AGP Executive Report

Greenbrier Deal Update: The Justice Family Group and Kennedy Lewis Investment Management completed a joint venture to stabilize The Greenbrier’s finances, with the WV Lottery Commission authorizing casino operations to continue while regulators review the transaction. Surveillance Fight: Huntington residents are launching a citywide “Rolling Rally” canvass to collect signatures for a ballot initiative that would ban third-party mass-surveillance systems and void Flock Safety contracts. Data Center Clash: WV DEP says Fundamental Data had legal site control for its Tucker County air permit after questions about land ownership, a key step in the proposed data center and power plant fight. Flood Watch: West Virginia’s flood threat rose after deadly Indiana storms, with warnings for flash flooding and state emergency resources still in play. Meta Trial: State attorneys general, including South Dakota AG Jackley and Connecticut AG Tong, are set to press their case against Meta over alleged addictive features targeting children. Public Safety: Monongalia County’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement runs Aug. 7-24 with a focus on buckling up to prevent injuries.

Greenbrier Deal Update: The Justice family says it has finalized a new majority-stake joint venture for The Greenbrier with New York-based Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, with the prior lender’s court case dismissed and gaming regulators urged to move quickly. State Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers grilled new Department of Human Resources Secretary Carl Ayers over disruptions to the school clothing voucher program, still leaving key questions about what went wrong and how the state will fix it. Education Accountability: The state Board of Education ordered a liaison for Marion County Schools after concerns tied to Superintendent Donna Heston’s contract renewal, aiming to ensure corrective actions are carried out. Surveillance Fight: A growing backlash to Flock license-plate cameras continues, with local governments canceling or pausing use and lawmakers pressing for stronger privacy and data safeguards. Legal System Strain: A West Virginia Supreme Court commission report warns of a worsening attorney shortage as legal demands rise, leaving many counties effectively “legal deserts.” Workforce & Defense: Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new nine-year, $1 billion contract for engine overhauls is set to boost operations at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport. Flood Response: Gov. Morrisey says state emergency teams are coordinating with local responders as flooding conditions persist in parts of West Virginia.

Tourism Workforce Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia’s Tourism Works program has topped 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since launching in March 2025, with more than 4,000 residents enrolled in the free online training. Defense Jobs in the Mountain State: Helsing, a Germany-based defense tech firm, plans to open manufacturing operations in Martinsburg, aiming to build HX-2 AI-enabled strike drones and create at least 60 jobs in Berkeley County. Local Economy, Federal Dollars: Pratt & Whitney Canada won a nine-year, $1 billion contract to overhaul PT6A-68 engines for the U.S. military’s T-6 trainer fleet, with work tied to the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport. Surveillance Backlash: West Virginia lawmakers are among those pressing Flock Safety over automated license plate readers, as the company tightens retention and oversight rules amid growing public and political pushback. Legal Access Crunch: A West Virginia Supreme Court report finds a shrinking attorney pool alongside rising legal demand, leaving many counties labeled “legal deserts.” Flood Relief Watch: Heavy Midwest flooding continues, with federal and state officials tracking damage and deaths as storms roll toward central Appalachia.

Tourism Workforce Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia’s Tourism Works has topped 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since launching in March 2025, with more than 4,000 residents enrolled in the free online training. Surveillance Oversight: Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight for its license-plate reader network, including shorter data retention (seven days), limits on data sharing, and tools aimed at flagging abnormal searches. Greenbrier Ownership Update: The Greenbrier’s new majority owner—Kennedy Lewis Investment Management—has been announced, and the Lottery Commission approved the casino’s continued operation as the governor urges steps to protect employees during the transition. Public Safety Alert: West Virginia authorities issued an urgent alert for two children believed abducted in Greenbrier County by their mother, described as armed and dangerous. Regional Weather Watch: Flooding and storms continue to batter the Midwest, with watches extending toward central Appalachians including West Virginia. Firearms & Courts: A Nevada man pleaded guilty in a case tied to straw purchasing of 140 firearms for violent Mexican cartels, with a possible 70-year sentence.

