AGP Executive Report

Coal & Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal projects, using the Defense Production Act to boost reliability—while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy. Local Infrastructure: Mt. Storm in West Virginia is among four coal projects selected for up to $350 million in DOE modernization funding. College Sports Pay: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s cap on revenue-sharing, arguing it violates state NIL laws in 17 states, including West Virginia’s region. WVU Baseball: West Virginia is set to open the College World Series against Troy on June 12, after a historic run that nearly ended the program a decade ago. Education & Community Support: Montgomery County Public Schools hired three new administrators; in Preston County, a summer feeding program is back for the first time since COVID. Public Safety & Rights: West Virginia ranked last in a new LGBTQ+ safety report card, and a semi rollover closed Route 50 in Ritchie County.

College Sports (WVU): Ben Lumsden’s postseason surge helped West Virginia crush Cal Poly 17-1 in the super regional and punch its first-ever College World Series berth, with WVU now set to face Troy in Omaha. College World Series (Field Set): The CWS field is set with a record five SEC teams, and WVU is among the eight looking to end title droughts. Local Sports (Wheeling Central): Wheeling Central advanced to WVSSAC Class AA semifinals with a 2-1 walkoff win over James Monroe. Politics & Education (School choice): West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty says there’s “no going backward” on school choice and urges public schools to adapt and improve. Public Safety (Weirton): Weirton is moving to fine drivers who park in Purple Heart-designated spaces without proper credentials. Health & Community (Water): Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced about $3.3 million for water infrastructure projects statewide, leveraging nearly $26 million total investment. Crime (Schools): A former Wheeling Middle School principal was charged with child abuse after an alleged incident involving a student. Public Safety (Missing): Randolph County is searching for 82-year-old James Hedrick, last seen leaving Davis Medical Center.

College World Series: West Virginia is set for Omaha after punching its first-ever CWS berth, with the field now set and opening-round matchups released—WVU plays Troy Friday at 2 p.m. EDT (plus the full bracket and finals dates). Sports Spotlight: Ben Lumsden’s postseason surge is driving the Mountaineers’ run, and the SEC’s record five teams headline the tournament. Local Water Infrastructure: McDowell County’s Public Service District is advancing multiple water projects, including Elkhorn Water Project Phase 3 and an extension of the Anawalt Water Project, while finishing a sewer system for Iaeger. Environmental Cleanup: WVDEP highlighted major progress at the Richard Mine Treatment Plant on Deckers Creek, saying restoration is bringing fish and aquatic life back. Child Wellbeing: West Virginia held steady at 41st nationally in the Kids Count child wellbeing ranking, with poverty still a key concern. Housing Help: Wood County is getting HOME-ARP funds for Legal Aid of West Virginia to expand eviction-prevention legal services. Energy & Costs: Gas prices continue to vary by county, with recent reports showing diesel and E85 figures shifting week to week.

College Sports, WVU: West Virginia punched its first-ever College World Series berth with a 17-1 super regional win over Cal Poly, but the celebration came with a scare as strong winds tore through a fan area and sent five people to the hospital. College World Series, Schedule: With more spots still being decided, Monday’s super regional games were set to resume after weather delays, and WVU is now slated to open Omaha against Troy. Public Safety: The NCAA tournament weather incident at WVU’s ballpark highlighted how quickly conditions can turn dangerous for fans. Immigration, Courts: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration’s asylum-processing freeze violated immigration law, a case tied to a shooting involving West Virginia National Guard members. Housing & Health: Federal estimates show homelessness rose in West Virginia from 2024 to 2025, while a separate report highlights how Medicaid work requirements could threaten coverage for millions. Energy & Jobs: TerraSpark was chosen for a new West Virginia coal-fired power plant at Mount Storm, with federal Defense Production Act funding tied to job creation. Politics: Del. Mike Pushkin won re-election as West Virginia Democratic Party chairman, setting up the party’s push for the November midterms.

