AGP Executive Report

AI Infrastructure in WV: Nscale says it will buy Anyscale for about $1.65B, aiming to optimize AI data-center operations; the deal underscores how West Virginia’s Mason County campus is becoming a major computing hub. Public Health & Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce keeps widening and shifting; in the big nine-state cluster, Michigan reported 10,386 cases, and officials say restaurants are still feeling the sales hit after lettuce removals. Disaster Risk Mapping: A new national study finds 6.5 million Americans live in buildings in landslide hazard zones, with rural Appalachian households hit hardest—raising tough questions about insurance and recovery. PFAS Legal Fight: North Carolina leaders filed comments opposing an EPA-Chemours PFAS settlement, calling it a “backroom deal” that won’t deliver meaningful cleanup—an issue that also touches WV through shared contamination history. Rural Healthcare Tech: WV Gov. Morrisey announced about $14M to expand remote patient monitoring and virtual care, targeting earlier detection for rural patients. Local Tech/Community: Morgantown’s first National Night Out is set for Aug. 5, bringing police and community groups together with hands-on family activities.

AI & Data Centers: Nscale says it will buy Anyscale for about $1.65B, adding software that optimizes how AI workloads run across Nscale’s own AI data-center network—highlighting its 2,250-acre Mason County, WV campus built to host up to 8 gigawatts. PFAS Court Fight: Gov. Josh Stein, AG Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing an EPA–Chemours PFAS settlement, arguing it would deliver little relief for North Carolina and was negotiated without the state. Rural Health Tech: Gov. Morrisey announced ~$14M to expand remote patient monitoring and virtual care in West Virginia through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Internet Access: A new report maps where broadband is best and worst as prices fall, underscoring persistent gaps in speed and availability. Food Safety Impact: A cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce continues to hit restaurant sales, including in West Virginia, after Taco Bell removed lettuce and suppliers recalled product. Wildlife & Outdoors: WV anglers set and then quickly broke the state pumpkinseed sunfish record, with the new mark certified by state fisheries biologists. Trails for Tourism: Expedia Trails Fund grant will connect Franklin and Durbin to the Monongahela National Forest with new trail systems. Public Safety Tech: Flock surveillance cameras face growing backlash and contract cancellations across multiple cities.

Food Safety Fallout: Taco Bell sales dipped as a cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce spreads, with the chain removing Taylor Farms lettuce nationwide on July 17 and federal health officials linking cases to multiple states including West Virginia. Public Health Scrutiny: CDC and FDA investigations are also tracking other outbreaks, raising fresh questions about how well the U.S. food safety system can spot and trace problems fast. Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety’s camera network is facing growing resistance across the country, with cities deactivating or canceling contracts as residents and lawmakers push back on automated license-plate tracking. Disaster Risk Tech: A new Landslide Exposure Database maps building-level landslide risk for 128 million structures, flagging about 6.5 million Americans at risk, with Appalachia—including West Virginia—heavily represented. Broadband Reality Check: West Virginia still struggles with reliable internet in rural areas, even as federal broadband money rolls out, leaving some residents juggling multiple services to stay connected. AI Infrastructure Move: Nscale, an AI-cloud power-and-data-center operator, is buying Anyscale (Ray software) in a deal reported around $1.65B, aiming to optimize how GPU work is scheduled. STEM in the Mountains: WVU researchers and students continue water-quality and acid mine drainage work, focusing on monitoring and remediation to make local waterways safer.

AI & Elections: Ohio election officials are rolling out an internal AI chatbot (EVA) to help staff quickly answer questions from the election manual, while West Virginia and other states stay cautious about accuracy and security. Energy Grid & Data Centers: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge to prevent AI data-center buildouts from pushing higher electricity bills onto households, and a new report links the AI boom to a 4% rise in U.S. power-sector carbon emissions driven by more coal generation. West Virginia Power Policy: FirstEnergy defended a proposed gas-fired plant near a coal site in Monongalia County, arguing it’s the lowest-cost option over 30 years as data centers drive demand. Public Safety Tech: Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen plans legislation to add privacy “guardrails” for automated license plate readers amid Fourth Amendment concerns. Health Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak keeps widening, with Michigan reporting 10,000+ cases and officials racing to identify sources. Disaster Risk Mapping: A new Landslide Exposure Database estimates 6.5 million people live in landslide-prone areas, with most concentrated in Appalachia. WV Education & Tech: WVDE unveiled a statewide AI and digital science framework, and WVU’s homepage earned top-tier accessibility recognition from WebAIM. State Services Tech: CMS is shifting a Medicaid eligibility technology project into the federal data hub as new requirements approach. Consumer/Local: Gov. Morrisey announced West Virginia’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, including tax-free deals on laptops/tablets and school supplies.