Greenbrier Ownership Shake-Up: The Justice family and Kennedy Lewis Investment Management finalized a $500 million joint venture, giving Kennedy Lewis a 51% controlling stake while the Justice family keeps representation; the West Virginia Lottery Commission also authorized the casino to keep operating during its review, after earlier threats tied to refinancing delays and court fights. Data Center Politics: Gov. Patrick Morrisey defended a new “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” saying it builds on HB 2014 and is meant to protect ratepayers and water use, while critics question whether it adds enforceable guarantees. Flock Safety Backlash: Facing privacy and security concerns over license-plate cameras, Flock says it’s tightening safeguards; West Virginia lawmakers pressed for straight answers on data handling and alleged hacks. Opioid Funds Oversight: Hancock County commissioners hired outside counsel to negotiate how opioid settlement money will be used for a faith-based treatment facility. Public Safety Alerts: Authorities issued an urgent alert for two children believed abducted in Greenbrier County, urging the public not to approach the armed and dangerous mother. Health Court Fight: A federal judge let a lawsuit proceed challenging West Virginia’s long-standing methadone clinic moratorium, rejecting the state’s bid to dismiss. Energy Affordability: New reporting highlights how electricity rates have surged over the past decade, with lawmakers urged to consider bill relief and efficiency steps. Internet Access: Residents in the state’s least connected county say broadband promises still haven’t translated into reliable service. Gas Prices: GasBuddy data showed some of the week’s lowest midgrade and regular prices across multiple counties, with statewide averages easing slightly.

Greenbrier Ownership Shake-Up: The Justice family and Kennedy Lewis Investment Management completed a $500 million joint venture, with Kennedy Lewis taking 51% control and the resort saying the casino will stay open during the transition after Lottery Commission caveats. Greenbrier Legal/Finance Fallout: The refinancing is aimed at resolving roughly $300 million in debt and avoiding a court-appointed takeover, after IRS liens and other disputes fueled delays and threats of layoffs. Methadone Clinic Moratorium Challenge: A federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to overturn West Virginia’s near-20-year ban on new methadone clinics, allowing the case by SOAR-WV to proceed. Data Center Policy Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey defended a new “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” while lawmakers and residents continue pressing over ratepayer costs, water impacts, and local control after HB 2014. Surveillance Cameras Under Scrutiny: State lawmakers heard from Flock Safety as privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns grow, and the company announced tighter safeguards for its license plate reader network. Broadband Frustration: West Virginians in the least connected counties say they’re still paying for unreliable internet despite major federal broadband spending. Energy Bills Pressure: A new report highlights electricity rates up more than 50% over a decade and urges lawmakers to consider bill relief and efficiency steps. Public Health Watch: FDA and CDC began inspections tied to a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms produce, with West Virginia among affected states. School Bus Safety: Police reminded drivers in the Virginias to fully stop for buses with red lights and stop arms deployed. Court-Ordered Accountability: A judge allowed a $40 million hernia class-action settlement to move forward after allegations of unnecessary surgeries at CAMC.

Flood Recovery Watch: Gov. Patrick Morrisey extended West Virginia’s state of emergency for 12 storm-hit counties—Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pendleton, Pleasants, Randolph, Ritchie, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur and Wetzel—through Sept. 19, keeping recovery resources and coordination in place after July flooding killed two in Upshur. Data Center Pushback: West Virginia unveiled a new statewide framework for data center development, aiming to steer projects with tax-revenue support for local infrastructure as communities continue to question impacts on air, water and power. PFAS Policy Move: Rep. Brent Jacobson backed Wisconsin’s AB131, a PFAS grant and remediation bill that would set new testing and mitigation programs and limit state enforcement unless contamination exceeds standards. Healthcare Access Funding: Morrisey announced about $4.2 million for rural healthcare transportation via Rural Health Transformation and Rural Health Link, including EMS collaboratives and public transportation collaboratives. Coal Safety Pressure: UMWA renewed demands for immediate enforcement of silica/black lung protections as new research shows rising rates in central Appalachia. Treasury Savings Reminder: State Treasurer Larry Pack promoted ABLE accounts, highlighting WVABLE’s $0 maintenance fee and a $25 match incentive. Local Life: Riverside General Store reopened in Crumpler, keeping its 1950s-style community feel.

Data Center Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a West Virginia “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” a seven-point framework meant to guide data center growth over the next 20 years alongside HB 2014’s power-generation and microgrid approach. Courts & Public Safety: A Beverly man accused of child abuse after a juvenile in his care was allegedly found bound with zip ties will face a Randolph County grand jury after waiving a preliminary hearing. Local Leadership: The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber announced the 2027 Leadership Randolph class, selecting 18 participants to help move Randolph County forward. Greenbrier Casino Fight: Sen. Jim Justice’s family told federal court it will shutter The Greenbrier’s casino temporarily to speed a refinancing deal, citing West Virginia Lottery Commission timing; the closure is tied to layoffs and regulatory approval. Health & Schools: The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department is running back-to-school immunization clinics to help students meet West Virginia vaccine requirements. Community Services: Lubeck PSD commissioners pressed for details as the district seeks major water and sewer rate increases to address aging infrastructure. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show scattered lowest prices across counties, with Brooke regular hitting $3.69 and Tucker premium at $4.16 in the week ending Aug. 8.

