AGP Executive Report

Rural Healthcare Workforce: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $2.4 million award to Ascend WV under the Rural Health Transformation Program to recruit and retain healthcare workers in West Virginia’s hardest-hit communities. Public Safety & Crime: Winchester police are investigating a bomb and shooting threat at a Walmart; the suspect was identified but remained at large as investigators worked to locate him. Sex-Offender Enforcement: “Operation Coal Country” wrapped up with 59 arrests across southern West Virginia, including dozens tied to sex-offender registration and new sex offense charges. Election Administration: Sec. of State Kris Warner released the 2026 primary report: 252,008 ballots cast, with 98% voted in person, and GOP registration rising while Democrats declined. Nuclear Energy Push: West Virginia signed an MOU to become the sixth state considered for the DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, positioning the state for potential investment and jobs. Robocall Crackdown: AG Brenna Bird joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Data Center Backlash: A new statewide coalition, WVDCAP, formed to demand more local control and environmental protections amid rapid data center development. Local Government: Brooke County added another request for opioid settlement funds, while Weirton’s water line replacement project cleared a state hurdle after public comments.

Hope Scholarship Fight: Mingo County parents sued to block West Virginia’s universal expansion of the Hope Scholarship voucher program, arguing Dingess Elementary’s closure will leave families with no reasonable alternative; Treasurer Larry Pack says the anger is “misdirected” and vows to defend the program. Public Safety: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced statewide drops in 2025 violent crime (-5.6%), property crime (-13.5%), and overdose deaths (-12%), citing stepped-up enforcement and Lauren’s Law. Nuclear Energy Push: West Virginia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to join the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, positioning the state for potential nuclear investment and manufacturing jobs. Utilities & Regulation: The Public Service Commission opened public comment on proposed rules implementing HB 2014, setting requirements for utility generating units and fuel inventories; Morgantown’s water and wastewater plants also earned long-running national performance awards. Courts & Eligibility: A federal judge denied a preliminary injunction for former Marshall and Ohio athletes seeking extra NCAA eligibility under the new “5-for-5” framework. Local Notes: A fatal UTV crash in Webster County killed two people; and West Virginia’s Bigfoot Festival returns to Summersville Oct. 9–11.

Public Safety Update: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia saw major drops in 2025 violent crime (down 5.6%), property crime (down 13.5%), and drug overdose deaths (down 12%, 99 fewer deaths), crediting prevention, recovery, and tougher enforcement including Lauren’s Law. Energy & Regulation: The Public Service Commission scheduled a public comment hearing for proposed rules implementing HB 2014, covering capacity requirements and capacity auctions tied to PJM. Rural Health Funding: Morrisey announced the first Rural Health Transformation Program awards, including $612,000 for Vandalia Health to expand employer-based access points and telemedicine, plus grants to other rural providers. Election Administration: West Virginia will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to serve as “election official trainees,” with pay up to $300, starting this November. Data Center Politics: West Virginia Commerce certified two high-impact Mason County data center projects, including Starwood’s “Project Tamarack” and Nscale Monarch Campus, as debate over power, water, and community impacts continues. Federal Food Policy: USDA asked South Carolina and North Dakota to delay SNAP waiver changes that would restrict purchases of items like candy and soda while it reviews a court ruling affecting similar waivers.

Energy & Permitting: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says federal permitting reform is “as close as we’ve ever been” and could move this week, arguing delays and permit rollbacks are choking investment. Energy & Politics: Capito and Sen. Jim Justice used the West Virginia Chamber summit to press the case for West Virginia’s role in powering the country, with Justice tying energy to every part of life. Economic Development: Gov. Patrick Morrisey highlighted more than $81 billion in potential investment and pointed to his “energy dominance” strategy at the Greenbrier business summit. Courts & Industry: A federal bankruptcy judge heard conflict claims in the Pleasants Power Station case, with attorneys arguing a law firm represented lenders and the debtor too closely. Local Planning: Elkins City Council adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan after public meetings, surveys, and input from the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic. Public Safety & Time: A daylight saving time bill is raising school bus and early-morning safety concerns as it heads toward Senate action. Education & Health Workforce: West Virginia Wesleyan launched master’s and post-master’s addiction treatment certifications backed by a WV First Foundation grant. Local Government & Veterans: A WWII hero’s bridge dedication is set for Saturday in Kerens, renaming the Kerens Bridge Lazy Run as the Preston D. Vanscoy Memorial Bridge. Higher Education: WVU football landed a commitment from Georgia safety JaCorey Thomas after he secured extra eligibility through a court fight. Business Litigation: GreenPower Motor executives were ordered to appear in Kanawha County court after the company allegedly moved assets out of state amid discrimination-related default judgments. Crime & Schools: Brooke High School principal Eric James was charged after hidden cameras were allegedly found in girls’ locker rooms, with the district suspending him during the investigation. Elections Watch: Twenty states’ AGs backed Missouri’s bid to pause a congressional map ruling, citing voter confusion risks.

