AGP Executive Report

Brooke County Schools Fallout: More lawsuits are piling up in the Brooke High hidden camera case, including a potential class action involving female students, as former principal Eric James faces felony charges and remains jailed on $100,000 bond. Local Education Safety: Authorities say recording devices were found in girls’ locker rooms and a dance team changing area, prompting suspensions, arrests, and ongoing investigation. Economic Development: Gov. Jim Morrisey says West Virginia has reached about $96 billion in private-sector investment since Oct. 2025, with more than 19,000 projected jobs, including major data center deals tied to NScale and Starwood. Rural Health: Morrisey announced the first Rural Health Transformation Program awards—nearly $2.4 million—to expand worksite clinics and employer-based care. Health Care Innovation: WVU Medicine performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic surgery for lung cancer, aiming for less pain and faster recovery. Outdoors & Community: WVDNR opened registration for Nature Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park (Sept. 11–13), a foraging-focused event. Sports: High school football is in full swing heading into Labor Day, and WVU opens its season Saturday vs. Coastal Carolina.

Social Security Watch: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito told West Virginia business leaders at the Greenbrier that Social Security is “safe,” pushing back on rumors that benefits could be cut or the retirement age raised. Medicaid & Health Care: The American Diabetes Association warns that new work requirements and cost-sharing changes could push some West Virginians with diabetes off Medicaid, potentially adding about $1,000 a year in out-of-pocket costs. State Budget: West Virginia officials have ordered flat budgets for FY28, a move that could shape funding decisions across agencies. Business & Growth: A ribbon-cutting is set for North Central West Virginia’s first Dave & Buster’s, scheduled to officially kick off Monday, Sept. 21, at the West Ridge Business and Retail Park in Westover. Outdoors Calendar: Registration is open for the 56th Annual Nature Wonder Weekend (Wild Foods Weekend) at North Bend State Park, Sept. 11–13. Community & Sports: West Virginia’s football season buzz continues with previews and weekend coverage, including attention on WVU’s opener against Coastal Carolina.

Federal Court Fight Over Climate Costs: A judge blocked New York’s “climate Superfund” law that would have charged fossil fuel companies $75 billion over 25 years, saying it’s preempted by the federal Clean Air Act—an outcome West Virginia AG JB McCuskey called a victory. Power, Data Centers, and the Grid: At the West Virginia Chamber summit, NextEra discussed the MARL transmission project’s job and tax impacts, while Gov. Morrisey announced Starwood Digital Ventures’ $12 billion Mason County data center plans. Local Flood Recovery: Martinsburg leaders urged residents and businesses to finish FEMA disaster surveys after last week’s record flooding, and said permit fees will be waived for about a month. Public Help for Storm Victims: USDA approved D-SNAP for West Virginia disaster areas, with in-person applications set for Sept. 21-25 in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur. Community and Safety: WV State Treasurer Larry Pack reported more than $3.2 million in unclaimed property returned in August. Health and Education: WVU School of Dentistry opened a renovated, expanded facility in Morgantown to boost pediatric dentistry and orthodontics training. Business News: Chicken Salad Chick announced its first West Virginia restaurant opening in Barboursville on Sept. 16.

