AGP Executive Report

Coal Revival Push: President Trump announced nearly $700M in Defense Production Act funding to keep coal plants running and expand coal power, including upgrades tied to West Virginia and a new coal export terminal in Oakland. NCAA Baseball Super Regionals: WVU hosts Cal Poly in Morgantown starting Friday at noon (ESPN2), with the winner headed to Omaha; WVU’s pitching staff is being credited for the run that earned the super regional. Local Sports & Community: Bluefield’s Ridge Runners opened their season with a 3-2 win over Danville, while Moundsville celebrated a new Sheetz opening with donations to local causes. Public Health & Safety: A new study links replacing sedentary time with light activity to lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Social Security Warning: A budget group says the retirement trust fund could run out in 2032, potentially cutting average benefits by about $500/month. Education Support: A North Central West Virginia community foundation awarded 104 scholarships totaling $266,750 for 2026-27.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined President Trump at the White House as Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to steer nearly $700 million into coal projects, including upgrades to 13 plants, support for 42 mines, and a new West Coast export terminal in Oakland—with West Virginia named among the states benefiting. Education Policy: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty says the state is changing its pre-K enrollment eligibility rule to give families more flexibility for 5-year-olds. Healthcare Access: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus will bring 3D mammography and breast care education to multiple West Virginia counties, including stops in Morgan, Fayette, Harrison, and Mercer. Local Justice: Wyoming and McDowell counties are forming a Crimes Against Children Task Force to coordinate investigations and support victims. Higher Ed Leadership: West Virginia Northern Community College selected Andrew Langrehr as its next president, starting in August. Sports: The NCAA Baseball Super Regionals kick off Friday, with No. 16 West Virginia vs. Cal Poly in Morgantown.

Drug Enforcement: A Wheeling man, Matthew Clemont, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-state fentanyl trafficking operation that moved “blue” pills disguised as prescription medication into the Northern Panhandle and Ohio Valley. Education Oversight: The West Virginia Board of Education heard an update on Tyler County Schools’ progress after the state takeover, including safety protocol changes and efforts to rebuild public trust. Power Grid Fight: West Virginia PSC hearings are set on NextEra’s $1.16 billion MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line after thousands of public comments opposed the project. Public Health: Bonnie’s Bus, WVU Medicine’s mobile mammography program, will visit multiple counties in late June and early July, offering 3D screenings and help enrolling eligible uninsured women. Community & Recovery: Ohio County flood survivors can attend “Stronger Together” on June 4, and Parkersburg’s Recovery Point is hosting “Keys for a Cause” on June 6 to fund no-cost residential recovery services. Sports: WVU baseball’s Dawson Montesa is highlighted for a heavy workload as the Mountaineers push through the NCAA postseason.

Health Care: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital picked 20 nursing students for its 2026 Nurse Extern Program, giving final-year students hands-on clinical experience. Cancer Care: Princeton Community Hospital also expanded local oncology options with three new technologies, including Pluvicto for advanced prostate cancer, THOR supportive therapy, and Cooling Cap therapy to reduce chemo hair loss. Education & Workforce: The West Virginia Board of Education says its Classroom 2 Career apprenticeship program is paying off, with 2,000+ students, 600+ business partners, and $5M+ earned by students in the latest reporting year. Public Safety & Justice: Monongalia County approved a new fee schedule for intake and transport of arrestees handled by municipal police and WVU Police, raising the per-person transport charge effective July 1. Business & Trade: 34 West Virginia companies earned the 2026 Governor’s Export Award for first-time sales into new countries. Sports Policy: In Washington, Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Protect College Sports Act hearing drew pushback from the SEC and Big Ten while WVU President Gordon Gee testified. Local Roads: Ramp Road in Summers County will close temporarily Friday for emergency pipe replacement and embankment stabilization.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Monongalia and Lewis counties on June 30, July 1, and July 2, offering low-dose CT scans for insured patients and, for eligible uninsured West Virginians, grant-funded spots; appointments require a physician’s order and prior authorization. Public Health & Food Safety: A growing national recall wave traces back to potentially Salmonella-contaminated milk powder supplied by California Dairies, with more than 10 recalls linked so far and consumers urged to return or discard affected products. Local Health Care Watch: CMS data for Q1 2026 highlights wide variation across West Virginia nursing homes, including 5-star Weirton Geriatric Center and 1-star facilities like Cortland Acres and Beckley Healthcare Center, alongside reported fines and penalties. Statewide Health Funding: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration announced $3.4 million in Rural Health Transformation challenge funding for community-driven chronic disease prevention programs. Sports: WVU baseball’s dramatic extra-inning run continues to dominate local headlines as the Mountaineers advance in the NCAA postseason.

