AGP Executive Report

MLB Draft (West Virginia ties): The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped with 613 picks, starting with the White Sox taking UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1, and West Virginia’s pipeline stayed hot as WVU saw four players drafted plus incoming freshman Kyle Casteel and transfer Owen Henne landing spots. Mountaineers baseball: Armani Guzman announced he’s returning to WVU for the 2027 season after a record-setting year that included 42 steals and a key role in the Mountaineers’ deep run. Local sports (Charleston): The Charleston RiverDogs blew past the Hill City Howlers 13-4, powered by an 11-run seventh inning. College sports policy: Utah DE Lance Holtzclaw testified in Washington on the “Protect College Sports Act,” a bill aimed at reshaping NCAA rules and transfer/eligibility limits. Arts & culture (Appalachia): Marshall’s Madison County Arts Council is spotlighting Black Appalachian life in Aluka Berry’s photo exhibit “Affrilachia: Testimonies.” Public safety upgrade: Logan County 911 unveiled a new mobile communications center built to keep emergency response running during disasters. Education debate: A school levy failure in Summers County highlights cracks in West Virginia’s school funding system.

West Virginia Spotlight: A new $150M rare earth hub is planned for Rupert, aiming to pull rare earth elements from coal tailings and slurry and create about 250 jobs, with private funding and no state subsidies. MLB Draft Buzz: The Cardinals took high school outfielder Trevor Condon with their top pick, while West Virginia’s own draft-day energy also hit Philadelphia as the MLB Draft rolled out at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Sports & Culture: Yarn’s new album “Saturday Night Sermon” leans into roots-rock joy with gospel choir power and West Virginia connections, including standout vocals from Heather Hannah. Local Entertainment/Community: Blue Lot® Bourbon marks two years as a West Virginia tailgate-born brand, celebrating “Culture, Bottled.” Big Picture (WV-relevant): West Virginia tourism leader Chelsea Ruby is set to retire Aug. 1, and the state’s Department of Tourism leadership will shift next month. Odds & Ends: Powerball numbers for July 11 were posted, and WV bettors are being pushed toward BetMGM promo codes for UFC 329 and World Cup action.

White House UFC Plot: Eight men were indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack on the UFC event on the White House grounds, with prosecutors saying the plan involved explosives, drones, and weapons stockpiled after it began in May. Trans Sports Fallout: West Virginia’s “Save Women’s Sports” ruling is still reverberating, with a viral account from a WV teen alleging harassment tied to the broader national fight over transgender athletes. WV Tourism Shake-Up: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will retire effective Aug. 1, setting up a leadership transition after she helped plan the state’s America 250 celebration. Local Sports Spotlight: Rich Rodriguez again dodged naming a starting QB at Big 12 Media Day, keeping the WVU quarterback race open heading into 2026. Arts & Culture: Yarn’s new album “Saturday Night Sermon” leans into roots-rock and gospel energy, with standout tracks built around horns and choir. Community & Care: Vinton County, Ohio is seeking state help as it struggles to provide care while prosecuting a case involving 16 siblings found in squalid conditions.

Big 12 Football Buzz (WV): Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark announced a Monster Energy deal as the conference’s entitlement partner, with jersey and media integrations set for the coming season. Tourism Leadership Change (WV): Gov. Patrick Morrisey says Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will retire effective Aug. 1, after nearly a decade shaping West Virginia tourism. Sports Spotlight (WV): Rich Rodriguez still hasn’t named a starting QB for WVU, but the race appears to be between Scotty Fox and Michael Hawkins Jr. Girls’ Sports Fallout (WV): West Virginia teen Adaleia Cross spoke again about alleged harassment tied to the trans athlete case after the Supreme Court ruling. Local Arts & Community: Pierpont’s Natalie Feltz received the American Culinary Federation President’s Medal, and Talcott’s John Henry Days continues with music, parades, and family events. Elsewhere in the news: DOJ indicted eight men in a thwarted drone-and-sniper plot tied to the White House UFC event, and a Missouri flash-flood rescue effort saved hundreds trapped by rising waters.

