AGP Executive Report

Opioid Treatment in Primary Care: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to scale a model that helps primary care clinics prescribe medication for opioid use disorder, expanding to about 40 clinics across Ohio and West Virginia with partner health systems. Food Safety & Kids’ Health: A new federal review finds synthetic dyes still show up in nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with children’s products higher—while West Virginia is among states that have moved to restrict certain dyes. Rural Entrepreneurship: A WVU study links support for women entrepreneurs to stronger rural economies, pointing to child care, access to financial institutions, education, and community backing as key levers. Data Centers & Power Strain: A national grid watchdog warns data center growth is stressing the electric system, with West Virginia among states where older coal plants are staying open longer. West Virginia Higher Ed: Marshall University approved cutting seven certificate and degree programs as it works through a budget deficit, including computer and information security and multiple digital communications offerings. Community Science in WV: Appalachian Headwaters in Greenbrier County is running outdoor STEAM field trips and wildlife monitoring, inviting residents to contribute observations to help state agencies.

Opioid Treatment in Primary Care: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand a model that helps primary care clinics prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, scaling to about 40 clinics across Ohio and West Virginia with structured support and mentorship. Food Safety & Regulation: Consumer Reports and Yuka found synthetic dyes in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods, with some products exceeding stricter daily safety thresholds used by California and other states, even as a federal voluntary phase-out faces pushback. AI Politics in the Mountain State: A live panel discussion on the politics of AI and the data centers powering it is set for June 14 at the Historic Star Theater in Berkeley Springs. Data Centers vs. Power Supply: A national grid watchdog warned data center growth is straining electricity planning, with West Virginia among states keeping older coal plants online amid rising demand. West Virginia Higher Ed Moves: Marshall University approved cutting seven programs as it eyes growth, while WV Northern Community College named Dr. Andrew Langrehr as its next president. Health in Pregnancy: A new study suggests reducing sedentary time and balancing light activity and sleep could lower risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Opioid Treatment Access: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand a primary-care model that helps clinicians prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, scaling to about 40 clinics across Ohio and West Virginia with regional health partners. Food Safety & Health: A new Consumer Reports scan found synthetic dyes in nearly 20% of U.S. packaged foods, with higher shares in children’s products, as a federal voluntary phase-out faces uneven industry follow-through and states—including West Virginia—tighten rules. Higher Ed Tech & Workforce: Marshall University approved cutting seven certificate and degree programs, including computer and information security and digital forensics, as it navigates a budget deficit and shifts amid AI-era education pressures. Medical School Expansion: Marshall’s board approved buying 3.9 acres in downtown Huntington for a future medical school home and Community Health Institute, funded by a $30M state appropriation. Campus Leadership: WVNCC named Dr. Andrew Langrehr as its ninth president, starting in August. AI & Local Business: CadenceSEO announced expansion into West Virginia with SEO and digital marketing services aimed at improving visibility in search and AI-driven discovery.

Rural Health Tech: West Virginia’s Department of Health is asking for ideas on using remote patient monitoring to help people manage chronic conditions at home, aiming to cut hospital stays and improve outcomes. STEM in Schools: Clay County TSA teams swept state competition results, earning dozens of first- and second-place finishes and sending 23 students to nationals in Washington, D.C. Energy & Jobs: The U.S. DOE selected Mt. Storm as one of four coal modernization projects that could bring up to $350 million for upgrades meant to extend plant life and boost reliability. Education Facilities: Marshall County BOE received an update on the planned Riverside Elementary School, with construction expected to begin soon and run about 18–24 months. Public Safety: West Virginia Division of Forestry says burn rules loosen starting June 1, but warns people to stay with fires and keep a 10-foot safety strip as conditions can turn dry fast. Healthcare Tech: 4U Solutions and Headsafe US announced a regional distribution partnership to expand access to Nurochek, an FDA-cleared portable EEG tool for concussion assessment across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Community Science: New River Expedition launched a 320-mile paddle journey through the New River watershed, with meet-and-greet events planned in the region. Data Center Debate: A legislative panel discussion highlighted data center growth optimism, while residents continue to raise concerns about impacts on communities.

