AGP Executive Report

U.S. Supreme Court: The court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women from school sports, including West Virginia’s law, in a 6-3 decision that keeps the fight over Title IX and athletics front and center. America250 in West Virginia: Gov. Jim Justice joined the annual Ringing of the Bell ceremony at Blennerhassett Island, marking the 13 colonies as Independence Day weekend kicks off. Local faith: Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala was installed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, telling Catholics he comes as “your brother and shepherd.” Business & jobs: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, expanding into stores across West Virginia and the region. Community & culture: The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta returns to the Kanawha River for a fifth straight year, drawing boaters and spectators for a full weekend. Housing: Wood County commissioners discussed HOME Consortium housing programs and cooling stations ahead of the holiday weekend.

Credit Union Expansion: REV Federal Credit Union finalized its acquisition of First Neighborhood Bank, starting an 11-month transition of Parkersburg, Ripley and Spencer locations into full-service REV branches. Senior Nutrition Deal: Hancock County commissioners approved a lease agreement with the Brooke County Committee on Aging to expand the senior meal program, with legal review pending. Grocery Shake-Up: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal, adding about 200 stores across West Virginia and neighboring states. America250 Spotlight: Gov. Morrisey opened the America250 Wheel in Charleston and kicked off the Mountain State Arts & Crafts Festival in Ripley as statewide celebrations ramp up. Local Infrastructure: Buckhannon is set to receive $33.3 million for water plant upgrades, including a new treatment facility and replacement of aging lines. Community Events: Bridgeport’s “Fireworks on the Hill” returns tonight on Route 50 West, with a 45-minute show starting at 9:45 p.m. Courts & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s ban on trans girls and women from women’s sports, a ruling that affects similar state laws nationwide.

Flood Recovery in Appalachia: Team Rubicon is sending “Greyshirts” to help homeowners after late-June Kentucky and West Virginia flooding, including hard-hit Boone County, where officials report dozens of homes damaged and some destroyed. Nonprofit Funding: The PM Company’s Spirit of Giving grant applications are open for Wood County, W.Va., and Washington County, Ohio nonprofits, with last year’s program awarding $81,000 to 13 groups. State Government & Courts: West Virginia’s Supreme Court launched an online dashboard for near real-time court statistics, aiming to boost transparency across circuit, family, and treatment courts. Public Schools Funding Fight: House Democrats asked Gov. Patrick Morrisey to call a special session over looming public school closures tied to the state’s outdated funding formula. America250 in West Virginia: Gov. Morrisey kicked off the Mountain State Arts & Crafts Festival and opened the America250 Wheel at the Capitol Complex as part of the statewide 250th celebration. Sports Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports, with West Virginia v. B.P.J. driving fresh debate nationwide. Food Safety: FDA classified a nationwide recall of more than half a million bags of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips at the highest risk level over possible Salmonella contamination.

U.S. Supreme Court & Sports: The court upheld West Virginia’s ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports, prompting fresh debate over Title IX and school athletics. State Government & America250: Gov. Patrick Morrisey is urging West Virginians to join a statewide bell-ringing at noon July 4, with communities ringing 13 times for the original colonies. Economy & Local Impact: Kroger announced a $1.65 billion deal to buy Giant Eagle, a chain with stores and pharmacies across West Virginia and neighboring states, with the Giant Eagle name expected to remain for now. Energy & Public Safety: A major heat wave has triggered an emergency order affecting the PJM grid, with directives to conserve power and protect critical services. Community & Fire Service: A reminder that volunteer fire departments in West Virginia rely on fundraisers to cover major costs like trucks and bunker gear. Tech & Education: WVU’s online software engineering program is highlighted through a student’s app built to help a local ice cream business.

SCOTUS Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s and Idaho’s bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports, clearing the way for states to set rules based on “biological sex.” Immigration & Citizenship: In the same term-ending set of decisions, the court rejected President Trump’s birthright citizenship order, saying the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship for people born in the U.S. Grocery Shake-Up: Kroger announced a $1.65 billion deal to buy Giant Eagle, a move that will expand its footprint across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, with integration expected to bring price changes. AI & Energy in WV: Range Impact and C2 Ventures launched an AI infrastructure push on a 9,000-acre West Virginia energy corridor site, pitching power, water and rail access for hyperscale computing. Local Governance: Monongalia County commissioners defended the use of Flock automated license plate cameras after public concerns about surveillance and civil liberties. Community & Health: Winfield teen Ty Laughery’s “TyStrong” campaign reached a milestone as he was declared cancer-free.

Supreme Court, WV schools: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender girls and women from playing on girls’ and women’s school sports teams, saying states can set eligibility based on “biological sex” and that the move doesn’t violate Title IX. Health coverage: A new Georgetown University report finds West Virginia’s youngest children are falling behind, with uninsured rates for kids under 6 rising faster than older children in recent years. Education funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says he’ll work with lawmakers and education officials to fix West Virginia’s troubled school aid formula, warning districts face financial trouble as costs rise and enrollment declines. Local economy: Wood County approved $15,000 to support a Japanese business delegation visit aimed at attracting new development. Public safety: West Virginia is under an extreme heat advisory, with temperatures expected to push near 100 degrees in coming days. Gaming: The West Virginia Lottery Commission approved a last-minute renewal for the Greenbrier Casino license, but ordered quarterly financial reviews.

