AGP Executive Report

Coal & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia is set to benefit from President Trump’s $700M energy push, including Terraspark’s new Mount Storm coal-fired plant with carbon capture and federal support for upgrades at the Mitchell Plant in Marshall County and work in Moundsville. Dem Party Leadership: Del. Mike Pushkin held off Teresa Toriseva in a Saturday vote to keep chairing the West Virginia Democratic Party, setting up the party’s push for the November midterms. Statehouse Watch: A Reporter’s Notebook column revisits a contract dispute involving State Auditor Mark Hunt and Senate President Pro Tempore Jay Taylor, raising questions about whether the arrangement violates state constitutional rules. Courts & Culture Wars: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing major rulings on gun rights, transgender athlete bans, and Trump immigration policies. Public Safety: Pierce was extradited back to Wood County in the Gretchen Fleming murder case, while WVU reported multiple injuries after a storm blew an event tent into the crowd during a Super Regional baseball game. Energy & Everyday Costs: GasBuddy price reports show continued volatility across West Virginia counties, with several “lowest” weekly prices hitting in late May.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major rulings soon, including cases tied to gun rights and transgender athletes—directly relevant to West Virginia’s sports ban fight. State Government: Gov. Patrick Morrisey named William “Bill” D’Aiuto as Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Human Services, aiming to tighten operations and improve service delivery. Energy & Jobs: Morrisey and other leaders are touting Trump’s roughly $700 million coal investment using wartime powers, with West Virginia projects positioned for support. Public Safety: WVU says multiple fans were hospitalized after a thunderstorm’s heavy winds blew an event tent into the crowd during a Super Regional baseball game. Elections: Delegate Laura Kimble filed an election contest after losing a GOP primary by six votes, alleging possible voting irregularities in Harrison County. Health Care Deal: WVU Health System signed an agreement to acquire Independence Health System, investing $800 million for upgrades across five Pennsylvania hospitals. Community & Culture: Ritchie County DAR/SAR groups held an America 250 patriot ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery in Harrisville.

Gun & transgender sports at SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on gun-law challenges and whether states including West Virginia can bar transgender athletes from women’s sports. Human services leadership: Gov. Morrisey named William “Bill” D’Aiuto as the new Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Human Services, aiming to tighten oversight and improve service delivery. Coal politics in the spotlight: West Virginia leaders praised Trump’s roughly $700 million push to revive coal power, using wartime-era authorities to fund upgrades and new plants. Immigration funding fight: Congress is moving toward a major Homeland Security cash package tied to Trump’s mass deportation agenda, with critics calling it an “ATM for ICE.” Local justice: A Pike County grand jury returned dozens of indictments, including rape and sexual abuse charges. Election dispute: Laura Kimble filed an election contest after losing a GOP House primary by six votes in Harrison County. Public safety & community: WVU said five fans were taken to hospitals after a thunderstorm blew over an event tent during a Morgantown baseball game. State government operations: A new COO role at DoHS and ongoing court battles over immigration policies both point to a busy week for West Virginia’s political and legal landscape.

Coal & Energy Policy: President Trump is pushing a major coal revival, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers to steer about $700 million toward coal plants, including $425 million for upgrades to 13 existing facilities and additional money tied to a possible West Gateway export terminal—framing it as national security and AI-era power demand. Local Politics: Incumbent Laura Kimble is filing a formal election contest after losing the GOP primary for the 71st House District by six votes, citing possible voting irregularities in Harrison County and seeking a recount. Economy & Jobs: New federal job data shows employers added 172,000 jobs in May and unemployment held at 4.3%, while mass layoff notices fell to 250 in May. Public Safety & Community: The Hotsinpiller Foundation held its 16th annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K to honor fallen officers and raise support for K-9 and safety equipment for law enforcement. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting single-station “lowest” deals for regular, midgrade, premium, diesel, and E85 during the week ending May 30.

