AGP Executive Report

Federal Justice: U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey says a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering ring operating from the Detroit area into West Virginia has been dismantled, with a 114-count indictment charging 28 people tied to sales of meth, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base in Monongalia County and nearby areas. Public Safety: U.S. Marshals arrested a Florida murder suspect, Matthew Waggle, in Dunbar, West Virginia, where he’s awaiting extradition after the Dawn Kriskewic case. Health & Food Safety: The CDC reports the jalapeño-linked Salmonella Javiana outbreak has grown to 431 illnesses in 32 states, with 57 hospitalizations; the grower remains unnamed. Local Government: Monongalia County approved placing a Mon EMS levy renewal on the November ballot, keeping the same property-rate structure and funding emergency medical services. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced $145 million for Wayne County and southern WV water projects, including major leak fixes and an emergency pipeline plan. Crime & Courts: A former West Virginia delegate, Elliott Pritt, was indicted on federal charges tied to sexual exploitation of a child. Weather: The Pittsburgh-area National Weather Service confirmed 2026’s tornado record at 30 total, including two Aug. 16 tornadoes.

Water Infrastructure Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced an additional $145 million for West Virginia water and wastewater projects, rolling out a “Clean, Clear Water Strategy” aimed at speeding up grants and helping small, understaffed systems. Flood Recovery: Fayette County agencies and volunteers are still delivering meals, drinking water, and updates after flash flooding washed out parts of Route 61 and left families stranded in hollows like Robson. Public Safety & Courts: A former Kanawha County sheriff’s deputy was federally indicted on a civil rights charge tied to an alleged sexual assault of an inmate. Child Welfare Plan: 180 Ranch is moving forward with a plan to buy a 250-acre site in Jackson County to house foster children and reduce reliance on hotels and temporary placements. Health Care Impact: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage patients will lose in-network benefits at Valley Health facilities after contract talks failed. Sports & Campus: WVU is preparing for the season amid injuries, while WVU women’s soccer hosts Penn State in a top-25 matchup. Community Events: Bridgeport’s Family Fun Extravaganza Festival opens Thursday at The Bridge Sports Complex and runs through Aug. 29.

WVU Sports: No. 22 WVU women’s soccer hosts No. 23 Penn State Thursday night in Morgantown, aiming to snap a long winless streak in the series after a 2-0 home opener win over Dayton. Public Safety & Tech: Flock Safety is tightening rules on its license-plate reader network, recommending shorter data retention and adding limits meant to curb abusive searches as cities and lawmakers push back. State Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $145 million more for West Virginia water and wastewater projects under a new “Clean, Clear Water Strategy,” targeting faster help for small, struggling utilities. Local Government: Sistersville approved park security cameras and police software updates, plus an ordinance first reading on proper vehicle/boat/ATV registration display. Courts & Justice: Former Fayette County delegate/teacher David Elliott Pritt was indicted on federal felony charges tied to alleged sexual exploitation of a child and witness tampering. Community & Culture: West Virginia’s tourism office launched a live fall foliage tracker and a “Almost Heaven Swing BINGO” challenge for travelers. Remembering a WVU Legend: Willie Akers, a WVU Hall of Famer and longtime Logan coach, died at 89.

Severe Weather Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a statewide State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties after storms Aug. 16-18 brought flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and water rescues, with the order effective for 30 days. Public Safety & Courts: A Harrison County traffic stop led to felony drug charges after deputies found fentanyl and meth hidden in a secret compartment inside a metal flask; the suspect is jailed. Opioid Funds Shift: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey announced a change to how future opioid settlement money is split, moving more control to state and local governments instead of the West Virginia First Foundation. Child Safety Case: A former West Virginia State Police officer pleaded guilty to child pornography charges and faces 15 to 30 years in prison. Energy & Local Power Fight: Pleasants Power Station’s owners are battling in bankruptcy court, with Omnis Fuel Technologies arguing the filing was in bad faith and seeking dismissal or a trustee. Tourism Leadership: Morrisey appointed Kayla Kessinger as Secretary of Tourism, citing record tourism impact and jobs. Local Institutions: Davis & Elkins College wrapped up Welcome Weekend for new and returning students, and Vandalia Health named Dr. Christopher Conrad as Emergency Department Director.

