AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Jobs: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced West Virginia’s tourism hit an all-time record $9.4 billion in economic impact in 2025, with 78.4 million visitors and $6.8 billion in overnight spending, plus plans for new state park investments. Healthcare Workforce: Morrisey also announced a $291,403 WVU Medicine award to expand nursing education capacity, aiming to add about 100 nursing students per year and boost access in rural shortage areas. Nuclear Policy: A Mon County lawmaker urged caution as West Virginia drafts a proposed MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Elections & Courts: AG Morrisey led a U.S. Supreme Court brief arguing voter qualification authority should stay with states. Child Welfare: A new WV Department of Human Services report says 12 children died and 11 others suffered life-threatening injuries from abuse or neglect in federal FY 2025. Public Safety & Health Litigation: A Kanawha County couple sued over a recalled steroid injection they say caused infection and permanent damage. State Government Money: Treasurer Larry Pack said “West Virginia Cash Now” checks totaling about $2.45 million went to more than 2,000 recipients. Communications Policy: A federal study is exploring fixes for the National Radio Quiet Zone’s emergency communications risks.

Nuclear Energy Push: West Virginia signed a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for a potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a step toward building an end-to-end nuclear fuel ecosystem if the state advances from finalist status. Flood Insurance & Fossil Fuels: A UK flood-reinsurance reform debate is heating up after reporting found insurers tied to Flood Re also back fossil fuel projects abroad, raising questions about whether public-backed flood coverage is fueling the conditions that worsen disasters. Local Air-Quality Fight: In Kanawha County, opponents of a proposed “advanced recycling” plant in Belle plan a community meeting to challenge the project’s air permit and argue it’s essentially plastic incineration. Workforce & Training: Pierpont Community & Technical College will break ground Sept. 30 on an Aviation Maintenance Technology facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park to expand capacity and link students to major aerospace employers. Public Safety History: A Marion County Rescue Squad reunion highlights the shift from volunteer EMS to a traditional unit, with organizers looking back on decades of community-first care. National Politics: A Trump memo directs agencies to roll back Endangered Species Act protections, aiming to streamline consultations and narrow critical habitat designations.

Community Air Fight: Opponents of a controversial “advanced recycling” plant in Belle, Kanawha County are set for a Sept. 22 community meeting, arguing the Clean Seas-West Virginia project is essentially plastic incineration despite its “clean” pitch and the state’s air permit. Local Politics & Elections: A Morgantown candidate forum let voters question Monongalia County Commission and state House/Senate hopefuls on issues including Flock Safety cameras, homelessness, costs, and proposed data centers ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Workforce & Education: Pierpont Community & Technical College will break ground Sept. 30 on an Aviation Maintenance Technology facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park, aiming to expand capacity and link students with major aerospace employers. Public Safety & Courts: Retired Cabell County circuit judge and former prosecutor Chris Chiles has died, with the current prosecutor citing his long record of high-profile trials. Health & Benefits: A coal miner’s long-running black lung benefits appeal highlights delays as cases surge nationwide. Statehouse/Policy Watch: West Virginia’s data-center boom is being framed as a revenue and infrastructure win, even as critics warn about impacts on air, water, and flooding.

Data Center Backlash at the Capitol: Community groups rallied on Charleston’s south steps to protest Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s certification of “high-impact” data center projects in Mason County under House Bill 2014, arguing residents weren’t warned and local control was stripped. Local Politics Forum: In Morgantown, a candidate forum let voters press Monongalia County Commission, House, and Senate hopefuls on Flock Safety cameras, homelessness, costs, and proposed data centers ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Public Safety Recognition: Monongalia County Deputy S. Pierre received state House and Senate citations after officials credited his quick response with saving a driver’s life. Justice System Watch: A Morgantown woman faces abuse-or-neglect charges after police say she left her legally blind husband on a toilet for more than 19 hours before he died. State Government & Veterans: Gov. Morrisey joined a Raleigh County celebration honoring a 98-year-old Korean War veteran at the Veterans and First Responders Museum. Culture & Community: Huntington’s “Art in the Park” showcased juried artists and drew families to a Tri-State nonprofit art event.

