AGP Executive Report

Energy & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined President Trump at the White House as the administration announced nearly $700 million in Defense Production Act funding to prop up U.S. coal—protecting dozens of coal plants, backing mine support, and pushing new coal buildouts, including a West Virginia project tied to Mount Storm. Policy & Power Grid: Trump says the plan is meant to lower electricity costs and keep power reliable for growing demand, including AI data centers, while environmental groups warn it’s a taxpayer subsidy for a polluting industry. West Virginia Impact: Local coverage points to federal money flowing to coal-related upgrades and construction efforts that officials say will support thousands of jobs in the Mountain State and beyond. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported West Virginia regular gas averaging $4.44 for the week ending May 30, with the lowest single-station regular price in Braxton County at $4.19; midgrade and premium prices also trended lower statewide in the same reporting period.

Education Oversight: West Virginia’s Board of Education heard updates on Tyler County Schools’ progress after the state takeover, including work on safety protocols and rebuilding public trust. Energy & Regulation: Thousands of West Virginians have opposed NextEra’s $1.16 billion MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project, with PSC public comment hearings set across the state starting Thursday. Higher Ed Access Funding: The Trump administration is shifting TRIO college-access grants toward state-level applicants, a move that could change how programs are funded and delivered. Coal Policy: A White House official says Trump plans to invoke the Defense Production Act for nearly $700 million in coal support, including upgrades to more than a dozen plants and a West Coast export terminal. Courts & Local Control: The West Virginia Supreme Court reversed in a Weirton natural gas drilling dispute, narrowing how much overlap exists between state and city authority. Healthcare Business Watch: CMS data highlights wide variation in nursing home performance across West Virginia, from facilities rated 1 to those rated 5, with fines and penalties reported for some operators. Workforce & Retirement: New analysis warns Social Security could cut benefits by about $500 per month on average by 2032 if lawmakers don’t act. State Economic Growth: 34 West Virginia companies earned recognition at the Governor’s Export Awards for expanding into new international markets.

Export & Trade: West Virginia doubled down on global growth as 34 companies earned the 2026 Governor’s Export Awards, including first-time winners, with the state Commerce Department highlighting new-country first export sales and broader international reach. Higher Ed & Sports Policy: A major Senate hearing put the spotlight on the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, with leaders including West Virginia President E. Gordon Gee and former Alabama coach Nick Saban arguing Congress needs a national rulebook for NIL, transfers, and athlete protections as SEC and Big Ten push back. Local Government & Public Safety Costs: Monongalia County approved a new fee schedule for intake and transport of arrestees involving municipal police and WVU Police, raising per-person charges effective July 1. Healthcare Ownership & Services: Welch Community Hospital’s ownership may change, but officials say services won’t be cut as the state looks to move the facility out of government hands. Business & Courts: Omni affiliate White Sulphur Springs Holdings renewed its Greenbrier dispute, claiming the resort’s value is falling and revenue is being diverted, while a federal judge paused parts of the case. Workforce & Education: The West Virginia Board of Education reported strong early results for its Classroom 2 Career apprenticeship program, citing thousands of students, hundreds of business partners, and millions in student earnings. Small Business Support: A Powering Appalachia Expo in Parkersburg connected entrepreneurs with lenders and federal and state resource partners, including SBA and USDA programs. State Government Watch: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack asked the state auditor for details on a senator’s contractor role, seeking invoices, time sheets, and documentation to clarify legality. Healthcare Quality Signals: A new report warns hundreds of rural hospitals nationwide face closure risk, a reminder of the stakes for access to care.

Food Safety: More than 10 recalls have been linked to potentially deadly Salmonella contamination tied to milk powder from California Dairies, with products sold nationwide including Champion Foods’ Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread. Energy & Utilities: FirstEnergy is pushing the Maidsville Energy Center at the Fort Martin site—a 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle gas plant—pending Public Service Commission approval, with the company calling it a community “good neighbor” fit. Healthcare & Long-Term Care: Valley Health in Winchester was named a Top 15 local/regional health system for 2026 by Modern Healthcare; meanwhile, CMS Q1 2026 data shows a wide spread in nursing home performance across West Virginia, from 5-star facilities like Weirton Geriatric Center to 1-star homes such as Beckley Healthcare Center and Glenville Health & Rehab. Public Policy & Veterans: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed bills expanding Purple Heart parking enforcement statewide and extending Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers to surviving Gold Star parents. National Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is racing through 26 major cases this month, including disputes over presidential power, birthright citizenship, and mail ballots—decisions that could reshape the next two years of Trump’s agenda.