Data Centers & Local Control: West Virginia lawmakers say the state should “get up to speed” on data centers after visiting industry events, while residents keep raising concerns at community meetings; in a separate move, Edmond, Oklahoma adopted a temporary data center moratorium to study water and energy impacts. Public Health Tech: 4U Solutions and Headsafe US announced a regional distribution partnership to expand access to Nurochek, an FDA-cleared portable EEG tool for concussion assessment across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Space & STEM: NASA ended attempts to recontact its Mars orbiter MAVEN and is decommissioning the spacecraft after an 11-year mission; locally, Pleasant Valley honored TMC Technologies for Artemis II contributions. Environment & Restoration: WVDEP highlighted the Richard Mine Treatment Plant’s progress restoring Deckers Creek water quality and helping aquatic life rebound. Community & Research: WVU research finds rural women entrepreneurs drive outsized economic growth in small towns. Safety & Equity: SafeHome.org ranked West Virginia last for LGBTQ+ safety, citing law gaps and hate-crime reporting participation.

School Choice Debate: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty says “school choice is here to stay,” urging public districts to clean up outdated policies and focus on what they can control. Prison Food Privatization Pushback: Groups including CSPI and the Carceral Nutrition Project urge the Bureau of Prisons not to outsource food service, commissary, and health care across its 122 institutions. Water Cleanup in Deckers Creek: WVDEP highlighted the Richard Mine Treatment Plant’s progress restoring water quality in Deckers Creek, helping aquatic life rebound after decades of acid mine drainage. Cancer Care Coverage: A new West Virginia law takes effect requiring health insurance coverage for scalp cooling systems to help patients preserve hair during chemotherapy. WVU Robotics Win: WVU’s rover team placed 4th and earned top marks at the University Rover Challenge in Utah. Space Tech in the Valley: TMC Technologies was honored in Pleasant Valley for its NASA Artemis II contributions. Health Tech Leadership: Dr. Ian Martin was named provost, dean, and CEO of SIU Medicine. Housing Legal Help: Wood County’s HOME-American Rescue Plan grant funds Legal Aid of West Virginia to expand eviction-prevention and renters’ rights education. Alien Signal Scan: Researchers scanned interstellar object 3I/ATLAS for artificial radio signals and found the “signals of interest” were consistent with terrestrial interference. Gut Health & Aging Research: Marshall University researchers report gut-produced microscopic particles may carry aging-related effects through the body.

Coal Cleanup Wins: WVDEP’s Richard Mine Treatment Plant is showing measurable gains for Deckers Creek—cleaner water, returning fish, and restored habitat after decades of acid mine drainage. Housing Legal Help: Wood County’s HOME-ARP grant backs Legal Aid of West Virginia to expand eviction-prevention services and renters’ rights education. Medical Leadership: Dr. Ian Martin has been named provost, dean, and CEO of SIU Medicine after a national search. Robotics in Space Tech: WVU’s URC robotics team earned top marks at the University Rover Challenge at Mars Desert Research Station, including a tie in autonomous navigation. Gut Science: Marshall University researchers report gut-derived microscopic exosomes may carry aging-related signals—opening new paths for chronic disease research. Public Health Pressure: SNAP cuts are threatening food access for millions, with new work requirements expected to deepen the impact. Tech & Access: WVU Tech highlights affordability efforts with millions in scholarships for Southern West Virginia students. Healthcare Capacity: WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals plans major ICU expansion, including new surgical ICU beds coming online in 2027.

Energy & Jobs: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia will benefit from President Trump’s $700M “clean, beautiful coal” push using the Defense Production Act, with major work tied to Mount Storm (including $18.5M for TerraSpark) and the Mitchell Plant in Moundsville (about $158.6M modernization). Healthcare Expansion: WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals plans major intensive care upgrades, including a new Camden Clark Hospital patient tower and growth in ICU capacity, with additional surgical ICU funding. AI Drug Discovery in WV: GATC Health’s Morgantown lab says its AI-driven opioid use disorder drug candidate, GATC-1021, has reached promising early results published in PNAS, with human trials next. STEM in Action: WVU’s URC robotics team earned top marks at the 2026 University Rover Challenge in Utah, including first place in system acceptance and a tie in autonomous navigation. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Washington & Jefferson College’s energy center hosts a free June 24 webinar on building commissioning to cut energy use and improve comfort. Policy & Daily Life: A national survey of parents of kids under 6 finds consistent demands for more quality time, paid leave, and flexible care/work options.