Regional Economic Development: The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority is searching for a new Executive Director, seeking a leader to drive business outreach and regional growth across Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers counties. State Government & Public Input: West Virginia’s Office of Entrepreneurship is inviting entrepreneurs and designers to help shape its new office logo, with submissions open statewide. Education Oversight: Wyoming County Schools has been placed under a state of emergency after a WV Department of Education review found systemic concerns in governance, leadership, personnel practices and fiscal controls. Infrastructure & Local Projects: Monongalia County Commission approved next steps for the Exit 155 Western Monongalia Gateways Project, reaffirming support for HDR Engineering and targeting a September deliverable for interchange design work. Environment & Policy: State Sen. Ben Queen was appointed to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, with the group set to discuss challenges local governments face with AI infrastructure and data centers. Public Health: Whole Foods recalled prepared foods containing jalapeños tied to a salmonella outbreak with hundreds of reported illnesses. Community & Workforce: Pierpont Community & Technical College celebrated 42 new LPN graduates, marking its largest LPN class in history. Military Readiness: A 130th Airlift Wing medic led a Guard team to victory at an Air Force Medic Rodeo.

School Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers grilled Department of Human Services chief Carl Ayers over the school clothing voucher program, with Ayers saying about half the $200-per-child allowance is withdrawn as cash at ATMs, leaving the state unable to track how it’s spent. Education Governance: The West Virginia Board of Education declared a state of emergency for Wyoming County Schools, ordering a 30-day corrective action plan and a state liaison after findings tied to governance, leadership, personnel practices, and financial management. Elections & Eligibility: The State Election Commission disqualified House District 27 candidate Tyler Bowen after he moved out of state, and also ruled on other county commission race challenges. Public Safety & Surveillance: Monongalia County commissioners renewed questions about Flock-style license plate reader cameras after public pushback and arrests tied to alleged camera damage; the issue is expected to land in the Legislature. Courts & Crime: A Harrison County man was sentenced in federal court for selling drugs and playing a role in a firearms trafficking scheme, with Bridgeport-area law enforcement and a HIDTA task force involved. Energy & Policy: AG J.B. McCuskey led a coalition of 18 states urging courts to keep the Line 5 pipeline open, arguing Michigan can’t unilaterally shut it down. Health Funding: Vandalia Health received a $15 million federal grant for infrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades.

Human Services Showdown: West Virginia lawmakers grilled new DHR Secretary Carl Ayers over delays and unanswered questions in the school clothing voucher program, with families still waiting for $200 assistance as students return to class. Medicaid Work Requirements: The state says about 33,000 Medicaid recipients may not meet upcoming federal work or volunteer rules starting Jan. 1, 2027, and lawmakers are bracing for enrollment impacts. Data Center Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a 20-year “Responsible Data Center Development Plan” built on seven principles, aiming to protect ratepayers, water resources, and communities as hyperscale projects loom. Flood Recovery: Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders launched long-term flood recovery in Lewis and Upshur counties after July flooding damaged or destroyed thousands of homes. Education Equity: New state data shows half of West Virginia’s homeless students were suspended last school year, renewing calls for more support. Public Safety & Courts: A Harrison County man was sentenced in federal court for selling drugs and role in a firearms trafficking scheme. Sports & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court backed bans on transgender girls playing on girls’ and women’s school teams, and the Trump administration announced Medicaid/CHIP will stop paying for some gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Human Services Oversight: Lawmakers grilled new DHS Secretary Carl Ayers over disruptions to West Virginia’s clothing voucher program, including a short application window, a projected $11.4 million cap, and concerns that the state’s computer database can’t yet confirm how many people applied or were approved. Child Welfare Accountability: The Legislature criticized the first state report on child deaths as too thin on details, even as a 2025 law created a Critical Incident Review Team to improve transparency. Data Center Governance: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a 20-year “Responsible Data Center Development Plan,” aiming to tighten oversight and require better community engagement. Cybersecurity: West Virginia strengthened its cybersecurity rules with annual agency security reviews and clearer authority for the state CIO. Local Government & Courts: A Republican House candidate, Tyler Bowen, was disqualified for moving out of state; and the Fayette County Board of Education voted to suspend and terminate Elliott Pritt amid federal charges involving a teenage student. Public Safety Funding: U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey announced $2.265 million in DOJ grants for Northern Panhandle law enforcement and community groups, including body armor support. Justice & Tax: IRS filed new tax liens tied to the Greenbrier business portfolio, totaling more than $8.8 million.

