AGP Executive Report

Election Administration: WV Secretary of State Kris Warner says West Virginia is joining the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in recognizing Aug. 11 as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, and high school juniors and seniors can serve as poll workers under HB 4865. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge in Texas struck down NFA registration/transfer requirements for suppressors and short-barreled rifles after the tax was eliminated, with West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey calling it a major win for gun owners. State Government & Local Impact: State Treasurer Larry Pack returned more than $2,000 in unclaimed property to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office tied to the state’s June online firearms auction. Infrastructure Fight: Clarke County Sanitary Authority is opposing the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, saying it could harm the Prospect Hill Spring and protected rural areas. Health Policy: HHS has started decertifying Network for Hope, the organ procurement organization serving Kentucky and parts of WV, after federal reviews found persistent patient safety failures. Crime: A Webster County man was arrested after police say he choked a woman, fired a shotgun when she refused sex, and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Medicaid Fight: Federal legislation tied to H.R. 1 is set to tighten Medicaid starting Jan. 1, with 80 hours/month of qualifying activities and six-month renewals—West Virginia officials and advocates warn it could cost tens of thousands coverage, including in Mercer County. School Voucher Fallout: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack disputes claims the school clothing allowance/TANF voucher program “ran out,” saying the math doesn’t add up, while Gov. Morrisey’s office alleges misuse and points to cash withdrawals at ATMs. Water Tour: Gov. Patrick Morrisey wrapped a two-day southern WV water listening tour in Princeton, promising next steps but facing skepticism from residents who say long-running problems haven’t been fixed. Rural Health Investment: Cabell County broke ground on a $40 million skilled nursing facility expected to create 150 jobs and add 124 beds. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS decertification actions targeting Network for Hope are reverberating in West Virginia and beyond, as families and officials debate patient-safety concerns and what changes should follow. Public Safety Funding: Summers County Sheriff’s Office received $4,000 from Sen. Vince Deeds toward a new drone program for search and rescue and investigations. Energy & Prices: Gas prices updates from multiple counties show a mixed picture statewide as drivers watch midgrade/regular swings. National Politics: A Senate committee voted to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt after he refused to answer questions about COVID-era decisions, while WV’s Capito outlined a packed Senate agenda ahead of recess.

Gun Rights Win: A federal judge ruled West Virginia and 14 other states can challenge the National Firearms Act, striking down NFA registration rules for short-barreled rifles/shotguns and silencers after the tax basis was eliminated. Disaster Relief: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and WorkForce West Virginia opened Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Lewis and Upshur County residents and workers hit by the July 21 storms, with claims due by Oct. 2. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS began decertifying Kentucky’s Network for Hope over alleged patient safety failures; the group serves parts of West Virginia, and officials say the organization repeatedly failed federal standards. Education Funding: State Treasurer Larry Pack announced early quarterly Hope Scholarship payments for more than 25,000 approved students. Courts & Local Government: A judge dismissed brothers’ lawsuit challenging their ouster from the Newell Volunteer Fire Department, saying the bylaws don’t provide a court remedy. Public Safety Tech: Multiple agencies executed search warrants at Harrison County vape stores as part of enforcement tied to the Vape Safety Act. Politics Nationally: A Senate committee advanced a contempt vote for Anthony Fauci after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.

School Voucher Scrutiny: Gov. Patrick Morrisey wrapped up a southern West Virginia water listening tour but kept pressure on the state’s School Clothing Allowance program, saying nearly half the money was withdrawn as ATM cash and calling it “a huge problem” because it’s hard to verify it’s spent on kids’ clothes; Legislative Oversight: State Sen. Brian Helton is pushing for a legislative oversight hearing and wants voucher cards restricted to clothing only; Organ Donation Fallout: HHS began decertifying Kentucky’s Network for Hope after federal reviews found persistent patient safety failures, with the OPO serving parts of West Virginia; Local Government: Fayette County advanced steps tied to the West Virginia American Water sale, approving a resolution that brings three public service districts into the agreement; Public Safety/Justice: A Putnam County veterinarian-related federal settlement was announced over alleged improper handling of suspicious oxycodone orders; Elections: Elliott Pritt withdrew from the House ballot, leaving a Fayette County delegate race decided by Democrats, independents, and write-ins under a 2024 ballot replacement rule.

