AGP Executive Report

Transgender sports ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s and Idaho’s bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, with Maryland’s attorney general calling it exclusionary while the NCAA president said he expects no major rule changes. SNAP work requirements: In Delbarton, residents say expanded SNAP “work” rules under the One Big Beautiful Bill are forcing people into unpaid volunteering because local jobs are scarce. Parkersburg warehouse fire: Wood County declared a state of emergency as firefighters battled a multi-day blaze at Peoples Cartage, with EPA and state agencies monitoring air and water quality amid toxic smoke concerns. Local politics & press: A New Jersey case highlights courts ordering a newspaper to remove surveillance footage, raising fresh alarms about prior restraints and press freedom. Sports in the Mountain State: Former WVU player Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme tied to his college years, with extradition to West Virginia planned. Education spotlight: A new report flags West Virginia’s low K-12 math proficiency, calling the state’s educational underperformance urgent.

Wood County Emergency: Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Wood County as firefighters battled a major Peoples Cartage warehouse fire in Parkersburg, with thick black smoke and shelter-in-place guidance reported nearby; state DEP teams and federal EPA monitoring were deployed, and officials said air readings have not triggered additional protective actions. Flood Cleanup: The West Virginia National Guard is set to help with debris removal in Boone, Raleigh and Logan counties after June flooding damaged more than 120 homes in Boone County, with crews using loaders and hauling equipment. Bridge Rehab: The state Department of Highways awarded a $74.5 million contract to Triton Construction to rehabilitate the Fort Hill (Eugene A. Carter Memorial) Bridge on I-64, with much work planned at night and weekends to limit traffic disruption. Sports Legal Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s and Idaho’s rules restricting girls’ and women’s school sports to biological sex, and NCAA President Charlie Baker said the NCAA likely won’t need to change its policy. Kerr Kriisa Arrest: Former WVU and Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in Lexington in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme and is awaiting extradition to West Virginia. WVU Athletics Costs: WVU says its student athletic fee will rise to $250 per semester (starting this fall) to support Mountaineer sports. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest prices in West Virginia’s counties, including $3.78 regular in Hardy County and $2.61 E15 in Lewis County.

FBI Arrest: Former WVU guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested in Kentucky and is expected to be extradited to West Virginia on alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme tied to his 2023-24 season in Morgantown; federal charges weren’t publicly detailed, but a court hearing is set for next week. America250 Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey marked Independence Day at the West Virginia Capitol as part of the state’s America250 celebration, honoring veterans and Gold Star families during a ceremony featuring a National Guard flyover and performances. Accessible Celebrations: West Virginia’s America250 events leaned into sensory-friendly Fourth of July options, adding quieter spaces for people with autism, PTSD and other sensitivities as communities rethink how to enjoy fireworks safely. Weather & Safety: Severe thunderstorm warnings and extreme heat threats pushed holiday plans, including evacuations tied to major events, as officials urged residents to stay alert. Outdoor Conservation: More than 170 miles of West Virginia mountain trout streams were newly protected as “trout waters,” expanding safeguards for native brook trout habitat. Local Business/Industry: Kroger’s planned $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle could reshape grocery options across West Virginia and the region, with Giant Eagle saying it will keep its name and operate as a standalone division.

America250 at the Capitol: Gov. Patrick Morrisey marked Independence Day at the West Virginia State Capitol, honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families with a ceremony that included remarks, music, and a flyover by the West Virginia Air National Guard. Severe Weather & Heat: A dangerous Fourth of July mix of extreme heat and storms prompted severe thunderstorm warnings and watches across parts of West Virginia and the region, with reports of multi-county power outages and downed trees/lines. Power Outages: Strong storms left thousands without electricity in parts of West Virginia, including Harrison/Marion areas and southern counties served by Appalachian Power, with crews assessing damage and restoration times not immediately available. FBI Arrest in WV Ties: Former Mountaineer/Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in a multimillion-dollar fraud case tied to his time at West Virginia, with extradition to West Virginia planned for next week. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest local prices in West Virginia, including premium at $4.89 in Logan County and regular as low as $3.79 in Lincoln County (week ending June 27). PFAS Settlement: Chemours reached a multi-state federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” with a West Virginia court filing and major penalties plus long-term mitigation and cleanup commitments.

