AGP Executive Report

NCAA Baseball: West Virginia hosts Cal Poly in the first Super Regional game in Morgantown, with first pitch set for noon ET on ESPN2 as the Mountaineers chase a College World Series berth. WVU Football Honors: WVU will retire Pat White’s No. 5 jersey this fall at a home game to be announced later this summer, honoring the Mountaineer legend’s record-setting career. Coal & Energy Policy: President Trump announced more than $700 million to revive coal power, including upgrades to 13 plants and new coal projects tied to national security and AI power demand—West Virginia is among the states in the mix. Local Federal Funding: The House approved $2 million for the Clarksburg Public Safety Complex, with Senate approval still needed. Health Coverage: Connecticut joins West Virginia and other states in requiring insurance coverage for scalp cooling therapy to help reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss costs. Community & Safety: The FCC warned that copper theft and infrastructure vandalism are increasingly threatening communications networks, raising concerns for emergency response.

WVU Baseball Super Regional: West Virginia is set to host Cal Poly in a best-of-three series starting Friday at noon (ESPN2), after Armani Guzman’s walk-off heroics and a run of momentum that includes a regional win and a pitching staff that leaned hard in elimination games. WVU Pitching Focus: WVU’s staff is approaching the super regional differently than the regional, with Chansen Cole slated to start Game 1 and the Mountaineers aiming to stay sharp after a bullpen-heavy stretch. Capitol Hill Update: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says the Senate is moving on border-security funding and also discussed college sports reform as lawmakers work through a major budget package. College Sports Crisis Hearing: A Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act featured testimony from leaders including Nick Saban, WVU President Emeritus Gordon Gee, and others warning women’s and Olympic sports are being cut. School Closure Tracker: A University of Michigan project led by West Virginia native Christina Weiland created an online tracker showing about 70% of closures affect elementary schools. Coal Push: President Trump announced nearly $700 million to support coal plants and exports, using the Defense Production Act, including funding tied to West Virginia. NFL News: The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with first-round pick Akheem Mesidor, a former West Virginia player, on a four-year deal.

Coal Industry Push: President Trump is expected to announce nearly $700 million in new support for the coal industry Thursday, using the Defense Production Act to back upgrades at 13 coal plants and help build a long-planned coal export terminal in Oakland, with West Virginia included in the plant support. Education & Sports Rules: The West Virginia Board of Education approved changes to high school transfer rules, tightening eligibility timing while keeping some flexibility for student-athletes. Public Safety Crackdown: The FBI says it arrested 32 people in West Virginia and Maryland as part of Operation Turf War, tied to the broader Operation Summer Heat effort against drug trafficking and violent crime. Health & Community: A new report highlights rising tick-bite/possible Lyme concerns, while local groups in Ohio County are planning a community gathering for flood survivors. WVU Baseball: WVU advanced to the Super Regionals after a dramatic run that included a key win over Kentucky. Weather: Expect a warm, mostly sunny stretch with rain chances returning over the weekend.

College Sports Reform: Nick Saban, Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua, and others backed the Protect College Sports Act at a Senate hearing, arguing college athletics needs “order” amid NIL and transfer-portal chaos while the SEC and Big Ten push back. Social Security: A new analysis warns Social Security could cut benefits by about 24% when the trust fund runs out in 2032, averaging roughly $500 a month less for retirees, with 29 states hit harder. West Virginia Baseball: Cal Poly and West Virginia meet in a Morgantown super regional starting Friday, with ESPN2 and ESPN Radio carrying the games. Public Health: WVU’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Morgantown, Weston-area sites, and Jane Lew in late June/early July for low-dose CT scans. Local Education: Paden City Elementary was named a 2026 WV PBIS Tier 1 Model School. Community & Weather: A restored High Street post clock was unveiled in Morgantown, and dry weather sticks around before showers return later this weekend. Health Care Expansion: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital added new cancer therapies, including Pluvicto and cooling cap treatment.

