AGP Executive Report

College Sports Overhaul: A Senate Commerce hearing put West Virginia President E. Gordon Gee and other major figures behind the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, aiming to curb NIL and transfer chaos with a national rulebook and limited NCAA antitrust protection—while the SEC and Big Ten warn the bill needs changes. State Government Watch: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack asked State Auditor Mark Hunt for details on Sen. Jay Taylor’s contractor work, pressing for invoices, time sheets, and proof the arrangement is constitutional. Hospital Ownership: In Welch, officials say Welch Community Hospital’s ownership may change, but services won’t be cut as the state seeks a nonprofit operator to take over. Public Safety & Courts: A 4th Circuit ruling overturned a preliminary order against Chemours in the Ohio River pollution fight, and WVDNR reminded West Virginians to leave young wildlife alone. Health & Environment: West Virginia released less restrictive 2026 sport fish consumption advisories after water quality improvements, and USFWS finalized critical habitat protections for the rusty patched bumble bee. Local Crime: A Summers County woman was arrested after an overdose death, accused of failing to render aid.

Supreme Court Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue 26 decisions this month, with major cases tied to Trump priorities—executive power, birthright citizenship, mail ballot deadlines, and Second Amendment fights—arriving as the president attacks justices publicly. Veterans & Local Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed two veterans bills in Wheeling: tougher penalties for unauthorized Purple Heart parking and expanded Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers for surviving parents. City Hall Culture Wars: Morgantown City Council tabled a conversion-therapy ordinance after backlash and legal concerns tied to a recent Supreme Court ruling; the city is coordinating with the ACLU of West Virginia and Fairness WV. Public Safety & Courts: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled for Parkersburg firefighters in a pay dispute, sending the case back for damage calculations. Environment & Recreation: West Virginia released less restrictive 2026 sport fish consumption advisories after improved water quality. Water Infrastructure Watch: Huntington officials are exploring a potential wastewater partnership with West Virginia American Water, with city ownership and affordability protections on the table. Community Grants: West Virginia First Foundation opened its Community Catalyst Grant cycle, targeting prevention, treatment, recovery, workforce development, and youth services with a June 30 deadline.

Veterans Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey ceremonially signed two new laws at the Wheeling Waterfront—SB 467 adds enforceable penalties for unauthorized vehicles in Purple Heart parking spaces, and HB 4437 extends Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers to surviving Gold Star parents. Courts & Public Safety: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-1 for Parkersburg firefighters in a pay dispute, finding the city violated the state Wage Payment and Collection Act when it reduced longevity and EMT certification pay in 2017 without advance notice; the case now heads back for damage calculations. State Government & Health: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories loosened in key places, including removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and relaxing smallmouth bass guidance on the Shenandoah River to fish larger than 12 inches. Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny: The ACLU of West Virginia says statements about “Operation Country Roads” were misleading, arguing three-quarters of those arrested had no criminal record. Legal Fight Over Permits: AG J.B. McCuskey leads a 21-state push at the U.S. Supreme Court to protect state authority over federal permitting from activist lawsuits that seek to halt projects before agencies review them. Public Safety Regulation: West Virginia’s Vape Safety Act expands the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration’s enforcement role, adding new labeling and ingredient disclosure rules for vape and smoke shops. Community Funding: West Virginia First Foundation opened its Community Catalyst Grant cycle, with $9.87 million planned over three years and applications due June 30. Local Transportation: The Sistersville Ferry’s main boat was deemed unrepairable by insurance, but the board says the barge remains usable while it researches replacement options.

Foster Care Lawsuit: A New York-based nonprofit representing foster children is still pushing for an appeal after a federal judge dismissed its sweeping lawsuit over West Virginia’s child welfare system, arguing the state’s group-home placements, understaffed Child Protective Services, and lack of permanency planning remain unresolved. Dem Party Power Shift: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva says she’ll challenge incumbent Mike Pushkin for West Virginia Democratic Party chair, arguing the party needs stronger fundraising, candidate support, and messaging ahead of future elections. Local Health Funding: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration announced $3.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program money for prevention-focused community health initiatives, with total RHTP-related funding now topping $65 million. State Budget Watch: May General Revenue Fund collections cleared $381 million, beating the monthly estimate by $44 million, with personal income tax and consumer sales tax among the drivers. Outdoor Safety Update: The state released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories, including removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and easing restrictions for smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah River. Wheeling Flag Policy: Wheeling City Council is set to vote on a resolution limiting permanent flagpoles at Heritage Port to U.S., West Virginia, and city flags.