WV Education & AI: West Virginia Superintendent Michele Blatt rolled out a statewide Artificial Intelligence and Digital Science Framework for educators, aiming to build AI literacy, data reasoning, cybersecurity awareness, and media literacy across schools. Public Health: The CDC reported 6,707 lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 41 states, with investigations expanding as the agency runs without its long-used FoodNet tracking layer. Food Safety: Federal outbreak tables show most Cyclospora investigations still lack an identified source, leaving consumers with fewer specific “avoid this item” options. Energy & Data Centers: EPA says “off-grid” AI power plants tied to data centers aren’t covered by Acid Rain Program caps, potentially leaving nearby communities without federal SO₂/NOₓ limits. Elections Tech: Ohio election officials are using an AI chatbot (EVA) to answer election procedure questions for staff, while other states like WV remain cautious. Cyber & Privacy: West Virginia’s Freedom Caucus is pushing a statewide ban on AI-powered Flock surveillance cameras, citing Fourth Amendment concerns. Skilled Trades: Extreme Steel Inc. highlighted apprenticeship pathways for future ironworkers and welders. Local Business/Training: Eastern WV Community & Technical College is launching a fully online AI Certificate in Applied Science starting fall 2026.

AI in Schools: WVDE Superintendent Michele Blatt is rolling out a statewide AI and Digital Science Framework for educators, aiming to build AI literacy and digital science skills while protecting student data. Healthcare Tech: Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center in Morgantown became the first U.S. hospital to use AI-assisted technology during a heart rhythm ablation procedure, combining live ultrasound with a real-time electrical activity map. Cyber/Privacy & Surveillance: West Virginia’s Freedom Caucus is pushing a statewide ban on AI-powered Flock surveillance cameras and related automated license plate reader systems, arguing they violate Fourth Amendment rights. Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak keeps widening: FDA lists multiple open investigations with only one identified product, while CDC reports thousands of cases across dozens of states and warns against recalled shredded iceberg lettuce. Workforce & Training: Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College is enrolling for a new fully online AI Certificate in Applied Science starting fall 2026. Local Tech & Growth: FirstEnergy says data center demand is surging, with West Virginia demand up sharply; meanwhile, a Tucker County business pitch contest is open through July 31. Community Resilience: Scouting America is donating hygiene kits and shelf-stable food to West Virginians recovering from recent storms.

Medical AI in WV: Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center in Morgantown became the first U.S. hospital to use AI-assisted technology during a heart rhythm ablation, combining live ultrasound guidance with a real-time electrical map. Public health watch: The cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps widening, with CDC reporting cases tied to shredded lettuce now in nine states including West Virginia, as officials sort out recalls and test results. Water infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced $1.8M for Hooverson Heights water treatment plant upgrades in Follansbee, replacing failing controls and adding redundancy for thousands of customers. Rural veterans care: A “hospital on wheels” program (GOHOSPITAL) is set to bring hospital-grade diagnostics to remote communities, with deployments planned for late 2026 into 2027. Workforce & tech access: WVSU Extension launched the Future Ready Youth Series, starting with a Career Discovery Camp for middle schoolers focused on tech, AI, and career planning. Education funding: Garrett College received a $5,000 Tucker Community Foundation grant to upgrade computers and classroom tech for its Adult Basic Education program. Climate impacts: Flash flooding devastated parts of West Virginia, with officials reporting major damage and emergency response across multiple counties. Energy sector shakeup: Pleasants Power Station’s operator filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, alleging fraud by former ownership while saying the plant will keep operating during the process.

Energy & Industry: Omnis Pleasants filed Chapter 11 for the Pleasants Power Station in Delaware, saying tens of millions in debt and alleging former owners misused funds, including a West Virginia Economic Development Authority loan, while the plant says it will keep operating and seek a debt-free sale. Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce to nine states, including West Virginia, with thousands sickened and officials still hunting for the source as restaurants and retailers adjust. Rural Veterans Care: A “hospital on wheels” program, GOHOSPITAL, is set to bring hospital-grade diagnostics and clinician support to rural communities and veterans, with deployments expected late 2026 into January 2027. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Morrisey announced a $1.8M upgrade to modernize the Hooverson Heights Water Treatment Plant in Follansbee/Brooke County, adding automated controls and backups for 3,200 customers. STEM & Youth: The National Youth Science Camp welcomed its 2026 delegates in Parsons for a three-week STEAM program. Community Tech/Access: We Bike WV won a $25,000 grant from 100 Plus People Who Care to keep refurbishing and distributing nearly 2,000 bikes. Healthcare Costs: WalletHub ranked West Virginia among the worst states for healthcare in 2026, citing cost, access, and outcomes. Education: West Virginia’s Third Grade Success Act begins requiring third graders who aren’t at grade level in reading/math to be retained, with support and exceptions. Local Tech/Jobs: WVU Tech received $101,200 in scholarships from the Beckley Area Foundation for 2026-27. Sports Medicine/Local Care: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital added a new medical oncologist/hematologist to expand cancer care and plans for a comprehensive cancer center.

