AGP Executive Report

PFAS & Health: A long-term study links higher PFOA “forever chemical” levels to lower bone mineral density in children and teens, raising concerns about impacts during key bone-building years. Cybersecurity: Beacon Mutual’s January cyberattack exposed personal data tied to about 132,000 Rhode Islanders, including roughly 4,500 current and former state workers, spotlighting vendor risk for public systems. WV Tech & Energy Costs: Lawmakers and policy officials warn that data-center demand is pushing electricity costs onto ratepayers, with West Virginia cited in the national debate over who pays for grid strain. WV Workforce Training: Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed bills creating a West Virginia micro-credential program for faster vocational/technical/medical training and aligning it with Workforce Pell grant rules. Online Child Safety Fight: West Virginia AG Patrick Morrisey joined a push against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and leave kids’ online safety to Big Tech. Local Tech/Community: Rotary Club and Wendling’s Foodservice team up on “Recycle and Play” to fund inclusive playground equipment in Upshur County. Broadcasting in WV: The West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class, honoring seven radio and TV professionals.

Internet Safety Fight: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a bipartisan coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, saying it would weaken state power and shift child-safety enforcement to Big Tech. Online Child Protections: Other AGs, including Kwame Raoul and Anne Lopez, echoed the same concern and urged Congress to pursue a stronger duty-of-care approach. Energy & Grid Tech: A new report grades state rules for connecting solar and storage to the grid, highlighting where interconnection processes are costly or slow. AI Data Centers & Power Use: Coverage points to growing AI data-center builds in Appalachia outpacing local governance, with heat management and grid strain emerging as key issues. West Virginia Infrastructure: Parkways Authority hired ZMM Architects and Engineers to plan a new headquarters at the former Charleston Moose Lodge, aiming to improve accessibility and consolidate services. Local Tech/Community: Cedar Creek State Park added a new Almost Heaven swing, part of a statewide photo-and-check-in “SWINGO” challenge. Health Policy Watch: A survey finds many West Virginia Medicaid recipients don’t know about upcoming work requirements starting in 2027.

Mobile Gaming & Slots: Online casinos are increasingly won or lost on the phone—mobile apps drove 71.85% of social casino revenue in 2025, and faster, thumb-friendly interfaces are linked to longer sessions and more first deposits. AI Power & Local Fallout: Elon Musk’s xAI is facing fresh scrutiny after building a gas-burning power plant in Mississippi tied to data-center demand, with community groups warning about health impacts. Southern California Chemical Tank: Evacuation orders are easing for many near a damaged Garden Grove chemical tank, but about 16,000 people still can’t go home as officials monitor ongoing risk. West Virginia Education: Governor’s Schools are gearing up for America250 with events and seminars starting June 20, while multiple West Virginia high schools hold Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies this week. Proxy Adviser Fight: Four states, including West Virginia, sued ISS over claims it uses ESG factors in ways that violate state consumer-protection laws.

Health & Accountability: Greenbrier Clinic, tied to Sen. Jim Justice’s Greenbrier complex, is facing a new federal class-action lawsuit over claims it failed mammography standards for more than two years—adding to a growing legal fight about the accuracy of patient testing. Energy & Grid: NextEra’s MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission project is drawing heavy pushback in West Virginia, with opponents arguing it’s mainly a pass-through for power headed to Northern Virginia data centers; NextEra says it’s working toward a real in-state substation plan. Critical Minerals: WVU is expanding its rare-earth work from acid mine drainage, launching a new initiative and a startup to turn legacy mine water into domestic supply for defense-linked magnets. Tech & Infrastructure: GoNetspeed plans to bring 100% fiber to Norwich, with construction starting this summer and early connections expected in fall 2026. Education & Workforce: WVU Tech and PCB are partnering on scholarship funding, while WVU’s rare-earth push and Marshall’s advanced manufacturing center highlight ongoing job-training momentum.

Oil & Gas Expansion: Zefiro’s subsidiary is adding rigs to ramp up a 2026 plug-and-abandonment push for a major U.S. natural gas producer, including at least 26 wells across PA, NY, WV, and KY. Underground Railroad Spotlight: Ripley’s John Rankin House and John P. Parker House are getting new tour markers, highlighting interracial cooperation in the fight against slavery. West Virginia at 1861’s Turning Point: A new look at Wheeling’s role in the Wheeling Conventions explains how West Virginia became the only state created by splitting from a Confederate state during the Civil War. Data Centers—Local Concerns vs. State Messaging: WV lawmakers are debating data center impacts, with the state Data Economy Office saying the biggest gap is communication. Memorial Day + History: A Pearl Harbor sailor identified through DNA will be buried with honors in his hometown, while Memorial Day coverage continues to focus on service and sacrifice.