State Budget Watch: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million in May, beating the monthly estimate by $44 million, with FY-to-date GRF collections also ahead of projections. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced a $3.4 million Rural Local Health Challenge tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to boost prevention and workforce participation through community-based health initiatives. Election Integrity: Fayette County officials say about 90 voters were mistakenly allowed to cast ballots on the Republican line during the May GOP primary, prompting calls for election procedure changes and more funding for equipment. Dem Party Leadership: Teresa Toriseva launched a bid to become chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, while party leaders pressed Sen. Jay Taylor to explain missing disclosures tied to a State Auditor’s Office contract. Energy & Environment: Conservation groups challenged DEP “advanced approval” for permit transfers tied to South Fork Coal operations near the Monongahela National Forest, arguing required approvals were not in place. Courts & The Greenbrier: A federal Greenbrier lawsuit is paused while state-level fights over debt control and alleged insider dealings heat up. Local Infrastructure: Buckhannon secured a major USDA package for a new water treatment plant, moving the city toward final plans and construction steps.

Wheeling Cleanup Watch: Demolition of the former Clay School in East Wheeling is moving fast, but city officials say about half the Clay School environmental remediation and demolition work still remains through summer. Primary Politics & Spending: A new opinion piece argues West Virginia’s 2026 GOP primary saw massive out-of-state and PAC spending—about $5 million in a short cycle—yet turnout landed around 21%, raising questions about whether the money bought real engagement. Courts & Pay Dispute: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled for Parkersburg firefighters, finding the city illegally cut longevity and EMT certification pay in 2017 without notice; the case now returns to determine damages. Greenbrier Fight: A federal judge granted the Greenbrier Hotel ownership group a delay in litigation over a roughly half-billion-dollar financing proposal, giving parties more time to finalize details. Immigration Pressure Locally: In Grafton, residents held a candlelight vigil after ICE detentions at a Bridgeport restaurant, with organizers calling for humane treatment and accountability. Sports & Policy: A LifeSiteNews report says a transgender athlete at the center of a WV Supreme Court case won state shot put gold, ahead of expected SCOTUS action in June. Wildlife Safety Funding: A national report highlights new state funding for wildlife crossings, noting West Virginia’s high rate of animal-related crashes.

West Virginia Supreme Court: The state Supreme Court ruled Parkersburg illegally cut firefighters’ pay in 2017 without notice, backing firefighters’ claims under the Wage Payment and Collection Act; the case now returns to circuit court to determine damages. Greenbrier Legal Fight: A federal judge granted the Justice family a delay in a lawsuit over a potential half-billion-dollar financing plan for The Greenbrier, pushing deadlines to allow more time for the deal. Immigration Enforcement at Home: Residents held a candlelight vigil in Clarksburg for ICE detainees after ICE detained employees at Don Patron Mexican Grill in Bridgeport, with organizers calling for humane treatment. Child Welfare Pressure: In Grafton, a “Forces for Justice” protest demanded accountability after the deaths of three West Virginia children tied to alleged neglect, urging CPS reform. Sports & Law: West Virginia’s transgender athlete case remains in the spotlight after Becky Pepper-Jackson won the WVSSAC Class AAA girls shot put, with the U.S. Supreme Court decision still pending. Local Politics: Harrison County GOP nominee Tim McNeely says he’s looking to November after winning a recount for the 71st District House of Delegates nomination.

Supreme Court & Voting Rights: A new Supreme Court ruling on voting and the Voting Rights Act is reshaping how states handle minority protections, with advocates warning the decision could change the practical reach of Section 2. Transgender Sports in WV: Bridgeport sophomore Becky Pepper-Jackson won WV girls’ shot put and placed in discus as her case heads toward a June Supreme Court decision, keeping the national debate front and center. WV Courts & Public Safety: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled for Parkersburg firefighters, saying the city improperly reduced pay without notice in a 2017 action, a win that could trigger damages and compliance steps. Child Welfare Protest: In Grafton, residents held a Forces for Justice protest demanding accountability and Child Protective Services reform after the deaths of three West Virginia children. Greenbrier Deal Fight: Sen. Jim Justice and family disclosed a proposed Greenbrier financing partner term sheet, while Omni’s affiliate pushed back in federal court over the redacted details. Chemical Safety Funding: A report says Trump is seeking cuts to the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, raising alarms in West Virginia after deadly chemical disasters. Energy & National Security: A retired general argues West Virginia’s power grid reliability is central to defense manufacturing and national security.

