AGP Executive Report

Rare Earths & Coal-Tailings Tech: West Virginia is moving from coal waste to critical minerals with a $150M rare earth processing hub in Rupert, aiming to turn tailings into a domestic supply chain for magnets and defense/EV demand. Education Support: The state Department of Education is launching “West Virginia Middle Schools: Bridging the Future” to help grades 6–8 during a key transition period. Emergency Response Upgrade: Logan County 911 unveiled a grant-funded mobile communication center to extend next-generation 911 capabilities for regional emergencies. PFAS Accountability Pressure: Questions at Daikin’s shareholders’ meeting centered on PFAS contamination and whether the company is taking responsibility. Health Tech Access: A study finds phone-based brain rehab with speech therapy support can match in-person outcomes for early dementia. Sports Law Update: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender girls and women in school sports, including West Virginia’s law. STEM & Research Opportunities: Fairmont State humanities students earned undergraduate research fellowships, including work on big data center impacts in WV communities. Local Science in Action: A new report highlights a major freshwater mussel habitat protection expansion across 17 states, including West Virginia. Public Safety & Child Protection: Child Advocacy Centers marked National Forensic Interviewers Week, noting thousands of interviews statewide last year. Workforce & Training: Wheeling Park High School is getting benchtop automation training devices to build a pipeline into high-demand BAS careers.

Education & Workforce: West Virginia’s Department of Education is rolling out “West Virginia Middle Schools: Bridging the Future,” a grades 6–8 push aimed at improving the transition into high school, building on STRIVE attendance and behavior supports. Public Safety Tech: Logan County 911 unveiled a DHS-funded Mobile Communication Center with standalone next-generation 911 capabilities for call handling and regional dispatch. School Oversight: A new coalition report alleges nearly $225 million in fraud across U.S. schools since 2019, including fake invoices, inflated enrollment, kickbacks, and bid-rigging—raising pressure for stronger state oversight. Critical Minerals & Industry: Greenbrier County is set to host a $150M rare earth hub in Rupert to recover minerals from coal tailings, targeting U.S. supply-chain security and hundreds of jobs. Tech & Data Centers: Utilities are racing to secure nuclear fuel and grid equipment as AI data centers drive electricity demand, while tech firms report rising emissions tied to expanding data centers. STEM in WV: Fairmont State humanities students earned undergraduate research fellowships, including projects on Big Tech data centers and the role of Latines in the state’s economy.

Rare Earths & Coal-Tailings: West Virginia is moving fast on a $150M rare earth processing hub in Rupert, turning coal waste into critical minerals for U.S. supply-chain security and defense/AI/clean energy needs, with about 250 jobs expected. Nuclear Fuel Crunch for AI: Utilities are racing to lock in nuclear fuel and equipment as AI data centers drive power demand, while transformer and grid hardware shortages stretch lead times. Local Tech Education: Wheeling Park High School is rolling out new benchtop automation training devices to build a pipeline into BAS jobs. Data Centers & Health: A public health expert warns that massive diesel backup generator plans for a data center campus could create serious health harms. Space Watch: NASA says a total solar eclipse is set for Aug. 12, with parts of the U.S. able to see a partial eclipse. Public Safety Tech Funding: The WV 911 Council discussed how Next Generation 911 upgrades are outpacing revenue as landline fees decline. Sports & Policy: The Supreme Court upheld biological-sex-based eligibility rules for women’s sports, keeping West Virginia’s law in place. STEM in WVU/Community: Fairmont State humanities students won undergraduate research fellowships, including work on Big Tech data centers’ community impacts.

Tech Policy Backlash: Microsoft pushed back hard after racist conspiracy claims tied to Xbox layoffs and H-1B visas, saying the changes were to restructure an “unhealthy” business—not to replace workers with foreign labor. Education & Research: Fairmont State humanities students won undergraduate research fellowships, including work on “Big Tech in West Virginia” and the role of Latines in the state economy. Workforce Training: Wheeling Park High School is rolling out benchtop building-automation training devices, aiming to feed a fast-growing BAS job pipeline. Public Safety Funding: The WV 911 Council warned Next Gen 911 costs are outpacing revenue as landline fees decline, pushing for new funding priorities for 2027. Rare Earths in WV: A rare earth extraction project in Rupert is drawing intense local questions about what will be built and how it will recover minerals from coal tailings. Health & Science: A study highlighted how tiny woodcock can aggressively defend nests—even charging deer—while WVU exercise physiology alum Gracen Purkey is preparing for medical careers through hands-on lab training.