WV Sports & Local Pride: St. Louis Cardinals rookie and West Virginia alum JJ Wetherholt agreed to an eight-year, $112.5 million extension, keeping the Mars High grad in the lineup long-term after a breakout season. Arts & Education: Pierpont Community & Technical College associate professor Natalie Feltz received the American Culinary Federation President’s Medal, one of three West Virginia chefs honored at the national convention. WV Community & Culture: West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will leave her post at the end of July, with Curtis Capehart stepping in as acting secretary Aug. 1. Entertainment, Tech & Environment: Microsoft reported a roughly 25% jump in greenhouse gas emissions tied largely to expanding data centers for AI. Public Safety & Policy: Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced HB 2460 to bring Hunter-Trapper Education into classrooms, aiming to boost wildlife conservation access for grades 6-12. National Sports Debate: Two transgender girls in New Hampshire withdrew their lawsuit after a Supreme Court ruling upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ sports. Health Watch: A Michigan Cyclospora outbreak has surged past 1,500 cases, prompting fresh advice to skip bagged salad mixes and change produce prep habits.

White House UFC Plot: Eight men were indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges over a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack tied to “UFC Freedom 250” on June 14, with one West Virginia man (Chandler D. Scaggs) accused of a sniper role. Local Sports Tech: The OVAC All-Star Game at Wheeling will add instant replay to help confirm scoring plays, turnovers, spots, and first downs. WVU Football Outlook: Rich Rodriguez says WVU’s 2026 should be better after a tough 2025 “learning year,” pointing to a fuller staff and deeper roster. Culinary Spotlight: Pierpont’s Natalie Feltz received the American Culinary Federation President’s Medal, honoring her leadership and service. Community & Arts: Weirton’s “Second Saturday” returns with live soul music plus vendors and food at the Weirton Event Center. Business in the Mountain State: PowerFlo Solutions plans a $20M expansion in Wood County, aiming to build electrical components for data centers and create 120–200 jobs. Public Schools Push: Educators launched the statewide “I love WV public schools” campaign as closures and funding pressure loom.

UFC/White House Security: Eight men were indicted in Ohio on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges tied to a thwarted drone-and-sniper attack plot targeting the White House UFC Freedom 250 event, with prosecutors saying the group stockpiled weapons, drones, and gear after plans began in May. WV High School Sports: Bridgeport High student Adaleia Cross says a Supreme Court ruling upholding West Virginia’s sex-based sports law reflects God’s faithfulness, while she and her family continue to speak out about alleged locker-room harassment tied to the case. Local Crime/Health: A West Virginia doctor is wanted after police say he hid cameras in staff restrooms at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, including footage of employees and alleged AI-altered images involving juveniles. Arts & Community: Arts at the Armory’s Feet Keep the Beat Festival returns July 30–Aug. 1, featuring a newly commissioned ROOTS & WINGS: The Next Generation performance. Sports Business: A WVU-linked study is cited in a report arguing stadium subsidies often fail to deliver promised economic gains, as the Tampa Bay Rays seek major public funding for a new ballpark. Public Safety/Policy: Pennsylvania leaders, with West Virginia AG JB McCuskey, push the FCC for tougher rules to curb robocalls, aiming to stop scammers from buying phone numbers. WV Money: West Virginia retailers are adjusting after a federal court move blocked SNAP waivers that let shoppers buy sugary drinks with benefits.

Big 12 Football Buzz (WVU): Rich Rodriguez kept West Virginia’s QB race open at Big 12 Media Days, saying the battle is still between Scotty Fox and Michael Hawkins Jr. as the Mountaineers head toward Week 0. Public Safety/Health: Parents are being warned about “squishy” gel toys that can explode and burn kids when left in hot cars—one West Virginia teen was hospitalized after an incident. Consumer Protection: West Virginia’s AGs joined a federal push to tighten FCC rules against illegal robocalls, targeting how scammers get access to real phone numbers. Sports & Policy: The Supreme Court’s transgender sports ruling continues to ripple through school athletics, with new fallout and dropped lawsuits in other states. Road Work in WV: WVDOH awarded an $85.43 million contract to extend Corridor H from Wardensville to the Virginia line, despite environmental legal challenges. Community & Arts/Local Life: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit LUCAS is slated to visit Harrison County in early August, expanding access to low-dose CT scans. Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings are climbing across West Virginia this summer, with officials pointing to increased camera use—not a sudden population boom.

