AGP Executive Report

Interstate Safety Push: Gov. Jim Morrisey and Kanawha Delegate Dana Ferrell are calling for a close review of repeated deadly crashes at the I-77/I-64 split in Charleston after multiple vehicles left the elevated roadway, including a Friday night crash that killed four young men. Road Fixes: WVDOH says engineers are working on high-friction surface treatment for elevated sections, expected later this fall, and will coordinate with Charleston police as investigations continue. Juvenile Justice Funding: Morrisey announced $659,570 in federal JJDP Title II grants for 12 West Virginia projects, including mentoring, counseling, and intervention programs. Military Hall of Fame: West Virginia’s new Military Hall of Fame rules are open for public comment through Sept. 11, with the Department of Veterans Assistance set to run the program. Power Line Fight: West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice says a PSC delay on the MARL transmission line won’t slow its pushback as hearings loom this fall. Local Health Milestone: Monongalia County WIC surpassed 600 parent screenings for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders across north-central WV. Court Update: Former Fayette County Delegate David Elliott Pritt pleaded not guilty in federal court to child exploitation and witness tampering charges. Community Spotlight: Lenape Valley’s first female Eagle Scout, Sydney Alderson, earned the rank after building horse wash stalls for Equine Therapy of New Jersey. Personal Recovery Story: SSgt. Andrew Wolfe’s mom, Melody, says he’s set for follow-up surgery soon after a DC line-of-duty injury, including a 3D-printed skull implant.

Domestic Violence Response: West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence is using a $186,000 state grant to train shelter and family-services workers in crisis-intervention skills, including how to assess how children are affected by an abuser’s behavior. Tourism Leadership: Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed Fayette County native Kayla Kessinger as the state’s new tourism secretary, praising her as a “storyteller” and highlighting her local roots. Water Infrastructure Push: Morrisey announced a partnership with WVU and Marshall, plus 11 regional planning councils, to help small water systems win state and federal grant money and speed up stalled projects. Hospital Lawsuit Ruling: A federal jury found Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital liable in a case tied to claims of false accusations over doctor overpayments and patient referrals, awarding Memorial Health System $5 million. WVU Football Notes: WVU’s Nick Taylor is moving back to corner, and Parkersburg native Cyrus Traugh is impressing coaches early in camp. Public Safety: State police say a Chapmanville man was arrested after a one-year-old suffered an eye injury during an alleged domestic incident. Roads & Weather: West Virginia officials discussed possible changes to highway merging practices, while regional storm and traffic updates continue to affect travel plans.

Public Safety: Two juvenile boys were killed and a third teen was critically injured after a Clay County crash near the Indore Post Office, when a GMC Acadia veered off the road and hit a parked loader; the driver and another passenger were also hurt, and State Police say the cause is under investigation. EMS Funding: Monongalia County commissioners approved a renewal of the county EMS levy for the November ballot, keeping the same property-rate structure and citing more than 84,000 calls answered over the last four years. Opioid Settlements: Attorney General J.B. McCuskey ordered future opioid settlement proceeds to be redirected from the West Virginia First Foundation to the state legislature for spending, shifting the long-running split toward general revenue. Local Economy/Jobs: A South Charleston electric bus plant tied to GreenPower Motor faces renewed scrutiny over training promises and bus compliance issues, with former workers’ claims and default judgments referenced. Sports & Community: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon returned with a revised, safer course through historic areas and parks. National Legal Fight: Lawyers for Dr. Anthony Fauci launched a legal defense fund as federal and state investigations continue.

Water Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced a new Clean, Clear Water Strategy with an extra $145 million for West Virginia water and wastewater projects, plus help for small, understaffed systems through WVU, Marshall, and regional planning groups. Local Government & Privacy: Huntington residents are pushing back on Flock Safety after a 6-4 City Council vote approved a five-year contract for cameras and license plate readers; organizers are collecting signatures for a ballot measure to ban third-party mass-surveillance systems. Community & Culture: Shepherd University will mark the 30th Appalachian Heritage Festival Sept. 24-27 with free events aimed at challenging stereotypes and highlighting Appalachian traditions. Public Safety: Fairmont Fire Department became the first in West Virginia to earn a Gold Helmet Department cancer-prevention distinction. Education & Community Support: Meadowbrook Mall’s Tools for Teachers event handed out classroom supply kits to hundreds of teachers. Sports: WVU wraps its homestand Sunday with the Dogs at Dlesk match vs. Duquesne, and Morgantown’s RecFest welcomed students to campus recreation.