Energy Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will “benefit quickly” from President Trump’s $700M coal push, pointing to DOE funding for Mount Storm and the Mitchell Plant modernization in Moundsville/Marshall County. Federal Power Grab: The White House says it’s using the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to extend 13 coal plants and build new ones, while critics call it an expensive bet on a declining industry. Child Welfare Courts: A federal class action challenging West Virginia’s foster care system is back on track after the 4th Circuit reversed a dismissal, saying courts must remedy systemic constitutional violations. Public Safety: Authorities identified Michael Bolyard as the suspect in a Sabraton CVS shooting; the investigation is ongoing. Crime Crackdown: FBI and state partners launched “Operation Summer Heat 2.0” targeting violent crime and drug trafficking across West Virginia. Health Innovation: A Morgantown lab says it has developed GATC-1021, a potential new treatment for opioid use disorder, with human trials ahead. Local Politics: Morgantown council faced a heated proclamation request tied to “250” celebrations, with public backlash spilling into the meeting. Legal/Environment: A 4th Circuit ruling vacated an injunction against Chemours over Ohio River pollution limits, sending the dispute back into legal limbo.

Coal & Energy Policy: President Trump is using the Defense Production Act to push nearly $700M into coal, including $425M for upgrades at 13 coal plants and funding for new coal facilities in West Virginia and Alaska, plus an Oakland export terminal—framed as critical for AI power and national security. Statehouse & Local Impact: Gov. Patrick Morrisey backed the plan, arguing West Virginia must lean on all energy resources to compete. Environmental Courts: A federal appeals court tossed a Wood County injunction against Chemours over PFAS-related discharges, saying the lower court made legal and factual errors. Immigration & Federal Courts: A judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS freezes on asylum and other benefits for people from 39 countries, including after a National Guard shooting that killed a West Virginia service member. Public Safety: Monongalia County released details on a deadly deputy-involved shooting at a CVS in Sabraton tied to an earlier barricade and warrant. Health & Oversight: Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted Medicaid fraud crackdowns, arguing targeting waste could help rural hospitals. Community & Culture: Senator Jim Justice hosted the Iraqi national soccer team at the Greenbrier ahead of World Cup matches. Business/Services: WVU Potomac State College’s Deremer Farm continues supporting its agriculture program. Transportation/Travel: A guide promoted New River Gorge National Park as a no-entrance-fee destination.

Coal & Energy Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M in federal support for coal-fired power plants and exports, using the Cold War-era Defense Production Act; West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised the move as a win for energy jobs, with funding aimed at extending plant operations and backing a new coal export terminal in Oakland. Veterans Policy: Gov. Morrisey signed bills strengthening Purple Heart parking protections and extending Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers. Higher Ed Leadership: West Virginia Northern Community College selected Dr. Andrew Langrehr as its next president, starting in August. College Sports Politics: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito updated reporters on Senate action tied to immigration funding and highlighted ongoing fights over college athletics policy. Local Government: Monongalia County approved $125,000 for Star City’s University Avenue streetscape project. Charter Schools: West Virginia Academy held its first-ever graduation for the Class of 2026 in Morgantown. Supreme Court Watch: The Court upheld a broad reading of the SEC’s power to recoup fraud gains and sided with the Trump administration in a telecom regulation case. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5M acres of critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumblebee, including in West Virginia.

Coal Funding Push: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to announce nearly $700 million for “clean, beautiful coal,” including $425 million to upgrade 13 coal plants (with West Virginia among the states) plus $185 million for new coal projects in Alaska and West Virginia and to restart a shuttered plant in Maryland, and $75 million for a West Coast export terminal in Oakland—framed as grid reliability and national security, while environmental groups called it a taxpayer subsidy for pollution. State Politics & Oversight: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack asked State Auditor Mark Hunt for more details on the legality of Sen. Jay Taylor’s contractor work in the Auditor’s office. Education Leadership: West Virginia Northern Community College named Andrew Langrehr as its next president, starting in August. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals court revived a foster care lawsuit, giving West Virginia children another chance to pursue claims over the state’s troubled child welfare system. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported West Virginia’s regular gas average at $4.44 for the week ending May 30, with local lows like $4.03 in Marion County.

