AGP Executive Report

Mobile Health: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is heading to Randolph and Lewis counties with low-dose CT appointments in Aug. (Valley Health Care in Mill Creek and Elkins, plus Family Medical Clinic in Jane Lew), with insurance billing and grant help for eligible uninsured patients. Music & Culture: Morgantown’s Ruby Summer Concert Series keeps rolling with free Friday-night shows at the Ruby Amphitheater, pairing touring headliners with local openers through Aug. 28. Local Nonprofit Wins: We Bike WV scored a $25,000 grant from 100 Plus People Who Care after giving away nearly 2,000 refurbished bikes. Rock Star Update: Bret Michaels says he’s recovering after kidney stone surgery and will pause touring for 3–4 weeks, aiming to return late August. Sports (WV ties): The New York Giants are in the middle of a major headquarters renovation, while West Virginia’s own baseball history gets a spotlight in a look back at WVU’s early 1900s success. Community & Safety: A new GOHOSPITAL mobile “hospital on wheels” plan is set to expand rural veteran care later this year and into January 2027. Politics (WV): Del. Elliott Pritt resigned from the WV House after a federal enticement-of-a-minor case, waiving hearings and remaining in U.S. Marshals custody.

Giants Training Camp in WV: The New York Giants kick off John Harbaugh’s first camp with practices starting July 29 at the Greenbrier, and Art Stapleton is on the ground for daily updates and “20 questions” on what success looks like—especially for QB Jaxson Dart and star WR Malik Nabers’ recovery. Bluegrass Spotlight (and a debate): At the Champlain Americana Festival, attendees couldn’t agree whether Green Label Blues are truly Appalachian or “Brooklyn” outsiders—proof that music style can spark big hometown-style arguments. WV Music Recognition: Lexington’s Greg Blake (Special Consensus) earned another IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year nomination, adding to his prior wins in 2023 and 2025. Italian Heritage Festival: The 43rd Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival in Wheeling wrapped up with plans to make next year’s 44th even bigger, including a new kids zone. Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce now spans nine states, with thousands sickened nationwide beyond the main cluster. WV Education Update: West Virginia’s Third Grade Success Act is now in effect, requiring retention for students not meeting reading and math benchmarks (with exceptions).

College Baseball Spotlight: WVU’s 2026 run to the College World Series gets a surprising historical echo, with early program success traced back to 1908. Youth Sports: Mineral County’s 12U All-Stars end a memorable West Virginia Little League State Tournament run just shy of the title game after a 6-5 semifinal loss to Shady Spring. Arts & Community: Parkersburg’s first “A Market Street Book Fair” packs the Parkersburg Art Center with local authors, vendors, and book-themed fun. Old-Time Music: Clifftop’s Appalachian String Band Music Festival returns as a living tradition where musicians gather to jam, not just watch. Music History: A new look at Hank Williams’ classic “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive” revisits Chet Atkins’ chilling studio description. Public Safety & Policy: A West Virginia senator pushes a Fourth Amendment-focused pushback against Flock-style license plate surveillance. Health Alert: A cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce expands to nine states, including West Virginia, with hundreds hospitalized. Weather Recovery: West Virginia flood response shifts to recovery as crews clear debris and repair roads and bridges after deadly flash flooding. Local Spotlight: The West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing C-130J-30 hits 10,000 flying hours.

West Virginia Flood Recovery: After the July 21 flash floods, the state has moved into recovery mode—debris removal, road and bridge repairs, and damage assessments—with the National Guard still deployed and crews clearing hundreds of tons in Upshur and Lewis counties. Local Sports & Community: Marshall’s soccer community is rallying with a Village On The Pitch fundraiser in Barboursville, featuring a fashion show, auctions, and local vendors to support both the women’s and men’s teams. Arts & Mental Health: Charleston’s MADFEST 6 brought food trucks, live music, and mental health advocates together at Slack Plaza, with proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in West Virginia. Health Watch: West Virginia is also dealing with the ongoing cyclospora situation (“lettuce-gate”), as officials work to keep cases from growing while the outbreak spreads across multiple states. NFL/West Virginia Ties: Former WVU QB Will Grier is joining the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff as an offensive assistant, keeping his football career in motion.

