AGP Executive Report

Energy and Jobs: Attorney General JB McCuskey is backing a 26-state push for faster federal reviews of routine natural-gas pipeline projects. The coalition says updated rules could protect West Virginia’s 70,000-plus gas jobs and help keep energy affordable. Economic Development: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia is competing to host a new U.S. Space Academy, with an application due Oct. 26. The state is touting its energy resources and workforce as it seeks a project that could grow to thousands of students. Child Care: A Wheeling business owner says she lost state child-care assistance after being told she couldn’t receive the subsidy while operating an LLC, raising concerns about rules affecting working parents and small businesses. Household Costs: A new report finds West Virginia among the states where water bills have grown roughly twice as fast as household incomes over the past decade. Coal: A Boone County mine closure is set to eliminate 71 jobs, a sharp hit to the local economy. Campus Safety: WVU police say anonymous hazing reports involving at least two fraternity locations are under active criminal investigation.

Data Center Dispute: A reported grove of about 200 American chestnut trees in Mason County could be cleared for a data-center project as soon as Nov. 1, conservation advocates warn. The developer says the grove is outside its property, leaving the threat unresolved. Economic Development: Two Beckley-area groups received $750,000 each for small-business support and childcare initiatives. Jobs: A Boone County coal mine is set to close Sunday, putting 71 jobs at risk. Affordability: A new national report says West Virginia water bills rose about twice as fast as household incomes over the past decade. Research: Bluefield State biology professor Yi Charlie Chen won $370,000 to study targeted treatments for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer. Childcare: A Wheeling business owner says state rules barred her from receiving childcare assistance while operating an LLC, forcing her to give up support she relied on to work.

Big 12 Football (WV): Rich Rodriguez returns to Morgantown as Arizona visits Saturday, with West Virginia trying to bounce back after a 45-42 loss at Iowa State and a defense that’s struggled mightily. Local Sports (WV): WVU DC Zac Alley says he’s losing sleep and plans major defensive changes after Iowa State put up 45 points and WVU’s unit ranks near the bottom nationally. Energy & Industry (WV): West Virginia air and utility filings move forward, including a general permit registration for a coal preparation plant near Rupert and a Gas South application to supply natural gas statewide (with limited county exclusions). Infrastructure (WV): WV DOT Division of Highways posted a structure replacement bid for Indian Creek Bridge in Greenbrier County. Environment & Community (WV): The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy announces a free Oct. 23-24 Fall Review at Canaan Valley with conservation hikes and advocacy training. Public Safety (WV): Fall burn rules kick in Oct. 1, restricting outdoor burning during daytime hours and requiring fires be fully extinguished by 7 a.m. Food Insecurity (Charleston): Mountaineer Food Bank won city approval to open a volunteer center in a former Charleston grocery store on the West Side.

West Virginia Health Care: WVU Medicine is rolling out new signage and planning major upgrades after acquiring Independence Health System, including $800 million in capital improvements and an Epic Systems rollout. Public Health: Monongalia County is investigating 16 lab-confirmed Salmonella cases near Morgantown, with several hospitalizations and no source identified yet. Community Health Access: West Virginia Health Right’s free #WeCareWV Day returns to Charleston Oct. 17 with medical, dental, and vision care for up to 500 people, citing rising demand as costs climb. Cancer Screening: Bonnie’s Bus will bring mobile mammograms to multiple West Virginia counties in late October, with help for uninsured and underinsured women who meet program criteria. State Government & Transparency: A new report says Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office is falling short on press access and follow-up opportunities, despite earlier promises of openness. Water Affordability: A national study finds U.S. households are paying 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with West Virginia among systems seeing steep increases. Education Funding: The U.S. Education Department announced an additional $39 million in TRIO college-access grants, bringing total 2026 awards above $225 million.

