AGP Executive Report

Education & Community Safety: West Virginia’s Third Grade Success Act kicks in this school year, requiring aides in early grades and “science of reading” training, with retention for students not meeting reading/math benchmarks. Local Politics & Accountability: The West Virginia GOP executive committee moves to disavow Delegate Elliott Pritt after his arrest on federal charges involving a minor, with House Republicans also calling for a special session to expel him. Public Health: The CDC says the biggest cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce is separate from other rising clusters nationwide, leaving many sick people without a clear product to avoid. Food Safety Watch: The FDA retracts a key positive test tied to the lettuce recall, while Consumer Reports says the recall notice was too hard to use—raising concerns for households trying to check what’s in their fridges. Culture & Service: Scouting America’s national jamboree service project in West Virginia turns into flood relief, distributing hygiene kits with partners like the Red Cross and church disaster ministries. Arts & Local Life: Portland radio legend Bob Miller dies at 74, remembered for decades on-air and for founding the Needy Kids Fund. Sports & Identity Debate: A national policy push argues against “restrictions” on transgender athletes in women’s sports, while West Virginia readers will be watching how these arguments land in local rules and ballot measures.

Health & Community: WVU School of Pharmacy student Hannah Muir credits scholarship support for bridging education and patient care, a reminder that local giving is fueling West Virginia’s next generation of health workers. Public Health: Measles is surging nationwide, hitting a 35-year high with 2,318 confirmed cases as of July 23, and West Virginia is still reporting no cases as of last week—an opening to double down on vaccination. Food Safety: The CDC expanded the Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell to more states, bringing the total linked cases to 1,947 with 98 hospitalizations, while FDA investigators continue tracing the source. Rural Health Access: A federal report says rural maternity networks—including in West Virginia—used telehealth, patient navigation, and doula services to expand prenatal and postpartum care for more than 8,600 women. Culture & Tradition: The Appalachian String Band Music Festival at Clifftop keeps old-time music alive through jam sessions where nearly everyone plays and listens. Local Governance & Privacy: West Virginia lawmakers are pushing to rein in Flock automatic license plate readers, arguing for stronger Fourth Amendment protections. Politics & Accountability: Gov. Morrisey says he’ll pursue a special session if Delegate David Elliott Pritt doesn’t resign after federal child-sex abuse charges. Arts & Education: WVU’s Energy Express program won a competitive AmeriCorps grant to expand a free summer literacy and nutrition effort for low-income rural kids.

LGBTQ+ Outdoors: Fayetteville’s long-running Queerclimbtastic LGBTQ+ climbing convention wrapped its 19th year, drawing 200+ participants from across the U.S., plus Taiwan and Canada—another reminder that West Virginia’s outdoor culture keeps expanding. Community Sports: Marshall’s soccer community is rallying locally with “Village On The Pitch,” a Barboursville fundraiser featuring a fashion show, auctions, and local vendors to support both women’s and men’s teams. Public Safety & Weather: Flooding and severe storms have hit multiple West Virginia counties, with water on Route 19 in Harrison County, shelters opening, and ongoing rescues as rivers and tributaries overflow. Food Safety: The FDA linked a multistate Salmonella outbreak to recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, reporting 98 illnesses across 17 states (including West Virginia) and urging shoppers to check cartons. Health Watch: CDC expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, now including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, with West Virginia previously among the original linked states. Local Governance & Accountability: Gov. Morrisey says he’ll pursue a special session if Delegate David Elliott Pritt doesn’t resign after federal child-sex-abuse charges, as state leaders move to suspend and remove him from roles. Education & Student Voices: A new report lifts what West Virginia students want from public schools, coming amid closures and pressure on the system. Arts & Learning: The Piano Jar returns to Greenbrier Valley Theatre, keeping live music and local arts in the spotlight.

Public Health: FDA says more than 19 million eggs were recalled after a Salmonella outbreak sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, including West Virginia—check cartons and don’t eat recalled eggs. Food Safety: CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania; officials now list 1,947 linked cases and warn the true number may be higher. Water Safety: The American Red Cross urges West Virginians to treat rivers and lakes like unpredictable hazards—swim sober, watch currents and obstructions, and know emergency steps. State Politics: Gov. Morrisey says he’ll push for a special legislative session if Delegate David Elliott Pritt doesn’t resign after federal child-enticement charges. Culture & Community: Elkins’ Augusta Festival and Craft Fair returns with live music, Appalachian vendors, and a fiddle-and-banjo contest. Local Sports: Dynasty Andrews, a former Northside volleyball standout, is set to play Division I at UMES after a long path through Bluefield State and junior college. Arts/Media: Former 60 Minutes correspondent Cecilia Vega says CBS executives pressured her to add “political bias” and to include footage she says didn’t exist. Health Access: A new report highlights how rural maternity networks in West Virginia used telehealth and navigation to expand prenatal and postpartum care. Faith & Services: Burlington United Methodist Family Services rebrands as Star of Hope Family Services to serve families statewide. Disaster Relief: Volunteers are repairing homes in Boone County through a faith-based effort, continuing the region’s flood-recovery momentum.

