AGP Executive Report

Energy: EQT agreed to buy Range Resources for $12.8 billion, a deal that would create one of the nation’s largest natural gas producers, with assets across Appalachia, including West Virginia. Health: The state is putting $1.3 million toward replacing Bonnie’s Bus and expanding mobile cancer screenings; a separate lung-screening unit will visit Barbour, Preston and Mineral counties in November. Power Lines: The Public Service Commission questioned the need and local impacts of a proposed $1.17 billion transmission line crossing four West Virginia counties to serve regional demand, including Northern Virginia data centers. Free Speech: A federal judge is set to hear environmental groups’ request to halt Attorney General J.B. McCuskey’s climate-related investigation, which they say violates their constitutional rights. Elections: Nearly 67,000 West Virginians cast ballots during the first four days of early voting, with Kanawha County leading the state. Mountaineers: WVU is 5-3 and one win from bowl eligibility after its defense sealed a 24-20 victory over TCU; the unit is looking to carry that momentum into the rest of the season.

Rural Health: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $1.34 million to replace Bonnie’s Bus and expand breast and lung cancer screenings in rural communities. The new mobile unit could serve more than 5,300 patients a year. Election 2026: Nearly 67,000 West Virginians voted in the first four days of early voting, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans despite the GOP’s registration edge. Schools: Berkeley County is preparing to sue the state, arguing its funding system falls short on teacher pay and special education costs. Flood Recovery: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito met with Upshur and Lewis County leaders to discuss federal aid after July’s deadly floods; 33 homes were destroyed and 91 suffered major damage. Workforce: WVU received a $1 million federal planning award to expand programs for mining and critical-minerals jobs. Mountaineers: WVU football beat TCU 24-20, improving to 5-3 as its defense sealed the win with a late strip sack.

Election 2026: Nearly 67,000 West Virginians cast early ballots during the first four days of voting. Unaffiliated registration has also climbed by more than 45,000 since 2022, reaching 304,390. Data Center Debate: Public comments on the Monarch project’s water permits will inform the state’s decision. Nearby residents raised concerns about noise and possible pollution as construction continues near Point Pleasant. Health Access: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $1.34 million grant to replace WVU Cancer Institute’s aging mobile screening unit and expand breast and lung cancer screenings in rural communities. School Funding: Challenges to West Virginia’s school funding system are moving through the courts as Berkeley County prepares a lawsuit; a new report puts Hope Scholarship spending at about $68.5 million. Public Safety: Logan County residents and law enforcement honored Deputy Caden Mullins, killed when a coal truck crashed into his cruiser. Energy and Speech: Attorney General J.B. McCuskey dropped demands for environmental groups to identify donors but is still defending his investigation into their climate advocacy in federal court. College Sports: West Liberty football reached No. 23 nationally, its first Division II Top 25 ranking since 2010, after improving to 7-1.

Election 2026: Nearly 67,000 West Virginians had voted early or returned absentee ballots by Oct. 24, about 5.5% of registered voters. In the District 13 Senate debate, candidates clashed over data centers and safeguards for residents’ power bills and water. This is the first general election requiring voter photo ID, with limited exceptions. Public Safety: An Evans couple faces felony child-abuse charges after three children reported years of alleged violence and deprivation; the claims have not been tested in court. Logan County is mourning Deputy Caden Mullins, 24, who died in a crash while responding to an emergency call. Health Care: A $1.3 million state award will replace a mobile screening unit and expand breast and lung cancer screenings in rural communities. State Oversight: Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office has subpoenaed environmental groups over alleged deceptive advocacy; the West Virginia Rivers Coalition has challenged the subpoenas in federal court. Education: A new report says the Hope Scholarship distributed $68.5 million in 2025-26 as enrollment grew to 14,486, renewing debate over costs and public-school funding. WVU Sports: The Mountaineers beat TCU 24-20 for their second Big 12 win of the season.

Nuclear Waste: West Virginia is among six finalists for federal nuclear campuses after state officials offered four sites, including a Jefferson County quarry, for potential spent-fuel storage. Local residents and leaders say they were not consulted. Schools: Public-school enrollment has fallen by more than 8,000 statewide, while challenges to the school-funding system move ahead in court. Berkeley County Schools is also seeking lawmakers’ help with staffing and special-education costs. Data Centers: Opposition is growing in Wheeling, where residents want a moratorium on a proposed Warwood development; state officials have also raised concerns about power demand and farmland. Public Safety: A Logan County deputy died in a crash, and a fire in Clendenin claimed one life. Election 2026: Early voting is underway, and voters may decide whether to add a citizen-only voting requirement to the state constitution. Mountaineers: WVU football edged TCU 24-20 for its second Big 12 win, while the No. 16 women’s soccer team fell 2-1 to Oklahoma State on a late penalty kick.