Public Safety: The FBI and Director Kash Patel announced 35 indictments in West Virginia as part of “Operation Turf War,” targeting drug and firearms trafficking, and rolled out “Operation Summer Heat 2.0” nationwide. Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Monongalia and Lewis counties in late June and early July, offering low-dose CT scans for eligible patients, including options for uninsured West Virginians through grant funding. Local Economy/Industry: A Mason County data center-linked project near Point Pleasant is moving forward as its developer seeks a new air quality permit after abandoning earlier permitting paths. Retirement Watch: A new study ranks West Virginia as the most affordable state for retirees, citing low housing and cost-of-living numbers. Sports & Community: WVU football coach Rick Trickett landed an offensive line commit for the 2027 class, while the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend drew thousands to Wheeling for races and events. Nursing Home Snapshot: CMS data highlights staffing and ratings across West Virginia facilities, including several county “largest” nursing homes and their overall CMS scores.

Sporting Outdoors: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories are less restrictive, with the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake fully removed and smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah River now limited to fish larger than 12 inches, based on updated fish tissue data. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $3.4 million statewide health funding opportunity through the Rural Health Transformation Program, aimed at prevention and evidence-based community health efforts. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security could cut benefits by about 24% when the retirement trust fund is exhausted in 2032, averaging roughly a $500 monthly loss. School Infrastructure: Marion County schools are gearing up for summer work, including a new roof at East Fairmont High School and upgrades to safer school entrances. Veterans Law: Morrisey signed bills expanding Purple Heart parking enforcement and extending Gold Star spouse registration fee waivers to surviving Gold Star parents. Local Politics: Wheeling narrowly approved a new city flag policy, while Morgantown paused a conversion therapy amendment after backlash and legal concerns. Public Safety/Health: WVU researchers report a link between more sitting during pregnancy and higher risk of complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. NCAA Women’s Basketball: Alexis Bordas says her transfer to WVU was driven by a goal of playing in the NCAA women’s tournament. NCAA Baseball: Dawson Montesa’s quick turnaround helped WVU reach super regionals, keeping the postseason run alive.

Public Health & Outdoors: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories were released, with fewer restrictions after improved water quality—most notably the local black bass advisory at Sutton Lake was removed, and the Shenandoah River smallmouth bass advisory was eased to apply only to fish larger than 12 inches. College Sports: West Virginia’s baseball run is set for the NCAA super regionals, with WVU hosting Cal Poly after a walk-off win over Kentucky in the regional final; the NCAA also announced the full super regional matchups and TV times. State Politics: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva says she’ll challenge for chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, arguing the party needs stronger fundraising, candidate support, and messaging. Local Community: Newview CEOS will meet Wednesday in New Cumberland with a WVU Extension lesson on Newell and the legacy of Fiestaware. Health Care Deal: WVU Medicine says it expects to close its Independence Health System acquisition in late September or early October, with an $800 million investment planned.

NCAA Baseball: West Virginia’s Armani Guzman delivered a walk-off single in the 10th to beat Kentucky 6-5 in the Morgantown Regional final, sending the Mountaineers to a Super Regional at home for the first time in the event’s history. Local Arts: West Virginia Public Theatre kicks off its 2026 summer season in Morgantown with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” running June 11. Community & Funding: Follansbee officials say several city projects may be in line for federal money, including $299,000 for fire hydrant repairs/replacements and $666,000 to update the police fleet. Arts Showcase: The Top of West Virginia Arts Council will debut “America and Art – Celebrating Our 250th Founding Through Art” at the Summit Art Gallery in Weirton through July 6. Education Abroad: WVU agriculture student Miyah Swiger is bringing back lessons from Spain after serving as a West Virginia state officer at the FFA International Leadership Seminar. Public Health: Tick activity is surging, with CDC-linked reporting showing tick-related ER visits climbing sharply—West Virginia is among the states seeing increases. Energy & Rates: Sierra Club filed testimony against Mon Power’s proposed $2.48 billion gas plant, arguing costs would land on residential customers and pollution would rise.

