AGP Executive Report

College Sports Showdown: Nick Saban, WVU’s Gordon Gee, and Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould testified in a Senate hearing backing the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act,” aiming to bring order to NIL, transfers, and eligibility rules—while the SEC and Big Ten push back. WV Sports Buzz: West Virginia football landed a viral commitment from 3-star OL Ethan Lawson, who went all-in with a “Country Roads” couch-burning video. Health & Wellness: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is set to visit Monongalia and Lewis counties in late June/early July, with appointments required and options for insured and eligible uninsured patients. Arts & Community: Carnegie Hall’s Ivy Terrace Concert Series kicks off June 11 with the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra and America’s 250th celebration theme. Local Culture: AARP West Virginia and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department launched “Walk with a Doc” at the Capitol Complex, pairing a community walk with a discussion on GLP-1s. Outdoor Update: West Virginia released less restrictive 2026 sport fish consumption advisories after water quality improvements.

Mobile Health: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is set to stop in Monongalia (June 30), Lewis (July 1), and Jane Lew (July 2), offering low-dose CT scans for eligible patients; uninsured West Virginians may qualify via grant support, but appointments need physician orders and insurance pre-authorization. Live Music & Community: Scott Ainslie headlines a free Milepost Music concert (2–4 p.m., June 7) at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with traditional roots and picnic-friendly vibes. Local Arts/Outdoors: Fishpond Lake’s “Spring Meetup in the Mountains” draws about 200 people for primitive skills, herbal tea tastings, and wilderness survival—now in its eighth year. Sports Spotlight: Marshall University notes Andrew Armstrong’s call-up to Bermuda’s men’s national team for a friendly vs. Cape Verde (June 6). Health Care Watch (CMS): Recent Q1 2026 CMS updates highlight big swings across West Virginia nursing homes, including 5-star Weirton Geriatric Center and 1-star facilities like Beckley Healthcare Center.

Outdoor & Community Health: West Virginia’s 2026 sport fish consumption advisories are out, with fewer restrictions thanks to improved water quality—most notably, the local black bass advisory at Sutton Lake is fully removed, and the Shenandoah River smallmouth bass advisory is now limited to fish over 12 inches. Arts & Culture: Parkersburg Art Center is hosting a free opening reception Friday for two new exhibits—Visual Music, Sculptured Stories & the Post-Modern Funeral, plus Art Is Life/Life Is Art—running through early July. Local History: The Henry Cooper Cabin Museum in Parkersburg opens its 2026 season Sunday with an “anti-tea party” celebration tied to America 250 and Henry Cooper Day. Roads & Travel: West Virginia 68’s Pond Creek Bridge is set for a full replacement closure starting Thursday, expected to last about two-plus months with detours in place. Sports (WV): WVU football added its first 2028 commitment as linebacker Brandon Wills-Dickson pledged to the Mountaineers. Baseball (WV): WVU’s run continues after a walk-off win over Kentucky, sending the Mountaineers to the NCAA super regional. Music Festival: Wild Trails Festival returns June 18-20 at the State Fair of West Virginia fairgrounds with headliners Koe Wetzel, Tucker Wetmore, Ian Munsick and Shane Smith.

West Virginia Sports: WVU is headed to the NCAA Super Regionals after Armani Guzman’s walk-off single in the 10th sent the Mountaineers past Kentucky 6-5 in the Morgantown Regional finale, capping a wild comeback after the Wildcats tied it late; WVU will host Cal Poly next. Arts & Culture: West Virginia Public Theatre kicks off its 2026 season with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” running June 3-11 at WVU’s Canady Creative Arts Center. Local Arts Support: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members, Dr. Stephen Wetmore and Dr. Mary Wimmer, donated $100,000 to bolster the WVU Art Museum. Outdoor Living: The state released its 2026 Sport Fish Consumption Advisories with fewer restrictions thanks to improved water quality, including major updates for black bass at Sutton Lake and smallmouth bass in the Shenandoah River. Community Events: Front Royal’s gazebo area will host a vintage market on the first Saturday each month through October, with clothing, jewelry, records, and more. Family-Friendly Fitness: Active Southern West Virginia is accepting applications for summer Kids Run Club mini-grants to fund free youth fitness programs. Entertainment (Gaming): FanDuel Casino’s “Love Island: Unlocked” slot launches in West Virginia as part of its Love Island partnership.

