AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Flood Relief: Lewis County’s Weston area is shifting from rescue to cleanup after flash flooding hit Tuesday night, with crews reporting more than 60 water rescues and no one unaccounted for as waters recede. Community Response: North Central West Virginia is setting up donation drop-offs and shelters, including Lewis County High School and a Buckhannon church shelter, while West Virginia Health Right offers prescription help for impacted residents. State Politics & Courts: West Virginia House Assistant Majority Leader and Fayette County teacher David Elliott Pritt faces federal charges of enticing a minor, with allegations involving grooming through Roblox and Snapchat. Energy Infrastructure Debate: Opposition to the Valley North 765-kv transmission line continues to build, with multiple local boards and councils in the region passing resolutions against the project. Business & Jobs: The SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including West Virginia as a target state for expanded support. Local Spotlight: The 2026 National Scout Jamboree is underway at Bechtel Summit in Fayette County, bringing tens of thousands of scouts and volunteers to the New River Gorge area.

Severe Weather: Gov. Jim Justice declared a statewide State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties as storms brought flash flooding, landslides, road closures, and dangerous conditions, with major impacts reported in Lewis, Pleasants, and Upshur counties. Flood Response: In Upshur County, water rescues continued as I-79 and U.S. 33 saw major disruptions, including 22,000+ Mon Power customers without service and a 911 outage prompting an emergency hotline. Education Oversight: West Virginia’s Board of Education approved a partial state intervention in Harrison County Schools after concerns over staffing, district operations, and special education standards, with officials saying day-to-day schooling should continue. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce remains a major concern as CDC case counts top 4,000 across 41 states, while WVU Health Systems faces scrutiny over opioid thefts tied to inadequate reporting and controls. Energy & Jobs: WVU-led RETI Consortium was selected for an NSF “Regional Innovation Engine” award, bringing up to $321M total to spur energy security projects, startups, and jobs. Business & Food Safety: Taylor Farms and Taco Bell remain in the spotlight as lawsuits and recalls grow amid the outbreak, and a separate West Virginia-area recall hit grab-and-go burritos over undeclared soy.

Severe Weather & Flood Recovery: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration for southern West Virginia flooding, seeking federal help for Boone and Logan counties after damage assessments found 186 homes affected. Storm Readiness: Morrisey also declared a statewide State of Preparedness for all 55 counties as severe storms, flash flooding, landslide risk, and possible tornadoes are forecast. Local Governance: Morgantown approved steps to align city elections with state and county timing, shifting toward even-year elections. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Appalachian Power staged crews for incoming storms with gusts possibly 60–70 mph, warning residents to stay clear of downed lines. Business & Jobs: SBA announced a $6 million Women’s Business Center modernization competition, including West Virginia as a target state. Health Watch: West Virginia reports 139 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, with 15 hospitalizations, and officials say symptoms can appear up to two weeks after exposure. Energy Economy: EQT missed profit expectations amid weaker gas prices but raised its 2026 production forecast and signed a long-term supply deal tied to West Virginia markets. Education & Broadband: Doddridge County announced free broadband for 568 student households through a partnership backed by federal funding.

Food Safety & Health: The FDA says a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tied to the Cyclospora outbreak was a false positive after lab review, but the recall for shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in 5 states—including West Virginia—remains in effect as officials keep tracing the source. Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air quality alerts across the Midwest and Northeast, including West Virginia, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor activity. Local Government: Follansbee is weighing a new air monitoring station proposal with the WV Department of Environmental Protection, aiming to expand odor and air tracking in Brooke County. Disability & Community: Weirton kicked off its Disability Independence Celebration with a community art exhibit at the Summit Art Gallery. Economy & Business: A new report says capital investment in manufacturing and supply chain projects stayed strong across the Southeast in Q2, including West Virginia. State Politics: West Virginia’s lawsuit against Apple moves forward after being remanded to state court, seeking changes tied to child sexual abuse material detection. Public Safety: Charleston City Council approved funding for lighting, sidewalk, and road repair projects during a busy meeting. Sports: Bridgeport’s 10-12-year-old Little League team advanced in the state tournament, setting up a Tuesday matchup.

Public Health: The CDC is warning West Virginians not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, tying the outbreak to 1,644 confirmed cases and 94 hospitalizations, while federal investigators say the real total is likely higher. Food Safety & Accountability: The FDA says its earlier positive test for cyclospora on Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, leaving the source under continued investigation even as the outbreak response and consumer concern intensify. State Policy: West Virginia’s School Clothing Voucher applications reopened after a delay tied to a TANF review, with families in Cabell County saying the program helps cover back-to-school basics for about 80,000 children. Health Tech: A new report on patient-centered AI in primary care, based partly on rural West Virginia interviews, finds people are hopeful about AI but wary when it’s rolled out without their input. Road Safety: After a fatal I-77 crash in Jackson County, the sheriff is urging cable barriers on a stretch he says could have changed the outcome. Community & Grants: The Pallottine Foundation hosted a multi-county networking event in Buckhannon to connect nonprofits with Healthy Communities Initiative grants up to $20,000.