Grid & AI Energy Strain: The U.S. Department of Energy used wartime-style emergency powers for a third time in 2026 to force PJM to curb power demand from AI data centers—raising concerns about higher bills and worsening air quality as heat peaks. Greenbrier Fallout: IRS tax lien notices totaling $3.6M+ were filed against businesses tied to Sen. Jim Justice, adding pressure to the Greenbrier Hotel and Clinic amid ongoing legal fights. Heat Wave Watch: Extreme heat alerts cover about 70% of Americans, including West Virginia, with officials warning of power outages and dangerous indoor conditions. America 250 in West Virginia: Gov. Patrick Morrisey continued his statewide America250 tour with major stops like Oglebay’s “Salute to Patriotism” and Blennerhassett Island’s 13-colony bell ringing, while events like a free “1776” performance and the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair adapted to brutal temperatures. SCOTUS Trans Sports Ruling: The Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, triggering fresh debate over Title IX and equal protection.

U.S. Supreme Court & Sports: The court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, a ruling that will shape how school athletics and state policies move forward. America 250: Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined the annual Ringing of the Bell at Blennerhassett Island, part of the 13-colony tradition tied to the nation’s 250th. Local Government & Rights: A lawsuit says the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Worthington officials worked together to block a content creator’s First Amendment rights and led to a false arrest. Public Safety: West Virginia State Police announced July 4 week traffic enforcement and a sobriety checkpoint in Charmco, while WVDNR urged sober, PFD-wearing boating and launched Operation Dry Water patrols. Economy & Jobs: A new partnership backed by a $150 million rare earth investment is planned for Greenbrier County, targeting nearly 250 jobs. Health Care: The Robert C. Byrd Clinic at WVSOM will become WVSOM Health on July 1. Community Events: Alderson’s Fourth of July celebration and Ripley’s 64th Mountain State Art and Craft Fair are underway.

Education & State Politics: West Virginia House Democrats and candidates are pushing Gov. Patrick Morrisey to call a special session on public education, warning more school closures could happen before the regular session. Local Housing & Cooling: Wood County commissioners discussed the Parkersburg-Wood County HOME Consortium’s housing programs and local cooling-station planning ahead of the holiday weekend. Community Health & Food Access: Highmark Health Options West Virginia and Foodsmart launched a nutrition care and food support program for members with chronic conditions, aiming to close gaps between diet advice and access to healthy meals. Local Government & Senior Services: Hancock County commissioners approved a lease tied to meal delivery operations for the Brooke County Committee on Aging, plus other policy updates. Business & Banking: REV Federal Credit Union finalized its acquisition of First Neighborhood Bank, starting an 11-month transition of branches in Parkersburg, Ripley and Spencer. Sports & Local Talent: Cameron Fallon placed 4th at the West Virginia Junior Amateur Championship at Canaan Valley. Weather & Safety: Extreme heat and isolated thunderstorms are in the forecast for the holiday period, with officials urging hydration and caution on the roads. Public Safety & Fireworks: Coverage highlights the popularity of high-powered fireworks ahead of America’s 250th, alongside ongoing concerns about safe use. National Policy Watch: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including West Virginia’s, sued California over its single-use plastics law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Health Threat: A CDC-linked study warns that drug-resistant Candida auris continues to spread in U.S. healthcare settings, including WVU Hospitals. Retail Deal: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, expanding grocery and pharmacy reach across the region that includes West Virginia.