Supreme Court: In a major win for “girls’ sports” advocates, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws barring transgender girls and women from school athletic teams, ruling the bans don’t violate the Constitution or Title IX; the decision is expected to bolster similar rules in other states, while leaving other challenges—like policies in more inclusive states—still in play. Local Education & Construction: Monongalia County BOE moved forward on a construction manager at-risk path for the new Suncrest Middle School near the WVU Research Park, clearing the next step after tweaks to subcontractor approval. Local Sports: Berkeley Post 14’s American Legion Baseball team survived a 10-inning test to beat Leesburg Post 34 2-1 in Morgantown, setting up a strong regional tournament run. Conservation: Arc of Appalachia won a public land auction, buying more than 2,000 acres near the New River Gorge to close trail gaps and expand access. Business & Jobs: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Treasurer Larry Pack toured Prime 6 in Fairmont, highlighting a growing biofuel operation tied to industrial feedstock and new hiring.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court issued major rulings Monday, including a 5-4 decision letting states count mail-in ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then, a blow to Trump-backed efforts to tighten voting rules. Civil Rights & Sports: The court also is set to weigh cases that could affect transgender student athletes, with opinions expected Tuesday. Foster Care Crisis: West Virginia is still reeling after a four-month-old in foster care was reported dead; Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is working on CPS reform as three women face charges tied to the case. State Government: Gov. Morrisey appointed Daniel Linville as Director of Special Projects, tasking him with advancing water and sewer improvements, government reform, and economic growth. America250: Morrisey unveiled the full America250 Capital City Celebration schedule in Charleston, including major entertainment and statewide events. Heat & Safety: A first major heat wave is underway, with advisories and dangerous heat indexes expected to linger through the week. WVU Sports: New Mountaineers transfer QB Michael Hawkins Jr. is learning WVU’s offense by studying Pat White, a legendary dual-threat predecessor.

U.S. Supreme Court: In a major voting-rights win, the court ruled states can count mail ballots received after Election Day as long as they’re postmarked by then, preserving “grace periods” in West Virginia and other states and dealing a blow to the Trump-aligned push for a strict receipt deadline. Federal power: The justices also issued a split set of decisions on Trump’s agenda, including a ruling that expands presidential ability to fire certain independent agency officials, while blocking some other moves. SNAP fight in WV: A federal judge struck down USDA SNAP “junk food” restriction waivers, saying the agency overstepped its authority—an issue that directly affects West Virginia’s participation in the program. West Virginia business & growth: Wood County commissioners approved $15,000 for a Japanese business delegation visit aimed at attracting investment to the Mid-Ohio Valley. Housing push: In north-central WV, Woodlands Development and Lending added staff to meet rising demand for affordable housing and rural economic development. Outdoors: WVDNR released hunting and trapping regulations for 2026-2027, with updated season dates and county changes. Sports & culture: WVU women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg discussed rebuilding after roster turnover, while a new WVU defensive back standout is highlighted ahead of the next season.

West Virginia Courts & Kids: A West Virginia judge, Tim Sweeney, is asking the state Supreme Court to toss an ethics admonishment tied to his public warnings about child welfare staffing shortages. Public Health & Environment: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a Biden-era soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits that affect West Virginia air quality planning. State Politics & Schools: West Virginia education leaders are again warning public schools are heading toward “the rocks” as enrollment drops and funding formulas strain districts. Local Service & Community: Martinsburg honored West Virginia Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe with the DOJ’s inaugural Freedom 250: Hometown Hero Award after the 2025 shooting that left him seriously wounded. Business & Infrastructure: FTAI Infrastructure completed its acquisition of Tidewater Logistics, a barge and rail transloading operator with operations in Ohio and West Virginia. Sports & Community Events: Wellsburg’s Independence Day Super Kids Race got only partial runs before weather forced organizers to reschedule.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major end-of-term rulings soon, including cases tied to President Trump’s power to fire Fed officials and his push to limit birthright citizenship—decisions that could reshape federal policy and the Fed’s independence. PFAS Fallout: A federal settlement requires Chemours to pay $450 million over “forever chemicals” tied to discharges affecting rivers in New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, with critics saying communities still need stronger protection. School Closures: West Virginia education leaders warn more school closures could be coming, as enrollment keeps shrinking and officials say they’re already tracking eight to 10 schools that may be in line. Local Government/EMS: Kanawha County’s new ambulance authority chief, Lance Wheeler, starts Wednesday with a first-year goal of balancing the budget while boosting training, transparency, and public confidence. Community Spotlight: The America250 mural project is rolling out across all 55 West Virginia counties, with local artists and tourism grants helping tell county stories ahead of July 4. Sports/Prep: Frankfort pitcher Lanson Orndorf capped a championship season by being named to the Class AA All-State team and winning the Lowery Award.

