AGP Executive Report

Coal & Energy Policy: The Trump administration is set to push nearly $700 million into the U.S. coal industry, including about $425 million for 13 existing coal plants with major funding tied to West Virginia, plus grants for new coal power builds (including one in West Virginia) and a restart near Cumberland. Foster Care & Courts: A federal class action lawsuit over West Virginia’s foster care system is back on track after a Fourth Circuit ruling reversed a dismissal, with claims that children are often placed in hotels, shelters, institutions, or out of state. Public Health & Innovation: A Morgantown-developed drug for opioid use disorder, GATC-1021, has shown promising early results published in PNAS, with human clinical trials expected next. Community Life & Events: Parkersburg’s McClinton Chevrolet held its 14th annual car show for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, and Wheeling’s Ohio River Splashtacular returns Sunday with water-ski shows and family activities benefiting Easterseals. Local Politics: Bridgeport delegate candidate Laura Kimble files an election contest after losing a GOP primary by six votes, alleging possible voting irregularities in Harrison County. Culture & Identity: A Morgantown lab-to-clinic story meets local tradition as the New River Gorge Historical Society hosts a Miners’ Vacation fish fry fundraiser in Hinton.

Sports & State Pride: WVU baseball keeps the spotlight on Mountaineer pride after a walk-off win drew more than 4,000 fans in Granville, with “Country Roads” turning the moment into a statewide singalong as the team heads into the Morgantown Super Regional. Community & Inclusion: Wellsburg’s Independence Day festivities add a Super Kids Soapbox Derby on June 27, designed for children and adults with special needs with harnessed racers and co-pilots, free to enter and open to everyone. Health & Innovation: Morgantown’s GATC Health says its AI-assisted drug GATC-1021 for opioid use disorder has reached promising early results, with human clinical trials ahead after publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Courts & Care: A federal appeals ruling keeps a class action over West Virginia’s foster care system moving, reversing a dismissal and setting up further fights over systemic placement and care timelines. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey highlights West Virginia’s expected share of a $700M federal coal power push, including modernization work tied to the Mitchell Plant in Moundsville and other grid reliability upgrades. Local Events: Wheeling’s Ohio River Splashtacular returns Sunday at Heritage Port with free family activities, water-ski shows, music, and raffles benefiting Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.

Education & Community Giving: Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia awarded 104 scholarships totaling $266,750 for the 2026-27 school year, with 110 volunteer reviewers selecting recipients as applications rose 12%. STEM in Action: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” won top honors at a Northeast Regional drone competition in West Virginia, earning regional championship qualification. Health & Pregnancy: A new WVU-led study links prolonged sitting (over 10 hours a day) with roughly double the risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Local Heritage & Learning: Potomac State College’s Deremer Farm—tied to West Virginia’s early agricultural history—continues serving as a living classroom for the school’s ag program. Culture & Storytelling: Morgantown Public Library’s StoryFest returns June 6 with a Fairytale Forest theme, free crafts, author events, and family-friendly activities. Environment & Safety Watch: A federal judge struck down Trump-era asylum processing freezes tied to the National Guard shooting, while advocates warn proposed cuts to a chemical disaster watchdog could leave West Virginia more vulnerable.

Coal & Energy Policy: Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired power, using the Defense Production Act to support 13 plants and build new capacity in West Virginia and Alaska, with claims of thousands of jobs. Community Healing After Disaster: One year after the June 14, 2025 Ohio County flood, partners hosted a “Stronger Together” gathering to help residents process the emotional toll and rebuild. Education & Access: West Virginia Northern Community College named Dr. Andrew Langrehr as its next president, and the state Board of Education moved to give families more flexibility in pre-K enrollment for 5-year-olds. Local School Facilities: Hancock County Schools won approval to update HVAC systems at Oak Glen High School and Weir Middle School as it seeks School Building Authority funding. Health & Caregiving: Bonnie’s Bus will bring mobile mammography to multiple WV counties, and CMS ratings highlighted Pierpont Center (2-star) and St. Mary’s Hospital (5-star) in recent reporting. Culture Through Literacy: Marshall County Literacy Council honored reading specialist Brandi Walton as Reading Teacher of the Year. Sports & Community: A Protect College Sports Act hearing featured West Virginia voices, including WVU President Emeritus Gordon Gee, as debate continues over athletes’ rights and women’s/olympic sports.