West Virginia Flood Recovery: Crews are shifting from emergency response to recovery after deadly flash flooding, with the National Guard removing tons of debris and state highway teams repairing roads and bridges. Mental Health & Local Arts: Charleston’s MADFEST 6 brought food trucks, live music, and community support to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in West Virginia. Sports Spotlight: Dynasty Andrews is set to play one more season at the Division I level as a graduate student at UMES, continuing her path from Bluefield State to coaching. Health Alert: The cyclospora “lettuce-gate” outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, with CDC reporting 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations. Food Safety: A separate multistate salmonella egg recall has reached at least 98 sickened, prompting consumers to check cartons. Entertainment & Culture: Bret Michaels underwent emergency kidney stone surgery after pushing through shows, while LeBron James’ move to the 76ers keeps the sports-and-pop-culture buzz rolling. WV Military Milestone: The West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing C-130J-30 surpassed 10,000 flying hours.

Food Safety: The FDA says a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states, with investigators pointing to shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services. Public Health: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states total, with 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations reported so far. West Virginia Weather & Community: Two people died in flash floods from torrential rain in West Virginia, with the governor’s office reporting extensive damage and rescues as water surged into homes and businesses. Arts & Local Culture: Elkins’ 54th annual Augusta Festival and Craft Fair brings live music, Appalachian vendors, and the West Virginia Open Fiddle and Banjo contest to City Park. Music Spotlight: Poison frontman Bret Michaels underwent emergency kidney stone surgery after pushing through shows, including stops in West Virginia. Sports & Entertainment: LeBron James announced he’s joining the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th NBA season, turning the move into a major pop-culture sports moment. On the Ground WVU: WVU’s Energy Express is expanding with a new AmeriCorps grant to keep its summer literacy and nutrition program running through 2029.

West Virginia Flood Relief: West Virginia communities are rallying fast after deadly flash flooding, with donation drives in Martinsburg and Spring Mills collecting key supplies like fans, air mattresses, paper goods, and cleaning items, while groups including the Christian Appalachian Project are sending disaster relief trucks and partnering locally to get help where it’s needed most. Cyclospora Outbreak: Federal health officials expanded the cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, now tied to nine states including West Virginia, with 1,947 reported infections and dozens hospitalized—plus warnings that the real number of sick people is likely higher. Local Arts & Entertainment: Greenbrier Valley Theatre is bringing back The Piano Jar for an interactive Aug. 7 night of live song requests, music, and storytelling. Sports Spotlight: LeBron James announced he’s heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, and a West Virginia connection shows up in football coaching news as WVU alum Will Grier joins the Dallas Cowboys as an offensive assistant. Baseball Night Out: The Mahoning Valley Scrappers topped the West Virginia Black Bears 8-2 in front of a record crowd, with former MLB All-Star Kenny Lofton making a special appearance.

Sports & Debate: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her stance about trans women athletes, saying she wants to “protect young girls” while insisting she doesn’t hate trans people. Public Health: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated produce has now been tied to 9 states, including West Virginia, with cases reported across 41 states nationwide. Local Politics: West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw is asking Gov. Jim Justice to call a special session to expel Delegate D. Elliott Pritt after his federal arrest on an enticement-of-a-minor charge. Community Sports: Little League softball regionals are underway, setting up the road to the 2026 World Series. Arts & Entertainment: Pipestem Resort State Park’s “Christmas in July” returns this weekend with movies, Santa visits, and a Water Festival Trail Race. Weekend Picks: Kanawha Valley event listings highlight live music and theater options for July 24–26.