Water Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a new Clean, Clear Water Strategy with an extra $145 million for water and wastewater projects, aiming to better target communities with failing systems, boil-water orders, public health risks, and financial strain, with WVU, Marshall, and regional planning councils helping with grant-writing and technical support. Severe Weather: The National Weather Service warns strong to severe thunderstorms could hit West Virginia Saturday, with damaging wind gusts up to 58 mph and some hail possible. Public Safety & Health: Fairmont Fire Department became the first in West Virginia to earn the National Firefighter Registry’s Gold Helmet Department distinction for cancer awareness, tied to a captain’s recovery journey. Local Culture: The 12th annual West Virginia Tattoo Expo runs Aug. 21-23 at the Morgantown Event Center, with 200+ artists, vendors, contests, and a Miss Tattooed West Virginia pageant. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety says it will recommend shorter license plate-reader data retention—7 days instead of 30—as privacy concerns keep growing. Sports (WV): WVU women’s basketball set its 2026 Education Day game for Nov. 17 vs. Akron, and WVU WR Jaden Bray was named to the Comeback Player of the Year watch list.

State Fair spotlight: West Virginia State Fair visitors say the event is a yearly tradition for livestock, rides, and food—plus safety education, with Operation Lifesaver teaching kids how to stay safe around real railroad tracks. Local public health & environment: WVDEP has filed a civil action over biohazard contamination concerns in Kanawha Falls after flooding damaged a sewer line in 2022, leading to untreated sewage discharge. Power infrastructure fight: Randolph County commissioners voted to oppose the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, arguing it could harm property owners and primarily serve out-of-state interests. Community support: Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania awarded $45,000 in grants to Randolph and Upshur-area nonprofits, including $20,000 to Randolph County Family Resource Network and $25,000 to Feed My Sheep. Sports & campus: Pierpont Community & Technical College and Fairmont State launched a new tuition pathway for eligible employees to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Weather: Weekend forecast calls for scattered showers and storms early, with a better chance of sunshine later.

Opioid Funds Shift: West Virginia First Foundation says its mission won’t change after state guidance redirects future opioid settlement money toward the general revenue fund, aiming to send more directly to counties and local governments. Drug Bust: A 114-count federal indictment has charged 28 people tied to a Detroit-to-West Virginia trafficking and money-laundering operation, with prosecutors alleging meth, fentanyl, and cocaine distribution around Morgantown and Parkersburg. Power Line Fight: West Virginia PSC staff asked for a pause or dismissal of NextEra’s proposed MARL transmission line case, citing route revisions, added landowner impacts, and due-process concerns. Public Health: CDC reports childhood immunization rates continue to fall, keeping measles risk elevated as MMR coverage drops below the herd-immunity threshold. Local Health Care: Vandalia Health Urology is reopening in renovated space at Mon Medical Center in Morgantown with expanded exam rooms and procedure suites. Sports & Community: WVU women’s soccer topped Penn State again, and DNR reports a fresh pumpkinseed sunfish state record—then another record followed weeks later.

WVU Sports: No. 22 West Virginia women’s soccer finally snapped a nine-year, nine-game losing streak to No. 23 Penn State, rallying for a 2-1 win after conceding early; the Mountaineers are 2-0 and host Duquesne Sunday. State Government/Health: Attorney General J.B. McCuskey says West Virginia will redirect future opioid settlement shares away from the First Foundation, sending 72.5% to the state general revenue for lawmakers and localities. Local Governance/Data Centers: A Mason County letter to lawmakers on House Bill 2014 pushes for more host-county input on siting scores and raises concerns about how high-impact data centers get approved. Elections/Civics: West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner brought ballots and a voting machine to the State Fair to teach kids how voting works. Infrastructure/Water: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced $4 million for a backup water line in Crum and additional fixes for the Fort Gay water system. Community/Arts & Sports: West Virginia Wesleyan will keep hosting the Governor’s School for the Arts through 2030, and three Mountaineer Bowling Lanes bowlers were inducted into the state hall of fame.