Health Care & Education: WVU’s School of Dentistry opened a renovated, expanded facility in Morgantown, bringing together modern pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, group practice, and a dental innovation center after a $12.6 million federal award and private support. Public Health Access: WVU’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Upshur County and nearby sites in late September and early October, with screenings available through insurance or grant-funded help for eligible uninsured West Virginians. State & Local Government: West Virginia’s MV-1 vehicle tax credit is available if residents pay their bill on time—first-half by Oct. 1 or second-half by April 1—so taxpayers can claim the credit on next year’s return. Courts & Policy: A federal judge ruled against New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act in a case led by West Virginia’s attorney general and a coalition of fossil fuel companies and 22 states. Local Governance: Parkersburg is changing its recycling fees after a court order found the city’s opt-in subscription setup violated state law, moving toward a flat monthly fee for residential customers. Sports: WVU football is preparing for its Sept. 5 opener at home against Coastal Carolina, with Rich Rodriguez keeping the starting quarterback decision under wraps while the rebuilt offensive line looks to prove itself. Community & Safety: The West Virginia Supreme Court says Justice Bill Wooton was taken to a hospital after a medical incident during the first day of fall term arguments. Arts & Culture: Oak Hill’s Oak Leaf Festival named Hilary Williams guest of honor and grand marshal for Labor Day weekend.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is heading to Upshur County with low-dose CT scans Sept. 29-30 (Community Care in Rock Cave), Oct. 1 (WVU St. Joseph’s in Buckhannon), and Oct. 2 (Community Care in Buckhannon), with help for uninsured West Virginians who meet screening criteria. Local Giving: Kids of Kanawha delivered 4,300 pairs of shoes to Kanawha County students for the start of school, reaching all high schools, all middle schools, and most elementary schools. Courts & State Government: West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Bill Wooton was taken to a hospital after a medical incident on the bench during oral arguments Wednesday; the court canceled the rest of the day’s hearings. Community & Culture: Bed for Every Head is expanding into Ohio, starting in Washington County, to provide beds for children and other household members. WVU & Economy: WVU leaders say the university and WVU Medicine drive about $14.3 billion in annual economic impact and are pursuing major research partnerships and new facilities. Public Safety: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of West Virginia and surrounding states. Sports: Notre Dame’s women’s basketball ACC schedule for 2026-27 starts and ends at the Joyce Center, with the ACC Tournament set for March 3-7 in Charlotte.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is heading to Upshur County with low-dose CT appointments Sept. 29-30 (Community Care – Rock Cave), Oct. 1 (WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, Buckhannon), and Oct. 2 (Community Care – Buckhannon). Screenings are billed to private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, and uninsured West Virginians may qualify through grant funding; a physician’s order and prior authorization are required, and appointments must be booked 14+ days ahead. Local Services: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito visited the Charleston offices of United Way of Central West Virginia to learn how West Virginia 211 connects residents to state and federal help via phone, text, or wv211.org. Courts & Public Safety: A grand jury will hear a Beverly man’s child sexual assault case after he waived a preliminary hearing, and a Randolph County case involving a Montrose man accused of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm has cleared probable cause. Community & Culture: The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival authors forum drew writers and readers to the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library ahead of the festival weekend. Sports & Schools: High school standouts from across the region are set to compete Thursday, Sept. 3, and WVU football is preparing for a rebuilt offensive line as Game 1 approaches.

Data Centers & Taxes: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack released a report meant to clear up how data center tax revenue would flow, using the Berkeley County Penzance project and the Putnam County Google project as examples, with officials saying communities will see revenue through county commissions, school boards, and related funds. State Finances: West Virginia General Revenue Fund collections for August totaled $449 million, beating estimates by $34 million, while personal income and sales taxes also came in above projections. New River Gorge Repairs: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve broke ground on an $11.8 million project to repair the Rend Trail and bridges, aiming to improve safety and access and support tourism. Public Safety Tech Debate: Across the state, law enforcement leaders defended Flock cameras after Florida’s FDOT ordered agencies to remove the AI license plate readers, arguing the tools help catch suspects while calling for safeguards. Opioid Response: National Save A Life Day, organized by Charleston’s SOAR WV, is set for Sept. 24 with free naloxone and overdose education at booths statewide. Health Care: Grafton City Hospital officially transitioned into the Vandalia Health system as Vandalia Health Grafton Hospital, effective Sept. 1. Courts & Climate: A federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “climate Superfund” law, a ruling West Virginia AG JB McCuskey called a major victory.

Tourism Win: West Virginia Department of Tourism received a U.S. Travel ESTO Award for Excellence in Print Marketing for its 2026 Vacation Guide, praising the guide’s storytelling and design. Power Line Fight: Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is voicing opposition to the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, arguing it would harm rural land, groundwater, and historic sites. Courts & Energy: West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey says a federal judge blocked New York’s $75 billion “Climate Change Superfund Act,” calling it a win for energy producers. Public Safety & Health: A man was arrested after being found passed out behind the wheel at Pipestem State Park with fentanyl, pills, and firearms recovered. Community & Recovery: Mulberry Fork’s road was rebuilt two weeks after flash flooding, though residents say recovery is still ongoing. Sports & Local Life: WVU football season prep is already in full swing at Milan Puskar Stadium, and a 9-year-old Hurricane skateboarder is making waves in a male-dominated sport. Wildlife: Two unbanded peregrine falcons were confirmed at the New River Gorge Bridge, a hopeful sign for the species’ return.

