AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with West Virginia among the affected areas as cases climb and officials warn the source may be more complex than one produce lot. Surveillance & Privacy: Flock license plate reader cameras are facing a wave of vandalism and theft across the country, fueling renewed debate over privacy and public safety tech. Space Science: A “microwave mistake” at Australia’s Parkes Radio Observatory fooled astronomers for years, until researchers traced the interference to impatient microwave use on site. Water & Land Policy: A new study says federal roadless-area protections help safeguard drinking water for at least 25 million Americans, adding a health angle to efforts to change the long-running forest rule. Energy & Industry: Hope Gas is seeking a Purchased Gas Adjustment increase of about 7%, citing rising demand and energy use tied to broader growth, including AI. STEM & Education: WVU President Michael Benson lays out a “Strategic Compass” direction for the university after a statewide listening tour. Local Tech/Infrastructure: South Point re-bids its trash contract after earlier bids were rejected and renews its IT provider deal for another year.

Public Health: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with West Virginia among the affected areas, as officials warn the source may be broader than one produce batch. Food Assistance: West Virginia’s SNAP waiver push for “hot, healthy” foods is still stuck in legal and administrative limbo after a federal court challenge derailed parts of the plan. Child Safety Tech & Services: Gov. Morrisey announced $2.1M+ in Child Advocacy Center grants, including $127,103.87 for the Harrison County Child Abuse Task Force, to fund forensic interviews, counseling, and multidisciplinary support. Privacy & Surveillance: A national debate over Flock-style license plate readers keeps heating up, with critics calling it a privacy nightmare and communities reporting vandalism. Education & Workforce: WVU President Michael Benson highlighted his “Strategic Compass” push after a statewide listening tour, while WVU hospitality students continue building real-world experience through a Nemacolin partnership. Local Crime: Police allege a West Virginia snack distributor used fake delivery invoices in a Little Debbie scheme tied to Pennsylvania retailers.

WVU Leadership: Michael Benson laid out his “Strategic Compass” vision after a 55-county push to rebuild pride and connections at West Virginia University. Public Safety & Health: West Virginia’s Harrison County Child Abuse Task Force is among groups receiving $2.1M+ in Child Advocacy Center grants to expand child-focused investigations, forensic interviews, and counseling. Tech & Privacy: Green Bank’s “radio-silence” rules show how wireless limits protect major science—while elsewhere, license plate readers and Flock cameras face growing privacy backlash and vandalism. Energy & Data Centers: PJM’s reworked grid queue is moving more natural gas projects forward as data-center demand rises, reshaping what gets studied first. Foodborne Outbreaks: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, including West Virginia, with thousands of illnesses reported. STEM & Space: China’s Zhurong rover confirmed the first primary evaporites on Mars, pointing to ancient brine chemistry. Education & Workforce: Virginia Tech is set to receive new federal mining-school funding tied to critical minerals workforce needs. Local Economy: WVU students are returning to Nemacolin Resort in record numbers for hands-on hospitality training.

Child Safety Funding: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $2,128,850.88 in Child Advocacy Center grants for 22 projects across West Virginia, expanding forensic interviews, medical evaluations, counseling, and coordinated support for child abuse and neglect victims. Wildlife Management: The West Virginia Natural Resources Commission approved raising the otter bag and possession limit to two for the 2027-28 trapping season, based on mortality and reproduction research and population growth models. Space Science: China’s Zhurong rover reported the first primary evaporites identified on Mars—selenite gypsum crystals formed from ancient brine about 757 million years ago—adding a clearer chemical record of Martian water history. Public Health & Food Safety: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, including West Virginia, with health officials urging continued caution as cases are tracked and implicated produce is removed. Healthcare Systems: WVU Health System signed an affiliation agreement with Fulton County Medical Center in Pennsylvania, with up to $17 million planned over seven years to modernize records and expand services.