High School Sports: Keyser’s Lady Tornado (23-6, 9-1 in the PVAC, 12-1 on the road) head to South Charleston for the Class AAA state tournament opener Tuesday, June 2, facing Point Pleasant (25-8) at 11 a.m. at Little Creek Park, with a “wide open” belief they can win it all. NCAA Baseball (WVU): Morgantown’s season stays alive after Ben McDougal’s relief surge helped WVU rally past Kentucky 11-9, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 Monday at 6 p.m. NCAA Baseball (Regionals): Elimination Monday features six winner-take-all games, including WVU vs. Kentucky in Morgantown. Local Elections: Fayette County Clerk Michelle Holly says about 90 nonpartisan/Democratic voters were mistakenly allowed to vote Republican ballots in the May GOP primary, calling for election procedure changes and more funding. Tourism: West Virginia Vacation Guide demand is at record levels—200,000+ copies distributed since February, with requests pacing 92% ahead of last year and digital downloads up 144%. Sports Business/Policy: A major-questions doctrine fight could shift focus back toward sports gambling in prediction market cases.

WVU Baseball Playoff Drama: West Virginia kept its season alive in the Morgantown Regional, rallying past Kentucky 11-9 with a five-run ninth. Paul Schoenfeld’s go-ahead two-run homer in the late innings set up a winner-take-all Game 7 Monday, after WVU also beat Wake Forest 10-5 behind Dawson Montesa’s 7.1 innings. WVU Facilities Update: WVU athletics says the West Tower Press Box project at Milan Puskar Stadium is on track, with construction expected after the 2026 season and a target opening for 2028. Wildlife Safety Laws: Across the country, states are funding wildlife crossings to cut animal-vehicle crashes; West Virginia is listed among the states with high collision rates. Local Community Event: Philippi hosted its first Civil War land battle reenactment at the Blue and Gray Reunion, drawing hundreds downtown. Rescue in Fayette County: Crews rescued a climber with a broken leg along the New River after a multi-hour operation.

West Virginia NCAA Baseball: Kentucky beat West Virginia 11-9 in the Morgantown Regional, erasing a 6-0 UK start as the Mountaineers tied it multiple times before the Wildcats’ three-run eighth inning sealed the win. Regional Schedule: WVU now faces Wake Forest in an elimination game Sunday at noon, with the winner taking on Kentucky at 5 p.m. Greenbrier Court Fight: A federal judge granted the Justice family a delay in the Greenbrier financing dispute, giving more time for due diligence on a potential half-billion-dollar proposal. Local Summer Fun: Weirton’s Friday night live concert series is back with five more shows through July, starting this week after rain postponed the opener. Community & Sports: Lincoln University named John Kessell to lead its cooperative extension, and West Virginia’s girls softball state tournament wrapped up Class A and AA titles with Wheeling Central and Petersburg winning.

NCAA Baseball: West Virginia hosts the Morgantown Regional Saturday after a 10-1 win over Binghamton, setting up a matchup with Kentucky, which advanced after beating Wake Forest 6-5; WVU’s Ben Lumsden starred in the opener with a big homer and multiple hits. State Courts: The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ruled Parkersburg must reverse a 2017 decision that reduced firefighters’ pay without notice, siding with the firefighters in a 4-1 decision. Sports Spotlight: Bridgeport High School sophomore Becky Pepper-Jackson won the WVSSAC Class AAA girls shot put title, edging out John Marshall’s Paislee Babiczuk. Local History/Greenbrier: Historians are investigating a little-documented healing spring on the grounds of the Pence Springs resort. Health & Safety: A federal chemical-safety watchdog is at risk as the Trump administration seeks to cut funding for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, raising concerns for states with a history of industrial disasters. Business/Community: Aetna Better Health opened its first West Virginia Community Resource Center in Clarksburg.