Food Safety Watch: FDA says a Cyclospora-positive lettuce test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive after re-testing, but the multi-state recall and outbreak investigation continue, with officials still urging caution as illnesses linked to Taco Bell-linked lettuce remain under review. West Virginia Accountability: Tucker County residents and environmental groups are pressing the state DEP for clarity on who controls land for a proposed data center and natural gas power plant complex, citing conflicting company claims about property ownership. Cannabis Business: Vireo Growth says it has a deal to buy Cannabist cultivation, manufacturing and retail operations across five markets, including West Virginia, for up to $35 million, pending approvals. Public Safety & Privacy: A Huntington man has sued the city over a $2.1 million Flock Safety surveillance contract, arguing required procedures weren’t followed before approval. Health & Work: West Virginia advocates are warning that if Temporary Assistance funding is shifted again—potentially next to childcare—families and employers will feel the impact. Weather Alert: Severe storms are possible Tuesday into Wednesday across West Virginia, with damaging winds and flooding concerns.

Severe Weather Watch: The Storm Prediction Center has upped the risk for Tuesday across most of West Virginia, with damaging winds the main threat and hail/tornado chances rising as storms could include supercells. Food Safety Crisis: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico is tied to the Cyclospora outbreak, expanding recalls to 27 states and prompting warnings to discard affected products. Local Government & Privacy: A Huntington man sued the city over a $2.1 million Flock Safety surveillance contract, arguing required procedures weren’t followed as the ACLU joins legal action. Wildfire Smoke: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to push air-quality alerts through parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including areas of West Virginia. WV Politics & Institutions: Two Harrison County natives were re-elected to the WVU Board of Governors, and Sen. Mark Warner campaigned in the region while fielding questions on AI, housing, and tariffs. Sports: The Pittsburgh Penguins end a 29-year ECHL partnership with the Wheeling Nailers, shifting affiliation to the Florida Everblades.

Food Safety in Focus: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms is contaminated with Cyclospora, driving a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak; the FDA confirmed the parasite in a sample and Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall to products shipped to 27 states, with consumers urged to discard recalled lettuce immediately. Public Health: CDC data shows 1,645 confirmed cases nationwide and thousands more under investigation, with West Virginia among states tied to the outbreak cluster. Weather & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to push air-quality alerts across the eastern U.S., including West Virginia, where officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity as conditions turn “very unhealthy.” Local Community: West Virginia’s Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame welcomed six new inductees at Jackson’s Mill, highlighting lifelong work in farming, education, and stewardship. Sports & Culture: The Mountain West kicked off football media days in Las Vegas, while West Virginia marked the 50th anniversary of the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.

Food Safety: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell is behind a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with warnings in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia; the CDC reports at least 1,644 illnesses and 94 hospitalizations, while Taylor Farms has issued a 27-state recall list and told people to discard affected products. Public Health & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is triggering air-quality alerts across the region, including West Virginia, with Morgantown and nearby areas reported in the “very unhealthy” range and health officials urging residents to limit outdoor activity. Weather: Western Pennsylvania faces another severe weather alert day with damaging storms and a flash-flood risk, as warnings and watches roll through the evening. West Virginia Culture: Charleston’s West Virginia Culture Center marks 50 years, tracing how the state built a home for archives, exhibits and performing arts. Energy Tech: A new look at microgrids explains why self-contained power systems are spreading—from disaster recovery to protecting hospitals and data centers.

Food Safety Fallout: Federal CDC and FDA officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell is linked to a cyclospora outbreak in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, warning people not to eat it and noting thousands of illnesses and hospitalizations nationwide. Corporate Response: Taylor Farms says it has started a voluntary removal of affected iceberg lettuce tied to the investigation, while Taco Bell has committed to stop using the identified supplier’s product. Local Business & Community: In Weirton, renovations at the former People’s Bank building are nearing completion as the Business Development Corp. prepares to move in, aiming to keep downtown momentum going. State Politics & Courts: A federal court fight over the Greenbrier debt deal continues as Justices say an Omni affiliate misled the court during settlement talks. Wildlife Watch: Elk calving is underway at Tomblin Wildlife Management Area, with DNR noting the young are hard to spot because mothers hide them. Sports: Former WVU QB Will Grier has retired from the NFL at 31.

Food Safety Crisis: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia is the source of a growing cyclospora outbreak, with more than 1,600 illnesses and dozens hospitalized; the FDA is working with the supplier and Taco Bell has agreed to stop using lettuce from the identified source. State Health & Guidance: West Virginia residents are being urged to avoid the implicated shredded lettuce and follow CDC/FDA food-safety steps while investigations continue across more than 30 states. Energy & Jobs: WVU is leading the RETI Consortium, winning up to $321 million total to boost energy security and grid resilience through NSF Regional Innovation Engines funding and partner support. Local Health Care: Vandalia Health CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center is rolling out a surgical robot for minimally invasive procedures, with a public demonstration planned. Community & Services: DoHS will begin accepting West Virginia school clothing allowance applications July 20, with a $200 benefit for eligible families. Air Quality Alerts: Eastern Panhandle areas are under code red/purple smoky-air alerts, with officials urging precautions like N95 masks for those who must be outside. Local News: Berkeley County Schools says Marlowe Elementary was broken into and vandalized; state police are investigating.

Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia is the source of the fast-growing cyclospora outbreak, with the CDC warning people not to eat it while the FDA traces the supplier and Taco Bell removes the linked lettuce. Local Conservation: The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources opened applications for 2026 antlerless deer and state park controlled lottery hunts, with deadlines set for early September. State Government & Economy: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the Voluntary Portable Benefits Plan Act, letting businesses voluntarily help independent contractors with benefits like health and disability. Health & Workforce: Morrisey also announced new Rural Health Transformation Program funding aimed at helping West Virginians overcome health barriers to return to work. Infrastructure: Work on the Fort Hill Bridge rehabilitation is moving forward with a major contract and a statewide review of West Virginia’s bridges. Privacy Fight: A Huntington man and the ACLU are challenging the city’s Flock Safety surveillance contract in court. Arts & Education: West Virginia Wesleyan College was selected to host the Governor’s School for the Arts through 2030, keeping a free residential arts program for top students running.

Healthcare & Politics: The U.S. Senate rejected a Democratic push to end CMS’s AI-based WISeR Medicare prior-authorization pilot, keeping the program alive as lawmakers argue over whether it speeds care or blocks medically necessary treatment. Public Health: A fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied by investigators to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell supplier Taylor Farms has sickened thousands across dozens of states, with West Virginia among the affected areas and officials still searching for the exact source. Energy & Industry: West Virginia’s Mon Power told the Public Service Commission it needs a new natural gas plant online by 2031 to power incoming data centers, while a separate hearing drew opposition to a proposed FirstEnergy Mon Power/Potomac Edison Maidsville Energy Center. Infrastructure: Gov. Jim Justice ordered a statewide review of all 7,000 bridges and highlighted major rehab work on the Fort Hill Bridge. Local Courts & Rights: The ACLU of West Virginia sued Huntington over the city’s $2.1 million Flock Safety surveillance deal, arguing the contract process violated city rules. Economy & Housing: ATTOM reports U.S. foreclosure filings rose 21% in the first half of 2026, signaling more strain for some homeowners.

Energy & Jobs: WVU leads a new $321 million NSF-backed RETI consortium to build an Appalachia energy innovation hub, aiming to strengthen the grid and meet surging power demand from AI and data centers. Defense Manufacturing: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says Helsing will invest $50 million in Berkeley County to make AI-enabled strike drones, creating at least 60 high-paying jobs. Public Health: A fast-growing cyclospora outbreak is pushing into record territory, with federal and state officials still hunting for the source; early links point to leafy greens in multiple states, including West Virginia. Health Care Compliance: WVU Health System reached a $4.17 million civil settlement with the U.S. over Controlled Substances Act violations, including failures to report thefts or losses. State Politics & Workforce: Morrisey signed the Portable Benefits Account Act in Elkins, expanding benefits access for independent workers. Local Government: Morgantown-area lawmakers Oliverio and Garcia announced $40,000 for Morgantown High School’s auditorium renovation. Consumer/Legal: A multistate settlement over the 23andMe genetic data breach continues to roll out, with states receiving allowed claims.

Public Health Watch: The nationwide cyclospora outbreak is still growing, with CDC confirming cases in at least four linked states—Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky—and reports now reaching 34 states; officials say the source hasn’t been nailed down, but Michigan investigators keep pointing to lettuce or salad greens, prompting guidance like discarding outer lettuce layers and avoiding bagged greens and salad kits. Consumer & Business Response: Taco Bell has temporarily removed limited ingredients at select locations as a precaution while public health officials investigate, and other retailers are adjusting amid the probe. Statehouse & Economy: West Virginia closed FY 2026 with a $370 million revenue surplus, and Gov. Morrisey signed the Voluntary Portable Benefits Plan Act, creating a framework for independent contractors to access benefits without changing their status. Legal & Privacy: Attorneys general, including West Virginia’s coalition partners, announced a multistate settlement tied to the 23andMe genetic data breach, with limited state recovery from the bankruptcy estate. Sports: Former West Virginia quarterback Will Grier has retired from the NFL at 31.

Public Health: The CDC says a major cyclosporiasis outbreak has hit at least 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states, with 5,100 more reports still being reviewed, and West Virginia is among the states tied to a likely shared source; Michigan health officials are pointing to lettuce or salad greens and urging people to buy whole heads, ditch outer layers, and avoid bagged greens and pre-mixed kits. Federal Health Response: The FDA is investigating multiple produce items as officials warn the outbreak could keep spreading into August. West Virginia Education: The West Virginia Chamber’s “Champions of Learning” awards in September will spotlight local educators, including University High principal Kim Greene and Kingwood Elementary administrator Samantha Peaslee. Workforce & Innovation: The NSF announced 12 new “Regional Innovation Engines” teams, with up to $160 million each over 10 years, aimed at boosting research, jobs, and tech training. Defense Manufacturing: Helsing’s first U.S. factory is set for Martinsburg, West Virginia, as the company pushes to turn combat-tested drones into Pentagon contracts.