AGP Executive Report

Music & Live Shows: Country breakout Ella Langley is bringing her Dandelion Tour to West Virginia—she’ll perform Sept. 12 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, with tickets already on sale. Sports Media in WV: Mountaineer Sports Network is expanding statewide—WVRC Media stations in Morgantown, Clarksburg, Elkins, Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs are set to become flagship affiliates again starting with the 2026 football season. Local Events (America250 + Regatta): Charleston’s 2026 Sternwheel Regatta kicked off as vendors filled Kanawha Boulevard, with officials adjusting for record heat and fireworks returning July 4 at Magic Island, Haddad Riverfront Park and the Capitol. Culture Spotlight: West Virginia’s America250 celebrations keep rolling—Gov. Patrick Morrisey opened the America250 Wheel in Charleston, a free 230-foot attraction with 45 gondolas telling U.S. presidential stories. Sports (National, with WV ties): WVU’s sports presence continues to show up in national headlines, including coverage of Mountaineer athletes and WVU-linked storylines.

Country Music Tour: Ella Langley is bringing her Dandelion Tour to West Virginia—she’ll play Sept. 12 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, with tickets already on sale. West Virginia Sports: WVU baseball keeps stacking pitching depth, landing Louisville lefty Colton Hartman from the transfer portal as a senior transfer. Local Baseball: The Williamsport Crosscutters beat the West Virginia Black Bears in sudden death to sweep their series at Kendrick Family Ballpark. Community & Heritage: A Valley Bend bridge will be renamed July 11 in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. Gail Mason Kerns, the Randolph County POW known for kissing the ground after returning from Vietnam. Gaming Business: Delaware North is rebranding its casinos and online gaming under Ember Entertainment, with Betly in West Virginia switching names to Ember Sportsbook. Big National Sports Talk: The U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding state bans on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports is sparking reactions across the sports world, including coverage tied to West Virginia’s case. Food & Retail: Kroger’s $1.65B deal to acquire Giant Eagle expands its footprint into West Virginia and the broader region, with the acquisition expected to close in 2027.

America250 Spotlight: Charleston is gearing up for a packed Independence Day weekend with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta and the America250 Capital City Celebration running July 2–5, plus the America250 Wheel towering over the State Capitol grounds. Live Music & Theater: The Charleston Light Opera Guild’s “1776” wraps its limited run July 3–5 at the West Virginia Culture Center Theater, right alongside America250 festivities. Symphony on the Move: The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra launches a free “Celebrate America” tour with stops in Clarksburg, Weirton, and Canaan Valley, culminating in a July 4 Heritage Port concert with fireworks. Sports & Community Pride: Magnolia’s girls basketball shootout and local alumni honors are in focus, while Paden City’s Class of 1987 is set to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards. West Virginia Health Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Monroe, Greenbrier, and Lewis counties with low-dose CT appointments scheduled in late June and July. Business Watch: Kroger’s $1.65B deal to acquire Giant Eagle could reshape grocery options across West Virginia and neighboring states. Tech/Surveillance Debate: Monongalia County’s Flock Safety camera rollout faces renewed scrutiny as residents question privacy and civil liberties. Entertainment Buzz: Oliver Anthony says new music is coming soon, and Delaware North’s casino and digital gaming rebrand rolls out as Ember.

Supreme Court Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws that bar transgender girls and women from school sports teams, saying states can set eligibility by biological sex under Title IX—sparking national backlash and fresh debate over what comes next for trans youth. WV Community & Arts: Families can get hands-on at the Clay Center’s “Paper Pilots” on July 18 in Charleston, turning paper into flight with design challenges and straw-rocket launches. America250 in Charleston: Road closures hit Kanawha Boulevard and California Avenue through July 5 for the Capital City Celebration, with live entertainment, vendors, exhibits, fireworks, and family activities. Health in the Mountains: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is scheduled to visit Alderson (June 28), Rainelle (July 29), and Weston (July 30), with appointments required ahead of time. Local Business: Kroger announced it will buy Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal, expanding across West Virginia and nearby states. WVU Sports: WVU women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg is navigating summer workouts without star Jordan Harrison, while WVU athletics slipped to 50th in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings.

