AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender girls and women competing in school sports, a decision that’s already sparking protests and intense national debate over Title IX and fairness. America250 Community Rituals: Gov. Morrisey is urging West Virginia groups to ring bells 13 times at noon on July 4 as part of the state’s America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Local Support Tech: Hope in Action Alliance and WVU’s Center for Excellence in Disabilities are launching “TheLink,” a regional app pilot to help West Virginians find services and supports. Health & Safety: An extreme heat warning is in effect for parts of West Virginia, with officials urging hydration and precautions during high humidity. Education & Youth: A BCHS alum story highlights a rare path from small-school basketball to Division I coaching. Community & Culture: Lurch Fest 2026 in Philippi returns with an Addams-family-themed costume contest and a monster-focused interactive attraction. Business & Everyday Life: Kroger’s planned purchase of Giant Eagle is raising questions for shoppers across the region, including West Virginia.

Supreme Court & Schools: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho bans on transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports, saying states can define eligibility by “biological sex” under Title IX—setting up more state-by-state fights and new questions for families and school leaders. Title IX Enforcement: The U.S. Department of Education marked the end of its second annual Title IX Month with new investigations and enforcement actions, including scrutiny of schools accused of allowing males into girls’ sports and intimate facilities. Community Care: North Star Child Advocacy Center in West Virginia raised more than $1,200 at a lunchtime cookout to support child protection and healing services. Local Governance & Safety: Monongalia County commissioners defended Flock Safety license-plate cameras amid civil-liberties concerns and questions about data sharing. Education Funding Oversight: West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship program placed Tygart Valley Christian Academy on probation/disqualification for financial misconduct and Laurel Academy on probation for rule violations. Arts & Heritage: Charleston’s Light Opera Guild will stage “1776” during America250 festivities, and the America250 Wheel is now a major new skyline draw. Sports & Growth: WVU baseball’s “Randy’s Ridge” story highlights the program’s rise to the College World Series. Business & Food: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, with limited divestitures expected and a 2027 closing.

Supreme Court & Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws barring transgender girls and women from school sports teams, saying states can set eligibility by biological sex under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause—sparking praise from women’s sports supporters and renewed pushback from trans-rights advocates. Local Health & Kids: A new Georgetown report finds West Virginia’s youngest children are losing health coverage at a faster rate than older kids, with uninsured rates for under-6s rising nationally and WV flagged as a warning case. WVDNR Boating Safety: West Virginia DNR police joined the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign to warn that alcohol and drugs can make boating deadly, urging sober choices and life jacket use. Extreme Heat: AAA warned that dangerous summer heat is driving more roadside breakdowns and raises risks for drivers and roadside technicians, urging hydration and safer driving around work zones. WVU Athletics: WVU dropped eight spots to finish 50th in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, despite hosting multiple NCAA tournaments. Community & Care: Butler Family Medicine Residency opened a new permanent facility in Butler to expand training for future primary care doctors. Autism Support: UnPuzzled Parents Connect will host an autism-focused conference in Parkersburg July 25 with national speaker Dr. Temple Grandin. Local Business/Charity: Sheetz kicked off its monthlong “For the Kids” fundraising drive across WV and other states to support children in need.