Flood Response: Flash flooding hit West Virginia again, with Charleston under a state of emergency and thousands reporting power outages as storms triggered dozens of water-rescue calls. Public Health: CDC data shows U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates fell again as exemptions climbed to a record high, raising concerns for school-year disease prevention. State Government: Gov. Patrick Morrisey named Kayla Kessinger as West Virginia’s new Secretary of Tourism and Arts & History. Water Infrastructure: West Virginia American Water is investing $166,000 to replace aging pipe on Lakota Road in Fayetteville, with construction expected to finish by late September. Legal Access: West Virginia’s legal “desert” problem stays in focus as the State Bar highlights efforts to expand attorney presence in rural areas. Surveillance Backlash: A growing national fight over license-plate camera networks continues as communities push back and vandals target devices. Local Business & Community: West Virginia Hive will showcase six entrepreneurs at Bridge Day 2026, spotlighting southern West Virginia makers and services.

Flood Recovery & Emergency Response: Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin declared a state of emergency after devastating flooding, expanding the city’s ability to move resources as residents assess damage. Disaster Aid Access: FEMA disaster recovery centers are opening Tuesday for Pleasants and Ritchie County storm victims, joining centers already operating in Upshur and Lewis. Local Business Reopening: CVS Pharmacy in Weston reopened after severe flash flooding forced a full restoration, cleaning, and restocking of prescriptions and merchandise. Legal System Pressure: A new report says West Virginia has “legal deserts,” with 46 of 55 counties lacking enough court-appointed counsel, renewing calls for pay and policy fixes. Power Plant Fight in Court: Omnis Fuel Technologies moved to dismiss Pleasants Power Station’s Chapter 11 case, escalating a dispute over control of the profitable 1,278-MW facility. Public Safety & Health: A CSB report says a Kanawha County chemical plant didn’t require respirators during decommissioning after a deadly hydrogen sulfide release. Drug Charges: Harrison County deputies charged a man after finding fentanyl and meth hidden in a secret compartment inside a metal flask during a traffic stop. Community Giving: WVU Cancer Institute’s Golf and Sporting Clays Classic raised over $100,000 for cancer patients through the Connection 304 Fund. Food Safety Recall: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits were recalled in 29 states over possible listeria contamination, including West Virginia.

Storm Recovery: Flood warnings and watches stayed up across West Virginia Monday as heavy rain and flash-flood risk lingered after deadly Midwest storms, with more than 30,000 customers still without power statewide. State Emergency Response: Gov. Morrisey said his office is closely monitoring conditions and that parts of the state remain under emergency declarations tied to July flooding. Public Safety: Monongalia County’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement runs Aug. 7-24, and West Virginia State Police announced a Sept. 3 DUI checkpoint in Jackson County. Healthcare Access: A federal judge let a lawsuit challenging West Virginia’s long-standing restrictions on new methadone clinics move forward, arguing the rules block access to treatment. Local Politics/Surveillance: Huntington residents launched a “Rolling Rally” canvass to ban third-party Flock cameras and push for voiding city contracts. Business & Community: North Central West Virginia Airport opened its new 53,000-square-foot passenger terminal, and a CVS in Weston reopened after flood restoration. Sports & Campus: WVU’s freshman CB Vincent Smith is already drawing excitement, and Miami dismissed former WVU WR Cam Vaughn.

Flooding Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia emergency teams are coordinating with local first responders as heavy rain triggers rescues, road closures, and dangerous conditions again across the state. Local Impacts: In Fayette County, flooding washed out an access bridge at the animal shelter and the Fayette County Assessor’s Office and Tax Department will close Monday for cleanup, while flash-flood warnings also hit parts of the Kanawha Valley. Rescues & Damage: A woman and four dogs were pulled from a flooded home in Dunbar, and storms also forced closures and detours around the New River Gorge, including blocked roads and washed-out private bridges. Greenbrier Deal: The Justice family says it has finalized a partnership with Kennedy Lewis Investment Management for a majority stake in The Greenbrier, with the prior lender’s case dismissed and regulators urged to move quickly. Weather Alerts: The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for multiple West Virginia counties as severe storms continued to threaten. Education Enrollment: West Virginia’s community and technical colleges report record enrollment in the West Virginia Invests tuition program, with more than 1,500 students and strong FAFSA completion rates.