NCAA Bracket Shock: Arizona State baseball landed as the No. 3 seed in the Lincoln Regional at Nebraska, where it opens against No. 2 Mississippi—an unexpected stop on the way to Omaha for the first time since 2010. Memorial Day Politics: New polling says Donald Trump’s approval is underwater in most states on Memorial Day, with a negative net rating in 36 states. Higher Ed Pressure: Ohio lawmakers are pushing a taxpayer-backed, tuition-free plan for public colleges, funded by a tax on top earners. Local Pride: A former Dixon resident donated copies of a Dixon history book to Reagan Middle School graduates. West Virginia Tech & Data: West Virginia’s “data czar” is calling for better public communication as data center plans move forward. Community & Health: Onslow County held a child resiliency conference featuring WVU research on the Icelandic Prevention Model. Weather Watch: Mid-Ohio Valley forecasts point to more wet weather into midweek, then a drier stretch late week.

Europe–U.S. Tensions: A fresh spat over “reciprocity” is back in the spotlight after Germany’s Chancellor Merz criticized studying or working in America, while the U.S. argues Europe has long underfunded its own defense. West Virginia History: Wheeling’s role in West Virginia’s birth gets renewed attention, with the statehood story tied to the Civil War-era split from Confederate Virginia. Fisheries Boom: West Virginia anglers are racking up record catches more often, with biologists pointing to better stocking, improved water quality, and trophy fish maturing. Classroom Strain: Teachers report rising misbehavior even among the youngest students, echoing a wider national trend after the pandemic. Pearl Harbor Returns Home: A teen sailor from the USS West Virginia—identified through modern DNA—will be buried with honors after more than 82 years. Local Governance: A bill shifting dam oversight from conservation districts to a state agency has local leaders worried about delayed maintenance and lost control.

Pentagon gear check: A Pentagon test group is evaluating thicker “ballistic ball caps” for troops, shown at SOF Week in Tampa, as part of a broader push to trial off-the-shelf protective tech. Sports & WVU construction: WVU’s West Tower Project update says the press box could start after this season, with fundraising “going extremely well” and an opening targeted before the 2028 season. Local governance: Elkins City Council advanced multiple TIF projects into an engineering phase, including downtown streetscape and riverfront redevelopment. Cyber & scams: WV AG’s consumer team flagged top scam types (Medicare, phishing, robocalls, DMV texts, fake court notices) while a separate breach report notes Rhode Island workers’ comp data exposure tied to a third-party insurer. Weather hit plans: Memorial Day weekend is forecast colder than Christmas for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and WV, with rain likely disrupting travel. Health workforce: WVSOM named Gail Swarm as vice president of academic affairs and dean/chief academic officer starting May 30.

Shark-alert push: Lulu’s Law just cleared the House and now heads to President Trump’s desk, aiming to let shark attacks trigger wireless emergency alerts on phones via the FCC system—so beachgoers can get out faster. Local governance: In West Virginia, the Little Kanawha Conservation District is warning that House Bill 5364 (effective June 12) could shift dam oversight from local districts to the West Virginia Conservation Agency, raising fears of delayed maintenance. Sports & tech-adjacent campus news: WVU’s West Tower Project is moving toward construction after the 2026 season, with fundraising underway for the press box. Scams: WV Attorney General’s office highlights top reported scams—Medicare fraud, computer phishing, robocalls, DMV text scams, and fake court notices. Weather: Memorial Day plans across the region may get disrupted by a colder-than-usual weekend and rain.

Anti-Weaponization Fund: West Virginia’s congressional delegation is staying quiet as the Trump DOJ sets up a $1.776B “compensation fund” tied to a $10B IRS tax-return lawsuit—an ethics backlash says it could function like a payoff for supporters. Forest Policy: The Trump administration moves to slash U.S. Forest Service research and close four Pennsylvania facilities, while West Virginia-area reporting highlights what that could mean for long-running land management work. Local Control Under Pressure: In West Virginia, the Little Kanawha Conservation District warns a new law (HB 5364) could shift dam oversight away from local districts starting June 12. Tech & Safety Law: House passage of Lulu’s Law would let shark attacks trigger wireless emergency alerts on phones. Climate on the Ground: Virginia maple syrup producers report climate-driven disruptions that cut yields and profits. Community Notes: MOV Climate Action says it raised $8,655 from 22 donors in its Give Local effort. Health & Scams: WV AG’s office lists top scam types for April, including Medicare fraud, phishing, robocalls, DMV texts, and fake court notices.

Local Control at Risk: Little Kanawha Conservation District officials warn House Bill 5364 will shift maintenance duties for the district’s six watershed dams to the West Virginia Conservation Agency starting June 12—raising fears that delays could hurt downstream homes, farms, schools, and communities. Health & Safety: West Virginia’s AG Consumer Protection Division reports 120 scam complaints in April and flags top threats including Medicare fraud, computer phishing, robocalls, DMV text scams, and fake court notices. WVU Updates: WVU athletic director Wren Baker says fundraising for the $156 million West Tower Project is “going extremely well,” with press box construction targeted to start after the 2026 season and open before 2028. Community & Culture: A Vietnam veteran, John Danielski, is spotlighted for decades of helping other veterans, while Parkersburg’s Ohio Valley Civil War Roundtable welcomes Jeanne Cox to discuss PTSD’s roots in Civil War-era medicine. Sports: ASU’s Landon Hairston hit a school-record 28th homer to send the Sun Devils into Big 12 semis against WVU.

