AGP Executive Report

College Baseball Spotlight: West Virginia is headed to the College World Series for the first time, opening Friday in Omaha against Troy (2 p.m. ET on ESPN), with WVU arriving red-hot after a Super Regional sweep and boasting the best team ERA in the field. Local Sports Buzz: WVU football recruiting keeps rolling—Rich Rodriguez’s staff landed a 4-star pass rusher, plus two additional commitments, including cornerback Zachary Gleason Jr. flipping from Penn State. Arts & Community: Ohio University Southern is collecting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor for a documentary, using oral histories to preserve local history in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Food & Health Watch: A new report says synthetic dyes show up in nearly 20% of U.S. packaged foods, with West Virginia among states that have moved to restrict them. Wildlife Safety: Ohio logged a record 537 black bear sightings in 2025, and officials say the bears are reestablishing themselves—residents are urged to remove food sources to prevent conflicts.

Health & Food Policy: A new report says synthetic dyes still show up in nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with kids’ products hitting about 28%—even as a federal voluntary phase-out of six dyes faces pushback and uneven company commitments. Local Arts & Community: Wheeling Fashion Week kept it stylish and sustainable with a Centre Market clothing swap, plus a “Heavy Metal Summer Experience” trades camp in Wheeling aimed at getting graduates into paid construction careers fast. Music & Live Events: The Historic Star Theater in Berkeley Springs hosts a live podcast panel on the politics of AI, while Weirton’s Second Saturdays returns with Beatlemania Magic and 7 South. WV Sports Spotlight: WVU baseball heads into its first College World Series game, and the Mountaineers’ run is being framed as a comeback story that nearly didn’t happen. Youth Support: Mission West Virginia’s Bridge Program says 98% of its seniors graduated—mentorship helping foster and kinship-care students finish strong. Wheeling Giving: Circus Saints and Sinners pledged $100,000 to the new WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Center. What to Do This Weekend: Pride Block Party rolls into Morgantown June 13, and the Grafton Monster Festival plus Botanic Garden yoga and local art markets keep the summer calendar moving.

WVU Welcome Week Shake-Up: West Virginia University is ending FallFest after nearly 30 years, replacing the big concert with a Mountaineer Midway and Movie event on Aug. 17 (6–10 p.m.) plus the usual WVUp All Night, Student Organization Fair, and Sunday Night Lights. Pride & Community Calendar: Morgantown Pride Block Party returns June 13 at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park (noon–5 p.m.) with live music, vendors, and a drag show from 1–4 p.m. Juneteenth Live Stream: Bluefield will host a Juneteenth observance with a live simulcast from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 18 at noon (doors open 11 a.m.). Arts Spotlight: Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center welcomes Nashville duo A TALE OF TWO for The Side Door Club on Aug. 14, a speakeasy-style show on the stage. Food & Health Watch: A new Consumer Reports scan finds synthetic dyes show up in nearly 1 in 5 U.S. packaged foods, with some children’s products exceeding stricter safety thresholds. Sports Preview: The 2026 College World Series tips off June 12 in Omaha with West Virginia opening against Troy at 1 p.m. (ESPN).

Appalachian History Project: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor in the documentary “Telling Our Story – The African American Experience,” collecting oral histories from the Underground Railroad through segregation and integration. Outdoor Adventure: New River Expedition (NRX26) launched a 320-mile paddle journey from Todd, North Carolina to Gauley Bridge, with “Meet & Greet” stops planned across the New River Valley. Local Schools: Marshall County BOE received an update on the future Riverside Elementary School, set to replace Center McMechen Elementary with construction expected to begin soon. Arts & Live Music: The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg welcomes “The Side Door Club” on Aug. 14, featuring Nashville duo A TALE OF TWO in a speakeasy-style setup. Sports Spotlight (WV): West Virginia baseball is headed to the College World Series, with WVU’s first-round matchup vs. Troy set for June 12 (2 p.m., ESPN). Community Funding Watch: West Virginia Family Support Centers are facing uncertain July TANF funding and possible staffing cuts as state contracts remain unresolved.

