AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in Obamacare “overcharges” with $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, for people who paid full premiums through the federal exchange. Public Safety & Courts: A Mercer County jury convicted John Aaron Norton of first-degree murder without mercy in the shooting death of Jessica “Jessie” Smith, with sentencing still ahead. Local Crime: In Elkins, police arrested Kasey Rhyan Stewart, accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm after a report of a man with a gun near a daycare. Energy & Infrastructure: A Public Service Commission engineer testified that NextEra’s MARL transmission line through four West Virginia counties would bring no clear benefit and should be denied. Community & Culture: Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport held a ribbon cutting for Owl Creek Market, a new shop featuring West Virginia-made goods. Remembering 9/11: WVU faculty members shared personal accounts of the Sept. 11 attacks 25 years later, and local events marked the anniversary. Health: COVID-19 vaccines are now available at GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacies, including in West Virginia.

9/11 Remembrance: Gov. Jim Morrisey joined federal law enforcement and first responders in Clarksburg for the 25th anniversary ceremony, ordering flags at half-staff and calling for a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Health Care: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states will get $500 Obamacare refund checks in October, aimed at people who paid full premiums through the federal exchange. PFAS Lawsuits & Settlements: Wood County residents filed a class-action against Chemours over alleged PFAS contamination from a landfill; meanwhile, North Carolina announced a $455 million PFAS settlement with Chemours/DuPont/Corteva. Local Schools: Contracts were released for Harrison County’s incoming superintendent, Dr. Sheena VanMeter, and a state consultant ahead of the next BOE meeting. Broadband: Gov. Morrisey announced a $100 million-plus fiber expansion to connect about 10,000 rural homes and businesses. Public Health: The FDA says the Cyclospora outbreak is over, with the recalled lettuce no longer on shelves. Sports: WVU looks to start 2-0 Saturday against UT Martin after a rocky second half vs. Coastal Carolina.

Health Care Relief: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including West Virginia, will get $500 ACA refunds starting in October, funded by what the White House calls excessive “user fees” collected during the Biden administration. Election & Courts: The DOJ is pushing to preserve 2024 election records as voter-data lawsuits continue, including an appeal tied to a West Virginia voter data case. 9/11 Remembered: WVU faculty are sharing personal accounts of Sept. 11, and the university plans a Sept. 11 memorial event in Morgantown with remarks from faculty and WVU President Michael T. Benson. Local Business: A new West Virginia artist marketplace, Owl Creek Market, opened at Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport after a ribbon cutting by the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. Sports (WV focus): WVU football begins its season under new coach Ryan Beard, with coverage also highlighting Hawkins’ first start and the Mountaineers’ opener vs. Coastal Carolina.

Rural Healthcare Push: Ascend WV is set to receive $2.4 million to recruit and retain at least 125 licensed healthcare professionals in rural West Virginia, with wraparound support for new hires. Power Grid Fight: A state utility engineer urged the Public Service Commission to deny NextEra’s MARL transmission line application in full, saying the grid analysis was outdated and offered no material benefit to West Virginia. Environmental Accountability: North Carolina announced a $590 million PFAS settlement with DuPont and Chemours tied to contamination in the Cape Fear River, the largest recovery in state history—an effort Attorney General Jeff Jackson says will fund clean drinking water and repairs. Legal Watch: A Kanawha County judge is set to decide soon whether a retaliation lawsuit against the West Virginia State Police can move forward after a hidden-camera whistleblower claim. Public Safety: Police in Monongalia County arrested a man after a shooting during an altercation at a short-term rental, charging him with wanton endangerment and malicious assault. Broadband Expansion: Gov. Morrisey announced major rural fiber broadband expansion in West Virginia, aiming to connect thousands of previously unserved locations.

Public Health: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak has surged to 19,595 lab-confirmed cases since May 1, with 6,149 more reported as pending or unconfirmed, and West Virginia growers still feeling fallout even as the season ends Aug. 31. Outdoor Life: West Virginia has dropped the minimum age for youth hunting in special seasons, and the regular squirrel season opens Sept. 12 with a six-squirrel daily bag limit. Nuclear Energy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia is now in the running for a federal nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, joining five other states, though environmental advocates raise concerns about spent fuel and community impacts. Education & Courts: State Treasurer Larry Pack says his office will defend the Hope Scholarship as Mingo County parents sue to block its statewide expansion. Local Safety: Harrison County authorities detailed an alleged “caged child” case in Clarksburg, and separate reporting notes a fatal UTV crash in Clay County. Healthcare Workforce: Ascend WV is set to receive $2.4 million to recruit and retain rural health workers. Sports: WVU volleyball hosts a tournament in Morgantown, while WVU football’s defense focuses on “contain” after Week 1 issues.