Mobile Health Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” will bring 3D mammograms to Wetzel, Pocahontas, Harrison and Marion counties, with appointments and free screening options for eligible uninsured women. Water Affordability: A new national analysis finds household drinking water bills rose faster than inflation and income from 2015 to 2025, with West Virginia among states where water costs climbed about twice as fast as median household income. Fire Safety Planning: The West Virginia State Fire Commission approved a comprehensive fire strategy after an audit flagged gaps, focusing on prevention, fire department capacity, water resources and better data. Flood Recovery: Gov. Morrisey secured a FEMA deadline extension for flood victims in Lewis, Upshur, Ritchie and Pleasants counties, moving the filing deadline to Oct. 17. Environmental Enforcement: Pocahontas County Landfill faces a WVDEP notice of violations citing issues including discolored discharges, permit noncompliance, and inadequate dust control. Wildlife Research: WVU research helped set new river otter management rules, increasing the annual trapping limit to two starting in 2027-28. Tourism in Schools: Gov. Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger unveiled “Mountain Moves,” a board game for eighth graders linking West Virginia history with tourism careers. Nuclear Debate: A report criticizes West Virginia’s push for nuclear benefits while raising concerns about responsibility for used fuel and waste.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” mobile mammography program will visit Wetzel, Pocahontas, Harrison and Marion counties in late October, offering 3D screenings and help enrolling in the state breast and cervical cancer program for eligible uninsured women. Public Safety: West Virginia’s Fire Marshal’s Office kicks off Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4–10 with “Charge into Fire Safety,” urging residents to use the right chargers, charge on hard surfaces, and stop using devices that overheat or swell. State Finance: State Treasurer Larry Pack returned more than $13,000 in unclaimed property to Cabell County and more than $33,000 to Pleasants County Clerk and Ritchie County Commission. Energy Policy: U.S. Senate negotiators reached a permitting deal that would cut lawsuit deadlines for energy projects to 150 days, with WV Sen. Shelley Moore Capito involved. Local Environment: Kanawha Valley residents continue pressing Clean-Seas over air quality and finances for the plastic conversion facility in Belle, with county leaders planning a CEO Zoom. Sports & Culture: Harlem Globetrotters’ Rivalry Tour is coming to Morgantown’s Hope Coliseum March 27.

West Virginia Politics & Economy: West Virginia business groups are watching a bipartisan Senate permitting reform push that could speed up energy and infrastructure projects, with lawmakers saying a lame-duck push could bring final passage before year’s end. State Infrastructure: The West Virginia Parkways Authority is moving ahead with interior demolition on its new Charleston headquarters, aiming to strip out outdated systems and target construction in early 2028. Public Safety: Firefighters across the region are urging residents to follow National Fire Prevention Week guidance on safer charging of lithium-ion batteries—watch for swelling, heat, strange smells, and stop using damaged chargers. Community & Health: A Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew crowds to Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport to support research and local resources for families. Arts & Culture: Francisco “Frank” Rabon, a CHamoru dancer and choreographer, received the 2026 National Heritage Fellowship—an NEA honor for traditional arts. Fall in WV: Early fall color is showing in Charleston and southern West Virginia, with tourism officials pointing families to scenic drives and back-road stops. Sports (WV): WVU’s offense put up points in its loss to Iowa State, but the defense couldn’t hold; meanwhile, WVU’s Tyson Bagent celebrated a “full-circle” moment after a Bears win over the Jets.

West Virginia Sports: WVU’s next big test is set after a 45-42 loss at Iowa State, a game that turned into a shootout and left the Mountaineers looking for answers heading into their first matchup with Arizona under Rich Rodriguez. College Football Spotlight: Arizona followed up its Big 12 home opener with a dominant 34-7 win over Cincinnati, and now turns to Morgantown as it prepares for the “RichRod Bowl.” Local Education & Workforce: Pierpont Community and Technical College is highlighting growth tied to workforce training and a major aviation maintenance expansion, aiming to keep graduates working in the region. Community Development: The 1982 Foundation is moving to transform the old Calhoun County High School into a new community hub in Grantsville, with plans for local businesses, a preschool, and more. Public Safety & Weather: West Virginia’s fall wildfire season is underway with outdoor burning restrictions in place, while a small rain chance is expected Sunday before drier conditions return. Health & Policy: The Supreme Court is set to hear a climate-change lawsuit targeting fossil-fuel companies, a case that could shape whether similar suits can proceed in state court.

