AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with checks starting in October. Election Court Fight: The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing a judge’s dismissal of its bid for West Virginia’s unredacted voter registration records, pushing the case to the 4th Circuit. Data Center Flooding: A Mason County homeowner says runoff from Nscale’s data center flooded their yard again, after a prior DEP stormwater permit violation and a flood fence. 9/11 Remembrance: West Virginia leaders ordered flags at state facilities to half-staff and called for a moment of silence on Patriot Day as the 25th anniversary is marked. Public Safety & Roads: I-77 southbound is down to one lane after a tractor-trailer crash in Wood County. Local Community: A national veterans poll-worker push, Vet the Vote, visited Morgantown ahead of fall elections. Sports: WVU opened the West Virginia Invitational with a four-set win over VCU, and Handley volleyball improved to 5-0 with a sweep of Sherando.

Broadband Push: Gov. Morrisey announced a major rural fiber expansion in West Virginia, bringing high-speed service to more than 5,000 previously unserved locations and supporting broadband for about 10,000 rural homes and small businesses. Legal Fight Over Hidden Cameras: A Kanawha County judge is set to decide soon whether a retaliation lawsuit against West Virginia State Police can move forward after a trooper alleged he was punished for reporting a hidden camera in the State Academy’s women’s locker room. Environmental Accountability: West Virginia Attorney General Jeff Jackson and DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson announced a nearly $600M deal tied to PFAS contamination involving DuPont/Chemours, framed as the state’s largest environmental damages recovery. Healthcare Cost Relief: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will receive $500 refunds for alleged Obamacare exchange overcharges. Sports & Community: WVU football opened with a 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina, while WVU women’s rowing and other campus sports continue gearing up for the 2026-27 season. Local Culture: Parkersburg’s Art Center and partners host the Parkersburg Piccalilli Artists’ Conference Sept. 18, featuring workshops and a keynote by illustrator Rosalie Haizlett.

Education & Workforce: Laura Presley was named West Virginia’s Teacher of the Year at the Champions of Learning Gala in Charleston, an English teacher at Princeton Senior High. Healthcare & Training: Valley College and Appalachian Regional Healthcare teamed up in Beckley to offer scholarships for ARH employees, aiming to grow the state’s health care workforce. Nuclear Energy Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced West Virginia has signed a memorandum of understanding to be considered as the sixth state for a federal nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, with environmental groups raising concerns about spent fuel and community impacts. School Choice Lawsuit: State Treasurer Larry Pack says his office will defend the Hope Scholarship after Mingo County parents filed a class action seeking to block the program’s statewide expansion. Courts & Privacy: A class action was filed in Monongalia County alleging hidden cameras recorded employees in non-public hospital bathrooms at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. Public Health: The CDC reports 19,595 lab-confirmed Cyclospora cases in the current outbreak—far above 2025 totals—linked to iceberg lettuce from a Mexico supplier. Weather: A slow-moving front is expected to bring flooding rain and thunderstorms to parts of the Ohio Valley, central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic. Sports: WVU opened its season with a 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina, but defensive lineman Darius Wiley is reportedly done for the year after a serious injury.

WVU Football: West Virginia opened the 2026 season with a 31-24 home win over Coastal Carolina at Milan Puskar Stadium, but the bigger storyline was defensive lineman Darius Wiley’s season-ending injury after a fourth-quarter tweak. Safety & Community: Two people died in a side-by-side crash in Webster County near the Webster/Randolph line, and crews are responding to an elderly couple’s boat crash into the Cheat Lake shoreline. Statehouse & Services: West Virginia expanded Medicaid School-Based Health Services, widening access for more Medicaid-eligible students through school-based care. Elections: Secretary of State Kris Warner released the 2026 primary report: 252,008 ballots cast, with 98% voting in person. Public Safety Tech: AG Brenna Bird joined a coalition urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Economy: Bluefield American Water announced a $275,000 water infrastructure project on Thompson Avenue, and Princeton received $20,000 for a second golf simulator. Road Work: I-79 bridge work brings temporary lane closures near Mehringer Bridge with overnight delays.