Public Safety: Winchester police say they’re searching for a suspect who threatened to bring a bomb and then return to Walmart to shoot people; officers cleared the store and found no devices. Law Enforcement: “Operation Coal Country” wrapped up with 59 arrests in southern West Virginia, including sex-offender registration violations and new sex-crime charges. Health & Education: Gov. Morrisey announced $2.4 million for Ascend WV to recruit and retain rural healthcare workers, while West Virginia expanded Medicaid school-based health services to more students with IEPs, 504 plans and other plans. State Government: AG Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Sports & Community: Musselman principal Alicia Riggleman was named West Virginia School Principal of the Year, and the 25th Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion returns Sept. 11–13 with App State alum Richard Oakley as director. Outdoors: WVDNR set the statewide squirrel season to open Sept. 12 through Feb. 28, 2027.

Nuclear Energy Push: Gov. Jim Morrisey says West Virginia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to join the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, a step that could open the door to new nuclear power investment and planning. Public Safety: Two people died in a side-by-side UTV crash in Webster County near the Webster-Randolph line; a third person was taken to a hospital. Education Spotlight: West Virginia’s inaugural Champions of Learning Gala honored top educators statewide, with Charleston-area leaders and school staff recognized for teaching and student support. Health & Community: A new study finds black lung cases among Central Appalachia coal miners have surged to the highest levels since 1978, driven in part by increased silica exposure. Local Sports: WVU’s special teams shined in its season-opening win, while Glenville State announced a men’s basketball exhibition against WVU on Oct. 23. Local Governance: Mercer County approved a $215,000 repair agreement to save the historic Bramwell Depot roof, with spending required before the end of 2026.

Hope Scholarship Lawsuit: Mingo County parents sued to block expanded Hope Scholarship payments, arguing the universal-eligibility change threatens public school funding and leaves rural families with no real choice. Public Safety Update: Gov. Morrisey says violent crime fell 5.6% in 2025, property crime dropped 13.5%, and overdose deaths fell 12%—crediting tougher drug laws like Lauren’s Law and ongoing enforcement. WVU Leadership: West Virginia University named Kim Clark, a former Twitter and Charles Schwab executive, as its new chief information officer, tasked with cybersecurity, digital innovation, and responsible AI adoption. Local Courts & Crime: Harrison County drug investigation led to nearly a dozen arrests tied to meth, fentanyl, and cocaine charges. State Police Training: WV State Police will test for its 79th cadet class Sept. 9 in Beckley, and begin Keystone Model crisis-management training for new cadets Sept. 9. Education After Flooding: WVU Jackson’s Mill is hosting Lewis County middle school students displaced by July flooding for the 2026-27 school year. Community Recovery: Valley Link donated $35,000 to local nonprofits supporting families hit by July storms in north-central West Virginia.

Local Government: Elkins City Council adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan after a 2023-to-2026 public process, setting new goals for land use, housing, infrastructure and more. State Politics/Economy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey told the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce summit that West Virginia has seen about $96 billion in private investment commitments since last October, tying growth to an “energy dominance” push. Energy/Permitting: U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice focused on energy and permitting reform, arguing West Virginia should lead on electricity and infrastructure. Public Safety/Scams: AG JB McCuskey says scam reports rose to 401 in August, with Medicare scams leading; he also warns about state-representative impersonation and video-call sweepstakes tricks. Local Culture/Tourism: Elkins will install a new “canoe kiosk” in the Railyard, unveiled Sept. 19, as part of a Mon Forest Towns public art and outdoor tourism project. Wildlife Research: WV biologists at the White Sulphur Springs hatchery are giving juvenile crayfish tiny “backpacks” to track movement and survival. Sports: WVU beat Coastal Carolina 31-24, and No. 7 WVU women’s soccer topped Marshall 1-0 as Jordyn Wilson scored after a long injury gap. Health/Community: West Virginia Wesleyan launched advanced addiction treatment certifications with a grant-backed program aimed at workforce and recovery support.

Consumer Protection: West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey says his Consumer Protection Division logged 401 scam reports in August, led by Medicare scams, plus new warnings about scammers impersonating state representatives and using video calls to claim sweepstakes or lottery wins. State Politics & Business: At the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s 90th Annual Meeting and Business Summit, GOP lawmakers discussed economic development and how policy can drive success for small businesses, including updates tied to the state’s small-business growth push. Childcare Access: A childcare affordability law that took effect earlier this year is helping, but panelists at the summit say more support is still needed for working families and providers. Energy & Courts: West Virginia is suing Pennsylvania over alleged limits on energy credits, escalating a regional fight over how power producers can sell and profit. Data Centers & Utilities: The WV NAACP is backing a statewide data center moratorium, warning local chapters that these projects could raise utility costs for families. Public Safety: Two people died in a side-by-side crash in Webster County near the Randolph line. Sports (WVU): West Virginia’s Cam Cook earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after a 31-24 season-opening win over Coastal Carolina, while WVU women’s soccer stayed undefeated with a 1-0 Mountain State Derby win over Marshall. Community & Culture: WVU’s School of Art and Design announced free fall 2026 exhibits and lectures, and the West Virginia State Parks Foundation launched a fall colors photo contest.