Health Access: Bonnie’s Bus, WVU Medicine’s mobile mammography program, will stop in Morgan, Fayette, Harrison and Mercer counties in late June and early July, offering 3D screenings and help enrolling in the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program for eligible uninsured women. Child Safety & Justice: Wyoming and McDowell counties are forming a joint Crimes Against Children Task Force to coordinate investigations, strengthen digital forensics, and support trauma-informed responses with local advocacy partners. Education Policy: West Virginia is changing its pre-K enrollment eligibility rules to give families more flexibility for 5-year-olds, with State Board President Paul Hardesty pushing a broader policy review to make public schools more welcoming amid school choice. Community & Culture: Logan County libraries are launching “Unearth a Story” summer reading events with local history and science-themed activities for all ages. Courts & Care: Foster children suing West Virginia over the troubled foster care system won an appeal, sending the case back to move forward. Energy & Jobs: Trump’s nearly $700 million coal push includes a new coal plant planned for Mount Storm, with West Virginia leaders praising the jobs and power reliability pitch. Sports & Local Pride: WVU Northern Community College named Andrew Langrehr as its next president, and WVU’s Gavin Kelly’s postseason run continues to draw attention.

Health Access: Bonnie’s Bus, the WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals mobile mammography program, will stop in Morgan, Fayette, Harrison and Mercer counties in late June and early July, offering 3D screenings plus help enrolling eligible uninsured/underinsured women in the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Outdoors & Community: West Virginia State Parks is marking National Trails Day with guided hikes and trail clean-ups, including a June 6 Coopers Rock hike with multiple trail segments. Schools & Youth Sports: The West Virginia Board of Education heard updates on Tyler County’s state intervention and approved emergency rules on student-athlete transfers, as county progress and safety protocol improvements are reviewed. Power & Public Input: The PSC is holding public comment hearings on NextEra’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line after overwhelming opposition in written comments. Local Fundraiser: Recovery Point West Virginia’s “Keys for a Cause” fundraiser in Parkersburg features dueling pianos and a silent auction to support no-cost residential recovery services. Arts & Family Fun: West Virginia Public Theatre kicks off its summer season with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” in Morgantown. Community Care: Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff returns June 6 at Heritage Port, with proceeds benefiting United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights a mix of top and low overall ratings across multiple counties, underscoring ongoing staffing and care quality concerns statewide.

State Business & Exports: Thirty-four West Virginia companies earned the 2026 Governor’s Export Awards for pushing into new international markets, with 7 first-time recipients—highlighting how Mountain State products are finding global buyers. Education & Workforce: The West Virginia Board of Education heard that its Classroom 2 Career apprenticeship program is paying off, reporting 2,000+ students, 600+ business partners, and $5M+ in student earnings from last year’s work-based learning. School Policy: A coalition of families and educators is urging lawmakers to pause West Virginia school closures while the state revisits its outdated school funding formula. College Sports & Student Life: In Washington, senators advanced the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, with major college leaders—including Notre Dame’s Pete Bevacqua and former WVU president E. Gordon Gee—arguing for rules around NIL, transfers, and athlete protections. Health & Community: AARP West Virginia and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department launched “Walk with a Doc” at the Capitol, pairing movement with a discussion of GLP-1 weight-loss meds. Local Culture & Outdoors: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories were eased in places thanks to improved water quality, giving anglers more guidance with fewer restrictions.

Supreme Court Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court is racing through 26 decisions this month tied to Trump’s priorities, including executive power, birthright citizenship, and mail ballot rules—setting up a high-stakes legal reckoning. Local Health & Aging: CMS data spotlights nursing home size and quality across West Virginia’s counties, with a mix of top-rated facilities (including several 4- and 5-star homes) and others scoring 1–3, plus fines and penalties that vary widely. Rural Health Funding: West Virginia is rolling out $3.4 million in Rural Health Transformation support for community-driven prevention efforts. Arts & Community Events: A free Scott Ainslie concert is set for June 7 at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Americana singer-songwriter John R. Miller will play Big Rail Brewing on July 13. Education & Achievement: Two Northern Panhandle students—one from Brooke High and one from Wheeling Park—were named National Merit Scholars with WVU Foundation support. Culture & Identity: Wheeling City Council narrowly approved a new flag policy, limiting most flags on city poles while allowing the U.S., West Virginia, and city flags.