Greenbrier Court Fight: Sen. Jim Justice’s Greenbrier takeover bid is back in the spotlight as Omni Hotels’ affiliate challenges the financing terms Justice’s family submitted, setting up more federal court scrutiny. Federal Courts & Pharmacy Policy: The full 4th Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to West Virginia and Maryland’s 340B contract pharmacy laws after a prior panel struck them down. Voting Rights: The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for alleged noncitizens close to elections—an outcome advocates warn could disenfranchise voters. Foster Care & Judicial Discipline: An out-of-state legal group urged removing charges against a West Virginia judge disciplined for comments about the foster care system and hotel placements. State Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced IJDC approval of more than $1.15M for water and sewer projects across Kanawha, Tucker, and Barbour counties. Public Health Response: Monongalia County’s Quick Response Team is highlighted for measurable overdose-treatment impact after DOJ-funded data work. Local Governance: Parkersburg’s city attorney argues recall signatures should be citywide under the charter, while Vienna approved liquor ordinance changes after public comment.

Infrastructure & Water: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council approved more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects in Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including a reservoir project in Philippi to add a secondary water source. Military & Veterans: After more than 80 years, the remains of U.S. Navy Fireman Third Class Royle Bradford Luker—killed aboard the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor—were identified and returned to Arkansas for burial with full honors. Education & Labor: A new Fordham Institute study finds West Virginia’s teacher union membership has held steady or grown, bucking national declines, as unions remain influential in K–12 policy. Courts & Ethics: An out-of-state legal group is urging removal of judicial ethics charges against Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers over comments about foster care and the use of hotels to house children. Energy & Data Centers: North Central West Virginia residents are lining up to intervene in West Virginia Public Service Commission hearings on the NextEra Energy MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, arguing it threatens farms and local economies. Local Governance: Vienna City Council approved an ordinance allowing alcohol sales by the glass in the business district from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with supporters citing growth and opponents warning about community impacts. Higher Ed Leadership: BridgeValley Community and Technical College’s board of governors named Dr. Chris Treadway as the school’s next president.

Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council approved more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects in Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including a reservoir project in Philippi to add a secondary water source. Local Government & Public Works: Wood County commissioners approved a $1.6 million sewer contract for the Hill Avenue project and advanced courthouse security with a new position. State Politics & Elections: A recount in the GOP House District 71 primary affirmed Tim McNeely’s win over Laura Kimble by a six-vote margin. Courts & Accountability: The West Virginia Supreme Court ordered a Raleigh County judge to provide more detailed findings in a foreclosure order tied to Glade Springs Village. Public Health & Recovery: Youth Services System launched West Virginia’s first transitional living recovery program for young adults ages 18-24 in Wheeling, funded through a Bureau of Behavioral Health grant. Energy & Consumer Costs: AG JB McCuskey urged the U.S. Department of Energy to delay and rescind appliance efficiency rules he says will raise costs for West Virginia households. Drug Policy: A WalletHub analysis says West Virginia remains first in overdose deaths per capita and sixth-worst overall drug problems. Wildlife Policy: Sen. Jim Justice introduced the GROUSE Act to reimburse landowners for conservation work aimed at improving upland species habitat. Internet Safety: AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and child online protections.

West Virginia Supreme Court: The court ordered a Raleigh County judge to provide more detailed findings in a foreclosure fight tied to the Glade Springs sale, after granting a writ of mandamus to Justice Holdings. Energy & Consumer Costs: AG JB McCuskey urged the U.S. Department of Energy to delay and repeal appliance efficiency rules, warning they could force costly retrofits for West Virginia households that rely on natural gas. Workforce Training Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed bills expanding Workforce Pell Grant eligibility and creating a statewide micro-credential program for short-term and vocational training. Local Government: Wood County approved a $1.6 million sewer infrastructure contract, updated courthouse security staffing, and heard progress on the Polymer Alliance Zone. Politics & Ethics: Democrats demanded answers over claims that a sitting state senator is effectively holding a full-time executive job while serving in the Legislature. Courts & Speech: A conservative legal group filed an amicus brief backing dismissal of sanctions against Kanawha Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers, arguing the case threatens judges’ First Amendment rights. Environment: Two West Virginia groups sued Amsted Graphite Materials in federal court over alleged Clean Water Act violations near Anmoore.