CDC Leadership & Vaccines: The U.S. Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz as CDC director, restoring Senate-signed authority over immunization recommendations that shape commercial coverage and the Vaccines for Children program. Public Health Outbreak: The cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce outbreak has expanded to 15 states, with investigators still working to pin down the contaminated supply chain. Health Care Access in WV: WVU Medicine announced plans to acquire a Pennsylvania hospital, aiming to expand clinical services and access. Workplace Health: Federal data shows black lung among veteran central Appalachian miners hit the highest level since 1978, including in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Local Tech & Privacy: West Virginia lawmakers are set to hear from Flock and the Institute for Justice about camera and automated license plate reader contracts and privacy/guardrail concerns. WVU & Skills: A WVU Tech professor earned a Certified Forensic Interviewer credential, highlighting training for evidence-based investigative interviewing. Environment & Risk: A new landslide exposure database maps building-level risk nationwide, with millions of people in Appalachia flagged as vulnerable.

Public Health: The CDC says a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has now reached 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators are focused on lettuce linked to Taylor Farms and note the parasite can take weeks to cause symptoms, making it hard to track. Healthcare Access: A new push to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea is targeting primary care referral pathways instead of gadgets, with WVU among the participating health systems. WVU & STEM Careers: A WVU Tech professor earned a Certified Forensic Interviewer credential, while another WVU engineering student won a Boren Scholarship to study Russian abroad for national security and space-related work. Education & Community: WVU’s refreshed Welcome Week runs Aug. 12–23, with new events aimed at helping students connect before classes start. Policy & Accountability: West Virginia’s AG is part of a multi-state effort subpoenaing former COVID adviser Anthony Fauci, as a Senate committee moves toward contempt. Local Tech & Safety: A data report says nearly 800 rural agencies use automatic license plate readers, raising privacy concerns about AI-powered surveillance.

Food Safety: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak has expanded to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators are focused on lettuce tied to Taylor Farms, with thousands of confirmed and suspected cases and two deaths reported in Michigan. WV STEM & Careers: A WVU engineering student is heading to Kyrgyzstan after winning a Boren Scholarship, studying Russian to support future space and national security work. Public Health & Tech Policy: A new report says nearly 800 rural agencies use automatic license plate readers, raising privacy concerns as police search AI-linked databases for people, not just plates. Healthcare Workforce: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine enrolled a record Class of 2030, with 79 in-state students, aiming to ease the physician shortage. Energy & Data Centers: TeraWulf says it could double a Kentucky data center campus to 2 gigawatts, depending on power availability and utility approvals. For WVU Tech: An WVU Tech forensic investigation professor earned a Certified Forensic Interviewer credential. Politics & Voting Tech: A commentary argues mobile voting could protect ballot access as mail-in voting faces new federal pressure.

Food Safety: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak now involves 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and again flagging West Virginia among the affected. Energy & Industry: Pleasants Power Station’s owner, Omnis Pleasants, is in Chapter 11 as a power struggle over control and lender oversight plays out in federal court, with West Virginia creditors among those listed. Public Health & Research: A new addiction research symposium spotlights undergraduate projects across Appalachia, backed by a National Institute on Drug Abuse grant. Medical Education: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine sets a record Class of 2030 with the biggest in-state enrollment, aiming to boost future WV physician supply. Tech & Privacy: Cities across the U.S. are deactivating or canceling Flock Safety camera contracts amid privacy backlash, including reports of misuse concerns. STEM Careers: WVU Tech forensic investigation professor Andrew Wheeler earns a Certified Forensic Interviewer credential. Outdoors & Trails: The Expedia Trails Fund is backing new Mon Forest Towns trail builds in Durbin and Franklin, connecting communities to the Monongahela National Forest.