Childcare Policy Push: At the West Virginia Chamber’s Business Summit, panelists said the new childcare law (HB 4191) is helping, but businesses still need more support as the state shifts toward more predictable, enrollment-based subsidy payments. Unclaimed Property Update: State Treasurer Larry Pack reported more than $3.2 million in unclaimed funds returned in August, including top payouts of $100,000, $87,000, and $64,000 to West Virginians. Energy & Courts: West Virginia sued Pennsylvania in federal court over Pennsylvania’s energy credit limits, arguing the rules unlawfully block out-of-state power producers under the Commerce Clause. Data Center Backdrop: A new report says West Virginia’s home energy rebate program still hasn’t launched despite $88.2 million in federal funding, highlighting implementation strain as demand rises. Public Safety & Schools: Brooke High School principal Eric James was jailed on a $100,000 bond after authorities alleged hidden cameras were found in girls’ locker rooms; he was suspended pending investigation. Education & Tech: Fairmont State geography faculty member Dr. Frank LaFone received the WVAGP Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of GIS leadership in West Virginia. Business/Workforce: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion climate “superfund” law, a reminder that energy policy fights are increasingly headed to court.

Energy & Industry: West Virginia’s “50 by 50” push aims to grow power capacity from 16 to 50 gigawatts, betting on coal, natural gas, nuclear and alternatives—while warning that infrastructure buildout and shifting federal politics could still trip the plan. Housing & Cost Relief: A federal home energy rebate program worth $88.2 million still hasn’t launched in West Virginia, leaving homeowners and renters waiting nearly four years after the funding was announced. Public Safety & Politics: An armed attacker lunged at Ohio gubernatorial hopeful Amy Acton, injuring multiple people—an incident that underscores how campaign security is becoming a bigger issue. Courts & Corrections: A Raleigh County man was sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. Education Policy Fight: Mingo County parents sued to block universal expansion of the Hope Scholarship, arguing the state expanded vouchers while failing to fix school funding. School Privacy Scandal: Brooke High School principal Eric James was suspended and charged after hidden recording devices were found in girls’ locker rooms. Corrections Reform: The state is asking West Virginia’s highest court to limit “deliberate indifference” claims after a jail death settlement, as families press for accountability. Rural Health: Rep. Jill Tokuda and others introduced a bill to strengthen the Rural Emergency Hospital model, targeting barriers that keep rural facilities from converting. Data Centers Backlash: West Virginia leaders are facing mounting pressure over data center growth as residents nationwide cite power-grid strain and rising electricity costs.

Rural Health Care: Rep. Jill Tokuda and a bipartisan West Virginia delegation unveiled “REH 2.0,” aiming to strengthen the Rural Emergency Hospital program after only a small fraction of eligible hospitals have converted, citing lost services and restrictive rules. Education & Courts: Mingo County parents sued to block universal expansion of West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship, arguing the state is expanding vouchers while failing to update the school funding formula as a local school faces closure. Public Safety: Brooke County’s suspended principal, Eric James, faces felony charges after recording devices were found in girls’ locker rooms at Brooke High School, raising fresh questions about student privacy and school oversight. Corrections & Legal Limits: The state is asking West Virginia’s highest court to limit “deliberate indifference” claims in inmate-death cases, as arguments are set for Sept. 8. Data Centers & Local Impact: West Virginia leaders promoted data center growth even as residents and officials report grid, water, and stormwater concerns tied to new projects. Federal/Policy Watch: A federal fight over New York’s climate “superfund” law continues after a court strike-down, with implications for how states challenge major energy and environmental policies.

Education & Public Safety: Brooke County Schools suspended principal Eric James after four hidden recording devices were found in girls’ locker rooms at Brooke High School; he’s charged with felony counts including intercepting electronic communications and breaking and entering, and a class-action lawsuit has been filed against James and the school board. Data Centers & Local Control: At the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce summit, Gov. Patrick Morrisey pushed for more “high-impact” data center growth even as residents and local officials keep raising concerns about power, water, and loss of local say-so; the week also included reporting on how nearby communities are reacting with bans and restrictions. Energy/Legal Fallout: West Virginia and other states’ challenge to New York’s $75 billion climate “Superfund” law continues to reverberate after a federal judge blocked the measure, a fight tied to how states can tax or penalize energy producers. Federal Courts: A Morgantown man pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered firearm after TSA found a grenade at Pittsburgh International Airport. Local Government/History: Thurmond in New River Gorge National Park is preparing a legal fight over planned demolitions of historic buildings.