Workforce & Training: Gov. Morrisey signed SB 402 and SB 490 at New River CTC to expand micro-credentials and fast-track job training tied to high-demand industries. Public Safety & Courts: A former Boone County Commission systems administrator and volunteer firefighter, Gregory Neal Hager, was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months for possessing child pornography, with a long supervised-release term and sex-offender registration. Energy & Rates: An appeal has been filed with the West Virginia Supreme Court challenging Appalachian Power’s proposed $40 million rate hikes and an “experimental inflation-based” mechanism. Healthcare Oversight: The Greenbrier Clinic—owned by Sen. Jim Justice—faces multiple lawsuits after federal action suspended its mammography operations over quality concerns. Sports & the Law: A transgender Bridgeport athlete won the girls’ shot put title ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case over West Virginia’s ban on biological males in girls’ sports. Infrastructure: Morrisey announced $1.15 million in water and sewer funding for projects in Kanawha, Tucker, and Barbour counties. Local Governance: In Steubenville, a cemetery investigation is stalled pending state approval before on-site work can begin.

Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to back Arizona’s approach to voter-roll checks for noncitizens, a move critics warn could enable states to purge voters close to elections. Internet Safety Policy: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and leave Big Tech less accountable for harms to children online. Local Governance: Monongalia County commissioners voted to eliminate a fire protection contingency fund and fielded complaints tied to how the money was being used, including repairs to a county tanker. State Politics & Budget Pressure: Gov. Jim Justice is weighing whether to redirect up to $16 million in TANF funds to the for-profit Star Academy, even as he signals possible cuts to childcare and clothing voucher support. Sports & Courts: A trans athlete won a West Virginia girls’ state title while the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether states can bar transgender girls from competing. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported the lowest diesel price in Greenbrier County at $5.49 and the lowest regular gas in Gilmer County at $4.19 for the week ending May 16.

Greenbrier Court Fight: A federal judge ordered Sen. Jim Justice and his family to file a redacted financing term sheet tied to their bid to end the Greenbrier takeover—while the current lender pushes to keep its receivership lawsuit moving. Online Kids Protections: West Virginia AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan push against the KIDS Act, warning it would preempt state laws and weaken accountability for platforms aimed at minors. Data Center Fallout: Residents in Mason County say floodwater from a data center construction site overwhelmed erosion controls, damaging homes and raising safety worries. Transportation Priorities: DOH is working on a more transparent, data-driven way to rank road projects for the next STIP update. Local Development: Upshur County landed a $12M AMLER award for a regional hub tourism and recreation complex. Sports: WVU’s Gavin Kelly says he’s “100 percent” and ready for the NCAA baseball regional.

Tourism Push in Upshur: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced a $12 million Regional Hub Tourism and Recreational Complex—on top of earlier funding—locking in about $16.5 million for Phase I, with baseball, soccer, lacrosse fields, mountain bike flow tracks, an ice rink, and a Snowflex tubing hill. Energy & Jobs Pitch: The week’s theme stays fixed on power and growth: West Virginia’s “50 by 50” plan and new manufacturing and rare-earth ambitions keep getting spotlighted, including a Mount Storm rare-earth concept and a $500 million TIMET expansion in Ravenswood. Election Fight: In Fayette County, a GOP candidate says the commission flagged “illegal” votes after a primary result, and he’s weighing next steps to challenge the certified outcome. Health Care Legal Pressure: The Justice-linked Greenbrier Clinic faces another federal class-action over mammography standards, adding to a growing legal cloud. Public Safety Debate: Renewed calls for a “Purple Alert” after a nonverbal child’s death in Pennsylvania keep the spotlight on missing-vulnerable-child systems. Local Life: Parkersburg’s new curbside recycling rollout is getting mostly positive early feedback, and Morgantown is planning to bring back the Fourth of July parade.