Marion County School Fight: Two Marion County school officials—Superintendent Dr. Donna Heston and HR assistant Kristin DeVaul—filed federal lawsuits accusing three Board of Education members of sex-based harassment and retaliation tied to a false same-sex relationship rumor, alleging they pushed the story, interrogated them, monitored social media, and used board power over contracts and pay. State Politics & Governance: West Virginia’s Secretary of State Kris Warner was elected co-chair of the NASS Elections Committee and named south-region vice president, a federal-election coordination role. Public Safety: The statewide “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement runs Aug. 7-24, with $25 citations for unbuckled drivers. Health & Consumer Alerts: USDA issued a Costco burrito public health alert after egg was found in unlabeled products; separately, West Virginia Tech professor Andrew Wheeler earned a Certified Forensic Interviewer credential. Federal Policy Push: AG Jackley joined a national coalition urging Congress to strengthen federal hemp reforms, while AG Jackley also backed the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand state Medicaid fraud authority. Local Community: New River Conservancy invites the public to “Journey’s End” Aug. 9 to celebrate the New River Expedition’s 320-mile run.

TANF & School Clothing Voucher Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s southern West Virginia water listening tour quickly turned into a political showdown over the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families spending and the school clothing allowance program, with lawmakers and budget writers disputing the administration’s account of a TANF “crisis” and the early closure of this year’s voucher applications; Morrisey also said his office is investigating whether voucher money is being spent improperly, including concerns about cash withdrawals. Water Infrastructure Listening Tour: Morrisey is holding a two-day, county-by-county listening tour in the coalfields—meeting residents and water operators in Wayne, Mingo, Wyoming and McDowell—to prioritize aging infrastructure and water quality fixes. Higher Ed Expansion: Marshall University’s Board of Governors approved buying nearly four acres in Huntington for a dedicated School of Medicine facility, aiming to expand medical education, research and community health. Elections & Ballot Fallout: Former Fayette County House member Elliott Pritt withdrew from the November ballot, triggering a state law that blocks Republicans from replacing him—leaving the seat to be contested by Democrat Matt Anderson. Courts & Sports Eligibility: WVU players Javan Buchanan and Brenan Lorient filed suit challenging the NCAA’s “5 for 5” eligibility rule, seeking an injunction to block enforcement. Public Safety Tech Debate: A new legal filing alleges a West Virginia University student damaged a Flock Safety camera, adding fuel to the broader national fight over automated surveillance. Federal Action for Flood Recovery: The Trump administration approved $4.5 million in expedited disaster assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties.

Hemp Policy: West Virginia’s AG joins a coalition of 34 attorneys general urging Congress to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms and keep intoxicating hemp products out of the marketplace. Medicaid Fraud: AG Jackley leads a bipartisan push for the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, seeking expanded state authority to pursue beneficiary fraud. Social Security: A new projection says the retirement trust fund faces a funding shortfall in 2032, with automatic benefit cuts possible if Congress doesn’t act. Flood Recovery: The Trump administration approved $4.5 million in expedited individual disaster assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties after July storms and flooding. TANF & School Clothing: Gov. Morrisey’s office says TANF programs will keep running while the state seeks $10–$15 million more, amid controversy over the school clothing allowance review. Public Health: Michigan confirmed two deaths tied to the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce; West Virginia is among affected states. Local Governance: An administrative law judge ordered Preston PSD1 board reforms and warned of further enforcement if deficiencies persist. State Spotlight: Secretary of State Warner welcomed Vietnam Veterans of America leaders as Bridgeport competes for the group’s national headquarters. Energy & Defense: Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin announced DoD-backed moves to boost missile defense production.

Disaster Recovery: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says President Trump approved West Virginia’s expedited federal disaster request, unlocking at least $4.5 million for Lewis and Upshur counties after the July 21 floods, with FEMA still reviewing other counties and more aid expected as damage assessments roll in. Education Policy: A newly effective WV law requires some third graders who miss reading benchmarks to be held back, with exemptions for special needs, English learners, prior retentions, and students who retake and pass. Energy & Grid Politics: Candidates across parties are rallying against proposed high-voltage transmission lines they say will drive up bills and serve out-of-state data centers, while Morrisey also touts the state’s “50 by 50” plan and new generation coming online. Public Assistance Funding Fight: The governor’s office says WV’s TANF spending is outpacing federal grants and that the school clothing allowance program was halted after funds ran out, with a push for a supplemental appropriation to keep support steady. Health & Access: A Parkersburg nonprofit is expanding a free mobile prenatal clinic to reach rural “maternal health desert” counties. Drug Pricing Enforcement: West Virginia’s AG partners in a multistate push supporting a major Sandoz antitrust settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing.

