AGP Executive Report

Defense & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey says European defense firm Helsing will invest $50 million in Berkeley County to build AI-enabled HX-2 strike drones, aiming for 60 jobs at about $125,000 a year and 2,000 drones per month once fully running. Public Health & Regulation: West Virginia boards issued a joint advisory opinion on retail IV therapy, laying out safety and legal expectations for hydration businesses. Healthcare Accountability: WVU Health System agreed to pay $4.177 million to resolve federal civil allegations tied to controlled-substance recordkeeping and reporting failures, plus a three-year compliance agreement with the DEA. Local Government & Public Safety: Camden Clark Medical Center is asking Wood County for $1.7 million annually to cover losses from running countywide ambulance service. Education Support: WV’s school clothing allowance program will accept applications starting July 20 after weeks of uncertainty. Community & Culture: Kanawha Valley Tourism approved more than $23,000 in grants, including funding for Charleston Ballet and an East Bank High School alumni reunion scholarship effort. Workforce Watch: A WV Hospital Association report puts nursing vacancy at 17.5% and turnover above 21.4%. Environment & Science: WVU engineers developed an AI system to help satellites detect wildfires and coordinate monitoring.

Childcare Fight in the Capitol: The Trump administration is urging states to expand affordable childcare using TANF dollars, but Gov. Patrick Morrisey warns West Virginia’s program could face cuts amid a reported TANF structural deficit. Education Funding Pressure: West Virginia House Democrats are pushing for a special session to address school funding strain, including calls to reintroduce guardrails on the Hope Voucher Program and boost teacher pay. Broadband Push: West Virginia is moving toward closing out major broadband projects and lining up BEAD work, with the Broadband Enhancement Council hearing updates on federal permitting and one-on-one ISP support starting July 20. Public Health & Safety: The state ordered a cease-and-desist on cleanup at the Peoples Cartage fire site near Parkersburg after asbestos concerns surfaced. Local Accountability: Monongalia County’s Flock automated license plate cameras are drawing fresh criticism over privacy and civil-liberties worries. Black Lung Benefits: Ohio County leaders are backing higher black lung disability payments, saying Congress hasn’t matched the need. Tourism Leadership Change: Chelsea Ruby is set to retire as tourism secretary effective Aug. 1. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expanded freshwater mussel habitat protections across 17 states, including waterways in West Virginia.

MLB Draft & WVU baseball: The Cardinals added to their West Virginia pipeline by drafting Dawson Montesa in the second round (72nd overall), one day after signing former Mountaineer JJ Wetherholt to a big extension. WVU recruiting: Armani Guzman is returning to WVU baseball for the 2027 season, bringing back the speed and stolen-base threat that helped power the Mountaineers’ postseason run. Education policy: West Virginia’s “I Love West Virginia Public Schools” campaign is drawing pushback from some state leaders who want it to address why families are leaving public schools, as enrollment is projected to drop by about 5,000 students. School choice: An OP-ED argues Hope Scholarship enrollment is now universal for the 2026-27 year, calling it a major milestone for education freedom in the Mountain State. Weather: A Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday evening, with heavy rain possible across southeast West Virginia and nearby areas. Economy/industry: West Virginia is also in the spotlight for a proposed $150M rare earth processing hub in Rupert, aimed at turning coal tailings into critical minerals and creating high-skilled jobs.

Rare Earth Push in Coal Country: West Virginia is set to host a $150 million rare earth processing hub in Rupert, turning coal tailings into a domestic supply chain for critical minerals tied to magnets and defense/EV demand. School Clothing Vouchers: After weeks of uncertainty, West Virginia’s 2026 school clothing allowance program is scheduled to open July 20, with lawmakers and advocates watching closely after delays. Public Safety—UFC White House Plot: A federal grand jury charged eight men in a planned attack tied to the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House; one alleged sniper was taken into custody in West Virginia. Constitution Debate: Commentary and reaction continue after the Supreme Court wrapped its term, with writers arguing the rulings preserved constitutional principles. Sports—WVU Draft News: WVU’s Dawson Montesa and Maxx Yehl were selected on Day 1 of the MLB Draft, adding to the Mountaineers’ growing pro pipeline. MLB Draft Day 1: The first round kicked off with the White Sox taking UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1, setting the tone for a college-heavy start. PFAS Health Watch: New reporting highlights the ongoing PFAS “forever chemicals” concern, including links to cancer and immune and thyroid problems.