Child Safety Lawsuit: Meta is defending itself in a California federal court as 29 states argue Instagram and Facebook were designed to “hook” children, with West Virginia among the states supporting the broader legal push. Public Utilities & Data Centers: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission set a Sept. 28 public hearing on new electric generation rules tied to the state’s data-center plan, including how costs are handled. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced $145 million for Wayne County and southern WV water projects, including major leak fixes and an emergency pipeline plan. Flood Response: The ASPCA helped evacuate nearly 20 cats from a Fayette County shelter after flooding cut off access. SNAP Changes: Millions on SNAP across several states face new limits on what retailers can sell with benefits, with rules rolling out over the next six weeks. Health Watch: A CDC update says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce is easing in Michigan, though cases remain high. Justice: A Kanawha County deputy was indicted in federal court for an alleged sexual assault of an inmate. Workplace Safety: West Virginia ranked among the deadliest states for workers, tied to fatal injury rates. Local Government: Mon County approved placing a Mon EMS levy renewal on the November ballot. Sports & Community: Willie Akers, a Logan High coaching legend and WVU standout, died at 89.

Opioid Money Shift: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey says future opioid settlement dollars will be managed directly by the Legislature and local mayors/counties, moving away from the West Virginia First Foundation’s distribution model. School Funding Fight: The ACLU-WV says it will sue over alleged unconstitutional school funding, pointing to disparities in Lincoln County and claiming students aren’t getting the “thorough and efficient” education required by the state Constitution. Water Infrastructure Push: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced an additional $145 million for water and wastewater projects, launching a “Clean, Clear Water Strategy” aimed at speeding grants and helping small, understaffed utilities. Flood Relief Updates: Fayette County officials and volunteers are still responding after flash flooding washed out parts of Route 61, delivering meals, water, and recovery info. Justice System: A former Kanawha County sheriff’s deputy, Cass Close, was federally indicted on a civil rights charge tied to an alleged sexual assault of an inmate. Health Care Access: WVU opened the first phase of its dental school expansion, citing major statewide shortages and the need for more dental providers. Sports & Community: West Virginia basketball and Logan High coaching legend Willie Akers died at 89; WVU also hosts Penn State women’s soccer in a key early-season matchup.

Opioid Settlements: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey says changes will increase the share of future opioid settlement money going straight to state and local governments, with less going to third parties and attorney fees. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced an extra $145 million for water and wastewater upgrades, launching a “Clean, Clear Water Strategy” to speed projects and help small, struggling utilities. WVU Campus Life: WVU replaced FallFest with “Mountaineer Midway and Movie,” drawing mixed student reaction as the new Welcome Week event rolls out. Dental School Upgrade: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito joined WVU leaders for a ribbon cutting on the renovated School of Dentistry, funded by about $12.6 million in federal money for new clinics and a Dental Innovation Center. Local Business News: HD Media, based in Charleston, agreed to buy the Urbana Citizen and related Ohio/Indiana publications, with ownership set to begin Sept. 1. Public Safety & Courts: A federal grand jury indicted former state delegate and teacher Elliott Pritt on child sexual exploitation and related charges. Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety is tightening rules for its license-plate reader network as more cities and lawmakers push back. Sports: WVU women’s soccer hosts Penn State looking to end a long losing streak in the rivalry.

Disaster Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties after storms Aug. 16-18 brought near-record rain, flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and widespread water rescues; the order lasts 30 days and is meant to speed up state and local coordination. Public Safety & Justice: A former West Virginia State Police officer, Kenneth McCord, pleaded guilty to child pornography charges tied to enticing a 15-year-old boy to send explicit images and videos; sentencing is set for Dec. 8. Opioid Settlement Shift: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey is changing how future opioid settlement money is split, moving more control to the Legislature for state funds and to mayors and county commissioners for local funds. Local Courts/Business Fight: Omnis Pleasants’ bankruptcy is being challenged by Omnis Fuel Technologies, which argues the filing was a bad-faith move to block its governance rights in the Pleasants Power Station dispute. State Government: Morrisey appointed Kayla Kessinger as Secretary of Tourism, touting record tourism growth and the Tourism Works workforce program. Community & Health: Emplify Health added Mary Katherine Lilly to provide telehealth therapy services in West Union.

