AGP Executive Report

Data Center Push: State and developers met in the Eastern Panhandle to hash out the future of West Virginia data centers, with the proposed $4 billion Bedington campus—600+ MW, 500 acres, and a projected $94M total impact—front and center, alongside concerns over power, water, and community engagement. Workforce & Training: A new Nitro union apprenticeship training center is expanding access to paid, hands-on careers in construction and welding as demand for skilled workers keeps rising. Child Care Crunch: Save the Children says rural West Virginia is short on providers, with an $8M grant aimed at building the early-childhood workforce and cutting waitlists. Politics & Voting: The DOJ is pressing a federal case to access unredacted West Virginia voter registration files, while Sen. Shelley Moore Capito calls for GOP unity after a contentious primary. Education Savings: SMART529 has topped $1B in total assets, marking a major milestone for families planning for college and technical school.

Workplace Safety: A new WV-focused report says OSHA has just 6 inspectors to cover about 60,000 workplaces, raising the stakes for workers after a recent fatal chemical incident at an area refinery highlighted how dangerous sites can go long stretches without inspection. Housing & Cost of Living: New data shows most Americans can’t afford a new home—65% are priced out of newly built houses nationwide—while a separate “middle class” analysis finds the income line swings wildly by state, with West Virginia among the lowest thresholds. Charleston Gas Tax Fight: Democrats are pushing for a special session and a 30-day suspension of the statewide gas tax during House talks, arguing prices are being driven by the Iran conflict. Artemis 2 in West Virginia: The Green Bank Telescope tracked Orion around the moon and even captured a pixelated view of the Integrity capsule—“four people in those pixels.” Local Business: Bridgeport’s Farmers Market opened for the season, with vendors, live music, and wellness outreach.

Sports Spotlight: WVU closed the regular season with a gritty 6-4 win over TCU, using two wild pitches in the eighth to clinch a series and set a program record for Big 12 wins, heading into next week’s conference tournament as the No. 2 seed. Local Talent: Parkersburg South senior Harmony Watkins is headed to Marshall as a feature twirler after years in the marching band, while Williamstown’s Isaac Harris and Brady Woodard captured the Division II boys doubles state title despite injuries. Tourism & Outdoors: DCNR is spotlighting Pennsylvania’s Laurel Caverns as the state’s first underground state park, pitching it as a major “oh wow” draw for visitors and jobs. Policy Watch: Transgender student-athletes are challenging West Virginia and Idaho school-sports bans in court, with appeals siding with them but Supreme Court watchers expecting the bans to survive. Health & Safety: The WV AG Consumer Protection Division is warning residents about rising scam complaints, led by Medicare fraud, phishing, robocalls, DMV texts, and fake court notices.

Medicaid Dollars, Local Impact: In Hurricane, Medicaid durable medical equipment billing hit $268,930 in 2024, up 5.5% from $254,887 in 2023—a reminder that health spending trends can shift community by community. Provider Payments: Fairmont Medicaid providers billed $616,469 for enteral and parenteral therapy in 2024, a 2.9% jump from 2023. Consumer Watch: The state AG is warning West Virginians about scams, citing 120 complaints in April, led by Medicare fraud, computer phishing, robocalls, DMV text scams, and fake court notices. Statehouse Politics: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s out-of-state PAC-backed primary strategy didn’t deliver a sweep—his biggest targets lost, while he did win one House seat. Rural Health Push: Gov. Morrisey toured WVU Medicine Camden Clark to highlight the Rural Health Transformation Program’s focus on prevention and workforce needs. Data Center Debate: A Martinsburg-area “Lunch and Learn” tackled the future of data centers, including the proposed Bedington Data Center campus.

Data Center Debate: A Martinsburg-Berkeley County “Lunch and Learn” put Bedington’s proposed $4 billion data center campus in the spotlight, with state and regional leaders weighing power, water use, and community impacts tied to a 548-acre, 600-megawatt plan. Downtown Construction Watch: Wheeling’s Downtown Streetscape Project is nearing the finish line, with milling now underway on 16th, Chapline and Eoff streets and final paving expected to push work into late May. Local Business & Services: Parkersburg’s trash pickup is set to shift to Waste Management on July 1 under an interim arrangement, while the city keeps billing residents and a $21 monthly fee structure in place. Health & Research: Marshall University researchers say tiny gut particles may help drive inflammation and aging-related chronic disease, pointing to new ways the gut environment could influence metabolism and immune stress. WVU & Community: WVU commencement weekend is underway, and the university’s newly lit water tower on Evansdale is part of President Benson’s “Welcome Home Tour” push to boost campus visibility. Sports Spotlight: Rich Rodriguez tells ESPN’s Pete Thamel WVU is still working to close the financial gap in college football.

