AGP Executive Report

Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using Defense Production Act authority—drawing both grid-reliability promises and criticism of subsidizing an uncompetitive industry. Food Safety & Consumer Costs: Pepperoni rolls sold in West Virginia and Ohio were recalled over undeclared milk and improper storage temperatures; no illnesses reported. Healthcare Access: West Virginia’s new law requires insurance coverage for scalp cooling during chemotherapy, aimed at helping patients preserve hair. Education Funding: A House Education Committee interim meeting renewed pressure to fix West Virginia’s school aid formula as special education costs rise, with lawmakers citing a roughly $170 million shortfall. Elections & Business Registration: The secretary of state launched mobile office hours in Parkersburg to help residents check voter registration and handle election and business registration needs. Local Economy & Growth: Cumberland Farms reported completing 72 store rebrands and targeting 158 more conversions nationwide, highlighting improved traffic and inside sales. Sports & State Spotlight: WVU’s College World Series run hit a turning point as North Carolina beat West Virginia 5-2, sending the Mountaineers into an elimination rematch with Troy. Workforce & Training: 24hourEDU said it received NMLS approval for online mortgage loan officer license courses meeting West Virginia requirements. Public Safety: Logan County man Joseph Adam Lett was arrested in a copper theft investigation tied to a contractor’s storage lot.

Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal generation, using Defense Production Act authority—an energy push that critics call an unnecessary subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Food Costs & Nutrition: West Virginia schools and nonprofits are scrambling to keep kids fed this summer as grocery prices rise and federal welfare changes tighten support, with USDA-funded summer feeding sites helping cover the gap. Workforce & Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration says the West Virginia Water Development Authority approved more than $17 million in Economic Enhancement Grants for sewer and water upgrades in Mason, Morgan and Wood counties, aimed at removing barriers to growth and housing. Local Business: Hibbett Sports has closed its Meadowbrook Mall store in Bridgeport after opening in 2016, leaving a vacant 5,040-square-foot retail space. Healthcare Capacity: WV hospital leaders are spotlighting rural healthcare workforce shortages and the need for collaboration as hospitals face financial pressure and staffing strain. Energy Affordability: A new index ranks West Virginia among states with the biggest energy affordability pressure, reflecting high electricity costs relative to household income. Community & Tourism: Moundsville’s Fostoria Glass Society of America drew collectors to the former penitentiary for its 45th annual glass show and sale, boosting local tourism. Economic Development: Capital Electric opened a new Charlotte distribution center, adding 100 jobs and expanding service for customers across the Carolinas and southeastern Georgia. Public Safety & Courts: Attorney General Dave Sunday led a bipartisan push to keep Legal Services Corporation funding in 2027, arguing civil legal aid is a lifeline for low-income Americans.

Energy & Power: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using Defense Production Act authority—an effort critics call a subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Local Energy Grid: NextEra officials defended the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission project in West Virginia public hearings, pitching it as a reliability upgrade that would bring tax revenue and union construction jobs despite resident opposition. Water Infrastructure: A new report highlights worsening drinking-water conditions in southern West Virginia, with lawmakers describing residents relying on springs, rainwater drums, and makeshift filtration after repeated failures. Food Safety: FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to the highest risk level after potential salmonella contamination, affecting hundreds of cases across multiple states. Online Gaming: Delaware North expanded its Betly online casino in West Virginia via a Bragg Gaming Group partnership, adding more iGaming content as mobile play keeps driving growth. Business & Sports Culture: West Virginia’s College World Series run continues in Omaha, with WVU set to face North Carolina in a winner’s-bracket game that could reshape the bracket and keep local business buzz high. Weather Watch: Severe storm threats are back across parts of the East and Plains, with damaging winds and flooding concerns that could disrupt travel and commerce.

Energy & Travel Costs: AAA reports U.S. gas prices are down for a third straight week, with the national average at $4.12 a gallon, easing pressure on transportation-heavy small businesses heading into summer. Food Safety & Regulation: A new report says synthetic dyes show up in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods, and a voluntary federal phase-out faces hurdles as major brands haven’t fully committed—while states including West Virginia keep tightening rules. West Virginia Politics & Local Control: A debate over data centers is heating up in the Legislature, with critics saying state law limits local say and keeps key facility information secret. Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal projects, a move supporters call grid-reliability work and critics call an unnecessary subsidy. Local Business & Community Events: Parkersburg Pride says its City Park event is bigger than ever, adding more vendors and sponsors. Sports & Tourism: WVU and other regional businesses are seeing College World Series spillover, with Omaha’s Farmers Market pushing through storm damage to welcome fans.

Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal projects, using Defense Production Act authority—an energy-dominance push that critics call an unnecessary subsidy. Data Centers & State Politics: West Virginia’s data-center push faces fresh backlash, with reporting that the state has moved to keep key facility information secret while local communities worry about water and impacts. Energy & Costs: AAA reports pump prices falling for a third straight week, easing pressure on drivers even as broader fuel markets stay volatile. Higher Ed & Local Economy: Wheeling University received provisional reauthorization from the HEPC to confer degrees, contingent on continued essential services amid ongoing financial concerns. Public Health & Regulation: A new Endocrine Society guideline says some children with early puberty may need less testing or treatment, while a separate report highlights synthetic dyes still showing up in about 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods. Community & Business Life: Parkersburg Pride expanded its vendor lineup at City Park, signaling continued growth for local nonprofits and small businesses. Flood Memory & Preparedness: One year after the Ohio County floods, cleanup and recovery efforts continue, with ongoing attention to disaster readiness.

Energy & Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced more than $17 million in Economic Enhancement Grants for sewer and drinking-water upgrades in Mason, Morgan and Wood counties, aiming to support housing and economic development. Data Centers & Power: West Virginia’s Data Economy Office says the state received its first microgrid certification application tied to data center development, as officials continue working through “behind-the-meter” energy grid rules. Utilities Oversight: Kanawha Falls Public Service District is facing a Public Service Commission staff petition seeking an investigation and possible receiver appointment over alleged water and sewer service failures. Workforce Policy: Morrisey also signed workforce bills creating a state micro-credential framework to speed training into high-demand jobs. Public Safety & Flood Risk: FEMA-funded mitigation work is underway in Mingo County after last year’s flooding left residents worried about access and creek flooding. Health & Consumer Watch: A new report finds synthetic dyes in about 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them.

Public Utilities Oversight: West Virginia Public Service Commission staff has recommended an investigation into Kanawha Falls Public Service District and urged receivership, citing alleged failures on both water and sewer operations and noncompliance with commission orders. Energy & Jobs: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, a move supporters frame as grid reliability and critics call a subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Coal Plant Backstory in WV: A separate report says the key figure behind a proposed 1.6-gigawatt coal plant in Grant County has little energy track record, raising questions about how the project will win over power-sector stakeholders. Health & Consumer Watch: A federal push to phase out certain synthetic dyes by end of 2026 is running into mixed industry follow-through, while West Virginia is among states that already restricted some dyes. Higher Ed & Workforce: Bluefield State University won approval to launch a Master of Science in Engineering Technology starting fall 2026, aiming to meet employer demand for advanced STEM skills. Local Business & Community: Citizens Bank of West Virginia is bringing back its Emerging Leaders scholarship for a sixth year at Davis and Elkins College, investing $750,000 over four years. Food Safety: Fry Pie Factory issued a voluntary recall of pepperoni rolls distributed in parts of West Virginia due to misbranding and refrigeration process issues. Sports Business: WVU and other regional programs are in Omaha for the College World Series, with West Virginia’s presence adding to local travel and spending during the tournament.

Healthcare Workforce: WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital unveiled a new Center for Nursing Education in the former NTTC building, aiming to train about 26 registered nurses in a tuition-free, 21-month program starting fall 2027, with graduates required to work bedside for three years. Courts & Public Service: New West Virginia Appellate Court Judge Jim Douglas was sworn in in Wheeling, continuing a roving swearing-in tour across the state. Energy & Grid Politics: Area officials and legislators again pushed back on major transmission projects, including opposition to the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) at a PSC hearing, while lawmakers elsewhere questioned additional line proposals. Local Economy & Community Health: Hancock County commissioners approved additional agreements for distributing opioid settlement funds, including memorandums tied to churches, WVU Extension and volunteer fire departments. Business & Tech in WV: The state data center liaison said West Virginia received its first microgrid data center application and is working to address community concerns about data center development. Science & WVU: The Green Bank Telescope is powering WVU-led research into gravitational waves and cosmic origins with new NSF funding. Food & Consumer Policy: A new report says synthetic dyes remain in nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them. Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal plants, drawing fresh criticism over subsidies and competitiveness. Sports Business Spotlight: WVU’s College World Series run kicks off in Omaha, with local fans and officials already preparing for the economic and logistical lift from the event.