WVU Football: Rich Rodriguez says WVU’s second-half play calling against Coastal Carolina “could’ve been better,” after the Mountaineers’ offense stalled once the Chanticleers adjusted in a 31-24 season-opening win. Commitment & Eligibility: WVU landed Georgia safety JaCorey Thomas, a former NFL rookie minicamp participant, after a temporary restraining order helped him regain extra college eligibility. Special Teams Spotlight: WVU’s special teams shined in the opener, with kicker Jack Cassidy handling kickoffs, extra points, and a 38-yard field goal. Public Safety: Two people died in a side-by-side crash in Webster County near the Webster/Randolph line. State Policy: West Virginia regulators opened a rulemaking process for House Bill 2014, setting new requirements for how utilities maintain generating units and fuel inventories. Local Community: Mercer County approved a memorandum to unlock about $215,000 for repairs to the historic Bramwell Depot roof. Health & Schools: A national report ranks West Virginia No. 4 for school meals access and participation in 2026. Sports Elsewhere: Measles outbreak updates from Illinois include West Virginia’s National Merit semifinalists, with Morgantown High again leading state nominations.

Crime & Drugs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says violent crime, property crime, and overdose deaths all dropped in West Virginia in 2025, with drug overdose deaths down 12% (99 fewer deaths). Public Safety Training: West Virginia State Police will run its first Keystone Model of Crisis Management training for new cadets Sept. 9, using scenario drills with behavioral health professionals. Energy Policy: The Public Service Commission scheduled a public comment hearing on proposed rules to implement HB 2014, setting capacity requirements and related duties. Power Line Fight: A major evidentiary hearing for the MARL transmission project will proceed on schedule after the PSC rejected a delay request, disappointing landowner advocates. SNAP Rules: The USDA asked South Carolina, North Dakota, and Ohio to pause certain SNAP food restriction waivers after a court ruling affected similar waivers, with West Virginia still in the mix. Local Recovery & Infrastructure: Valley Link donated $35,000 to help families hit by July storms, and Charleston’s Capitol Connector project is nearing bids for downtown construction. Sports: WVU men’s soccer rallied past George Mason 2-1 with two late goals. Food Access: A national school lunch report ranks West Virginia No. 3 for school meals in 2026.

Permitting Reform Watch: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says federal permitting changes are “as close as we’ve ever been” and could land this week, arguing delays are choking major investment. Public Safety & Health: A new federal move ends annual duck-season rulemaking, shifting migratory bird limits into a memorandum cycle; meanwhile, West Virginia AG JB McCuskey reports 401 scam complaints in August, led by Medicare fraud plus impersonation of state representatives and video-call sweepstakes tricks. Local Government: Wood County’s tax record error isn’t isolated—other counties were hit after the state auditor failed to send redemption records, delaying back tax tickets. Courts & Business: A bankruptcy judge heard conflict claims in the Pleasants Power Station case, with arguments that a law firm represented lenders and then the debtor. Wildlife & Science: WV biologists are testing tiny “backpacks” on juvenile crayfish at a state hatchery to track survival and movement. Sports: WVU soccer rallied late to beat George Mason 2-1; WVU golf finished second at the Island Resort Collegiate; and WVU defensive lineman Darius Wiley is ruled out for the season with a severe ligament injury.

Consumer Scams: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey says his Consumer Protection Division logged 401 scam reports in August, led by Medicare scams, plus new warnings about callers impersonating state representatives and video-call sweepstakes/lottery tricks. Sports—WVU Football: West Virginia added Georgia safety transfer JaCorey Thomas to its secondary, while RB Cam Cook earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors after a 142-yard, two-touchdown debut in the 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina. Sports—WVU Soccer: No. 7 WVU women’s soccer stayed unbeaten in the Mountain State Derby, beating Marshall 1-0 on Jordyn Wilson’s goal. Public Safety: A “father figure” principal at Brooke High School in Wellsburg was charged after authorities say four secret cameras were found in girls’ locker rooms. Civic/Environment: The WV NAACP is pushing for a statewide data center moratorium, citing worries about utility costs and strain on water, sewer, and the power grid. State Services: State Treasurer Larry Pack reports more than $3.2 million in unclaimed property was returned to West Virginians in August. Community: West Virginia State Parks Foundation launched a fall colors photo contest running through Nov. 6.