WVU Baseball to Omaha: West Virginia made history by advancing to its first-ever Men’s College World Series after crushing Cal Poly 17-1 in the Morgantown super regional. Storm Injuries: The win came with a scare—heavy winds blew an event tent into the crowd during a weather delay, sending at least five fans to the hospital. Energy Investment: Gov. Jim Justice says West Virginia is set to benefit from President Trump’s $700 million energy push, including grid and coal-related upgrades tied to federal funding. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest midgrade and diesel prices in parts of the state for the week ending May 30, with county-by-county variations. America 250 in Ritchie: Local SAR and DAR chapters held a Harrisville ceremony honoring Revolutionary War-era patriots ahead of the America 250 commemorations. College Sports Roundup: The weekend also featured other super regional results, including UNC’s win over USC to reach the College World Series.

WVU Baseball & Weather Safety: Strong winds tore over an event tent during the WVU–Cal Poly super regional in Morgantown, sending tents airborne and injuring fans; WVU confirmed five people were taken to the hospital as the game resumed after a weather delay. College World Series Breakthrough: West Virginia still rolled past Cal Poly 17-1 to clinch its first-ever Men’s College World Series berth, capping a power-and-speed sweep that included five home runs and a record-setting crowd. WVU’s Omaha Story: Local coverage framed the run as a long-awaited turnaround for a program once nearly disbanded, now headed to Omaha with coach Steve Sabins calling it “135 years in the making.” State Government: Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed William “Bill” D’Aiuto as Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Human Services, aiming to improve oversight and efficiency across child welfare, Medicaid, SNAP and behavioral health. Public Health Watch: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks has reached West Virginia among many states, with children among the most affected. Coal Politics: West Virginia leaders praised Trump’s roughly $700 million push for coal-fired power upgrades, citing grid reliability and energy costs.

College Sports: West Virginia made history in Omaha-bound fashion, sweeping Cal Poly in the Morgantown Super Regional with a 17-1 win Saturday and sending the Mountaineers to the College World Series for the first time in program history. Severe Weather & Public Safety: The celebration turned chaotic when a storm knocked down a canopy tent at “Randy’s Ridge” near Kendrick Family Ballpark, injuring seven people and sending them to hospitals. Local Politics: In Bridgeport’s House District 71 GOP race, Laura Kimble is filing an election contest after losing the primary by six votes, citing possible voting irregularities in Harrison County. Statewide Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for parts of West Virginia, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain possible through the evening. Energy & Economy: A new report says U.S. employers issued fewer mass layoff notices in May while job growth stayed solid, pointing to a still-stable labor market. Community: A Williamstown State Farm neighborhood carnival kicked off summer with games and vendors, raising community spirit in the Kanawha Valley.

College Sports (WVU): West Virginia is one win from its first College World Series after a 12-2 Super Regional Game 1 rout of Cal Poly, powered by a Tyrus Hall grand slam and Chansen Cole’s 11-strikeout start; Game 2 is Saturday at noon on ESPN2 at Kendrick Family Ballpark in Granville. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will quickly benefit from President Trump’s $700M coal/energy push, including $18.5M tied to the Mt. Storm area for engineering, permitting and early studies. Courts (Foster Care): A federal class-action lawsuit over West Virginia’s foster care system is back on track after the 4th Circuit revived the case, reversing a dismissal and allowing claims of systemic constitutional violations to proceed. Local Governance (Zoning): West Virginia’s Supreme Court sided with the City of Weirton, ruling municipalities can control business types and locations through zoning. Health & Innovation: A Morgantown lab is developing GATC-1021, a drug aimed at opioid use disorder, with human clinical trials expected next after early results were published. Community & Events: Wheeling University received a $525,000 gift to create the Sandra and Sydney Sonneborn Scholarship Fund for West Virginia students; and Wheeling’s Ohio River Splashtacular returns Sunday at Heritage Port with water-ski shows and raffles for Easterseals.

