesa was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals, while another WV pitcher, Maxx Yehl, went to the Kansas City Royals. Weather Disaster Watch: Severe flooding in Missouri trapped hundreds at a summer camp; helicopters evacuated more than 200 children as officials warned of ongoing storm risk.

Public Safety & Courts: A federal grand jury indicted eight men tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack plot targeting the White House UFC Freedom 250 event, with West Virginia’s Chandler D. Scaggs accused of being assigned as a sniper. Health: West Virginia reported a sharp rise in cyclospora cases, with 47 illnesses confirmed since June 17 and officials still searching for a common source. State Policy: West Virginia’s “Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship” is off to a slow start—only one student enrolled after GOP lawmakers mandated the program. Energy & Governance: A RealClearEnergy op-ed argues the “grid crisis” debate is really a state policy fight over power exports and transmission costs, not a pure market failure. Local Economy: Toyota’s Buffalo, W.Va. plant—its only combined engine/transaxle facility in North America—marked 30 years and hosted Ohio University leaders to strengthen regional hiring ties. Sports: WVU pitcher Dawson Montesa was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Cardinals, and WVU’s JJ Wetherholt agreed to an eight-year, $112.5M extension.

UFC Terror Plot: Federal prosecutors say eight men were indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack targeting the “UFC Freedom 250” event at the White House. Trans Sports Fallout: A West Virginia teen at the center of allegations against a trans athlete says she faced mistreatment at school after speaking out, as other transgender girls withdraw lawsuits after a Supreme Court ruling upholding state bans. Public Health: West Virginia’s chronic disease burden remains among the nation’s highest, and Congress has a plan but hasn’t funded it. Education Fraud: A new report alleges nearly $225 million in school fraud schemes across 24 states and Puerto Rico since 2019. State & Local Economy: Toyota’s Buffalo, WV plant marked 30 years and hosted Ohio University leaders to strengthen regional hiring pipelines. Community Growth: Randolph County’s $11.6M Railyard event and conference center is set to open in phases in Elkins. Weather & Safety: Heavy rain and flash-flood threats continue after devastating flooding in the Heartland. Sports Business: The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to an eight-year, $112.5M extension with WVU alum JJ Wetherholt.

School Clothing Allowance: West Virginia will start accepting school clothing voucher applications Monday, July 20, with a $200 benefit per eligible child and an Aug. 15 deadline, after earlier delays tied to TANF funding uncertainty. Public Health & Environment: WVDEP is running dye testing at the Peoples Cartage fire site in Parkersburg to map drainage pathways, while the state health department temporarily halted cleanup over possible asbestos-containing materials. Emergency Services Funding: The WV 911 Council met to discuss how Next Generation 911 upgrades are outpacing revenue as landline fees decline, and it reviewed new training requirements for telecommunicators. Legal/Justice: A federal judge rejected a West Virginia request to pause a foster care lawsuit, keeping the case moving. Safety & Crime: West Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal helicopter crash in Pocahontas County. Local Economy & Jobs: Toyota West Virginia marked 30 years at its Buffalo plant and hosted Ohio University leaders to strengthen regional partnerships and recruiting pipelines. Sports: St. Louis Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt, a West Virginia alum, agreed to an eight-year, $112.5 million extension.

White House UFC Plot: Federal prosecutors indicted eight men on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack on the June 14 “UFC Freedom 250” event, including Chandler Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, who was allegedly set to serve as a sniper. Environmental Enforcement: The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection ordered People’s Cartage in Parkersburg to submit detailed cleanup and remediation plans after a warehouse fire, including debris removal, contamination testing, and runoff controls. Foster Care Lawsuit: A federal judge denied West Virginia’s request to pause a long-running foster care class action, saying the case has already been delayed too long and must move forward. Data Center Fallout: Reporting highlights growing concerns over environmental impacts from data-center-linked projects in Putnam and Mason counties, including wetland impacts tied to a Google affiliate’s “Project Avalon” permit. Local Economy & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in a former Hino facility near Williamstown to build electrical components for data centers, creating 120–200 jobs. Public Safety & Weather: Flood watches remain in effect for North-Central West Virginia as showers and storms bring heavy rain and localized flooding risk.

Parkersburg Warehouse Fire Cleanup: WVDEP is shifting from firefighting to cleanup at the Peoples Cartage site, keeping a fire-watch crew on site overnight and ordering the company to submit detailed remediation plans with timelines, plus extra runoff controls. Environmental Oversight: A separate WVDEP consent order review shows a history of code violations at the warehouse area tied to the fire, including issues with fire prevention and hazardous waste handling. Criminal Justice—UFC Attack Plot: Eight men were indicted in Ohio on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper plan targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, with the plot described as beginning in May and involving weapons, drones, and communications gear. Public Safety—Hospital Cameras Case: A West Virginia doctor faces an arrest warrant for allegedly hiding cameras in hospital staff restrooms, including claims of footage of employees and AI-altered images involving juveniles. State Government: Gov. Morrisey announced leadership changes at WV Tourism and new appointments tied to opioid settlement spending. Local Life: Oak Hill’s Holiday Lodge reopened after a full renovation, and Mercer County received $425,000 for trails, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety projects.