Energy & Grid Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia is set to benefit from President Trump’s $700M “clean, beautiful coal” push using the Defense Production Act, with DOE money aimed at grid reliability and upgrades—highlighting the Mitchell Plant modernization in Marshall County and work tied to Terraspark’s West Virginia power and carbon capture efforts. AI Infrastructure & Power Demand: A new report warns AI data centers are becoming “AI factories,” turning electricity and water systems into the real bottleneck for growth—raising pressure on local utilities and infrastructure. Public Health Tech & Drug Development: In Morgantown, GATC Health’s Operon AI helped develop GATC-1021, a new drug for opioid use disorder, with early results published and human trials expected. State Operations & Tech in Services: Morrisey appointed William “Bill” D’Aiuto as Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Human Services, with a mandate to use technology and process changes to improve oversight and delivery. STEM in Schools: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” earned top awards at a regional drone competition, qualifying for the next championship. Cyber/Legal Gray Area: A look at live-dealer casino sweepstakes asks whether “no purchase necessary” rules keep them legal or drift into regulated gambling territory. Local Crime: A Fayetteville man faces charges after alleged self-checkout LEGO barcode switching and under-scanning at Walmart. Health & Lifestyle Research: WVU-linked findings add to evidence that less sitting and more light activity during pregnancy can reduce complications.

State Government Tech & Operations: Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed William “Bill” D’Aiuto as Chief Operating Officer of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, tasking the new role with using technology and process changes to streamline programs like Medicaid, SNAP, child welfare, and behavioral health. Energy & Grid Modernization: West Virginia leaders are reacting to President Trump’s roughly $700M coal push using Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers, including federal support tied to upgrades at the Mitchell Plant in Moundsville and work around the Mount Storm complex. AI Drug Discovery in WV: GATC Health’s Morgantown lab, using its Operon AI platform, published early results on GATC-1021, a potential new treatment for opioid use disorder, with human clinical trials expected next. Health Research: A WVU-led study in JAMA links prolonged sitting during pregnancy (over 10 hours/day) to higher odds of complications, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. STEM Education: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” won top awards at a regional drone competition in West Virginia, earning a path forward for the RECF aerial drone championship. Healthcare Quality Watch: CMS data shows Worthington Healthcare Center in Wood County received an overall rating of 2 in early 2026, alongside reported fines and penalties.

Coal & Grid Funding: President Trump’s “clean, beautiful coal” push uses Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers to steer about $700M toward coal plant upgrades and new projects, with West Virginia tied in through modernization work at the Mitchell Plant in Moundsville and related DOE funding. Public Health Tech: In Morgantown, GATC Health says its Operon AI helped produce GATC-1021, a drug candidate for opioid use disorder now headed toward human trials, with early results published in PNAS. Healthcare Oversight: CMS data shows Worthington Healthcare Center in Wood County received an overall rating of 2 in early 2026, alongside fines and penalties. STEM in Schools: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” earned top awards at a regional drone competition at Fairmont State University. Health & Activity Research: WVU-led findings in JAMA link prolonged sitting in pregnancy to higher odds of complications, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. State Government Ops: Gov. Morrisey appointed a new COO for the Department of Human Services, with a focus on using technology and process changes to improve program delivery.

Coal & Grid Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will “benefit quickly” from President Trump’s energy push, including $18.5M in early support tied to the Mt. Storm area and work around the existing Mt. Storm complex. Next-Gen Coal Project: TerraSpark’s Mt. Storm-area Energy Campus won up to $18.5M from the DOE to advance front-end engineering and permitting for a 1.6GW coal-fired power plan paired with carbon capture. Policy Fight Over Chemical Safety: A new report says Trump is seeking to eliminate the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, raising alarms for states like West Virginia that have faced deadly industrial incidents. Health Tech & Research: In Morgantown, GATC Health’s AI-assisted drug development produced GATC-1021 for opioid use disorder, with human trials ahead. Cancer Data Milestone: The West Virginia Cancer Registry earned CDC “Registry of Excellence” status for top-tier data quality. STEM in Schools: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” won drone and engineering awards at a regional competition at Fairmont State. Community Tech/Events: W&J’s Center for Energy and the Built Environment will host a free June 24 webinar on building commissioning to cut energy costs.