PFAS Accountability: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” tied to releases affecting New Jersey, North Carolina, and West Virginia, including a $22.5 million penalty and long-term funding for pollution controls and drinking-water cleanup. Supreme Court Watch: As the term nears its end, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major rulings on Trump’s presidential power claims, election disputes, and a crackdown on transgender athletes. Clean Air Fight: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a tougher Biden-era soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits in place for coal plants and other industrial sources. Rural Health Funding: Ohio University researchers won nearly $4 million in NIH support to expand opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. West Virginia Community Boosts: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $2.5 million AMLER grant to redevelop downtown Logan’s former Peebles Department Store and a $450,000 streetscape grant for Clendenin’s Main Street project. Heat Risk: A heat dome could push West Virginia toward dangerous temperatures around July 4, with highs near or above 100 in some areas. Local Sports Spotlight: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf was named the 2026 Lowery Award winner as West Virginia’s top high school baseball player.

Education & Local Power: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson joined West Virginia in a legal fight backing local library systems’ authority to remove materials, arguing taxpayer-funded libraries should control what goes on shelves—especially in children’s sections—while challengers say patrons should decide. Housing & Homelessness: Morgantown’s West Run Housing Facility will close July 31 after foreclosure proceedings tied to Clear Mountain Bank, ending a HUD-funded program that served dozens of residents through rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. State Politics & Public Safety: A new study ranks Idaho as most dependent on the gun industry, underscoring how state policy and culture can shape jobs and output. Sports: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf was named the 2026 Lowery Award winner, capping a senior season with state playoff and championship wins. College Sports: WVU’s women’s basketball adds transfer Khyala Ngodu as the Mountaineers reshape their roster for 2026-27.

America250 Wheel: Gov. Patrick Morrisey welcomed the 230-foot “world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel” to the Capitol Complex, promising free rides July 2–5 and presidential-themed gondolas plus nightly LED and 3D projections. State Politics & Courts: Third Judicial Circuit Judge Tim Sweeney asked the West Virginia Supreme Court to toss an admonishment tied to raising CPS staffing shortages, arguing judges shouldn’t be punished for acting in good faith. Education Funding: State Board of Education President Paul Hardesty warned West Virginia’s school aid formula is driving districts toward “the rocks” as enrollment keeps sliding and special education costs rise. Environment & Industry: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging California’s Plastics Act, saying it will raise costs for everyday goods. Local Governance & Community: Wood County commissioners declared September “Goes Purple Month” to support recovery and mental health efforts tied to the Hope Dealer Project. Business/Real Estate: WestRidge reorganization plans include a proposed sale of two Westover properties, including a fully leased shopping center and a corporate office building. Sports: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf was named the 2026 Lowery Award winner after a state title run. Public Health: A federal judge struck down SNAP waivers that would have restricted sugary drinks and candy, including in West Virginia.

Great American State Fair Fallout: The 250th birthday fair on Washington’s National Mall opened with power outages, stalled rides, and empty-looking booths after at least 10 states and territories declined to participate, citing costs. West Virginia Business: Wheeling Volkswagen-Subaru was sold after 38 years to Charleston-based Crown Auto Group, with the store rebranded as Crown Subaru and Crown Volkswagen. Jobs & Training: The Veterans Fire Corps is recruiting veterans, 35 and under, for wildland firefighting and natural resource work, with crews typically stationed at New River Gorge National Park. Health & Care: A Morgantown jewelry studio launched cancer collections benefiting a West Virginia nonprofit’s “Packages of Hope” for travel and treatment support. Environment & Courts: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to abandon a Biden-era soot pollution rule, keeping tighter limits in place. Local Events: Bridgeport’s “Fireworks on the Hill” returns July 3 with a 45-minute show visible along Route 50 West. PFAS Watch: North Carolina advocates questioned how much relief a proposed Chemours PFAS settlement will deliver to Cape Fear River communities. Energy & Industry: Putnam County welcomed Centauri Ground Support, a Sandvik-ARM joint venture, aiming to create 120 jobs.

SNAP Ruling: A federal judge struck down West Virginia and other states’ SNAP limits on sugary drinks and candy, saying USDA exceeded its authority—leaving Louisiana’s new restrictions unenforceable unless higher courts step in. PFAS Accountability: The Trump administration reached a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with West Virginia facing major mitigation and drinking-water commitments tied to a $450 million package. School Funding Crunch: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty warned enrollment declines are draining budgets and could force a new lawsuit if the school aid formula isn’t modernized. Public Transit Shift: Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation is replacing several low-ridership bus routes with on-demand KRTplus service starting July 20, citing financial pressure. Hope Scholarship Update: West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship Board says 26,617 students applied for full funding, with an initial cost estimate of $155 million. Community & Local Life: Moundsville kicked off America 250 planning with July 3-4 events, and Wheeling Heritage received nearly $49,000 for a Market Plaza pocket park.