Supreme Court Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho and West Virginia laws that bar transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s school sports, a 6-3 decision that many states will now treat as a green light for similar bans. WV Reactions & Policy Watch: West Virginia officials and lawmakers weighed in as advocates warned the fight could spill into other areas of school life, while supporters framed the ruling as protecting fairness and safety in girls’ athletics. America250 Spotlight (WV): West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey unveiled the full America250 Capitol City Celebration schedule and highlighted the 230-foot America250 Wheel at the State Capitol, with free rides July 2–5. Local Arts/Community: WVSOM recognized two West Virginians as “Generation Next: 40 Under 40,” and the Montgomery Museum of Art and History opened a major “250 Years of History” exhibit. Sports & Culture Beyond WV: LeBron James hit free agency, and World Cup fans kept singing John Denver’s “Country Roads” during Team USA matches.

America250 Spotlight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey unveiled the full schedule for West Virginia’s America250 Capital City Celebration in Charleston, with free family entertainment, live music, historical exhibits, artisan vendors, Capitol tours, the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel, nightly “Liberty and Lights” projections, fireworks, and headliners including Alabama, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Marshall Tucker Band. Local Arts Call: Bridge Day organizers are now accepting art submissions for the 2026 Bridge Day Poster Contest (11×17 inches; no AI; must include “Bridge Day 2026,” “New River Gorge,” and “West Virginia” or “WV”), with entries due July 31 and a $250 prize. Sports & WVU: A WVU transfer QB is learning from the best, pointing to Mountaineer legend Pat White as a model for dual-threat play. Community Books: Trinity Episcopal Church in Parkersburg is taking used book donations every Wednesday through Aug. 26 for its fall sale. Weather Watch: A heat advisory is set for the Pittsburgh area and the panhandle of WV through Friday night, with heat indexes near 100. Big Court Day: The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on birthright citizenship and transgender athletes’ sports eligibility.

America250 in Charleston: West Virginia’s Independence Day weekend is gearing up fast: the free America250 Capital City Celebration runs July 2-5 on the Capitol Complex with the America250 Wheel, nightly 3D projection shows, family activities, and guided tours—plus Alabama headlining July 3, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra on July 4, and The Marshall Tucker Band closing July 5. Local History & Community: Upshur County buried its America250 time capsule at the historic Pringle Tree site in Buckhannon, packed with photos, letters, maps, and local memorabilia to be opened in 2076. Supreme Court, WV ties: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail-in ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then, a decision that affects grace-period states including West Virginia. Sports & Entertainment: WVU baseball coach Steve Sabins is getting major national recognition after leading the Mountaineers to the College World Series and Final Four. Food & Health Policy: A federal judge struck down USDA SNAP “junk food” restriction pilots—an issue that has included West Virginia.

America250 Capital City Celebration: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says Alabama will headline West Virginia’s America250 Charleston event on Friday, July 3, with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra on July 4 and The Marshall Tucker Band on July 5; the free, July 2-5 festival also features the America250 Wheel, nightly 3D Capitol projection shows, family activities, and a fireworks extravaganza July 3. Local Arts & Craft: The Mountain State Art and Craft Fair returns to Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley for its 63rd year, running Thursday-Saturday with more than 100 juried artisans, including 34 first-timers, plus expanded entertainment and interactive experiences. West Virginia Sports & Community: Wellsburg’s Independence Day Super Kids Race got only partial runs before rain forced organizers to pause and reschedule; the soapbox-style event supports youth and adults with special needs. West Virginia Tech/Student Spotlight: A WVU software engineering student turned a mobile assignment into a real-world success, building on their campus roots. Remembering: West Virginia community members are mourning Mark Lewis Schuweiler, a Morgantown resident and longtime movie buff who loved biking trails, cooking, and family time.

