AGP Executive Report

Politics in the Capitol: President Trump’s closed-door lunch with Senate Republicans turned tense, with GOP senators reporting raised voices over the Iran war and the SAVE America Act, while Trump also abruptly canceled a signing ceremony for a major housing affordability bill. West Virginia Schools: State education leaders warned that multiple counties could head toward insolvency if lawmakers don’t close funding gaps, saying the “boat’s getting ready to hit the rocks.” Flood Response: WVDOH crews are assessing and repairing flood damage in Boone County, including major roadbed washouts on James Branch Road. Public Utilities: The WV Public Service Commission ordered an investigation into Kanawha Falls PSD amid allegations of gross mismanagement and failed agreements tied to water service. Forever Chemicals: DOJ announced a $450 million settlement with Chemours over PFAS releases affecting West Virginia, including $90 million for mitigation and major controls plus clean-water provisions. Local Wins: Westside High in Wyoming County brought home a national Beta title, and Morgantown’s Wisdom Academy received a $1.1 million SBA grant for growth.

Data Center Debate in Warwood: Hundreds packed a town hall at the Warwood Veterans Association after news of a proposed data center at the former Centre Foundry & Machine site, with Del. Shawn Fluharty organizing the fast-moving forum as residents raised concerns. Local Governance: Parkersburg City Council voted 5-4 to affirm the city clerk’s finding that a sanitation-contract referendum petition is insufficient, setting up likely court fights over whether the charter allows a vote on the ordinance. Schools & Budgets: Marshall County Schools said a state “clerical error” won’t trigger cuts, after officials revised the expected shortfall tied to oil-and-gas tax paperwork. SNAP Court Fight: A federal judge blocked SNAP limits on soda and candy in West Virginia and other states, ruling USDA overstepped federal law. Public Safety & Health: Parkersburg is opening registration for the West Virginia 988 & Crisis Intervention Team Summit, aimed at improving crisis response across law enforcement and behavioral health. Weather & Damage: Flash flooding hit Elm Terrace Shopping Plaza in Wheeling, backing up storm drains and leaving businesses cleaning up mud and water. Sports: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf captained the Class AA all-state baseball team after a dominant season, while WVU freshman Zahir Barjam entered the transfer portal.

SNAP Fight in Federal Court: A federal judge (Amy Berman Jackson) struck down Trump-era USDA waivers that let states—including West Virginia—limit SNAP purchases of soda and candy, saying the department overstepped its authority and can’t change Congress’s definition of “food.” Local Governance & Jobs: West Virginia lawmakers and officials kept pushing on economic development and data center plans, with a Davis-area panel weighing competing views on the Ridgeline Project and Tucker County’s timeline. State Politics & Policy: West Virginia Democrats discussed data centers in Davis, arguing for stronger protections and real economic diversification beyond temporary construction jobs. Infrastructure Update: West Virginia Division of Highways announced a road closure on County Route 9/4 (Upper Lamberts Run Road) for full-depth reclamation and paving from June 22 through July 3, with detours for residents. STEM & Research: WVU researchers received support for laser-based plasma studies aimed at better understanding charged particles and material interactions. Community & Culture: Wood County is preparing an America250 mural at Mountwood Park, funded through a state grant and designed to reflect the county’s landscape and identity.

SNAP Ruling: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to restrict SNAP purchases of sugary foods and drinks in five states, saying USDA lacked authority to approve the waivers—an immediate win for West Virginia and other plaintiffs. Energy Bills: Energy departments recommend setting thermostats to 78 degrees to cut summer power costs as heat ramps up. Plastics Fight: Seventeen state attorneys general sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it’s unconstitutional and could raise costs nationwide—West Virginia is part of the coalition. Flood Anniversary: Clendenin marked 10 years since the 2016 flood that killed 23 people, with rebuilding efforts including reopened schools and a new grocery store. Local Government/Education: Hancock County Schools board members are set to depart as the district’s operations have been reshaped by state oversight and budget cuts. Road Work: WVDOH announced a County Route 9/4 closure for reclamation and paving from June 22 through July 3, with detours for residents. Sports: Sherman High’s Luke Tagliente was named captain of the Class A all-state first team after a standout championship run. Weather/Safety: Flash flood warnings and rescues were reported in parts of central West Virginia, with officials urging people not to drive through high water.

