AGP Executive Report

Highway Safety Push: West Virginia’s GHSP is teaming with NHTSA for a statewide push urging drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians as part of October’s National Pedestrian Safety Month. Local Water Woes: Weirton’s PSC-ordered water system upgrades face delays and a potential 68% rate hike, as officials try to line up grants and financing before the five-year deadline. FEMA Flood Relief: Gov. Morrisey secured a FEMA deadline extension for Lewis, Upshur, Ritchie and Pleasants counties, moving the Oct. 3 filing date to Oct. 17. Education Court Fight: The West Virginia Supreme Court will hear arguments in a school vaccine case tied to religious and philosophical exemptions, after a Raleigh County judge blocked enforcement. Homelessness Funding: Huntington won $3 million to expand coordinated care for homelessness, addiction and mental illness, with up to $12 million over four years. Politics & Campaign Mood: A C-SPAN caller from West Virginia blasted Republicans as “uneducated” and said they “deserve to lose every single election.” Federal Energy/Climate: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey joined a multi-state brief backing energy workers in a Supreme Court climate-lawsuit fight over whether localities can impose liability for global emissions. Nuclear Plan Backpedal: A report says West Virginia backed away from a nuclear campus bid after concerns about spent-fuel handling and waste storage. Local Government: Milton’s Common Council will interview six candidates to fill a vacant seat left by Sharla Walker’s resignation.

Ethics & Local Government: The West Virginia Ethics Commission found probable cause that Clarksburg City Manager Tiffany Fell violated the state Ethics Act and set a public hearing for Dec. 14-15 in Charleston over allegations tied to childcare and alleged attempts to influence a witness. State Politics & Polling: New polling suggests Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s approval is weak in key Senate districts, raising questions about whether his endorsements could hurt Republican candidates in tight races. Public Safety: West Virginia is gearing up for Click It or Ticket, running Oct. 9-31, with seat-belt enforcement statewide and reminders that unbuckled passengers face $25 citations. Flood Recovery: Morrisey extended the deadline for July flood victims in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties to apply for federal disaster assistance to Oct. 17. Federal Funding for Treatment: The federal STREETS program named Huntington, W.Va., among eight communities getting $3 million a year for four years to expand addiction and mental health care for people experiencing homelessness. Higher Ed & Nursing: WVU Medicine received nearly $300,000 to expand nursing education capacity, aiming to add about 100 nursing students annually. Courts & Sports: WVU men’s basketball leading scorer Honor Huff sued the NCAA seeking an injunction to play a fifth season, arguing eligibility rules were applied unfairly. Energy & Climate Litigation: The U.S. Supreme Court begins a new term with a major climate case that could reshape how lawsuits against oil companies proceed. Congressional Action: Rep. Riley M. Moore co-leads the Safe Disposal of Opioids Act, pushing grants for prescription opioid disposal sites.

NCAA Eligibility Fight: Former WVU guard Honor Huff filed a 116-page complaint seeking a fifth year of eligibility, arguing the NCAA’s limits violate state contract and antitrust law; the NCAA has appealed a recent federal ruling to the Fourth Circuit. Supreme Court Watch: The justices are set to weigh whether Boulder, Colo., can sue fossil-fuel companies in state court over climate impacts—an issue that could shape how states regulate activity tied to out-of-state conduct, including AI. Permitting Reform Push: West Virginia business groups are hopeful a Senate bipartisan permitting reform bill clears before year’s end, aiming to speed energy and infrastructure projects. Domestic Violence Resources: A Ripley family and Delegate Tristan Leavitt highlighted “Joanna’s Law” (HB 5101) and local support through the Region V Family Crisis Intervention Center. Public Safety: Firefighters urged West Virginians to follow National Fire Prevention Week guidance on safer charging of lithium-ion batteries. Arts Recognition: Francisco “Frank” Rabon, a CHamoru dance leader from Guam, received the NEA National Heritage Fellowship. Health Care Change in the Region: UPMC took over CommonSpirit Trinity Health System hospitals in eastern Ohio, affecting patients across the Ohio Valley.

UPMC Expansion in the Ohio Valley: UPMC took over CommonSpirit Trinity Health System in eastern Ohio on Oct. 1, folding four Trinity hospitals and their clinics into UPMC Trinity—raising immediate questions for patients about insurance networks and appointment continuity. Energy Permitting Push: West Virginia business leaders are watching a Senate permitting reform bill, saying the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 could clear before year’s end, potentially speeding traditional and clean energy projects. Flood Recovery Deadline Extended: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration says FEMA moved the federal disaster assistance application deadline for July flooding in Lewis, Upshur, Ritchie and Pleasants counties to Oct. 17, with help available via FEMA.gov and local recovery centers. Law Enforcement Outreach: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito met with West Virginia chiefs of police, highlighting federal support for vehicles, cameras and technology. West Virginia Education & Courts: ACLU-WV is pushing an election hotline and is also tied to a Lincoln County school aid equity lawsuit, while another legal fight continues over keeping a Mingo County elementary school open. Health Policy & Politics: Nationally, Trump’s $90 Medicare payments for many Part B seniors are rolling out in October, while a Supreme Court case on climate-change lawsuits is set to be heard this week.