Education & Public Safety: Brooke County Schools suspended Brooke High School principal Eric James, 53, after four recording devices were reportedly found in girls’ locker rooms; James faces felony charges and is held on $100,000 bond, while a class-action lawsuit was filed by a local firm on behalf of students. State Politics & Courts: West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and other AGs co-led a letter urging Congress to repeal unconstitutional National Firearms Act provisions after a federal ruling limited enforcement. Economic Development & Energy: At the West Virginia Chamber summit, Morrisey touted healthcare and pushed back on data-center concerns as the state approved additional “high-impact” projects, including Starwood Digital Ventures’ $12B Mason County plan, drawing fresh local backlash over power and water impacts. Federal Legal Fight: The Trump DOJ scored a major win against New York’s $75B “Climate Superfund” law, with West Virginia among states that sued. Local Notes: A Wellsburg Elkins-area case advanced after a preliminary hearing found probable cause for terroristic threats against the mayor and President Trump.

School Safety Fallout: Brooke High School principal Eric James, 53, was suspended after recording devices were found in multiple girls’ locker rooms; he faces felony charges including intercepting electronic communications and breaking and entering, and is jailed on $100,000 bond. Legal Pressure on Schools: Two more lawsuits, including a potential class action, were filed over the alleged hidden-camera scheme, naming James and the Brooke County Board of Education. Data Center Politics: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Starwood Digital Ventures’ $12 billion “Project Tamarack” data center in Mason County, drawing “shock” from residents worried about proximity to another facility and local impacts. Tax Policy Push: A Fox report says Morrisey is backing a plan to use 50% of approved hyperscale data center revenue to eliminate West Virginia’s personal income tax over time. Rural Health Funding: Morrisey announced the first Rural Health Transformation Program awards—$2.4 million to three organizations to expand worksite and employer-based care. Democratic Party Organizing: The West Virginia Democratic Party says DNC Chair Ken Martin will keynote the Oct. 3 Roosevelt-Kennedy Dinner in Charleston. Public Assistance Impact: State data says about 4,000 fewer West Virginia children have SNAP benefits since the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” cuts. Elkins Threat Case: A former City of Elkins employee accused of threatening the mayor and President Trump was sent to a Randolph County grand jury after a probable-cause finding.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $2.4 million in the first Rural Health Transformation Program implementation awards, including $1.174M for Spotted Owl Healthcare and $612K each for CAMC/Vandalia Health and the Cabell Huntington Foundation, aimed at expanding worksite clinics and employer-based care to improve outcomes and keep people in the workforce. Data Center Push: Morrisey also highlighted more than $81B in new data center deals, pointing to West Virginia’s 2025 law that eases zoning and allows microgrids, plus a Commerce plan that directs at least 50% of revenue toward reducing and eventually eliminating the state income tax. Workforce Addiction Treatment: West Virginia Wesleyan College launched master’s and post-master’s addiction treatment and care offerings with a $246,125 grant, positioning the school as the state’s only provider of that advanced training. School Safety Case: Brooke High School’s former principal, Eric Michael James, was arrested and faces felony charges after investigators found four recording devices in girls’ locker rooms and changing areas; a civil lawsuit has also been filed by a student. Business Summit: The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s 90th annual meeting and business summit continued at The Greenbrier with remarks from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Gov. Morrisey’s administration.

Gubernatorial Watch: U.S. Sen. Jim Justice says he’s “100 percent” considering a run for governor in 2028, telling MetroNews he’ll decide soon—setting up the potential for a high-profile GOP primary against Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Economic Development: Morrisey used the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s 90th Annual Meeting to tout more than $81 billion in new private investment, anchored by High Impact Data Center certifications for NScale (about $69.2B, ~2 gigawatts) and Starwood Digital Ventures (about $12B in Mason County, ~2.16 gigawatts), while insisting the deals won’t raise ratepayer costs. Local Governance & Public Safety: Brooke County Schools suspended Principal Eric James after felony charges tied to alleged placement of a recording device in a locker room; he’s jailed on $100,000 bond. State Policy & Services: West Virginia reported about 4,000 fewer children receiving SNAP benefits as of May, a year after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Environment/Infrastructure: WVDEP issued a stormwater permit for the Sidewinder Raw Water Line, with questions raised about whether the Charles Town Utility Board was aware of the permit paperwork. Health & Education: WVU School of Dentistry opened expanded, renovated clinics at the Health Sciences Center, funded largely by a $12.6 million federal award.