Coal & Energy Policy: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to announce $425M in support for 13 coal plants, including potential modernization help for a Mercer County facility tied to Basin Electric, as part of a broader push to revive coal power. Sports (WVU): West Virginia opened its first-ever Morgantown Super Regional with a 12-2 win over Cal Poly, powered by a Sean Smith three-run homer and a dominant start from Chansen Cole; the Mountaineers are now one victory from Omaha. Public Health: WVU researchers say prolonged sitting during pregnancy—over 10 hours a day—doubles the risk of complications, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm birth. Local Government & Infrastructure: Clarksburg’s Second Street Bridge project hit a temporary pause after crews found a small elevation mismatch; officials say the fix should mean only minor delay. Community & Education: North Central WV’s community foundation awarded 104 scholarships totaling $266,750 for the 2026-27 school year.

Coal Revival Push: President Trump announced nearly $700M in Defense Production Act funding to keep coal plants running and expand coal power, including upgrades tied to West Virginia and a new coal export terminal in Oakland. NCAA Baseball Super Regionals: WVU hosts Cal Poly in Morgantown starting Friday at noon (ESPN2), with the winner headed to Omaha; WVU’s pitching staff is being credited for the run that earned the super regional. Local Sports & Community: Bluefield’s Ridge Runners opened their season with a 3-2 win over Danville, while Moundsville celebrated a new Sheetz opening with donations to local causes. Public Health & Safety: A new study links replacing sedentary time with light activity to lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Social Security Warning: A budget group says the retirement trust fund could run out in 2032, potentially cutting average benefits by about $500/month. Education Support: A North Central West Virginia community foundation awarded 104 scholarships totaling $266,750 for 2026-27.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined President Trump at the White House as Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to steer nearly $700 million into coal projects, including upgrades to 13 plants, support for 42 mines, and a new West Coast export terminal in Oakland—with West Virginia named among the states benefiting. Education Policy: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty says the state is changing its pre-K enrollment eligibility rule to give families more flexibility for 5-year-olds. Healthcare Access: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus will bring 3D mammography and breast care education to multiple West Virginia counties, including stops in Morgan, Fayette, Harrison, and Mercer. Local Justice: Wyoming and McDowell counties are forming a Crimes Against Children Task Force to coordinate investigations and support victims. Higher Ed Leadership: West Virginia Northern Community College selected Andrew Langrehr as its next president, starting in August. Sports: The NCAA Baseball Super Regionals kick off Friday, with No. 16 West Virginia vs. Cal Poly in Morgantown.

Drug Enforcement: A Wheeling man, Matthew Clemont, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-state fentanyl trafficking operation that moved “blue” pills disguised as prescription medication into the Northern Panhandle and Ohio Valley. Education Oversight: The West Virginia Board of Education heard an update on Tyler County Schools’ progress after the state takeover, including safety protocol changes and efforts to rebuild public trust. Power Grid Fight: West Virginia PSC hearings are set on NextEra’s $1.16 billion MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line after thousands of public comments opposed the project. Public Health: Bonnie’s Bus, WVU Medicine’s mobile mammography program, will visit multiple counties in late June and early July, offering 3D screenings and help enrolling eligible uninsured women. Community & Recovery: Ohio County flood survivors can attend “Stronger Together” on June 4, and Parkersburg’s Recovery Point is hosting “Keys for a Cause” on June 6 to fund no-cost residential recovery services. Sports: WVU baseball’s Dawson Montesa is highlighted for a heavy workload as the Mountaineers push through the NCAA postseason.