Energy & Utilities: West Virginia Office of Energy rolled out its statewide Home Energy Rebate programs, funded through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, offering two tracks—HOMES for whole-home efficiency upgrades and HEAR for high-efficiency appliances—aimed at lowering bills and creating jobs. Disaster Recovery: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced FEMA extended the deadline for July flood victims in Lewis, Upshur, Ritchie and Pleasants counties to apply for federal disaster assistance to Oct. 17, with Disaster Recovery Centers continuing through that date. Public Safety & Federal Support: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito met with West Virginia chiefs of police, highlighting federal help for equipment like vehicles, cameras and technology. Courts & Privacy: A federal judge ruled a warrantless search using automated license-plate reader databases violated the Fourth Amendment, a decision that could intensify the debate over surveillance tech. Immigration: NPR reported on how Trump’s immigration crackdown is reshaping Cuban-American politics in South Florida, with deportations continuing even as legal fights drag on. Health & Labor: A new report says coal miners in central Appalachia face the highest black lung rates since 1978, underscoring the human cost behind any push to revive coal.

Disaster Recovery: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says FEMA approved extending the deadline for West Virginia flood victims to apply for federal disaster assistance to Oct. 17, 2026, with Disaster Recovery Centers continuing in Lewis and Upshur counties. Public Safety & Federal Funding: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito met with West Virginia chiefs of police to highlight federal support for departments, including funding for vehicles, cameras, and technology. Energy Costs & Rebates: The West Virginia Office of Energy launched statewide home energy rebate programs funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, rolling out HOMES (whole-home improvements) and HEAR (high-efficiency appliances and equipment). State Courts: West Virginia Supreme Court justices pressed an attorney in a child abuse and neglect case over alleged “significant errors” and asked whether generative AI was used in filings. Education & Accountability: A Fayette County mother alleges a school kept her in the dark after a JROTC assault at a West Virginia training camp, raising questions about notification and oversight. Local Community: Tusculum’s Ruritan chapter is set to hold an organizational meeting to restart the service group with support from nearby clubs and local students.

Disaster Relief: Gov. Jim Morrisey says FEMA approved a two-week extension for July flood victims in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties; the new deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is Oct. 17, with Disaster Recovery Centers staying open through then. Energy Costs: The West Virginia Office of Energy rolled out statewide federal Home Energy Rebate Programs (HOMES and HEAR), giving qualifying households two pathways to cut utility bills and offset approved home upgrades. Rural Infrastructure: USDA announced about $40 million in grants for rural water and wastewater technical support, including operator training, system mapping and planning help. Healthcare Workforce & Access: West Virginia Hospital Association marked its 100th anniversary, touting nearly $200 million in first-year Rural Health Transformation Program funding and hospital jobs and community care. SNAP Policy Impact: Reporting says West Virginia SNAP enrollment fell after federal administrative-cost and work-requirement changes took effect, with advocates warning of ongoing barriers for families. Autism Treatment: A statewide autism nonprofit urged state leaders to address low Medicaid reimbursement and limited ABA center participation, arguing thousands of children need evidence-based services but can’t access them.

Energy Costs Relief: West Virginia’s Office of Energy rolled out its statewide Home Energy Rebate Programs—HOMES and HEAR—so eligible households can apply for federally funded rebates to cut bills and upgrade homes. Economic Development: Advantage Valley won another $2 million POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for its Expanding Markets program, aiming to help manufacturers land new customers and create jobs. Local Government & Waste: WVDEP awarded more than $70,000 in Covered Electronic Devices recycling grants, including funding for e-cycling collection events in Harrison, Lewis, Mingo, Monongalia, Pleasants and others. Education & Politics: A new federal permitting deal backed by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito would speed reviews for energy and infrastructure projects, with votes coming after the midterms. Public Safety & Health: Congressman Riley Moore and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici advanced the Safe Disposal of Opioids Act to fund drug disposal sites and reduce diversion. Child Advocacy Leadership: North Star Child Advocacy Center named Fred Hammack as its new executive director, focusing on expanding therapy and aftercare. State Politics: The West Virginia Democratic Party will host its Roosevelt-Kennedy dinner in Charleston with DNC chair Ken Martin as featured speaker.