Consumer Protection: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey says the state logged 401 scam reports in August, led by Medicare fraud, plus a surge in scams impersonating West Virginia state representatives and video-call sweepstakes/lottery cons. WVU Football: The Mountaineers retired Pat White’s No. 5 and raced to a 24-0 halftime lead, then held on to beat Coastal Carolina 31-24 in the season opener. Energy & Politics: A new political climate is creating opportunity for West Virginia’s energy push, but the state still faces big questions about infrastructure, markets, and regulatory stability as demand rises. Home Energy Rebates: West Virginia is still lagging on launching an $88.2 million home energy rebate program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. Courts: Supreme Court Justice Bill Wooton was treated for dehydration after a medical incident on the bench and returned to work. Education: Monongalia County’s bachelor’s completion rate for Black students at WVU was 47% by 2024, higher than the statewide figure.

Education & Courts: Mingo County parents sued to block universal expansion of West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship, arguing the voucher growth is worsening strain on a local school facing closure and that lawmakers failed to update the school funding formula. Public Safety in Schools: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested after hidden recording devices were found in girls’ locker and changing rooms, with the district saying student privacy and safety won’t be tolerated. Healthcare Access: Rep. Jill Tokuda introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (REH 2.0) to strengthen the rural ER model, including allowing certain inpatient psychiatric and obstetric units. Local Economy & Cost of Living: Labor Day travel comes with record-high gas prices nationwide, with the U.S. average at about $4.14 a gallon. Sports (WV): West Virginia retired Pat White’s No. 5 jersey before the Mountaineers’ season opener against Coastal Carolina, and true freshman Kevin Brown made his debut at left tackle in the 31-24 win. Community & Health: Beckley ARH Hospital welcomed general surgeon Dr. Laurie Yew-Kin Hung to its provider team.

WVU Football: West Virginia opened its season by holding off Coastal Carolina 31-24 in Morgantown, after leading 24-0 at halftime; Cam Cook ran for 142 yards and two short TDs, and Michael Hawkins Jr. added a passing score and a rushing TD, though the Mountaineers’ second-half play got sloppy before they survived a late rally. Pat White Honors: On the same day, WVU retired record-setting QB Pat White’s No. 5 jersey, celebrating his 2005-08 run and bowl-winning legacy. Clemson vs. LSU Fallout: Clemson’s season opener turned into a rout, losing 51-10 to No. 11 LSU, while Dabo Swinney’s offense looked lifeless and the quarterback situation shifted midgame. Local Crime & Schools: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested after authorities found hidden recording devices in girls’ locker rooms; he was charged and suspended as the investigation continues. West Virginia History: New Cumberland’s brickmaking boom—once called “Brickyard Bend”—is highlighted as the community’s paving bricks helped shape cities far beyond the Ohio Valley. Weather: A brief storm chance lingers into Sunday, with mostly dry conditions expected after that.

Sports Spotlight: West Virginia retired Pat White’s No. 5 jersey Saturday before the Mountaineers’ season opener vs. Coastal Carolina, capping a record-setting career that included four bowl wins and a legacy that still resonates two decades later. College Football Kickoff: ESPN’s College GameDay rolled into Week 1 with picks for marquee matchups, including LSU-Clemson in “Death Valley,” as the season gets fully underway across Labor Day weekend. Local Education Data: New numbers show Marion County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students at Fairmont State was 47.4% for the 2018 cohort, below the statewide 56.8%. Cost of Living Pressure: A SmartAsset analysis says Pennsylvanians need about $97,011 for a comfortable life as a single adult in 2026, with a family of four needing $247,936—another reminder that paychecks aren’t keeping up with essentials. School Safety Case: Brooke High School’s suspended principal, Eric James, faces felony charges after recording devices were allegedly found in girls’ locker rooms.