Public Health: The CDC expanded the Taco Bell-linked Cyclospora outbreak to four more states—Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania—bringing the total to 1,947 cases (98 hospitalized) tied to shredded lettuce, while a separate, unrelated 72-case cluster is still under investigation. Food Safety: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, including West Virginia, with investigators pointing to Midwest Poultry Services. Maternal Care: A federal report highlights how rural maternity networks in West Virginia (plus Minnesota and Missouri) boosted access using telehealth, remote monitoring, patient navigation, group prenatal care, and doula services—serving more than 8,600 women. Community & Faith: Volunteers are repairing homes in Boone County through Mission Serve, and in Pleasants County tornado recovery, a church Family Life Center is coordinating supplies and door-to-door needs checks. Local Culture: Elkins’ Augusta Festival and Craft Fair returns today with Appalachian vendors, live music, and the West Virginia Open Fiddle and Banjo contest. Education & Youth: A Jefferson Elementary parent liaison in Wood County was named a Family Engagement Fellow to spread practical family-school strategies statewide.

Public Health: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania; West Virginia is still in the original list, and the lettuce-linked total now stands at 1,947 cases with at least 98 hospitalizations. Food Safety: Separately, an FDA update says a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, including West Virginia. Community Care: In Boone County, volunteers from Mission Serve are repairing 11 homes for families at no cost, with work running through July 25. Faith & Disaster Response: A Pleasants County church is serving as a hub for tornado relief, distributing supplies and coordinating door-to-door damage checks. Education & Youth: A Jefferson Elementary parent liaison in Parkersburg was named a Family Engagement Fellow to spread practical anti-bullying and resiliency strategies statewide. Culture & Arts: Greenbrier Valley Theatre brings back The Piano Jar on Aug. 7, an interactive night of live music and storytelling. Local Institutions: Burlington United Methodist Family Services rebranded as Star of Hope Family Services, returning to its original name while continuing statewide work.

Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell has expanded again, with federal officials linking cases to four more states—Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania—bringing the total to 9 states and nearly 2,000 reported illnesses, with dozens hospitalized and no deaths reported. Sports & Culture: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her stance about trans women athletes, saying she “wants to protect” girls in sports while insisting she doesn’t hate trans people. Local Community Relief: Canyon Rim Rotary Club is running a flood relief supply drive Sunday, July 26, in Fayetteville, with items delivered to West Virginia Wesleyan University for distribution to flood-impacted communities. Civic Life: West Virginia residents can now register as organ, eye, and tissue donors during voter registration or updates, with officials noting nearly 250 sign-ups since the change took effect. Politics & Accountability: West Virginia delegate David Elliott Pritt faces calls for resignation after a federal charge alleging he enticed a 15-year-old girl, including claims involving Roblox and Snapchat. Scouting: The 2026 Boy Scouts National Jamboree is underway at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, spotlighting the event’s long-running youth values and community impact.

Flood Recovery: North-central West Virginia communities are still digging out after Tuesday’s flash flooding, with Gov. Morrisey reporting roads reopening, power returning, and search-and-rescue continuing as officials confirm deaths and urge residents to register for FEMA help. Local Impact: Weston residents have started cleanup, while a Southern Baptist church in Weston says floodwaters reached the sanctuary and damaged outreach spaces. Community Support: Nonprofits and faith groups are stepping in with water giveaways and relief, including a Gary effort distributing fresh water and a Fairmont-area push to help flood-hit neighbors. Public Health: The cyclospora “diarrhea parasite” outbreak keeps spreading, with West Virginia-linked cases tied to produce and school food concerns growing as districts weigh safety steps. Culture & Community Events: The West Virginia State Water Festival returns with races, music, artisans, and family events across Hinton and Pipestem. Sports & Local Pride: WVU women’s basketball is heading to the Greenbrier Tip-Off, and WVU nominated athletes for Big 12 Players of the Year. Education & Safety: WVDE suspended a teacher’s certification tied to a federal case involving a GOP delegate accused of grooming a minor online. Arts & Inspiration: Jessica Lynch, a Wirt County native, is sharing her survival story and what it’s meant to come home.