WVU Sports: West Virginia’s football season hit another snag as the Mountaineers fell to Iowa State 45-42 in Ames, with coach Rich Rodriguez pointing to “atrocious” penalties and a fumble late that swung the finish. College Football National: Week 5 reshuffled the national picture, with Alabama’s Keelon Russell starring in a 56-23 win over Mississippi State and updated CFP/bowl projections putting the Tide near the top. Local Education: Ascend West Virginia is expanding a teacher residency push aimed at recruiting, preparing, placing, and retaining educators, modeled on a Monongalia/Preston pilot. Public Health & Safety: A frozen berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people, including updates affecting Walmart and Trader Joe’s shoppers across multiple states. State Watch: West Virginia’s well-water concerns remain in focus after reporting highlighted public health risks tied to local water quality. Community & Culture: Potomac State College officially named the baseball field at Golden Park “Doug Little Field,” honoring decades of program legacy.

Food Safety: Walmart and Trader Joe’s expanded a recall of frozen organic berries tied to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 17 people and hospitalized six in Florida and Georgia, with additional lots of Great Value Triple Berry Blend and Great Value Blueberries now included. Public Health in WV: A Gazette-Mail investigation highlights public health risks from West Virginians’ well water, pointing to contamination concerns in rural communities. Energy Costs: West Virginia launched Inflation Reduction Act-funded home energy rebates, offering savings for whole-home upgrades and high-efficiency appliances as the state weighs utility rule changes. Disaster Relief: Gov. Jim Morrisey won FEMA approval to extend the July flood assistance deadline to Oct. 17 for residents in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties. Local Notes: The Mountain State Forest Festival’s Grand Feature Parade in Elkins runs Saturday with 107 entries, starting at 1:30 p.m. Sports: WVU looks to rebound after its loss to Oklahoma State, hosting Iowa State at noon Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.

Butler Hospital Transition: After months of labor tension and a threatened strike, Butler Memorial Hospital’s acquisition by the West Virginia University Health System officially closed Oct. 1, with staff looking ahead to expanded services and renovations. Child Advocacy Leadership: North Star Child Advocacy Center in Parkersburg named Fred Hammack as its new executive director, aiming to grow trauma therapy, aftercare, and medical services for children and families. Supreme Court Security Push: West Virginia Attorney General Jeff Jackson leads a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a sharp rise in serious security incidents. Sports & WVU Notes: WVU quarterback Mike Hawkins Jr. is climbing national rankings, while WVU’s defense is under scrutiny for second-half miscues. Policy Watch: West Virginia is among states backing a wildfire bill package that would treat prescribed burns as “exceptional events” for Clean Air Act compliance. Local Weekend Picks: Oktoberwest returns to Charleston this weekend, highlighting West Side businesses, food, and live entertainment.

Violent Crime: Marshall County deputies say a 25-year-old man killed John Marshall High School teacher Monica Will and her husband, then fired at officers and was shot dead after taking a juvenile hostage. Elections: West Virginia officials remind voters of key deadlines for registration, early voting (Oct. 21-31), and absentee requests (Oct. 28 for applications). Nuclear Policy: West Virginia backed away from a federal advanced nuclear energy campus plan after scrutiny over spent-fuel handling and nuclear waste concerns. Public Safety/Weather: West Virginia’s fall fire season begins with statewide outdoor burning limits (5 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and stricter rules; a separate mudslide closed Rt. 2 in Tyler County. State Finances: September General Revenue Fund collections topped estimates, keeping WV revenues ahead of projections through the first quarter. Health & Community: A “Save a Life Day” event in Hazard distributed naloxone and harm-reduction resources. Business/Economy: A Dayton defense contractor acquired a Morgantown-area firm, adding about 30 employees.