America250 Arts & Community: West Virginia’s America250 mural project is rolling out across all 55 counties, with artists and Fairmont State University professor Joel Dugan helping communities turn local history into public art ahead of Independence Day. Independence Day Events: Charleston’s 2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta is gearing up as thousands are expected downtown, with officials promising a wide music lineup and family-focused riverfront fun. Sports Spotlight (WV): WVU AD Wren Baker says the “Country Roads” sing-along after wins became a national moment during the Mountaineers’ College World Series run. Music & Pop Culture: Twisted Sister announced new fall tour dates with Sebastian Bach on vocals, including a stop in Charles Town, WV. Local Sports (Prep): Keyser’s Hunter Harr, Landon Tysinger and Lucas Williamson earned spots on the WV Sports Writers Association 2026 Class AAA All-State team. Summer Nature: Fireflies are peaking across West Virginia this week, with multiple parks and forests highlighted as top viewing spots. Entertainment Elsewhere: The Great American State Fair on the National Mall opens amid empty-booth complaints, power issues, and crowd-size controversy.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major end-of-term rulings soon, including cases testing Donald Trump’s presidential power and election rules, plus a crackdown on transgender athletes. NFL Talk: Texans defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is pushing back on claims tied to his Houston exit, insisting “I’m not a cancer” and blaming misunderstandings. America250 Spotlight: Washington’s Great American State Fair is underway but drawing mixed reactions—sparse crowds, power hiccups, and controversy over displays. West Virginia Independence Day: Gov. Morrisey announced a $2.5 million AMLER grant to redevelop Logan’s former Peebles Department Store into a new economic and cultural hub for FreedomFest. Outdoor Fun: Fireflies are peaking across West Virginia this week—here’s where to catch the best displays. Sports Honors: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf capped a winning career by taking the Lowery Award as top Class AA baseball player in the state. Arts & Community: Beckley’s Bill Withers Festival brought music fans to Neville Street and the Raleigh Playhouse despite rainy weather. Health in the Region: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4 million NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia.

America250 Wheel Arrives in Charleston: Gov. Morrisey marked the arrival of the 230-foot America250 Wheel at the State Capitol Complex, with free rides July 2–5 and presidential-themed gondolas plus nightly LED and 3D projection shows. FreedomFest in Logan: Morrisey also highlighted a $2.5 million AMLER grant to redevelop the former Peebles Department Store into a multi-use economic and cultural hub. Great American State Fair Buzz (DC): The Trump-backed fair on the National Mall opened with sparse crowds and power hiccups, including issues affecting the Ferris wheel and West Virginia’s booth. Baseball Honors: Frankfort’s Lanson Orndorf was named the 2026 Lowery Award winner after a standout senior run, while Keyser’s Hunter Harr, Landon Tysinger, and Lucas Williamson earned WV Sports Writers Association Class AAA All-State recognition. Sports & Community: The Race Across America team reached Doddridge County as ZOE International pushes toward its $250,000 goal, and Beckley hosted its annual Bill Withers Festival on Neville Street despite rainy weather. Local Human Interest: A dog named Hennessy is set to reunite with her Iowa family after a West Virginia crash killed her owner.

High School Baseball: Frankfort senior Lanson Orndorf capped a dominant run by winning the 2026 Lowery Award, named for WV’s legendary John Lowery. Orndorf closed his career with complete-game wins in the quarterfinals and the Class AA title game, powering the Falcons to a second state championship in three years. America250 in Charleston: Gov. Patrick Morrisey marked the arrival of the America250 Wheel, a 230-foot “world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel” set to be free for rides July 2–5 at the State Capitol Complex. Independence Day Arts: New Martinsville’s Arts in the Park returns July 4 at Bruce Park, with free crafts, exhibits, music, and family activities. Library Spotlight: Storyteller Bil Lepp brings a free, funny performance to the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library on July 2. Local Sports & Community: Dark Side Robotics in Williamstown earned a $2,000 Optimum grant to support its FIRST robotics program.