Federal Court Case in WV: A federal grand jury indicted eight men over an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, and one of the defendants is Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, described as assigned to be one of the snipers. WV Politics & Services: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the retirement of Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, effective Aug. 1, as the state prepares a leadership transition. WV Education Funding: West Virginia’s 2026 School Clothing Allowance program will open July 20 after weeks of uncertainty, with lawmakers and advocates continuing to question delays. Local Economy & Jobs: Toyota’s Buffalo, WV plant marked 30 years in operation and hosted Ohio University leadership as part of a long-term regional partnership tied to workforce pipelines. Public Health Watch: New reporting highlights PFAS “forever chemicals” and their links to cancer and other health harms, renewing pressure on monitoring and cleanup. Sports & WV Talent: WVU’s Dawson Montesa was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Cardinals, continuing the Mountaineers’ MLB pipeline.

WV Education & Families: West Virginia will begin accepting 2026 school clothing allowance applications July 20, with $200 per eligible child and a deadline of Aug. 15 or when funds run out. Public Safety Funding: The WV 911 Council says Next Generation 911 upgrades are outpacing revenue as landline fees decline, and it’s setting priorities for the 2027 legislative session. Local Economic Development: Randolph County’s $11.6 million Railyard event and conference center in Elkins is set to open in phases, with conference space and other areas first, and a theater later. Sports & WV Connections: Mars High School grad JJ Wetherholt is locked in with the St. Louis Cardinals on an eight-year, $112.5 million extension. National Policy Watch: After a Supreme Court ruling, two transgender girls withdrew a New Hampshire lawsuit, citing hardships. Health & Science: A renewed debate over ivermectin’s cancer claims faces pushback from researchers over study methods and reliability. Business/Tech: Microsoft says its emissions rose about 25% last year, tied largely to expanding data centers.

School Clothing Allowance: West Virginia will start accepting 2026 school clothing voucher applications on July 20, after TANF funding uncertainty delayed the usual start. Eligible children get a $200 benefit for school clothes or fabric items, with applications accepted through Aug. 15 or until funds run out. Public Safety Funding: The WV 911 Council met in Wood County to discuss how Next Generation 911 upgrades are outpacing revenue as landline fees decline, and it reviewed new training requirements for telecommunicators. Local Economy & Growth: Randolph County’s Elkins is set to open The Railyard, an $11.6 million event and conference center, with phased openings and plans to support the state’s remote-worker initiative. Community Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced $637,000 in grants for sidewalks and accessibility projects in Beckley, Fayetteville, and Hinton. Energy & Safety: MVP defended a proposed compressor station in Montgomery County in a letter to FERC, arguing delays aren’t needed while opponents raise safety and pollution concerns.

Data Center Push: Google-linked “Project Avalon” and Microsoft’s data-center expansion plans in Putnam and Mason counties are drawing fresh scrutiny over wetland loss and impacts to threatened species, with federal and state permit applications now in focus. Jobs & Industry: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in a former Hino Motors facility near Williamstown to build electrical components for data centers, aiming for 120–200 jobs. Local Government: Morgantown City Council voted to ban “hostile architecture,” moving away from design features meant to deter people from resting or lying down. Courts & Sports: A federal judge denied West Virginia’s bid to pause a foster care lawsuit, while a separate ruling keeps NCAA eligibility fights in the spotlight as athletes challenge rules in court. Public Safety & Community: A class action over West Virginia’s foster care system heads toward trial after the state’s request to stall proceedings was rejected. Business & Community Events: Randolph County is set to open an $11.6 million event and conference center in Elkins, and the OVAC All-Star Game will add instant replay for more accurate calls. Sports Fraud: Former WVU guard Kerr Kriisa made his first court appearance in Kentucky on alleged $2.2 million wire fraud charges, with next steps set in federal court in Clarksburg.