Trans Athletes Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s school sports, ruling the bans don’t violate Title IX or the 14th Amendment—setting up similar enforcement pressure across other states with comparable rules. Local Reactions: West Virginia officials celebrated the decision, while LGBTQ advocates and supporters of inclusive policies warned it could deepen harm beyond athletics, with protests reported nationwide including at Stonewall. Legal Spotlight (WV): The ruling keeps West Virginia’s “Save Women’s Sports Act” in place as the case’s central plaintiff, Becky Pepper-Jackson, had argued the ban would push trans people out of public life. Courtroom Elsewhere: In Jefferson County, a former youth pastor, John Radcliff II, is headed to trial in October on sex-crime charges involving minors. Environment & Money: A proposed federal settlement could require Chemours to pay more than $11M to West Virginia over PFAS pollution violations, pending public comment and court approval.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue final rulings today, with West Virginia in the spotlight over transgender student-athlete sports bans and a separate national fight over birthright citizenship—decisions that could reshape school athletics and citizenship for thousands of families. Local Community & Faith: Trinity Episcopal Church in Parkersburg is taking used book donations every Wednesday through Aug. 26 for its long-running fall sale, a steady fundraiser for church and community programs. WVU & Sports: WVU women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg is rebuilding the roster with a heavy emphasis on planning and flexibility after a strong postseason run. Culture & History: A new WVU exhibit, “Mountaineers Are Always Free: West Virginia at 250,” opens visitors to the state’s evolving story through themes of place, people, and movements. America 250 in Charleston: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and tourism officials preview the America 250 Capitol City Celebration with tours, vendors, and live music across the State Capitol Complex. Health & Safety: West Virginia foster-care advocates react to a reported infant death in Mingo County, while a separate piece argues school closures can strip foster kids of stability. Sports & Summer Events: The Moving Wall arrives in St. Albans to honor veterans, bringing intergenerational remembrance to the community.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing the end of its term with major decisions looming on Trump’s presidential power, birthright citizenship, mail ballots, and whether West Virginia and Idaho can bar transgender athletes from women’s sports. Independence Day in Charleston: Charleston’s America250 Capital City Celebration runs July 2-5 on the Capitol Complex, pairing concerts, fireworks, and family activities with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. Heat & Safety: Heat Advisories are in effect across much of West Virginia this week, with heat index values pushing 100–106 degrees—plus local guidance on safer Fourth of July fireworks use. Community & Culture: WVU’s newest Mountaineer, Reese Allen, visited Beckley’s Energy Express summer reading program to connect with kids through books, hands-on learning, and meals. Local Justice: Randolph County released June grand jury indictments, including an Elkins pastor charged with soliciting a minor. Public Life & Work: Wood County commissioners approved $15,000 for a Japanese business delegation visit tied to the Polymer Alliance Zone. Health & Beliefs: A homeopathic consultant argues mothers should lead family healthcare at home, promoting practical remedies and “kitchen table prescribing.”

Appalachian Culture: “Sounds of Appalachia” is set for June 30 at Grandview Cliffside Amphitheatre in New River Gorge National Park, with living-history talks and live music as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Local Education & Community Life: Wellsburg’s Independence Day Super Kids Race got only partial runs before weather forced organizers to pause and reschedule, highlighting a community-built event for youth and adults with special needs. Public Schools Under Pressure: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty again warns lawmakers that declining enrollment and the school-aid formula are pushing districts toward a fiscal cliff, with more closures and consolidations possible. Health & Safety: A West Virginia fireworks safety reminder urges residents to follow local rules and consider risks to people, pets, and wildlife. Environment & Risk: New data says flood events in West Virginia have more than doubled since the 2016 flood, pointing to faster, more disruptive water and longer recovery timelines. Sports & School Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing major rulings, including cases from West Virginia and Idaho on whether transgender girls and women can play sports in public schools and colleges. Food Insecurity: Across the country, rising grocery prices and SNAP cutbacks are driving more people to food pantries, with nonprofits reporting higher demand and tighter budgets.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to wrap its term soon, with major rulings looming on Trump’s presidential power, birthright citizenship, election rules, and transgender athletes—issues that could ripple into West Virginia politics and culture. West Virginia Schools: State education leaders warn more public school closures may be coming as enrollment keeps dropping, with officials citing thousands of lost students and a closure list that could grow. Gun Rights & Privacy: Second Amendment groups are backing a GOP-led bill that would block payment networks from tracking lawful gun purchases, arguing it protects privacy for gun owners. WVU Leadership: WVU’s new provost, Beverly Wendland, begins work in Morgantown and lays out early priorities including strengthening the libraries and pushing toward AAU status. Alzheimer’s & Music: A First Person essay captures how familiar songs can spark connection and comfort for a loved one in long-term care. Local Environment Education: Raleigh County’s Solid Waste Authority honors retiring educator Sherrie Hunter for 25 years of teaching recycling and stewardship. Logan Revitalization: Gov. Morrisey highlights a $2.5 million AMLER grant to redevelop downtown Logan’s former Peebles Department Store into a new economic and cultural hub. Sports & NIL: Pat McAfee’s WVU NIL impact gets spotlighted as AD Wren Baker credits the media star with major brand and support value. Heat Ahead: A dangerous heat dome is forecast for the July 4 stretch, raising risks especially when nights stay warm.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to wrap up its term soon, with major rulings pending on President Trump’s power moves, election cases, and a crackdown on transgender athletes—decisions that could ripple into West Virginia debates over sports and rights. Local Governance & Environment: West Virginians are still fighting over whether communities get a real say as data centers expand, echoing earlier landfill battles where residents pushed back on out-of-state waste and development. Public Health & Care Access: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia. Community & Culture: Raleigh County honored Sherrie Hunter’s 25 years promoting recycling and environmental awareness. Sports & Identity: A West Virginia v. B.P.J. case is drawing national attention as activists argue over who qualifies to compete in women’s sports. Arts & Heritage: The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial is in St. Albans through Monday, bringing a free, traveling tribute close to home. Heat & Safety: A heat dome could push West Virginia toward triple digits around July 4, raising risks when nights stay warm.