State Supreme Court Pay Fight: West Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled 4-1 for Parkersburg firefighters in a wage dispute, finding the city violated the Wage Payment and Collection Act when it cut longevity and EMT pay in 2017 without advance notice; the case now heads back for damage calculations. Public Health & Environment: WV DH, with DEP and DNR, released the 2026 Sport Fish Consumption Advisories, removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and easing smallmouth bass guidance on the Shenandoah River. Community & Infrastructure: West Virginia 68’s Pond Creek Bridge will close Thursday for a full replacement expected to last into mid-August, with detours via U.S. 33/I-77 and U.S. 50/I-77. Veterans Policy: Gov. Morrisey signed bills strengthening Purple Heart parking enforcement and expanding Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers to surviving Gold Star parents. Legal System Watch: ACLU-WV says ICE’s “Operation Country Roads” arrests were misrepresented, claiming most detainees had no criminal record. Local Notes: The Sistersville Ferry’s main boat is deemed unrepairable by insurance, though the barge remains usable; and the West Virginia First Foundation opened its Community Catalyst Grant cycle with $9.87 million available.

College Sports: West Virginia baseball is headed to its first Super Regional in Morgantown after Armani Guzman’s walk-off single sent the Mountaineers past Kentucky, 6-5 in the winner-take-all regional finale. NCAA Update: The Super Regional field is set, with WVU hosting Cal Poly and other matchups including Oklahoma vs. Kansas and Georgia vs. Mississippi State. Child Welfare Lawsuit: A foster-children class action seeking an appeal after a federal judge tossed the case says key problems remain, including group-home placements, overburdened CPS, and lack of permanency planning. State Budget: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million in May, exceeding the monthly estimate by $44 million, with FY-to-date totals also above projections. Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $3.4 million in rural local health challenge grants tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Environment & Outdoors: The state released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories with fewer restrictions, including removal of the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake. Politics: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva announced a bid to challenge Mike Pushkin for West Virginia Democratic Party chair. Local Life: Wheeling City Council is set to vote on a resolution limiting which flags can fly on city flagpoles at Heritage Port. Arts & Culture: West Virginia Public Theatre opens its 2026 season with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” running through June 11.

W.Va. Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced a $3.4 million Rural Health Challenge grant opportunity, part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, to back prevention-focused, community-based initiatives and expand health workforce and rural access. State Finances: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million in May, beating the estimate by $44 million, with FY-to-date GRF collections also running above projections. Public Safety Reminder: The state Alcohol Beverage Control Administration is urging extra caution this summer—especially around watercraft, fireworks, and heat/dehydration risks. Environmental Oversight: A federal judge ruled coal regulators’ endangered-species review fell short, meaning future mining permits must do more to comply with the Endangered Species Act. Courts & Justice: A federal case involving meth trafficking in southern West Virginia ended with an Oak Hill man sentenced to nearly 13 years. Infrastructure: Buckhannon won $47.31 million from USDA Rural Development for a new water treatment plant, with multiple funding sources supporting the project. Sports: WVU’s NCAA baseball run continues after dramatic wins over Kentucky, setting up a high-stakes Game 7.