Data Center Fight in Mason County: Community groups rallied at the Capitol after Gov. Morrisey’s Commerce certification step for “high-impact” data center projects moved forward under House Bill 2014, with residents saying they weren’t properly notified and calling for more local control. Local Government & Infrastructure: The state’s data-center impact report says new facilities could generate major local property tax collections—tens of millions for counties like Berkeley and Putnam—supporting schools and water/sewer upgrades. Environmental & Health Litigation: Wood County residents are pushing a class-action lawsuit against Chemours over alleged PFAS contamination tied to the Washington Works landfill, seeking cleanup and property damages. Education Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced a $15 million federal grant to expand adult career training through West Virginia’s community and technical colleges. Public Safety Recognition: Monongalia County’s Deputy S. Pierre received state House and Senate citations for a life-saving response after a Sept. 5 crash. Community Meeting on Recycling Plan: Kanawha County opponents of a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics facility in Belle are set for a Sept. 22 forum to challenge the project’s air permit and health claims.

Flock Safety Fight in Monongalia: West Virginia lawmakers are pressing Flock after complaints of “inaccurate information,” with a Sept. 17 deadline looming for answers and possible subpoena action. Local Governance: In Morgantown-area politics, Monongalia County Commission candidates are debating the county’s use of opioid-settlement-funded Flock cameras, with supporters citing crime-fighting and critics warning about private surveillance beyond local control. Education & Elections: U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Cabell County schools, while WVU-area groups are lining up candidate forums ahead of the Nov. vote. Higher Ed Funding: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Sen. Jim Justice announced $2.2 million for WVU research facilities. State Budget Oversight: A legislative audit found major financial and inventory failures in the former Arts, Culture and History department, now under Tourism. Courts & Schools: A nonprofit sued to void the Harman School sale and push for reopening. Disaster Response: Gov. Morrisey declared a state of emergency in Mason County after a landslide threatened a railroad track.

Federal Health Policy: Trump says the federal government will refund about $500 per person to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, tied to alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. State Politics & Campaigns: Rep. Riley Moore and Democratic challenger Ace Parsi have agreed to a live radio debate Oct. 14 in the Eastern Panhandle. Agriculture & Regulation: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a new $50 million “Stand-Up” initiative to expand state meat inspection programs, giving producers more options for selling beef. Public Safety: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a 30-day state of emergency for Mason County after severe flooding and erosion displaced material near the Ohio River, threatening rail infrastructure. Energy & Finance: Fitch upgraded West Virginia lottery revenue bonds to AA- with a stable outlook, citing strong debt coverage; separate coverage also highlights utilities pushing back on “public interest” grid reforms. Healthcare & Courts: A proposed class action alleges Grafton City Hospital and Monongalia Health System mishandled a data breach after an email compromise. Education & School Choice: A nonprofit sued to reopen the former Harman K-12 School, challenging the transfer process and arguing the Hope Scholarship program harms public schools. Local Civic Life: A Mon County deputy who performed CPR after a crash was recognized by state lawmakers. Public Health: CDC reports measles cases are rising, listing West Virginia among jurisdictions with confirmed cases.

Flood Response & Emergency Powers: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Mason County after severe flooding and erosion threatened infrastructure, including a landslide that forced closure of a nearby railroad track. Local Elections: Follansbee is moving to adjust its municipal election schedule to comply with Senate Bill 50, including a charter amendment process and cost-sharing rules with county commissions. Public Safety & Courts: A West Virginia judge sentenced a 15-year-old to 80 years for killing his parents in Pendleton County. Election Integrity (Cabell County): West Virginia officials announced convictions tied to election-law violations in a Cabell County case. State Government & Services: West Virginia Public Broadcasting reported stable overall finances after a prior-year operating loss, though it remains under tight budgets and a hiring freeze. Energy Policy: West Virginia lawmakers and regulators weighed in as the Trump administration moves to repeal major power-plant carbon rules, with debate over impacts on reliability and costs. Community & Health Funding: West Virginia received federal faith-based youth drug prevention funding as overdose deaths continue to decline. Civic Life: Clarksburg History Museum announced a new Four-County Civil War Tour through Harrison, Barbour, Randolph and Lewis counties.