Health Access: Aetna Better Health and Community Care of West Virginia opened the first Community Resource Center in Clarksburg, aimed at Medicaid members and others needing help connecting to care, case management, and wellness support at 700 Oakmound Road. Foster Care Watch: A legal group urged charges be removed against Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers after her public comments on West Virginia’s foster care system and hotel housing for children drew discipline. Sports—WVU Baseball: West Virginia opened the Morgantown Regional with a 10-1 win over Binghamton behind a four-hitter from Chansen Cole and David Hagen, setting up a Saturday matchup with Kentucky. Sports—Kentucky Baseball: Kentucky rallied past Wake Forest 6-5 in the other regional opener, using a big sixth and a late go-ahead run. Community & Youth: Vienna City Council approved liquor ordinances after public comment, while the Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley held a demonstration game to give athletes with disabilities a chance to play and build toward a permanent league. Public Safety: Raleigh County deputies found a man with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the sheriff’s office; no ongoing threat reported.

Grants & Health Access: Sisters Health Foundation approved $531,300 in grants for 43 nonprofits across the Mid-Ohio Valley, including money aimed at food access, recovery and reentry, and getting people connected to care. Local Art: Marietta’s Post Street Mural Gallery added new work along the river trail, featuring pieces by local artists chosen from dozens of submissions. Legal Fight in WV: West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey sued proxy adviser ISS, alleging it misled investors by pushing an undisclosed ESG agenda—an effort that could reshape board influence in the state. Foster Care Ethics Backlash: An out-of-state legal group urged charges to be dropped against Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers over comments about the foster care system. Opioid Funding: Hancock County commissioners voted to move more opioid money—adding $400,000 for a new male residential addiction treatment facility—while debating paperwork and oversight. America 250 in Charleston: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced new America 250 merchandise and a July 2-5 family event at the Capitol Complex, highlighted by the America 250 Wheel with free rides. NCAA Baseball (WV): West Virginia hosts a tough Morgantown regional with Wake Forest and Kentucky, kicking off Friday.

NCAA Baseball Regionals (WVU): West Virginia opens its Morgantown Regional Friday against Binghamton, with pitcher Chansen Cole slated to start Game 1 at 5 p.m., as the bracket kicks off across 16 sites on the road to Omaha. NCAA Baseball TV/Matchups: The full Friday schedule includes Wake Forest vs. Kentucky in Morgantown and other key regional openers, with games streaming on ESPN+ and major ESPN channels. Local Health & Recovery: Youth Services System is launching West Virginia’s first transitional living recovery program for young adults ages 18–24 in Wheeling, housed at the McCrary Center and aimed at opioid and stimulant use disorder recovery. Internet Safety Fight: West Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state enforcement and shift control to tech companies. Opioid Lawsuit Update: A federal judge in Charleston is set to revisit the Huntington-Cabell County opioid case against major drug distributors, after a higher court sent it back for a different standard. Weather: Dry, pleasant conditions are expected with only small rain chances Saturday and Monday. Community Spotlight: Warwood unveiled a new steel “Warwood, WV, Established 1911” sign at Garden Park.

Murder case moved: A West Virginia man charged in a 2024 car crash that killed a Pike County judge’s mother will be tried in Floyd County, with a new Oct. 10 trial date after a judge granted a change of venue. Greenbrier court fight: A federal judge ordered the Justice family to file more public details about a new Greenbrier loan, pushing back secrecy in the resort’s latest financing dispute. Workforce push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed bills creating a Workforce Pell Grant pathway and a standardized micro-credential program aimed at training West Virginians for skilled jobs. Almost Heaven swing: West Virginia Tourism added a new “Almost Heaven” swing at Cedar Creek State Park, rolling out a SWINGO photo-and-check-in challenge. Food safety recall: FDA classified three Legacy Bakehouse chip recalls as Class I over possible salmonella risk tied to recalled California dairy milk powder. Kids online safety: West Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Local sports: North Marion’s Steve Harbert was named boys basketball Coach of the Year, and Ritchie County’s softball season hit a weather-affected roadblock in the state tournament. Public health: Tick-bite ER visits are at their highest seasonal level since 2017, raising concern for Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.