Republican unity push after a bruising primary: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito is urging West Virginia Republicans to come together after a contentious GOP primary marked by negative campaigning, saying the fight is over and the party needs to focus on November. Mon Power gas + solar hearing set: The Public Service Commission scheduled a public comment hearing for July 15 on Mon Power’s proposed 1,200-megawatt gas plant at Fort Martin Power Station plus 70 megawatts of solar across three sites—after 74 protest letters—while the plan estimates a small monthly residential bill increase. Utility affordability fight: Appalachian Power customers have appealed a PSC order that would raise rates using an “inflation-based” mechanism and surcharges, arguing the charges lack clear justification. Rural health funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $62 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program, targeting recruitment, training, telehealth, and provider support. Opioid settlement money lands: West Virginia is set to receive $27 million from the opioid settlement. AI power strain hits prices: A new report says wholesale power prices in the PJM region jumped about 76% as AI data centers drive demand.

Retirement Reality Check: A new state-by-state analysis finds there’s no single “magic number” for retiring comfortably—Hawaii tops the list at an estimated $156,610 a year after Social Security, while cheaper states can be closer to $60,000, underscoring how location can make or break retirement plans. SBA Relief Deadline: The SBA says Pennsylvania small businesses and private nonprofits hit by a Sept. 2025 drought can still apply for low-interest disaster loans until June 1, with coverage also extending to several West Virginia counties. West Virginia Politics: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito is urging unity after a contentious GOP primary, while West Virginia’s voter turnout landed at 20.91% in the state primary. Public Safety: Fayette County authorities say an active shooter incident at a Fayetteville business ended with one suspect in custody and no injuries reported. Workforce & Education: Hope Gas and Logan County Schools are launching the Hope Pathways program, letting students earn energy certifications while working toward graduation.

Attempted-Murder Charge in Tennessee: A man known online for racist videos, “Chud the Builder” Dalton Eatherly, has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting outside a Clarksville courthouse left two people wounded. Public Safety & Health: Parkersburg hosted the state’s biannual firefighters’ union convention, with cancer risk and pay/benefits on the agenda. Drug Take-Back Results: The DEA says its latest Prescription Drug Take Back Day collected 642,410 pounds nationwide, including 4,063 pounds in West Virginia. Workforce Pipeline: Hope Gas and the WV Board of Education launched “Hope Pathways” in Logan County to train students for energy careers. Cyber & National Security: WVU Cyber is partnering with TWENTY to route students into internships tied to real-world national security work. OpenAI Conflict Fight: Court filings say Sam Altman holds over $2B in companies that do business with OpenAI as Musk and state AGs press conflict-of-interest claims. Local Politics: Monongalia County’s school levy passed, but turnout was low—about 20%.

Digital Safety for Kids: A federal prosecutor’s rule of thumb: if your grandma wouldn’t approve, don’t post. Parents are urged to learn the platforms their kids use, set privacy and time limits, and trust kids’ gut feelings when something feels off. Education & Workforce: West Virginia Northern Community College will hold its 2026 commencement Thursday at WesBanco Arena, with NFL player CJ Goodwin speaking and accounting student Kate Nguyen named valedictorian. Economic Development: Sandvik and Alpha Metallurgical Resources are moving ahead with a new $25 million West Virginia manufacturing site, targeting at least 120 jobs. Community Support: Crittenton Services broke ground on two cottage-style homes for pregnant teens and young mothers near Elm Grove. Public Safety: A fatal crash on U.S. 50 in Wood County killed one person and injured two others. State Politics: In Tuesday’s GOP-heavy legislative primaries, Morrisey-aligned groups notched some wins but lost others, setting up November matchups.

West Virginia Politics: Gov. Patrick Morrisey is calling Tuesday’s primary a “big win” for endorsed candidates, saying they went 33-10 statewide and that the results set up progress on economic development, education and infrastructure—while House Speaker Roger Hanshaw fired back that Morrisey “insert[ed] himself” and warned, “we will remember.” Local Governance: Tyler County’s BOE moved ahead on summer staffing and pushed an excess levy message to protect programs and benefits if funding falls short. Business & Industry: Sandvik and Alpha Metallurgical Resources announced a $25 million, 100,000-square-foot West Virginia manufacturing site expected to create at least 120 jobs. Energy & Cost Pressure: Utility bills and rate hikes remain a top concern as lawmakers float relief ideas, including calls for a special session tied to gas prices. Tech & Legal Watch: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey joined a multi-state push for SEC scrutiny of any OpenAI IPO plans amid conflict-of-interest concerns. Community & Health: DEA Take Back Day drew 4,063 pounds of meds collected in West Virginia.