School Choice Push: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty told county leaders to treat public schools as one “school choice option,” urging systems to make themselves more appealing as Gov. Patrick Morrisey and lawmakers back choice. Education Oversight: The WVBE updated Tyler County Schools on progress after the state takeover, while also approving new rules affecting student-athlete transfers. Energy & Permitting: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey is leading a 21-state coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states’ authority in environmental permitting, arguing a Guam case would let lawsuits block projects before agencies review them. PSC Hearings: NextEra’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line faces heavy opposition in public comments ahead of PSC hearings across the state. Courts & Local Control: The WV Supreme Court ruled in a Weirton natural gas drilling dispute, limiting how much overlap exists between state and city authority. Public Safety: WVDNR reminded boaters to follow boating education and life-jacket rules as summer ramps up. College Sports Policy: West Virginia figures joined national debate over the Protect College Sports Act, aimed at NIL, transfers, and athlete protections. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says benefits could drop about $500 a month on average by 2032 without congressional action, with West Virginia among the hardest-hit states. Health Care Data: CMS reports nursing-home rankings in Upshur, Mercer, and Randolph counties, including top ratings for Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Law Enforcement: Federal officials announced charges tied to a major multi-state drug trafficking takedown involving West Virginia and Maryland.

College Sports Overhaul: A Senate Commerce hearing put West Virginia President E. Gordon Gee and other major figures behind the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, aiming to curb NIL and transfer chaos with a national rulebook and limited NCAA antitrust protection—while the SEC and Big Ten warn the bill needs changes. State Government Watch: West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack asked State Auditor Mark Hunt for details on Sen. Jay Taylor’s contractor work, pressing for invoices, time sheets, and proof the arrangement is constitutional. Hospital Ownership: In Welch, officials say Welch Community Hospital’s ownership may change, but services won’t be cut as the state seeks a nonprofit operator to take over. Public Safety & Courts: A 4th Circuit ruling overturned a preliminary order against Chemours in the Ohio River pollution fight, and WVDNR reminded West Virginians to leave young wildlife alone. Health & Environment: West Virginia released less restrictive 2026 sport fish consumption advisories after water quality improvements, and USFWS finalized critical habitat protections for the rusty patched bumble bee. Local Crime: A Summers County woman was arrested after an overdose death, accused of failing to render aid.

Supreme Court Showdown: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue 26 decisions this month, with major cases tied to Trump priorities—executive power, birthright citizenship, mail ballot deadlines, and Second Amendment fights—arriving as the president attacks justices publicly. Veterans & Local Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed two veterans bills in Wheeling: tougher penalties for unauthorized Purple Heart parking and expanded Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers for surviving parents. City Hall Culture Wars: Morgantown City Council tabled a conversion-therapy ordinance after backlash and legal concerns tied to a recent Supreme Court ruling; the city is coordinating with the ACLU of West Virginia and Fairness WV. Public Safety & Courts: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled for Parkersburg firefighters in a pay dispute, sending the case back for damage calculations. Environment & Recreation: West Virginia released less restrictive 2026 sport fish consumption advisories after improved water quality. Water Infrastructure Watch: Huntington officials are exploring a potential wastewater partnership with West Virginia American Water, with city ownership and affordability protections on the table. Community Grants: West Virginia First Foundation opened its Community Catalyst Grant cycle, targeting prevention, treatment, recovery, workforce development, and youth services with a June 30 deadline.

Veterans Policy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey ceremonially signed two new laws at the Wheeling Waterfront—SB 467 adds enforceable penalties for unauthorized vehicles in Purple Heart parking spaces, and HB 4437 extends Gold Star vehicle registration fee waivers to surviving Gold Star parents. Courts & Public Safety: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-1 for Parkersburg firefighters in a pay dispute, finding the city violated the state Wage Payment and Collection Act when it reduced longevity and EMT certification pay in 2017 without advance notice; the case now heads back for damage calculations. State Government & Health: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories loosened in key places, including removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and relaxing smallmouth bass guidance on the Shenandoah River to fish larger than 12 inches. Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny: The ACLU of West Virginia says statements about “Operation Country Roads” were misleading, arguing three-quarters of those arrested had no criminal record. Legal Fight Over Permits: AG J.B. McCuskey leads a 21-state push at the U.S. Supreme Court to protect state authority over federal permitting from activist lawsuits that seek to halt projects before agencies review them. Public Safety Regulation: West Virginia’s Vape Safety Act expands the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration’s enforcement role, adding new labeling and ingredient disclosure rules for vape and smoke shops. Community Funding: West Virginia First Foundation opened its Community Catalyst Grant cycle, with $9.87 million planned over three years and applications due June 30. Local Transportation: The Sistersville Ferry’s main boat was deemed unrepairable by insurance, but the board says the barge remains usable while it researches replacement options.