Public Safety: A Logan County deputy died in a crash involving a cruiser and coal truck, according to reports. Health Care: Sistersville General Hospital marked a construction milestone with its final beam signing. The 30,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2027 with 16 inpatient beds and expanded services. Schools: West Virginia’s school-funding fight is advancing in court, with state officials given until Nov. 20 to respond to a lawsuit; Berkeley County schools are also pursuing legal action and asking lawmakers for help with staffing and special-education costs. Energy: State regulators begin hearings on the proposed MARL transmission line, which would cross nearly 59 miles of West Virginia. A state group is also urging public consent as data-center proposals raise concerns. Election 2026: Wood County District 11 candidates Daniel Miller and Jeff Sandy outlined priorities ahead of the Nov. 3 vote, including affordability, education, jobs and property-tax relief. Mountaineers: WVU beat TCU 24-20, with quarterback Michael Hawkins accounting for three touchdowns. Charleston: The West Virginia Book Festival drew more than 5,000 visitors.

Public Safety: A Logan County deputy was killed when a cruiser and coal truck collided on Route 10; a passenger was airlifted to a Charleston hospital. A separate fire in Clendenin killed one person. Energy & Development: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s energy office proposed four West Virginia sites for a federal nuclear campus that could store spent fuel. Jefferson County officials say they weren’t consulted; a quarry near Harpers Ferry is among the sites. Meanwhile, residents are pressing for a say in proposed data-center projects and their potential water use. WVU Sports: West Virginia beat TCU 24-20, with quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. running for two touchdowns and throwing another. The defense sealed the road win with a late fumble recovery. Charleston Culture: The West Virginia Book Festival drew more than 5,000 people, with author R.L. Stine a major attraction. Election 2026: Early voting is underway ahead of Nov. 3. West Virginians will choose congressional, legislative and local officials; voters must show photo ID at the polls.

Mountaineers: West Virginia beat TCU 24-20 as Michael Hawkins Jr. accounted for three touchdowns and the defense forced a decisive fumble in the final minute. WVU volleyball also topped Arizona for its fourth Big 12 win. Election 2026: Democrats lead early-voting turnout despite a GOP edge in registration, party chairs say, with Election Day approaching Nov. 3. Opioid Funds: Attorney General JB McCuskey’s move to give lawmakers control over most future settlement dollars has public-health experts warning that spending could become politicized. Environment and Courts: The West Virginia Rivers Coalition sued after McCuskey’s office subpoenaed environmental groups, challenging the investigation as a threat to free speech. State Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $58 million for water and sewer projects in five counties, along with $6.4 million in Appalachian Regional Commission investments for jobs and communities. Schools: West Virginia public schools lost more than 8,000 students in a year, adding pressure on districts already facing enrollment and budget challenges.

Fuel Relief: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency to allow dyed diesel for commercial use, aiming to ease prices that have topped $6 a gallon. Water Projects: Morrisey announced more than $58 million for water and sewer work in five counties; Buckhannon’s new treatment plant received $4 million toward its $47.3 million cost, serving about 23,000 rural residents. Schools: West Virginia public school enrollment has fallen by more than 8,000 students in a year, intensifying pressure on districts already weighing staffing cuts and possible closures. Election 2026: More than 16,000 people voted on the first day of early voting, while state registration topped 1 million; party chairs offered competing takes on turnout. Environmental Dispute: The West Virginia Rivers Coalition sued over Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s subpoenas to environmental groups, alleging an infringement of free-speech rights. Mountaineers: WVU visits TCU at noon, looking to build on its first Big 12 win against a Horned Frogs defense rated among the nation’s best. Around Charleston: The West Virginia Book Festival and Kanawha Valley Halloween events are among this weekend’s local draws.

Sexual Assault Law: Kanawha County Del. Kayla Young plans to introduce a bill in 2027 to close what she calls a loophole in West Virginia’s consent law, including voluntary intoxication in the definition of mental incapacity. School Enrollment: Marion County lost 329 students this year, and West Virginia’s public-school enrollment fell in every county. Superintendent Donna Heston says declining numbers will eventually force district changes. Water Projects: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $58 million for water and sewer upgrades. The package includes $4 million toward a $47.3 million water treatment plant in Buckhannon. Legal Fight: The West Virginia Rivers Coalition sued Attorney General John McCuskey over a subpoena seeking a decade of records, arguing it violates the group’s constitutional rights. The claims have not been decided in court. Election 2026: More than 16,000 West Virginians voted on the first day of early voting. Kanawha Schools: The county board approved a pilot classroom audio and translation system at Horace Mann Middle School, with a decision on wider use to follow an evaluation.

