AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Two minors were seriously injured when a train struck their pickup near Buck Road in Mason County; a 77-year-old Chapmanville man died in a single-vehicle crash in Logan County. WVU Sports: The Mountaineers ended a three-game skid with a 45-42 win over Cincinnati, sealed by Jack Cassidy’s field goal as time expired. Energy and Taxes: Public meetings on the controversial Valley North power line are set for November, as residents await a refined route. A state analysis of data-center tax law HB 2014 has also renewed debate over how new property-tax revenue is divided. Elections: West Virginia’s early-voting period begins Wednesday and runs through Oct. 31; rallies around the state urged voters to take part. Technology: West Virginia joined seven other states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT endangers children and misleads consumers. Jobs: Kroger plans to cut about 3,000 corporate positions over three years; the company has not said whether West Virginia workers will be affected.

Energy and Utilities: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission revised power-plant rules, requiring utilities not to run plants when doing so would cost customers more than buying power on the market. Hearings are also approaching on the proposed MARL power line, which could disrupt farms and other property. Education: The state Board of Education says the public-school funding formula is inadequate as officials propose an overhaul; Monongalia County’s board is also calling for limits on the Hope Scholarship. Weather: A freeze is expected tonight in six counties, followed by a mild, dry week. Bridge Day: BASE jumpers took on the 876-foot drop at New River Gorge as crowds gathered for the annual event. Mountaineers: West Virginia beat Cincinnati 45-42 on a field goal as time expired.

Mountaineers’ Thriller: West Virginia snapped a three-game skid with a 45-42 win over Cincinnati, capped by Jack Cassidy’s field goal as time expired. Bridge Day: Thousands gathered at New River Gorge as hundreds of jumpers leapt from the 876-foot bridge and nearly 200 vendors lined the festival route. Health Care: West Virginia Health Right’s free Charleston clinic drew hundreds for medical, dental and vision care, reflecting growing affordability pressures. School Funding: The state Board of Education says the current formula is inadequate and has proposed an overhaul of the roughly $2 billion system. Chestnut Grove at Risk: A rare Mason County American chestnut orchard could be cleared in November for an AI data center project, alarming conservation advocates. Flood Recovery: FEMA upheld its denial of individual assistance for June flooding in Boone and Logan counties, while some August flood victims may qualify for disaster unemployment benefits. Early Voting: Charleston rally organizers urged voters to cast ballots early; voting begins Oct. 21.

Weather: A freeze warning covers West Virginia overnight, with temperatures possibly falling to 29 degrees and threatening crops, sensitive plants and exposed pipes. Data Center Debate: A planned Mason County AI campus puts a rare American chestnut grove at risk; DEP permit filings also forecast major environmental impacts from two county projects. Flood Recovery: FEMA upheld its denial of individual aid for June flood victims in Boone and Logan counties. Separately, workers affected by August flooding in Kanawha, Fayette and Harrison counties can apply for disaster unemployment benefits by Dec. 7. AI Oversight: West Virginia’s attorney general joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT harmed children and the company misrepresented safety protections. Schools: The state Board of Education says the school funding formula is inadequate and has proposed an overhaul; Monongalia County’s board is also urging limits on Hope Scholarship vouchers. Health Care: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito announced nearly $5.5 million in federal funding for infrastructure repairs at Mon Health Medical Center.

Cold Case: West Virginia State Police arrested Richard William Nichols in Indiana and extradited him to face charges in the 2016 killing of Ivan “Vanya” Perlis, whose remains were found near Maysville. Election Watch: Randolph County officials tested voting machines ahead of early voting, which begins Oct. 21 at two locations. Flood Recovery: Disaster unemployment aid is available to eligible workers and self-employed people in Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties affected by August flooding; applications are due Dec. 7. State Policy: West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey joined other states suing OpenAI, alleging its chatbot poses risks to children and violates consumer-protection laws. Education: The state Board of Education says West Virginia’s school funding formula is inadequate. WVU also formally inaugurated Michael Benson as its 27th president. Mountaineers: WVU hosts Cincinnati at noon, seeking to snap a three-game losing streak and earn its first Big 12 win.

Charleston Crash: Two people died after a vehicle plunged from the I-64/77 split, the fourth such crash in months. Disaster Aid: Unemployment assistance is available to eligible workers and business owners in Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties affected by August flooding; the claim deadline is Dec. 7. Schools: The state Board of Education voted 7-1 that West Virginia’s funding formula is inadequate, citing rising costs for students needing specialized services. Separately, $9 million in federal funding will expand college and career opportunities statewide. Election Season: “No Kings” rallies are planned in Charleston and other West Virginia communities Saturday, with organizers urging early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Bridge Day: Thousands are expected at the New River Gorge Bridge festival Saturday, a major draw for Fayette County businesses and visitors. Economy: West Virginia’s unemployment rate held at 4%, but labor-force participation remained at 53.8%, well below the national 61.8%.