America250 Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey took the inaugural ride on the America250 Wheel in Charleston, kicking off the Capitol City Celebration with free rides and gondolas telling U.S. presidential stories. State Government & Courts: The West Virginia Supreme Court launched an online dashboard with near real-time statewide court statistics, aiming to boost transparency for circuit, family, and treatment courts. Public Safety & Weather: A Team Rubicon response is underway after late-June flooding hit Boone County, West Virginia, and neighboring Kentucky, with volunteers helping homeowners recover from major damage. Environment & Industry: Chemours reached a multi-state settlement over PFAS “forever chemicals” pollution, including alleged discharges tied to West Virginia facilities. Education Funding: West Virginia House Democrats asked Gov. Morrisey to call a special session over public school funding as districts face closures and mounting debt. Local Community: The PM Company’s Spirit of Giving grant applications are open for Wood County, W.Va., and Washington County, Ohio nonprofits serving vulnerable residents. Business & Sports Media: WVU and Learfield’s Mountaineer Sports Network expanded statewide radio coverage by adding WVRC Media stations as flagship affiliates for the 2026 season.

Supreme Court & Voting: The Court upheld Mississippi’s mail-ballot “grace period,” letting states count ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive later—an issue that could shape how West Virginians and others experience elections. Transgender Sports: In West Virginia v. B.P.J., the Court backed state bans on transgender girls and women competing in school sports, triggering strong reactions across the country. Grocery Shake-Up: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, adding nearly 200 stores across West Virginia and the region—raising big questions for shoppers and local competition. Heat & Safety: An extreme heat warning and severe weather alert days are in effect heading into the July 4 weekend, with officials urging residents to stay cool and plan for storms. Local Government & Planning: Mark Debald was selected as the next executive director for the Morgantown Monongalia MPO, following Bill Austin’s retirement. Health Care: UHC’s Family Medicine Residency graduates passed board exams at rates above the national average. America 250: Gov. Morrisey is encouraging statewide bell-ringing at noon July 4 as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations.

U.S. Supreme Court & Title IX: The high court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports, saying states can define eligibility by biological sex under Title IX. Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is scheduled to visit Monroe, Greenbrier and Lewis counties, offering low-dose CT scans by appointment for eligible patients. Local Justice: Jackson County’s grand jury returned 36 indictments against 35 people, including charges ranging from forgery and larceny to domestic battery and stolen-vehicle counts. Public Safety & Infrastructure: West Virginia’s Department of Agriculture plans aerial treatment for black flies on the Greenbrier, New, and Bluestone rivers next week, with weather and water levels able to delay timing. Business & Groceries: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle for about $1.65 billion, keeping the Giant Eagle name while expanding Kroger’s reach across the region. Community & Culture: The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will hold a free “Celebrate America” tour with stops across West Virginia, culminating in a July 4 concert at Heritage Port in Wheeling.

Supreme Court & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws barring transgender girls and women from competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, saying the rules fit Title IX and the Constitution—sparking praise from supporters of “women’s sports” and renewed backlash from trans-rights advocates. Local Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Monroe, Greenbrier, and Lewis counties, offering low-dose CT scans with appointments required in advance. Public Safety: West Virginia DNR police are joining the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign July 3-5 to warn boaters about alcohol and drug-impaired boating. Heat Watch: AAA warns extreme heat is creating dangerous roadside conditions for drivers and technicians, urging hydration and safety steps. Community Events: The Clay Center’s “Paper Pilots” returns July 18 with hands-on flight-building activities for families. Business: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal that includes stores across West Virginia. Sports (WV): WVU women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg discussed how to coach without star Jordan Harrison as she’s sidelined.

U.S. Supreme Court: In West Virginia v. B.P.J., the court upheld West Virginia’s transgender athlete ban for girls’ and women’s school sports, ruling 9-0 that it doesn’t violate Title IX and 6-3 on equal protection—another major setback for trans youth nationwide. Local reaction: West Virginia officials celebrated the decision as a win for girls’ sports, while LGBTQ groups and advocates warned it could widen discrimination beyond athletics. Idaho parallel: The same ruling also upheld Idaho’s similar law, with the justices saying states can set eligibility for girls’ and women’s teams based on biological sex. Environment: In a separate West Virginia case, Chemours faces a proposed federal settlement that would require $22.5 million in civil penalties, with West Virginia potentially receiving more than $11 million, tied to PFAS discharges. Courts & crime: A Jefferson County jury found Isai Osmar Chinchilla-Guerra guilty on 14 felony counts after a two-day trial; sentencing is set for Aug. 25. State government rules: The West Virginia Division of Personnel is taking public comment on proposed civil service rule changes, with comments due July 30. Business: Panera opened a new Westover location on Pillar Drive, part of commercial growth along the West Ridge corridor.