Energy & Infrastructure: A federal appeals court denied efforts to pause water-quality certifications for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Southgate natural gas project, keeping the VA–NC work moving while environmental groups argue the pipeline is unnecessary and harmful. Local Power Grid: At a Morgantown public hearing, opponents pushed back on NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link, a proposed 107-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line crossing parts of northern West Virginia. Public Health & Consumer Costs: Gas prices fell for a third straight week, with the national average dropping to about $4.12 a gallon, even as inflation hit 4.2% in May. West Virginia Policy: Gov. Jim Justice’s office says the Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Department substation rebuild in Winifrede is back on track with temporary state backing while FEMA completes review. Agriculture Biosecurity: West Virginia issued new animal-transport requirements to prevent New World screwworm spread after detections in other states. Food & Regulation: A new report finds synthetic dyes in nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them. Sports & Local Economy: WVU baseball opens College World Series play against Troy, and WVU football recruiting added a 4-star pass rusher for the 2027 class.

Coal Policy & Power Costs: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization, including life extensions and new builds, with West Virginia tied to the plan—raising fresh debate over grid reliability versus higher costs and pollution. Federal vs. Local Control: A separate federal order directed a Florida utility to keep burning coal despite planned shutdowns, fueling claims of overreach and renewed air-quality concerns. Greenbrier Lawsuit: West Virginia’s Tax Division moved to intervene in the Greenbrier Resort federal case, citing more than $4.4 million in tax liens and pushing back on procedural objections. Energy Infrastructure Fight: The PSC continued public hearings on the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission project, with Monongalia residents and others arguing the line is a bad deal for West Virginia. Healthcare & Community Impact: Circus Saints and Sinners pledged $100,000 to the new WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Center in Wheeling, while McDowell County residents voiced anger over a potential sale of Welch Community Hospital. Workforce & Training: A Wheeling union launched “Heavy Metal Summer Experience” to steer recent grads into skilled trades with paid pathways. Food & Consumer Health: A new report says nearly 20% of U.S. packaged foods still contain synthetic dyes, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them. Inflation Watch: May inflation hit 4.2%, the highest in three years, with energy costs tied to the Iran war pressuring households.

Energy & Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization plus two new coal plants, using the Defense Production Act to support grid reliability and coal-export infrastructure—while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Public Health & Food: A new Consumer Reports scan found synthetic dyes in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods, with some products exceeding stricter daily safety thresholds for children; the FDA’s voluntary dye phase-out faces uneven industry follow-through, and West Virginia is among states with its own limits. Higher Ed: Marshall University approved cutting seven certificate and degree programs amid a shrinking budget deficit, citing enrollment and broader uncertainty around the value of education in an AI-driven economy. Health Care Regulation: CMS continues rolling out guidance on hospice and home health enrollment moratoria, including how the limits apply to adding new locations and branches. Local Business/Legal: The Greenbrier Resort faces $4.4 million in state tax liens tied to sales and payroll taxes, as the state seeks to intervene in a federal lawsuit. Safety: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles over a rear suspension defect that can corrode and fail, including models sold in West Virginia. Community & Culture: Shepherdstown kicked off Pride Month with its 2nd annual Pride Parade, honoring local LGBTQ history and youth leadership.

Energy Policy & Coal Funding: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and expansion, using the Defense Production Act; West Virginia’s Mt. Storm is among projects that could receive up to $350 million for upgrades aimed at keeping coal capacity online. Utility Rates: Appalachian Power reached a deal with the Public Service Commission allowing a 2.8% rate hike starting July 1, with limits on further hikes until 2027. Mining Safety: MSHA found Nicholas-Contura’s Rolling Thunder Mine failures contributed to the Nov. 8, 2025 death of Steven Lipscomb, citing map and drill-plan problems. Poverty Services: West Virginia’s Family Support Centers face a July 1 contract deadline and possible cuts tied to a $40 million structural deficit in federal anti-poverty funding. Water Infrastructure: Follansbee will receive $500,000 to close the gap for Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant upgrades. Business & Construction: WVDOH awarded 20 bridge and paving contracts to local contractors, including work in Randolph, Upshur and Pocahontas counties. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports West Virginia’s regular gas averaged $4.44 for the week ending May 30, with local lows varying by county. Education & Workforce: The IRS says 27 states, including West Virginia, opted into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program.

Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using the Defense Production Act to bolster grid reliability—an effort critics call subsidy for an uncompetitive industry. Energy Infrastructure: DOE also selected Mt. Storm as one of four coal modernization projects that could receive up to $350 million, aiming to extend plant life and add dependable capacity. Local Energy Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile in West Virginia, with Hancock County regular at $4.39 and E85 as low as $3.78 in Randolph County for the week ending May 30. Higher Ed & Sports Business: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA’s cap on college athlete revenue-sharing in 17 states, arguing it violates NIL-related state laws. Data Centers & Taxes: Berkeley County officials are pressing for clarity on West Virginia’s data center tax structure after concerns about impacts on school aid from the state’s high-impact data center program. Public Utilities & Planning: The Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission line faces final PSC public comment hearings in Monongalia (June 10) and Preston (June 11).

Coal & Energy Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $3.3 million for West Virginia water infrastructure projects, aiming to unlock housing and business growth; meanwhile, national debate over year-round E15 ethanol sales heads toward a tough Senate vote, with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito calling the 60-vote path uncertain. Corporate & Legal: West Virginia AG Ford filed a brief in the Meta antitrust case, arguing against monopoly behavior in social media; in a separate business fight, lawyers continue pressing for a preliminary injunction in the Greenbrier Hotel debt/control dispute. Local Business & Economy: Lucas Bols USA is reshuffling its U.S. distribution, with Martignetti adding West Virginia to its coverage; TMC Technologies was honored for Artemis II contributions, underscoring West Virginia’s aerospace supply-chain role. Health & Labor: Groups urged the Bureau of Prisons not to privatize food service, citing nutrition and safety concerns; West Virginia held steady at 41st in national child wellbeing rankings, with poverty still a key drag. Markets Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest local prices, including $5.23 premium in Grant County and $5.24 diesel in Monongalia County.

Coal & Energy Policy: The Trump administration is directing about $500 million in Defense Production Act Title III funding to coal-fired power, including the first new U.S. coal plants since 2013 plus modernization awards at 12 existing facilities, with West Virginia among the beneficiaries. Public Finance & Infrastructure: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $3.3 million approved for four water infrastructure projects statewide, leveraging nearly $26 million in total investment. Health & Coverage: Arizona’s ACA enrollment is dropping fast after subsidy cuts, with costs spiking for enrollees—an affordability warning for states watching similar policy shifts. Child Well-Being: West Virginia held steady at 41st nationally for overall child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report, with poverty still a key pressure point. Workforce & Education: The U.S. Department of Education named West Virginia a semifinalist for the Connecting Talent to Opportunity challenge, aiming to link learners to jobs through state “talent marketplaces.” Telecom: Shentel reported Q1 growth driven by its Glo Fiber expansion, while incumbent broadband markets saw declines tied to shifting video habits. Local Business: M&K Truck Centers is acquiring five GATR Truck Center dealerships across Iowa and Minnesota, expanding its footprint and service offerings. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data shows diesel and E85 prices varying by county, with several West Virginia locations posting the week’s lowest reported rates.

Medicaid & Health Policy: Trump’s Medicaid work requirements are set to tighten coverage nationwide, with analysts projecting millions could lose benefits by 2034—critics say earlier state rollouts hit working people, people with exemptions, and those caught in paperwork failures. Healthcare Investment: WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals is expanding intensive care capacity, including a major $135 million Camden Clark Hospital patient tower and additional ICU beds, with more upgrades planned through 2027. Energy & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia will benefit from a White House $700 million coal/energy push tied to Defense Production Act-style funding, pointing to modernization work at the Mitchell Plant in Marshall County and projects in Moundsville. Homelessness Data: Federal estimates show homelessness in West Virginia rose 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, reaching 1,925 people on a winter night. Local Government Finance: Wheeling’s city finances remain solid heading into the final stretch of the fiscal year, with sales tax and B&O tax running ahead of budget. Gaming Business: Delaware North’s digital gaming rebrand rolls out as Ember Casino, powered by Playtech and tied to existing operations in West Virginia. Labor Watch: Teamsters Local 175 is holding community support events during a strike against The Beverage Market in Sissonville. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show scattered low-price points across WV counties for regular, midgrade, premium and diesel in the week ending May 30. Sports & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing major rulings on gun rights, transgender athlete bans, and Trump immigration policies.