WVU Arts Giving: Retired WVU School of Medicine faculty Dr. Stephen Wetmore and Dr. Mary Wimmer donated $100,000 to create a fund supporting the WVU Art Museum’s biggest needs, helping sustain community projects like the National Scrollathon headed for a summer 2026 Kennedy Center showing. West Virginia Tourism: The WV Department of Tourism says demand for the 2026 Vacation Guide is at record levels—200,000+ print copies distributed since February, with digital downloads up 144% over last year. Local Community Spotlight: Wheeling Heights is highlighted as a real-life turnaround story, with residents and partners building momentum after years of struggle in the Grandview Manor area. Sports & Entertainment Notes: Pat McAfee drops a $2 million donation to Plum Athletics, and WVU’s NCAA baseball season keeps rolling with a winner-take-all Kentucky vs. WVU matchup in Morgantown. Culture & Media: A WVU bluegrass and old-time music event featured Grammy winner Tim O’Brien, with workshops and a sold-out concert at the Creative Arts Center.

WVU Sports Spotlight: Kentucky and West Virginia are back at it in the NCAA Morgantown Regional, with the winner heading to the Super Regional and the loser forced into a winner-take-all Game Monday after WVU’s late comeback set up the rubber match. Local Arts & Culture: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members, Dr. Stephen Wetmore and Dr. Mary Wimmer, donated $100,000 to support the WVU Art Museum’s biggest needs, including momentum from the National Scrollathon headed to the Kennedy Center. Community Events: Wheeling Central Catholic High School celebrated its 2026 graduating class at Oglebay Park Amphitheater, honoring top students like valedictorian Helene Crall and salutatorian Liam Kruse. Public Input (Energy/Infrastructure): The WV Public Service Commission scheduled public comment hearings for the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link transmission line, with sessions in Keyser, Romney, Morgantown, and Kingwood. Sports Beyond College: Special Olympians Kay Ferrari and Matteo Filipelli are set to represent West Virginia at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Arts Education Debate: A new national discussion questions why art schools are disappearing, pointing to financial pressure and shifting priorities.

WVU Football Recruiting: Zai’Vion Meads, a 6-foot-3 defensive lineman from Atherton High School, committed to West Virginia for the 2027 class after an official visit May 29—his junior stats included 87 tackles, 18 TFL and nine sacks. Baseball Rivalry Round 2: Kentucky and West Virginia are back in the NCAA regional spotlight in Morgantown, with UK advancing after a 11-9 win and setting up a regional championship path; WVU will now play Wake Forest in the Sunday elimination game. WVU Baseball Moment: “The Legend of Dawson Montesa” lives on—WVU’s right-hander delivered a clutch 7.1-inning performance in a 10-5 win over Wake Forest, saving the bullpen and earning a curtain call. Local Live Music: Weirton’s Friday concert series is back with Lights Out Presents – The Jersey Beach Boys, plus more dates through summer. Outdoors Rescue: A climber with a broken leg was rescued from New River terrain near Fayette Station Road after a three-hour operation. TV Pop Culture: National Geographic’s “Best of the World with Antoni Porowski” lands in June, with episodes premiering June 7 and June 15.

NCAA Baseball (Morgantown Regional): Kentucky kept its postseason momentum rolling in West Virginia, beating the Mountaineers 11-9 to advance and set up a regional championship path after a wild, late comeback. Local Sports Buzz: The matchup is now a must-watch for WV fans, with Kentucky and WVU trading punches and the winner moving one step closer to super regionals. West Virginia Arts & Community: Evangelistic Outreach marked 70 years since its 1956 start, growing from a family radio ministry into a long-running humanitarian effort. Entertainment & Culture: A new X-Files reboot pilot is drawing attention for its Indigenous casting, including Devery Jacobs, Tantoo Cardinal and Joel D. Montgrand. West Virginia Spotlight (Sports/Policy): West Virginia’s transgender sports debate stays in the headlines as a Supreme Court-linked case continues to shape what athletes can do next. Regional Watch: Greyhound racing in WV is facing renewed pressure as a federal push could end commercial dog racing.