Critical Minerals & Jobs: Flash Metals USA and AmForge’s AmFlash rare-earth recovery plan is drawing intense local questions in Greenbrier County, with the companies saying they’ll use Flash Joule Heating to pull valuable minerals from coal tailings and pair it with separation/refining tech to target recovery and create about 250 jobs. Data Center Power & Manufacturing: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in the former Hino Motors site in Williamstown to build power distribution units for data centers, aiming for 120–200 jobs. Environmental Scrutiny: Separate reporting flags potential impacts from data center-linked projects in Putnam and Mason counties, including wetland loss and threatened species concerns tied to federal and state permit requests. Emergency Tech Funding: The West Virginia 911 Council discussed how Next Generation 911 upgrades are outpacing revenue as landline fees decline, pushing lawmakers toward new funding priorities for 2027. Public Health Access: A national survey highlights delays tied to limited access to high-flow home oxygen—an issue that can affect discharge timing and patient risk. Education Fraud Watch: A new report alleges nearly $225M in school fraud across 24 states and Puerto Rico since 2019, including inflated enrollment and fake invoices. Healthcare Costs: KFF reports many ACA plans use “copay accumulator” programs that can prevent manufacturer coupon help from counting toward deductibles, leaving patients with surprise bills. STEM in WV: Pierpont Community & Technical College medical lab technology students swept national American Medical Technologists writing awards, placing first through third.

Rare Earths & Jobs: Greenbrier County residents are asking what’s coming to Rupert after a rare earth element extraction project was announced, with plans to recover critical minerals from coal tailings and create nearly 250 jobs. Water & Infrastructure Funding: Kanawha Falls PSD cleared to pursue nearly $24 million in state support for flood-related upgrades, even as a sale to West Virginia American Water faces legal challenges. Public Safety Tech: The WV 911 Council discussed Next Generation 911 funding pressures as landline revenue declines, plus new training requirements for telecommunicators. Child Safety & Tech Policy: West Virginia lawmakers backed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, while an attorney warned the bill may fall short of real protections. Data Centers & Health: A public health expert testified that massive backup diesel generators for a data center campus could pose serious health impacts for nearby residents. AI/Data Center Power Manufacturing: Gov. Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in a former Hino Motors facility in Williamstown to build power distribution units for data centers, creating 120–200 jobs. Healthcare Costs: A KFF investigation found many ACA plans use “copay accumulator” programs that can block manufacturer coupon cards from counting toward deductibles.

Data Center Jobs & Power Tech: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in a former Hino facility in Williamstown to build power distribution units for data centers and AI, aiming for 120–200 jobs. Environmental Risk: A DEP-linked complaint and federal permit filings describe potential wetland and wildlife impacts tied to Google’s planned “Project Avalon” data center complex in Putnam County. Public Safety Tech for Schools: Volt and Centegix say their integration can speed up school incident response by linking real-time detection to responder dispatch platforms, aligning with Alyssa’s Law needs. Broadband Rollout: West Virginia’s Broadband Enhancement Council says ARPA-funded fiber projects are moving toward closeout, with field work and splicing leading to “lit” service for customers. Housing & Community Design: Morgantown City Council voted to ban “hostile architecture” on public infrastructure meant to deter people from resting or lying down. Education Integrity: A new report alleges nearly $225M in fraud across U.S. schools since 2019, including fake invoices and inflated enrollment claims. Workforce & Visas: H-1B program faces fresh scrutiny amid fraud and job-loss claims, with Rep. Riley Moore calling it a “disaster.” STEM in the Region: Pierpont Community & Technical College students earned national AMT awards for technical writing, while a Murray State student gained hands-on NASA sounding rocket experience. Healthcare Recovery Tech: WVU Health Affairs Institute and partners will share a statewide digital recovery model using CHESS Health at NACCHO360. Local Business & Tech: Trulieve was named to TIME’s America’s Best Companies 2026 list.

PFAS Watch: New reporting reiterates that “forever chemicals” are widespread in everyday products and linked to cancer, immune and thyroid harm, with the EPA estimating most Americans have detectable PFAS in their blood. Public Safety Tech: Volt and Centegix say their AI-assisted school security video and incident-response tools can speed up alerts and help schools meet silent-alarm requirements like Alyssa’s Law. Local Water Infrastructure: An engineering firm sued to pause Fayette County’s sale of the Kanawha Falls Public Service District to West Virginia American Water, arguing the deal won’t protect its unpaid $852,819+ debt claim. STEM & Training: Pierpont Community & Technical College medical lab students swept national AMT technical writing awards. Health Access: The FDA approved a third over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray, expanding take-home options for opioid overdose reversal. Digital Recovery: WVU Health Affairs leaders will showcase a statewide CHESS Health digital recovery model at NACCHO360. Business & Jobs: PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in Wood County to build advanced manufacturing for electrical equipment supporting AI and data centers, creating 120–200 jobs. Sports Policy: Trans athletes in New Hampshire dropped their lawsuit after the Supreme Court upheld state girls’ sports eligibility rules. Food Policy: West Virginia retailers began reversing changes after a judge struck down SNAP waivers that limited sugary drink purchases.