DEP Permit Scrutiny: Kanawha County commissioners urged the state Department of Environmental Protection to hold off on an air permit for Clean-Seas West Virginia’s proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools and homes, saying residents need more details before the draft permit moves forward. Child Support Spotlight: West Virginia’s Department of Human Services highlighted Child Support Awareness Month, saying its Bureau for Child Support Enforcement distributed more than $181.7 million to help 59,518 children last federal fiscal year and manages tens of thousands of active cases. TANF School Clothing Fight: Gov. Morrisey’s administration defended its handling of TANF-funded school clothing vouchers after the program abruptly stopped taking applications, while the state treasurer pushed back, calling the closure unacceptable amid controversy over funding and tracking. Courts & Charities: A Marshall County judge issued a temporary restraining order and injunction after the Knights of Pythias’ national leadership moved to suspend the West Virginia lodge’s charter, with the lodge calling it a “vendetta.” Energy & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey announced Dominion Energy’s plan for a 2.6-gigawatt Mt. Storm combined-cycle natural gas station, tying it to federal energy funding. Public Safety: West Virginia House Republicans said they plan to address concerns about Flock automated license plate readers in the next session, balancing law enforcement needs with privacy rights. Community Policing: U.S. Attorney Moore Capito encouraged Southern District residents to turn out for National Night Out. Mental Health Listening Tour: NAMI West Virginia will host a behavioral health listening tour in Beckley Aug. 13 at WVU Tech.

Flood Recovery & Federal Aid: Gov. Patrick Morrisey is pushing for federal disaster help for seven counties after July 21 storms, seeking individual and public assistance for Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur, while urging residents to be patient as recovery shifts from emergency response to longer-term cleanup. State Politics & Elections: Former Sen. Joe Manchin told CBS he won’t back “socialist” candidates, calling their agenda “crazy,” while also arguing the two-party system has “choked out” independents and launching an effort to elect more non-caucusing independents. GOP Messaging: Republicans are using Democratic Socialists of America co-chair Megan Romer’s comments about abolishing the Senate and ICE to paint Democrats as extremist ahead of midterms. Public Safety: The state’s Highway Safety Program is running “Target Red” enforcement Aug. 1-15, warning drivers that rolling stops at red lights and stop signs will be cited. TANF Clothing Voucher Fallout: West Virginia lawmakers are pressing for answers after the school clothing voucher program closed after one week of registration, with the treasurer calling the shutdown “outrageous” amid claims funding didn’t run out as quickly as the administration said. Party Leadership: The West Virginia GOP unanimously re-elected Josh Holstein as chairman and named Tony Hodge co-chairman, while also disavowing former Delegate Elliott Pritt as a candidate. Military: The Navy relieved the USS West Virginia submarine commander for “loss of confidence.”

Back-to-School Funding Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s back-to-school sales tax holiday kicked off as the state’s federally funded School Clothing Allowance program abruptly shut down after July 20 applications ran out of money, leaving lawmakers and advocates asking why the TANF clothing voucher program ended early. GOP Party Moves: The West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee unanimously disavowed former Fayette Delegate Elliott Pritt from the party and his November candidacy—the first time the WV GOP has taken that step—while also re-electing Josh Holstein as chairman and naming Tony Hodge co-chairman. Public Safety Crackdown: The Governor’s Highway Safety Program says “Target Red” enforcement runs Aug. 1-15, focusing on drivers who fail to stop at red lights and stop signs. Crime & Courts: Mercer County State Police charged a man with sexual assault and incest after an investigation; another Mercer County case alleges possession of child sexual abuse material tied to a Google-reported cyber tip.

State GOP Fallout: The West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee voted unanimously to disavow former Fayette Delegate Elliott “Elliott” Pritt and his November GOP candidacy, citing federal allegations of grooming and sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old; it’s the first time the WV GOP has taken that step. Party Leadership: The same committee unanimously re-elected Josh Holstein as chairman and named Tony Hodge co-chairman, Kelli Sobonya secretary, and Michele Davis treasurer. Traffic Safety Push: The Governor’s Highway Safety Program is stepping up enforcement Aug. 1-15 under “Target Red,” focusing on red-light and stop-sign violations, including rolling stops. Election Law Fight (National): A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s bid to force Illinois to turn over voter-roll data, saying the federal government lacks authority to compel release of sensitive state information. Civic/Community: Charleston’s $5M 2026 paving program is underway, and Glenville’s mayor resigned to lead the state Water Development Authority.