Education & Workforce: West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship is surging, with 26,617 students applying for full funding so far—an estimated $155 million cost, with more expected as reduced-funding applications roll in. Higher Ed & Health: A new study says abortion bans in nine states are delaying standard pregnancy care, raising risks for patients and worsening inequities. State Policy & Courts: West Virginia is among 17 attorneys general suing to block California’s Plastics Act, arguing it’s unconstitutional overreach that could drive up costs nationwide. Public Safety: Two former Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office employees face federal charges tied to an alleged $3 million bank fraud scheme involving forged checks and conservatorship accounts. Local Government & Infrastructure: WVU is raising parking citation and permit prices starting July 1, with a tiered citation system and new late fees. Weather Watch: Storm threats continue across the region, with damaging winds, hail, and flooding concerns flagged.

Courts & Rights: The West Virginia Supreme Court issued rulings clarifying construction-damage limits, adopting a “gross disproportionality” guardrail, and tightening when insurers can deny coverage—plus boundaries for trial judges. Health Care & LGBTQ+: A West Virginia man says he’s stopped gender-affirming hormone treatment because it’s too expensive even with Medicaid, as advocates warn hostile politics are pushing people out of care. Politics & Iran: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says the Iran ceasefire memorandum needs more details and argues any final agreement should come before the U.S. Senate. Energy & Industry: Ore Energy signed a 1GWh iron-air battery deal with a Dutch utility, betting on long-duration storage to balance renewable-heavy grids. Business & Economy: The Cleveland Fed reports tariffs are raising some prices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky. Community & Culture: WVU and the West Virginia & Regional History Center marked West Virginia Day with a panel on the state’s 250-year story.

West Virginia Politics & Policy: West Virginia state workers are losing key job protections as Gov. Jim Justice’s administration moves to “streamline” government, cutting civil service and grievance safeguards for thousands. Local Government: Charleston officials say cleanup work is ramping up around Davis Park after winter delays and utility construction, with residents encouraged to report problem areas. Energy & Industry: Tucker County officials and state regulators are clashing over whether a proposed Canaan Valley data center and gas power plant should seek official state certification under West Virginia’s high-impact data center rules. Economy & Housing: A new WalletHub study ranks states by debt delinquency, with West Virginia among those showing higher delinquency rates. Sports: WVU’s baseball season ended in the College World Series, but the program is already building for next year with incoming transfers. Community & Outdoors: The U.S. Forest Service plans phased repairs and temporary closures on flood-damaged roads in the Cranberry and Williams River areas of the Monongahela National Forest.

WVU Tuition & Enrollment: The WVU Board of Governors approved the FY2027 budget, including a 3% in-state and 6% out-of-state undergraduate tuition hike, even as Morgantown enrollment drops. Local Elections: Wood County is consolidating voting precinct locations for November, moving some smaller precincts to nearby polling sites to address poll worker shortages. Public Health Spending: New federal data shows Medicaid ambulance/transport bills in Milton rose 8.6% in 2024, while Fairmont dental payments climbed 1.8% to $278,383. Outdoor Access: The U.S. Forest Service plans phased repairs and temporary closures on Monongahela National Forest roads serving Cranberry and the Williams River. West Virginia Day: Communities marked the state’s 163rd birthday, including events at Blennerhassett Island Historic State Park and Huntington’s big-card tradition. Sports: North Carolina and Oklahoma set for the College World Series finals after UNC knocked out WVU.