Election 2026: More than 16,000 West Virginians voted on the first day of early voting, with the Nov. 3 election approaching. Schools: Public enrollment fell by more than 8,200 students, or 3.5%, statewide. Local officials cite population loss and the Hope Scholarship, while lawmakers plan to revisit program safeguards. Water Projects: Gov. Patrick Morrisey completed funding packages totaling more than $58 million for water and wastewater improvements across the state. Public Health: Wheeling Hospital and local health officials are notifying people who may have been exposed to measles in the emergency department on Oct. 17; symptoms could appear into November. Courts: The state Supreme Court heard arguments in a challenge to the Tourism Development District Act, a law tied to the long-delayed Hill Top House hotel project in Harpers Ferry. WVU: The Mountaineers head to TCU this weekend to face the Big 12’s top-ranked defense. Bob Huggins: The family of the Hall of Fame former WVU coach says he is living with a progressive cognitive condition affecting his memory and daily life.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway across West Virginia through Oct. 31, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Environmental Probe: Attorney General JB McCuskey is seeking a decade of records from leading environmental groups; the groups have sued, calling the subpoenas an effort to stifle their speech. Schools: Public enrollment has fallen by about 8,000 students statewide. Kanawha County lost more than 900, while its superintendent cited demographic changes and more education options without detailing the Hope Scholarship’s role. Tourism Law: The state Supreme Court heard a challenge to a law that gives state officials authority over tourism projects in small towns, including Harpers Ferry’s long-delayed Hill Top House hotel. Fuel Costs: Diesel has topped $6 a gallon in West Virginia. Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared an emergency allowing dyed off-road diesel as leaders debate broader tax relief. WVU: The family of former Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins says he is living with a progressive cognitive condition. WVU football heads to TCU for Saturday’s homecoming game. Local Government: White Hall Deputy Mayor Timothy Ridenour faces shoplifting and trespassing charges tied to an alleged Walmart theft in Grafton.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway across West Virginia through Oct. 31. Ohio County drew 390 voters on the first day, up from 89 during the primary; Secretary of State Kris Warner urges voters to check official election sources. WVU: Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins’ family says a progressive cognitive condition is affecting his memory and daily life. Fuel Costs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s 60-day emergency order allows dyed diesel in commercial highway vehicles, offering a narrow form of relief as diesel prices top $6 a gallon. Schools: West Virginia public-school enrollment fell by more than 8,000 students, reaching its lowest level in over two decades. Health Care: ACA plan selections in the state dropped 17% from last year, with monthly premiums averaging $1,314, according to a new report. State Finances: West Virginia earned a B for fiscal health, with a reported $3 billion surplus over bills in fiscal 2025. Mountaineer Sports: Marshall men’s soccer beat Sun Belt leader James Madison 1-0 on a late goal, keeping the Herd tied for second in the conference. Fall Outdoors: The state tourism department’s latest foliage report highlights Lewisburg, Sandstone Falls, Harpers Ferry, Audra State Park and Valley Falls State Park.

Barbour County: An elderly woman died after being rescued from a house fire near Moatsville on Monday; the State Fire Marshal is investigating. Election 2026: Early voting is underway across West Virginia through Oct. 31 ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Schools: Public school enrollment has fallen by more than 8,000 students, while the state Board of Education says the funding formula falls short of constitutional requirements. Fuel Costs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s 60-day emergency order allows commercial vehicles to use lower-cost dyed diesel on state roads as prices remain above $6 a gallon. Health Care: WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute received nearly $11.9 million to establish a brain-therapy center and expand treatment for conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and addiction. Courts: The state Supreme Court heard arguments over the paid suspension of Morgan County Magistrate Vince Shambaugh. Local Economy: Wood County officials highlighted site-readiness grants and local development projects as they seek to compete for new business.

Fuel Relief: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a 60-day emergency across West Virginia, temporarily allowing dyed diesel on highways to ease costs as diesel prices hit $6.34 a gallon. Election 2026: Early voting opened statewide Wednesday and runs through Oct. 31; nearly 18,000 more West Virginians are registered than before the May primary. Schools: Public-school enrollment fell by 8,270 students, or 3.5%, this year, renewing concerns about a state funding formula education officials say falls short. Harrison County is considering about 115 staff cuts. Rural Health: Morrisey announced more than $3.4 million in rural health awards to WVU Health System programs. Public Safety: Brooke County accepted a $379,140 federal grant to fund a special prosecutor focused on cases including drugs, fraud and human trafficking. An elderly woman died after a house fire in Barbour County; the cause is under investigation. Sports: Marshall beat South Alabama 20-13 on a late Judah Price touchdown, while WVU’s high-scoring 45-42 win over Cincinnati extended a four-game run of games with more than 1,000 combined yards.

Power-Line Fight: Families in Mineral and Hampshire counties say a proposed 500,000-volt transmission line threatens their homes and retirement plans. The 59-mile West Virginia route has drawn bipartisan opposition from local and state officials. Schools: Public school enrollment fell 3.5% this year to 226,687 students, down 17% over a decade. Every county lost students, adding pressure to district budgets. Public Safety: A Braxton County man died after being accidentally shot while hunting; state police have charged the shooter with involuntary manslaughter. Election Watch: West Virginia voter registration has risen by nearly 18,000 since the May primary, with the Nov. 3 election approaching. Voters will also decide a proposed amendment specifying that only U.S. citizens who are state citizens may vote. WVU Basketball: The Mountaineer women enter the season ranked No. 24 in the AP preseason poll.