West Virginia Flood Relief & Community Impact: Flash flooding from torrential rain hit northern West Virginia hard this week, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey reporting at least two deaths, 100+ rescues, and widespread damage including submerged vehicles and flooded businesses; a Buckhannon father’s home camera captured a 90-second escape as water surged. Local Arts & Live Music: The Shane Center’s free community concert series continues with maple performing July 23 at the Henry Blake Pavilion, plus food vendors and early-arrival tips. Outdoor Heritage Events: Hinton is gearing up for the 2026 West Virginia State Water Festival (July 26–Aug. 1), celebrating rivers with races, live music, artisans, parades, and fireworks. Sports in WV Spotlight: WVU football recruiting coverage looks ahead to the 2027 class, while Giants camp notes include Malik Nabers’ knee recovery status as the team heads to West Virginia. Food Safety Watch: The FDA announced a new cyclosporiasis outbreak with at least 72 cases, as investigators continue tracing links to the broader outbreak tied to recalled produce.

Severe Weather & Community Response: Torrential rains triggered flash flooding across West Virginia, washing out bridges and forcing dozens of water rescues; Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a statewide emergency for all 55 counties and deployed hundreds of National Guard troops and helicopters, with three shelters opening for more than 100 residents. Local Relief Efforts: WVRC Media Charleston is hosting a flood relief supply drive Friday (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) at 1111 Virginia St. E, collecting water, non-perishable food, cleaning and hygiene items, towels/blankets, and resealable five-gallon buckets. Safety Warnings: Officials are urging residents to watch for disaster-related scams, noting FEMA and SBA won’t ask for money or bank info to apply for aid. Music & Live Events: Alison Krauss & Union Station (with Jerry Douglas) are set for a sold-out stop at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton on July 20. Food Recall: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled certain Sprig & Sprout and Fresh & Ready spicy breakfast burritos due to undeclared soy; distribution includes West Virginia. Business/Entrepreneurship: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center modernization push, including West Virginia, to expand counseling, training, and capital access. Sports Spotlight: The New York Giants’ 2026 training camp lands at The Greenbrier (July 28-Aug. 8) while the team adjusts to new coach John Harbaugh’s tougher workload.

Severe Weather & Recovery: Flash floods slammed West Virginia with torrential rain, washing out bridges and triggering dozens of rescues; Gov. Patrick Morrisey deployed hundreds of National Guard members, opened shelters, and warned some residents may be unaccounted for as search and recovery continue. Storm Watch Beyond WV: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in southern Louisiana with ~45 mph winds, closing Gulf Coast beaches and raising storm-surge concerns. Food Safety: The FDA opened a new Cyclospora investigation after 72 illnesses from an unknown source, while the larger multistate outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to drive local produce demand and farm safety scrutiny. Local Arts & Community: The 2026 West Virginia Black Heritage Festival returns to Downtown Clarksburg Sept. 11–13 with R&B, gospel, West African dance, and major tribute productions. Sports Culture: Pat McAfee announced his debut album “The Diary of a Polarizing Figure,” dropping Aug. 14. Scouting Spotlight: Thousands of Scouts are arriving for the National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Fayette County. Politics & Policy: A WV House committee advanced a bill to define “sex” as biological sex under Title IX, echoing the Supreme Court’s athletics ruling.

Cyclospora Update: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 4,173 confirmed in 41 states, with thousands more under investigation, as the outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to roil public health conversations. FDA/Taylor Farms Fallout: The FDA retracted a key lab result it said was a false positive, but stressed the recall and outbreak investigation are still grounded in broader epidemiological links—keeping the Taylor Farms story front and center. Severe Weather & Flooding: Flash floods hit West Virginia hard, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey deploying National Guard members and declaring a state of emergency across all 55 counties after torrential rain and rescues. Local Arts & Community: The 2026 West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston lands Oct. 24 with major author stops, including R.L. Stine and Margot Lee Shetterly. Festival Spotlight: Clarksburg’s West Virginia Black Heritage Festival returns Sept. 11-13 with live music, dance, tribute productions, and a Sunday gospel finale. Sports & Youth: WVU will help welcome thousands of Scouts at the National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve, while Dr. Phillips Little League (Team Florida) heads to regionals after state softball wins. Business/Development: Berkeley County is seeking a private-sector partner for a destination sports and events complex under “Project All-Star.” Entertainment Tickets: WWE announced 14 new fall 2026 dates, with presales starting July 22 and general sales set for July 24.