Local Economic Development: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito toured the $20 million LIFT Center on Charleston’s East End, a former Kanawha Manufacturing Plant site set to finish in November, but officials are still seeking a tenant for the 55,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing/energy space. Disaster Relief & Food Access: West Virginia approved a temporary SNAP waiver for flood-impacted Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties, letting families buy hot prepared food Aug. 28 through Sept. 26. State Policy & Courts: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is leading a Supreme Court push to overturn a Biden-era EPA air quality rule, arguing it will raise costs and stall new projects. Community & Culture: The West Virginia Humanities Council awarded 27 minigrants for small nonprofit humanities projects. Sports & Community Pride: Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders, 91, reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail, finishing Monday in Maine after starting last September in West Virginia. Business Climate: A new study ranks West Virginia No. 1 for five-year business survival, citing support for entrepreneurs.

State Tourism & Culture: West Virginia’s Department of Tourism won a U.S. Travel ESTO Award for Excellence in Print Marketing for its 2026 Vacation Guide, highlighting the state’s seasons, history, music, and waterfalls, with both free print and digital versions available. Local Sports: WVU men’s soccer played UNC Greensboro to a 1-1 draw, with Pablo Pozos scoring his first goal of the season. Public Health & Addiction Services: Monongalia County is facing a steep shortage of addiction counselors, with one counselor for about every 960 residents impacted by substance use disorder, prompting a request for county support for workforce scholarships. Conservation: West Virginia elk are roaming farther beyond the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area as the restored herd grows; 2026 elk management tours run Sept. 13 through Oct. 24 in Logan County. Community & Recovery: Charleston’s WV Sober Living hosted the fifth annual Kickoff to Recovery on Magic Island, featuring a 5K and resources for substance use disorder support. Government Watch: FOIA and WVCheckbook data show invoices still coming in for Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s Capitol City Celebration, with spending nearing the $2 million budget while other costs run higher.

Local Health Care & Medicaid: A Kanawha County judge approved a partial $700,000 settlement tied to the 2023 death of an NCRJ inmate, with claims that he wasn’t properly evaluated or treated after being transported. Child Care & Workforce: Del. Clay Riley says child care is a key economic issue and will be discussed at the West Virginia Chamber’s Business Summit, pointing to low workforce participation and the high cost of care. Water Protection: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration announced WVDEP will remove hazardous materials from the former Belchers Cleaners site in Oceana to protect West Virginia water resources. Public Safety: Senator Justice joined officials to celebrate the opening of a new emergency department for the Marshall Health Network–Rivers Health in Mason County. Arts & Literacy: Read Aloud West Virginia launched a September fundraising drive in memory of Dolly Parton to support Imagination Library partners and expand early reading resources. Health Watch: Federal health officials added Georgia, Tennessee and Texas to a cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, bringing confirmed illnesses to 11,458. Sports: Week 0 college football is in full swing, and West Virginia sports coverage includes local and regional matchups plus betting guides for the season’s opening slate.

Local Public Safety: Monongalia County deputies say a reported child abduction ended quickly after FLOCK camera alerts helped locate a matching vehicle; the 9-year-old was recovered unharmed and the suspect was taken into custody. State Government & Environment: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration says WVDEP, with EPA Region 3, will remove hazardous materials from the former Belchers Cleaners site in Oceana to protect West Virginia water resources. Healthcare & Community: Senator Jim Justice joined Marshall Health Network–Rivers Health to celebrate the opening of a new emergency department in Mason County. Local Government Finance: State Treasurer Larry Pack returned $1,331.52 in unclaimed property funds to the Logan County Commission. Sports (West Virginia): West Virginia Wesleyan snapped a 35-game losing streak with a 56-24 win over Post University; in other college action, West Virginia State opened with a 56-24 road win over Chowan. Education & Literacy: Read Aloud West Virginia launched a September fundraising campaign to match donations in memory of Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library.