Child Welfare Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers tore into the first Department of Human Services report on child deaths, saying it’s too thin and doesn’t deliver the details promised by a 2025 law creating a Critical Incident Review Team. Rural Health Funding: The state Health Department briefed lawmakers on the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, including how West Virginia’s nearly $200 million first-year award must be obligated by Oct. 31 and what contracts are still being worked out. Child Advocacy Grants: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $2.1 million for 22 child advocacy center projects statewide, including CHANGE’s Comfort House receiving about $89,000. DoHS Data System Scrutiny: An audit and lawmakers’ questions focused on PATH and other DoHS technology and spending issues, with officials pointing to long-term savings that may take years to realize. Local Government Fight: Former Worthington mayor Deb Heflin filed to dissolve the town charter, aiming to push the town’s sewage troubles into state-level processes. College Sports Policy: A Senate panel again delayed the Save College Sports Act, keeping NIL and college athletics reform in limbo. Public Safety Tech: Lawmakers continued pressing Flock Safety on privacy and data-sharing concerns tied to surveillance camera use.

Flock Safety Privacy Fight: West Virginia lawmakers grilled Flock Safety’s Kevin Kane on how its surveillance cameras store data, who can access it, and what safeguards exist after concerns about “people tracking” and misuse. Legal System Shortage: A new Supreme Court of Appeals report finds most WV counties are “legal deserts,” with too few court-appointed attorneys as demand rises and the attorney pool shrinks. Education Funding Pressure: State Democrats renewed calls for a special session over the public school funding crisis, while a committee hearing previewed Gov. Morrisey’s “principles” for education reform. State Budget Accountability: Interim meetings showed lawmakers’ frustration with DoHS’s troubled PATH system and audits that promise savings but may take years to realize. Disaster Relief Grants: Gov. Morrisey announced $3 million for WV VOAD and additional disaster recovery funding. Courts & Politics: A federal judge ordered updates on Sen. Jim Justice’s Greenbrier refinancing deal. Local Government: Oak Hill voted to remove a military banner honoring former Delegate Elliott Pritt amid serious allegations. Public Health & Addiction: The drug control policy director told lawmakers overdose deaths and related measures are improving, but the state still faces major work ahead.

Surveillance & Privacy: West Virginia lawmakers pressed Flock Safety’s representative on how its automated license plate readers store data, who can access it, and what safeguards exist after concerns about misuse and privacy. Public Safety: The state launched “Drive High, Get a DUI” enforcement ahead of Labor Day, targeting drug-impaired driving after 2024 data showed a large share of DUI arrests involved drugs. Child Welfare Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $2.13M in Child Advocacy Center grants for 22 projects statewide, expanding services from forensic interviews to counseling. State Government Tech Troubles: West Virginia Watch reported the Department of Human Services is using nearly $8M in TANF money to pay for the long-troubled PATH online database system. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved individual assistance for Pleasants and Ritchie counties after July tornadoes. Fire Prevention Oversight: An audit highlighted the State Fire Commission’s failure to produce a statewide fire-death prevention plan for decades. Education Policy Debate: A Montclair school survey found growing unease among parents and staff about AI and classroom technology, prompting possible new district policies. Lottery: Powerball climbed to $905M, with winner anonymity rules varying by state, including West Virginia. Higher Ed Leadership: WVU named Kelsey Staggers as director of corporate relations and strategic engagement, succeeding Jack Thompson.

School Funding & Supplies: West Virginia teachers say classroom basics are getting harder to afford as funding worries and Hope Scholarship-driven enrollment shifts fuel instability and more closures. School Funding Formula: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s team pitched lawmakers a plan to simplify the state’s decades-old school funding formula and steer more money toward classrooms, while insisting it doesn’t have to mean a big new spending push. Flock Cameras Oversight: Lawmakers heard a detailed primer on Flock-style automated license plate readers, with supporters touting crime-fighting tools and critics warning about building a passive surveillance network without warrants; the debate is also playing out amid vandalism and calls for stronger guardrails. State Fire Safety Plan: West Virginia’s State Fire Commission has failed for 50 years to produce a required statewide fire prevention plan, and officials say a first comprehensive draft is now underway for completion in fall 2026. Energy & Mining Politics: State Sen. Chris Rose backed a Trump critical-minerals push, framing it as a “new gold rush” that could accelerate domestic mining and training. Drinking Water Accountability: In McDowell County, Gov. Morrisey faced residents showing alleged water quality problems, including reddish-brown tap water, as the administration touts new infrastructure awards. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS decertified Network for Hope, the organ procurement organization serving Kentucky and parts of West Virginia, citing persistent safety failures.