State Government: West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey has joined seven other states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s design and marketing put children at risk and violated consumer-protection laws. The claims have not been proven in court. Public Safety: Two people died and a third was injured after a vehicle went over the interstate near Charleston’s I-64/I-77 split. Police are investigating; several serious crashes have occurred along the same stretch. Education: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $9 million in federal funding over five years to expand college and career services for 3,600 students a year in 20 counties. Separately, state education officials are proposing an overhaul of West Virginia’s school funding formula, which the Board of Education has called outdated. Energy Projects: Valley Link plans November open houses across West Virginia on a proposed 260-mile transmission line that would cross 18 counties. Around the State: Bridge Day returns Saturday at the New River Gorge, bringing BASE jumpers, vendors and visitors expected to support Fayette County businesses.

AI Lawsuit: West Virginia joined seven other states in suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT exposed children to dangerous interactions and misled parents about safety. The company says it has safeguards and is working to improve them. Schools: State education officials say West Virginia’s public-school funding formula is inadequate and have proposed a major overhaul for lawmakers to consider. Student Support: A $9 million federal grant will fund college, career and academic guidance for 3,600 West Virginia students each year, starting as early as sixth grade. Kanawha River: A diesel spill in Slaughter’s Creek reached the Kanawha River, prompting concern about a nearby waterway. Child Welfare: Five Black siblings who endured abuse and forced labor in Sissonville will receive $4.4 million from the state in a case that exposed failures in child-protection oversight. Public Safety: A 64-year-old Braxton County man faces charges after allegedly accidentally shooting another hunter; the investigation is ongoing. Dolly Sods: Search crews recovered the body of a 21-year-old University of Cincinnati student who was swept away by high water during a hiking trip.

AI Lawsuit: West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT misled users about safety and put children at risk. The states seek stronger safeguards and other court-ordered changes; the claims have not been proven. School Funding: State education officials say the formula distributing about $2 billion to county schools is outdated and have proposed a revamp as enrollment falls. Gas Tax: Democrats and Republican Treasurer Larry Pack are urging a pause in the state gasoline tax to ease rising fuel costs, though no special session has been called. Health Care: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito secured $2.45 million for an emergency department expansion at Weirton Medical Center, with construction expected to start in 2027. Public Safety: Search crews found the body of University of Cincinnati student Thomas Donnelly, 21, after he was swept downstream while crossing high water in Tucker County. In Braxton County, a 64-year-old hunter faces charges after accidentally shooting another man. Surveillance: West Virginia lawmakers want Flock Safety to testify in November as they press the surveillance technology company for answers about its systems.

School Funding: West Virginia’s Board of Education voted 7-1 to tell the state Supreme Court that the school funding formula fails to meet constitutional standards. Officials also proposed an overhaul for lawmakers to consider, as districts face budget gaps and closures. Gas Tax Debate: Democrats renewed calls for a special session to suspend the state gas tax as gasoline prices rise; some Republicans have also backed a pause. Rural Health: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $2 million for a statewide eye-care network, including screenings in 14 counties without a local eye doctor. Child Care: The Tri-Share program, which splits child-care costs among employers, workers and the state, is now open to employers in all 55 counties. Tucker County Tragedy: Searchers found 21-year-old University of Cincinnati student Thomas Donnelly dead after he was swept away while crossing a rain-swollen creek during a hiking trip.

Gas Tax: West Virginia House Democrats again want Gov. Patrick Morrisey to call a special session to suspend the gas tax as fuel prices top $4 a gallon in many areas. Republican Treasurer Larry Pack has also backed a pause, though an industry official warns it could cause harm. Newborn Support: West Virginia is the first state to distribute federal NEST kits, with 2,000 planned for new parents. Each includes essentials such as diapers, a thermometer and a blood-pressure monitor. Privacy Questions: House Republicans want Flock Safety to testify under oath at a Nov. 9 hearing, saying the company has yet to answer lawmakers’ questions about its surveillance cameras and data access. Health and Recovery: The state announced nearly $2.2 million for community health centers and more than $1.7 million to help people in substance-use recovery return to work. WVU Football: After a 52-31 loss to Arizona, the Mountaineers face continued questions about a defense that has given up at least 40 points in three straight games.