NCAA Baseball (WV/KY): West Virginia hosts the Morgantown Regional after a 10-1 win, and Kentucky arrives off a 6-5 comeback over Wake Forest—setting up Saturday’s matchup at Kendrick Family Ballpark with WV chasing its first College World Series berth. High School Sports & Supreme Court Watch: A West Virginia case tied to the U.S. Supreme Court over transgender athletes is in the spotlight after a trans athlete won WV girls’ shot put and placed in discus at the WVSSAC state meet. Local Arts & Community: Marietta’s Ohio River Museum is still taking shape along the Muskingum, while Belpre’s Music by the River lineup returns for its 28th summer with free concerts. Sports (Local Pro): The Wheeling Nailers evened the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals with an overtime win over Florida, and Game 5 is set in Wheeling. Culture/History: A new look at Marietta pioneer Griffin Greene highlights salvaging the frigate Flora and building river-powered tech. Media/Tech: A new study claims ChatGPT ranks states by “stupider/smelliest” traits, including West Virginia.

Front Office Shakeup (NBA): The Philadelphia 76ers are set to hire Mike Gansey as president of basketball operations, with the move coming after Daryl Morey’s firing. Gansey, a West Virginia alum and former Cleveland Cavaliers GM, will work alongside Bob Myers as the Sixers try to reset after another early playoff exit. NCAA Baseball (Morgantown Regional): Kentucky rallied to beat Wake Forest 6-5 in the opener, setting up a Saturday showdown with host West Virginia after WVU’s 10-1 win over Binghamton. Local Sports & Community: Vienna City Council approved new liquor ordinances after a packed public hearing, while Parkersburg’s Miracle League held a demonstration game to expand baseball access for athletes with disabilities. Arts & Events: Beckley Art Center hosted its first-ever live art auction to support local arts and Hope in the Mountains, and the Wheeling Ohio County Public Library is set for a Route 66-themed Lunch With Books featuring the Victor Samalot Duo. High School Spotlight: Preston High School celebrated the Class of 2026 at graduation, with students looking ahead to college, work, the military, and trades.

Sports Front Office: The Philadelphia 76ers are hiring Mike Gansey as president of basketball operations, replacing Daryl Morey after a Knicks sweep ended the season. Gansey, a West Virginia alum and longtime Cavaliers GM, is expected to sign soon as Philly gears up for the NBA Draft and free agency. West Virginia College Sports: NCAA baseball regionals kick off this weekend, with West Virginia hosting Binghamton, Wake Forest, and Kentucky in Morgantown—an early showdown for the Mountaineers’ path to super regionals. Community & Faith: Morgantown’s “Good Neighbors Rally on Faith and Democracy” brings a march, music, and speakers to the Ruby Amphitheater, aiming to connect civic life and local faith groups. Arts & Local Culture: Charleston’s Capitol Complex is getting America 250 upgrades, including the America 250 Wheel and a new mural, while Marietta’s Post Street gallery adds fresh public art. Entertainment Spotlight: BBC’s true-crime drama “Dark Waters” is getting buzz as a must-watch whistleblower story starring Mark Ruffalo. Kids Online Safety: Georgia AG Chris Carr joins a coalition backing the Senate version of kids’ online safety rules, warning the House bill could weaken state enforcement.

NCAA Baseball (West Virginia spotlight): The 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament regionals are set, with UCLA the No. 1 overall seed and Morgantown hosting Wake Forest vs. Kentucky—plus WVU’s own Morgantown Regional matchup vs. Binghamton as the road to Omaha kicks off. America 250 (State pride): Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby unveiled new America 250-themed merchandise and urged communities to ring their bells ahead of July 4. Science & Space (WVU): WVU planetary scientist Christopher Fowler says NASA’s MAVEN data from Mars offers early signs of how solar protection can work even around worlds without strong magnetic fields. Local Arts & Community: Steubenville’s Sycamore Youth Center brings Williamson Branch for a free June 5 concert and workshops, and Warwood unveiled a new steel “Warwood, WV” sign at Garden Park. Health & Policy (Medicaid): New data show Medicaid Procedure/Professional Services spending rising in Wheeling and Dental Services climbing in Parkersburg, underscoring shifting local care costs. Sports Business (Big picture): A look at the World Cup’s appeal to NFL owners argues the financial upside is limited—mostly brand value, lots of hassle.