Flash Flooding & Power Outages: Heavy rain kept West Virginia on edge Sunday, with Flash Flood Warnings in multiple counties and 6,262 customers without power statewide as crews responded to flooded roads and downed hazards. Education & Student Voice: The West Virginia Department of Education launched the Super STARS Council, naming 15 students statewide to shape middle-school engagement and career pathways. Public Safety & Courts: West Virginia is facing a growing shortage of court-appointed attorneys, with the state’s legal deserts expanding as legal demand rises. Local Crime: A Culloden man was charged with second-degree murder after a fatal bar fight in St. Albans left one man dead. Jobs & Defense Industry: Pratt & Whitney Canada won a nine-year, $1 billion contract tied to engine overhauls at the North Central West Virginia Airport, supporting thousands of local jobs. Sports: WVU added a fullback, Kayden Luke, to add size and rushing blocking potential. Health & Consumer Alert: Walmart Marketside tomato soup kits were recalled in multiple states, including West Virginia, over possible listeria contamination. Business/Tech: Germany-based Helsing plans manufacturing operations in Berkeley County, aiming to create at least 60 jobs.

Tourism & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia’s Tourism Works has topped 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since launching in March 2025, with more than 4,000 residents enrolled in the free training. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge sentenced Harrison County fentanyl supplier Michael Adam Sine to 145 months, saying the operation distributed deadly drugs across North Central West Virginia. Weather: Southern West Virginia gets a brief break, but Sunday brings another round of storms with flash-flood risk rising, including damaging-wind and isolated tornado potential. State Fair & Culture: The 101st West Virginia State Fair kicked off, featuring Hot Glass Academy’s 2,000-degree glassblowing demos and a packed lineup of concerts and events. Community & Arts: WV Public Theatre will stage “Did My Grandfather Kill My Grandfather?” at WVU in late August, a one-man play rooted in a Vietnamese American family story. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits in multiple states, including West Virginia, over possible listeria contamination.

Greenbrier Resort Ownership: The Justice family finalized a deal giving Kennedy Lewis Investment Management a majority stake in The Greenbrier, with the West Virginia Lottery Commission approving the casino to keep operating during the transition. State Politics & Privacy: Flock Safety says it’s tightening privacy, accountability, and security after backlash over license-plate cameras; West Virginia lawmakers have pressed on data security and whether the company has been hacked. Public Safety Alert: Authorities issued an urgent alert for two children reported abducted in Greenbrier County, believed taken by their mother, Nicole Cary, who is considered armed and dangerous. Energy & Jobs: Form Energy secured $750 million in new equity to expand its West Virginia battery factory in Weirton. Local Economy: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Jefferson County hit $4.19 for the week ending Aug. 8. Education: Hancock County commissioners hired outside counsel tied to opioid-funding negotiations with Family Care Ministries. Sports & Community: WVU women’s soccer opened the season with a 2-0 win over Dayton; and Martinsburg tied for 4th statewide for BBB scam reports in July with five.

Greenbrier Deal Update: The Justice family and Kennedy Lewis Investment Management say they’ve completed a $500 million joint venture that gives Kennedy Lewis 51% control, while the Greenbrier casino can stay open during the Lottery Commission’s review. Courts & Health Care: A federal judge refused to toss a lawsuit challenging West Virginia’s long-standing methadone clinic moratorium, letting the case by SOAR-WV move forward. Public Safety: U.S. Marshals arrested a West Virginia sexual abuse suspect in Arizona, and he’s awaiting extradition back to Parkersburg. Food Safety: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits sold in 29 states—including West Virginia—were recalled over possible Listeria contamination; no confirmed illnesses reported. Weather Watch: Southern West Virginia faces more active weather, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and lightning threats in the forecast. State Policy: WVDEP is taking comments on draft stream restoration plans for Upper Elk River tributaries and Eastern Panhandle watersheds. Local Life: A South Charleston beekeeper’s fight over city limits on hives heads to the state Supreme Court.