NCAA Baseball (Morgantown Regional): West Virginia kept its season alive with a wild 11-9, ninth-inning comeback over Kentucky, then sets up a winner-take-all Game 7 at Kendrick Family Ballpark. Ben McDougal’s relief work and Paul Schoenfeld’s late heroics helped WVU force the rubber match, where the winner advances to the Super Regional. Local Sports/Community: Wheeling’s Clay School demolition is down but not done—city officials say about half the work remains, including basement and sub-basement cleanup. Civic/Utilities: West Virginia PSC will hold public comment hearings on the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, with sessions in Romney, Morgantown and Kingwood. Politics: A sharp critique of West Virginia’s 2026 Republican primary spending and low turnout argues the money didn’t translate into engagement. Environment/Wildlife: Black bears face mounting pressure from climate change, with experts pointing to how people can reduce risky encounters. Arts/Philanthropy: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members donated $100,000 to support the WVU Art Museum’s biggest needs.

WV Supreme Court: The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Parkersburg firefighters in a pay-dispute, saying the city illegally cut longevity and EMT certification pay in 2017 without notice; the case now returns to circuit court to determine damages. WVU Baseball: West Virginia kept its NCAA Morgantown run alive with a 10-5 elimination win over Wake Forest, powered by Dawson Montesa’s 7.1 innings, and now faces Kentucky in the regional final after Kentucky’s 11-9 win Saturday. WVU Recruiting: WVU landed a commitment from 2027 defensive lineman Zai’Vion Meads, a Louisville native, adding to a growing defensive focus for the class. Local Sports: Keyser’s season continues in the Class AAA tournament after a 5-4 tune-up loss to Morgantown, setting up a first-round matchup against Point Pleasant. Rescue Update: Crews rescued a 23-year-old climber with a broken leg along the New River near Fayette Station Road after about three hours of work. Community Fundraiser: Parkersburg’s Children’s Home Society is raising money for foster care and adoption through its “Fairy Tale Ball.”

NCAA Baseball: West Virginia’s NCAA Morgantown Regional run ended Saturday with a tough 11-9 loss to Kentucky, after the Mountaineers rallied from a 6-0 deficit and tied the game multiple times; WVU now faces Wake Forest in the elimination bracket Sunday at noon, with Kentucky waiting in the winners’ bracket at 5 p.m. Local Transportation: The West Virginia Division of Highways will close the Pond Creek Bridge on Route 68 starting June 4 for a $4.8 million replacement, with local detours and a timeline through mid-August. Public Safety: A Turnpike toll worker was injured after a truck carrying steel I-beams struck a southbound tollbooth near Chelyan, causing the worker to fall and the booth to hit a vehicle in the next lane. Community & Immigration: Residents held a candlelight vigil in Clarksburg for people detained by ICE, following reports of detentions at a Bridgeport restaurant. Education & Health: Fairmont State received a $71,101 IDeA Network grant to buy neuromuscular diagnostic and imaging equipment for applied biomechanics and human performance labs.

NCAA Baseball in Morgantown: West Virginia’s regional run stays alive after a 10-1 win over Binghamton, while Kentucky also advanced after beating Wake Forest 6-5—setting up a WVU vs. UK matchup that has both teams chasing a first-ever College World Series berth for the Mountaineers. Local Protest for Child Safety: In Grafton, residents held a “Forces for Justice” demonstration demanding accountability after the deaths of three West Virginia children, calling for changes to Child Protective Services. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: WVU Medicine United Hospital Center opened a new 28-bed unit with AI-powered rooms aimed at improving monitoring for stroke and other high-acuity patients. Sports & Community Spotlight: Pennsboro’s West Virginia Racing Heritage Festival showcased dirt-track history at Pennsboro Speedway, including vintage races and women’s flat-track motorcycle pioneers. Voting Rights Watch: A Supreme Court ruling reshaped how the Voting Rights Act is applied, with new implications for election rules and protections. Education Recognition: Madison Elementary was named a 2026 WV PBIS Tier 1 Model School for school-wide behavior support.