Downtown Logan Revitalization: Gov. Jim Justice highlighted a $2.5 million AMLER grant to turn the former Peebles Department Store into a new multi-use economic and cultural hub for Logan’s downtown. Freedom 250 & Local Culture: The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall under Freedom 250, drawing West Virginia farm kids and small-town livestock vibes—though some visitors say the event feels more divided than unifying. Heat Safety for July 4: A heat dome could push West Virginia toward triple digits, with dangerous warm nights raising the risk of heat illness. Library Censorship Fight: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson joined a legal push backing local control over library material removals, spotlighting the ongoing culture-war battle over what kids can access. Family Summer Costs: A new report looks at how expensive, fragmented summer care is for parents—often forcing families to piece together camps, nannies, and schedules. Teen Pregnancy Program Cuts: HHS canceled most Teen Pregnancy Prevention grants, including some in West Virginia, citing shifting priorities. Arts & Community Calendar: Moundsville’s library hosts free storyteller Bil Lepp, and New Martinsville’s Arts in the Park returns July 4 with music, crafts, and family activities. Sports Spotlight: WVU women’s basketball is rebuilding with a major transfer addition, Khyala Ngodu, as the team “gels” toward the 2026-27 season. Remembering Tony Brown: The pioneering Black media host of “Tony Brown’s Journal” died at 93, leaving a legacy of fearless public affairs and advocacy.

Workplace Safety & Labor Rights: Wyoming advocates rallied for an end to right-to-work policies after high workplace fatality numbers, with West Virginia cited as a comparison point for lower death rates. Education Funding Crisis: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty warns enrollment declines and an outdated school aid formula are pushing districts toward insolvency and possible future lawsuits. Child Welfare & Courts: Third Judicial Circuit Judge Tim Sweeney asks the state Supreme Court to dismiss ethics charges tied to his public concerns about CPS staffing shortages. Recovery & Community Health: Wood County Commission declared September “Goes Purple Month” to support substance-use and mental-health recovery through the Hope Dealer Project’s statewide initiative. Sports & Community Pride: WVU women’s basketball is rebuilding with a mostly new roster after open practice, while local culture events keep rolling—Bil Lepp’s free storytelling stop in Moundsville and July 4’s Arts in the Park festival in New Martinsville. Local Governance & Civic Life: Randolph County swore in a new schools superintendent and board members, as communities also keep organizing for America’s 250th celebrations.

Immigration & Courts: Attorneys for two NCWV ICE detainees asked a federal judge to keep their habeas cases in West Virginia after the government sought transfer to Pennsylvania. Public Health: HHS is canceling 53 of 67 teen pregnancy prevention grants, including West Virginia, saying programs no longer match agency priorities. Appalachian Culture: New River Gorge National Park is hosting the free “Sounds of Appalachia” concert June 30, spotlighting regional music, coal history, and settlement stories. Sports & Community Pride: WVU’s baseball run to the College World Series is being credited with rallying “Mountaineer Nation,” while Pat McAfee’s confirmed WVU support underscores how alumni culture keeps momentum going. Health & Aging: A new Alzheimer’s focus on better, more accurate diagnosis is highlighted as researchers push toward matching treatments to the right brain changes. Safety & Summer Traditions: Local fireworks sellers are gearing up for America’s 250th and reminding families to handle explosives carefully. Education & Hands-On Learning: West Virginia’s Junior Nursing Academy recognized 2026 graduates, and students competed in concrete canoe races at Tygart Lake. Heritage Tourism: A Portsmouth dedication marks abolitionist James M. Ashley’s home being added to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Education & Equity: West Virginia’s school funding fight is getting sharper as enrollment keeps sliding—Board of Education President Paul Hardesty warns the state’s aid formula is pushing districts toward “financial rocks” and possible court action. Community Service: Parkersburg volunteers fanned out across 16 sites for the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s Day of Action, from playground cleanups to building a walking path at the YMCA. Inclusive Recreation: Steubenville’s Special Connections hosts its free Summer Bash Carnival July 11 with games, face painting, baby goats, and other activities designed for families of all abilities. Local Culture & Revitalization: Wheeling Heritage landed a nearly $49,000 T-Mobile grant to build a pocket park on Market Plaza—aimed at creating a gathering spot for artisans and musicians. Public Safety & Accountability: Ohio County Schools faces fresh scrutiny after reports that students in in-school suspension are sent to “the hole,” raising questions about discipline practices. Arts & Events: The Kanawha Valley weekend lineup is packed with live music, open mic nights, and theater-related programming.