Cyclospora Fallout: Federal health officials say the multistate cyclospora outbreak is “under control” and still point to shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms, even after the FDA withdrew an earlier lab result—while West Virginia consumers keep watching recalls and guidance. Local Education Oversight: The West Virginia Board of Education approved a partial state intervention in Harrison County School District, citing staffing, district operations, and special education standards, with officials promising “business as usual.” Arts & Community: Bluefield’s Hotel Thelma is getting a $100,000 grant to restore its restaurant space, and West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the Governor’s School for the Arts through 2030. Local Government: Morgantown moved to align elections with state and county timing, setting up a transition to even-year elections. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Valley Golf Lounge in Winchester is bringing virtual “swing” golf to Old Town, and LakeFest wrapped in Clarksville with new games and strong crowds. Business/Health Alerts: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled select spicy breakfast burritos over undeclared soy, with distribution including West Virginia.

Local Arts & Community: Beckley kicks off a free, first-ever “Hometown Hall of Fame” on Aug. 1, honoring West Virginia artists like Bill Withers and Hazel Dickens with live music from Matt Mullins and The Holler Generals. Disability Arts: Weirton’s Disability Independence Celebration begins with a community art exhibit at the Summit Art Gallery, spotlighting creations from residents of all ages and abilities. Museum Spotlight: WVU’s Art Museum brings Blanche Lazzell back home for its biggest exhibition yet, reopening Aug. 21 after a national run. Education Recognition: Hancock County teacher Morgan Bricker is named a finalist for the 2027 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. Food Safety Watch: The FDA says a lab test tied to the Taylor Farms cyclospora investigation was a false positive, but the voluntary lettuce recall remains in effect as cases top 1,600 nationwide. Tech & Privacy Debate: Huntington residents and the ACLU of West Virginia are pushing back against a $2.1M Flock Safety surveillance deal.

Cyclospora Recall Update: Federal health officials say a Taylor Farms lettuce test was a false positive, but they still urge people to avoid recalled iceberg lettuce as “overwhelming” outbreak data points to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico; cases tied to Taco Bell-linked lettuce have hit West Virginia and other states. WVU Arts & Sports: WVU’s Art Museum is bringing Blanche Lazzell home for its largest exhibition ever, returning for Fall 2026, while WVU women’s swimming adds breaststrokers Gabriella Marim and Lizzie Yon to the 2026 recruiting class. Local Culture: Trinity UP Church and the DAR presented “Songs for America,” featuring a new song cycle honoring America250 through voices and composers spanning early U.S. history. WV Schools: West Virginia public schools will not accept religious vaccine exemptions at the start of the new year, with only medical exemptions allowed. Health Tech: A report based on interviews in NYC and rural West Virginia finds patients are both hopeful and wary about patient-centered AI in primary care.

Food Safety Update: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a “false positive” after experts re-reviewed results, even as the company’s iceberg lettuce recall linked to the outbreak remains in place across multiple states. Public Health Watch: Taco Bell has stopped using the supplier connected to the investigation, while health officials continue tracking cyclosporiasis cases tied to produce from Mexico. Local Arts Spotlight: WVU’s Art Museum is bringing home Blanche Lazzell for its biggest exhibition on record, returning for Fall 2026 after a national tour. Community Creative Weekend: The 2026 Artist Studio Tour in Garrett County runs July 25-26 with a free, self-guided route marked by yellow signs. Music & Culture: The Skyline Bluegrass Festival returns to Ronceverte’s Island Park Amphitheater, keeping the region’s string-music tradition front and center. Fashion Pick: Hazy Daisy Boutique opens July 25 in Aspinwall with a “dopamine” shopping vibe and outfits priced under $100.