Flood Response & Community Care: Severe storms and flash flooding hit West Virginia hard, with up to 7 inches of rain reported, rescues underway, shelters opened, and the National Guard deployed as officials warned some residents may be unaccounted for. Public Health & Safety: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed a Code Red air-quality alert across much of West Virginia, urging people to limit outdoor exertion, especially kids and those with lung or heart conditions. Local Giving: Louis Thomas Subaru delivered 80 blankets and care kits to WVU Medicine Camden Clark cancer patients through Subaru Loves to Care. Youth & Learning Support: A Harrison County school counselor’s ScholarshipCentral.net aims to close the gap between students and scholarship funding, building a searchable hub for applications and guidance. Women Entrepreneurs: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center modernization competition, including West Virginia, to expand counseling, training, and capital access. Scouting & Outdoor Culture: Scouting America kicked off the 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, bringing 15,000 Scouts to southern West Virginia for adventure and service. Crime & Accountability: A West Virginia delegate and teacher, Elliot Pritt, faces federal charges tied to allegedly soliciting a minor online. Health Alerts: A lettuce recall tied to cyclospora continues to expand nationwide, with guidance to check products and symptoms. Arts & Heritage: The West Virginia Black Heritage Festival announced its 2026 lineup for Sept. 11–13 in Clarksburg.

Severe Weather & Community Response: Flash flooding hit West Virginia hard after torrential rains, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey declaring a state of emergency for all 55 counties and sending hundreds of National Guard members, opening shelters, and reporting dozens of rescues as officials searched for anyone unaccounted for. Local Relief Efforts: In Buckhannon, residents and businesses rallied around a church-run shelter as communities cleaned up and supported flood victims. Food Safety & Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to expand, with cases now reported across 41 states and federal updates keeping attention on what to toss and how to watch for symptoms. Education & Culture Policy: A House committee advanced a bill to define “sex” as biological sex under Title IX, alongside other K-12 measures affecting surveys, AI training, and the Presidential Fitness Test. Public Safety & Youth: West Virginia’s National Jamboree planning is in full swing as Scouts and partners prepare for the Summit Bechtel Reserve event. Local Arts & Heritage: The 2026 West Virginia Black Heritage Festival in Clarksburg announced its weekend schedule, including gospel and major tribute performances. Business Support: The SBA announced a $6 million Women’s Business Center modernization competition, with West Virginia included among eligible states. Controversy & Accountability: Fayette County Delegate/teacher David Elliott Pritt faces federal charges tied to alleged online grooming and sexual abuse of a minor, prompting immediate political fallout.

West Virginia Flood Response: After a rare Flash Flood Emergency, Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency across all 55 counties as more than 7 inches of rain triggered catastrophic flooding in Lewis, Randolph and Upshur; shelters opened and the National Guard is ramping up rescue and support. Community & Culture Calendar: The 2026 West Virginia Black Heritage Festival returns to Downtown Clarksburg Sept. 11-13 with live music, dance, tribute shows and a Sunday gospel celebration. Arts & Reading: Big-name authors are set for the 2026 West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston Oct. 24, including R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” creator spotlight alongside Margot Lee Shetterly and others. Campus Growth: WVSOM’s $35 million Fredric W. Smith Science Building expansion is underway, aiming to more than double research and gross anatomy space by 2027. Sports Spotlight: University High girls soccer is entering a new era with a young roster, leaning on freshmen energy and leadership from sophomores Lauren Goodenow and Ava Gizzi. Public Health Watch: The national cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing, with FDA updates around testing and ongoing guidance to avoid recalled produce.