Energy & Jobs: West Virginia’s Office of Energy has launched its federally funded Home Energy Rebate Programs statewide, rolling out two pathways—HOMES and HEAR—to help households pay for eligible home efficiency upgrades and appliances. Elections: Election officials reminded voters of key deadlines for the Nov. 3 general election, including Oct. 13 voter registration changes, Oct. 21-31 early voting, and Oct. 28 absentee ballot application deadlines. Nuclear Policy: West Virginia backed away from a federal advanced nuclear energy campus bid after a Charleston Gazette-Mail report raised alarms about spent fuel handling, with Gov. Morrisey reversing course publicly. State Government Finance: September General Revenue Fund collections came in above estimate, with GRF totaling $570 million for the month and $1.41 billion year-to-date through September. Local Voting Logistics: Monongalia County approved an emergency polling site change for Precinct 30, moving voters from the Marilla Center to Mountainview Elementary. Public Safety & Courts: Attorney General Raoul urged Congress to fully fund Supreme Court security and sought court approval for a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Business & Defense: Dayton defense contractor Mile 2 acquired Morgantown-based Azimuth, adding about 30 employees and expanding electronics and marine systems capabilities.

Medicaid & Refugees: A West Virginia-linked professor says Trump’s Medicaid changes are leaving refugees with disabilities “terrorized” as coverage ends, with families scrambling for meds and care. Nuclear Plan Backtrack: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office reversed course after a Gazette-Mail report, pulling West Virginia out of consideration for a federal advanced nuclear campus tied to used-fuel handling. Drug Policy Shakeup: West Virginia Democratic Party leaders raised alarms after drug czar Stephen Loyd resigned, saying he couldn’t identify the Morrisey administration’s drug policy. Election Law: Secretary of State Kris Warner is urging voters to review a Nov. 3 constitutional amendment that would bar noncitizens from voting in West Virginia elections. ACA Refunds: The Trump administration began mailing $500 Obamacare “refund” checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including West Virginia, for certain HealthCare.gov enrollees. Rural Health Funding: Morrisey administration continues rolling out Rural Health Transformation awards aimed at expanding access in underserved areas. Energy Permitting: U.S. senators advanced a bipartisan push to speed energy permitting, including provisions aimed at data centers. Public Safety: West Virginia’s fall forest fire season starts Oct. 1 with strict daytime outdoor burning limits.

Election Prep: West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner rolled out an online sample ballot lookup tool so Kanawha County voters (and all 55 counties statewide) can preview races and ballot questions before the Nov. 3 general election, with key deadlines like Oct. 13 voter registration and Oct. 21 start of early in-person voting. Democratic Campaigning: House Democrats’ “Kitchen Table Tour” kept rolling in Charleston with candidates and elected officials hitting local stops ahead of the midterms, aiming to bring new faces into the 2027 legislative session. Title IX Fight: The U.S. Department of Education reinstated 2020 Title IX rules defining sex biologically and rescinding Biden-era protections tied to sexual orientation and gender identity, drawing immediate pushback from advocates. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced multiple West Virginia Rural Health Transformation Program awards, including mobile clinic and telehealth upgrades, plus AI-powered ambient listening tech for rural hospitals. Tourism Dollars: Morrisey also announced nearly $19.7 million in state parks and forests upgrades, including campground construction, cabin renovations, and statewide paving and repairs. Public Safety & Courts: A Kanawha County judge approved a $4.4 million settlement for five adopted children abused by their former parents in Sissonville. Gun Auction: State Treasurer Larry Pack said a firearms auction raised $127,670 for 25 law enforcement agencies statewide.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including West Virginia—will start receiving $500 refund checks in October for alleged Affordable Care Act exchange “user fee” overcharges, with letters signed by Trump. Immigration Politics: West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice backtracked after earlier criticism of ICE deportation tactics, now saying he fully supports Trump’s immigration strategy and urging ICE to focus on criminals. Campus Safety Data: WVU’s Clery Act report shows reported fondling cases surpassed rape reports in 2025, with 12 rape cases and 25 fondling reports. Higher Ed & Workforce: Pierpont Community & Technical College broke ground on a new aviation maintenance training facility at North Central West Virginia Airport, expanding capacity from about 130 to as many as 230 students. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced more than $1.1 million in Rural Health Transformation awards to expand telehealth and mobile care through Community Care of West Virginia. State Parks Investment: Morrisey also unveiled nearly $20 million for upgrades across West Virginia state parks and forests, including paving, wastewater work, and snowmaking improvements. Labor Rights: A federal judge ordered the Bureau of Prisons to restore a union collective bargaining agreement, affecting thousands of West Virginia prison workers. Gaming Oversight: The Lottery Commission is turning off 172 limited video lottery machines at 26 locations after an operator missed required relicensing information. Local Government Finance: State Treasurer Larry Pack delivered more than $16,000 in unclaimed property funds to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.