Tourism Leadership: Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed former Fayette County delegate Kayla Kessinger as West Virginia’s new Secretary of Tourism, aiming to build on record tourism growth and the Tourism Works workforce push. Storm Aftermath & Power: Appalachian Power reported thousands still without electricity after severe storms and flooding, with Charleston under a state of emergency as crews work to restore service. Energy & Environment: West Virginia regulators sued Bluestone Coal, owned by Sen. Jim Justice’s family, seeking nearly $3 million in penalties and demanding remediation. Public Safety: A new analysis says West Virginia has the highest off-road vehicle fatality rate in the U.S. Health & Consumer Alerts: The FDA issued a recall of Cocoa Crunch cereal in 10 states due to an undeclared soy allergen. Legal Watch: West Virginia AG John McCuskey joined a Republican-led investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci, arguing it can proceed despite a federal pardon. Local Business/Community: Pierpont Community & Technical College and Fairmont State signed an agreement to make continuing education more affordable for Pierpont employees. Sports: WVU cornerbacks coach Rod West says the Mountaineers are emphasizing size for open-field tackling, highlighting offseason additions.

Flood Recovery in Charleston: Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin declared a state of emergency after devastating storms, saying the city can move faster with personnel and equipment as cleanup continues along places like Garrison Avenue. Disaster Aid Centers: FEMA disaster recovery centers open Tuesday for Pleasants and Ritchie storm victims, joining centers already running in Upshur and Lewis. Local Business Reopens: CVS Pharmacy in Weston reopened after flooding damage, with cleaning, flooring replacement, and a full restock of prescriptions and retail items. Housing Affordability: A new report says HUD spending from 2015-2024 didn’t lower home prices, widening an “affordability gap” as incomes lag behind costs in nearly every state. Legal Desert Crisis: West Virginia’s court-appointed attorney shortage is worsening, with a new report saying 46 of 55 counties qualify as legal deserts. WVU & Community Giving: A WVU Cancer Institute golf and sporting clays event raised more than $100,000 for cancer patients. Public Safety: A Randolph County woman faces felony charges after allegedly fleeing police while delivering drugs. Food Recall: Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits were recalled in 29 states over possible Listeria contamination.

Severe Weather: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says his office is “closely monitoring” renewed storm impacts after July flooding, with an emergency declaration still in effect statewide until Aug. 20. Flood Recovery: The state advanced $400,000 to help Lewis County repair Robert L. Bland Middle School so about 400 students can return to classrooms after the July 21 flood. Public Safety: West Virginia State Police will run a DUI sobriety checkpoint Sept. 3, 6 p.m. to midnight, on Route 21 in front of Waybright Funeral Home in Ripley, with an alternate site at the state police detachment. Local Health & Community: A WVU Cancer Institute fundraiser in Roanoke, W.Va., raised more than $100,000 for patient support through the Connection 304 Fund. Tourism Jobs: Morrisey announced Tourism Works participants have earned 25,000+ microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since the program launched. Sports: Miami dismissed former West Virginia receiver Cam Vaughn; no reason was given.

Flooding & Mudslides: Heavy rain Sunday sent floodwaters and mudslides across Fayette County and parts of southern West Virginia, with flash flood warnings and road closures reported, while the New River Gorge National Park shut multiple routes due to washouts and debris. State Government Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers grilled the Department of Human Services secretary over delays and disruptions to the school clothing voucher program, still leaving questions about the cause and the numbers. Education Watch: The state Board of Education ordered a liaison for Marion County Schools after controversy over Superintendent Donna Heston’s contract renewal. Greenbrier Deal Update: The Justice family finalized a new partnership with Kennedy Lewis Investment Management for majority ownership of The Greenbrier, with court action dismissed and gaming regulators urged to move quickly. Community Recovery: A Weston CVS reopened after severe flash flooding forced restoration, cleaning, and restocking. Local Sports/Progress: WVU slot receiver D.J. Epps’ hard work paid off as he emerged as a leader after years of grinding for playing time. West Virginia Fair Spotlight: The most decorated Vietnam veteran in the state, Bill C. Brown, was honored at the West Virginia State Fair during Military Day. Higher Ed Enrollment: West Virginia’s community and technical college chancellor reported record enrollment in the Invests tuition program and rising FAFSA completion. Airport Expansion: North Central West Virginia Airport’s new $70 million terminal is set to open with first flights on Aug. 18.