College Sports Policy: The Big Ten and SEC issued a joint statement opposing the Protect College Sports Act “as drafted,” saying it leaves “critical issues” unresolved while they keep working with lawmakers. Child Welfare & Courts: Lawyers for foster children are still pushing for an appeal after a federal judge dismissed a sweeping lawsuit over group-home placements, strained Child Protective Services caseloads, and in-state support gaps. Health & Outdoors: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories loosen restrictions in spots, including removing a black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and easing smallmouth bass guidance on the Shenandoah River. Pregnancy Research: WVU researchers found that more than 10 hours of sitting a day is linked to about twice the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Healthcare Expansion: WVU Medicine signed a definitive deal to acquire Independence Health System in Pennsylvania, a move tied to an $800 million investment and expected to close in late September/early October. Local Arts & History: Parkersburg Art Center hosts receptions for two new exhibits, and the Henry Cooper Cabin Museum opens its season with an “anti-tea party” celebration. Community Giving: Ripley High junior Kayleigh Bennett is organizing a 2-mile run/walk to fund scoliosis research, while Parkersburg’s Kids Classic raised a record $349,400 for the Boys & Girls Club. Public Safety & Policy: Gov. Morrisey signed veterans bills expanding enforceable Purple Heart parking penalties and Gold Star fee waivers; WVABCA also rolled out new rules for vape and smoke shop labeling and oversight. Immigration Claims: An ACLU-WV report disputes claims about recent ICE arrests in West Virginia, saying most people arrested had no criminal record. School Safety: A Wayne County school bus crash left no serious injuries, with the road and steering correction cited in the incident.

Foster Care Fight: A lawsuit by foster children over group-home placements, overburdened Child Protective Services, and unsafe institutions was tossed by a federal judge and is still seeking an appeal, with advocates saying the Legislature and executive branch aren’t stepping in. Rural Health & Prevention: Gov. Morrisey announced a $3.4M Rural Local Health Challenge funding opportunity under the Rural Health Transformation Program, pushing community-based prevention and healthier lifestyle initiatives. Democratic Party Power Shift: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva says she’ll challenge incumbent Mike Pushkin for West Virginia Democratic Party chair, arguing for better fundraising, candidate support, and messaging. Arts & Community Giving: WVU Art Museum received a $100K gift from retired School of Medicine faculty to support major needs and upcoming public art efforts. Living Heritage: A folklorist in Elkins is honored for preserving West Virginia’s living heritage through books, recordings, and community storytelling. Outdoor Culture: West Virginia released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories with fewer restrictions thanks to improved water quality. Local Food Access: West Virginia State University’s Stinger Produce Market opens June 10 in Institute with $15 produce subscription boxes and public hours. Arts Council Exhibit: The Top of West Virginia Arts Council will debut a new “America and Art” exhibit celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Wheeling Flag Policy: Wheeling City Council is set to vote on a resolution limiting which flags can fly on city flagpoles at Heritage Port. Youth Sports: Cabell Midland returns to defend its Class AAAA softball title in a preview that highlights familiar contenders and rising teams. Summer Kids Program: Active SWV is accepting applications for summer Kids Run Club mini-grants to keep children active with free, structured movement activities.

Arts & Community Giving: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members, Dr. Stephen Wetmore and Dr. Mary Wimmer, donated $100,000 to create a fund supporting the WVU Art Museum’s biggest needs, including community art events planned for summer 2026. Rural Health & Workforce: Gov. Morrisey announced a $3.4 million Rural Local Health Challenge tied to the Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to boost prevention-focused community health efforts and help more people reenter the workforce. Local Politics & Schools: A coalition of families and educators is urging lawmakers to pause West Virginia school closures while the state revisits its outdated school funding formula. Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny: An ACLU-backed investigative analysis says federal claims about West Virginia’s “Operation Country Roads” don’t match ICE/DHS records, as local attention continues after recent detentions. Education Support: Bridgeport High student Payton Janssen received the 2026 Albert Yanni Scholarship, a $2,000 award for students pursuing professional certification. Community Life: A Parkersburg couple marked 70 years of marriage, celebrating decades of commitment through family, faith, and everyday life.

Arts & Giving: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members, Dr. Stephen Wetmore and Dr. Mary Wimmer, donated $100,000 to create a fund supporting the WVU Art Museum’s biggest needs, including community art events tied to the U.S. semiquincentennial. Public Input on Energy Infrastructure: The WV Public Service Commission scheduled public comment hearings for the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, with sessions in Keyser, Romney, Morgantown, and Kingwood. Local Culture & Community Care: Parkersburg’s Children’s Home Society is gearing up for its Fairy Tale Ball to raise money for foster care and adoption services, with a focus on recruiting support for older kids and teens. Education & Arts Access: A WVU-related opinion piece argues library parking enforcement during finals effectively adds a “study tax,” calling for a pause near libraries. Wildlife & Climate: A report highlights how climate change and human contact are putting black bears at greater risk, especially when they turn to trash and homes. Supreme Court Watch (National, with WV relevance): Coverage previews major Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship, gun rights, transgender athletes, and agency power. Foster Care & Family Support: A separate vigil in Clarksburg drew attention to ICE detentions tied to local workplace raids, underscoring community support and human-rights concerns. Sports & Youth: Wheeling Central Catholic High School celebrated its Class of 2026 at Oglebay Park Amphitheater, honoring top students headed to WVU.