PowerFlo Jobs Boost: Gov. Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in Wood County, buying the former Hino facility in Williamstown and creating 120–200 jobs tied to electrical infrastructure for data centers and AI. Big 12 Football Buzz: WVU coach Rich Rodriguez used Big 12 Media Days to push a “super league” idea—pool TV revenue across about 60 teams and return to regional rivalries like the old days. Mountaineers on the Field: West Virginia’s Rich Rodriguez also highlighted the pride behind “Country Roads” going national with the USMNT World Cup run. Robocall Crackdown: West Virginia’s AG Jeff Jackson joined a push for tougher FCC rules to stop illegal robocalls and scammers using real phone numbers. Cash App Fallout: Jackson also backed a multistate settlement with Block/Cash App over misleading users about fraud protection, with $45 million to states and $75–$120 million to consumers. Local Public Safety: Berkeley County arrested Paul Vassar Butler on alleged social-media threats against sheriff’s deputies. Health & Community: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung screening unit is set to visit Lincoln, Fort Gay, and Shinnston in August for low-dose CT scans.

Mobile Health Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is set to stop in Hamlin (Aug. 4), Fort Gay (Aug. 5) and Shinnston (Aug. 7), offering low-dose CT scans for eligible patients with appointments required 14+ days ahead. Public Health Watch: Federal officials say cyclosporiasis cases are popping up in more states than expected, with investigations looking at possible sources tied to produce like onions, cucumbers and cilantro. Arts & Entertainment: “Citizen Kane” remastered hits Cinemark in Huntington Mall (Barboursville) at 7 p.m. and Ashland’s Cinemark at 7:20 p.m., and Tri-State Rock Academy is previewing its summer season while taking enrollment for shows and camps. Local Sports Spotlight: Wheeling Park’s Chris Daugherty and staff will coach West Virginia All-Stars in the OVAC Rudy Mumley Football Game July 18 at Wheeling Island Stadium. Community & Culture: Parkersburg’s Peoples Cartage warehouse fire is about 95% extinguished as crews tackle hot spots and air monitoring continues.

Big 12 Football Media Days: The Star in Frisco hosts the 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days July 7-8, with ESPNU national TV coverage and streaming via ESPN Unlimited, plus WVU and other teams rolling out preseason honors and storylines. WVU Sports Spotlight: WVU running back Cam Cook and newcomer Kayden Luke earned Big 12 preseason recognition, while Virginia Tech’s preseason ACC team list includes eight players. BYU Expectations: BYU’s LJ Martin is a preseason Offensive Player of the Year pick as the Cougars head into a bigger spotlight in the conference. Local Youth & Community: YMCA of Southern West Virginia is running summer camps (day camp plus soccer, basketball, and volleyball) to keep kids active through the break. Arts & Events: Mick Souter brings “All Aboard the Iron Horse” railroad songs and stories to Cacapon State Park July 11 (free, family-friendly). West Virginia in the Courts: WV AG JB McCuskey’s lawsuit against Apple over child sexual abuse material reporting will stay in state court. Health Care Deal: WVU Health System signed an agreement to acquire Independence Health System, with a planned $800M investment in five western Pennsylvania hospitals. America 250 in WV: A Bath, WV flag-raising ceremony featured Gov. Patrick Morrisey and local musician Ross Martin performing “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

World Cup Culture: The U.S. team’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” moment keeps growing—fans, players, and even coach Mauricio Pochettino are singing John Denver’s anthem as the Americans head into the Belgium round of 16. Local Arts & Community: Parkersburg Art Center is bringing back “Tastes and Tunes” on Market Street, with organizers planning around smoke from the Peoples Cartage fire. West Virginia Sports & Legal Drama: Former WVU/Kentucky/Cincinnati guard Kerr Kriisa faces federal wire-fraud charges tied to a $2.2M scheme, including alleged fake identities and urgent-money stories. Public Safety: Wood County officials say the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire is contained but not fully out, with shelter-in-place guidance issued as air monitoring continues. State Fair Countdown: State Fair of West Virginia entry deadlines are coming fast—livestock due July 8, and home/arts/garden entries due July 15. STEM for Girls: SpaceTrek is set to launch a second West Virginia summer at WV Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. Higher Ed Watch: Fairmont State’s Board of Governors approved budget moves and raises, plus a dependent tuition waiver starting fall 2026.