Data Center Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $12 billion Starwood data center plan in Mason County, touting jobs and saying the project won’t raise electricity bills. Flood Recovery: Martinsburg leaders urged residents and businesses to complete FEMA disaster surveys after the Aug. 27 record flooding, while waiving permit fees for about 30 days. Public Safety: The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program announced a Sept. 4-21 enforcement blitz focused on speeding, citing crash and fatality data. Civil Liberties & Courts: The ACLU and affiliates urged the National Guard to leave Washington, D.C., arguing there’s no emergency justifying armed patrols. Energy & Local Control: Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns joined opposition to Valley Link transmission plans, warning the project would damage historic land and communities. Local Justice: Two Twisted Smoke Shack employees in Elkins face felony charges tied to alleged illegal marijuana products. State Finance: Treasurer Larry Pack reported returning more than $3.2 million in unclaimed property during August. Workplace Privacy: A class-action lawsuit was filed over alleged hidden cameras in Ruby Memorial staff bathrooms.

Federal Courts & Energy Policy: A West Virginia-led coalition won a federal lawsuit blocking New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, with a judge ruling the law is unenforceable and preempted by federal law—another major win for the state’s energy and industry allies. U.S. Senate & Veterans Affairs: Sen. Jim Justice’s first bill cleared the House and is headed to President Trump’s desk to place a Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor monument on the National Mall. State Government & Data Centers: Treasurer Larry Pack released a new analysis aimed at clarifying data center tax revenue impacts, putting annual tax income from two major projects at more than $100 million. Local Governance: Parkersburg is changing its recycling fees after a court ruling found the city’s subscription model violated state law, moving toward a flat monthly charge for residential customers. Public Safety & Schools: Wood County schools warned parents about a viral “Cat in the Hat” AI hoax that uses automated accounts to frighten kids. Community & Workforce: West Virginia’s AmeriCorps programs are set to receive $6.4 million in federal funding, supporting education, jobs, food security, and disaster response statewide.

WVU DEI fight fallout: West Virginia University’s new Center for Community, Connections, and Culture is now operating after a state-ordered DEI ban pushed the merger of the former Center for Black Culture and the LGBTQ+ Center, with students voicing expectations at an Aug. 25 town hall. State courts: Supreme Court Justice Bill Wooton was taken to a local hospital after a medical incident on the bench during fall oral arguments; the court canceled the rest of Wednesday’s hearings and rescheduled. Medicaid policy: The Department of Human Services is urging Medicaid members to prepare for 2027 federal eligibility rules requiring many adults in the Adult Expansion Group to complete 80 hours/month of work or approved activities. Data centers & taxes: State Treasurer Larry Pack released a report laying out how data center tax revenue could flow from major projects in Berkeley and Putnam counties. Energy politics: West Virginia-led AG J.B. McCuskey’s coalition scored a major win as a federal court ruled New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act is preempted and unenforceable. Local government: The PSC ordered mediation in a Wellsburg sanitary fee dispute between the Brooke County PSD and the city. Civic prep: West Virginia’s election officials marked National Voter Registration Month, urging residents to verify and update registration ahead of November. Public health support: Healthy Grandfamilies will start a free evening series in Sistersville on Sept. 15 for grandparents raising grandchildren.

State Budget Watch: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections for August came in at $449 million, $34 million above estimate, and $838 million for the fiscal year-to-date, $46 million ahead—supporting Gov. Morrisey’s message that the state is outperforming while holding spending steady. Elections & Voting Access: Secretary of State Kris Warner kicked off National Voter Registration Month, urging West Virginians to verify and update registration ahead of the November General Election at GoVoteWV.com. Federal-Local Services: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito visited West Virginia 211 through United Way offices to highlight how residents can call or text 211 for help finding state and federal resources. Public Safety & Courts: A Randolph County felony case against Andrew Stephen Purdum (a convicted felon accused of illegal firearm possession) cleared probable cause and now heads to a grand jury review. Defense & Commemoration: Congressman Riley Moore applauded passage of the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, moving the project closer to a permanent spot near the Lincoln Memorial. Local Government Finance: Morgantown received an unmodified clean audit opinion for FY25, with only a minor timing compliance issue tied to staff turnover.