OSHA Funding Fight: Public Citizen urged the Senate to reject proposed FY2027 cuts to OSHA, warning a drop from $629.3 million would weaken worker protections. Fourth of July in Alderson: Alderson’s big fireworks return June 27–July 5 with a new launch site, a visitor map, and a bigger-than-ever show of 1,100+ shells. Appalachian Music at New River Gorge: Theatre West Virginia and the National Park Service team up for the free “Sounds of Appalachia” program June 30 at Grandview’s Cliffside Amphitheater. Faith Behind Bars: A look at how federal prison systems expand faith-based programs, arguing they can offer purpose and accountability even amid controversy. Immigration & Courts: Supreme Court rulings delivered Trump wins on asylum and deportation while legal experts blasted the decisions’ human impact. School Funding Pressure: West Virginia’s school board leadership warned enrollment declines and an outdated aid formula could push districts toward “the rocks.” Beds for Every Head: A statewide nonprofit says it delivered nearly 70 cribs since 2025, aiming to help families with safe sleep. Local Sports & Community: Parkersburg South hired former Williamstown coach Levi Maxwell; St. Albans baseball celebrated a state title and all-state honors.

Supreme Court & Civil Rights: Seattle University School of Law will livestream rapid legal analysis of the Court’s transgender athlete decision, breaking down what it could mean for schools, sports, and equal protection. Public Safety & Health: West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty warns enrollment declines and an outdated school aid formula could force more closures and even trigger another funding lawsuit. Education & Foster Care: Lawmakers overhauled how West Virginia provides clothes, beds, diapers, and other essentials for foster kids, moving to an electronic card system for faster purchases. Community & Culture: The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Va., hosts “Appalachia Rising” with Tim O’Brien and Leftover Biscuits, spotlighting mountain music traditions. Local Life: Wheeling’s riverfront history and attractions are being pitched as a walkable, culture-rich destination for visitors. Health Access: A new public sunscreen dispenser in Clarksburg aims to boost sun safety and skin cancer prevention. Sports: Levi Maxwell is set to lead Parkersburg South baseball after six seasons at Williamstown. Environment & Outdoors: Lyme disease risk is expanding beyond its old hotspots, with tick-borne illness concerns growing in more states.

Education & Community: Tyler County Board of Education honored retirees, spotlighting decades of service from teachers to bus drivers. Flood Memory & Recovery: Clendenin marked 10 years since the 2016 Elk River flood, with new schools and a renewed sense of community—though rain still triggers fear for residents. Child Welfare Policy: West Virginia lawmakers updated foster-care support, requiring an electronic card so caregivers can buy clothes and approved items at nearby stores. Food Assistance Fight: A federal judge blocked SNAP soda and candy limits in five states, including West Virginia, raising questions for similar efforts elsewhere. Health & Prevention: Clarksburg unveiled a free, hands-free sunscreen dispenser at Veterans Memorial Park to boost sun safety and skin cancer awareness. Rural Health Access: West Virginia launched a website to help Medicaid recipients prepare for new 2027 work-related requirements. Local Culture & Pride: Shepherdstown welcomed the Maryland State Boychoir for free concerts, bringing a big “cathedral sound” to the region. Sports & Community Spotlight: Bluefield named Aprylle Buford its Hometown Hero for community coaching, mentoring, and fundraising. Workforce & Safety: West Virginia Trucking Association crowned Roy Smith grand champion in the 2026 Truck Driving Championship.