Foster Care Lawsuit: A New York-based nonprofit representing foster children is still pushing for an appeal after a federal judge dismissed its sweeping lawsuit over West Virginia’s child welfare system, arguing the state’s group-home placements, understaffed Child Protective Services, and lack of permanency planning remain unresolved. Dem Party Power Shift: Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva says she’ll challenge incumbent Mike Pushkin for West Virginia Democratic Party chair, arguing the party needs stronger fundraising, candidate support, and messaging ahead of future elections. Local Health Funding: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration announced $3.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program money for prevention-focused community health initiatives, with total RHTP-related funding now topping $65 million. State Budget Watch: May General Revenue Fund collections cleared $381 million, beating the monthly estimate by $44 million, with personal income tax and consumer sales tax among the drivers. Outdoor Safety Update: The state released 2026 sport fish consumption advisories, including removing the black bass advisory at Sutton Lake and easing restrictions for smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah River. Wheeling Flag Policy: Wheeling City Council is set to vote on a resolution limiting permanent flagpoles at Heritage Port to U.S., West Virginia, and city flags.

State Budget Watch: West Virginia’s General Revenue Fund collections topped $381 million in May, beating the monthly estimate by $44 million, with FY-to-date GRF collections also ahead of projections. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced a $3.4 million Rural Local Health Challenge tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to boost prevention and workforce participation through community-based health initiatives. Election Integrity: Fayette County officials say about 90 voters were mistakenly allowed to cast ballots on the Republican line during the May GOP primary, prompting calls for election procedure changes and more funding for equipment. Dem Party Leadership: Teresa Toriseva launched a bid to become chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, while party leaders pressed Sen. Jay Taylor to explain missing disclosures tied to a State Auditor’s Office contract. Energy & Environment: Conservation groups challenged DEP “advanced approval” for permit transfers tied to South Fork Coal operations near the Monongahela National Forest, arguing required approvals were not in place. Courts & The Greenbrier: A federal Greenbrier lawsuit is paused while state-level fights over debt control and alleged insider dealings heat up. Local Infrastructure: Buckhannon secured a major USDA package for a new water treatment plant, moving the city toward final plans and construction steps.

Wheeling Cleanup Watch: Demolition of the former Clay School in East Wheeling is moving fast, but city officials say about half the Clay School environmental remediation and demolition work still remains through summer. Primary Politics & Spending: A new opinion piece argues West Virginia’s 2026 GOP primary saw massive out-of-state and PAC spending—about $5 million in a short cycle—yet turnout landed around 21%, raising questions about whether the money bought real engagement. Courts & Pay Dispute: The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled for Parkersburg firefighters, finding the city illegally cut longevity and EMT certification pay in 2017 without notice; the case now returns to determine damages. Greenbrier Fight: A federal judge granted the Greenbrier Hotel ownership group a delay in litigation over a roughly half-billion-dollar financing proposal, giving parties more time to finalize details. Immigration Pressure Locally: In Grafton, residents held a candlelight vigil after ICE detentions at a Bridgeport restaurant, with organizers calling for humane treatment and accountability. Sports & Policy: A LifeSiteNews report says a transgender athlete at the center of a WV Supreme Court case won state shot put gold, ahead of expected SCOTUS action in June. Wildlife Safety Funding: A national report highlights new state funding for wildlife crossings, noting West Virginia’s high rate of animal-related crashes.

West Virginia Supreme Court: The state Supreme Court ruled Parkersburg illegally cut firefighters’ pay in 2017 without notice, backing firefighters’ claims under the Wage Payment and Collection Act; the case now returns to circuit court to determine damages. Greenbrier Legal Fight: A federal judge granted the Justice family a delay in a lawsuit over a potential half-billion-dollar financing plan for The Greenbrier, pushing deadlines to allow more time for the deal. Immigration Enforcement at Home: Residents held a candlelight vigil in Clarksburg for ICE detainees after ICE detained employees at Don Patron Mexican Grill in Bridgeport, with organizers calling for humane treatment. Child Welfare Pressure: In Grafton, a “Forces for Justice” protest demanded accountability after the deaths of three West Virginia children tied to alleged neglect, urging CPS reform. Sports & Law: West Virginia’s transgender athlete case remains in the spotlight after Becky Pepper-Jackson won the WVSSAC Class AAA girls shot put, with the U.S. Supreme Court decision still pending. Local Politics: Harrison County GOP nominee Tim McNeely says he’s looking to November after winning a recount for the 71st District House of Delegates nomination.