Health Data Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced an $855,400 award to the West Virginia Health Information Network to strengthen statewide health data infrastructure and expand secure health information exchange. Election Integrity: WV Secretary of State Kris Warner said Cabell County residents Jan Hite King and Kimberly Maynard were convicted of false swearing tied to 2022 election filings, after they certified residency they allegedly didn’t have. Education & Workforce: U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon toured the Woody Williams Center in Cabell County, highlighting career and technical education programs for trades like automotive, carpentry, welding, and more. Public Safety & Justice: A Monongalia County case alleges a wife left her incapacitated husband on a toilet for more than 19 hours, leading to his death days later; she faces abuse/neglect charges. Policy & Energy: Energy leaders urged Congress to pass a bipartisan permitting deal, arguing it’s “quicker to get a college degree” than a federal permit—naming WV Sen. Shelley Moore Capito as a key negotiator. Military Support: The WV National Guard will host a 2026 Gold Star Families Retreat at Camp Dawson for families who lost loved ones in service.

Power & Environment: West Virginia officials praised the EPA’s final repeal of Biden-era power plant emissions rules, while clean-air advocates warned it could worsen local air quality. Energy Policy: Lawmakers heard updates on keeping aging coal plants running longer and handling PJM grid pressures. Public Safety Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $582,174 for West Virginia State Police to expand DNA testing capacity and reduce backlogs. State Budget Watch: Interim lawmakers received updates showing early FY2027 tax collections ahead of estimates, led by personal income and severance taxes. Election Law: Two Cabell County former candidates were convicted of violating West Virginia election law for false swearing tied to residency filings. Local Government & Schools: Randolph County BOE outlined how leftover funds from closed schools will be redistributed to other schools. Opioid Settlement Spending: A West Virginia Watch analysis found local governments spent nearly $10 million more on opioid settlement dollars in 2024-25 than the prior year, with much going to law enforcement, jail bills, and EMS. Health & Care Costs: A national explainer highlighted what memory care can cost in West Virginia. Courts & Health Risks: Two Wood County residents sued Chemours in federal court over alleged PFAS contamination tied to the company’s landfill. Crime Case: A West Virginia woman was charged after investigators say she left her ill husband on a toilet for 19 hours, contributing to his death.

FEMA Flood Fallout: West Virginia lawmakers heard testimony that FEMA’s role in flood recovery is shrinking amid uncertainty inside the agency, leaving the state bracing for more responsibility as Gov. Morrisey seeks major disaster help for Kanawha, Fayette and Harrison counties. Election Logistics: Key 2026 General Election deadlines and mail-in voting rules were laid out for West Virginia’s Berkeley and Jefferson counties, plus neighboring states’ registration and ballot request dates. Lottery Credit Boost: Gov. Morrisey announced Fitch upgraded West Virginia’s lottery and excess lottery revenue bonds, citing strong debt coverage and financing structures. Public Health in Court: Christian parents challenging West Virginia’s lack of religious vaccine exemptions are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case after their child was removed from virtual public school. Water Infrastructure Push: WVU and Marshall’s Grant Resource Center is joining the governor’s Clean, Clear Water Strategy to help small systems win grants and speed project oversight. State Police Academy Case: A judge approved a settlement class for women alleging hidden-camera exposure at the West Virginia State Police Academy. Energy Policy Fight: West Virginia leaders praised EPA’s repeal of Biden-era power plant emissions rules, while advocates warned of health impacts. Local Government & Schools: Star City is replacing a deteriorating riverside playground and letting residents reclaim original handprints; White Sulphur Springs Elementary broke ground on a major $14M+ school upgrade.

Obamacare Refunds: The Trump administration says it will send $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges on federal exchange plans. Voting Rights Fight: West Virginia lawmakers advanced a constitutional amendment to make citizen-only voting explicit, arguing current state language is unclear even though state law already requires U.S. citizenship. Public Safety Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $582,174 for West Virginia State Police to expand DNA testing capacity and cut forensic backlogs. Election Prep: Secretary of State Kris Warner pushed voter registration checks ahead of the 2026 midterms, urging residents to use GoVoteWV before the October 13 deadline. Energy & Grid: West Virginia officials told lawmakers they’re working with federal regulators to keep aging coal plants operating reliably on the PJM grid. Sports Betting Pressure: Major pro leagues urged states, including West Virginia, to permanently bar bettors who threaten or harass athletes and families. Local Courts: Upshur County grand jury indictments named 26 people, including charges ranging from sexual offenses to assault and strangulation.