College Sports Spotlight: WVU baseball is headed to the College World Series after a 17-1 win over Cal Poly, and the CWS bracket is set with WVU opening against Troy on June 12 at 2 p.m. Big-Time Legal/Policy: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA, arguing limits on what colleges can pay athletes violate state NIL laws in 17 states. Local Arts & Community: The Morgan Arts Council is bringing back free Friday Night concerts at the Ice House, kicking off June 12 with Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. Invasive Species Watch: “Frankenfish” (northern snakehead) is spreading and threatening ecosystems across the East Coast, with sightings including West Virginia. Tech/Infrastructure in the Region: Valley Link’s proposed 260-mile transmission line could run through Frederick and Clarke counties, with open houses planned later this month and in July. Sports Betting Guide: The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 with a 48-team format, and betting odds/schedules are already rolling out online. West Virginia Notes: WVU will retire quarterback Pat White’s No. 5 this fall, and a new WVU/area story highlights how the program nearly got dropped years ago.

College Baseball Buzz: The College World Series field is set in Omaha with eight teams chasing a title, including West Virginia after its big win over Cal Poly, plus first-timers Troy and a stacked SEC showing. WV Sports Spotlight: Troy’s CWS opener vs. West Virginia has a confirmed time/date, and the matchup headlines a weekend of high-stakes baseball. Local Arts & Community: Charleston attorneys Michael Cary and Ryan Donovan sponsored Summer Bash, bringing Yung Joc to Capitol Street for a big citywide celebration. Pride Month Reading Picks: Essex-area libraries shared LGBTQIA+ “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors” book recommendations for Pride Month. Civic Life: Weirton is set to establish $105 fines for unauthorized parking in Purple Heart-designated spaces. Entertainment-Adjacent Tech/Space: Fairweather Lodge for veterans continues to get support, while a Pleasant Valley event honored TMC Technologies for Artemis II contributions. Legal/Policy Watch: WV Dems keep Del. Mike Pushkin as party chairman, and WV AGs back religious students’ right to state scholarships. Food/Everyday Life: SNAP restrictions on non-nutritious items are expanding, including West Virginia.

College Sports (WV spotlight): The College World Series field is set, and West Virginia is in—No. 16 WVU opens vs. Troy on Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN, with the rest of the first-round matchups and TV times also released. Local Community & Culture: Essex-area libraries are celebrating Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ reading recommendations, using the “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors” idea to encourage empathy through stories. Education & Scholarships: Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia awarded $266,750 in scholarships for the coming academic year, including new programs and recipients across the region. Arts & Human Interest: Randy Moss says he’s cancer-free and chasing his next big catch—sharing how bass fishing has become his “therapy” after treatment. WV News/Environment: The Richard Mine Treatment facility in Richard, WV, is showing major water-quality gains for Deckers Creek, with partners crediting decades of work and new tech. Energy Policy (WV ties): The Trump administration is backing new coal plants and modernization, including support for a West Virginia project and an Oakland export terminal.

College Sports Spotlight: West Virginia baseball is one win from the College World Series after a 17-1 super regional surge, and the broader CWS field is taking shape with Georgia punching its ticket for the first time since 2008. Local Politics & Party Power: Del. Mike Pushkin held onto the chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party in a 43-32 vote, beating Teresa Toriseva as Democrats look to regroup heading into November. Health & Community Impact: WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals is set to expand intensive care capacity with major new investments, including growth tied to future surgical ICU beds. Arts & Culture in the Mountain State: The Calfee Community and Cultural Center’s June 20 fundraising gala is set to bring dinner, music, dancing, and Hall of Fame honors. Community Picks: A new Goodwill store opened in Charleston, and a free country concert is slated for Friday at Richland Carrousel Park. Energy & Everyday Life: GasBuddy reports show scattered low-price pockets across West Virginia counties, with prices still volatile statewide.