Gas Tax Push: West Virginia Democratic leaders, joined by State Treasurer Larry Pack, are calling for a special session to blunt rising gas prices—though lawmakers warn a gas-tax holiday could hit road funding hard. Energy Costs: Gas prices are climbing again, and utilities are also raising bills: Appalachian Power’s base rate adjustment kicks in June 1. EPA Coal Ash Shift: The EPA wants to move more toxic coal-ash monitoring oversight to states, a move that could reshape how communities are protected. Primary Results: Tuesday’s West Virginia primaries largely favored incumbents—U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito won the GOP nod, and Democrats picked Rachel Fetty Anderson for the general-election matchup. Elections Rules: A new photo-ID requirement at polling places was used for the first time, with officials saying early voting turnout stayed strong. Local Courts/Business: A lawsuit claims Primanti Bros. stopped paying rent after closing its short-lived Morgantown High Street location.

Gas Tax Fight: President Trump is backing a temporary federal gas tax holiday, but it still has to clear Congress—some Republicans are already warning about the deficit and the long process to get it done. W.Va. Energy Bills: Appalachian Power got approval for a 4% base rate hike effective June 1, adding about $4.84 a month for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh. Higher Ed & Student Debt: WVU Faculty Senate discussed how the “Big Beautiful Bill” changes Parent PLUS loans, including a new $20,000 cap per student and limits on Graduate PLUS for incoming students. Election Access: West Virginia’s new photo ID requirement at polling places is being used for the first time in Tuesday’s primary, with officials saying glitches have been minimal. Regulation Watch: The NAIC is creating a new regulatory unit focused on market conduct oversight, with West Virginia among the initial participants. Cybersecurity: Community Bank disclosed a data exposure tied to use of unauthorized AI software.

Local Dedication: Weirton unveiled a new steel West Virginia monument at Brooke-Hancock Veterans Memorial Park, funded through a Local Economic Development Assistance grant and built with Northern Panhandle businesses—each marker weighs about 350 pounds and notes the city’s 1947 incorporation. AI + Power Finance: Nscale secured an additional $790 million in debt financing for its Narvik, Norway AI data center, with plans for a 115MW expansion tied to an extra $790 million option—another sign that AI buildouts are increasingly driven by capital and electricity. West Virginia Courts: Attorneys for Sen. Jim Justice asked a federal judge to pause a Greenbrier Resort dispute, seeking to hold off the federal case while related state litigation plays out. Energy + Schools: Ohio County Schools’ heating, cooling, and lighting upgrades have saved more than $4.5 million over six years, beating guaranteed savings. Election Watch: Tuesday’s GOP primary is shaping up as a fight over who controls the West Virginia Senate, with Supreme Court Division I also drawing five candidates. Cyber Pipeline: WVU Cyber launched a strategic partnership with TWENTY to create internship and hands-on mission work for students focused on offensive cyber and AI-enabled tech.

Wood County Elections: Wood County House candidates are campaigning on jobs, workforce development, and health care rule changes, while school board hopefuls are pushing transparency, better parent communication, and a fix for long-running enrollment declines. Religious Freedom vs. School Vaccines: Gov. Patrick Morrisey has filed in the West Virginia Supreme Court to defend religious exemptions to mandatory school vaccinations; the high court has paused lower-court activity while the appeal moves forward. Energy & Construction: A new construction planning report says data centers are still the biggest driver of nonresidential growth, even as other sectors stabilize. Hospital Costs: A new study finds West Virginia hospitals charge commercial insurers among the highest rates in the U.S., tied to consolidation. Food Safety: Giant Eagle baked pita chips are under recall in multiple states, including West Virginia, over possible Salmonella contamination. Business & Growth: AEP accountability efforts are gaining momentum through a regional coalition targeting utility rate hikes and profits.

In the past 12 hours, West Virginia Business Dispatch coverage leaned heavily toward business and policy items with direct implications for the Mountain State. The most concrete West Virginia-linked development was the state’s April revenue performance: General Revenue Fund collections totaled $671 million, coming in more than $70 million above estimate and up 4.2% year over year, according to Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office. On the economic development side, West Virginia officials also pitched the state to businesses at a Maryland investment summit, while the Polymer Alliance Zone participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit to connect regional economic development groups with investors and companies.