Rural Health: West Virginia is directing nearly $2.2 million in federal funds to community health centers, including support for a care network expected to start with 16 organizations serving 40 counties. Privacy and Policing: State lawmakers want Flock Safety back for an in-person hearing Nov. 9 as they weigh rules for its license-plate cameras and other surveillance tools. Water Costs: West Virginia had the nation’s highest average household water bill in 2025—about $1,383 a year, according to a new report. The West Virginia Rivers Coalition has formed a technical council to advise on protecting water resources. Public Safety: A passenger died and three people were injured in an Oct. 11 crash on I-68 in Monongalia County; the cause remains under review. Elections: Tuesday, Oct. 13, is the final day to register to vote in West Virginia’s general election. WVU Football: Arizona beat the Mountaineers 52-31, marking WVU’s third straight loss and third consecutive game allowing at least 40 points. Eastern Panhandle: Martinsburg radio station WEPM is marking 80 years on air, serving the community with news, sports and local programming since 1946.

Election Watch: West Virginians have until midnight Tuesday to register for the Nov. 3 election. Voters will also decide a proposed constitutional amendment limiting state-election voting to citizens. Public Safety: One passenger died and three others were injured in an I-68 crash Sunday in Monongalia County; investigators are reviewing the cause. Privacy Debate: Four lawmakers are pressing Flock Safety to answer questions in person about its license-plate reader data and access safeguards. Family Support: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and federal partners launched the NEST program, offering newborn and postpartum supply kits to West Virginia families. Health Access: WVU’s mobile lung-screening unit will visit Morgan, Tucker and Preston counties Nov. 3–6, with appointments required. Mountaineer Sports: WVU fell to Arizona 52-31, renewing concerns about the defense despite 522 yards and 31 points from the offense.

Higher Education: West Virginia State University landed a $26.5 million federal grant—the largest competitive award in its history—to build a 40,000-square-foot agriculture complex for research, education and producer support. Flood Recovery: FEMA aid is available to eligible Harrison County and Bridgeport residents whose homes or belongings were damaged in August flooding; applications are due Dec. 7. Upshur County is also offering free mold cleaner to July flood victims. Child Welfare: West Virginia has the nation’s highest foster-care rate, with more than 5,000 children awaiting homes and about 1,300 licensed foster families. Teens are especially difficult to place, a local agency says. Public Safety and Privacy: Authorities are searching for an 18-year-old who escaped a Wheeling detention facility. Separately, Kanawha County Delegate Tristan Leavitt says Flock Safety has yet to answer some lawmakers’ questions about its license-plate cameras. Household Costs: A national analysis found West Virginia water bills averaged $1,383 last year and have risen about twice as fast as household incomes. Mountaineers: WVU football fell to 0-3 in Big 12 play after a 52-31 loss to Arizona; BYU swept the West Virginia volleyball team in straight sets.

Charleston Leadership: Deputy Chief Jason Webb will succeed retiring Police Chief Scott Dempsey on Oct. 22, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin announced. Flood Recovery: Federal flood aid is available to Kanawha County residents, while West Virginia communities face mixed decisions on disaster assistance. Space Academy Bid: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito backed Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s push to bring a new U.S. Space Academy to West Virginia, citing the state’s aerospace history and growing industry. Preservation: Eight historic West Virginia buildings will share more than $490,000 in grants for repairs and restoration. Separately, data-center firm Nscale will pay to relocate chestnut trees at the former Clements State Tree Nursery, keeping them on site. WVU: The university will receive $2.2 million in federal funds to modernize research equipment. Its football team, meanwhile, fell 52-31 to Arizona for its third straight loss. Community Support: Parkersburg’s annual SleepOut fundraiser raised awareness and support for homeless youth and the Children’s Home Society’s transitional-living program.

Historic Preservation: Eight West Virginia landmarks will share $490,261 in grants for repairs and restoration, including an early African American school and a church once used by enslaved worshippers. Flood Recovery: Federal officials approved public assistance for 11 counties hit by July storms and flooding, while other requests were denied or left without the same aid. Public Safety: A passenger died and three others were hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash shut down eastbound I-68 near Cheat Lake; the crash is under investigation. Environmental Accountability: State records indicate officials knew abandoned-mine runoff contributed to an orange creek in Mingo County before the public received that fuller explanation. Development and Conservation: Data-center company Nscale will pay to relocate chestnut and chinquapin trees at a former Mason County nursery, preserving access to seeds and saplings. WVU: The Mountaineers fell 52-31 to Arizona, dropping to 0-3 in Big 12 play as defensive struggles continue.