WVU Baseball: West Virginia punched its way toward the College World Series after a dominant run that included a 17-1 win over Cal Poly, and the program is now one victory from Omaha—though Saturday’s super regional was briefly derailed when severe storms sent tents flying at Kendrick Family Ballpark, injuring five people. College Sports Buzz: Troy also made history by sweeping Little Rock to earn its first-ever CWS trip, setting up a WVU vs. Troy matchup, while Ole Miss is set to open the CWS against either Southern Cal or North Carolina. State Government: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration named William “Bill” D’Aiuto as Chief Operating Officer of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, aiming to tighten operations and improve service delivery. Local Arts & Community: A new Goodwill store opened in Charleston at the former Drug Emporium site, and Corey Hager is set for a free country concert Friday at Richland Carrousel Park. Everyday WV: GasBuddy reports show bargain-hunting across the state, including some of the week’s lowest regular and midgrade prices in multiple counties.

WVU Baseball—Omaha bound: West Virginia crushed Cal Poly 17-1 in Game 2 to sweep its super regional and earn the program’s first-ever trip to the College World Series, setting a new single-season win record in front of a packed Kendrick Family Ballpark. Game-day injuries: During the same Morgantown matchup, severe winds blew an event tent over, injuring five fans who were transported for treatment; the game was delayed before resuming. CWS Bracket—Who’s next: Ole Miss punched its ticket after sweeping Auburn and will open the CWS against either Southern Cal or North Carolina. Troy Baseball—First CWS game: Troy also made history with a sweep of Little Rock and will face West Virginia to open the College World Series. Public Health—Salmonella alert: A CDC-linked salmonella outbreak tied to backyard chicken flocks has reached West Virginia among many states. Gov’t & Services: Gov. Morrisey appointed William “Bill” D’Aiuto as COO of the Department of Human Services to improve operations across Medicaid, SNAP, child welfare, and more. Outdoors & Family: A roundup of 10 free West Virginia summer activities highlights waterfalls, rail trails, and scenic spots.

College Baseball Buzz: Troy’s “Jabe Ruth” catcher Jabe Boroff helped the Trojans finish a Super Regional sweep, punching their ticket to the College World Series with a 7-2 win over Little Rock. Local Arts & Entertainment: Clarksburg’s Robinson Grand will host comedian Darren Knight (“Southern Momma”) and friends on Aug. 7. Community Spotlight: McClinton Chevrolet’s 14th annual car show in Parkersburg raised money for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch in Western Pennsylvania was set to expire, with damaging winds and flash flooding concerns. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia fuel prices staying volatile, with several counties posting week-ending May 30 “lowest” deals across regular, midgrade, premium, diesel, and E85. Health & Local Data: Medicaid radiology claims in Philippi rose 11.6% in 2024, reflecting continued shifts in local public health spending.

College Sports: West Virginia is one win from the College World Series after Tyrus Hall’s grand slam helped WVU beat Cal Poly 12-2 in Game 1 of the Morgantown Super Regional; the Mountaineers can clinch Saturday at noon or Sunday. Local Giving: Wheeling University received a $525,000 gift from alumna Sandra Piper Sonneborn’s estate, with interest supporting scholarships for West Virginia students. WVU Football Honors: WVU will retire quarterback Pat White’s No. 5 jersey this fall at a home game. Community Events: Wheeling’s Ohio River Splashtacular returns Sunday at Heritage Port with water ski shows, music, and raffles benefiting Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. Independence Day Fun: Wellsburg expands its Super Kids Soapbox Derby June 27 for racers with special needs, with no cost to participate. Arts & Culture: The Davisson Brothers headline the Appalachian Music Festival in July, wrapping up with fireworks. Public Interest: A federal foster care class action lawsuit against West Virginia’s child welfare system is set to proceed after a Fourth Circuit ruling.