Advanced Manufacturing in WV: PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20 million in Wood County, taking over the former Hino plant in Williamstown to build electrical infrastructure for data centers and AI, with 120–200 jobs expected. Public Health Access: The FDA approved a third over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray, Rextovy, expanding pharmacy access to opioid overdose reversal. Tech & Law in WV: West Virginia’s lawsuit against Apple over child sexual abuse material reporting has been sent back to state court after a federal bid to move it failed. Local Tech/Infrastructure Debate: Meetings drew hundreds over a proposed Valley North transmission line, with residents raising route and property impacts. Wildlife Tech Angle: Black bear sightings are surging online across West Virginia, driven partly by more widespread home security cameras and sharing apps. STEM/Healthcare Education: Pierpont Community & Technical College medical lab students swept national AMT technical writing awards. Healthcare Workforce: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital added a pediatrician, Rhyan Bailey, to expand care for children and teens.

Advanced Manufacturing Jobs: Gov. Jim Morrisey says PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in Wood County, buying the former Hino plant in Williamstown and creating 120–200 jobs as it ramps up electrical equipment for data centers and AI. Tech & Courts: West Virginia’s Apple child sexual abuse material lawsuit is back in state court after a federal judge rejected Apple’s bid to move it to federal court. Public Health & Chemicals: Federal and Chemours reached a PFAS “forever chemicals” deal that could pay up to $450M, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough and left states out of the talks. Cyber/Consumer Safety: New York AG Letitia James secured a $45M settlement from Block over Cash App fraud and misleading claims, requiring fraud-protection changes. STEM Research: Arnold Ventures is funding $2.6M in university research on sports gambling’s effects, with WVU among the teams. Healthcare Access: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital hired pediatrician Rhyan Bailey to expand care for kids and teens. Local Tech/Infrastructure: A new analysis highlights “integrity” as West Virginia’s top searched word definition in 2026.

Public Health: The CDC is tracking more cyclosporiasis clusters across the U.S., including West Virginia, as investigators trace possible sources tied to produce like onions, cucumbers, and cilantro. Energy & Regulation: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission is set to hold public comment on Mon Power and Potomac Edison gas plant proposals—an issue that could affect long-term energy choices and consumer bills. Sports Betting Research: Arnold Ventures is funding $2.6 million in university studies (including WVU) on how sports gambling affects people’s behavior and public health. Tech & Kids Safety: West Virginia’s lawsuit against Apple over child sexual abuse material reporting will stay in state court after a federal judge rejected Apple’s bid to move it to federal court. Data Centers & Health: A public health expert warns backup diesel generators for a proposed data center campus in Archbald could harm residents’ health, raising concerns about emissions. STEM in WV Schools: Marshall’s Fun with Science Institute is bringing about 75 rising ninth graders to hands-on STEM and health-care labs, including drone workshops and a suturing lab. Higher Ed & Reading: Glenville State University earned an A from NCTQ for its elementary reading instruction preparation. Local Tech/Finance: bitFlyer USA launched crypto trading services in West Virginia after receiving its state money transmitter license.

Supreme Court & Sports: A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling lets states limit girls’ sports participation to “biological sex,” a decision that could undercut a transgender girl’s Arizona case after earlier West Virginia and Idaho challenges. Tech & Child Safety: West Virginia’s lawsuit against Apple over alleged weak reporting of child sexual abuse material will stay in state court after a federal judge rejected Apple’s push to move it to federal court. Education in WV: The West Virginia Association of School Administrators launched a statewide campaign, “I Love West Virginia Public Schools,” highlighting public school programs and STEM pathways. Youth STEM & Activity: The YMCA of Southern West Virginia is running summer camps mixing sports with STEM projects and field trips. Health Tech & Care Access: WVU Health System signed an agreement to acquire Independence Health System, including major investment for upgrades and a new electronic health record system. Local Innovation: Bluefield’s Boys and Girls Clubs plan an esports center with free after-school programming, with registration set to open soon. Agriculture Watch: WVDA is monitoring a Parkersburg-area fire and advising livestock owners to take feed precautions. Crypto in WV: bitFlyer USA launched crypto trading services in West Virginia after receiving a money transmitter license. Environment & Research: New footage from a University of Maine researcher shows mother woodcock defending nests—even against deer—while also studying nesting on reclaimed West Virginia mine sites. Bed Bugs: Orkin released its 2026 bed bug “cities list,” with Charleston, WV ranking among the worst.