WVU Tuition & Enrollment: The WVU Board of Governors approved the FY2027 budget, including a 3% in-state and 6% out-of-state undergraduate tuition increase, plus a doubled Mountaineer Athletic Advantage Fee, even as Morgantown enrollment has fallen. West Virginia Day Weekend: Multiple local events are set for June 20, including Blennerhassett Island’s West Virginia Day commemoration and Governor Morrisey’s proclamation marking the state’s 163rd birthday. NRGRDA Leadership Change: New River Gorge Regional Development Authority executive director Jina Belcher resigned; Amy Showalter was named acting executive director during the transition. Rural Women & Growth: A WVU study says supporting rural women entrepreneurs—by tackling barriers like child care and access to financial institutions—can help drive broader economic growth. Medicaid Spending Snapshots: New data shows Medicaid ambulance/transport spending rose in Milton (up 8.6% in 2024) and dental services increased in Fairmont (up 1.8%). College Baseball Spotlight: North Carolina and Oklahoma meet in the College World Series finals starting Saturday, with WVU’s season ending after a 12-7 loss to UNC in the semifinals.

West Virginia Day & America250: Gov. Jim Justice marked the Mountain State’s 163rd birthday in Belington, tying the celebration to major private-sector investment and a new America250 mural. Local Government: Parkersburg City Council will vote Tuesday on whether a referendum petition is sufficient to challenge the city’s proposed trash-service contract, while also receiving details on emergency Waste Management agreements. Education & Community: The Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling is spotlighting local history through vintage matchbooks at a Lunch With Books event Tuesday, and Girl Scout Troop 10142 is running a used-book sale fundraiser for the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library. Higher Ed Costs: WVU’s Board of Governors approved tuition and fee increases for WVU, Potomac State College, and WVU Tech for 2026-27. State Policy & Energy: Lawmakers questioned proposed transmission projects tied to data-center growth, including NextEra’s MARL line, during interim meetings. Sports (W.Va. angle): WVU’s season ended in the College World Series after a loss to UNC, while UNC and Oklahoma set for the finals.

WVU Tuition & Budget: The WVU Board of Governors approved a $1.3 billion FY2027 operating budget that includes tuition and fee hikes for the fall, with resident undergrads up $156 per semester and nonresidents up $912, plus an increase to the Mountaineer Athletics Advantage Fee. Research Push: WVU and Johns Hopkins launched a $7 million, three-year research collaborative, with seed funding aimed at building new joint projects in health, science, and society. West Virginia Day & Juneteenth: Gov. Jim Justice’s successor, Gov. Patrick Morrisey, signed a proclamation recognizing June 20 as West Virginia Day, while Charleston marked Juneteenth with a downtown parade and celebration. Local Government & Jobs: Ohio County Growth and Retention Director Stephanie Hockenberry resigned as the county seeks cost reductions. Sports & Community: Morgantown High’s Maddie Wisman was named captain of the Class AAAA All-State First Team after leading the program to its first state softball title. Weather & Safety: Storm damage at WVU’s Randy’s Ridge injured seven people when a canopy tent collapsed. Education Ahead: The Harman Education Association is racing to turn the old Harman School into a private community micro-school by September.

Iran Ceasefire Oversight: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says the Iran memorandum of understanding should still come before the U.S. Senate for final approval, while an AP-NORC poll finds Trump’s Iran handling remains unpopular nationwide. West Virginia Business Debate: In a Q&A, WV’s top business advocate pushes back on Gov. Morrisey’s jobs narrative, arguing employment and the labor force are still slipping. State Budget Leadership: Gov. Morrisey appointed Aaron Snodgrass as the new state budget director after long-time departures. Rural Violence Grants: Morrisey announced $701,410 for rural domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking services. Education Spotlight: Students across West Virginia were selected for the Governor’s Schools, including programs at WVU, WVU Tech, West Virginia Wesleyan, and Marshall. Local Fraud Case: Two former Berkeley County tax employees were indicted in an alleged $3 million conservatorship-related fraud scheme. Sports: Morgantown’s Maddie Wisman capped a historic run with a Class AAAA state softball title and All-State honors. Regional Economy: New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s executive director Jina Belcher resigned; Amy Showalter named acting director.