NCAA Baseball Spotlight: West Virginia hosts the Morgantown Regional, opening Saturday vs. Kentucky after WVU’s 10-1 rout of Binghamton and Kentucky’s 6-5 win over Wake Forest in the winners’ bracket. Local Sports: WVU’s Ben Lumsden starred in the opener with a big day at the plate as the Mountaineers advanced. Legal Fight in Federal Court: The full 4th Circuit will rehear challenges to West Virginia and Maryland’s 340B contract pharmacy laws after a prior panel struck them down. Greenbrier Court Battle: Omni Hotels’ affiliate renewed its Greenbrier takeover bid after filings showed a proposed financing partner for Sen. Jim Justice’s plan. Public Health & Safety: Monongalia County’s Quick Response Team says its overdose-intervention model boosts treatment connections dramatically, and state road crews keep patching potholes statewide. Community & Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced IJDC funding for water and sewer projects, including a reservoir support boost for Philippi.

Water & Sewer Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says the state Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council approved more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects in Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including work tied to flood recovery and aging systems. Environmental Response: WVDEP is investigating a used-oil release in McDowell County after a valve failure at a Diversified Energy compressor station; the leak was stopped, cleanup is underway, and officials say drinking water impacts haven’t been found. Utility & Data Center Backlash: In Morgantown, residents and groups are lining up to fight the NextEra Energy MidAtlantic Resiliency Link at upcoming Public Service Commission hearings, with more than 120 people seeking to intervene. Education & Labor: A new Fordham Institute study finds West Virginia teacher union membership has held steady or grown while declining nationally, highlighting the unions’ continued influence. Public Safety: Cabell-Huntington Health Department hosted a Community Threat Preparedness Forum with local emergency partners and the National Weather Service. Sports (WV spotlight): West Virginia baseball is hosting an NCAA regional, with the Mountaineers set to open against Binghamton.

NCAA Baseball in Morgantown: WVU opens its home regional Friday at 5 p.m. against Binghamton, with writers warning the real test is handling the pressure of a fourth straight regional run. Local Sports: Marshall softball coach Morgan Zerkle lands an extension through 2030 after leading the Herd to a rare NCAA Tournament berth. Public Health & Medicaid: Wheeling Medicaid billing for “Procedures / Professional Services” rose 8.1% in 2024, reaching $1.30 million. Opioid Funding Fight: Hancock County commissioners approved more opioid money for Family Care Excellence, but one commissioner objected over whether prior requirements were met. America 250: Gov. Jim Justice’s office and Tourism leaders rolled out new America 250 merchandise and urged communities to ring bells July 4. Water & Sewer Projects: Gov. Morrisey announced IJDC approval of more than $1.15 million for water and sewer upgrades across Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties. Science: WVU researcher Christopher Fowler says NASA Mars data shows a solar-wind protection phenomenon can happen even without strong magnetic fields.

NCAA Baseball (Morgantown Regional): West Virginia opens its home regional Friday at 5 p.m. against Binghamton, with pitcher Chansen Cole getting the start after a breakout season that earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors. NCAA Baseball (Other regionals): Arkansas is headed to the Lawrence Regional in Kansas, where the Razorbacks will face Missouri State and Northeastern. State Courts (Glade Springs): The West Virginia Supreme Court has sent a Glade Springs Village foreclosure sale back to circuit court, ordering Judge Todd Kirby to provide more detailed findings. Energy Costs & Federal Rules: AG JB McCuskey urged the U.S. Department of Energy to delay and repeal appliance efficiency rules he says will raise costs for West Virginians who rely on natural gas. Education Pipeline: 26 West Virginia seniors were named Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars, earning up to $40,000 total with a commitment to teach in high-need fields in the state. Local Government (Wood County): Wood County approved a $1.6 million sewer project contract, plus updates tied to the Polymer Alliance Zone and courthouse security. Public Safety (Roadwork): Expect traffic delays on I-79 in Harrison County Friday due to pothole patching roadblocks. Health Care (Southern WV): Princeton Community Hospital announced new cancer treatments now available closer to home.