Nuclear Waste Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia “will not be a dumping ground” as DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus talks hinge on legally binding waste-handling terms. Energy Regulation: A Senate permitting deal would shorten the lawsuit deadline for major projects to 150 days from six years, a potential win for energy developers and a new headache for opponents. PSC Coal Rules: The West Virginia Public Service Commission held a hearing on proposed rules tied to 2025’s HB 2014, including coal plant capacity-factor requirements tied to data-center growth. Home Energy Relief: Morrisey announced statewide Home Energy Rebate programs funded by $88 million, with early participants reporting meaningful electric bill cuts. Forensics Funding: The governor also announced $258,788 for the State Police forensic lab—training and equipment upgrades. Data Breach Settlement: A multistate coalition announced a settlement with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach, with vendor “can’t pass the buck” language aimed at HIPAA compliance. Gun Records Privacy Push: Rep. Michael Cloud urged Trump to act over ATF’s 1.4 billion gun-record database, calling it an illegal registry. Local Justice: A Barbour County man, Roscoe Jackson Keener, was sentenced to up to 50 years for child sexual abuse. Elections/Politics: Democrats are barnstorming West Virginia ahead of November, while a GOP candidate was flagged for violating election rules in a bid for $800k in public funding.

Energy Affordability: Gov. Patrick Morrisey rolled out West Virginia’s statewide $88 million home energy rebate programs, expanding access to efficiency upgrades aimed at cutting utility bills; early pilot results include one homeowner reporting a 33.5% drop in an electric bill. Education & Civil Rights: The 4th Circuit revived parts of a constitutional challenge to South Carolina’s limits on race-related instruction, finding the NAACP and author Ibram X. Kendi can pursue key claims tied to removal of an AP African American Studies course and Kendi’s book. Workforce & Nuclear/Mining: A U.S. Department of Energy official visited WVU to promote the OROSPECT critical-minerals education program, while Morrisey faced renewed scrutiny after a Gazette-Mail report raised questions about the state’s nuclear campus interest and “used nuclear fuel” language. Public Safety & Courts: The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld an insurer’s reserved-rights position in a timber-trespass coverage dispute, rejecting waiver/estoppel/bad-faith arguments. Gun Rights Fight: West Virginia joined a multi-state amicus push urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a challenge to Maine’s 72-hour firearm waiting period. Local Quality of Life: Morgantown’s greenbelt plan gained commission support, aiming to connect parks and trails for safer pedestrian and bike routes.

Toyota Anniversary & Jobs: Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined Toyota leaders in Buffalo to mark 30 years since the plant opened, citing $3.3 billion invested, 2,000-plus jobs, and a 12th expansion underway for sixth-generation hybrid transaxles. Nuclear Policy Fight: West Virginia’s nuclear “Lifecycle Campus” pitch is drawing scrutiny as the administration insists the state “will not be a dumping ground” for nuclear waste, after earlier written proposals emphasized spent fuel recycling and interim storage. Energy Costs Relief: The state launched its $88 million Home Energy Rebate Program, with early results showing lower bills for participating homeowners and no/low out-of-pocket options for qualifying households. Campus Safety: WVU released its annual Clery Act report for 2025, updating campus crime and hazing-related reporting. Election Focus: West Virginia Democrats are ramping up for November with a “Kitchen Table Tour,” aiming to win House and Senate seats and commission races. Education & Title IX: The U.S. Department of Education rescinded the Biden-era Title IX rule and restored 2020 regulations, drawing praise from Morrisey for protecting women’s rights and privacy. Sports Heritage Expansion: Rep. Riley Moore introduced the bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Local Economy Watch: Gas prices reports from GasBuddy show pockets of lower regular and diesel costs across multiple counties in the week ending Sept. 19.

Parks & Local Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $140,000 for Morgan County’s Cold Run Valley Park improvements and funding for a South Berkeley County park under construction through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Public Finance Oversight: The state Auditor launched the WVSAFE Financial Efficacy Award, a quarterly scorecard-based recognition program for counties and municipalities focused on transparency, compliance, and fiscal management. Energy Costs & Regulation: The Public Service Commission held public comment on proposed electric generating capacity rules tied to the Power Generation and Consumption Act, with speakers split between keeping coal online and avoiding higher bills. Utility Rebates: Morrisey rolled out statewide Home Energy Rebate programs aimed at lowering utility costs, with no out-of-pocket options for qualifying low-income households. Education & Accountability: WVU released its latest Clery Act report, including updated campus crime and hazing tracking under new federal reporting rules. Pipeline Tax Impact: State Treasurer Larry Pack released findings that the Mountain Valley Pipeline drove most property tax growth across 11 rural counties, boosting county and school revenues. Public Safety: WVABCA brought a DUI simulator to Williamstown High School to teach students to avoid driving after drinking. Courts & Justice: A federal jury found Chubb owes $30 million to a coal company over claim handling delays after a hopper collapse. Legal/Criminal: A Floyd County man was indicted on federal child pornography possession charges.