Food Safety & Public Health: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the list that already included West Virginia—bringing confirmed illnesses to 1,947 and at least 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. State Policy & Education: West Virginia’s Third Grade Success Act kicks in this school year, requiring third graders who fall behind in reading and math to be retained, with exceptions for disabilities and added classroom support tied to the “science of reading” approach. Tech & Business in WV: Decentralized cloud storage provider Storj Labs filed for Chapter 11 in West Virginia federal court to restructure legacy obligations while saying its network and customer service will keep running. Community Tech & Workforce: West Virginia State University named Shanté Ellis director of its Economic Development Center, aiming to expand business training and partnerships for local entrepreneurs. Infrastructure & Climate Risk: July 2026 set a record for flash flood emergencies nationwide, with West Virginia among the hardest hit as warmer air intensifies downpours. Privacy & Surveillance: A West Virginia lawmaker is pushing to rein in Flock-style automatic license plate readers, arguing for stronger Fourth Amendment limits on warrantless, real-time mass tracking.

Public Health: The CDC and FDA widened the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania to the original cluster that already includes West Virginia—bringing the total to 1,947 reported illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. Local Tech & Privacy: West Virginia lawmakers are pushing back on Flock automatic license plate readers, with Freedom Caucus members backing a Fourth Amendment Restoration Act that would bar warrantless real-time mass tracking tools like automated license plate readers and facial recognition. Business & IT: Storj Labs voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 in the Northern District of West Virginia to address legacy liabilities while continuing operations, aiming to emerge with a “clean foundation.” Community & Industry: Kanawha County residents raised concerns at a commission meeting about the Clean Seas Plastics facility and its planned pyrolysis conversion of plastics into fuel/oil, asking for more air monitoring. STEM & Youth: Scouting America launched a Competitive Gaming merit badge at the National Jamboree in West Virginia, focusing on esports plus digital citizenship and online safety.

Cyclospora Outbreak Expands: CDC says the lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell now includes Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, bringing the total to nine states and 1,947 confirmed illnesses (98 hospitalizations, no deaths) while FDA and CDC keep tracing Taylor Farms de Mexico. Public Health & Food Safety: The investigation is still evolving, with officials warning the real number of cases may be higher and that other clusters may be separate. Digital IDs Rollout: Apple Wallet digital IDs are poised to expand as Utah and Virginia show up in Apple’s backend code, following West Virginia’s earlier rollout and other state launches. Broadband Access: Alaska is ranked the biggest “internet desert” in a new state index, highlighting the rural-urban gap that West Virginia communities also feel. Education Feedback Loop: West Virginia students share what they want from public schools, as school closures and the Hope Scholarship debate continue. Local Tech/Business: Ford Office Technologies acquires Komax after bankruptcy, adding managed IT and cybersecurity services. Community & Environment: Kanawha County residents raise concerns about a plastics facility, asking for air monitoring as the project stalls.

Public Health: The CDC and FDA expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania to the original cluster that already included West Virginia—bringing the total to 1,947 reported illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths so far. Local Environment & Industry: Kanawha County residents are pushing back on a plastics facility that’s been under development for more than a year, asking for air quality monitoring as the company says it uses pyrolysis to convert plastics into fuel or oil. Tech & Business: Ford Office Technologies completed its acquisition of Komax out of bankruptcy, aiming to roll Komax’s customer base into expanded managed IT and cybersecurity services. Community & STEM: Scouting America launched a Competitive Gaming merit badge at the National Jamboree in West Virginia, focusing on esports skills plus digital citizenship and online safety. Broadband Access: A new state-by-state internet report ranks Alaska as the biggest “internet desert,” highlighting how rural access gaps persist nationwide. West Virginia Growth: VVA is considering moving its national headquarters to Bridgeport, which could add 18–20 jobs and bring more veterans-focused events to Harrison County.