Cash App Settlement: West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey announced a $45 million multistate deal with Block over alleged Cash App security and fraud-protection failures, with WV set to receive more than $363,000. Robocall Crackdown: AG William Tong and a coalition of 49 other attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen rules that would block scammers from getting access to legitimate phone numbers, citing massive robocall and text losses. Girls’ Sports Ruling Fallout: A Bridgeport student at the center of West Virginia’s women’s sports case says the Supreme Court decision brought her “peace,” while the broader debate over transgender athlete participation continues. Education Push: West Virginia school leaders launched the “I Love WV Public Schools” campaign to highlight public schools’ role in communities beyond academics. Local Business & Training Wins: Morgantown Mall is welcoming Grandma’s Country Kitchen, and Pierpont’s Medical Laboratory Technology students swept national AMT writing awards. Health & Safety: WVDEP is transitioning response at the Peoples Cartage fire site to cleanup and remediation, as officials continue monitoring.

Public Safety & Courts: DOJ warned West Virginia election officials they could face criminal prosecution if non-citizens vote, after a letter tied to the state’s voter registration list and ballot handling. Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Lincoln, Fort Gay, and Shinnston in August, with screenings available via insurance and grant-funded help for eligible uninsured patients. Local Business & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in Wood County, buying the Hino facility in Williamstown and creating 120–200 jobs. Consumer Protection: A class action over Greenbrier credit card receipts was removed to federal court, alleging receipts improperly show card expiration dates. Legal Accountability: Residents filed a class action after the Parkersburg warehouse fire, alleging safety lapses and toxic smoke harms. Crime: A Berkeley County man was arrested after alleged social media threats against sheriff’s deputies. Sports: Xavier vs. Mississippi State is set for the Greenbrier Tip-Off on Nov. 13.

Health Watch: Federal officials are investigating cyclosporiasis clusters tied to possible food sources, with new clusters reported in West Virginia and several other states—officials say interviews are still pending and there’s no confirmed link yet to a single multi-state outbreak. Energy & Costs: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission is set to weigh major utility construction proposals that could affect what customers pay, with a public comment hearing scheduled July 15 in Charleston. Public Schools: West Virginia school administrators are launching the statewide “I Love WV Public Schools” campaign to spotlight students, educators, and the role public schools play as community hubs. After the Warehouse Fire: Wood County officials say the Peoples Cartage fire is about 95% extinguished, with shelter-in-place lifted after air and water monitoring showed no elevated readings beyond action levels; crews continue digging for hot spots. Cancer Screening Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit LUCAS will stop in Lincoln, Wayne, and Harrison counties in early August, with grant-funded options for uninsured patients who meet criteria. Local Public Safety: Logan Fire Department is sending crews to help rotate personnel during the long Wood County response. Community & Business: Jersey Mike’s is preparing to open its first Bridgeport location at White Oaks.

Foster Care Fight: West Virginia’s attorney general is asking a federal judge to pause the state’s foster care lawsuit while the case heads to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking a stay as a class action over systemic failures continues. Trans Sports After SCOTUS: A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding states’ ability to define “sex” as biological sex could undercut a transgender girl’s effort to keep competing in Arizona girls’ sports, even as an attorney drops the remaining challenge. Public Health Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” mobile mammography unit will stop in Lincoln and Preston counties in early August, offering 3D screenings and help enrolling eligible uninsured or underinsured women. Food Safety: Aldi recalled Fusia Asian Inspirations Kimchi & Tofu Kimbap in multiple states, including West Virginia, due to undeclared fish. Wildlife & Schools: WVDNR released the 2026-2027 hunting and trapping regulations summary, while the WVSSAC acknowledged the Supreme Court’s women’s sports decision and outlined how schools should implement it. Health & Community: Community Care of West Virginia broke ground on a new integrated health and education center in Buckhannon.

SNAP Relief Deadline Extended: West Virginia DHS won federal approval to extend the deadline for Boone, Logan and Raleigh County households to report SNAP food losses from last month’s severe storms, pushing the reporting cutoff through July 13. Court Ruling on SNAP Waivers: A federal judge struck down USDA approval of West Virginia’s SNAP food restriction waiver, saying the agency exceeded its authority and failed required public-notice steps. Women’s Sports Decision Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, including West Virginia’s Save Women’s Sports Act, with legal observers noting the ruling left other questions open. Kerr Kriisa Fraud Case: Federal prosecutors say former WVU player Kerr Kriisa lied and posed as others to allegedly defraud victims of nearly $2.2 million; he’s set to appear in West Virginia court this week. Parkersburg Warehouse Fire Update: Peoples Cartage’s fire is reported contained, with crews focused on extinguishment after earlier smoke concerns prompted a shelter-in-place order. State Fair Deadlines: Entries for the 101st State Fair of West Virginia are due July 8 for livestock and July 15 for home, arts and garden exhibits. Health Access: Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography units will visit Lincoln and Preston counties in August, offering 3D screenings and breast care education.