Breast Cancer Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” will bring free screening mammograms to multiple West Virginia sites in August, with uninsured women 40+ able to qualify through the state Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Local Education Oversight: Harrison County Board of Education holds its first meeting since a partial state takeover, with officials citing concerns in finances, staffing, and special education management. Community Safety: Cabell County authorities report a deadly stabbing that killed a mother and her two children in Lesage; investigations continue. Women’s Entrepreneurship: The SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including West Virginia, with proposals due Aug. 10. Arts & Heritage: Bluefield’s Hotel Thelma restoration gets a $100,000 grant to revive its historic soul food restaurant, tied to preserving Black history. Culture & Learning: West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the Governor’s School for the Arts through 2030, extending a free program for talented young artists. Local Broadband: Doddridge County families will get free school-year broadband through a partnership that expands reliable internet access statewide. Sports Policy: The Supreme Court says states can protect fair opportunity for women and girls in school sports, as West Virginia and others maintain sex-based eligibility rules.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” is scheduling free screening mammograms across multiple West Virginia locations in mid-August, with appointments and eligibility details for uninsured and underinsured women. Boating Safety: WVDNR is urging Cheat Lake visitors to wear properly fitted life jackets and avoid common preventable water hazards as summer crowds roll in. Community Support: Blue Ridge Care will host Camp Erin® West Virginia in September, bringing a grief-support day camp for children and teens ages 6–17. Public Health: Health officials continue tracking the Cyclospora outbreak, with cases concentrated in parts of the Midwest and some West Virginia counties, and guidance emphasizing testing when symptoms match. Local Justice & Safety: A Cabell County stabbing left three dead and one injured, with investigators calling it isolated and no suspect in custody yet. Education & Culture: Blanche Lazzell’s major WVU Art Museum exhibition is returning to West Virginia Aug. 21 after a national run, spotlighting the state-born modernist’s work. Education Spotlight: Hancock County teacher Morgan Bricker is named a finalist for West Virginia Teacher of the Year.

Student Loan Defaults: An AP look shows record federal student loan defaults after COVID-era protections ended—about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5) are now more than nine months behind, with serious fallout like wage or Social Security garnishment looming. School & Community Support: West Virginia’s School Clothing Voucher applications opened after delays tied to a TANF review, with families describing the relief as kids head back to class. Public Health & Schools: WV public schools will not accept religious vaccine exemptions at the start of the new year; officials say only medical exemptions are allowed. Human Services Leadership: Gov. Morrisey named Carl E. Ayers as the new Secretary of the Department of Human Services, as Medicaid “community engagement” work requirements are set to begin Jan. 1, 2027. Food Safety: The FDA says a Cyclospora lab result was a false positive, but the investigation still points to shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms and Taco Bell. Local Governance: Weston City Council formally opposes the proposed Valley North Transmission Line, citing impacts to property values, tourism, agriculture, historic resources, wildlife, and public health. Culture & Learning: WVU begins a professional learning session for academic coaches, aiming to support classroom practice statewide.

Student Life & Debt Crisis: A new Associated Press look finds record federal student loan defaults, with about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5) now more than nine months behind after COVID-era protections lapsed. Sports & Identity: FIFA faces pressure from the Trump administration to adopt anti-trans rules for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, echoing broader U.S. fights over transgender participation in women’s sports. Arts & West Virginia Pride: WVU’s Art Museum is bringing home Blanche Lazzell for its biggest exhibition on record, spotlighting the Monongalia County native and early American modernism. Community Arts: The 2026 Artist Studio Tour returns with a free, self-guided weekend of working studios and local makers across Garrett County. Culture & Outdoors: A guide rounds up 10 of the best West Virginia state parks for road-trip style recreation. Public Safety & Policy: DOJ warns cities that block ICE could lose police and rape kit funding, raising stakes for local governance choices. Food Safety: FDA says a cyclospora test on recalled lettuce produced a false positive, while the broader recall response continues. Local Spotlight: Gov. Morrisey toured West Virginia Wesleyan’s SpaceTrek aerospace camp for young women in Buckhannon. Wildlife & Community: A rescued Big Bear Valley eagle is under care after a fight and days of absence from livestream cameras.

STEM for girls: Gov. Patrick Morrisey toured West Virginia Wesleyan College’s SpaceTrek aerospace camp in Buckhannon, a free, two-week program meant to spark STEM careers for 9th–12th graders. Public safety tech debate: Huntington officials approved a $2.1 million Flock Safety contract, but residents and the ACLU of West Virginia are pushing back over surveillance and privacy concerns. Food safety + health: Taylor Farms expanded a cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall to 27 states, with West Virginia included in advisories tied to Taco Bell locations; health officials urge people to toss affected products. Culture milestone: The West Virginia Culture Center marks 50 years since opening, tracing how the state built a home for archives, exhibits, and the performing arts. Sports + community: Raleigh General Hospital’s trauma registrar Josh Vance earned a specialized CAISS credential, highlighting ongoing training at the Level III trauma center. Local wildlife watch: Fans in Big Bear Valley are trying to identify a rescued adult eagle after it was found on the ground and hasn’t appeared on livestreams like Jackie.