Public Safety & Courts: A Charleston man, Michael Ray Sigmon, was indicted for alleged violent threats against President Trump and Gov. Patrick Morrisey tied to his political activity. State Government: Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed Aaron Snodgrass as West Virginia’s new budget director as long-time staffers depart. Local Justice: Two former Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office employees were indicted in a reported $3M fraud scheme involving conservatorship and estate accounts. Health & Research: WVU Medicine highlighted new Alzheimer’s therapies and earlier-warning signs that can help patients slow decline longer. Weather & Power: Storms swept through West Virginia, leaving thousands without power as crews worked to restore service. Economic Development: New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Executive Director Jina Belcher stepped down; Amy Showalter will serve as acting director during the transition. Sports: WVU’s historic College World Series run ended with a 12-7 loss to North Carolina.

College Sports: West Virginia’s historic run ended Wednesday as North Carolina beat the Mountaineers 12-7 in the Men’s College World Series semifinals, sending UNC to its first national championship series since 2007. College Sports: UNC’s Owen Hull went 4-for-5 with extra-base hits, while WVU’s season ended after a late push fell short. College Sports: Oklahoma also punched its ticket, beating Georgia 11-4 to set up a best-of-three title series against UNC. Local Infrastructure: The Weirton Area Water Board is moving ahead with distribution upgrades, including a $4.34 million Walnut Street water line replacement project. Health & Safety: Tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome appears to be rising, with reactions that can hit hours after eating mammal meat. Business & Innovation: WVU entrepreneurs behind Iconic Air say their emissions-tracking tech was acquired by a Japan-based sustainability AI firm. Public Policy: A West Virginia-backed historic downtown investment push is gaining traction through a federal historic tax credit expansion bill.

College World Series: West Virginia’s historic run ended Wednesday with a 12-7 loss to North Carolina in the MCWS semifinals, after UNC jumped out early and held WVU to 10 hits and no errors. State Budget: Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed Aaron Snodgrass as West Virginia’s new state budget director, replacing long-tenured leaders as the administration pushes efficiency and fiscal oversight. Public Health: Lawmakers heard concerns as West Virginia’s number of birthing hospitals fell from 26 to 18 over a decade, with staffing shortages forcing delivery services to stop at two Vandalia Health hospitals. Local Economy & Funding: A Charleston Impact Forum brought towns and project teams together with funders like USDA Rural Development to connect community needs with financing. Safety & Crime: A former Grafton High athletic boosters treasurer was arrested and charged with embezzling about $6,239 from the organization. Weather Watch: Severe storms and an isolated tornado risk were flagged for the Pittsburgh area and parts of northern West Virginia early Thursday. Business/Travel: Allegiant Air cut 61 routes, including a dozen in Florida, even as it reported strong first-quarter earnings.

College Baseball: West Virginia’s College World Series run is still alive in Omaha. The Mountaineers shut out Troy 12-0 Tuesday, with Dawson Montesa holding the Trojans to two hits and Gavin Kelly launching a three-run homer. WVU now faces North Carolina in a Bracket 1 final, needing a win Wednesday and again Thursday to reach the best-of-three title series. State Politics/Energy: West Virginia lawmakers pressed on transmission projects and data center rules during interim meetings, with debate centered on NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) and concerns about transparency and oversight in the state’s data center/microgrid district law. Public Health/Research: Ohio State researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment support in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Local Development: Barboursville officials want to take over the former juvenile facility for lodge and tourism use, saying they’re worried about uncertainty over the state’s redevelopment plans. Sports/All-State: Petersburg’s Miley Tingler and Shyane Tawney headline Class AA All-State softball honors for West Virginia.