Health Care Deal: WVU Medicine signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, a five-hospital network in southwestern Pennsylvania, with an $800M investment pledged for upgrades, a new electronic medical record system, and expanded clinical capabilities; the deal is expected to close in late September or early October pending approvals. Energy & Infrastructure: The Public Service Commission’s public hearings on NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link project are set to begin Thursday, June 4, as residents and West Virginians Against Transmission Infrastructure (WATI) prepare to weigh in on projected benefits and concerns. Chemical Safety Policy: A proposed Trump cut to the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has renewed alarm in West Virginia, where federal investigators have probed multiple deadly industrial incidents, including the recent Ames Goldsmith leak. State Regulation: WVABCA is expanding enforcement under the new “Vape Safety Act,” adding labeling and ingredient disclosure rules for vape and smoke shops starting June 11, 2026. Local Business & Community: A new Preston County grooming and training shop, The Paws Relax, held a ribbon cutting, while the Sistersville Ferry board says one boat is unrepairable and replacement funding is being explored. Public Safety: Berkeley County authorities say a suspected carjacking offender, Jordan Larine Redfern, has been arrested in Maryland following a bank robbery.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $3.4 million statewide local health challenge grant opportunity through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, pushing prevention-focused community initiatives and adding to more than $65 million in total RHTP-related funding. Energy Policy Fight: West Virginia AG Morrisey’s office urged the Department of Energy to rescind Biden-era rules that would effectively ban certain non-condensing gas water heaters and residential furnaces, arguing the change would force costly retrofits or replacements for households and businesses. State Budget Watch: May General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million, beating the monthly estimate by $44 million, with personal income, sales, and severance taxes cited as key drivers. Local Politics: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva announced she’ll challenge incumbent Mike Pushkin for chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, pitching a platform focused on fundraising, candidate support, and messaging for working families and small businesses. Community & Business: West Virginia State University Extension will open its Stinger Produce Market in Institute on June 10, offering $15 produce subscription boxes and public shopping hours through September. Regulatory/Utility Pressure: Sierra Club filed testimony in Mon Power’s $2.48 billion gas plant CPCN case, arguing the project’s costs and pollution impacts would land on residential customers. Sports & Culture: WV Public Theatre kicks off its 2026 season with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” while Cabell Midland aims to defend its Class AAAA softball title in a changing WVSSAC landscape.

State Budget Watch: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381M in May, beating the monthly estimate by $44M, with FYTD GRF collections now $5.124B and above estimate. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced a $3.4M Rural Local Health Challenge to expand prevention-focused programs under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Infrastructure—Water: Buckhannon secured major USDA support for a new water treatment plant, with nearly $50M in loans and grants confirmed. Energy & Rates: The PSC heard testimony on Mon Power’s proposed new gas-fired plant, with arguments centered on market risk and whether data-center-driven demand should be met via behind-the-meter options. Greenbrier Legal Fight: A federal case over control of The Greenbrier was paused, while a state dispute heats up as Omni and the longtime banker push back on the Justices’ claims. Mining Oversight: Conservation groups filed to challenge DEP “advanced approval” for permit transfers tied to operations near the Monongahela National Forest, including a haul road they say illegally crosses the forest. Health Costs: A WalletHub report ranks West Virginia among the states spending the most on health care as a share of income. Workplace Safety Staffing: National coverage highlights safety manager staffing ratios and how OSHA-related compliance demands are increasing.

Pro Medicus Contract Win: Pro Medicus’ U.S. unit Visage Imaging signed a five-year, A$28 million renewal with Allegheny Health Network, adding Visage 7 Workflow—an update that helped shares jump as investors chased the new deal. Greenbrier Legal Clock: A federal judge granted more time in the Greenbrier Hotel control fight, delaying deadlines to let the Justice family’s financing proposal play out. Tourism & Sunday Hours: West Virginia tourism leaders say towns lose visitor dollars when businesses close on Sundays, arguing consistent weekend hours help travelers spend before heading home. Wildlife Crossing Funding: States including West Virginia are among the highest for wildlife-related crashes, and new laws are pushing funding for wildlife corridors—Oregon is even dedicating a slice of a hotel tax to crossings. WVU Facilities: WVU athletics VP Wren Baker says the $150 million West Tower Press Box project is on track, with construction after the 2026 season and a 2028 completion target. Local Economy & Labor: A candlelight vigil in Clarksburg backed people detained by ICE after employees at a Bridgeport restaurant were taken—highlighting how enforcement actions ripple through local businesses.