Consumer Protection: West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey says his office logged 401 scam reports in August, led by Medicare fraud, plus new warnings about scammers impersonating state representatives (including spoofed WV phone numbers) and sweepstakes/lottery scams pushed through video calls. Labor Day & Energy: Labor Day spotlights vital workers, with WV coal miners highlighted as demand for power grows amid data centers and AI—while officials note the state’s “50 by 50” push to expand capacity faces big infrastructure and regulatory hurdles. Home Energy Programs: A federal home energy rebate program worth $88.2 million still hasn’t launched in West Virginia, leaving homeowners and renters waiting. Local Courts & Schools: Mingo County parents filed a lawsuit to block universal expansion of the Hope Scholarship, arguing school funding formulas weren’t updated. Public Safety: Boone County parents were arrested after investigators say two juvenile children drove a Ford F-250 without adult supervision. Sports: WVU women’s soccer stayed hot as Jordyn Wilson scored her first goal since 2023 in a 1-0 Mountain State Derby win over Marshall.

West Virginia Politics & Courts: Mingo County parents sued to block universal expansion of the Hope Scholarship, arguing the voucher program is draining already-strained local schools as a school closure looms. Public Health & Rural Hospitals: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen the Rural Emergency Hospital program, aiming to keep rural facilities from closing by easing barriers and boosting support. Education Equity: A new look at Fairmont State shows Black or African American students’ six-year bachelor’s completion rate at just 20.8% for the 2018 cohort, far below the statewide pooled rate. West Virginia Sports: WVU opened with a 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina, with Cam Cook running for 142 yards and two TDs; true freshman Kevin Brown made his debut on the offensive line in the season opener. Local Safety & Justice: The state is asking West Virginia’s highest court to limit how families pursue “deliberate indifference” claims after jail deaths, with arguments set for Sept. 8. Energy & Cost of Living: National gas prices hit $4.14 as Labor Day travel nears, tied to crude oil volatility. Community & Culture: A West Virginia angler set a new state record with a 72.75-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River.

WVU Football: West Virginia opened its season in Morgantown with a 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina. Cam Cook ran for 142 yards and two TDs, while Michael Hawkins Jr. threw for a score and added another on the ground. The Mountaineers led 24-0 early, then had to hold on as Coastal Carolina’s Deuce Bailey sparked a late rally. Local Sports & Community: In other West Virginia college action, Marshall kicked off its season at Penn State, and cross country opened with meets including the Thundering Herd Invitational. High School Safety: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested and charged after four hidden cameras were found in girls’ locker rooms; he was suspended as the investigation continues. Local History: New Cumberland, W.Va., is remembered as a major brickmaking hub, once shipping millions of bricks along the Ohio River. College Football National Spotlight: Clemson was routed 51-10 by LSU in Lane Kiffin’s debut, while Oklahoma State fell again—this time to Tulsa—extending its long FBS losing streak.

Cost of Living Watch: A new SmartAsset analysis using MIT’s Living Wage Calculator says many Pennsylvanians need far more than a “six-figure” paycheck to live comfortably in 2026—$97,011 for a single adult and $247,936 for a family of four. Local Education Data: Kanawha County’s only public four-year institution, West Virginia State University, reported a 37% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black or African American students (2018 cohort) by 2024, slightly below the statewide pooled rate. Public Safety: Buckhannon police are urging drivers to slow down after two crashes at the same intersection in 24 hours sent both drivers to United Hospital Center. Accountability in Courts: A West Virginia inmate pleaded guilty to stealing $354,813.98 in VA benefits over eight years, admitting he falsely claimed PTSD from Afghanistan service. Sports Spotlight: West Virginia opens its home schedule Saturday against Coastal Carolina at noon on TNT/HBO Max, with WVU favored heavily. Community & Culture: Preservation Thurmond says a nearly abandoned town inside New River Gorge National Park is headed for a legal fight over planned demolitions.

WVU Football Season Opener: Rich Rodriguez says the 2026 Mountaineers should be “fun to watch” as WVU opens at noon against Coastal Carolina, aiming to rebound after a 4-8 2025 season and a roster overhaul. High School Safety: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested after investigators found four hidden recording devices in girls’ locker rooms, with authorities saying footage allegedly shows him placing and adjusting one device; he’s held on $100,000 bond. Rural Health Funding: A Dunbar nonprofit, Spotted Owl Healthcare Organization, won $1.17 million to expand employer-based workplace healthcare in partnership with Chesapeake Healthcare Center, part of West Virginia’s federal rural-health rollout. Labor Day & Unions: West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword says unions remain popular even as federal labor-rights rollbacks and weaker enforcement threaten workers. Local Events & Outdoors: Nature Wonder Weekend returns to North Bend State Park Sept. 11-13, and Elkins will host three Elkins History Talks starting Sept. 9. Business/Community: Dave & Buster’s is set to hold a ribbon cutting for its second West Virginia location in Westover on Sept. 21. Sports Briefs: Greenbrier East fell to Woodrow Wilson 34-14 in Fairlea; and a Buckhannon-area missing man was found alive.

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.