Medicare Drug Coverage Shock: Thousands of Medicare beneficiaries on “zero-premium” plans (including Wellcare Value Script) may lose prescription coverage after missed premium payments, leaving some without meds until next enrollment season. AI & Power Demand: A new report warns AI data centers could drive major emissions, while WV-focused coverage argues the real question is who builds and pays for the power grid that AI needs. Rare Earth Supply Chain: GreenMet’s $150M rare-earth processing hub in Rupert, WV, targets a non-Chinese magnet supply chain ahead of a DoD ban deadline in January 2027. Data Centers vs. Wildlands: Maryland’s wildlands protections are under pressure from a proposed transmission line tied to data-center growth, raising stakes for land and energy planning. EV Battery Second Life: Used EV batteries are increasingly being repurposed for grid storage to balance solar and wind—turning “retired” packs into power backup. STEM Access in WV: SpaceTrek’s second summer in West Virginia kicks off at WV Wesleyan College, aiming to spark interstellar STEM careers for girls and young women. Local Tech/Community: Advantage Valley is updating a southern WV housing study to guide builders and lenders as the state faces a shortage. Education Funding Pressure: A new analysis flags West Virginia’s K-12 performance gaps and ties them to spending and follow-through issues.

Critical Minerals & Jobs: GreenMet and partners (AmForge, Flash Metals USA, Greenbrier Smokeless Coal) announced a $150M rare-earth processing hub in Rupert, aiming to turn coal tailings into critical materials for U.S. defense and tech supply chains. Energy Storage: Used EV batteries are getting a “second job” as grid storage to balance solar and wind, with new U.S. projects planned as utility-scale battery additions ramp up. Housing Planning: Advantage Valley is updating its housing study for a ten-county southern West Virginia footprint, with a mid-July timeline to guide builders and lenders. Trans Athletes & Courts: The Supreme Court upheld West Virginia’s ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports, with local impacts highlighted by a UConn fencing rebuild story. Black Lung Benefits: A new federal bill would raise black lung disability stipends and index them to inflation, spotlighting ongoing gaps for coal miners’ families. STEM Youth: The Ohio Academy of Science named delegates for the National Youth Science Camp, held in West Virginia this summer. Community History: Berkeley Springs leaders are working to restore Mount Pisgah Church, a key post–Civil War African American landmark. Broadcast Industry: Ted Nahil returned to Nautel to manage eastern U.S. broadcast sales, with West Virginia in his territory. Education Spotlight: A new report flags West Virginia’s low K-12 math proficiency, renewing calls for better funding and follow-through.

Rare Earth Supply Chain: GreenMet and partners AmForge and Flash Metals are backing a $150M rare earth processing hub in Greenbrier County, aiming to pull critical minerals from coal tailings and build a “hub-and-spoke” U.S. supply chain. PFAS Cleanup: The Trump administration reached a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with $22.5M in penalties and $90M over 15 years for mitigation plus major pollution controls in West Virginia. Education Pressure: A new state-by-state analysis flags West Virginia’s K-12 performance as especially weak, tying outcomes to school spending and calling out slow follow-through on prior recommendations. STEM Youth: The Ohio Academy of Science named two delegates for the 2026 National Youth Science Camp, hosted in West Virginia. Community Tech & Access: Charleston’s America250 weekend is adding sensory-friendly spaces for people with autism and other sensitivities, alongside quieter ways to enjoy Independence Day. Environment: More than 170 miles of West Virginia trout streams gained new “trout waters” protections to safeguard native brook trout habitat. Sports Tech/Legal: WVU-linked former player Kerr Kriisa was arrested in Kentucky in a federal fraud case, with extradition to West Virginia planned.

Rare Earth Push in Greenbrier County: West Virginia State officials announced a $150M private partnership to extract rare earth minerals from coal tailings, using a patented process at a planned facility in Rupert; the project is expected to create nearly 250 jobs and could expand across the region. PFAS Accountability: The Trump administration reached a multi-state settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with $22.5M in penalties and about $450M in cleanup and mitigation work tied to West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Grid Strain From AI Data Centers: Federal emergency orders were used again to force AI data centers onto diesel backup during grid stress, highlighting how fast new power demand is outpacing reliability. Trout Protection: More than 170 miles of West Virginia mountain streams gained new “trout waters” protections for native brook trout, backed by field surveys and conservation partners. Local Health Leadership: Vandalia Health named Jeff Sandene as its new President and CEO, aiming to steer the growing system through major healthcare changes. Sports Tech & Legal Shock: Former WVU guard Kerr Kriisa was arrested in Lexington on alleged multimillion-dollar fraud charges, with extradition to West Virginia expected for court. Gaming Law Clarity: Real-money online casino options are expanding state-by-state; West Virginia is listed among jurisdictions where licensed play is allowed.