Federal courts & child welfare: A federal judge denied West Virginia’s request to pause a long-running child welfare lawsuit, keeping the case on track toward a bench trial and final judgment in March 2027. Public safety & infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $425,000 for Mercer County trail, sidewalk, and pedestrian safety projects, including Glenwood Park trail work and design funding in Athens and Princeton. Local business & tourism: Oak Hill’s Holiday Lodge reopened after a full renovation, with 60 rooms available now and all 120 expected to return soon. Law enforcement & threats: Eight men were indicted in a thwarted drone-and-sniper plot tied to a White House UFC event, and a West Virginia man was arrested this week as an alleged sniper. State politics: Morrisey appointed a Wheeling-area business owner to fill a House seat vacated by Justice Bill Flanigan. Health & fraud: A West Virginia woman pleaded guilty to stealing about $160,000 in veterans and Social Security benefits meant for a family member. Weather: The Great American State Fair was evacuated again due to severe weather.

Advanced Manufacturing Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in Wood County, expanding advanced electrical manufacturing tied to data centers and AI, with 120–200 new jobs. Grid Upgrade Debate: Valley Link held a transmission line open house in Tucker County over the proposed 765-kV Valley North project, with landowners raising concerns about property impacts and whether power benefits West Virginia. Public Schools: West Virginia superintendents launched the “I Love WV Public Schools” campaign, while Hancock County Schools won about $500,000 in state-approved HVAC help for Oak Glen High and Middle. Health & Safety Access: The FDA approved a third over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray, Rextovy, aiming to broaden access to opioid overdose reversal. Sports & Community: Morgantown Mall welcomed Grandma’s Country Kitchen, and Pierpont C&TC medical lab students swept national AMT writing awards. Legal/Finance: A multistate AG settlement targets Cash App over deceptive practices, while a class action involving Greenbrier payment receipts heads to federal court.

Advanced Manufacturing Jobs: Gov. Jim Morrisey says PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in Wood County, expanding at the former Hino facility in Williamstown and creating 120–200 jobs making electrical infrastructure for data centers and AI. Warehouse Fire Lawsuits: Parkersburg-area residents filed a class action over the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire, alleging years of safety lapses and warning residents to shelter in place due to toxic smoke. Greenbrier Receipt Case: A tech firm tied to The Greenbrier’s payments moved a class action into federal court over receipts that allegedly printed card expiration dates, which federal law generally bars. Robocall Crackdown Push: West Virginia’s AG joined a multistate push urging the FCC to strengthen rules against illegal robocalls, including stopping scammers from using legitimate phone numbers. Cash App Fraud Settlement: Multiple state AGs announced a $45 million settlement with Block over misleading users about Cash App safety and failing to protect customers from fraud. Courts & Accountability: West Virginia’s Apple CSAM lawsuit was sent back to state court, with the state arguing Apple’s reporting and detection choices lagged behind peers. Public Safety: Barrackville’s police department turmoil continues as town leaders say officers were placed on temporary inactive status while records are reviewed.

Energy Costs & Oversight: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission is set to hold upcoming public comment hearings on Mon Power and Potomac Edison construction proposals, with critics warning long-term plans could push consumer bills higher. Grid & Fossil-Fuel Risk: A major Valley Link transmission project is drawing intense scrutiny from residents at open houses, as opponents raise concerns about impacts along the proposed route. Public Health & Power Infrastructure: In Archbald, a public health expert testified that backup diesel generators for a proposed data center could cause millions in annual health damages, citing diesel exhaust risks. Local EMS Funding: Brooke County commissioners approved a bid for five cardiac monitors, tied to expected opioid settlement funds. Sports Betting Research: Arnold Ventures is awarding $2.6 million in grants—including WVU—to study how sports gambling affects consumers and public health. Housing Affordability: A new national study finds starter homes are out of reach for most nonhomeowners, with only 37.6% of first-time buyers able to afford a starter home in their state. Education & Workforce: West Virginia school administrators launched a statewide “I Love West Virginia Public Schools” campaign to counter enrollment losses to private options. Community & Safety: Crews continued work at the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire site in Parkersburg, with officials saying the blaze is largely extinguished while hot spots are checked.