Black Lung Crisis: New federal data shows Appalachian underground coal miners are hitting the highest black lung rates in 50 years, with one in three central Appalachia miners testing positive after long underground work. Flood Recovery: Gov. Jim Morrisey extended West Virginia’s state of emergency in 12 storm-hit counties through mid-September, keeping recovery resources and coordination in place. Data Center Fight: Residents in Tucker County are pushing back against a proposed massive data center campus, saying they still lack clear answers on air and water impacts. Food Safety: Walmart-linked Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are recalled in 29 states over possible Listeria, with a use-by date still not reached; separate egg and jalapeño-related recalls are also expanding. Public Health & Work: UMWA is demanding immediate enforcement of silica rules as black lung climbs again. Local Life: Riverside General Store in Crumpler reopened with its 1950s feel, aiming to stay a community hub. Energy & Power: Grid upgrades are planned for Johnson and Lawrence counties, and power restoration efforts continue after severe weather.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is heading to Harrison and Clay counties with low-dose CT scans Sept. 9 (Clarksburg) and Sept. 11 (Ivydale), with appointments requiring prior authorization and grant support available for eligible uninsured West Virginians. Public Safety: A coal mine in Barbour County was evacuated after carbon monoxide was detected, with state and federal mine safety officials investigating a suspected fire-related cause. Local Courts: A Beverly man accused of child abuse after a juvenile was allegedly found bound with zip ties is headed to a Randolph County grand jury after waiving a preliminary hearing. Education: The West Virginia Board of Education reports math and ELA are back near pre-pandemic levels, but science gains are slowing in the 2025-26 statewide assessments. Health & Community: USDA-APHIS will air-drop oral rabies vaccine baits across north central West Virginia starting today through Sept. 4, targeting raccoons to stop the spread. Economy & Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and legislative leaders unveiled a seven-point Responsible Data Center Development Plan to guide data center growth over the next 20 years. Weather: More active weather is expected, with flood potential still on the table.

Health Care Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is heading to Harrison and Clay counties, offering low-dose CT scans Sept. 9 (Community Care–Clarksburg) and Sept. 11 (Community Care–Big Otter in Ivydale), with uninsured West Virginians potentially covered through grant funding. State Economic Development: West Virginia’s Office of Entrepreneurship is inviting public logo design submissions for its new visual identity, with ideas due by Aug. 31. Local Government/Infrastructure: Monongalia County Commission reaffirmed support for the Exit 155 Western Monongalia Gateways Project, approving a service agreement tied to the first phase and aiming for Sept. 1 design delivery. Community & Education: Pierpont C&TC celebrated 42 new LPN graduates, the largest class in its history, during a pinning ceremony. Public Safety/Weather: Severe storms and flooding continued to disrupt life across the region, with flood watches and widespread power outages reported in the Midwest. Energy & Jobs: Form Energy raised $750 million to expand its West Virginia iron-air battery plant, citing surging multi-day storage demand from data centers.

Health Access: Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography is scheduled to stop in Mercer, Doddridge and Ritchie counties in September, offering 3D screenings and breast care education, with help for uninsured women who qualify. Public Safety & Courts: A Harrison County man was sentenced after federal prosecution tied to drug trafficking and a firearms scheme, with Bridgeport-area agencies involved. Education Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers grilled the new human services secretary over the school clothing voucher program, where families say benefits are being pulled as cash; separately, the state board declared a state of emergency for Wyoming County Schools after governance, leadership and finance concerns. Environment & Cleanup: WVDEP and the state Department of Agriculture provided an update on cleanup at the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire site, including ongoing sampling and results so far below levels requiring extra protective steps. Weather: Flood Watch remains in effect for parts of southeast West Virginia and nearby areas as heavy rain could trigger localized flash flooding. Local Notes: Morgantown welcomed students ahead of the new academic year, and a coal mine in Barbour County was evacuated as a precaution after carbon monoxide rose.