Utility Relief: Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026–2027 Hardship Program for West Virginia households facing utility shutoffs, with grants applied directly to accounts; Ohio also has expanded help tied to Ohio Power and data-center partners. Wildfire Safety: West Virginia and Ohio kicked off fall fire season with stricter outdoor burning hours and safety rules, including required clearance around burn sites and staying with fires until fully cold. Nuclear Plan Reversal: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration backed out of consideration for a DOE Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, saying West Virginia wouldn’t be a “dumping ground” for waste. Education Policy: The Trump administration’s proposed Federal Scholarship Tax Credit would let families use federal tax-credit-backed scholarships for private school and homeschooling in participating states, with guidance also rolling out for the program. Local Economy & Jobs: I-79 High Technology Park in Fairmont is eyeing commercial data center growth to support NOAA climate data work, with plans aimed at limiting noise and using recycled water. Sports: WVU’s defense is regrouping after a rough Week 4, and the Mountaineers head to their first true road test of the season at Iowa State.

NCAA Eligibility Fight: A federal judge granted WVU a boost across three sports, issuing a preliminary injunction for four Mountaineers—men’s basketball players Brenen Lorient and Javan Buchanan, football DB Jason Chambers, and baseball pitcher Ben McDougal—allowing them to compete in 2026-27 while the NCAA’s “5-for-5” rule fight continues. State Parks & Tourism: Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $19.725 million in upgrades to West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including new campground work at Little Beaver, cabin and lodge renovations at Twin Falls, and repairs across the system aimed at supporting tourism’s record run. Rural Healthcare Push: Morrisey also detailed Rural Health Transformation funding—more than $1.1 million for Community Care of West Virginia and over $4 million for Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center—expanding telehealth, mobile clinics, and workforce training. Nuclear Program Update: West Virginia withdrew from a federal bid for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses after disputes over nuclear waste handling, leaving Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho still in the running. Health Refunds: The Trump administration began sending $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, tied to federal marketplace user fees. Public Safety: A TikTok couple, Dakota Harper and Felicity Eatmon, was charged with arson after an alleged fire at an abandoned home damaged a nearby church.

State Parks Boost: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $19.7 million in upgrades for West Virginia state parks and forests, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver, wastewater and snowmaking improvements at multiple sites, and repairs statewide—aimed at keeping tourism momentum strong. Welcome Week Spending: WVU’s Mountaineer Midway and Movie replaced the FallFest concert during Welcome Week and cost 68% less than the 2025 artist fees, with officials saying attendance—not budget—drove the change. College Sports Act Advances: West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez says he’s pleased the Senate passed the College Sports Act, moving it to the House and potentially bringing more structure to NIL and athlete rules. Immigration Pressure in Rural WV: Sen. Jim Justice urged the Trump administration to “step back” on ICE sweeps, arguing some actions are disrupting communities and may be overreaching. Autism Care Funding: The Mountaineer Autism Project is pushing for higher Medicaid support for ABA, citing too few providers taking Medicaid and far fewer children receiving services than likely need them. USPS-Amazon Delivery Pilot: A same-day delivery pilot is set to start at the USPS sorting center in Morgantown, expanding options for later-day Amazon orders.

Data Centers & Local Rules: Putnam County Commission approved a resolution on proposed data centers, pushing developers to follow county ordinances and not treat state law as a free pass. Energy & Nuclear Politics: West Virginia’s nuclear campus talks face pushback over spent fuel rules, with Gov. Morrisey saying the state won’t be a “dumping ground,” while a Senate permitting deal would shorten lawsuit timelines for energy projects. Public Safety: West Virginia State Police charged a Harpers Ferry woman with murder and arson after a 2025 house fire killed her husband and daughter. Health & Quality of Life: A new report finds West Virginia adult obesity fell significantly from 2024 to 2025, and WVU nursing is expanding its LPN-to-BSN pathway to Beckley. Fall in West Virginia: Tourism leaders preview a busy fall season with foliage and paranormal attractions, while DNR’s elk restoration program is drawing visitors to see the growing herd. Community & Crime Prevention: The Red Cross is seeking disaster-response volunteers in the region. Sports: WVU football fans keep tailgating traditions alive as the Mountaineers regroup after their first loss.