Federal Fraud Case: Former college basketball guard Kerr Kriisa, who played at Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky and Cincinnati, was arrested and indicted on five counts of wire fraud tied to an alleged $2.2 million scam. Prosecutors say he used false identities and deceptive messages, including posing as his mother, to pressure victims into sending money for supposed emergencies like cancer treatment and other urgent needs. Public Safety: Gov. Patrick Morrisey reiterated that Wood County is under a shelter-in-place order near the Parkersburg warehouse fire after air monitoring found elevated smoke-related particulates. Officials say WVDEP and the EPA are continuing air quality checks and the order will remain until readings improve. State Food Assistance: West Virginia Department of Human Services extended the deadline for SNAP recipients in Boone, Logan and Raleigh counties to report storm-related food losses, giving households until July 13 to request replacement benefits. Health Policy: U.S. Sen. Jim Justice promoted his SAFE Act in Beckley, pushing for Medicare to cover no-cost fall risk assessments by physical therapists during annual wellness visits. WVU Campus Life: WVU’s dining operator says student satisfaction rose after adding more build-your-own options and putting chefs more visibly in the ordering experience. Sports: WVU released 2026 home football promotions, including Gold Rush, Coal Rush and “Stripe the Stadium” for homecoming.

Transgender sports ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s and Idaho’s bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, with Maryland’s attorney general calling it exclusionary while the NCAA president said he expects no major rule changes. SNAP work requirements: In Delbarton, residents say expanded SNAP “work” rules under the One Big Beautiful Bill are forcing people into unpaid volunteering because local jobs are scarce. Parkersburg warehouse fire: Wood County declared a state of emergency as firefighters battled a multi-day blaze at Peoples Cartage, with EPA and state agencies monitoring air and water quality amid toxic smoke concerns. Local politics & press: A New Jersey case highlights courts ordering a newspaper to remove surveillance footage, raising fresh alarms about prior restraints and press freedom. Sports in the Mountain State: Former WVU player Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme tied to his college years, with extradition to West Virginia planned. Education spotlight: A new report flags West Virginia’s low K-12 math proficiency, calling the state’s educational underperformance urgent.

Wood County Emergency: Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Wood County as firefighters battled a major Peoples Cartage warehouse fire in Parkersburg, with thick black smoke and shelter-in-place guidance reported nearby; state DEP teams and federal EPA monitoring were deployed, and officials said air readings have not triggered additional protective actions. Flood Cleanup: The West Virginia National Guard is set to help with debris removal in Boone, Raleigh and Logan counties after June flooding damaged more than 120 homes in Boone County, with crews using loaders and hauling equipment. Bridge Rehab: The state Department of Highways awarded a $74.5 million contract to Triton Construction to rehabilitate the Fort Hill (Eugene A. Carter Memorial) Bridge on I-64, with much work planned at night and weekends to limit traffic disruption. Sports Legal Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s and Idaho’s rules restricting girls’ and women’s school sports to biological sex, and NCAA President Charlie Baker said the NCAA likely won’t need to change its policy. Kerr Kriisa Arrest: Former WVU and Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in Lexington in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme and is awaiting extradition to West Virginia. WVU Athletics Costs: WVU says its student athletic fee will rise to $250 per semester (starting this fall) to support Mountaineer sports. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest prices in West Virginia’s counties, including $3.78 regular in Hardy County and $2.61 E15 in Lewis County.

FBI Arrest: Former WVU guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested in Kentucky and is expected to be extradited to West Virginia on alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme tied to his 2023-24 season in Morgantown; federal charges weren’t publicly detailed, but a court hearing is set for next week. America250 Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey marked Independence Day at the West Virginia Capitol as part of the state’s America250 celebration, honoring veterans and Gold Star families during a ceremony featuring a National Guard flyover and performances. Accessible Celebrations: West Virginia’s America250 events leaned into sensory-friendly Fourth of July options, adding quieter spaces for people with autism, PTSD and other sensitivities as communities rethink how to enjoy fireworks safely. Weather & Safety: Severe thunderstorm warnings and extreme heat threats pushed holiday plans, including evacuations tied to major events, as officials urged residents to stay alert. Outdoor Conservation: More than 170 miles of West Virginia mountain trout streams were newly protected as “trout waters,” expanding safeguards for native brook trout habitat. Local Business/Industry: Kroger’s planned $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle could reshape grocery options across West Virginia and the region, with Giant Eagle saying it will keep its name and operate as a standalone division.