Household Budget Pressure: A new UtilityRates.com study says monthly household bills are climbing again, with West Virginia among the cheapest states at about $1,984 per month—while California tops the list at $4,193, driven by the combined weight of housing, utilities, insurance, internet, and transport. Memorial Day Weather: A cold snap is set to hit the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with parts of West Virginia expected to sit in the low-to-mid 50s and rain moving in over the holiday weekend. AI & Governance: Across the country, attorneys general—including West Virginia—are pushing coordinated lawsuits against proxy advisory firm ISS, accusing it of misleading investors while advancing ESG/DEI goals. Local Tech & Education: WVU’s School of Nursing is hosting a free Day Camp June 6 for high school students, and GEAR UP Southern West Virginia extended summer camp registration to May 31 for limited spots. Utilities Watch: The West Virginia PSC approved Mon Power/Potomac Edison’s “Inflation and Investment Adjustment” path, setting up a July 9 hearing and smaller, staged increases for many customers.

Grid Modernization Push: A new WV voter survey finds 95% back modernizing the electric grid, with 68% calling it “very important,” fueled by frequent outages that hit residents far more than the national average. Utility Rates Watch: The WV Public Service Commission approved Mon Power and Potomac Edison to pursue a two-step “Inflation and Investment Adjustment” plan—about a 3% average monthly increase starting Aug. 1, 2026—while rates are set to be suspended pending further review. WVU Stadium Upgrade: WVU athletic director Wren Baker says the West Tower Project’s press box could start after this season, with an opening before the 2028 season, as fundraising and naming plans continue. Local Tech & Community: In Stanley, the Kibler Library hosted a local author showcase, and a new children’s book will be available there. Health Data: A Census Bureau report shows unmarried births fell in 2023, with WV among the states above the national level. Independent Work Benefits: A national piece highlights how outdated rules leave many independent workers locked out of benefits like healthcare and retirement.

College Sports Tragedy: Sam Houston State says former West Virginia defensive back William Davis, 22, died from a gunshot wound to the chest; Virginia’s chief medical examiner says it’s unclear if it was homicide and the manner is pending. Higher Ed Pressure: A new national warning argues colleges face a “structural reckoning” as enrollment drops, debt rises, and tuition-only models strain—pushing mergers and shared services. Bills Cost Gap: A doxo report finds household bill costs vary wildly by state, with the most expensive places charging households up to 2.5x more than the most affordable. Local Tech/Infrastructure Watch: WVU’s Milan Puskar Stadium West Tower press box project is moving toward construction after this football season, with fundraising still the sticking point. Grid Politics: A statewide survey says West Virginians are nearly unanimous—95%—that modernizing the electric grid should be a priority. Public Safety Oddity: A Randolph County man was arrested after repeated 911 calls about “zombies, ghosts and a UFO,” with officials saying the claims were false. Energy Rates: Mon Power and Potomac Edison filed with the PSC seeking approval for reliability-focused rate changes.

Local Tech & Policy: Wheeling is kicking around a proposal to let residents use golf carts on city streets, with council rules discussions focused on what’s safe and feasible. Education & Community: Multiple West Virginia high schools are wrapping up Class of 2026 graduation week, while the McKinley family announced a $100,000 civil engineering scholarship at WVU in honor of late Congressman David McKinley. Healthcare Costs: A new KFF analysis says Affordable Care Act Marketplace deductibles jumped 37% in 2026—the biggest rise on record—after enhanced premium tax credits expired. Public Health & Environment: West Virginia is set to receive nearly $9.5 million from the EPA to help small and disadvantaged communities tackle PFAS contamination. Energy & Reliability: Mon Power and Potomac Edison filed with the state Public Service Commission seeking approval for reliability-focused electric rate changes. Data Centers Watch: State and regional leaders continue weighing the Bedington Data Center plan, including power, water, and community impacts.

Tax Policy Clash: Jeff Bezos says some lower-income Americans should pay zero federal income tax, arguing the “tax the rich” push won’t help struggling households. Local Sports/Coaching: Utah Valley University hired Snow College’s Andrew May as assistant coach/offensive coordinator after a 102-26 run. Consumer & Safety: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued proxy advisor ISS, alleging it marketed “objective” guidance while quietly pushing an ESG agenda. Public Safety Watch: A new report warns high-speed e-bikes are creating sidewalk and trail dangers, with riders moving fast in pedestrian spaces. West Virginia Spotlight: WVU researchers helped explain how Mars is still losing atmosphere after a solar storm, using NASA’s MAVEN data. Education & Community: West Virginia’s Guyandotte Elementary earned a state “Exemplary Practice” award for data-driven “Walk to Intervention” gains in reading and math. Workforce & Industry: Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling defended proposed mine-safety funding cuts as efficiency-focused, including tech meant to speed up inspections.