AI in Mental Health Training: WVU researchers tested ChatGPT-5 Pro for psychiatry education, finding it can help with training materials but stressing human supervision for safety and ethics. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keeps expanding, with CDC adding more states and reporting deaths in Michigan. Privacy vs. Policing Tech: Cities across the U.S. are deactivating or canceling Flock Safety ALPR camera contracts amid growing backlash over surveillance concerns. Energy & Industry in WV: AEP says it plans to buy the Longview coal plant and add natural gas capacity as data centers and other big loads drive demand. Local Tech & Community: Charleston highlighted how its annual paving program is planned and funded citywide, while Star City moves toward a University Avenue streetscape upgrade with ADA improvements and new lighting. STEM Workforce: SBA awarded $50M to technical schools and community colleges to train small manufacturers. Business/Real Estate: PLACE is buying Radian’s real estate services business and related title and underwriting lines.

AI in Medical Training: WVU researchers tested ChatGPT-5 Pro for psychiatry education and found it can generate realistic training scenarios, but say human supervision is essential for safety and ethics. Public Safety Tech Debate: Flock Safety is promoting emotional stories tied to automatic license plate readers, even as critics warn about mass surveillance concerns. Health Watch—Cyclospora: The CDC expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, with illnesses tied to shredded iceberg lettuce and Michigan reporting the first U.S. deaths. Local Infrastructure: Star City is set to vote on an about $1M University Avenue streetscape bid, including new sidewalks, ADA upgrades, and 25 decorative street lights. STEM & Community: Marshall University approved buying nearly four acres for a dedicated School of Medicine facility in Huntington, aiming to expand medical education and research. Defense Industry: Northrop Grumman signed $3B+ framework deals to boost PAC-3 and THAAD interceptor component production, including work at West Virginia’s Rocket Center. Energy & Jobs: AEP says it plans to buy the Longview coal plant in Maidsville and add natural gas capacity, targeting new data-center demand. Food & Science: A Vermont team is investigating a long-running mystery of melanoma-like cancer in Lake Memphremagog catfish.

Missile Defense Boost: Northrop Grumman signed $3B+ in framework deals to expand PAC-3 and THAAD interceptor component production, including a second source for rocket motors and higher delivery rates. Workforce & STEM: Bluefield State hosted an Engineering Appalachia roundtable on building the engineer pipeline, highlighting its new Master of Science in Engineering Technology. Healthcare Spotlight: Six WVU Medicine hospitals, including Berkeley Medical Center, earned Forbes “Top Hospitals 2026” recognition. PFAS & Data Centers: A new report warns that the data center boom is increasing demand for PFAS “forever chemicals,” tying tech growth to fresh pollution risk. Cyber Safety: A CNN explainer says AI is helping scammers, with tips on spotting deepfakes and other AI-driven fraud. Local Tech & Public Safety: Boone County is moving ahead with a new 911 center to modernize emergency communications for decades. Space Language for WVU: WVU engineering student Izaak Whetsell won a Boren Scholarship to study Russian in Kyrgyzstan for future space-focused work. Science in the Sky: A “fire rainbow” over West Virginia was identified as a circumhorizontal arc caused by ice crystals in high clouds. Community STEM: West Virginia teams competed at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational at WVU Jackson’s Mill.

Missile Defense Boost: The Pentagon is accelerating missile-defense production with major framework deals tied to Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD, including Northrop Grumman agreements totaling about $3B and plans to ramp output of key interceptor components. Public Health & Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak continues to spread, with Michigan reporting its first two U.S. deaths, while experts warn under-resourced lab systems could make the next outbreak harder to catch. Medical Guidance in WV: Marshall University researchers helped publish the first broad consensus guidance on how GLP-1 and related incretin meds may be used across pregnancy and reproductive care. Regulation Watch: The FDA’s proposed rule to end the “self-affirmed” GRAS pathway is again delayed, with a revised timeline now pointing to December 2026. Local Environment: Kanawha County commissioners are asking the WV DEP for more details before an “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis permit moves forward near schools and homes. Tech & Finance: Alchemy Pay expanded its regulated U.S. compliance footprint by securing a Michigan money transmitter license.