Supreme Court Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue final rulings Tuesday, with West Virginia in the spotlight on whether the state’s ban on transgender student athletes can stand, after lower courts sided with the students. Birthright Citizenship: The justices are also expected to rule on a Trump executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and some temporary visitors—an outcome that could reshape citizenship for hundreds of thousands of U.S.-born babies. Heat & Safety: A Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Watch are in effect for parts of West Virginia, with heat index values pushing past 100 and warnings to limit outdoor strain and watch for heat illness. America250 in Charleston: Gov. Patrick Morrisey unveiled the America250 Capital City Celebration schedule, including the America250 Wheel, projection shows, fireworks, and headline acts like Alabama. Local Growth: A new Panera Bread opened in Westover, part of continued commercial development along the West Ridge corridor. Foster Care Crisis: West Virginia officials are responding after a four-month-old in foster care died, with multiple charges filed and Morrisey saying the state wants to get to the bottom of what happened.

America250 Capital City kickoff: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says Alabama will headline Charleston’s free America250 Capital City Celebration July 3, with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra on July 4 and the Marshall Tucker Band July 5, plus fireworks, the America250 Wheel and nightly Capitol projection shows. Flood risk, still unsolved: A flood warning system proposal called SENTRY—aimed at forecasting rising water—wasn’t funded by the Legislature, leaving West Virginia still without the planned early-detection tools. PFAS settlement: Chemours reached a preliminary $450 million deal with EPA and WVDEP over PFAS releases, with state officials calling it a first step while pushing for broader cleanup at the Washington Works site. Supreme Court and voting: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then, preserving grace periods in places including West Virginia. Heat and safety: A heat wave is building across southern West Virginia, with advisories in effect and more extreme conditions expected around the Fourth. Local government and water: Kanawha Falls Public Service District’s board chair resigned as the agency moves toward a possible sale to West Virginia-American Water. Roads and travel: West Virginia’s DOT District Four scheduled rolling roadblocks on US 50 for bridge work, warning of delays and alternate routes.

America250 Capital City plans: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says country legend Alabama will headline Charleston’s America250 Capital City Celebration on Friday, July 3, with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra on July 4 and the Marshall Tucker Band on July 5; the free, four-day event also features the America250 Wheel, nightly 3D Capitol projections, fireworks, and family activities. Road work: West Virginia Division of Highways warns of rolling road blocks on US 50 for Fourth Street Bridge shielding removal Monday, June 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with delays and alternate routes via Joyce and Chestnut exits. Local justice: Fayette County deputies arrested a Kanawha Falls woman after an alleged domestic disturbance that included assaulting household members and throwing a phone. Education trend: A look at microschools shows more are adding sports teams to keep students from feeling they’re missing out as they reach high school. Supreme Court watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set for major opinion day decisions, including cases touching presidential power and election rules, with West Virginia and Idaho among the states tied to transgender sports questions. Public safety help: Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office asks for tips identifying suspects in a Rural King theft in Beckley.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to wrap up its term soon, with seven major rulings still pending—three tied to Donald Trump’s presidential power (including whether he can fire a Fed governor and limit birthright citizenship), plus election cases and a transgender-athletes dispute. Power Outages: Thousands of Appalachian Power customers remain without electricity in Fayette and Raleigh counties, with crews working to restore service Sunday evening. School Closures: West Virginia education leaders warn more school closures could be coming as enrollment keeps shrinking and funding strains persist. PFAS Testing: A West Virginia water authority is beginning testing for “forever chemicals” (PFAS), including PFOS and PFOA, as federal reporting deadlines approach. Local EMS Leadership: Kanawha County’s Emergency Ambulance Authority has a new executive director, Lance Wheeler, who says his first priority is balancing the budget. America250 Spotlight: West Virginia counties are rolling out America250 murals ahead of Independence Day, with artists and universities helping tell local stories.