College Sports Spotlight: West Virginia is one win from the College World Series after Tyrus Hall’s grand slam helped WVU beat Cal Poly 12-2 in the Morgantown Super Regional opener, with the Mountaineers set to play again Saturday or Sunday. WVU Pride: WVU athletics also announced it will retire Pat White’s No. 5 jersey this fall at a home game, honoring the quarterback’s record-setting run and bowl-winning era. STEM & Community: Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School’s “Iron Falcons” earned top honors at a regional drone competition in West Virginia, qualifying for the next aerial drone championship. Arts & Summer Fun: White Hall’s Appalachian Music Festival returns July 11 with live bands, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, kids activities, and fireworks. Health & Safety: Dr. Paul Conley is urging southern West Virginians to refresh CPR and AED skills during CPR and AED Awareness Week, stressing how quickly help is needed. Outdoors & Travel: A guide highlights New River Gorge National Park as a no-entrance-fee getaway with year-round hiking and rafting. Energy & Policy: Trump’s $425 million coal push could extend the life of coal plants, including one in Wisconsin, while critics warn about costs and health impacts.

NCAA Baseball (WV spotlight): West Virginia hosts Cal Poly in the NCAA Super Regional, with Game 1 airing on ESPN2 today and WVU aiming for its first-ever College World Series trip; WVU’s Armani Guzman is in the spotlight after clutch postseason moments, and the Mountaineers are preparing for a best-of-three series that could be a program-changing weekend. Music & Community Events: White Hall’s Appalachian Music Festival returns July 11 with live bands, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, fireworks, and a free Kids Zone. Arts in the Mountain State: A new “America and Art – Celebrating Our 250th Founding Through Art” exhibit opens at the Summit Art Gallery in Weirton, running through July 6. Policy & Sports Business: A Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act features major college sports voices, including WVU President Emeritus Gordon Gee and Nick Saban, as lawmakers push for athlete protections and stability for women’s and Olympic sports. Health & Care Watch: CMS ratings highlight mixed nursing home results across West Virginia, including a five-star mark for St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington and a lower 2-star rating for Pierpont Center at Fairmont Campus. Energy Politics: President Trump announces nearly $700M in coal support tied to the Defense Production Act, with West Virginia officials backing the plan.

Coal & Energy Policy: Gov. Jim Justice? (No—Gov. Morrisey) joined President Trump at the White House as Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to push nearly $700M for “clean, beautiful coal,” including upgrades to 13 plants, new coal projects in West Virginia and Alaska, and funding for a West Coast export terminal in Oakland. West Virginia Sports & Community: WVU’s Armani Guzman celebrated a big NCAA win with a live “Country Roads” moment, while West Virginia baseball is set for a Super Regional showdown at Morgantown. College Leadership: West Virginia Northern Community College named Andrew Langrehr as its next president, starting in August. Local Events: McClinton Auto Group’s 14th annual car show returns Saturday in Parkersburg with proceeds for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. Public Safety: Wyoming and McDowell counties launched a Crimes Against Children Task Force to coordinate investigations and support victims. Sports Business: The Philadelphia 76ers are hiring WVU legend Mike Gansey as president, with plenty of expectations ahead.

College Sports Spotlight: Three WV ties are on the ballot for the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame—former Mountaineer Tavon Austin, receiver Chris George (started at WVU, later Glenville State), and coach Jim Carlen—setting up a big next step for West Virginia football legacy. Baseball Weekend Buzz: WVU’s path through the NCAA Super Regionals keeps rolling, with the Mountaineers’ pitching workload and clutch moments in recent games drawing attention as the weekend matchups heat up. Public Comment, Energy & Community: The WV Public Service Commission is holding hearings on NextEra’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line after thousands of comments—4,470 of 4,586 opposed—showing strong local pushback. Local Arts & Family Fun: The WV Public Theatre kicks off its summer season with Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, while Wheeling’s Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff returns June 6 at Heritage Port with live music, vendors, and proceeds for United Way. Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is scheduled to visit Monongalia and Lewis counties in late June/early July.