Child Safety Update: Monongalia County deputies say a reported child abduction involving 9-year-old Jackson Blaney ended quickly after FLOCK camera alerts helped locate the suspect vehicle; Jackson was found unharmed and the suspect was taken into custody. Public Safety: West Virginia law enforcement is stepping up impaired driving enforcement for “Saturation Saturday,” part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, with high-visibility DUI patrols statewide. State & Federal Policy: Kentucky’s attorney general, co-leading a coalition with West Virginia, has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Biden-era EPA air pollution rule tightening soot limits. Local Sports & Community: Marshall Athletics is renewing its TV partnership with WSAZ as the “Home of the Herd,” expanding game coverage and behind-the-scenes programming. Sports Betting (Week 0): College football’s Week 0 kicks off Saturday with major matchups and a wave of sportsbook promos, including BetMGM’s first-bet offer and other welcome bonuses tied to specific games.

WVU Health & Science: WVU Medicine surgeons performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted lobectomy for lung cancer, aiming for less pain and faster recovery. Public Safety & Immigration: An Ogden council member is pushing for clearer police guidelines after an incident involving an officer, an ICE agent, and an immigrant. Local Health Access: SNAP hot-food waivers were approved for four flood-impacted West Virginia counties (Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, Upshur), letting households buy prepared hot meals through late September. Politics & Policy: Opponents of Charleston-area surveillance tech want “guardrails” on Flock-style cameras and license plate readers, citing warrantless tracking concerns. Courts & Environment: West Virginia’s Intermediate Court dismissed challenges to Fundamental Data’s Tucker County data center permit, saying it lacked jurisdiction under current environmental review rules. Community & Culture: Miss West Virginia Elizabeth Romanek and Teen Zoe Little will represent the state at Miss America in Florida. Sports: WVU football is expected to name Michael Hawkins Jr. as starting QB ahead of the Coastal Carolina opener.

WVU Medicine Breakthrough: A team at WVU Heart and Vascular and the WVU Cancer Institute performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted lung lobectomy, aiming for less pain, shorter stays, and faster recovery for eligible patients. Local Health & Community: Charleston is using opioid settlement funds to back local treatment and recovery initiatives through grants coordinated with United Way of Central West Virginia. Flood Aftermath in Martinsburg: A severe storm brought flash flooding, hail, and damaging winds, with basements and roads hit hard and multiple schools closed as crews assessed damage and cleared debris. Catholic Church Update: The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston expanded access to the traditional Latin Mass and named an episcopal delegate for the usus antiquior. Sports Spotlight: Morgantown High standout Kayli Kellogg committed to WVU, and WVU football is expected to name Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr. as starting quarterback. Environment: Gov. Morrisey announced hazardous materials cleanup at the abandoned Belchers Cleaners site in Oceana. Literacy Campaign: Read Aloud West Virginia launched a September fundraising drive matching donations in memory of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Greenbrier Resort Deal: The West Virginia Lottery Commission unanimously approved the Justice family’s financing/ownership shift with Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, placing KLIM in majority control and aiming for stability at the state’s “crown jewel.” Medicaid Work Requirement Prep: WV Human Services is warning Medicaid members that, starting Jan. 1, 2027, some adults ages 19-64 in the Adult Expansion Group must complete 80 hours a month of work or approved community activities (or qualify for an exception) to keep coverage. Public Safety & Courts: Kanawha County renamed its prosecuting courtroom for late U.S. Attorney Chuck Miller, while the county commissioner selection process hit a snag when two nominees reportedly said they won’t serve if chosen. Health Alert: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now been confirmed in 20 states, with 11,458 cases and 495 hospitalizations, including West Virginia. Business & Jobs: bet365 launched its sportsbook and casino in West Virginia ahead of football season. Local Schools: Kanawha County Schools’ Hope Scholarship/special education return rules are backed by the state superintendent as legally sound. Healthcare Innovation: WVU Medicine performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic lung surgery for lobectomy, aiming for less pain and faster recovery. Sports & Community: Frankfort was voted preseason No. 1 in Class AA Area Top 5, and Elkins used $12,500 in opioid settlement funds to keep its GameChanger prevention program running.