West Virginia Arts & Culture: Faire Isles Trading Co. opened in Middleburg with Celtic goods and music, tying local shoppers to the Highland Games tradition. Community Arts: The Actors Guild of Parkersburg brings “1776” to the Wood County Resiliency Center for America250, while the Wheeling Symphony kicks off Weirton festivities with a Celebrate America tour stop. Film & Youth: Young Filmmakers Camp returns in August at LASCAUX Micro-Theater in Buckhannon, teaching students to write, shoot, and edit a short film. Local Spotlight: West Virginia Independence Hall site director Debbie Jones will retire Oct. 31 after years of welcoming visitors in Wheeling. Sports & Entertainment: Nikki Hiltz reacts to the Supreme Court’s trans-athlete ruling, and NCAA president Charlie Baker says no rule changes are expected after the decision. WV News to Know: A major warehouse fire at Peoples Cartage near Parkersburg triggered shelter-in-place and EPA monitoring, with crews still working to fully contain it. Sports Crime: Former WVU/Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme, with extradition to West Virginia expected.

Warehouse Fire & Emergency Response: Parkersburg’s Peoples Cartage warehouse fire sent thick black smoke across the area, triggering a shelter-in-place order and a planned noon news conference; Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Wood County as state and federal crews monitored air quality and possible runoff impacts. FBI Arrest in WV Sports Case: Former NCAA guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested in Lexington in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme tied to his WVU season, with extradition to West Virginia expected for a court hearing next week. WVU Athletics Costs: WVU Director of Athletics Wren Baker says the Mountaineer Athletic Advantage fee is set to rise from $125 to $250 per semester, starting this fall, as the school frames it as a direct investment in athletics. Sports & Culture Spotlight: “Country Roads” continues to ride World Cup hype as the U.S. team’s anthem, while local distance runner Luca Altobello heads to Nike Nationals with Keyser and Mineral County pride. Independence Day Heat & Air: The DMV region faced major heat and unhealthy air alerts from smoke and humidity, with severe storms also expected.

Trans Sports Ruling: Olympic runner Nikki Hiltz said she was “disappointed” after the Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, arguing trans people should be able to compete and be affirmed. Local Sports & Justice: Former WV guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI in a multimillion-dollar fraud case tied to his WVU time, with extradition back to West Virginia expected. America250 Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey marked Independence Day at the West Virginia America250 celebration at the Capitol, with performances, a flyover, and tributes to veterans and Gold Star families. Sensory-Friendly Fourth: Charleston’s America250 events added sensory-friendly spaces to help families with autism and PTSD enjoy fireworks and festivities with less overwhelm. Arts & Community: Shippensburg University named Kelly C. Kozlowski director of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, aiming to lead the tri-state venue’s next chapter. Food & Culture: A London restaurant review highlights “Appalachia” dishes like cheddar-jalapeño cornbread madeleines, bringing mountain flavors to the UK.

America250 Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey marked Independence Day at the West Virginia State Capitol, with veterans and Gold Star families honored during a ceremony featuring Jim Thornton, a flyover, and performances by the West Virginia National Guard and youth choir. Local Arts & Culture: Parkersburg’s Actors Guild brought the musical “1776” to the Wood County Resiliency Center as part of America 250 events, drawing a standing-room-only crowd despite the heat. Independence Weekend in Charleston: Charleston’s America250 Capital City Celebration lines up with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta for July 2-5, including the free America250 Wheel rides above the Capitol and multiple days of concerts, fireworks, and family activities. Heat & Weather Safety: A heat dome pushed D.C. to a record 100 degrees on July 4 while severe thunderstorm warnings stretched across parts of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. Food With a WV Twist: A national hot-dog roundup spotlights the “slaw dog” love in West Virginia and beyond. Sports/Local Talent: MLB Draft buzz continues for West Virginia-area prospects, including Butler’s Kyle Casteel and Nolan Stefaniak. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest prices in WV counties, including $3.79 regular in Lincoln County and $4.37 midgrade in Jackson County.