Public Education Push: West Virginia school administrators launched the “I Love WV Public Schools” campaign, spotlighting district success stories as lawmakers debate the state’s outdated school aid formula. Apple CSAM Case: West Virginia’s lawsuit accusing Apple of underreporting child sexual abuse material will stay in state court after a federal judge rejected Apple’s bid to move it to federal court. Foster Care Fight: The state AG is asking to pause a long-running foster kids’ class-action lawsuit while attorneys seek U.S. Supreme Court review over whether federal courts can order systemic change. Health Care Deal: WVU Health System signed an agreement to acquire Pennsylvania’s Independence Health System, setting up a major investment and expansion of regional services. Local Governance: Monongalia County BOE appointed Shawn Smith as president and Jennifer Hagerty as vice president. Safety & Emergencies: A natural gas explosion destroyed a home in St. George, injuring an occupant. Wildlife & Community: WVDNR released hunting and trapping regulations for 2026-2027, and the YMCA of Southern WV announced summer camps to keep kids active.

Public Safety: A Fayette County man, John Wayne Butcher, faces multiple assault charges tied to two separate alleged incidents, including one at a Scarbro gas station and another reported at an Exxon in Mossy. Local Government: The Monongalia County Planning Commission recommended denying a West Run zoning change that would shift parcels near West Run and Stewartstown roads from low-density residential to general commercial, citing concerns about intensifying use on a failing road. Fire & Health: Parkersburg’s Peoples Cartage warehouse fire is still a multi-day response, with Wood County officials maintaining a precautionary shelter-in-place order near the site as air monitoring shows elevated smoke particulates; Gov. Morrisey says state and federal agencies are on the ground. Courts & Crime: Former WVU/Kentucky/Cincinnati player Kerr Kriisa was arrested and indicted in West Virginia federal court on alleged wire fraud totaling nearly $2.2 million, with prosecutors saying he used false identities and urgent “family emergency” stories to extract money. Policy & Food Costs: A major federal bill is drawing fire for threatening access to free school meals by cutting SNAP and Medicaid.

Federal Fraud Case: Former WVU, Kentucky, Arizona and Cincinnati guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested and indicted on five counts of wire fraud tied to an alleged $2.2 million scheme, with prosecutors saying he used false identities and deceptive messages—including posing as his mother—to pressure victims into sending money. Public Safety: Crews are still battling a major warehouse fire at Peoples Cartage near Parkersburg; officials say it’s contained, but extinguishing it will take days, and a precautionary shelter-in-place was issued after air monitoring showed particulate levels above minimum thresholds. Elder Care Policy: U.S. Sen. Jim Justice promoted his SAFE Act in Beckley, pushing for Medicare-funded, no-cost fall assessments for seniors during wellness visits. Consumer/Health Costs: A Las Vegas man says an ambulance ride wasn’t fully covered by insurance, highlighting how medical emergencies can turn into surprise bills. State Services: West Virginia’s School Clothing Allowance Program is delayed, with officials saying TANF-funded programs are under review and no start date has been set. Community Calendar: The State Fair of West Virginia is approaching its entry deadlines, with livestock due July 8 and Home, Arts & Garden entries due July 15.

SNAP Work Requirements Hit Small-Town West Virginia: In Delbarton, a 59-year-old volunteer is doing town tasks to meet expanded SNAP work rules after “One Big Beautiful Bill” raised the upper age limit and removed exceptions, affecting about 36,000 residents statewide. Wood County Warehouse Fire: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency as firefighters battled a multi-day blaze at Peoples Cartage near Parkersburg; EPA and state monitors are tracking air and water quality. Education Crisis Spotlighted: A new Rand-based comparison flags West Virginia’s low K-12 math proficiency—only 18% of 8th graders proficient—while criticizing slow follow-through on funding recommendations. Trans Sports Legal Fallout: The NCAA says it doesn’t expect to change transgender athlete rules after the Supreme Court upheld state bans, with West Virginia’s law cited in the ruling. Black Lung Benefit Push: A federal bill would raise black lung disability payments and tie stipends to inflation, but West Virginia’s U.S. reps aren’t sponsors. Local Sports & Community: Mineral County’s 12u All-Stars earned a state-tournament berth; Wheeling Symphony kicked off Weirton’s July 4 festivities with “Country Roads” in the mix.