Public Health & Sleep Research: A small study suggests fecal microbiota transplants (“poop pills”) may improve chronic insomnia by reshaping the gut microbiome, but experts warn it’s early-stage and not ready for routine care. Digital Economy & Community Impact: Mountwest Community and Technical College is hosting a public Aug. 7 talk in Beckley on the real costs of West Virginia’s digital boom, including data center power/water use and AI-powered surveillance like Flock cameras. Healthcare Leadership: Nemours Children’s Health named Patrice Harris as Executive VP and Chief Health Impact Officer, aiming to expand “Whole Child Health” across clinical and community programs. Defense Manufacturing: The Pentagon is boosting Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD interceptor production, with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman ramping output amid stockpile strain. Law & Competition: West Virginia’s AG coalition announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition. WV STEM Spotlight: A WVU graduate’s research path is landing him on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, highlighting how curiosity can turn into real-world innovation. Environment & Safety Tech: A WV lawmaker is pushing “guardrails” for Flock-style automated license plate readers to limit mass tracking and privacy risks.

STEM Education: Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College is enrolling students for a new fall 2026 Artificial Intelligence Certificate in Applied Science—West Virginia’s first undergraduate AI certificate program. Public Health: Federal investigators say certain egg cartons marked with codes P-1950 or 0840962 and sell-by dates July 20–Aug. 17, 2026 are linked to 98 Salmonella illnesses across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations, with an antibiotic-resistant strain. State Policy: West Virginia lawmakers are pressing for answers after the clothing voucher program’s TANF registration closed after one week, with officials citing a $40M funding gap and “extraordinarily high” demand. Environment & Safety Tech: Researchers mapped 128 million U.S. buildings for landslide exposure, finding 6.5 million Americans live in hazard zones—new building-level risk mapping aims to improve recovery planning. Energy & Industry: A March 2026 geothermal framework deal between Fervo Energy and Google targets up to 3 gigawatts of firm clean power, pushing next-gen geothermal toward large-scale, around-the-clock electricity. Food & Outbreak Watch: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis surge continues, with officials pointing to lettuce or leafy greens as a likely source while urging careful washing and trimming.

West Virginia Rural Tech: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $14M Rural Health Transformation Program push to expand remote patient monitoring and virtual care, with about $4.9M for inpatient monitoring and $9.1M for at-home connected devices to catch problems earlier. Environmental Health Fight: In Kanawha County, Union Carbide and Covestro are trying to block expert testimony in a class-action over alleged higher cancer risk tied to ethylene oxide emissions. Local Permitting Pressure: Kanawha County commissioners urged WV DEP to hold off on an air permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools and homes, citing missing details and resident concerns. Food Safety Watch: The nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to hit West Virginia alongside other states, with officials urging careful washing and trimming of produce. Disaster Risk Mapping: A new national study mapped landslide exposure at the building level, estimating 6.5M Americans live in landslide-prone areas—useful context for WV communities planning resilience. STEM in the Classroom: West Virginia’s Third Grade Success Act is now in effect, requiring early reading and math support and targeted interventions for students who fall behind.

Rural Healthcare Tech Boost: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a $14M Rural Health Transformation Program investment to expand remote patient monitoring and virtual care in West Virginia, with funding split between inpatient monitoring ($4.9M) and at-home outpatient monitoring ($9.1M). Local Environment & Permitting: Kanawha County commissioners asked WV DEP for more details before issuing an air quality permit for a proposed “advanced recycling” plastics pyrolysis plant near schools and homes, citing resident concerns and a petition. Health & Safety Watch: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to spread nationally, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases and officials urging careful produce washing and trimming—an issue that hits restaurants and consumers alike. Education Policy: West Virginia’s Third Grade Success Act retention requirement kicks in this school year, with aides and targeted training aimed at improving early reading and math. STEM/Community: Berkeley County’s 79th Youth Fair is underway, highlighting 4-H, FFA, Scouting America, and other youth projects as the event grows in exhibitors and participation.