Public Health: The CDC and FDA expanded the Taco Bell-linked Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania to the original cluster that included West Virginia—bringing the total linked illnesses to 1,947 with at least 98 hospitalizations and no reported deaths, while investigators keep tracing Taylor Farms de Mexico and note other clusters may be separate. Consumer Safety: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey warned residents about a “free” gas and grocery card mailer from “AAPP,” where a $5 “processing fee” leads to extra charges and possible subscription traps. Broadband & Growth: A new nationwide analysis says Alaska is the biggest “internet desert,” highlighting how rural access gaps persist—relevant as West Virginia continues competing for remote workers. Local Business/Tech: Ford Office Technologies acquired Komax after bankruptcy, aiming to fold in managed IT and cybersecurity for customers. Community Tech & Youth: Scouting America launched a Competitive Gaming merit badge at the National Jamboree in West Virginia, pairing esports with digital citizenship and online safety. Infrastructure/Recovery: The West Virginia National Guard shifted from rescue to long-term recovery after flooding, keeping a smaller team for debris cleanup and engineering support.

Public Health: The CDC and FDA expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania to the original cluster that included West Virginia—bringing the total to 1,947 reported illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations, with no deaths so far. Food Safety & Regulation: Investigators say they’re still tracing the supply chain after Taylor Farms’ recall, while officials also flagged a separate cyclospora cluster of 72 cases, underscoring how hard it’s been to pinpoint sources. Local Resilience: The West Virginia National Guard shifted from rescue to long-term recovery after flooding, keeping a smaller team for debris removal and engineering/logistics support. Veterans & Tech/Operations: Vietnam Veterans of America is considering moving its national headquarters to Bridgeport, W.Va., a plan that could bring 18–20 jobs and more government-affairs proximity. STEM for Youth: Scouting America launched a Competitive Gaming merit badge at the National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, pairing esports with digital citizenship and online safety. Cybersecurity & Business: Ford Office Technologies acquired Komax out of bankruptcy, aiming to roll in managed IT and cybersecurity services for Komax’s customer base.

Federal Innovation Funding: NSF just named 12 new Regional Innovation Engines (up to $160M each over 10 years) and EDA added six more Tech Hubs awards, pushing a bigger place-based push for emerging-tech jobs and commercialization. Genetic Data Accountability: Georgia AG Chris Carr joined a multistate settlement tied to the 23andMe genetic data breach, with limited bankruptcy recovery and a separate consumer class-action deal. Public Health Watch: The cyclospora outbreak keeps shifting—new clusters and more food items under scrutiny are adding confusion as cases climb across dozens of states. AI Power Cost Politics: Trump expanded a Ratepayer Protection Pledge aimed at stopping electricity-cost blowups from large AI data centers, with utilities and data-center firms among signatories. West Virginia Tech & Community Tension: Warwood residents filed suit to block a proposed data center, arguing the state’s high-impact data center law is unconstitutional. Healthcare Access Breakthrough: A new Alzheimer’s blood test study suggests primary care doctors can diagnose nearly as accurately as specialists, potentially widening access. Cybersecurity in Schools: Wood County Schools moved fast after a malicious email threat spread through staff inboxes, disabling accounts and resetting passwords. Mental Health & Safety: WVU researchers highlighted common triggers and coping patterns behind driving anxiety, warning that avoidance and reliance can worsen both safety and mental health.

Data Centers & Power Costs: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge to 187 utilities and data-center players, while the House advanced the Ratepayer Protection Act to push big data centers to cover grid upgrade costs—an issue regulators and consumer advocates say could otherwise hit electricity bills. Public Health & Food Safety: The cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” outbreak keeps widening as the FDA/CDC point to iceberg lettuce tied to a Mexico supplier used by Taco Bell in multiple states, including West Virginia, and lawmakers and health experts raise alarms about weakened federal food-safety funding. West Virginia Water Infrastructure: A Fayette County judge temporarily blocked the Kanawha Falls PSD sale unless a disputed engineering debt is handled, while Wyoming County announced major public water funding for the Brenton/Baileysville area. Cybersecurity in Schools: Wood County Schools moved fast after a malicious email threat, disabling accounts and resetting passwords with help from the state. STEM & Community Tech: CARI is rolling out campus food delivery using verified student couriers, and WVU researchers are tied to a $321M consortium for energy security projects. Local Tech & Nature: Kanawha County confirmed spotted lanternfly detection, and a community effort is underway to slow the spread.