STEM in Action: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” won top awards at a Northeast Regional Dragonfly drone competition in West Virginia, earning a path to the next aerial drone championship. Health & Public Policy: A new JAMA study led by WVU researchers links long daily sitting in pregnancy (over 10 hours) to roughly double the risk of complications, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Energy & Industry: President Trump announced a $700M push to revive coal, using Cold War-era emergency powers; West Virginia leaders say it targets grid reliability and data-center power needs. Carbon Capture Grant: TerraSpark’s Mt. Storm-area Energy Campus won up to $18.5M from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance a large-scale coal-fired power plus carbon capture project. Cancer Data Milestone: The West Virginia Cancer Registry earned CDC “Registry of Excellence” status for top-tier data quality and timeliness. Environmental Safety: Federal funding cuts are proposed for the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, raising alarms about future protection in West Virginia after deadly chemical incidents.

Energy Policy: President Trump used Cold War-era Defense Production Act powers to announce about $700M for coal projects, including upgrades to 13 coal plants and plans for new coal generation in West Virginia plus an Alaska plant and a coal export terminal in Oakland—West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey called it a major win for jobs and grid reliability. Local Tech & Planning: Monongalia County approved $125,000 to help Star City improve sidewalks and lighting along University Avenue, while WVDOT held a public hearing in Weirton to gather input for updating the state’s bicycle and pedestrian plan. Health Research: A new JAMA study links replacing sedentary time with light activity and daily steps to lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, reinforcing “move more, sit less” guidance. Wildlife Conservation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 1.5M acres of critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including areas in West Virginia, affecting how federal projects are planned and permitted. Education & Workforce: WVU Tech was ranked the most affordable four-year school in southern West Virginia, and West Virginia Northern Community College named Andrew Langrehr as its next president. Healthcare Quality: CMS ratings highlighted mixed nursing home results in Marion and Wood counties, with St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington earning a top five-star CMS rating for Q1 2026.

Higher Ed Leadership: West Virginia Northern Community College has named Andrew Langrehr as its next president, set to start in August. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced up to $700M in federal support for coal, using wartime authority to protect existing coal plants and back new projects, including a new coal plant in Mount Storm, WV, plus upgrades and restart plans tied to the broader Appalachian grid. Broadband: A West Virginia-focused policy push continues as state broadband offices work through BEAD deadlines, with lawmakers urged to keep offices funded and empowered long enough to finish the job. Manufacturing Training: Tharptown alum Edwin Vela and teammates from Northwest Shoals Community College earned national runner-up honors in a problem-solving FAME competition. Community STEM Reading: Logan County libraries are launching “Unearth a Story” summer programming with events aimed at history and science discovery. Health & Care: A national look at lung cancer screening highlights efforts to boost rural participation by getting more primary care clinics to recommend screening.

Energy & Infrastructure: West Virginia residents have flooded the Public Service Commission with opposition to NextEra Transmission MidAtlantic’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link power line, with 4,470 of 4,586 written comments opposing the project ahead of June 4–11 public hearings in Keyser, Romney, Morgantown, and Kingwood. Space Science: NASA is ending its 11+ year MAVEN mission after the spacecraft began unexpected rotation and lost power to its communications system, closing a long run of Mars atmosphere research. Health Tech & Care Access: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital expanded local cancer services with Pluvicto radioligand therapy, THOR photobiomodulation, and cooling cap therapy to reduce chemo hair loss. Environment & Wildlife: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat protections for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, designating 1.5M+ acres across multiple states including West Virginia. STEM & Public Interest: WVU researchers found that prolonged sitting in pregnancy (over 10 hours/day) is linked to about twice as many adverse outcomes, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Business & Innovation: ENCON Equipment’s Jordan Mitchell was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 East Central finalist. Local Economy & Global Trade: 34 West Virginia companies earned 2026 Governor’s Export Awards for expanding into new international markets.