Several stories also touched on workforce, health, and local public-safety issues. A Fairmont SBA awards event highlighted West Virginia small businesses and included remarks from Sen. Jim Justice calling small business owners “the backbone” of the state’s economy. In health administration, a new Spokane Regional Health District administrator, Danny Scalise, was profiled as seeking “stability” after leadership turnover—an item not specific to West Virginia, but notable for its leadership and governance angle. Locally, Preston County commissioners tabled a final vote on a new EMS ordinance after public questions about the EMS fee and funding; and Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department received $8,000 for water rescue equipment amid reported increases in water-related calls.

Beyond West Virginia-specific items, the last 12 hours included broader national business and regulatory coverage that intersects with West Virginia’s economy and industries. The DOJ announced DISH Wireless will pay $17.28 million to resolve allegations tied to the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefits Program and its successor Affordable Connectivity Program—an enforcement action with implications for telecom compliance and federal program integrity. There was also coverage of biotech R&D hiring improving (with biotech R&D job postings up and employment reaching a record level in Q1), and a report on immigrants’ growing share of construction labor—both relevant to labor-market conditions that affect employers in West Virginia.

Looking at continuity from the prior days, West Virginia’s veteran-attraction push is building momentum: coverage described the launch of Ascend Heroes, extending the Ascend WV effort with a $12,000 incentive for veterans and a stated goal of strengthening the workforce and communities. Meanwhile, the broader policy backdrop includes ongoing attention to energy and data-center-driven demand pressures—coverage in the 3–7 day window included PJM market design discussions tied to reliability and investment incentives, and reporting on how data centers are reshaping electricity demand and costs. However, the most recent 12-hour evidence in this dataset is sparse on those energy-market threads, so the current snapshot is more about near-term state finances, local governance, and targeted economic initiatives than about major energy-market changes.

Overall, the strongest “signal” in the last 12 hours is the combination of state fiscal performance plus practical local policy decisions (EMS ordinance timing and emergency-responder funding) and economic development outreach (SelectUSA and business pitches). The dataset also shows West Virginia’s stories are increasingly connected to national enforcement and labor-market trends, but the evidence provided here is not enough to claim a single major statewide turning point beyond those discrete updates.

West Virginia Business Dispatch coverage over the past week is dominated by two overlapping themes: (1) the political and economic ripple effects of rapid data-center-driven electricity demand, and (2) the state’s election-season spending and policy debates—especially around school choice and broader public services. In the last 12 hours alone, multiple stories connect rising power costs and grid investment to data centers, including AEP’s contracted capacity pipeline surge (63GW, 90% tied to data centers) and AEP’s raised $78 billion capital plan to build generation and transmission. That same “data center boom” thread also shows up in PJM’s market-reform effort aimed at supporting generation investment and reliability, alongside reporting that residents are feeling the squeeze from higher electric bills tied to grid updates, demand, fuel, and weather.

On the policy and community front, the most immediate West Virginia-focused political coverage in the last 12 hours centers on Statehouse races: “School choice, vouchers” are described as fueling nearly $3 million in spending by outside groups, with early voting underway and the issue framed as a litmus test for Republicans. The coverage also includes a broader snapshot of the Supreme Court’s remaining decisions as the term heads toward conclusion, but the strongest WV-specific signal is the school-choice spending and the financial pressures behind it (including references to school closures and reductions, and the role of voucher programs in district finances). Separately, local governance items in the last 12 hours include leadership and municipal changes such as Grafton’s city manager stepping down after 27 years, plus multiple city-level funding/approval stories (e.g., Parkersburg arts programming support and Wheeling council approvals for major projects like the Centre Market House roof replacement).

There is also continuity across the week in how West Virginia’s labor, consumer, and infrastructure concerns are being framed. In the broader 3–7 day range, reporting highlights the state’s ongoing Ascend expansion to recruit veterans (with “Ascend Heroes” announced in the last 12 hours), and it continues to track election dynamics and ethics/oversight disputes involving Sen. Justice and Greenbrier-related claims. Meanwhile, energy and grid coverage builds toward the same conclusion: utilities and grid operators are responding to demand growth, but the pace and structure of interconnection and market design are becoming central public issues—reflected in AEP’s concerns about PJM/SPP interconnection delays and PJM’s push to rethink capacity market assumptions.

Finally, the week’s business-and-economy items include agriculture and consumer-market updates that are not uniquely West Virginia but are relevant to the state’s business environment. The last 12 hours include USDA reporting a week-to-week gain in broiler placements, and there’s also coverage of tourism momentum in West Virginia as the summer season begins (including claims of the state surpassing $9 billion in annual tourism economic impact). However, compared with the energy/election cluster, these items appear more routine and less like a single major West Virginia-specific turning point—especially since the most recent evidence is concentrated in power/data-center and Statehouse spending stories.