Student Loan Fallout: Record federal student-loan defaults are rising again after payments resumed, with advocates warning of wage and Social Security garnishment risk; West Virginia Angle: the week’s national numbers come as WV lawmakers and agencies face their own affordability and safety-net pressures; Health Policy Push: organizers delivered a Medicare for All letter to U.S. Rep. Carol Miller’s Beckley office during a nationwide day of action, urging co-sponsorship of H.R. 3069; Local Infrastructure: Charleston’s $5M 2026 paving program is underway, with 25 of 300 miles targeted this year; Public Safety & Services: Gov. Morrisey announced about $14M for rural remote patient monitoring and launched the Blue Envelope Program for safer traffic stops involving drivers with disabilities; Courts & Politics: WVU’s Javan Buchanan’s NCAA waiver was denied, moving the dispute into legal process; Environment & Industry: Union Carbide and Covestro asked to exclude expert testimony in a South Charleston ethylene oxide cancer-risk class action; Community Governance: Glenville Mayor Mark Sarver resigned to lead the state Water Development Authority, setting up an interim leadership question.

Head Start Rollback: The Trump administration is preparing to gut much of Head Start’s federal requirements, removing rules on curricula, class sizes, screenings, and even tooth-brushing guidance—sparking fears the anti-poverty mission will weaken. Flood Recovery & Local Response: West Virginia flood recovery is shifting from emergency response to longer-term cleanup in Lewis and Upshur, with relief distribution timelines changing and volunteers/officials coordinating next steps. Rural Healthcare Investment: Gov. Morrisey announced about $14M for rural remote patient monitoring and virtual care through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Traffic-Stop Safety for Disabilities: The new Blue Envelope Program will give eligible drivers autism, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities a packet to help officers communicate during stops. DEP Air Permit Scrutiny: Kanawha County commissioners asked the WV DEP to slow down a draft air permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant after residents raised emissions concerns near schools and homes. Education Policy Impact: The Third Grade Success Act’s retention requirement for struggling readers and math students is now taking effect, with limited exceptions. Elections & Courts: A judicial vacancy application window opened for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, and letters to the editor keep spotlighting concerns about politicizing judicial races. Public Safety & Justice: A lawsuit alleges “deliberate indifference” in a jail death case in Harrison County, while separate reporting highlights ongoing scrutiny of critical infrastructure security.

Judicial Appointments: West Virginia’s Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is taking applications to fill the Seventh Judicial Circuit seat in Putnam County after Judge Mark A. Sorsaia’s retirement; applications are due Aug. 25 and interviews are set for Sept. 22 in Charleston. Courts & Corrections: A Harrison County woman’s mother alleges “deliberate indifference” by jail officials and the medical provider after her daughter died following a collapse at North Central Regional Jail, filing suit in Kanawha Circuit Court. Public Safety & Health: The state Department of Health confirms a measles case in an unvaccinated Barbour County resident, with contact tracing underway and no cases reported in Harrison County. State Politics & Accountability: Del. Elliott Pritt has resigned from the House of Delegates after waiving federal hearings in a child exploitation case and remaining in U.S. Marshals custody. Flood Fallout: A Weston flood survivor is pushing for more state and federal help after flash flooding destroyed multiple homes, asking “where’s he at?” Economy & Jobs: Felman Production plans to cease operations at its Letart facility, warning of about 98 layoffs. Consumer & Food Safety: A proposed class action seeks at least $200 for West Virginians who bought Taco Bell items with lettuce tied to the cyclospora outbreak. Higher Ed: WVU says it has reached a negotiated resolution on University Place litigation, moving to “full ownership” with no expected changes for residents. Tourism: Gov. Morrisey touts national recognition for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve after Architectural Digest named it among America’s most beautiful places.

School Clothing Voucher Fight: West Virginia’s school clothing allowance program shut down after just a week, with Treasurer Larry Pack calling it “outrageous” amid a state budget surplus and Gov. Morrisey’s office saying spending will be “very close” to last year. State GOP Politics: The West Virginia Republican Executive Committee plans a historic vote to disavow former Del. Elliott Pritt after his federal arrest, with the State Election Commission set to weigh ballot status. Rural Healthcare: Gov. Morrisey announced about $14 million to expand remote patient monitoring and virtual care in rural West Virginia. Back-to-School Relief: The state’s 6% sales tax holiday for qualifying school items starts Friday and runs through Aug. 3. WVU Athletics: WVU says Javan Buchanan’s NCAA waiver was denied, moving the case to legal proceedings. Community & Public Safety: Morgantown will hold its first National Night Out Aug. 5 at Krepps Park, and Charleston crews are ramping up the 2026 paving cycle. Health & Civic Life: West Virginia Donor Day is Aug. 1, highlighting low donor registration rates and new voter-registration signups.