Foster Care Fundraiser: Parkersburg’s Children’s Home Society is hosting the “Fairy Tale Ball” to raise money for local foster care and adoption services, with a focus on sponsors and support for older kids and teens. Sports & Community: West Virginia’s NCAA track spotlight includes Anniska McDonald qualifying in the high jump at East Regionals, while Dejanae Oakley set a facility record in the women’s 400. Local Arts & History: Manchester’s Southern Vermont Arts Center is opening a major new wing tied to Lyman Orton’s huge 20th-century Vermont art collection. Immigration & Faith: In Harrison County, residents held a candlelight vigil after ICE detentions at a Bridgeport restaurant, with pastors and community members calling for humane treatment. Youth Sports Policy: Becky Pepper-Jackson won WVSSAC Class AAA girls shot put, keeping the transgender-athlete debate front and center ahead of expected Supreme Court action. Education Support: Fairmont State received a $71K grant for neuromuscular diagnostic and imaging equipment for graduate programs. Racing Heritage: Pennsboro Speedway hosted the West Virginia Racing Heritage Festival, celebrating dirt track history with vintage cars, motorcycles, and women racers.

Local Immigration & Community Care: Harrison County residents held a candlelight vigil for ICE detainees after employees at Don Patron Mexican Grill in Bridgeport were detained, with organizers and pastors urging humane treatment for families. Education & Health Tech: Fairmont State won a $71K grant to buy neuromuscular diagnostic and imaging equipment for its biomedical labs, boosting graduate training. Arts & Pop Culture: A Hulu reboot of The X-Files is adding Indigenous guest actors—Devery Jacobs, Tantoo Cardinal, and Joel D. Montgrand—alongside new leads, signaling a fresh angle on unexplained-phenomena cases. Sports & Identity Debate: Bridgeport sophomore Becky Pepper-Jackson won WVSSAC Class AAA girls shot put, a moment landing amid ongoing Supreme Court scrutiny of transgender athletes. Community History & Heritage: The West Virginia Racing Heritage Festival returned to Pennsboro Speedway, spotlighting dirt-track racing history and women’s flat-track motorcycle pioneers. Faith & Broadcasting Milestone: Evangelistic Outreach marked 70 years since its family-founded ministry began in Pedro, growing from local radio into a wider humanitarian broadcast reach.

Local Sports & Identity: Bridgeport sophomore Becky Pepper-Jackson won the WVSSAC Class AAA girls shot put title, a win that lands amid a U.S. Supreme Court fight over whether transgender athletes can compete in girls’ sports. Community & Accountability: In Grafton, residents held a Forces for Justice protest after the deaths of three West Virginia children, calling for changes to Child Protective Services and real accountability. Culture & Heritage: The West Virginia Racing Heritage Festival returned to Pennsboro Speedway, spotlighting dirt track racing history and even women’s flat-track motorcycle pioneers. Education & Student Success: Madison Elementary was named a 2026 PBIS Tier 1 Model School, recognizing school-wide behavior supports. Civic Life & Memory: A new Ohio River Museum is taking shape in Marietta, continuing the region’s long-running effort to preserve river history. Arts & Community Events: Wheeling YMCA dedicated its gymnasium to Robert and Jody Contraguerro, honoring decades of local support. Opinion & Traditions: A column argues West Virginia should bring back souvenir programs for state tournaments after wrestling fans were told print programs are ending.

Greenbrier Court Fight: Sen. Jim Justice’s family disclosed a proposed $500 million financing partner for its Greenbrier takeover bid, but Omni says the terms still fall short—keeping the resort’s future tied up in federal court. Foster Care & Judicial Free Speech: An out-of-state conservative group urged removal of discipline against a West Virginia judge who criticized the foster care system, arguing “silencing” blocks reform. America 250 Culture Push: Gov. Morrisey and Tourism announced new America 250 merchandise and a statewide July 4 bell-ringing initiative, with more events promised. Community Care & Inclusion: Wheeling YMCA dedicated its gym to Robert and Jody Contraguerro; Parkersburg’s Miracle League held a demonstration game for athletes with disabilities. Education & Workforce: Mountaineer Autism Project launched a statewide campaign to recruit behavioral health workers, while West Virginia’s teacher unions buck national decline in a new study. Local Sports & Youth: University High’s Duke Pride sports complex campaign moved closer to groundbreaking, and WVU opened NCAA tournament play with a big win over Binghamton. Food Security: New data highlights SNAP cuts and rising concern about hunger as work requirements expand.