Greenbrier Hotel Fight: A federal judge granted the Justice family a delay in its Greenbrier control case, giving more time to review a possible half-billion-dollar financing plan as deadlines and hearings shift by months. Local Courts & Immigration: Residents in Clarksburg held a candlelight vigil after ICE detained employees at Don Patron Mexican Grill in Bridgeport, with organizers calling for humane treatment. Energy & Environment: A Grist report says the EPA wants to shift oversight of toxic coal ash monitoring to states, raising concerns about how well communities are protected. Sports Business: The Philadelphia 76ers are hiring West Virginia legend Mike Gansey as president of basketball operations, a major front-office shakeup. State Economy & Jobs: A new map using April 2026 data shows unemployment rates vary sharply by geography, with West Coast states lagging and the gap widening. Transportation Safety: A semi with a wide load struck an I-77 toll booth, trapping a worker; officials say the worker is expected to be okay. Agriculture Leadership: Lincoln University named John Kessell as associate extension administrator for its cooperative extension, expanding leadership across ag, youth, and community programs.

Front Office Shakeup: The Philadelphia 76ers are hiring West Virginia alum Mike Gansey as president of basketball operations, replacing Daryl Morey and signaling a major change in how the team builds rosters. Sports & Business: The move puts Gansey in a high-stakes role alongside 76ers sports president Bob Myers, with fans watching whether the Cavaliers’ deal-making style translates to Philadelphia. Energy & Environment: The EPA is pushing to shift monitoring of toxic coal ash from federal oversight to states, a move that could reshape how West Virginia and other coal-legacy regions manage groundwater and public health risk. Immigration & Local Economy: Residents held a candlelight vigil in Clarksburg for people detained by ICE after workers at a Bridgeport restaurant were taken, highlighting how enforcement actions can ripple through local employers. Infrastructure Incident: A semi with a wide load struck an I-77 toll booth near MM 83, trapping a worker; officials say the worker is expected to be okay. Agriculture & Food Security: China reopened poultry trade for 17 U.S. states, a potential boost for regional producers and supply chains. Education & Workforce: Lincoln University named John Kessell to lead its cooperative extension, with a focus on agriculture, community development, and youth programs.

Energy & Grid Reliability: A retired Maj. Gen. argues West Virginia’s aging electric transmission system is a national security issue because defense supply chains depend on reliable power. Climate & Industry Health: A new American Cancer Society review links coal mining and living near coal operations to higher cancer deaths, especially in Appalachia, warning that weakening protections could raise health and economic costs. Greenbrier Deal Update: Sen. Jim Justice’s family disclosed a proposed up-to-$500 million financing partner in the Greenbrier takeover fight, while Omni’s affiliate says the court filing is far from full financing. Legal Oversight: Federal funding cuts are proposed for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, raising alarms that West Virginia could face more vulnerable chemical-disaster response. Workforce & Education: Summit High School’s Class of 2026 graduates with nearly 4,600 college credits, dozens of industry certifications, and career experience through partnerships. Local Business/Community: Aetna Better Health and Community Care opened a new West Virginia Community Resource Center in Clarksburg to connect Medicaid members with case management and support services. Sports Front Office: The 76ers are set to hire Mike Gansey, a West Virginia alum, as lead basketball operations executive. Real Estate: Kanawha County property transfers list multiple deals of $75,000+ recorded May 17-23.

Greenbrier Resort Court Fight: Sen. Jim Justice’s family disclosed a proposed $500 million financing partner for the Greenbrier takeover fight, but Omni’s affiliate says the terms still fall short and is pushing back in federal court. Water & Sewer Funding: Gov. Morrisey said the IJDC approved more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects across Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including reservoir work in Philippi. Housing Market Update: Greenbrier Valley Realtors reported 2026 year-to-date activity in Greenbrier County: 89 new listings, 57 homes sold and about $14.2 million in sales volume, with a median sale price near $205,000. Local Real Estate Records: Kanawha County property transfers from May 17-23 show multiple deals above $75,000, including a $325,000 sale in Elk District and a $255,000 transaction in Kanawha City. Agriculture & Food Security: A new UF/IFAS survey finds growing concern in West Virginia and other states about pests, animal disease spread and food-chain disruptions, with strong support for tougher protections. Community Health Access: Aetna Better Health and Community Care opened a new Community Resource Center in Clarksburg to connect Medicaid members with case management and wellness support. Entrepreneurship & Business Climate: A LendingTree analysis says Gen Z is driving record business applications nationwide, while West Virginia ranks lowest for new filings. Attorney General Privacy Push: AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail over financial data privacy and security risks. Local Government: Vienna City Council approved liquor ordinances after public comment, including changes tied to District 2 alcohol sales. Workforce & Training: Grimm Scientific Industries welcomed four Class of 2026 members, adding roles spanning marketing, electrical engineering, cost accounting and IT.