Civic TV Event: The U.S. Department of Education and CBS announced the “Presidential 1776 Award” special will air Tuesday, June 30 (8–9:30 p.m. ET) on CBS and stream on Paramount+ the next day, capping a nationwide civics challenge with up to $150,000 in scholarships. Local Theatre: Theatre West Virginia kicked off rehearsals for its 65th anniversary season, with “Honey in the Rock” and “Shrek the Musical” returning to the Cliffside Amphitheater. Baseball Spotlight: WVU’s Chansen Cole will start the Mountaineers’ first NCAA regional game vs. Binghamton, while the Diamond Hogs head to the Lawrence Regional in Kansas. Journalism Honors: WLKY won two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for its UPS plane crash coverage. Arts & Community Events: Music at Penn Alps starts June 6, Flatwater Tales returns to Oak Ridge June 5–6, and Shepherd University dedicated an authenticated John Brown letter loaned to the Moore Center. Tourism Photo Op: West Virginia added a new “Almost Heaven” swing at Cedar Creek State Park, with SWINGO check-ins for prizes.

NCAA Baseball (WVU): WVU is the No. 16 seed and the final host for the NCAA regional in Morgantown, opening Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. on ESPN+ against Binghamton, with Wake Forest and Kentucky meeting earlier; it’s the first time since 2019 the tournament comes to Morgantown. Men’s Soccer (WV): The Division I Men’s Soccer Oversight Committee approved a split-season format starting Aug. 1, 2027, keeping the 25-game max but reshaping fall and spring schedules—an adjustment WVU men’s soccer will feel. Music (WV roots): Grammy-winning Americana artist Sierra Ferrell, born and raised in West Virginia, kicks off the Gesa Pavilion season with a Sunday show. Broadcast (WV): The West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class, with an Oct. 27 induction ceremony in Huntington. Community & Arts: Wheeling’s Ohio County Public Library hosted Engaging Families WV, pairing early literacy activities with music and movement. Health (WVU Medicine): WVU’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will make stops in Randolph, Barbour, and Preston counties in late June. Local Food Fest: Weirton is gearing up for a Pepperoni Roll Baking Contest tied to July 4 festivities.

Health Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is heading to Randolph, Barbour, and Preston counties with LDCT appointments June 24-26 at Belington, Terra Alta, and Rowlesburg clinics; insured patients can use coverage, and uninsured West Virginians may qualify via grant funding (appointments need a physician order and pre-authorization). West Virginia Tourism: Cedar Creek State Park in Gilmer County just added a new “Almost Heaven” swing, and the state is pushing “SWINGO,” a digital bingo-style challenge that sends prizes to your phone as you check in at swing locations. Sports (WVU Football): WVU’s 2026 opener is set for Sept. 5 at noon vs. Coastal Carolina on TNT/HBO Max, with UT-Martin (Sept. 12, 1 p.m., ESPN+) and Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Classic (Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., ACC Network) also announced. Big 12 Talk: Big 12 coaches, including WVU’s Ross Hodge, weighed NCAA Tournament expansion and eligibility uncertainty at spring meetings. Internet Safety: Virginia AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority over online child protections. Weather: Central WV saw midday flooding and road closures, with flood warnings in multiple counties and more rain-watch through tonight.

Health & Community: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Randolph, Barbour, and Preston counties in late June, offering LDCT scans with appointments required 14+ days ahead (Belington June 24; Terra Alta June 25; Rowlesburg June 26). Local Sports: A proposed privately funded wrestling facility at Jackson Middle School in Wood County would add a dedicated wrestling room and locker space, but officials say it needs more review before moving forward. Arts & Culture: John Francis Peters’ “Chanting River” debuts with a nature-and-sound origin story tied to a West Virginia storm and river experience. Higher Ed & Athletics: Campbell County’s Izzy Proffitt transfers to Wheeling University after a season at UVA Wise, aiming to develop as a scoring point guard. Civic Life: West Virginia’s Governor’s Schools will mark America250 across the state this summer with student expos and “Voices of 1776” programming. Local Business/Community: Grant County Bank plans to rebrand as Highlands Bank, with a July 1 celebration and no changes to accounts or services.