Health Care: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital picked 20 nursing students for its 2026 Nurse Extern Program, giving final-year students hands-on clinical experience. Cancer Care: Princeton Community Hospital also expanded local oncology options with three new technologies, including Pluvicto for advanced prostate cancer, THOR supportive therapy, and Cooling Cap therapy to reduce chemo hair loss. Education & Workforce: The West Virginia Board of Education says its Classroom 2 Career apprenticeship program is paying off, with 2,000+ students, 600+ business partners, and $5M+ earned by students in the latest reporting year. Public Safety & Justice: Monongalia County approved a new fee schedule for intake and transport of arrestees handled by municipal police and WVU Police, raising the per-person transport charge effective July 1. Business & Trade: 34 West Virginia companies earned the 2026 Governor’s Export Award for first-time sales into new countries. Sports Policy: In Washington, Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Protect College Sports Act hearing drew pushback from the SEC and Big Ten while WVU President Gordon Gee testified. Local Roads: Ramp Road in Summers County will close temporarily Friday for emergency pipe replacement and embankment stabilization.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Monongalia and Lewis counties on June 30, July 1, and July 2, offering low-dose CT scans for insured patients and, for eligible uninsured West Virginians, grant-funded spots; appointments require a physician’s order and prior authorization. Public Health & Food Safety: A growing national recall wave traces back to potentially Salmonella-contaminated milk powder supplied by California Dairies, with more than 10 recalls linked so far and consumers urged to return or discard affected products. Local Health Care Watch: CMS data for Q1 2026 highlights wide variation across West Virginia nursing homes, including 5-star Weirton Geriatric Center and 1-star facilities like Cortland Acres and Beckley Healthcare Center, alongside reported fines and penalties. Statewide Health Funding: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration announced $3.4 million in Rural Health Transformation challenge funding for community-driven chronic disease prevention programs. Sports: WVU baseball’s dramatic extra-inning run continues to dominate local headlines as the Mountaineers advance in the NCAA postseason.

State Supreme Court Pay Fight: West Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled 4-1 for Parkersburg firefighters in a wage dispute, finding the city violated the Wage Payment and Collection Act when it cut longevity and EMT pay in 2017 without advance notice; the case now heads back for damage calculations. Public Health & Environment: WV DH, with DEP and DNR, released the 2026 Sport Fish Consumption Advisories, removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and easing smallmouth bass guidance on the Shenandoah River. Community & Infrastructure: West Virginia 68’s Pond Creek Bridge will close Thursday for a full replacement expected to last into mid-August, with detours via U.S. 33/I-77 and U.S. 50/I-77. Veterans Policy: Gov. Morrisey signed bills strengthening Purple Heart parking enforcement and expanding Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers to surviving Gold Star parents. Legal System Watch: ACLU-WV says ICE’s “Operation Country Roads” arrests were misrepresented, claiming most detainees had no criminal record. Local Notes: The Sistersville Ferry’s main boat is deemed unrepairable by insurance, though the barge remains usable; and the West Virginia First Foundation opened its Community Catalyst Grant cycle with $9.87 million available.

College Sports: West Virginia baseball is headed to its first Super Regional in Morgantown after Armani Guzman’s walk-off single sent the Mountaineers past Kentucky, 6-5 in the winner-take-all regional finale. NCAA Update: The Super Regional field is set, with WVU hosting Cal Poly and other matchups including Oklahoma vs. Kansas and Georgia vs. Mississippi State. Child Welfare Lawsuit: A foster-children class action seeking an appeal after a federal judge tossed the case says key problems remain, including group-home placements, overburdened CPS, and lack of permanency planning. State Budget: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million in May, exceeding the monthly estimate by $44 million, with FY-to-date totals also above projections. Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $3.4 million in rural local health challenge grants tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Environment & Outdoors: The state released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories with fewer restrictions, including removal of the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake. Politics: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva announced a bid to challenge Mike Pushkin for West Virginia Democratic Party chair. Local Life: Wheeling City Council is set to vote on a resolution limiting which flags can fly on city flagpoles at Heritage Port. Arts & Culture: West Virginia Public Theatre opens its 2026 season with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” running through June 11.