America 250 Spotlight: West Virginia’s America250 Capitol City Celebration in Charleston is ramping up, with the America 250 Wheel aiming to open July 2 despite rain, plus nightly 3D projections and major musical acts—tens of thousands expected. Independence Day in WV: Clarksburg’s Liberty Market kicks off July 2 with 65+ vendors, food trucks, a hot dog eating contest, a Veterans Salute, inflatables, and fireworks. Music & Culture: New River Gorge National Park hosts the free “Sounds of Appalachia” concert June 30 at Cliffside Amphitheater, celebrating Appalachian music and history. Sports Fandom: USMNT fans are turning “Take Me Home, Country Roads” into a World Cup sing-along tradition, echoing John Denver’s WV roots. Entertainment Buzz: “Christy” review is getting major buzz for Sydney Sweeney’s standout performance. Baseball on the Big Stage: ESPN’s College World Series coverage hit record-level attention, with the 2026 finals among the most-watched in CWS history. Wildlife Science: WVU-linked research describes a new camera-trap approach that could map Africa’s big carnivores by identifying individuals across multiple predator species.

Local Fitness Expansion: Monongalia County says the former Regal Cinema at University Town Centre will become the county’s second location of a popular fitness chain, opening in early September (1001 Mountaineer Drive), with Bridgeport users able to use the new site too. Independence Day Weekend in Clarksburg: The Clarksburg History Museum and First Fridays team up for the 2026 Liberty Market July 2 at Veterans Memorial Park with 65+ vendors, food trucks, a hot dog contest, family activities, and evening music plus fireworks. Community & Inclusion: Weirton’s Disability Independence Celebration runs July 18–25 with a 5K “run, walk and roll,” plus a week of events honoring the ADA and celebrating all abilities. Transit Update: Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation will replace several low-ridership routes with on-demand KRTplus starting July 20, including changes to Routes 11, 16, 18, and parts of Route 10. Music & Culture: Back Home Festival returns June 26–28 in New Martinsville with a full three-day lineup, including Railroad Earth on Saturday night. SNAP Court Ruling: A federal judge struck down West Virginia’s SNAP soda ban waiver, ordering officials to revisit the “Healthy Choices” plan. Sports Spotlight: St. Albans baseball’s Braxton Burke and Brogan Samms earn Class AAA All-State first-team honors after the Red Dragons’ state title run. America 250 on the Move: The America 250 Wheel arrives at the WV Capitol area, with live music and a light show planned.

College Baseball Buzz: The 2026 College World Series just hit new TV milestones, becoming the third-most watched on record after Oklahoma’s title win over North Carolina averaged 2.5 million viewers. Independence Day in WV: Alderson’s Fourth of July celebration returns June 27–July 5 with a bigger fireworks show (1,100+ shells), a new launch spot, and an online map for parking and viewing. Local Sports Honors: St. Albans baseball’s 2026 run ends with a state title and major awards—Braxton Burke and Brogan Samms earn first-team all-state honors, with Comer named all-tournament MVP. America250 in the Mountains: Harrisville unveiled a new Main Street mural marking Ritchie County’s history as part of the statewide America250 push, and the America250 Wheel is rolling into Charleston for a Capitol Complex celebration. Food Assistance Ruling: A federal judge blocked West Virginia’s SNAP soda ban, ordering officials to revisit the “Healthy Choices” waiver. Appalachian Arts: Sounds of Appalachia returns June 30 at Grandview with free live music and living history presentations.

West Virginia Sports: St. Albans’ Red Dragons capped a huge 2026 run with their first state title since 2019, beating Ripley 11-3. All-State Honors: Braxton Burke and Brogan Samms earned first-team all-state recognition, with Burke named AAA top-team pitcher and Samms an all-state infielder after a .468 season. Local Baseball Coaching: Levi Maxwell is moving from Williamstown to Parkersburg South as the new skipper, bringing a track record of conference championships and deep tournament runs. Arts & Community (America 250): Oglebay is gearing up for a multi-day Salute to Patriotism, including America 250 fireworks on July 3. Health Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is set to visit Weston, Rock Cave, and Buckhannon in mid-July, with appointments required ahead of time. Tech & Growth: The West Virginia Regional Technology Park marked 15 years in South Charleston, highlighting 32 companies and 1,000+ jobs. What to Do This Weekend: West Virginia Public Theatre’s “Proof” runs June 24-28, plus a free Ruby Summer Concert Series stop with Tonic on June 26.