EPA Power-Plant Rollback: The Trump EPA is revoking Biden-era greenhouse gas limits for coal and natural gas power plants, arguing it will cut compliance costs and lower electricity prices, while critics warn it will worsen pollution and climate impacts. West Virginia Energy & Jobs: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito praised the repeal of “Clean Power Plan 2.0,” saying it would protect coal and natural gas jobs and grid reliability. Sports Betting Harassment: The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS—plus players’ unions—are urging state regulators to crack down on bettors who threaten athletes, pushing for lifetime sportsbook bans and shared reporting/exclusion lists; West Virginia is cited among states with blacklists. Morgantown PPP Fraud: Two Morgantown business owners were named in a federal sweep targeting COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program fraud, including a case involving Select Decks. Public Safety: “Operation Coal Country” ended with nearly 60 arrests across southern West Virginia, including sex-offender registration violations. Higher Ed Leadership: Bluefield State University began searches for an interim president and other top finance roles after the firing of President Darrin Martin. Healthcare Workforce: Ascend WV is set to receive $2.4 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program to recruit clinicians to rural communities. Insurance Transparency: A Public Citizen report says many state insurance commissioners aren’t making homeowners insurance data public, limiting competition and climate-risk visibility. Local Crime: A Putnam County man was arrested after allegedly stealing from the same residence twice in one day.

Energy & Federal Power-Plant Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito praised the Trump EPA’s repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas limits for coal and natural gas plants, arguing it protects West Virginia jobs and grid reliability while setting up a new legal fight over Clean Air Act authority. Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged Biden-era Obamacare exchange “user fee” overcharges. Local Government & Surveillance: Huntington City Council approved guardrails for Flock Safety cameras, clearing a path for a $2.1 million contract after months of public pushback over AI-enabled monitoring. Child Welfare vs. Parental Rights: Lawmakers are revisiting “Raylee’s Law” during interim meetings, aiming to require faster school-to-CPS notifications when students leave public school after recent abuse/neglect findings—while homeschool advocates warn it could overreach. Water Infrastructure: State lawmakers heard updates on water and wastewater systems as Gov. Morrisey pushes $145 million in state funding to unlock more federal and private infrastructure investment. Higher Ed: WVU President Michael Benson used his State of the University address to outline a “Strategic Compass” focused on student success, including expansion of the WVU Express direct-admission pilot. Public Safety & Courts: The NCAA appealed a Monongalia County judge’s order letting former WVU player Jordan Scruggs compete while his eligibility lawsuit proceeds. Economy & Jobs: Kibar Americas marked the reopening of the former Novelis aluminum plant in Fairmont, signaling up to 150 initial jobs and a push to source more materials domestically.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in Obamacare “overcharges,” issuing $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, tied to Biden-era exchange “user fees.” PFAS + AI Data Centers: A ChemSec warning links the AI boom’s chip and cooling demand to a “tidal wave” of expanded PFAS production, pointing to Chemours’ capacity growth in Fayetteville, NC and Parkersburg, WV. Ballot Fight in Jefferson County: Circuit Court ordered David Tabb removed from the Nov. 3, 2026 Jefferson County Commission ballot after ruling he isn’t a resident of the Harpers Ferry district; an appeal and motion to stay were filed. Flood Disaster Request: Gov. Morrisey asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration for Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties after Aug. 14-18 storms and flooding, seeking individual assistance and statewide hazard mitigation funds. Health Policy: The Joint Committee on Health heard a proposal from a nonprofit think tank promoting psilocybin research, with discussion of veteran suicide and PTSD treatment. WVU Admissions: WVU launched “WVU Express,” a direct-admit program for qualifying Kanawha and Monongalia high school seniors. Local Enforcement: Mingo County shifted from outreach to enforcement of Williamson’s anti-camping ordinance after offering help to about 40 people living outdoors. Energy + Costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the week’s lowest prices in multiple counties, including Logan regular at $3.89 and Pocahontas midgrade at $4.39.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in Obamacare overcharges by issuing $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states using the federal exchange, including West Virginia. Local Enforcement Shift: In Williamson, the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office says it spent four weeks offering housing and services to people living outdoors before moving to enforcement of the city’s anti-camping ordinance. Energy & Industry Watch: A West Virginia-focused report says communities are still “in the dark” as Gov. Morrisey’s data center plan promises local involvement, while other states have moved to limit how community air sensor data can be used in enforcement. Nuclear Campus Bid: West Virginia has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus race, with the pitch centered on handling spent nuclear fuel. Public Health: A CDC-linked discussion highlights a black lung surge in Appalachia, with miners still getting diagnosed and dying. Gas Prices: Diesel prices in Morgan County hit a weekly low of $5.39 per gallon, while Ohio County’s low was $5.27, according to GasBuddy.