Education & Safety: A Brooke High School principal in Wellsburg was arrested after investigators found four hidden recording devices in girls’ locker rooms, with alleged footage showing him placing and adjusting one device; he’s held on $100,000 bond. Public Utilities: The West Virginia Public Service Commission ordered Kanawha Falls Public Service District to stop billing affected customers after sewer issues, while service is functionally restored. Local Government: Fairmont is weighing a garbage contract extension with Republic Services, with a petition seeking a functional contract time extension to March 2027. Labor & Politics: West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword says labor rights face federal rollbacks and weaker enforcement even as unions remain popular. Sports (WVU & Prep): WVU opens the season Saturday vs. Coastal Carolina with defense in focus, while high school football Week 2 delivered more statement games and scores across the state. Business & Growth: Mason County residents react to a second data center approval—Starwood’s “Project Tamarack”—as debate over impacts continues. Community Outdoors: Nature Wonder Weekend returns Sept. 11–13 at North Bend State Park, with guided hikes and wild-food workshops.

Local Business: A North Central West Virginia Dave & Buster’s is set for a ribbon-cutting and kickoff Monday, Sept. 21, at the West Ridge Business and Retail Park in Westover. Outdoor & Tourism: West Virginia DNR opened registration for the 56th Annual Nature Wonder Weekend (Wild Foods Weekend) at North Bend State Park, Sept. 11–13. Public Safety: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested after hidden cameras were found in girls’ locker rooms, with charges including breaking and entering and intercepting electronic communications. Health Care: WVU Medicine is named in a class-action lawsuit tied to hidden cameras at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. Community & Education: West Virginia Wesleyan says it’s now the only school in the state offering master’s and post-master’s addiction treatment and care programs, funded by a $246,125 grant. Economy & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Pratt logged one scam report in July, tying it for 21st among 68 WV cities. Sports: West Virginia Wesleyan, WVU football opener coverage, and local athlete roster updates dominated the sports feed, alongside a Meadow River Rail Trail story drawing out-of-state cyclists.

Business & Growth: A new Dave & Buster’s is set to officially kick off in North Central West Virginia with a ribbon-cutting and opening Monday, Sept. 21, at the West Ridge Business and Retail Park in Westover. Public Health: Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography will make stops across Tucker, Clay, Nicholas, Lewis and Jefferson counties in late September and early October, offering 3D screenings and breast care education. Education & Care Access: WVU School of Dentistry opened expanded, renovated clinics at the Health Sciences Center, including modernized pediatric and orthodontic services, after a multi-phase project with a major federal funding component. Health & Culture: WVU researchers are weighing how GLP-1 drugs are reshaping body culture and fashion discourse. Environment & Permitting: WV DEP issued a stormwater permit for the Sidewinder raw water line, raising questions about whether local utility records and notifications were properly handled. Community Events: Nature Wonder Weekend returns Sept. 11–13 at North Bend State Park, and the 47th Annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival starts Friday, Sept. 4, in Clarksburg. Courts & Public Policy: A First Circuit ruling overturned an order requiring Puerto Rico to add an “X” gender marker to birth certificates. Crime & Courts: Six of seven men charged in a copper wire theft case are headed to trial in Washington County.

Waynesboro school shooting: Police say 19-year-old Anthony Ignatiadis-Isabelle forced his way into Westwood Hills Elementary on Sept. 2, shot one staff member (non-life-threatening), then died by suicide in the library; investigators are still looking into any relationship. Consumer scams: Fairmont tied for seventh in West Virginia for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with 3 reports and $300 in reported losses tied to two dollar-amount scams. State money returned: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack says the state returned more than $3.2 million in unclaimed property in August across 2,358 claims. Online child safety: U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey is urging West Virginia schools and youth groups to use free DOJ training on grooming, sextortion, harmful content, and deepfakes. Health access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” mobile mammography will visit multiple West Virginia counties in late September and early October, with help available for uninsured women who qualify. Energy/AI buildout: Google is partnering with MN8 Energy and Eos Energy on a Kanawha County solar-plus-storage project to supply data centers with around-the-clock power. Sports & community: WVU estimates 3,500+ students attended Mountaineer Midway and Movie, and Hospice of Southern West Virginia is seeking volunteers for a Sept. 8 training session.