Water & Sewer Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council approved more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects in Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including a reservoir plan in Philippi to add a secondary water source. Health & Medicaid Access: Community Care of West Virginia opened a Community Resource Center in Clarksburg inside its Oakmound Road location, aiming to connect Medicaid members and others to case management and wellness support. Utility & Data Center Backlash: North Central West Virginia residents and groups are lining up for State Public Service Commission hearings over the NextEra MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project, with more than 120 people seeking intervenor status. Legal/Markets: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey filed suit against proxy adviser ISS, alleging it misled investors by promoting an undisclosed ESG agenda. Business/Workforce: West Virginia’s education department and Marshall launched an aviation pathway for K-12 students, while West Virginia American Water leadership changes were also in the news. Community & Local Economy: Vienna City Council approved alcohol sales by the glass in the business district from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., drawing both support and concerns from residents. Sports Business: Big 12 coaches backed expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams, with West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez calling the vote unanimous.

Greenbrier financing fight: Attorneys for Sen. Jim Justice and his family filed a redacted term sheet in federal court tied to a new loan proposal to pay down remaining Greenbrier Resort debts, with key details kept private as a Wednesday deadline looms. Water & sewer investment: Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council approved more than $1.15 million for water and sewer projects across Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties, including reservoir work in Philippi and reliability upgrades via Kanawha PSD. Opioid funding dispute: Hancock County commissioners approved additional opioid dollars for Family Care Excellence while also weighing memoranda of understanding for other previously approved allocations, with one commissioner raising concerns about whether earlier requirements were met. Medicare coverage expansion: AngioDynamics announced Palmetto GBA issued a final Medicare coverage decision for NanoKnife irreversible electroporation for prostate and liver cancer, effective July 5, 2026—an important reimbursement step for patient access. Healthcare spending snapshot: Medicaid billing in Ravenswood shows Procedures/Professional Services jumped to $110,950 in 2024, up sharply from 2023, highlighting shifting local public health costs. Workforce pressure: New labor data shows the share of men in the workforce hit a nearly 20-year low, with disability and job losses cited as major drivers. Housing finance signals: VA home-loan rankings for Q1 2026 show Virginia among the top states by total value, underscoring continued demand for veteran-backed mortgages. Local economic development: Warwood unveiled a new steel “Warwood, WV” sign at Garden Park, funded through Local Economic Development Assistance.

Energy Policy: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey urged the U.S. Department of Energy to delay and rescind appliance efficiency rules, warning they could force costly retrofits for the 335,000+ WV households that heat with natural gas. Local Infrastructure: Wood County commissioners approved a $1.6 million sewer project contract, clearing the way for work on the Hill Avenue Sewer Project and addressing a pipe-type change that adds $2,000. Workforce & Training: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed bills expanding Workforce Pell Grant eligibility and creating a statewide micro-credential program tied to short-term training and skilled trades. Greenbrier Legal Fight: A federal judge ordered the Justice family to file redacted Greenbrier financing term-sheet details, with a deadline set for new loan information. Healthcare Access: Princeton Community Hospital announced new cancer treatments now available in southern WV, including Pluvicto for advanced prostate cancer. Housing Costs: A new report highlights why rent keeps rising and offers negotiation tactics for renters. Business & Growth: Range Impact named West Virginia attorney Michael Simon as a strategic advisor as it works to redevelop former coal mine properties. Public Safety/Community: Ranson council discussed public works plans tied to upcoming ribbon cuttings and a local shelter project.

Workforce & Training: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed workforce bills at New River CTC, creating a state micro-credential framework to help workers earn portable, employer-recognized skills tied to high-demand jobs. Caregiving Costs: A new look at West Virginia’s caregiving system finds 375,000 family caregivers—mostly women—providing $3B in unpaid care, with many reporting major out-of-pocket costs and financial setbacks. Greenbrier Financing Fight: In the Greenbrier Resort lawsuit, a federal judge ordered the Justice family to file more detailed loan terms for the public record, while the current lender seeks to keep pushing for receivership. Health Care Funding: Kansas lawmakers, with West Virginia among co-sponsors, unveiled a Rural Hospital Revitalization Act offering interest-free loans to help struggling rural hospitals renovate or build. Local Business & Community: Fairmont’s Farmers Market returns June 2, with Groove Coffee bringing a mobile coffee trailer to the Merchant Street event. Infrastructure Dollars: Morrisey announced $1.15M+ in approved water and sewer funding for projects in Kanawha, Tucker and Barbour counties. Public Safety: Fayette County man faces charges after an alleged domestic incident involving choking and threats against his wife.